Magazine - Glaciers and Geysers - Greenland and Iceland

Glaciers & Geysers: Greenland & Iceland AUGUST 16 – 28, 2019

People with a passion for travel Wheel & Anchor is a community of Canadian travellers, who value the camaraderie of travelling with friends, who love to see and experience the world, and who enjoy the occasional bottle of wine.

It’s not just about where we go, but who goes with us along the way.

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Qeqertarsuaq, Greenland

FOUNDER’S NOTE

“The problem with driving around Iceland is that you’re basically confronted by a new soul-enriching, breath-taking, life-affirming natural sight every five goddamn minutes. It’s totally exhausting.” ― Stephen Markley, author

As the saying goes, Iceland is green and Greenland is truly ice - so

I reside in the camp of people that suggest we should take it upon

much incredibly beautiful ice that it is hard for the average person

ourselves to try to see these places first hand. Seeing with your

to fathom it. Having been blessed to witness the gigantic glaciers of

own eyes and listening to the people who occupy themselves with

Antarctica and other parts of the world, the opportunity to see this

these issues day in and day out makes us more aware of the massive

‘island of ice’ is one that I look forward to sharing with our members.

challenge humanity has confronted itself with. Our program, Glaciers

Similarly, the volcanoes, geysers and waterfalls for which Iceland is

& Geysers, takes us up close and personal to some of the most fragile,

so beloved, are a treat for the eyes - mother nature offering up her

yet wondrous sights on the planet.

very best for those who take it upon themselves to make the journey.

There are hardly more compelling and critical topics in the media today than global warming and the effect on icecaps at both poles.

Greenland poses as significant a concern, considering that the vast majority of its ice rests on land (like Antarctica) and as the climate warms, the melting of Greenland’s massive glaciers will raise sea levels.

Gordon Dreger Founder

0 Number of guns carried by the Icelandic police force

0.025 Population density in Greenland (people per square km)

85 Percent of Iceland’s energy consumption from renewable sources

1989 Year that beer was made legal to drink in Iceland

2,565,000,000,000,000 Weight in tonnes of Greenland’s ice cap

AUGUST 16 – 28, 2019

Highlights Ice Fjord, Greenland

Disko Island, Greenland

Eyjafjallajökull Volcano, Iceland

Eqip Sermia Glacier, Greenland

Strokkur Geyser, Iceland

Host Profile

I can already imagine the look of awe and fascination on our members’ faces as the ship approaches the enormous Eqip Sermia glacier - known for its active calving. It is such moments that give me the greatest pride in hosting an expedition like this - to have enabled my guests to witness some of the most incredible natural wonders on the planet.

This program combines 5 full days taking in some of the best that Greenland’s west coast has to offer, with 5 days taking in the spectacular sights of Iceland’s southern regions, known as among the most picturesque in the country. It’s a fully packed and yet relaxed itinerary given that we stay in one hotel in Iceland and of course on the ship in Greenland.

I hope that you will find inspiration in the pages of this magazine that give you a small glimpse into what will no

Gordon Dreger Host – Glaciers & Geysers: Greenland & Iceland

doubt be one of the most memorable trips of our 2019 season.

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Ilulissat

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AUGUST 16 – 28, 2019

Qeqertarsuaq

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Sisimiut

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Kangerlussuaq

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Hraunfossar

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NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN

REYKJAVIK

Gullfoss

Skógafoss

Reykjavík Airport

DAY 1 // AUGUST 16

Depart Canada Depart from Canada

Board our international flight to Reykjavík, Iceland.

Anticipated Flight: Icelandair

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Departs

Arrives

9:00pm Toronto

6:20am (next day) Reykjavík

Al fresco dining in Reykjavík

DAY 2 // AUGUST 17

Arrive in Reykjavík, Iceland Breakfast, Lunch

On arrival in Reykjavík, we shall head to a local restaurant for breakfast before embarking on a sightseeing tour of the Icelandic capital. After the tour, we have the option of continuing to explore on our own or resting at the hotel before dinner.

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Reykjavík

...DAY 2 CONTINUED

Did you know...

Reykjavík is the capital of Iceland. It is located in the southwestern region of the island, on the southern shore of Faxa Bay. Its latitude is 64°08’ N, making it the world’s northernmost capital of a sovereign state. With a population of around 123,300, Reykjavík is the heart of Iceland’s cultural, economic and governmental activity.

Reykjavík is believed to be the location of the country’s first permanent settlement circa 874 AD. The city was founded in 1786 as an official trading town and grew steadily over the next decades, transforming into a regional and later national commercial centre and governmental seat. It is among the cleanest, greenest, and safest cities in the world.

Our hotel: Hotel Skuggi

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DAY 3 // AUGUST 18

Reykjavík – Kangerlussuaq, Greenland – Embarkation Breakfast, Dinner

In the morning we will meet our driver at the hotel and travel to Reykjavík domestic airport for our flight to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland.

Anticipated Flight: Charter flight Departs

Arrives

(TBA) Reykjavík

(TBA) Kangerlussuaq

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Kangerlussuaq, Greenland

Kangerlussuaq Airport

...DAY 3 CONTINUED

Did you know...

Kangerlussuaq is the home of the most important of Greenland’s two international airports. It is a former US airbase built originally in 1941 to support the traffic between USA and Europe during World War II. During the Korean War and Cold War, it served as a supply station for the Distant Early Warning Line bases, DYE 1, 2, 3 and 4. At its peak, 1,400 personnel were stationed at the base.

Eventually, the military base in Kangerlussuaq became inactive. In 1992, it was sold to the Greenlandic Home Rule for the symbolic amount of $1 USD. This former military base now acts as a hub for travellers heading toward western and northern Greenland. Although the airport hums with civilian travel, Kangerlussuaq is a quiet town with only 512 permanent residents, most of whom are airport employees. There is also an excellent supermarket, post office, restaurant and several small souvenir shops with locally produced artefacts.

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...DAY 3 CONTINUED

Upon arrival, we will drive to the small port where our ship, the Ocean Atlantic, awaits. The Zodiacs will ferry us in small groups to the ship, which will be anchored about one kilometre out into the fjord. After we enjoy our first chef-prepared dinner at sea, the Ocean Atlantic will cruise through the 160-kilometre fjord and out into the Davis Strait, named for the English explorer

John

Davis

(1550–1605),

who visited the area while seeking a Northwest Passage.

The area between Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut is a unique cultural landscape right at the Arctic Circle, and home to the best-preserved record of arctic hunting onwards.

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traditions

from

2500

BC

SHIP INFO

M/V Ocean Atlantic

OUR SHIP Ocean Atlantic is the perfect vessel for expedition cruising in Arctic waters!

Newly renovated in 2016 and with an international ice class rating of 1B, she is one of the strongest ships operating in the Arctic and Antarctica.

The ship was built in 1985 and underwent an extensive rebuild in 2010. With a length of 140m she has ample space on the multiple decks for several lecture halls, a relaxed restaurant serving 4-star international cuisine, professionally staffed bars and observation platforms – and even a pool.

All common areas on the Erickson Deck feature large panel windows, enabling passengers to quickly spot passing whales and photographic sights from the comfort of indoor lounges.

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FACTS AT A GLANCE • Crew: 140

• Ice class: 1B

• Guests: 198

• Cruising speed: 12 knots (max. 15

• Length: 140m

knots)

• Breadth: 21m

• Elevators: 2

• Draft: 5.8m

• Lifeboats: 8 (covered)

• Propulsion: 4 x 3,600kW engines

• Zodiac excursion boats: 20

• Stabilizers: 2

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OUR CABINS Ocean Atlantic has one premium suite category and four cabin categories. All private cabins are stylishly appointed and

feature

individual

bathroom

facilities, phone for internal calls, individual temperature controls and TV. Ideal for relaxation, the vessel’s accommodation ranges in size from 11 - 35 sq.m. and are designed with either portholes or windows. All cabins are equipped with 220 volt outlets.

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ZODIAC LANDINGS One feature of our expedition cruises includes landings and excursions aboard Ocean Atlantic’s fleet of 20 inflatable, motorized rubber “Zodiac” boats. The Zodiac brand has earned a well-deserved reputation as the sturdiest and safest small watercraft available. These boats have a low draft and great stability. Zodiacs are constructed for professional use and are outfitted with a top-quality outboard engine, yet their design minimally impacts the environment.

The Zodiacs are designed to provide unrestricted access to the world’s last great frontier. Their versatility enables us to make landfall on remote shores, cruise along awe-inspiring coastlines and share breathtakingly close encounters with whales, seals, penguins, seabirds and more. We will come within arm’s reach of icebergs and set foot on land discovered by pioneering explorers just over a century ago.

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Colourful houses in Sisimiut

DAY 4 // AUGUST 19

Sisimiut Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Early in the morning, we will arrive at Sisimiut. After breakfast, we will head out to tour the city.

Did you know...

Sisimiut

is

the

northernmost

Greenland

community accessible by ship during the winter, due to the fact that the adjacent sea is relatively free of ice. With 5,400 inhabitants, it is considered Greenland’s second ‘city’. People have lived around Sisimiut for about 4,500 years, and it was the first home of the Saqqaq, Dorset and Thule cultures after they migrated from present-day Canada.

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The Blue Church in Sisimiut

...DAY 4 CONTINUED

In 1756 Count Johan Ludvig Holstein established a colony in Sisimiut and called it “Holsteinsborg.” The oldest part of Sisimiut’s historic quarter features townhouses from this “Holsteinsborg” era, with the oldest building dating back to 1756. One of the most culturally significant buildings is the Blue Church, built in 1775.

Nowadays, Sisimiut is an important industrial

centre,

with

local

factories processing the bulk of the Royal Greenland company’s fishing yield. The fish processing plant is one of the largest of its kind in the country.

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...DAY 4 CONTINUED

Tour highlights will include the historic colonial quarter, the museum, and the beautiful church. We will also visit the busy city centre for a glimpse of daily life in modern Greenland. In the afternoon, our sea voyage will continue northward.

As evening falls, we will pass the Sisimiut Isortuat Fjord, the Nordre Strømfjord settlements of Attu and Ikerasaarsuk, and the small town of Kangaatsiaq. After nightfall we will pass Aasiaat and proceed into the southern waters of Disko Bay, where our next stop, Disko Island, is located.

At this point, we will be north of the Arctic Circle! Here, the nights are bright and early risers can enjoy the sight of the icebergs on Disko Bay.

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Sisimiut on a cloudy day

FEATURE

Is Greenland Really Melting?

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FEATURE: Is Greenland Really Melting?

The speculation that Greenland is

During the last century, the

melting does, on the surface, have

Greenland ice sheet lost an

an outlandish ring to it. How does a

estimated 90 billion tonnes per

country melt? The answer is: quite

year, but as of 2018, the rate has

easily, when much of it consists of a

escalated to an average of 269

colossal ice sheet. And scientists are

billion tonnes. A study published

concerned.

in the scientific journal Geophysical Research Letters claimed that

Greenland is the world’s largest

between 2011 and 2014 alone,

island. Its massive ice sheet is

Greenland lost one trillion tonnes of

second only to the Antarctic ice

ice.

sheet in size. It measures nearly 2,400 kilometres long, 1,100

Ice loss is especially prevalent in the

kilometres wide, and up to three

southwest, although researchers

kilometres thick in parts. If the

observed that the northern, cooler

entire area melted, it would

parts of Greenland also experienced

raise sea levels by seven metres.

a significant rate of melting. An

Although the current melting rate

estimated 12% of all ice loss came

is adding approximately 1mm per

from five glaciers that constituted

year to the world’s average sea

less than 1% of the total area of

level, scientists are concerned that

the ice sheet. All of them flow into

the ice sheet is liquidating at a

the sea, which suggests that a

unprecedented rate of speed and

combination of rising ocean and air

volume.

temperatures are contributing to their recession.

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Waterfall on Disko Island

FEATURE: Is Greenland Really Melting?

One, the famous Jakobshavn glacier, has lost blocks of ice measuring several square metres: in 2015, it released an iceberg measuring five square miles.

Three years previously, in July 2012, a massive ice sheet twice the size of Manhattan broke away from the Petermann glacier, which also lost a 260 square kilometre sheet of ice in August 2012.

Some scientists have blamed the accelerated melting on the proliferation of dark algae growing on the ice as the result of extended warm periods. The Arctic is warming more quickly than other regions: the average air temperature in Greenland has gone up by about seven degrees Fahrenheit since 1991.

While the uncovered ice can deflect most of the sun’s energy because it is white, dark algae absorbs heat and increases the melting rate. Satellite images have also shown that summer cloud cover over the island has decreased by over 84% between 1982 and 2009, exposing more ice to the warming rays of the sun.

Although there is no imminent danger of global flooding, scientists and researchers are watching Greenland closely. Global warming may be making the island true to its name, which will have consequences that need to be managed.

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Ilulissat icefjord

Qeqertarsuaq River

DAY 5 // AUGUST 20

Qeqertarsuaq on Disko Island Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our next sojourn will be on Disko Island, where the Ocean Atlantic will dock in a protected natural harbour on the southern tip. Its Danish name is Godhavn (‘Good Harbour’) in Danish, while its Greenlandic name, Qeqertarsuaq, means ‘The Big Island’.

Did you know...

Qeqertarsuaq has a long, rich history. It once served as one of Greenland’s important economic centres. From the 16th century onwards, the community was relatively prosperous and even considered the most important town north of Nuuk until the mid-1900s.

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Lutheran Church in Qeqertarsuaq

...DAY 5 CONTINUED

We will spend most of the day touring the town. Highlights include a visit to the distinctive octagonal church, nicknamed “God’s Inkpot”, and a stop at a local community centre, where a traditional “kaffemik” will be hosted, complete

with

coffee,

cake

and

traditional dances and music.

Greenlandic by

music

incorporating

music from

is

influenced

other

Dutch

and

cultures, Scottish

polka, American country and rock ‘n’ roll, and even Hawaiian music, which inspired the so-called Vaigat-musicians in Greenland in the 1950s and 60s.

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Eqip Sermia Glacier

...DAY 5 CONTINUED

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As the day draws to a close, the Ocean Atlantic

studies. One such explorer, Swiss glaciologist

will set a northeasterly course bound for a

Alfred de Quervain, used it as a launchpad

magnificent natural highlight – the enormous

for his expeditions to Greenland’s inland ice

Eqip Sermia Glacier.

sheet over a century ago.

Situated approximately 50 nautical miles

We will sail as close as possible to the ice’s

north of Ilulissat, the Eqip Sermia Glacier is

edge while maintaining a safe distance to

renowned for its beauty. Early Arctic explorers

avoid any plunging blocks of ice from the

selected this location as a base for their

calving glacier.

Icebergs of the coast of Ilulissat

DAY 6 // AUGUST 21

Ilulissat

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The name Ilulissat means ‘icebergs’ in Greenlandic, and the town’s nickname is, naturally,‘the Iceberg Capital’.

Did you know...

In Disko Bay, which is located just off the coast of Ilulissat, gigantic icebergs linger in the freezing waters.

These impressive frozen structures are borne some 70 kilometres deeper into the fjord by the enormous Sermeq Kujalleq glacier. While most glaciers only calve (cut away pieces of ice) at a rate of approximately one metre/three feet a day, the Ilulissat glacier calves at a rate of 25 metres per day. The icebergs produced by the glacier represent more than 10% of all icebergs in Greenland. This distinction, combined with its unforgettable scenery, have secured the Icefjord a place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

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Ilulissat, Greenland

...DAY 6 CONTINUED

During the 250-plus years that have passed since its founding, Ilulissat has steadily flourished. Today, it is Greenland’s third largest town, with more than 4,500 inhabitants. It is very vibrant, welcoming and lively with a wide range of cultural attractions. The legendary polar explorer, Knud Rasmussen, and his good friend, Jørgen Brønlund, were both born in Ilulissat.

Today we will have the opportunity to join an optional boat trip to the Icefjord. The journey takes about two and a half hours in total and offers a great opportunity to take a closer look at the amazing ice-sculpted scenery. There may also be a chance to take an optional helicopter ride over the Icefjord.

In the evening we will cruise southward from “the Iceberg Capital”, leaving the beauty and majesty of Disko Bay behind us.

Note: The boat and helicopter excursions to the Icefjord are not included in the general tour price. Both excursions must be booked in advance, and prices are subject to change.

Sailing among Icebergs in Ilulissat:

USD$120 per person

Helicopter ride in Ilulissat:

USD$650 per person

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Itilleq, Greenland

DAY 7 // AUGUST 22

Itilleq

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we will visit the settlement of Itilleq, which translates to ‘the hollow’ or ‘the flatlands’. The settlement’s 100-plus residents make their living hunting, trapping and fishing. Although Itilleq is quite remote, it is only a few hours away via dinghy sail from Sisimiut, the second-largest town in Greenland.

A stroll through the settlement offers inspiring insights into rural life in Greenland, where modern conveniences and technological advancements have become commonplace, yet locals still value their traditions and Inuit heritage.

Before lunch, we will return to the Ocean Atlantic and continue our journey toward the fjord of Kangerlussuaq, also known as Sondrestromfjord.

The first segment of the fjord offers panoramic views of high mountains and deep valleys.

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Greenland ice river

DAY 8 // AUGUST 23

Kangerlussuaq – Disembarkation – Reykjavík, Iceland Breakfast

After breakfast aboard the ship, we will bid farewell to the ship’s staff before boarding the Zodiac boats for the trip to shore.

Kangerlussuaq’s landscape has largely been shaped by the last glaciation period, known simply as the “Ice Age,” some 18,000 years ago. The mountains are rounded and soft, and many meltwater lakes remain. From the inland ice sheet, best known as the Greenland Ice Sheet, the meltwater cuts its way through the porous landscape and flows into Kangerlussuaq Fjord. This close proximity to the Ice Sheet results in temperatures that jump up to 30°C in the summer, before falling to an extremely low -40°C in winter, making Kangerlussuaq the coldest inhabited area in Greenland.

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Ljubljana, Slovenia

Cityscape of Reykjavik reflected in lake Tjornin

...DAY 8 CONTINUED

In Kangerlussuaq we will have the opportunity to enjoy an optional four-hour excursion to the beautiful Reindeer Glacier. This outing will mark the end of our Arctic adventure. After breakfast and checkout, we will fly from Kangerlussuaq to Reykjavík.

Anticipated Flight: Charter flight Departs

Arrives

(TBA) Kangerlussuaq

(TBA) Reykjavík

Our driver will meet us at the Reykjavík domestic airport and convey us to our hotel in Reykjavík.

Our hotel: Hotel Skuggi

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Strokkur Geyser

DAY 9 // AUGUST 24

Golden Circle Breakfast, Lunch

Today we will enjoy a Golden Circle tour. The highlight of this excursion is Thingvellir National Park, which is located by Lake Thingvallavatn, the largest lake in Iceland. The beautiful canyon running through the park is actually the meeting point of two of the earth’s tectonic plates. The oldest form of Parliament has also been meeting here since 930.

We will also visit Gullfoss, a two-tiered waterfall where thousands of tons of icy water thunder majestically down into a deep canyon and Geysir geothermal area, where bubbling hot springs and geysers are abundant. It is also the location of Strokkur, the most active geyser in the area, which spouts up to 25-30 metres every few minutes.

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FEATURE

Volcanoes of Iceland 34

FEATURE: Volcanoes of Iceland

Iceland has been called a paradise

Mount Hekla

Grímsvötn

Katla

for volcanologists. Its position in the

Iceland’s most famous volcano

Located in the southeastern part

Katla, which means ‘Kettle’, is

middle of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge,

is Mount Hekla, located in the

of the island, Grímsvötn is a crater-

located in the nature reserve

which is a 40,000 km crack in the

highly active volcano zone along

shaped volcano measuring around

of Katla Geopark, which covers

ocean floor, makes it a big volcanic

the island’s south shore. It has

900 metres in diameter. It has the

nearly 9% of the country’s surface.

hotspot. The Ridge has been active

experienced over 20 eruptions

highest frequency of eruption of the

It has erupted approximately 20

for over 20 million years, which

since 874 AD, the biggest of which

volcanoes in Iceland. In November

times since Iceland was settled.

coincides with the timespan of

occurred in 1104, when Mount

2004, a week-long eruption

Although it is partly buried under

intense volcanic activity in the

Hekla showered millions of tonnes

occurred, this one sending volcanic

Mýrdalsjökull glacier, its summit

country. It has been estimated that

of rock over its surroundings and

ash all the way to the European

measures 1512 metres. Katla has

since the Middle Ages, one-third of

prompted Cistercian monks to call

continent and even disrupting

a track record of erupting twice

all the lava to reach the surface of

it the ‘gateway to Hell’ and ‘prison of

airline traffic temporarily. In May

per century, and since the last

the earth has erupted in Iceland.

Judith’. Its last eruption was in 2000.

2011 Grímsvötn saw its strongest

one that actually broke the glacier

Major volcanic events hit the island

eruption in the last 100 years:

ice occurred in 1918, concerned

an average of once every five years.

the resulting ash cloud brought

scientists are keeping a close eye on

most air traffic to a halt in Iceland,

it.

Greenland, Scotland, Norway, Svalbard, and parts of Denmark.

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FEATURE: Volcanoes of Iceland

Askja Askja is a cauldron-shaped depression in the central highlands.

It is only accessible a few months of the year, making it virtually unknown until it erupted in 1875, producing an ash cloud serious enough to kill livestock. Despite its history (two scientists disappeared there in 1907 and were never found) Askja remains popular with tourists.

There is a campsite at Dreki, which is an eight-kilometre drive from the Askja caldera (cauldron).

There are over 100 volcanoes in central Iceland that have not erupted in the last thousand years and approximately 30 that have been dormant for the last few centuries. Despite this element of danger, the volcanoes of Iceland are spectacular natural creations that are well worth a visit.

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ViĚ ti crater in the caldera of the volcano Askja

DAY 10 // AUGUST 25

Langjökull Glacier Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast we will tour the Langjökull Glacier Tunnel, which is the world’s first, and biggest, man-made ice cap glacier tunnel. On the way to the edge of the glacier, we will stop and witness natural phenomena such as Deildartunguhver, the largest hot spring region in Europe, and Hraunfossar Waterfalls, a series of waterfalls formed by rivulets streaming 900 metres out of a lava field.

At Langjökull glacier, we will board an eight-wheeled glacier truck to reach the entrance of the ice cave.

During the excursion within the glacier itself, we will see colours of blue we never knew existed, and learn how glaciers hide the secrets of history.

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Hraunfossar Waterfalls

Santa’s mailbox in Reykjavik

DAY 11 // AUGUST 26

Reykjavík Breakfast

During this day in Reykjavík, we will enjoy everything modern Iceland has to offer, from stylish coffee shops to majestic museums and even one of the various optional tours available.

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DAY 12 // AUGUST 27

South Coast Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we shall drive through fertile farmlands en route to the majestic mountains, which include the snow-shrouded Hekla and the ice-capped volcano Eyjafjallajökull. The itinerary will include a visit to the newly opened Lava Centre Volcano Exhibition, where we shall learn about the geology of Iceland, and a drive through the region where Njál’s Saga, one of the best known of the Icelandic classical sagas, is set.

The South Shore is one of the most popular regions of Iceland thanks to such spectacular sights as the Seljalandsfoss and Skógarfoss waterfalls, the stone arch Dyrhólaey with its sheer cliffs, and the picturesque setting of Vík village.

At the end of the day we shall return to Reykjavík and enjoy a three-course farewell dinner at the hotel.

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Eyjafjallajökull, Iceland

FEATURE

Geothermal Power in Iceland

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FEATURE: Geothermal Power in Iceland

Every year, the hot springs and

the need for hot water heating.

geothermal pools of Iceland draw tourists who revel and relax in the

Iceland has geographical

warm water. People who visit such

peculiarities that make it the only

celebrated ‘hot spots’ as the Blue

country in the world to receive

Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and the

all of its heat and electricity from

Mývatn Nature Baths have little idea

renewable resources. Using

that the hot water they are bathing

geothermal energy for heating

in is the result of the same natural

alone saves the island over $100

geological activity that powers the

million US in imported fossil fuels

volcanos.

every year. It also creates fewer CO2 emissions, making Iceland one of

At present over 90% of the

the word’s least-polluted countries.

country’s homes are kept warm by

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geothermal heat, which is one of

Oddly enough, geothermal energy

the cleanest and most cost-effective

was discovered by accident. In

forms of energy. It keeps sidewalks

1907, a west Iceland farmer got the

and car parks free of ice and snow in

idea to run steam from a nearby

the wintertime. There is no national

hot spring into his home through

grid: to harness the geothermal

a concrete pipe. By 1930 hot water

energy, drills are stuck in the ground

was being used to warm homes

near one of Iceland’s hundreds of

in Reykjavik, but the greater part

hot springs. The steam rising from

of the country continued to be

the water is used to turn turbines

powered by coal until the 1970s

and pump up water for delivery to

oil crisis prompted a switch to

nearby towns and cities, eliminating

hydropower and geothermal heat.

Deildartunguhver hot springs

FEATURE: Geothermal Power in Iceland

The Icelandic government put a

Today, Iceland’s large aluminium

lot of resources and funding into

manufacturing sector uses

building new heating services

geothermal power to run its

and running pipelines from the

smelting process. Overseas

thermal fields into farms, villages,

companies are taking notice: Hitachi

and towns. By switching from oil

Data Systems partnered with Data

to geothermal energy, Iceland has

Islandia to offer international

realized huge economic savings that

customers data storage powered

turned it from one of the poorest

entirely by natural energy.

countries in the European Economic Area to one of the richest in terms

According to geologists, Iceland has

of quality of life.

barely scratched the surface of what geothermal power can do. They predict that the country has the potential to meet all of the northern hemisphere’s energy needs, an eventuality that could make a positive difference in the future of the planet.

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Kroflustoo Geothermal Power Station

The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa

DAY 13 // AUGUST 28

Blue Lagoon Departure ReykjavĂ­k Breakfast

On our last day in Iceland , we will board a private bus and be taken from our hotel to the Blue Lagoon for a soothing and relaxing soak in the milky blue water before heading out to the airport for our flight home.

Anticipated Flight: Icelandair Departs

Arrives

5:00pm ReykjavĂ­k

6:55pm Toronto

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Pricing & Inclusions

PACKAGE PRICE (AIR & LAND) PER PERSON Cabin Category

Twin Occupancy

Single Occupancy

Cat. G (single cabin)

N/A

CAD $10,750 per person

Cat. E

CAD $8,890 per person

CAD $12,470 per person

Cat. D

CAD $9,640 per person

CAD $13,780 per person

Cat. C

CAD $9,890 per person

CAD $14,210 per person

Cat. B

CAD $11,700 per person

CAD $17,380 per person

Cat. A

CAD $12,070 per person

CAD $18,020 per person

Cat. Suite

CAD $12,950 per person

CAD $19,570 per person

Categories shown apply to the expedition cruise portion only. Hotel rooms are all in the same category.

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INCLUSIONS • Roundtrip international airfare and air taxes Toronto-Reykjavik-Toronto on Icelandair. Airfares from other cities across Canada are available upon request.

• Services of a Wheel & Anchor host from arrival until departure Iceland portion • 6 nights hotel accommodation in Reykjavik with daily breakfast • Tours and transfers as per itinerary including entry fees • Meals as per itinerary with water and coffee/tea included • Porterage at hotels • Local government taxes and services charges • All gratuities for local guides and drivers Greenland portion • 6 days / 5 nights voyage Kangerlussuaq – Kangerlussuaq cruise to Disko Bay. • Roundtrip charter flight Keflavik-Kangerlussuaq-Keflavik • Full board on ship; breakfast-lunch-dinner, from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on last day.

• Free coffee and tea during the voyage.

• Port costs, pilot fees, National Park fees, AECO fees.

• English speaking expedition team during voyage.

• Information briefings and lectures by expedition team in English.

• Zodiac transports (ship-to-shore and cruises) and shore landings according to itinerary.

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...INCLUSIONS CONTINUED Cruise portion • Boots in all assorted sizes, suitable for shore landings.

• All gratuities for ship crew and local guides and drivers for included shore excursions

EXCLUSIONS • Optional tours offered by the cruise company • Meals not included in the itinerary • Optional travel, health, accident or other insurance

AIR CREDIT If you wish to arrange your own international air Toronto- Reykjavik-Toronto, an air credit of CAD$700 per person will be deducted from the tour cost.

DEPOSIT AND PAYMENT At time of booking:

CAD$1,500 per person

Final payment:

remaining balance due May 04, 2019

CANCELLATION PENALTY Between time of booking & May 3, 2019:

CAD$1,500 per person

Between May 4, 2019 & date of departure:

100% of total cost

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SPECIAL NOTE • Names provided at time of booking MUST exactly match your passport • You must have a passport valid for at least 6 months after your return date • Please contact us for premium economy, or business class upgrade • Please contact us for optional travel insurance

WALKING DIFFICULTY Moderate This tour involves a light to moderate activity level. Most of the walking tours are not more than 30 minutes in duration. None of the excursions involve hiking on uneven surfaces with the exception of the Ice Tunnel where the floor is covered with snow and ice but safe. The expedition cruise includes landings and excursions aboard the ship’s fleet of inflatable, motorized rubber boats.

Assistance is provided by the ship crew but guests must be able to otherwise walk unaided.

This tour is subject to our complete terms and conditions which are available upon request and will be automatically provided at time of booking.

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Glaciers & Geysers: Greenland & Iceland AUGUST 16 – 28, 2019

WHEELANDANCHOR.CA +1 (416) 628-2800 EXT. 250 INFO@WHEELANDANCHOR.CA

All tours are sold through New Sky Travel, 2900 Warden Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M1W 2S8 TICO Reg. No. 1817786.

Bookings are subject to our standard terms & conditions, all of which are available from our office upon request or automatically at the time of booking.