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Hosted By: Wanda Starke
Retired News Anchor
WXII TV
View Biography
Discover Iceland’s best-known national treasures, mystical northern lights, and dramatic landscapes of fire and ice with ancient volcanoes and grandiose glaciers. Begin at FlyOver Iceland with an exhilarating virtual journey over the country’s terrain and a guided tour of Reykjavik’s stunning city sights. Relax on a scenic cruise through Breidafjordur Bay and taste Viking sushi, fresh shellfish picked from pristine waters. Spend a day exploring the geological wonders within the Golden Circle including Gullfoss waterfall, Geyser Hot Springs, and Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Delight your taste buds with regional dishes at Efstidalur II and Fridheimer farms while learning about the importance of agriculture in this area. Travel along Reykjanes Peninsula for the world’s only view of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge above sea level, then soak up the famous rejuvenating geothermal spa, Blue Lagoon, and indulge in the included Comfort Package with a beverage and silica mud mask. We also learn about the northern lights and how to photograph them before searching the night sky for magical auroras each night.
You can earn a $100 Travel Show Credit good for your next trip with Holiday Vacations by simply clicking the photo to watch the online travel show! The show is about 10 minutes long and at the end, you'll have the ability to submit your contact information and receive a travel credit which can be applied to this or any Holiday Vacations tour. Get started now!
October 12th, 2024 - October 18th, 2024
Occupancy
Price Per Person
Double
$5499
Single
$6299
Final Payment Date: 07/09/2024
October 5th, 2024 - October 11th, 2024 Additional Date Added
Final Payment Date: 07/02/2024
*Additional Date Added: Due to popular demand, new tour dates are now available. These additional departures will not have a media host and may utilize different departure options.
Day 1 : Fly to Iceland
Depart the USA for a restful overnight flight to Iceland.
Day 2 : Arrive in Iceland
We arrive early morning and enjoy a group breakfast. Afterward, we begin our exploration in the Land of Fire and Ice at FlyOver Iceland. Experience the ultimate introduction to this beautiful country with motion seating and a wraparound screen, simulating a flight over expansive mountains and glaciers. We also gaze upon the colorful, shimmering exterior of Harpa Concert Hall, take in beautiful panoramas of Reykjavik from the Perlan observation deck, and enjoy stunning views from the city’s best-known landmark, Hallgrimskirkja Church. Later, we check in to our hotel then gather for a fantastic Welcome Dinner and get to know our traveling companions.
Day 3 : Reykjavik
After breakfast, we’re off to enjoy more city sights of Reykjavik. Though one of the smallest capital cities in the world, it is brimming with adventures! Learn about the aurora borealis at Aurora Reykjavik and view Parliament, one of the oldest stone buildings in Iceland. Next, we descend under Whale Bay through an undersea tunnel to Folk Museum in Akranes where we view a vast collection of architecture, maritime exhibits, and artifacts. We then see Europe’s most powerful hot spring, Deildartunguhver, which provides water and geothermal heat for much of the area. Today’s adventure concludes with visiting two incredibly unique waterfalls: Hraunfossar, several creeks cascading down a wall of lava rocks creating a spectacular display of colors; and Barnafoss, cutting deep through a narrow canyon and steeped in mystery and folklore. Before dinner together this evening, we check in to our hotel for the next two nights, the perfect location to hunt for northern lights dancing above.
Day 4 : Breidafjordur Bay
Following breakfast, we travel to Stykkisholmur, a gateway city to several islands in Breidafjordur Bay. We embark on a maritime escapade, passing by hundreds of tiny islands and viewing quaint fishing villages. Revel in the opportunity to experience Viking sushi, where a large selection of shellfish is pulled straight from the pristine waters for tasting. Arriving at Arnarstapi, we walk along incredible stacked columnar basalt rock formations. We then visit Snaefellsjokull National Park to gaze upon the variety of landscapes, from moss-blanketed lava fields to jagged cliffs and pebbled beaches. We bid the bay farewell, then head back to our hotel for dinner and relaxation. Tonight, we have another opportunity to discover the mysterious aurora borealis.
Day 5 : Golden Circle of Natural Wonders
Today is brimming with history and extraordinary marvels, starting with the Golden Circle of Natural Wonders. Experience the power of Gullfoss Waterfall as glacial water thunders down a rugged canyon and stroll through Geysir Hot Springs area, packed with bubbling mud pits and explosive geysers including Strokkur, which spouts water 100 feet into the air like clockwork. Another highlight is Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s oldest ongoing parliament. Observe the dramatic landscape as it displays how the North American and Eurasian continental plates meet, creating geological phenomena such as bulging lava fields and glacial pools. We then learn about Iceland’s important dairy history while tasting regional delights at Efstidalur dairy farm, followed by a special lunch at Fridheimar farm. Afterward, we see how tomatoes are grown in greenhouses year-round and learn about the fascinating gaits of the famed Icelandic horses. We stay in the Hveragerdi region this evening and gaze upward for views of the spectacular aurora borealis.
Day 6 : Reykjanes Seacoast & Blue Lagoon
Rise and shine for a spectacular coastal drive along Reykjanes Peninsula, a UNESCO Global Geopark. Here we witness the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the only place in the world it is visible above sea level. Afterward, we visit Iceland’s most popular attraction, the Blue Lagoon. Soak in the mineral-rich seawater, naturally a constant 102°F. Don’t miss out on the included silica mud mask or experiencing the geothermal massage waterfall. We leave the Blue Lagoon feeling refreshed and energized. Enjoy sights of Lake Kleifarvatn, uniquely filled entirely by underground water. Later, we return to Reykjavik and enjoy a Farewell Dinner.
Day 7 : Fly Home
We return home with fond memories of our adventures in Iceland.
WXII TV Pickup Locations:
Charlotte, NC - Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Winston-Salem, NC - Walmart
Wanda began working at WXII 12 in 1994 and was an anchor and special projects reporter until her retirement in 2020. At her core, Wanda describes herself as a storyteller and continues to write and work on documentaries.
She also volunteers with the Shepherd’s Center and is a member of the Women’s Fund and the Women’s Council of Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center Foundation.
Wanda has been honored with induction into the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame and The Silver Circle of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. She was also awarded the President’s Award for Volunteer Service, The Maya Angelou Women Who Lead Excellence Award Honoring Women in Media from UNCF, and the Anna Quindlen Award for Excellence in Journalism.
Join Wanda and WXII 12 News viewers on this beautiful vacation.
Interested in more travel opportunities? Click here or visit www.holidayvacations.com and enter keyword WXII.
Tour days tend to be shorter in length, at a relaxed pace, and include lots of unscheduled time for leisure. Expect standing and walking for extended periods of time on flat surfaces, mostly low altitudes, and consistent temperatures.
Tour days usually move at a leisurely pace. Some days’ scheduled activities last longer than others. Expect standing and walking for long periods of time on occasionally uneven terrain. You may experience changes in altitude or temperature.
Tour days tend to be long, move at a consistent pace, and may include long travel days. Expect standing and walking for long periods of time on uneven surfaces. Some destinations may have changes in altitude and/or temperature.
Tour days tend to be long, move at a brisk pace, and may include lengthy travel days. Expect long periods of walking and standing on uneven surfaces. Scheduled activities may require physical effort or have distinct changes in altitude or temperature.
Tour days tend to be long, move at a vigorous pace, and may include lengthy travel days. Expect long periods of walking and standing on rough surfaces. Scheduled activities may require physical effort or have distinct changes in altitude or temperature.