ICELAND Climb for Cancer: Iceland Hiking Expedition Led by Ron Farb and Brynjolfur GislasonAugust 14-24, 2017

Join the Climb for Cancer Foundation to experience stunning Iceland. The Climb for Cancer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization whose mission is to help ease the pain and suffering of those affected by cancer. Cofounded by Ron and Dianne Farb in 2002, the Foundation has made a tangible impact on the lives of many people fighting the disease. The Foundation has funded or created several psycho-social programs which provide support to the patient and the family, funded research grants, and given kids an opportunity to attend cancer camps. The Foundation likes to think that its small gifts fill in the cracks left by organizations that make much larger gifts.

• Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime trekking adventure along Iceland’s Southern and Western region under the expert guidance of Ron Farb and Brynjolfur Gislason.

• See and experience the geological wonders of Iceland, including waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, lagoons, and geysers.

• Go on daily hikes of moderate to challenging difficulty through the country’s diverse landscapes.

• Scale Eyjafjallajökull, an active volcano with a summit elevation of 5,417 feet.

• Watch for puffins and other interesting birdlife.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

holbrooktravel.com | 800-451-7111

Phot

o b

y A

nn &

Rob

Sim

pso

n

PHO

TO B

Y K

YLE

TA

YLO

R

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO ENROLL:Contact Ron Farb: 352-333-9663Lisa Palmese-Graubard: 800-451-7111 x339 | lisa@holbrooktravel.comRegister online at holbrook.travel/cfc-iceland17

ICELAND

AUGUST 14 - EN ROUTE Board overnight flight to Iceland. Overnight flight.

AUGUST 15 - SELFOSSUpon arrival into the Reykjavik Airport you will be met at the airport and transferred to Hotel Selfoss in south Iceland. The hotel is located in the heart of the Golden Circle on the banks of the Ölfusá River. Upon arrival you will have the remainder of the day to relax and rest up. This evening receive an orientation to Iceland with a welcome dinner. Overnight at Hotel Selfoss. (LD)

AUGUST 16 - SELFOSSThis morning begin exploring what is known as the Golden Circle. Þingvellir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a national shrine of extraordinary natural beauty, where some of the most important events of Icelandic history took place. Þingvellir was formed by volcanic activity, and Almanngjá lies at the boundary of the American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Hike from the Hakið, down through Almannagjá to Öxarárfoss Waterfall and over to Skógarkot abandoned farm site via Skógarkotstrail and the coach will pick you up at Vatnskot. The trail is approximately five to six and a half miles long and takes about two to three hours to complete. The hike is on even landscape and is well marked. The next stop will be at Fontana in Laugarvatn to experience a geothermal bakery and try some fresh spring bread. Then, visit a greenhouse and horse stable in Friðheimar to enjoy a light lunch homemade from the ingredients grown in the greenhouse. Continue to Geysir and Gullfoss Waterfall. Geysir, the most famous spouting hot spring in the world, is the origin of the international word geyser. Today, Geysir doesn’t erupt without human intervention, but a nearby hot spring, Strokkur, spouts about every 10 minutes. Gullfoss, in the Hvítá River, is Iceland’s most famous waterfall, and has long been regarded as the most beautiful. Overnight at Hotel Selfoss. (BLD)

AUGUST 17 - HVOLSVÖLLUR Today will be a full day of trekking up Eyjafjallajökull Volcano. In April 2010, Eyjafjallajökull erupted and today you will witness firsthand the effects of the eruption on the glacier and the surrounding environment, plus enjoy the stunning views for which the mountain is known, all in the safe company of expert guides. Climbing Eyjafjallajökull takes about eight to 10 hours to complete. There are no technical difficulties but the top part is glaciated and crevassed. The ice cap covers the caldera of the volcano, with a summit elevation of 5,417 feet. Overnight at Hotel Hvolsvöllur or similar. (BLD)

AUGUST 18 - HVOLSVÖLLURAfter yesterday’s demanding hike, spend today casually exploring the Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls and the surrounding areas. Visit Reynisdrangar Beach to see the basalt needles and Reynishverfi Beach to see the hexagonal basalt columns. Next visit the Dyrhólaey Reserve for a hike and the opportunity to see puffins. Do some hiking with

the guide in the area as much as possible and where the guide sees opportunities. Overnight at Hotel Hvolsvöllur or similar. (BD)

AUGUST 19 - HVOLSVÖLLURToday, prepare for an eight- to 10-hour hike of the Fimmvörðuháls pass from Skógar to Thorsmork. Begin at Skógar, hiking along the Skógá River and encountering many of its waterfalls, ending up between two glaciers, Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. Notice the heat under your feet emanating from the fresh lava from the recently formed craters, Magni and Móði. On the way down to the Þórsmörk Glacier Valley, witness the remarkable views over the surrounding glaciers and highlands of Iceland. This hike is 15.5 miles long and will have a gain in elevation of over 3,280 feet. Overnight at Hotel Hvolsvöllur or similar. (BLD)

AUGUST 20 - ÖRÆFIDepart the hotel this morning and head further east. Drive via Kirkjubæjarklaustur to Skaftafell National Park, one of Iceland’s most outstanding areas of natural beauty and dominated by the glacier Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap. The hike of the day is Svínafellsjökull. The hike starts in Skaftafell and leads to a walk on the Svínafellsjökull Glacier Tongue in Skaftafell National Park, an easy two-hour walk on crampons. Svínafellsjökull is a breathtaking outlet glacier of the Vatnajökull Glacier and the scenery and views are simply stunning. Walk through a wonderland of glacial ice sculptures, meandering through ice ridges and the deep crevasses of the glacier. At the outset, an experienced guide will teach you how to use basic glacier equipment like crampons and ice axes, the required equipment for this tour. Continue to Jökulsárlón, where you can view floating icebergs on this 590-foot-deep glacial lagoon. Take a boat trip to get up and close to the icebergs. This is one of the most photographed sites in Iceland, and you will spend a good amount of time here catching the stunning scenery. Overnight at Fosshótel Ice Lagoon or similar. (BD)

AUGUST 21 - HVERAGERDIToday the group will either hike the Skaftafellsheiði Plateau Circuit or the Bæjarstaðarskógur forest. Option 1: This morning hike the Skaftafellsheiði Plateau Circuit. The route starts from Skaftafell Visitor Centre and is the same as if you were going to Svartifoss. It is possible to go all the way to Svartifoss and then head on to Sjónarsker, but the shortest way is to cross the river on the walking bridge next to Magnúsarfoss and from there head to Sjónarsker. From Sjónarsker the path goes all the way towards Kristínartindar. When arriving at the crossroads at the foot of Kristínartindar, continue straight towards Gláma. From Gláma the path takes you down to Sjónarnípa and then onwards to the visitor center/campground via Austurbrekkur. This hike is rated as challenging; it is approximately 10.5 miles long and takes five to six hours to complete. Option 2: This morning hike Bæjarstaðarskógur forest. The route starts from Skaftafell Visitor Centre. Head towards Sjónarsker and continue to Morsárdalur. Continue across the footbridge over Morsá river and straight on the marked trail that leads to the birch woods in Bæjarstaðarskógur. The trail

BLD = BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

ITINERARY

LAND PRICE

THE FINE PRINT

$7,675 per person based on double occupancy**

Single Supplement: $1,042

**Pricing is based on a minimum of 10 travelers. If the group size reaches 15 travelers, the per person pricing in double will be $6,575.

Required minimum $500 per person donation to the Climb for Cancer Foundation.

Cost does not include international airfare or tips/gratuities.

A $200 per person deposit and enrollment form is required to hold your space on the trip. This deposit is refundable minus a $100 cancellation fee until May 11, 2017, at which time final non-refundable payment is due. Travel/trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. For more information call Travel Insured at 800-243-3174 or visit travelinsured.com. Holbrook Travel’s agency number is 15849.

ESTIMATED AIR PRICE

$1,100 per person from Orlando (estimated)Group air is required from Orlando. Holbrook can arrange the flights between your home city and Orlando if desired.

continues through the woods and past two beautiful ravines that are worth a closer look. Please note that there are no way markers in front of the ravines or a well-defined trail. However, a way-marked trail restarts next to Jökulfell and continues to the footbridge at Götugil. Cross the bridge and follow the marked trail to Skaftafell Visitor Centre. This hike is rated as challenging; it is approximately 10 miles long and takes four to five hours to complete. After the hike, continue via South Shore to wagerdi for overnight. Overnight at Frost and Fire Hotel. (BLD)

AUGUST 22 - SNAEFELLSNES PENINSULADepart from Hveragerdi to Snæfellsnes Peninsula via Hvalfjörður Tunnel and Borgarnes village. Snaefellsnes is a unique area with a variety of geological interests such as lava fields, volcanoes, glaciers, beautiful rock formations, yellow and black sand beaches and caves, plus interesting bird life. The main attraction is Snaefellsjökull Glacier, a beautifully shaped cone volcano at the very end of the peninsula. The glacier and the unspoiled natural wonders surrounding it feature in Jules Verne’s novel “Journey to the Center of the Earth,” and it is one of the seven most energetic sites on Earth according to some New Age sources. Búðir is a very impressive area, where you can have a lovely walk in unique landscapes with a mixture of sandy hills, black lava and yellow beach and at the same time feel the closeness and the impression of the glacier. Arnarstapi offers a great opportunity for a walk along the sea cliffs and strange holes in the ground reaching to the sea with spectacular columnar rock formations where seabirds nest. Continue on to Djúpalónssandur pebble beach, and then around the peninsula and on toward Reykjavik. Possible hikes for the day are the impressive crater Eldborg and, in the picturesque Arnarstapi, you are able to hike to Hellnar, which is an easy hike. If time allows, stop at Djúpalónssandur before you continue to Stykkishólmur via Hellissandur and Grundarfjörður. Overnight at Hotel Budir. (BD)

AUGUST 23 - REYKJAVIKDrive to Reykjavik via Borgarnes, taking a detour to the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. It is a unique experience; a lagoon with pleasantly warm mineral rich geothermal water in the middle of a black lava field. The high natural levels of silica and minerals give the lagoon its rich blue color. Next, venture through the town of Grindavík toward Krýsuvík with powerful jets of steam escaping from deep below the Earth’s crust and sulphurous steam rising from numerous vents of a geothermal field. Here you can see innumerable small hot springs, mud pots, boiling pools and other types of geothermal activity. Near Krýsuvík is Lake Kleifarvatn, set in stark, moon-like surroundings. Then drive to the town of Hafnarfjörður, situated picturesquely on an ancient lava flow. If time permits, drive to the Álftanes Peninsula and pass Bessastaðir, the residence of Iceland’s president. Check in at your hotel in downtown Reykjavik. This evening have a special farewell dinner at Grillmarket. Overnight at Hotel Reykjavik Centrum. (BD)

AUGUST 24 - DEPARTUREToday will be at leisure to explore Reykjavik before being transferred to the airport for your flight home. (B)

CLIMB FOR CANCER 2017

BLUE LAGOONEYJAFJALLAJÖKULL VOLCANO

GEYSIRVATNAJÖKULL GLACIERREYKJAVIK

KEFLAVIK

SKÓGAFOSS

GULLFOSS

SELFOSS

ÞINGVELLIR

SELJANDSFOSS

JÖKULSÁRLÓNSKATFAFELL

SNAEFELLSJÖKULL GLACIERICELAND

PHOTOS BY MOYAN BRENN, LAURIE MCLAUGHLIN, STEVE DEGER, AND MATT DAWSON

REGISTER ONLINE at holbrook.travel/cfc-iceland17

Brynjolfur Gislason

Your Icelandic guide, Brynjolfur Gislason, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this program for a once-in-a-lifetime trekking experience.

Brynjolfur has explored most areas of Iceland

by foot— high and low, in summer and in winter. His guiding experience ranges from informative high-end guidance with some hiking, to expedition-style backpacking across glaciers and mountains. He’s led travelers of all age levels, from high school up, and even guided treks with blind hikers. His extensive guiding experience in Iceland is complemented by his travels to more than 30 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Pacific.

In addition to his diverse background as a teacher, fisherman, and accountant, he served as a mayor for 18 years, giving him a unique insider’s view of Icelandic society. Special interests include the first 250 years of Icelandic society and the cultural and social background of the Icelandic Sagas.

Brynjolfur received his education from the Commercial College of Iceland and the Technical University of Iceland. His hobbies include angling, backpacking, horseback riding, scuba diving, reading Sagas and Icelandic folklore, traveling, and cooking. He lives in Reykjavík with his spouse.

ABOUT YOUR ICELANDIC GUIDE

ABOUT YOUR LEADERRon Farb

Educated at the College of William & Mary, and a former military aviator, Ron Farb has traveled to every continent and more than 50 countries. Ron has climbed the highest mountain on five of the seven continents,

including Everest, Aconcagua (twice), Denali, Elbrus, and Kilimanjaro (five times). By doing so, he has raised more than $1.5 million to fund medical research for cancer with Climb for Cancer, a foundation he and his wife, Dianne, started in 2002.

After his sister was diagnosed with breast cancer more than 20 years ago, he has since combined his passion for climbing and determination to fight the disease by organizing mountain-climbing trips, such as the upcoming Kilimanjaro group climbs, and fundraisers within the Gainesville community. Ron is the 2014 E.T. York “Heart of the Community” award winner for his outstanding dedication to community service.