Havana CUBA
Date: Wednesday(pm) June 27 to Sunday, July 1, 2012
Where: Havana
4 Nights/4 Days
(this trip excludes any Zirkel The World discounts or credits)

Travel provided by Insight Cuba, a division of Cross-Cultural Solutions; a licensed provider of people-to-people travel.  People-to-people travel is purposeful travel where you will have the opportunity to engage with meaningful exchange with Cuban people.

Put down $500 deposit to reserve your spot!
Base Price Total: $2695

Cuba Land Program: $1695 -due by April 30, 2012 (made payable to Insight Cuba)
International Flight & Domestic Arrangements: $1000
$500 for Deposit-NOW-$500 due by May 15, 2012 (payable to ZTW)

Please email teresa@zirkeltheworld.com for more information on payment procedures

Event Details
Join us for a long weekend in Havana CUBA and get a full immersion of the rich culture, art, food, and music of this unique and captivating country.  Traveling to Cuba can be one of those life transforming experiences!  On our weekend trip, there will be guided activities throughout Havana to visit the local Cubans personally, as well as time to explore on your own after the program.



Included
Domestic Airfare to/from Miami
International Airfare to/from Havana
1 Night Accommodation in Miami
3 Nights' Accommodation at 4 Star Hotel in Havana
U.S. Treasury Department License and Letter of Authorization
Cuban Host (Tour Guide)
Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, and 3 Dinners
All Ground Transportation and Transfers
All entrance fees to scheduled activities and events
Days Full of Guided Activities
Travel health insurance in Cuba, emergency medical evacuation, and trip cancellation coverage (up to 1,000)

Not Included
Departure Tax of $25
Alcohol and Bottled Water (1 beverage per meal)
$50 Visa Charge
$15 Fed Ex Charge
Tips for Cuban guides, drivers, wait staff, bellhops, and chambermaids



Itinerary
*Please be mindful that much of your in-country programming is customized for your custom group tour and is subject to change.  This includes the visits we make and the hotels where we'll stay.  Insight Cuba connects U.S. travelers with local Cuban people.  Because we do not visit tourist destinations, these visits are fluid.  Therefore, specific interactions are subject to change and are based on availability.  Please consider this itinerary as sample only; knowing your full-time travel itinerary may include different-but equally enlightening and comfortable-experiences.* 

Wednesday, June 27-NYC to Miami
Our NYC flight will depart in the evening, arriving in Miami in late evening.  Once we arrive, we will transfer to our nearby airport hotel. 

Thursday, June 28-Arrival
Upon arrival in the dynamic city of Havana, we'll clear immigration and customs and meet our Cuban host at the airport.  After checking in to our hotel in the heart of Havana, spend the remainder of the day discovering breathtaking colonial buildings, the picturesque, seaside Malecon and other quintessential sites.  As we walk the cobbled streets-dotted with Russian-built Ladas and a rainbow's-worth of vintage American cars - see staggering palaces, scenic squares and locals going about their daily routines.  Once you've soaked up its pulse, toast your arrival in Havana over a welcome drink with the group at our hotel.



Friday and Saturday-Highlights of Havana

Possible highlights of these two days are:
-Explore Old Havana (Habana Vieja) to places such as Cathedral Square, Plaza de Armas, the City Museum, and the Havana Club Rum Museum
-Visiting Art Studios in Old Havana
-Meeting at the Cabildo Quisicuaba community project
-Tour through the Vedado and Centro Habana neighborhoods
-Visit the Literacy Museum
-Stop at a Local Farmer's Market
-Visit Jose Fuster's Artist Studio
-Experience the Cannon Blast Ceremony (one of the oldest traditions in Havana)

Sunday, July 1-Departure to NYC
After breakfast, we will depart for our late morning flight to Miami, arriving in early afternoon.  Our flight from Miami to NYC will depart in the early evening arriving in NYC at night.



Please Read Cancellation Policy

*300 of your deposit in non-refundable*
90-61 days prior to the scheduled start date, participant will be charged 25% of the trip, less the deposit and applicable airline cancellation penalties will be refunded.
60-45 days prior to the scheduled start date, participants will be charged 50% of the trip fees and balance, less the deposit and applicable airline cancellation penalties will be refunded.
44-31 days prior to the scheduled start date, participants will be charged 75% of the program fee and the balance, less the deposit, and applicable airline cancellation penalties, will be refunded. 
Within 30 days prior to the scheduled start date, no portion of the trip is refunded.


"Insight Cuba is a division of Cross-Cultural Solutions; and independent, not-for-profit organization founded in 1995, and is independent of ZIRKEL THE WORLD.  Insight Cuba is the sole organizer, packager and operator of the related transactions to Cuba described on the collateral.  Cross-Cultural Solutions is licensed by the United States Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control to engage in the travel-related and other transactions incidental to the travel program described on this collateral, and to authorize United States persons to travel on those programs under Cross-Cultural Solution's auspices.  The travel program described in this brochure provide a full-time schedule of educational exchanges through people-to-people contact.  United States law requires that all persons traveling to Cuba to participate in these travel programs adhere to time schedule and impose upon Insight Cuba the obligation to ensure such adherence."
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Portland & 3-Day Sailing In Maine
Date: Friday, July 6 to Tuesday, July 10
Where: Portland and Rockland Maine
4 Nights/4 Days

Included
Transportation to/from NYC
2 Night Hotel Accommodation and Breakfast
2 Nights On Historic Windjammer Sailboat
ALL Meals During Sailing (2 dinners, 2 lunches, 3 breakfasts)-Including Fresh Lobster Boil
Any/All participating activities on board sailing boat (rappelling to top, helping crew, swimming, fishing, etc)
Time to shop/browse in towns of Boothbay & Camden Maine
Optional Activities in Portland (Island Cruises, bike tours, kayaking, etc)

Put down a $300 deposit to reserve your space!
Early Bird Price: $825 (pay deposit by May 17)
Base Price: $875

Pick Up Location: 4:30pm @ Penn Station Location
Return: Approximately 8/9pm on Tuesday

Event Details
Calling all water lovers!  This trip was such a memorable trip for the last two years, it's a must in repeated trips!  Feel the breeze and listen to the waves crash against the historic 1922 Schooner as you relax with a book in one hand, and a glass of wine or beer in the other.  Fresh air is included!  All meals on board are included, along with a New England Lobster Bake!  We'll be able to explore the coastal city of Portland on our overnight, and also two favorite Maine Harbors of Boothbay and Camden.  This is an unique and awesome trip of the summer that you'll never forget!

On Friday, we will depart the city at 4:30pm, arriving in Portland Maine around 9pm.  We will do dinner either on the way, or once we arrive.  On Saturday morning, you'll have the whole day to explore the wonderful coastal city of Portland Maine.  Some activities you may be interested in doing are:

-Kayaking (either rent a kayak, or go on a guided excursion)
-Biking (either rent a bike or join a guided bike tour-there is even one for the Casco Islands)
-Island Exploring (take the ferry to the many Islands to hike, bike, or just relax)
-Lobster Catch Cruise (learn how they catch lobster and actually do some hands-on of your own)
-Museums and Art Galleries
-Shopping & Walking the Cobble Streets
-Culinary Walking Tour
-Chocolate Tours
-Visit Brewery and/or Distillery
-Much More!

On Sunday we will depart around 9am from Portland and drive to Rockland Maine, stopping at Camden Harbor for a cup of coffee, lunch, or pick up any alcohol/treats for the sailing.  We will arrive at the Historic Schooner at 12:30pm and get ready for our adventure!

Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday....each day on the schooner is full of surprises!  One day we may find ourselves near a small fishing village where we can walk around and explore.  We may find a deserted island where we can have a good old New England Lobster Bake!  You will have the opportunity in the practice of handling the lines of the boat and helping the crew sail. At night, you may even choose to sleep on deck watching the stars. Look out for wildlife!  Always a chance to see seals, ospreys, porpoises, or even a whale can be seen.  The sunsets.....stars....are spectacular!



It's all about the food!.....This historic schooner is well known for its scrupulous meals made by the seasonal cook (who's also the captains brother!).  He makes everything from scratch on the boat with fresh ingredients from the local farm markets.  Homemade ice cream,  granola, cinnamon buns, peach muffins, are just some examples of his yummy food.
2 Dinners, 2 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, and Snacks are included on board.  You are guaranteed to have a happy tummy!

On Tuesday we'll return to Rockland in the late morning.  We will be sad to leave our historic schooner, saying goodbye to the crew and captain.  With so many memorable moments, you will be eager to let your friends and family know what a wonderful time you had!  On our way home, we'll take some time to explore Boothbay Harbor. Try some lobster rolls, shop, or look at the beautiful sailboats, before we head back to NYC.

  



Frequently Asked Questions

Will I get sea sick?  Very rarely do people get sick on board the historic schooner.  The reason is due to large islands that break up ocean swells.
What are accommodations like?  There are double beds and bunk beds.  If you sign up as a couple, you will get your own double bed, if single, you will get a bunk bed in a room with one other person of the same gender.  Bathrooms are shared with cabins near yours, all very close to bathroom with no need to climb a ladder.  For an extra adventure, bring your sleeping bag and sleep on deck under the stars!....
Are there showers or hot water?  Yes on both.  The boat has its own filtering system and heats the water from the stove, so the shower has nice warm water.  The shower is on deck, and if you'd like to take a shower, a curtain can be put up for you.  Most people who do this short trip skip the shower and instead just wash up.
Is alcoholic beverages included?  Alcohol is not included, but you may bring your own to keep in the boat fridge to drink whenever you'd like.
Please email if you have any other further questions!



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Newport and Block Island
Date: Friday, July 20 to Sunday, July 22
Where: Newport Rhode Island and Block Island
2 Days/2 Nights

Departure: 4:45/5pm
Return: 9:30pm

Included
Transportation to/from NYC
2 Night Accommodations
2 Breakfast
Round-trip Ferry Ticket to Block Island
Bike Rental on Block Island
Cliff Walk

Put down your $100 deposit to save your spot!
Early Bird Price: $445 (make deposit by June 21)
Base Price: $495

Event Details

Join us this weekend as we explore one of the must see areas of New England-Newport and Block Island!  Newport is recognized for its natural beauty, stunning beaches, and spectacular mansions.  Block Island is just a short ferry ride away and has been labeled as "One of the Last Twelve Great Places in the Western Hemisphere."  Block Island is an 11 square mile seaside resort which makes it one of the most favorite places to explore on bike.



On Friday, we will leave the city at 4:45/5:00 for Newport Rhode Island, arriving in Newport around 9pm.  We will have dinner when we arrive.  On Saturday morning, we will take a morning ferry to Block Island for the day!  You will have a rental bike to use all day

Many people believe that Block Island has the most beautiful beaches in the world.  More than 350 freshwater ponds (from natural springs) and 17 miles of beach invite you to jump in the surf, sea kayak, explore on bike, hike the trails, or just spend a lazy day reading a book.  We will have dinner on the island before taking the last ferry back to Newport.  Once we arrive to Newport, enjoy the awesome nightlife.



We will start our morning off by walking the famous Newport Cliff Walk along the eastern shore-named one of the "50 Places of a Lifetime" by National Geographic Traveler.  This walk is a world famous public walk that combines the natural beauty of the Newport shoreline with the architectural history of Newport's gilded age.  This walk will be around a 6 mile round-trip and can be done in regular sneakers.  Most of the walking is on paved ground.

For the remaining afternoon, you can choose how you'd like to spend it.  Here are some examples:
-Harbor Tours
-Sailing Tours
-Beaches
-Visit Mansions (Breakers)
-Kayaking
-Visit Rose Island
-Shopping/Waterfront


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Portland Oregon & Craft Beer Festival
Date(s): Thursday, July 26(pm) to Monday, July 30 (return 6am on Tues) OR
Thursday, July 26(pm) to Sunday, July 29 (return 6am on Mon)
Where: Portland Oregon
4 Nights/4 Days

Included
Non-stop Domestic Flight
3 or 4 Night Accommodations in Boutique Hotel
4 Breakfasts
All Ground Transportation
Beer Festival Entrance + mug + 20 tokens
Portland City/Food/Distillery Walking Tour
Columbia Gorge Visit (4 day trip only)

Note: Thur-Sun Trip will not include Columbia Gorge Visit and 1 Night Accommodation

Put down a $400 deposit to reserve your spot!
Early Bird Price: (Thur-Mon) $1295/Land Only Price: $795 (deposit by May 24)
Early Bird Price: (Thur-Sun) $1095/Land Only $595 (deposit by May 24)
Base Price: (Thur-Mon) $1395/Land Only $895
Base Price: (Thur-Sun) $1195/Land Only $695

 

Event Details
Join us for a spectacular weekend in Portland Oregon for one of the nations longest running and best loved Craft Beer Festival.  You'll be able to taste more than 80 different craft beers around the country.  A variety of beers such as Amber, Belgian, Pales, Pilsner, Rye, or Stout-the festival has them all.  On our off days from the festival, we will explore Portland on foot with a City & Food Tour, as well as a day excursion to the Columbia River Gorge!



Thursday, July 26-Departure
Our flight will leave in the evening at 7pm, arriving in Portland at 10pm.  We will transfer to our hotel to check in and enjoy going out to the many restaurants and bars in our neighborhood.

Friday, July 27-Craft Beer Festival
In the morning after breakfast, you can spend some time exploring the city before we head off to the festival at 11:30am.  You will receive your own beer mug for all of your tasting.  Each tasting is 1 token, and a full glass is 4 tokens.  Each token costs $1, and 20 tokens are included to start with. 

The Portland Oregon Festival provides an opportunity to sample and learn about a variety of craft beer styles from across the country.  Eighty craft breweries from all parts of the nation off more than 20 styles of handcrafted brews.  A Buzz Tent offers another 50+ rare and specialty beers.  The festival features live music, beer-related vendors, beer memorabilia displays, beer writers and publishers, home brewing demonstrations, and an assortment of foods from a variety of regions. 

In the evening, we'll dine at one of the many favorite restaurants in Portland.



Saturday, July 29-City/Food/Distillery Tours
At 10am we will start our City and Food Tour.  Whether its the outstanding restaurants, beautiful parks, world class public transit system, or the breath-taking natural beauty, there is so much in Portland that makes the city and surrounding areas one of the greatest places to visit.  On our city tour we'll hear about early and modern Portland as we walk to the artwork, parks, bridges, downtown trains & streetcars, fountains and friendly people.  We'll meander through the most fascinating portions of the city, leading eventually to the waterfront.  Our food tour will be followed by our city tour-or combined, lasting a total of 4-5hrs. 

On our food tour, we'll be check out Portland's amazing curbside cuisine!  Portland has been known to have some of their best cuisine served from a food cart.  We'll tour the city's best food carts, tasting trucks, and hidden kitchens where former four-star chefs and other culinary entrepreneurs scoop up mighty morsels on an international scale.  This isn't fast food-it's flavor with flair, for savvy munchers on the go.


 
In the afternoon, we'll go to the New Deal Distillery for the last of the three tours.  Here we'll get a tour of the making process as well as tasting a variety of vodkas, rums, whiskey, and liquors.   For the remainder of the afternoon, you will have free time to choose what you'd like to do

Sunday, July 29-Beer Festival OR Open Day
After a relaxing breakfast today, you can spend it any way you choose.  The beer festival starts at 12pm and ends at 7pm.  You may choose to rent a bicycle and tour the city as well as bike to the festival, or maybe enjoy the city on foot and visit the art galleries, cafes, parks, and streets.  Have fun and enjoy the city of Portland.

If you are signed up for the 3 day trip, you will leave for the airport in the early evening to catch your 10pm flight, arriving in NYC at 6:00am.



Monday, July 30-Columbian Gorge & Waterfall Viewing/Hiking OR Free Day in Portland
Today we will explore outside of the city to the Colombian Gorge!  If you prefer, you may also stay in the city and enjoy a day exploring more.  The Columbia River's enormous canyon carved through the Cascade Mountains is one of the Pacific Northwest's most dramatic and scenic destinations. 

The Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area is famous for its waterfalls, with 77 on the Oregon side alone!  We will drive the highway and stop to view and hike around these fabulous waterfalls.  There are some waterfalls you can even walk behind!  We will relax and enjoy a picnic lunch with opportunities to swim.  The hikes are not strenuous and don't require experience in hiking-just an adventurous spirit.

In the evening we'll head back to Portland to have dinner before heading to the airport to catch our 10pm flight, arriving in NY at 6am.
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Canadian Rockies: Banff to Jasper
Date: Saturday, August 4 to Saturday, August 11
Where: Calgary, Banff, and Jasper
7 Nights/8 Days

Trip Highlights: Banff Gondola Ride, Athabaska Glacier Ice Walk, Lake Minnewanka Boat Tour, Hike to Lake Agnes Teahouse, Upper Hot Springs, Miette Hot Springs, Horseback Riding, Biking around Lake Annette & Lake Edith, White Water Rafting, and so much more!

Put down a deposit of $400 to reserve your spot!
Early Bird Price: $1995 (till June 14)
Base Price: $2095 


Included
International Flight
All Ground Transportation to included activities
3 Nights in Banff
3 Nights in Jasper
1 Night in Calgary
7 Breakfasts
Banff Gondola Ride
2.5 days of Guided Hiking
Upper Hot Springs Ticket
Miette Hot Springs Ticket
Ice Walk on Athabasca Glacier
Jasper Tramway Ticket


Event Details
The Canadian Rockies offers an unspoiled mountain adventure playground that is considered one of most beautiful mountain ranges in the world.  The Rocky Mountains is the birthplace of North America's great rivers, where massive ice fields can be explored and adventures begin.  Make your adventure happen this spring in Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, and Calgary by hiking, white water rafting, biking, kayaking, or hot springs while taking in the natural beauty surrounding you.

Saturday, August 4-Arrival & Banff
Once our flight arrives in Calgary in the late morning,  we'll start our journey to the Gondola Ride in Banff.  Here we'll sit back and relax in a 4 passenger, glass enclosed gondola.  We'll get a 360 degree view of six scenic mountain ranges from 7,500 above sea level.  At the top is the main observation deck where you'll feel as if you are on top of the world. 

For the remainder of the afternoon we will explore scenic areas of Banff in car and foot.  Some of the highlighted areas are Bow Falls, The Fairmont Banff Springs, Sulphur Mountain, and the Cave & Basin National Historic Site.



Sunday, August 5-Iceline Day Hike/Bow Valley Viewpoints/Upper Banff Hotsprings
After breakfast, we'll head to the Iceline Hiking Trail which is considered the most spectacular day trip hike in the national parks, with close-up views of numerous glaciers.  The Iceline trail is mainly a high open route through glaciated terrain formed by the nearby Emerald Glacier.  The trail offers spectacular views across the Yoho Valley of the Takakkaw Falls (the highest falls in Canada).  The distance is 8 miles, and involves a 2,200ft elevation gain.  This hike is considered a "must" while in Banff.

On our drive back from our day hike, we'll make stops at the Bow Valley Viewpoints for photo opportunities.  Our next stop will be the Banff Upper Hot Springs for some soaking and relaxing!  Against the backdrop of Banffs spectacular scenery, is the splendid historic spa and bathhouse.  After our soak, we'll enjoy dinner in Downtown Banff.



Monday, August 6-Open Day (WWR, Horseback, Canoe/Kayak, Bike, or explore downtown Banff)
Today is your day to decide what kind of adventure you'd like!  Below are some examples to choose from.

-White Water Rafting (choose from class III OR class IV-V)
-Horseback Riding (choose a 1.5/2hr, half day, or full day)
-Biking (choose to rent a bike in downtown Banff or a guided tour-shuttles available)
-Kayak/Canoe (choose to rent a kayak or canoe on Lake Minnewanka)
-Hike (choose from a variety of great trails in town of Banff)
-ATV Tours
-Zipline Tours
-Explore the town of Banff (a great walking town!)



Tuesday, August 7-Lake Agnes Teahouse Half Day Hike & Scenic Drive To Jasper
Today will be a big day, as we have a lot of exploring to do!  After breakfast we'll pack up and drive to the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.  This is where we'll start our half day hike to the teahouse.  This hike is considered one of the most hiked trails in the Canadian Rockies, with a destination that offers it all-an enjoyable trail, stunning views, and a rustic teahouse for refueling before the descent!  The beginning of the trial begins in old-growth forest of spruce and fir before leading to an open view of the waters below (the magical blue of glacier-fed Lake Louise).  Further up the trail is Mirror Lake offering a nice view, along the waterfall from Lake Agnes.  After the waterfall, the trail leads to the rustic teahouse for a well deserved break before descent.  Round-trip is about 4.5 miles, and 1,200ft elevation gain.

Once descended, we'll enjoy a quick lunch before starting on our drive on Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park.  This scenic drive is lined with one beautiful mountain lake after another, with more than 100 glaciers providing a dramatic backdrop.  It is truly one of the most beautiful drives in the world.  Some of the sights we'll marvel at are:
-Hector Lake (the largest lake in Banff)
-Bow Summit (the highest point on this drive at 6,785ft)
-Peyto Lake Viewpoint
-Saskatchewan River and Weeping Wall
-Columbia Icefield (328 to 1,197 ft thick, covers an area of 202 sq miles)



Wednesday, August 8- Jasper Tramway/Maligne Lake/Miette Hot Springs
We will start our day getting the best introduction on Jasper National Park on the Jasper tramway.  We will board one of the two 30-passenger cars that take seven minutes to reach the upper terminal, during which time the conductor gives a lecture about the mountain and its environment.  From the upper terminal, a 0.9-mile trail leads to the 8,104ft true summit.  On a clear day you can see Mount Robson (12,970 ft)-the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. 

In the afternoon, we'll take a packed lunch and spend the remaining of the day at Maligne Lake.  This is the largest glacier-fed lake in the Canadian Rockies and second largest in the world.  The activities are plentiful here, or you can take in the spectacular vistas on a short hike.  The most popular is the 90 minute narrated cruise on a glass-enclosed boat up the lake to spectacular photo opportunities.  You may also wish to rent a kayak or canoe. 

Our last stop for the day will be a visit to the Miette Hot Springs.  Another great way to relax from a long day!  Heated by geothermal warmth, the Miette Hotsprings are the hottest known springs in the Canadian Rockies.  Each minute approximately 800 liters of steaming water pours out of the natural ducts along the creek.



Thursday, August 9-Optional Activities Day in Jasper National Park
Today is your chance to choose what you'd like to do!  Below are some choices to choose from:

-White Water Rafting (class III)
-Horseback Riding 1.5-2hr/Half day/Full day
-Rent a Canoe/Kayak/Paddleboat
-Fishing Trips (Half or Full day)
-Wildlife Discovery Tour
-Ride the Steel Rails
-Bike Rental
-Spa
-Explore the town of Jasper on foot
-Golf



Friday, August 10-Columbia Icefield & Athabasca Glacier Walk
Today we'll get up close and personal on the Athabasca Glacier!  The Columbia Icefield is the largest mass of ice in the Rocky Mountains.  The glacier sets the boundaries between Alberta and British Columbia as well as Banff and Jasper national parks.  The icefield stretches for more than 15 miles across the Continental Divide.  We will have proper equipment and a professional guide lead us across this magnitude of floating ice as he explains and shows us everything there is to know about the Athabasca Glacier.  This glacier walk will last 3-4hrs.

In the afternoon, we'll start our way to Calgary for the evening.  On our commute, we'll stop for lunch as well as any more photo opportunities we may have skipped.  We will arrive in Calgary in the early evening, in time to have dinner and drinks in the city.

Saturday, August 11-Departure to NYC
We will need to leave for the airport at 9:30am, for our 12:20pm flight arriving in Newark at 6:50pm.
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Our flight leaves for Copenhagen at 1:15pm, arriving at 6:15pm.  We will transfer to our hotel to check in, followed by dinner and drinks in Copenhagen!

Monday, August 20-Open Day In Copenhagen
Today, choose what you'd like to do in the city of Copenhagen! With a history that dates back to 1043 the city is full of historic landmarks, significant buildings and interesting sights.  Copenhagen has attractions and sights to suit every taste and interest-and most of them are within walking distance! 

The three most famous attraction in the city are: Tivoli (more than 100 year old amusement park), the statue of The Little Mermaid, and the freetown of Christiania.  Be sure to visit Amalienborg Palace-home to the royal family, do a guided tour on the harbor, and walk down the shopping street Stroget.  See many of these attractions and more by going on the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour!


 
Tuesday, August 21-Embark on Royal Caribbean Cruise
Enjoy this morning to see another attraction or explore the city.  In the early afternoon, we'll leave to the port to board our Royal Caribbean Cruise. 

About the Royal Caribbean: The 2,435-guest Vision of the Seas has beautiful on board amenities.  There's the very soothing Day Spa, two pools, six whirlpools, and the Masquerade Theatre which features nightly entertainment, like contemporary musical stage productions.  There is also a rock climbing wall, fitness center, and an atrium shopping area.  Buffet breakfast and lunch are included, as well as a sit down dinner each day.



Wednesday, August 22-Open Day At Sea
Relax...relax....and relax!  Today explore everything the Vision of the Seas has to offer or take in one of the numerous classes scheduled throughout the day.  This will be a great day to unwind and refresh!

Thursday, August 23-Bergen Norway
We will arrive in Bergen at 7am, and will depart at 7pm.  This gives you the whole day to explore this beautiful city!  Plan an adventure tour such as white water rafting, glacier walking, hiking, climbing, biking, or horseback riding.  If adventure isn't what you are looking for, join a guided city tour or explore on your own!  Bergen is known for Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf, the Fish Market, the Floibanen Funicular, the Edvard Grieg Museum at Troldhaugen, Fantoft Stave Church, and surrounding mountains and fjords, such as the Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord.



Friday, August 24-Geiranger Norway
We will arrive in Geiranger at 10am, and depart at 6pm.  Geiranger is a small village in Mor og Romsdal.  This area is best known for the Geirangerfjord-one of the most beautiful mainland fjords in the world.  The Geiranger obtained top score in a survey conducted by prestigious National Geographic Magazine.  The views of the steep mountains, waterfalls, and deep fjord below are breathtaking, and you can experience them on a bike, kayak, foot, or boat. 



Saturday, August 25 & Sunday, August 26-Open Day At Sea & Departure NYC
We will be on the sea all day on Saturday, so relax and enjoy....!  On Sunday morning we will return to Copenhagen and disembark.  We will transfer to the airport for our 2:30pm flight home, arriving at JFK at 7pm.

Zirkel The World will suggest and help plan different types of activities and tours in Reykjavik, Bergen, and Geiranger.  You may also organize your own tours prior to the trip!
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Discover Iceland: North & South
Date: Tuesday(pm), August 28 to Monday(Labor Day), September 3
Where: Reykjavik, Myvatn, Husavik, and Akureyri
6 Nights/6 Days

Included
International Airfare
Domestic Airfare to Akureyri
All Ground Transportation
5 Nights Accommodations
5 Breakfasts
Golden Circle Tour
Diamond Ring Road Tour
City Walking Tour
Blue Lagoon Entrance

Put down a $400 deposit to reserve your spot!
Early Bird Price: $1895 (deposit must be made by 5/31)
Base Price: $1995

Event Details
Join us over this holiday weekend to explore the natural wonders of the north in Akureyri and Myvatn!  Akureyri is considered the "capital of the north" that bustles with life all year round.  This town is popular to the tourists as well as the islanders with all kinds of activities and nightlife.  The Myvatn region is one of the highlights of the north, known for its geothermal activity and exceptional beauty of its natural phenomena.  We will also enjoy the famous Golden Circle Tour and the city of Reykjavik in the south!



Tuesday, August 28-Departure NYC
Depart JFK at 8:40pm, arriving in Reykjavik early Wednesday morning.

Wednesday, August 29-Golden Circle Tour
Once we arrive in Reykjavik in the morning, we will start our morning on our Golden Circle Tour to see many of Iceland's most popular attractions.  We will start with the world famous geothermal area of the great Geyser, the one and original hot spring on Earth.  Here we can explore on foot around the bubbling mud pools and venture up a hill to get a panoramic view.  Next, we'll come to the majestic Gullfoss referred to as the Golden Waterfall.  We'll walk down to the edge of the cascade, so close that you can even feel the mist on your face.  Next on the Golden Circle Tour will be Pingvellir National Park, which is one of the country's most significant historic regions.  Pingvellir is an amazing geological site where the tectonic plates of North America and Europe meet, forming a picturesque landscape. 



We will transfer to the domestic airport in the late afternoon for our 45min flight to Akureyri.  The town of Akureyri has great restaurants and nightlife we'll enjoy.

Thursday, August 30-Open Day In Akureyri & Krafla Volcano Exploring/Myvatn Steam Baths
Enjoy the first half of the day exploring this beautiful and quaint town in the north.  Some sights to explore may be the historical museums, botanical gardens, lean statue, swimming, shopping, cafes/restaurants.  In the mid afternoon we will drive to Lake Myvatn for our Krafla Volcano hike and Myvatn Steam Baths.

In the late afternoon, we'll start our exploration "walk/hike" around the Krafla Volcano.  After visiting the visitors information center to get the background on the Krafla volcano, we'll explore the popular hiking trails.  The hike will be a short hike including the recent lava field around "Leirhnjukur" and the explosion crater "Viti" (Hell), both popular sightseeing destinations.     



In the evening, we will relax and rejuvenate in Myvatn Nature Baths! 
"Drawing on a centuries-old tradition, the tastefully designed complex offers bathers a completely natural experience that begins with a relaxing dip amidst clouds of steam rising up from a fissure deep in the Earth's surface, and ends with a luxurious swim in a pool of geothermal water drawn from depths of up to 2,500 meters."

Friday, August 31- Jokulsargljufur N.P. & Husavik w/optional Whale Watching, Horse Riding, or Hiking

We will start our day early in the  famous Jokulsargljufur National Park which means "glacial river canyon."  It's often described as "Iceland's Grand Canyon" with the narrow gorge carved out by Iceland's second-longest river, the Jokulsa a Fjollum.  At the north end of the park, we'll visit the horseshoe-shaped Asbyrgi Canyon.  We'll take a short hike and explore the diverse birch forest, striking rock formations, lush valleys, and perpendicular cliffs. 



In the south end is Dettifoss-Europe's greatest waterfall, which is sometimes nicknamed as the "Niagara of Europe."  This waterfall has the greatest volume of any waterfall in Europe.  There is a short walk down to the lookout, and you may continue on to the edge of the waterfall for an even better view.  We will take another 20min hike from there to see Selfoss-a smaller, but striking waterfall.

For the afternoon portion of our day, we'll visit the beautiful fishing town of Husavik.  Husavik could easily win the title of the "most typical Icelandic town" and definitely the prettiest.  We'll  have the remaining of the day open to what you'd like to do.  Husavik is the place to experience the magic of whale watching in Northern Iceland.    You may also try Horse Riding along the coast.  If neither of these fit your fancy, there are some great hikes just outside of town to try!



Saturday, September 1-Reykjavik City Tour & Nightlife
In the late morning, we'll depart on our 45min domestic flight to Reykjavik.  Once in Reykjavik, we'll check into our hotel and get ready for our 2hr City Walking Tour.  Our Icelandic tour guide will walk us through the history of Reykjavik, from its start as a muddy colonial village by the smoky bay to becoming a modern city in the North.  We'll be taken where others don't and told stories you've never heard otherwise.  From the wild history of colonial time under the king of Norway and Denmark, to the tragedy of the downtown Architectural story and British occupancy, we'll get a perfect introduction to the city of Reykjavik.

For the remainder of the afternoon, you'll have free to enjoy anyway you choose.  Walk the streets of Reykjavik, shop, museums, galleries, parks, swimming pool, and more!  In the evening, we'll venture out to enjoy the fun and "late" night life.



Sunday, September 2-Open Day In Reykjavik
Today you pick how you'd like to spend your day.  With so much to choose from, it will be difficult!
-Explore Reykjavik
-Hot Springs & Hike Tour
-Snorkeling
-Caving
-Sea Kayaking
-Ice Climbing
-Snowmobiling/Glacier Trekking
-Rafting
-Jeep Excursion
-Horseback Riding
-And More!



Monday, September 3-Blue Lagoon & Departure
In the late morning we'll depart for the Blue Lagoon and International Airport.  The Blue Lagoon is truly one of a kind.  It is situated in the middle of a large lava field and created by geothermal seawater.  The hot water comes from holes as deep as 600ft which is used to fill the natural spa with warm and comfortable water, and is also used for powering the nearby energy station.  This experience is one that you will not forget!

We will depart around 2pm for our 5pm flight, arriving at JFK at 7pm.