Page 9 - AAA Central Penn – AAA Now! – January/February 2018

TRAVEL AGENCY
AAA
Iceland: Scandinavian Land of Fire and Ice
By Judie Karhan
Shaped by the powerful forces of nature – glaciers, volcanoes and the mighty Atlantic Ocean – Iceland
is perhaps best described as a land of contrasts, both geologically and culturally.
Glacier ice and cooled lava cover approximately one-tenth of the country’s total area. The island nation is home to approximately 200 volcanoes and Europe’s largest glacier (Vatnajökull), as well as an abundance of thermal springs. These conditions have created resilient people, with strong bonds
to their naturally beautiful surroundings. Iceland
is now considered to be cutting edge for its eco-consciousness and – seemingly conversely –
its cultural arts. The cosmopolitan capital city of Reykjavik is known for its cultural liveliness, modern architecture, and exceptional cuisine.
Member Choice Vacations’ Icelandic Adventure begins in Reykjavik. A guided walking tour covers the old section of the city, with its towering Hallgrimskirkja church, city hall and the harbor, home of Kraum Icelandic design center.
Venturing beyond Reykjavik, the spectacular route known as Golden Circle takes you to many of Iceland’s renowned wonders: Thingvallir’s rift valley, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet; Gulfoss waterfall, a stunning
100-foot double cascade; and the fountain geyser known as Strokkur. Visit the Friöheimar greenhouse cultivation center to learn how the Icelanders grow delicious pesticide-free vegetables with the aid of geothermal energy, and discover a special breed
of Icelandic horse during a show and stable visit at a family-run farm.
In the countryside
of Akureyri, savor the
reflective stillness of a
family-owned property that holds an environmental gold certification, spending three nights in an
idyllic farmhouse and enjoying the true essence
of farm-to-table dining.
In the ancient town of Húsavik, the adventure begins with a visit to the whaling museum. Next, gear up in thermal wear because you’ll be joining expert whale watchers on Skálfandi Bay. Aboard specialized zodiacs, get as close to whales as
you can in northern Iceland. You may see the humpback, minke,
geothermal waters of this man-made lagoon. Are you ready for a place unlike any other?
Experience the otherworldliness of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, with its landscapes of black sand beaches, stunning cliffs, mountain peaks, volcanic craters, plunging waterfalls, rocky coastlines, and tiny fishing villages. Board an Icelandic snowcat to ascend the captivating Snaefellsjókull Glacier. Climb to over 4,800 feet and take in the breathtaking views as you explore the glacier on foot.
Traveling south on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, embark on a true Icelandic cultural adventure as you spend time with a family that keeps alive a 400-year-old tradition of catching and preserving Greenland shark. You might even want to test your culinary courage by tasting hakarl (cured shark meat), a local specialty. Then, as a grand finale
of your visit to Iceland, take a dip in the warm, mineral-rich waters of the geothermal Blue Lagoon, situated in the middle of a dramatic lava field.
With all of these adventurous experiences – and so many more – Iceland presents an unparalleled vacation. Add to this the warmth and friendliness of the Icelanders, and you will see clearly the depth of the Scandinavian spirit.
THE NATURAL WONDERS NEVER END IN
orca, fin, or even the giant blue whales that frequent these waters.
The next day is
spent exploring the magnificent Diamond Circle, a scenic circuit that covers over
160 miles. Marvel at stunning waterfalls and Lake Myvatn, the Blue Lagoon of the north. Enjoy time exploring the warm, mineral-rich
ICELAND
AAA members receive an additional
$50 off
per person!
July 10-19, 2018 10 Days • 13 Meals
Starting at $6,479*
Highlights: Reykjavík • Golden Circle • Thingvellir National Park • Gulfoss Waterfall • Geysir • Akureyri • Húsavík Whale Watching • Diamond Circle • Lake Mývatn • Snæfellsnes Peninsula • Snæfellsjökull Glacier • Blue Lagoon
To reserve your Icelandic Adventure, call AAA at 800.717.4222
*Rates are per person based on double occupancy with air inclusive package from Baltimore Washington International Airport and subject to availability at time of booking and include taxes, fees and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. All pricing and included features are based on a minimum of 15 passengers. Other restrictions may apply, call for details. CST# 2006766-20 UBN# 601220855 Nevada Seller of Travel Registration No. 2003-0279
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018
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