Tour Itinerary

Day 1

Departure from Ottawa – This evening you will depart Ottawa for your flights to Iceland.

Day 2

Arrival in Iceland – Upon your arrival in Iceland you be met by our local guide and taken for breakfast. After breakfast you will go on a sightseeing tour around the Reykjanes Peninsula where you will discover several dormant volcanoes and extensive lava fields. Later in the day you will check into your hotel in Reykjavik. Hotel- Fosshotel Reykjavik (B)

Day 3

VOLCANO CRATER, SEALS, FJORDS & MOUNTAINS

Meet our tour guide and depart from Fosshotel Reykjavík. Travel west, passing the town of Borgarnes and climb the Grábrók volcano crater. In the afternoon, visit a natural history & seal museum in a small fishing village in Northwest Iceland and stroll around the local harbor. Further north we stop at the turf church of Víðimýri which has been extensively restored to its original form and is widely considered one of the purest and most beautiful examples of traditional Icelandic architecture. We continue along scenic fjord landscape and over several mountain passes until we reach Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland. Hotel- Hotel Akureyri (B,D)

Day 4

THE CAPITAL OF NORTH ICELAND, LAKE MÝVATN & GEOTHERMAL BATHS

In the morning we explore Akureyri, a charming town of 17000 inhabitants, visit the botanical gardenand enjoy the panoramic view over Eyjafjörður fjord. In the afternoon we travel to an important spotin Iceland’s history, Goðafoss, the waterfalls of the Gods. We continue to Lake Mývatn which isknown for its geological wonders and active bird life during summer. We stop at the bizarre lavaformations at Kálfaströnd followed by a walk around the many pseudo craters and end an excitingday with a relaxing soak at Mývatn Nature Baths that contains a unique blend of minerals, silicatesand geothermal micro-organisms. The warm soothing waters benefit both skin and spirit alike.Note: Please bring a swimsuit. Hotel- Sel Hotel Myvatn (B,D)

Day 5

LAVA LABYRINTH, HOT SPRINGS & TRAVEL EAST

In the morning we hike in a lava labyrinth at Dimmuborgir “the dark castles”, hoping to get a glimpse of the trolls who are said to live there. After an optional lunch we visit the hot spring area of Námaskarð with bubbling mud pools and teaming solfataras. We head through the uninhabited highlands and moonlike surrounding to East Iceland. With some luck we might spot an Arctic fox or see reindeer. Hotel- Fosshotel Eastfjords (B,D)

Day 6

FJORDS, GLACIER AND ICE

It’s a day to admire the dramatic fjord landscape and its tiny fishing villages at the end of twisty roads in the East Fjords and on route we visit an interesting stone and mineral collection. In the afternoon we see Vatnajökull – Europe’s biggest glacier that is visible all over Southeast Iceland. Past the town of Höfn, we stop at Jökulsárlón, a glacial lagoon filled with floating icebergs, and we explore the extraordinary site and might see seals swimming in arctic waters. You can walk on the black sandy beach where large icebergs get stranded. Depending on the season optional boat trips are available. We travel along the southern part of the glacier Vatnajökull and spend time at Europe’s largest national park, which has Iceland’s highest mountains, an alpine environment, and Europe’s largest glacier. Hotel-Fosshotel Nupar (B,D)

Day 7

SOUTH COAST

A beautiful drive with many natural wonders awaits us today as we head across the Eldhraun lava field, cross the sandy desert of the south coast, overlooked by mountainous cliffs, glaciers and waterfalls. We stroll along the black lava beach of Reynisfjara near Vík. In the small village of Skógar there is Skógafoss waterfall which is 60 meters high and is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country. Further west we stop at LAVA center in Hvollsvellir. We continue to the high but narrow Seljalandsfoss waterfall which plunges over the mountain. There is an interesting trail that goes behind the fall – if you are prepared to get wet! Hotel- Icelandair Hotel Fludir (B,D)

Day 8

ICELANDIC HORSES & GOLDEN CIRCLE

We explore classics today as we travel the route of the Golden Circle sights. We start the day at Friðheimar, where you learn about the Icelandic horse, its special qualities and history and visit a geothermal greenhouse. Later on, we see steam from the Geysir geothermal fields as we arrive. There is a variety of hot springs and bubbling pools. The original geyser is now dormant but has been replaced by Strokkur “the Churn” which erupts at 5-10-minute intervals. We continue to Gullfoss, “the golden falls”, which is a double waterfall that tumbles 34 meters into the Hvítá river and attracts travelers in summer and winter. We travel inland to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. As we return to Reykjavík, we take you for a short city tour to show highlights of the world’s northernmost capital. Hotel- Fosshotel Reykjavik (B)

Day 9

Sadly, this afternoon you will bid a fond farewell to Iceland. (B)

Please note that a visit to Iceland entails a fair amount of walking to fully enjoy your holiday experience. You should feel comfortable being able to walk for extended periods of time. Many of the avenues and walk ways are uneven. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.

**Itinerary Subject to Change**

Tour Itinerary

Day 1

This afternoon you will depart from Ottawa for your overnight flights to Europe.

Day 2

Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. Budapest, Hungary’s capital, is bisected by the Danube River. One side of the river is the hilly Buda district while on the other side you’ll find the flat Pest district. Budapest dates all the way back to Roman times. Most of what you will encounter in Budapest however is a product of the middle ages. Its brilliant beauty makes the city one of the most photographed in Central Europe. After checking into the hotel, the balance of you day will be free.

Day 3

After breakfast you will begin your city tour. The tour of Budapest will consist of a walking portion in old Buda, to take in a good part of the city’s rich heritage. Then you will drive to Pest, visiting Heroes’ Square featuring the Millennium Memorial. Your guide will also cover much of the city’s modern history from World War II through the communist era. On your free time this afternoon, you may wish to visit one of the city’s Thermal Pools. (B, D)

Day 4

A free day in Budapest is invigorating. Take time to shop, explore and enjoy the boundless heritage that has made this city so awe inspiring. You may wish to consider an evening cruise on the Danube spoiling you with the view from the river and a chance to see the city lit up. It’s a truly remarkable spectacle. (B)

Day 5

This morning we will depart for Ljubljana in Slovenia. Ljubljana can easily claim to be one of the most picturesque cities in central Europe. It is Slovenia’s capital and is known for its abundance of green space making it so alluring. The curving Ljubljanica River is lined with outdoor cafes dividing the old town from the modern city. Upon our arrival we will meet our tour guide for a short orientation tour of the city. After checking into the hotel the balance of your day is on your own. (B)

Day 6

On your free day in Ljubljana you may wish to visit the city’s Museum of Modern Art or the National Museum of Slovenia. Both are intriguing and well worth the visit. Of course, the side-walk cafes are a must for people watching. (B)

Day 7

Our adventure continues as we travel through Slovenia to the Croatian Riviera and the delightful village of Opatija. Variously known as the “Old Dame”, the “Pearl of the Adriatic” or the “Queen of Tourism” Opatija is a remarkable seaside resort dating back to 1844. The feel of the Victorian era is everywhere amongst the spectacular hotels with their grand facades. The cascading hills remind you of Italy’s Amalfi Coast. It is truly a destination of elegance and style. Upon your arrival your Travac Tours Director will take you on a short stroll down the city’s main street and point out some of the town’s highlights. If you are into walking you will certainly enjoy the “Lungomare Promenade” which follows the coastline for 12 kilometers. (B, D)

Day 8

After breakfast we begin our tour with a visit to the Roman Amphitheatre in the ancient town of Pula. While this Amphitheatre is one of many left around Europe by Roman engineers it is certainly one of the best preserved anywhere. We’ll also spend some time in the old town before heading to Rovinj. Rovinj rises dramatically from the Adriatic. Its streets are delightfully twisty and there is indeed something particularly romantic about this old town. You will then return to your Opatija hotel. (B, D)

Day 9

On our last day in this region you are free to relax and enjoy Opatija. Optional experiences will be available to you and will be covered by your tour director. (B, D)

Day 10

This morning we will make our way to Lake Garda. This, the largest lake in Italy is also one of the loveliest. For art and history lovers, Lake Garda offers an attractive leap into the past. Medieval villages clustered between walls and towers along with Veronese and Venetian castles recall memorable battles of the past and great leaders that ruled in the area. (B)

Day 11

After breakfast you embark on a tour of the lake area. You will have the option of taking a lake cruise in the afternoon. (B)

Day 12

A free today to relax and enjoy the scenery of Lake Garda (B)

Day 13

This morning we will make our way to Venice. Venice and the lore surrounding this, the capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region, brings millions of tourists to this ancient city every year. It is built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. Venice was one of the most important cities in Central Europe for several hundred years. There are still many representations of its former glory that you could visit during your stay. Upon our arrival we will be met by our local guide for an orientation walking tour of the city. We will depart for our hotel in Mestre later in the afternoon. (B)

Day 14

You are free today to experience Venice on your own. (B, D)

Day 15

Your Travac Tours Director will advise you of your departure time for the airport and your return flights to Canada. (B)