Iceland - The Land of Fire and Ice

You are mistaken if you think a winter trip to The Land of Fire and Ice will be bitterly cold and scenically unattractive. This special trip from Kaiserslautern Outdoor Recreation will do away with that common prejudice, because Veteran's Weekend in Iceland will be one of the most amazing travel experiences you will ever have. Your package will include a guided tour of Reykjavik, a scenic tour of the volcanic and geologically active countryside, and a free day for you to use visiting the Blue Lagoon Spa, riding the famous Icelandic Horses, or taking a Game of Thrones tour. The highlight of your trip will be when the photography professionals at the Aurora Center set up your camera for astro-photograpy, followed by a late night cruise by boat far from the city lights to search for the Aurora Borealis at sea. 

Viewing the Northern Lights from a boat is a once in a lifetime experience! This trip has an early signup deadline, and previous trips have sold out at the speed of light. It will not wait for you to make up your mind. Reserve your space with Kaiserslautern Outdoor Recreation today!

Estimated Itinerary

Day 1: Kaiserslautern to Reykjavik

After your flight to Keflavik, you will transfer to your hotel which is just one block from Laugavegur, Reykjavik's main shopping street. The many restaurants and bars downtown and in the old harbor will make it difficult to decide where to eat dinner, but the Hereford Steak House, Sea Baron and Icelandic Fish and Chips are always popular choices.

Day 2:  Reykjavik City - Aurora Center - Northern Lights by Boat*

You will visit many sites during your morning tour of the northernmost capital city in the world.  Hallgrims Church and the statue of Leif Erikson, are especially striking when the morning sun rises behind them, and the view from the observation deck of the Perlan will allow you to take a panorama photo of the city.  In the afternoon, the friendly professionals at the Aurora Center will explain the science behind the Northern Lights and help you set up your camera to take professional quality photos of them if they appear** during tonight’s cruise on Faxafloi bay.

Day 3: Golden Circle Tour*

Don’t forget to dress warmly today, because you  will be venturing into Iceland's wilderness on the Golden Circle tour.  On this scenic tour of the uninhabited center of Iceland, you will see evidence of the island’s geothermic activity.  The Thingvellir National Park is the rift valley between the North American Continental Plate and the Eurasian Continental Plate, and is where the Althing, the worlds oldest continually active parliament, was founded, and also the film site for many scenes in Game of Thrones.  The beauty of Gullfoss, the golden waterfall will take your breath away, and when Iceland’s largest active geyser, Strokkur, erupts in a cloud of steam, you will know you are in The Land of Fire and Ice.  

Day 4: Free Day*

How will you experience Iceland today? The answer is up to you. In addition to many unique and interesting museums detailing Icelands maritime and Viking history, Reykjavik also has numerous tour and activity options.  If adrenaline and extreme nature are your friends, you may find yourself ice caving, lava tubing, riding the famous Icelandic Horses, or trekking upon one of Icelands glaciers. If a more relaxing day is more your speed, you will want to have reservations for Icelands largest tourist attraction, The Blue Lagoon, or one of the many other geothermic spa areas which can be found near Reykjavik.  Whatever you choose to do, make sure to make your plans early.  Tourism is Icelands largest industry and many things sell out months in advance and require advance booking.

Day 5: Return to Kaiserslautern

A morning flight from Reykjavik to Frankfurt will have you back home and publishing your vacation photos before dinner. Your friends are sure to be jealous when they hear of your visit to Iceland, The Land of Fire and Ice.

*Dates/times for Northern Lights Boat Trip, Golden Circle Tour and Free Day are subject to change due to weather.
**The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and their visibility is not guaranteed. 

Price:

• Double Occupancy: $1899 per person
• Single Occupancy: $2599
   
• Children 6-11 on extra bed in double room with 2 paid adults: $1299
• Children 2-5 on extra bed in double room with 2 paid adults: $1199
• Infants under 2 on existing bedding in single or double room: $329

Deadlines: 

• Initial air ticketing deadline is Tuesday, August 20
• Additional airline price supplements may apply to reservations made on or after Wednesday, August 21

Trip Includes:

• Round trip transportation from Pulaski Barracks including airfare and airport shuttles
• 4 nights lodging at Hotel Leifur Erickson***  (or equivalent)
• Daily breakfast
• Guided tour of Reykjavik
• Admission to Aurora Center
• Admission to Wonders of Iceland
• Admission to Perlan Observation Deck
• Northern Lights Boat trip*
• Guided “Golden Circle” sightseeing trip

The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and their visibility is not guaranteed. 

What to Bring: 

• Comfortable, weather appropriate shoes & clothing incl. warm winter outerwear, hats, boots & gloves
• Credit/Debit card or Icelandic Crowns
• Military ID and Passport

Departure: 9 a.m. from Kaiserslautern Outdoor Recreation, Pulaski Barracks, bldg. 2905

Return: Around 2 p.m.