Page 9 - AAA Schuylkill County – AAA Now! – November/December 2015

TRAVE
Pure Adventure. Pure Iceland.
By Dorothy Crouch
L
Vacationing in Iceland is more than a simple getaway – it is a life-enhancing experience. Iceland offers marvelous natural wonders, avant-garde works of art, a comfortable climate, friendly locals and fascinating culture. Changes over the last few years, many of which favor the needs of the modern global traveler, have shaped the new Iceland; while cherished traditions continue to define the island country.
Adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts
need not look any further to satiate their thirst
for unique excursions, as Iceland offers activities
to suit any travel style. The 2010 Eyjafjallajökull volcanic eruption piqued the interest of travelers from around the world. This volcano continues
to impress visitors with its activity, yet is also integral as one of Iceland’s alternative energy resources, providing geothermal heat to Icelanders. For those visitors who enjoy hiking or climbing, Iceland offers excursions to scale glaciers such as Vatnajökull and Sólheimajökull. Iceland also boasts some of the world’s most desirable outdoor hot springs, including the Lake Myvatn Nature Baths, Laugarvatn’s Gufan bath and the famous Blue Lagoon, renowned as the foremost medical spa. Thrill-seeking animal lovers are able to experience riding purebred Viking horses, whose bloodline has been preserved since the 9th century. Don’t forget – no journey to Iceland would be complete without viewing the Northern Lights, if you plan to visit between October and March!
Visitors to Iceland are also able to take advantage of the country’s eclectic music scene. HARPA, Reykjavik’s concert hall, was completed in May 2011 to provide a home for the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra and Icelandic Opera. Music festivals
are held year-round and promote many different genres of music. Lovers of jazz look forward to Reykjavik’s annual festival, which takes place at the end of August. This jazz festival offers an impressive lineup of the world’s most talented musicians. Music lovers whose musical tastes include all genres will enjoy
with the local culture. By simply walking the streets of Reykjavik, visitors are able to absorb the influence of sculptors including Magnús Tómasson and Hulda Hákon, whose pieces address culture, history, politics and culture.
Within Iceland, there has evolved a marriage between the traditional quality of local crafts
and the modern perspectives of the new artistic generation. Traditional Icelandic knit goods including sweaters, caps and scarves remain popular, though there is much more to this destination than locally sheared wool. Iceland proved that it has a place within the modern interior design and fashion worlds. The country’s designers are now known for creating pieces that are made in the Icelandic tradition of quality, with unconventional lines and shapes.
Anytime is a good time to discover Iceland. As Reykjavik mayor, Jón Gnarr, reminds us, “A lot of tourists that visit the country wonder why it is called Iceland, because – despite what the name might indicate – it isn’t at all cold here. Nowhere in the world has better summers than Iceland.” Whether visitors seek a rejuvenating spa weekend, thrilling adventure or exposure to art and music, Iceland delivers.
Iceland Airwaves. A five-day festival, which takes place during October or November, it includes an extensive list of performers. Though the festival serves as a showcase for up-and-coming talent, audiences who attended previous Iceland Airwaves shows have enjoyed performances by well- known artists including Sinéad O’Connor, Robyn, Fat Boy Slim, Keane, Yoko Ono and, the pride of Iceland – Björk.
Icelandic people enjoy a rich culture, influenced by fine artisan-work and love of natural beauty.
The local art scene is constantly evolving, yet Icelandic art somehow connects its audience
October 29 - November 4, 2016
$3,049*
per person, double occupancy
INCLUDES:
• Round-trip airfare from JFK International
• Air taxes and fees/ surcharges
• Hotel transfers
• 10 meals (5 breakfasts,
5 dinners)
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Reykjavik
• Northern Lights Cruise
• Golden Circle
• Thingvellir National Park • Geysir
• Gullfoss
• Seljalandsfoss
• Vik
• Eyjafjallajokull Volcano Visitor Centre
• Skogar Museum
• Skogafoss
• Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon • Skaftafell National Park
• Vatnajokull Glacier
• Blue Lagoon
ICELAND’S MAGICAL NORTHERN LIGHTS
For more information or reservations, contact Cathie Mazzuca at (570) 622-4991.
* Rates are per person and subject to change.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015
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Now!