BOW Iceland Adventure July 27 – August 5, 2017 (10 days, 9 nights)

Iceland is a unique destination that offers pristine nature, breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture. This land of boiling mud pools, spurting

geysers, glaciers and waterfalls is an adventure playground. Our trip will include a different outdoor activity each day, so you can fully experience Iceland.

Iceland is an island of 103.000 km2 (39,756 sq. miles) with a population of approximately 300,000 – the least densely populated country in Europe. Over half of the population lives in the beautiful, modern city of Reykjavik, leaving the rest of the island dotted with small villages and majestic undeveloped

scenery. Over 11 per cent of the country is covered by glaciers, including Vatnajökull, the largest in Europe.

Iceland’s summers are surprisingly warm, lush and green, with days lengthening until midsummer, when the sun dips down to the horizon but never sets. There are more than 170 geothermal pools scattered throughout the country and we will relax in several of them through the week.

Activities include:

• Biking in the Þingvellir National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Touring the Golden Circle

• Kayaking in the Atlantic ocean

• Exploring Jökulsárlón, an amphibious boat trip on the glacial lagoon

• Visiting beautiful waterfalls and beaches

• Horseback riding on Icelandic horses

• Glacier walking on Sólheimajökull glacier

• Hiking in the Vatnajökull National Park

• Hiking in the highlands – dip in natural hot spring!

• Boating and birding on the North Atlantic

• Visiting an unique island in Breiðafjörður Bay

• Exploring beautiful downtown Reykjavík

• Soaking the Blue Lagoon Hot Springs Spa

• Shopping for Icelandic handicrafts (wool sweaters, anyoneJ)

• Getting to know history and culture through local friends

• Eating meals made from quality ingredients at local restaurants

Trip Information:

Estimated cost: approximately $4,400?* Group Size: Minimum 16, Maximum 20 Payment Schedule: • $1,000 upon Registration • $850 due March 15th • $850 due May 15, 2017 • $850 due June 15, 2017 • Final Payment* of $850*

due on July 15, 2017

*Final cost depends on number of participants and the exchange rate between the Icelandic Kronor and the US Dollar. Cost Includes:

• All lodging and meals in Iceland (except lunch on day 9) • All transportation in Iceland • Admission & Tour Fees to all activities (except own activities in

Reykjavík on day 9) • Gear for all activities (glacier walk, biking, horseback riding,

kayaking…) Tour Not Included:

• Round trip air fare (participants will book their own flights) • Gratuities (for tour guide and driver: est. $100-150) • Lunch and admission to own activities on day 9. • Transport to and from airport if participants decide to arrive early

and/or leave later than July 27 – August 5 • Alcoholic beverages • Souvenirs/personal spending

Cancellation Policy:

There will be a $150 cancellation fee if you cancel on or before May 1, 2017. Cancellations between May 1, 2017 and June 13, 2017 will have a $500 cancellation fee. Cancellations after June 15, 2017 will forfeit all fees paid. If we are able to find an alternate participant from our waiting list or you can find a substitute, some fees may be returned.

Questions? Contact Sue Kissinger at skissing@uwsp.edu, 715-346-4557

Lodging:

• Lodging for 5 nights at Solheimar Ecovillage http://www.solheimar.is/

• Lodging on the South Coast for 2 nights at GuesthouseDalshöfði

https://www.heyiceland.is/accommodation/detail/883/dalshofdi

• Lodging on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula for one night at Hotel Fransiskus http://www.fransiskus.is/

• The final night will be at a guesthouse in Reykjavik

Your Trip Leader: Tara Short

Tara Short is a fun and engaging informal educator and naturalist and a proud alumnus of the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, where she earned her Bachelors Degree in Natural Resource Management with an emphasis in Environmental Education and Interpretation in 2002. Through her company Green Edventures, Tara has been crafting and leading educational tours for adults, women-only, and school groups

in six destinations including: Alaska, Baja Mexico, Costa Rica, Iceland, & Trinidad & Tobago. Tara loves leading BOW adventures because, “you are guaranteed to travel with a great group of women and future life-long friends.”

Answers to Common Questions

1. Who should I contact for more information?

If you have more questions please call or email Sue Kissinger at 715-346-4557/skissing@uwsp.edu or Tara Short at 715-252-1238

2. What is included in the trip costs?

The program cost is @$4,400 and is all inclusive from the Keflavik Airport, including all lodging and meals in Iceland *except lunch and free time activities in Reykjavik on day 9), transportation in Iceland, admission, tour fees and gear for all scheduled activities. *Final cost depends on number of participants and the exchange rate between the Icelandic Kronor and the US Dollar, which can fluctuate greatly.

3. What is not included in the trip costs?

The program cost does not include round trip airfare to the Keflavik Airport, (participants will book their own flights), lunch and own activities on day 9, alcoholic beverages, souvenirs /personal spending and gratuities (while tipping is not a part of Icelandic culture, we tip our bus driver who will be with us throughout the entire trip - @$50+)

If participants choose to arrive early and/or leave later than July 27-August 5 then they must arrange and pay for their own transport to and from the airport into Reykjavík.

4. How do I get there?

Participants will book their own flights once a minimum of 16 participants have signed up for the program, ensuring the program will take place.

5. Where will I stay?

• Lodging for 5 nights at Solheimer Ecovillage http://www.solheimar.is/

• Lodging on the South Coast for 2 nights at GuesthouseDalshöfði

https://www.heyiceland.is/accommodation/detail/883/dalshofdi

• Lodging on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula for one night at Hotel Fransiskus http://www.fransiskus.is/

• The final night will be at a guesthouse in Reykjavik

6. How many participants will there be?

The group size will be limited to 16 – 20 participants. A minimum of 16 participants is required. Space is limited so sign up right away!

7. What are the physical requirements to participant?

All women ages 18 and beyond are welcome but the age range is typically 40-75. Participants should be able to walk on uneven terrain and participate in a wide variety of activities. You must be in good physical and mental health. Contact Sue if you have a concern.

8. What travel documentation will I need?

You will need a passport. Apply at your local post office. Don't wait until the last minute, it does take some time. They cost $80-100 not including the cost of two head shots which must be submitted with the application.

9. Are vaccinations required?

Vaccinations are not required, but check with your physician to be sure you are up to date on your shots.

10. What type of currency will I need?

The Icelandic monetary unit is the "króna." All Icelandic banks provide foreign exchange and are generally open on weekdays from 09:15 to 16:00. You can also exchange money at the Keflavik Airport. The exchange rate fluctuates but is currently @110 IKR to $1 US. ATM’s are located throughout the country but may have different exchange rates. Visa and MasterCard are accepted at most stores.

Please make sure you know your PIN code as they are usually required when making a purchase or withdrawing from an ATM.

Get ready for sweater weather – Icelandic wool sweaters, that isJ