Iceland Adventure with Climb for Cancer Foundation

Led by Ron Farb
Date:
May 7 - May 17, 2022
Duration:
11 Days
Price:
From $6,475
Interests:
Join Waitlist This departure is SOLD OUT Print Itinerary

About this trip

Join the Climb for Cancer Foundation in stunning Iceland! The Climb for Cancer Foundation exists to improve the mental, physical and social well-being of cancer patients, survivors and their caregivers through funding of enrichment programs in arts, nature, sports and medicine.
Co-founded by Ron and Dianne Farb in 2003, our small 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 gifts fill in the cracks left by organizations that make much larger gifts.

Highlights

  • Travel along the famed “Golden Circle,” including stops at Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall.
  • Go on daily hikes of moderate to challenging difficulty through the country’s diverse landscapes.
  • Embark on a whale-watching boat ride and discuss the history of whaling, its ties to Icelandic culture, and current conservation initiatives.
  • Relax and unwind while soaking in the warm waters of Sky Lagoon, a geothermal site with a dazzling oceanside view.
  • Experience Iceland from the inside, with a visit to an ice cave within a glacier and an exploration of a lava tunnel.

Meet your leader

Ron 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 (seven times). By doing so, he has raised more than $2 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, and winner of the 2020 Community Legacy Award.

Land Cost

$6,475

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.

Single room supplement $1000

Daily Itinerary

Print Itinerary
Board overnight flight to Iceland.
Reykjavik
Upon arrival into the Reykjavik Airport, your group will be met and taken to the hotel to drop off your luggage. Have breakfast and then depart for the warmth and beauty of Sky Lagoon, a geothermal lagoon with views of the North Atlantic Ocean. Participate in a seven-step Sky Ritual to relax and rejuvenate. Return to the hotel and have the remainder of the day to relax and rest up. This evening, you will receive an orientation to Iceland with a welcome dinner. Group transfer included. Private airport transfers available at an additional cost.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hotel Alda
Morning and lunch on own. After lunch, meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a walking city tour. Dinner on own this evening.
Breakfast- included
Hotel Alda
Nesjavellir
This morning, begin exploration of 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's rift valley 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 the Skógarkot abandoned farm site via Skógarkot's trail. The coach will pick you up at Vatnskot. The trail is approximately 5 to 6.5 miles long and takes about 2 to 3 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 featuring homemade ingredients grown in the greenhouse. Continue to Geysir and Gullfoss Waterfall. Geysir, known as 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.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Ion Adventure Hotel
Nesjavillir
After breakfast, spend the day hiking in the Hengill area, where there are a variety of trails to explore. Depending on the hike route, there may be an opportunity to swim as well.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Ion Adventure Hotel
Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Travel today to Snaefellsnes. Snaefellsnes is a unique area with a variety of geological features, such as lava fields, volcanoes, a glacier, beautiful rock formations, yellow and black sand beaches, and caves. It also supports some very interesting bird life. The main attraction is Snaefellsjökull National Park, where a beautifully shaped cone volcano and glacier sit at the very western end of the peninsula. The glacier and the unspoiled natural wonders surrounding it are described in Jules Verne's novel "Journey to the Centre of the Earth." According to some new-age sources, it is also considered to be one of the seven most energetic sites on Earth. Stop also at Gerðuberg Cliffs to gaze at one of the most impressive basalt column sites in Iceland. Next, take a walk at Ytri Tunga, a beach known for its seal colony. Visit the Bjarnarfoss waterfall and then check in at Hotel Búðir. Búðir is a very impressive area, where you can have a lovely walk in a unique landscape comprising sandy hills, black lava, and a yellow beach. Take some time to explore the surrounding area, followed by dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hotel Budir
Snaefellsnes Peninsula
After an early breakfast, visit Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge for a short walk. Next, travel to Arnarstapi to walk along the sea cliffs, observing spectacular columnar rock formations where seabirds nest. Continue through Snæfellsness National Park, making a few stops to view the Londrangar Basalt Cliffs, Snæfellsness Glacier, and Saxholl Crater, among other sites. Stop to view Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall before arriving in the fishing town of Grundarfjörður and board a boat for a whale-watching excursion with the nonprofit IceWhale, the Icelandic Association of Whale Watchers, whose mission is to promote the conservation of whales and educate visitors about the importance of whales through whale-watching tours. During your tour, your hosts will discuss the history of whaling, how this ties into Icelandic culture, and how that culture is shifting toward conservation of whale species. Pass through Berserkjahraun Lava Fields on the way back to your hotel for dinner.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hotel Budir
Husafell
This morning, begin the journey to Húsafell in Iceland's highland interior, with stops along the way at Hraunfossar and Barnarfoss waterfalls. In Húsafell another adventure awaits: the opportunity to explore the second largest glacier in Iceland from the inside! This journey begins in a monster truck to the entrance of the Langjökull Ice Cave. The man-made tunnel in Langjökull glacier is the largest of its kind in the world. Explore the tunnels for one hour, stopping at the built-in chapel.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hotel Husafell
Husafell
This morning, visit Víðgelmir lava tube cave. The cave was formed around 1,100 years ago as a result of a volcanic eruption. When the surface lava hardened, the molten rock beneath it continued to flow, creating a hollow subterranean chamber. Journey into the lava tube to observe a variety of rock formations as your guide shares some of the folktales the cave has inspired.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hotel Husafell
Reykjavik
After breakfast, depart for Reykjavik stopping at a local farm en route. Learn about farming life in Iceland and have lunch. Continue to Reykjavik. This evening have a special farewell dinner at Grillmarket.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hotel Alda
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Check-out is at 11 am.
Breakfast- included
Land Cost

$6,475

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.

Single room supplement $1000

What's Included
  • Accommodations with private bathrooms
  • Activities and meals as mentioned in itinerary
  • Bottled water or water refill station during transfers
  • Carbon Offset
  • Full time driver/guide for the duration of your program
  • Non alcoholic beverage with meals
What's Not Included
  • International airfare
  • Items of personal nature
  • Tips
  • Travel Insurance
  • Trip cancellation coverage
Pricing Details
Cost is based on a minimum of 10 participants in double occupancy.

A $200 per person deposit and enrollment form is due to hold your space on this trip. This deposit is refundable 105 days prior to departure excluding a $100 cancellation fee. Cancellations after this date will result in loss of full deposit.

Please note: Your participation as a traveler indicates acceptance of Holbrook Travel’s Covid-19 protocols in place at time of travel.

Holbrook Travel strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance for medical emergencies while traveling and to protect your investment. Please note the purchase of Cancel for Any Reason Coverage or to exclude pre-existing conditions with Trip Cancellation coverage may require policy purchase within 10-14 days of your initial deposit, depending upon the provider.

Single room supplement $1000


Final payment due date: January 22, 2022

Travel Info

Print Travel Info

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. and Canadian citizens must have a passport valid at least three months beyond your planned date of departure from Iceland. As this requirement is subject to change without notice, we recommend at least six months' validity.

A visa is not required for visits up to 90 days.

If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Icelandic Embassy for the requirements based on your nationality.

Health Information

IMMUNIZATIONS

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.

There are no vaccinations required for entry into Iceland.

Some physicians recommend that travelers get a hepatitis A vaccine before visiting Iceland.

Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

FROSTBITE

Frostbite is damage to the skin from freezing and is due to prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. Symptoms include patches of reddened skin that become white, hard, and swollen; or skin that burns, tingles, or is numb or painful. Severe cases can result in blisters or ulcers forming and may involve deeper tissues. The most common sites for frostbite are the fingers, hands, toes, feet, ears, nose, and cheeks.

To avoid frostbite, dress warmly and in layers but avoid tight clothing as it may reduce circulation. Keep the face and extremities covered. Avoid overheating and excessive perspiration. Change wet clothing, especially socks and gloves.

HYPOTHERMIA

Hypothermia is life threatening. It is caused by cold, wet, or windy weather that causes the body to lose heat faster than it can produce heat. Hypothermia can occur in rugged mountain terrain where the weather can change extremely fast, or after being soaked in cold rivers or lakes.

Symptoms include feeling cold, uncontrollable shivering, clumsiness due to loss of muscle coordination, slurred speech, inability to think clearly, and eventual unconsciousness and cessation of reflexes including heart and lung functions. Many victims in the later stages of hypothermia feel warm and try to shed clothing.

To treat hypothermia, first warm the core of the body before the extremities. Remove any wet clothing. Re-warm the victim slowly; do not warm fast by immersing in warm/hot water. Provide shelter out of the weather. Warm drinks are not necessary, but may help in the psychological recovery. Do NOT give alcohol. Try to keep victim awake as this helps keep the body temperature up.

SUN EXPOSURE

Despite cold temperatures, the effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.

Resources

Print Resources

Packing Recommendations

Everyone has personal preferences when it comes to packing; for this reason, the information below is offered as a general guide and not a definitive list. You know yourself best: Use your discretion and pack what you think will serve you, based on your personal preferences and specific itinerary.

You may find many of the items below in our Gear Store.

CLOTHING

Bring enough clothing suitable for the length of your program. During summer, the weather in Iceland will feel more like early spring or late fall. There may be warm days, but also expect cold, rain, mist, and fog. Pack clothing that can be worn in layers to adapt to weather changes throughout the day.

  • A combination of short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts
  • Long pants, jeans, or trousers
  • Undergarments
  • Sleepwear
  • Jacket or sweaters/sweatshirts
  • 1-2 bathing suit(s) for swimming in hot springs
  • Socks – Bring extra pairs.
  • Shoes – Consider your specific itinerary when choosing footwear. For most programs, you’ll likely want at least one pair of comfortable, closed-toe walking or hiking shoes with good ankle protection. In addition, many participants opt for a pair of sturdy sport-strap sandals (e.g. Keens, Tevas, or similar) and/or casual flip-flops or sandals (for around the hot springs or your accommodations).
  • Lightweight rain jacket, hooded poncho, and/or windbreaker
  • Wool hat or beanie
  • Gloves
  • Bandana, scarf, or Buff-style headwear

Personal Toiletries

Pack toiletries based on your personal preferences and habits. Below are just a few recommendations to keep in mind.

  • Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant/antiperspirant , etc.
  • Soap and washcloth or a small, quick-drying microfiber towel
  • Hairbrush, comb, hair ties, shower cap. Most—but not all—hotel rooms provide a hair dryer, but you may wish to bring one from home.
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Razor
  • Ear plugs, especially if you are a light sleeper
  • Personal hygiene products
  • Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin
  • Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
  • Aloe vera gel

In addition to your personal toiletries, it is useful to pack a small medical kit, which you can easily prepare. Helpful items might include: bandages, antihistamine, a pain reliever, motion sickness and/or altitude sickness medication (if you are prone to either), anti-diarrhea medicine, individually wrapped pre-moistened towelettes and/or hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, anti-fungal cream, a travel pack of tissues, moleskin for blisters, eye drops, tweezers, a mini sewing kit, and an extra pair of disposable contact lenses or eyeglasses if you wear them.

Miscellaneous

Remember to pack valuables such as your passport, cash/credit cards, and medications in your carry-on luggage.

  • Passport and photocopies of all travel documentation
  • Personal insurance card and travel insurance information
  • Money – ATM/credit card, traveler's checks, and/or cash; small bills in good condition are recommended
  • Prescription medicines (if applicable), with a copy of the prescription
  • Sunglasses with strap
  • Small day pack for hikes and excursions
  • Flashlight and/or head lamp
  • Travel alarm clock or inexpensive waterproof wristwatch with alarm
  • A pocket calculator or phone to assist with conversions and currency exchange
  • Binoculars with lens cleaner
  • Camera and related equipment, such as charger, lenses, and extra memory cards
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Non-perishable snacks
  • Pocket-knife or multipurpose tool - Pack in your checked luggage
  • Zip-top style bags – useful for packing toiletries, sorting clothing, storing damp or muddy shoes, or as a dry bag for protecting electronics)
  • Notepad or travel journal and pen
  • Music or reading material for down time, long bus drives, or on the airplane, and a portable bright light to read by
  • Collapsible walking stick with rubber tip
  • Money belt
  • Chargers for electronics
  • Plug converter and voltage adapter
I wanted to see the natural wonders of Iceland and I certainly enjoyed the experience.
- Kathy Jacquez
Iceland , 2019
Questions

Contact Ron Farb at 352-333-9663 or Lisa Palmese-Graubard at 800-451-7111 x339 | lisa@holbrooktravel.com

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