Sacred Heart Chorus to Iceland

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Friday February 27: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Saturday February 28: Reykjavik

Welcome to Iceland! Meet your guide and private tour bus at the Keflavík international Airport and start the day off with a visit to Viking World Museum. This museum focuses on the Vikings who explored Greenland and North America. A highlight is the Íslendingur, a replica of a Viking ship that sailed between Iceland and North America in the year 2000 to celebrate the 1000th anniversary of the Leifur Eiríksson’s voyage to North America Iceland’s music and art are heavily influenced by the country’s landscapes. Afterwards, head to Reykjavik. You’ll get an introduction to the mystical and unforgettable landscapes with a drive over ancient volcanic lava flows to Reykjavík, passing by Bessastaðir, the Presidential estate. Check into your accommodation, or store your luggage if the rooms are not ready. (B,D)

Day 3, Sunday March 1: Reykjavik

After breakfast, provided each day at your hotel, meet your guide and head to the Golden Circle region. Start by visiting Þingvellir National Park, site of the world’s oldest democratic parliament founded in 930 AD. Every year Vikings across the land would meet here for several days to discuss laws. Musical and artistic events were also part of this event. Þingvellir is also the site where the North American and European tectonic plates at the dramatic Mid-Atlantic ridge. Explore Gullfoss, the “Golden Waterfall”, and the nearby Geysir hot spring area to see the famous erupting Strokkur hot spring, as well as numerous other bubbling hot springs and boiling mud pools.Continue to the beautiful church and cultural centre of Skálholt. Before Reykjavík, this was Iceland’s cultural and political “capital.” Medieval scholars and clergy at Skálholt preserved many ancient Nordic musical and literary works, some dating back to Viking times. Your group will rehearse, have lunch, and hold a concert at Skálholt for the local farmers and visitors staying in the area in summer cottages. (B,D)

Day 4, Monday March 2: Reykjavik

After an early start and breakfast, head to the beautiful south coast region. If the skies are clear, you’ll have a view of two famous volcanoes. Beautiful Mt. Hekla is Iceland’s most frequently erupting volcano (last eruption: AD 2000). Eyjafjallajökull is probably the most famous volcano in the world today; its 2010 eruption halted international air traffic. Stop at Seljalandsfoss, a ribbon-shaped waterfall. Drive along the hills of Eyjafjallajökull, a scenic setting with rich farmland. Visit breathtaking Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s most photographed waterfalls. Drive past the rocky Dyrhólaey headland with its sheer cliffs en route to Vík, a charming village famous for its volcanic black sand beaches. Take a a walk on the black sand beach, where you can get a view of the Reynisdrangar rocks – 66 metres (215 feet) above sea level and feel the power of the thundering Atlantic ocean waves coming to shore. Return to Reykjavik where you'll have dinner together in a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 5, Tuesday March 3: Reykjavik

This morning is yours to explore Reykjavik at your own pace. Come together this afternoon for your rehearsal, followed by a joint concert in a local church, with an Icelandic choir. Join together at the venue with your fellow performers, for a rehearsal before the concert. There will be offered light refreshments after the concert, followed by dinner at your hotel. (B,D)

Day 6, Wednesday March 4: Reykjavik

Start the day off with a whale watching tour from Reykjavik. Expert guides and friendly crew will welcome you aboard, share with you interesting information about different kinds of whales and seabirds you may expect to see on your tour and will teach you how to spot whales out in the bay. With an on-board display of whale teeth, bones, baleen, plankton nets and a microscope, this tour truly is a hands-on floating Whale Watching classroom! In the afternoon you will head to Laugardalslaug swimming pool. A facility that includes 1 indoor pool, 2 outdoor pools, sauna, hot tubs and a water slide. Return to Reykjavik where you'll have dinner in a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 7, Thursday March 5: Reykjavik

Enjoy a leisurely day in Reykjavik, free for own activities. You'll have time to rehearse in the dining area of the hotel, in preparation for your concert performance tomorrow. Enjoy dinner together tonight at your hotel. (B,D)

Day 8, Friday March 6: Reykjavik

This morning is yours to explore at your leisure. In the afternoon you will be hosting your own concert at Harpa Concert Hall. Head to Harpa before the concert, for a rehearsal. The concert will go on for an hour and a half, including a break where the choir will have a chance to engage in conversation with the audience.Celebrate your successful performance tour of Iceland with a special farewell dinner together tonight. (B,D)

Day 9, Saturday March 7: Departure

Transfer to the airport for return flight to the United States. (B)