Iceland
Discover the Wilds of Iceland On Board the Ocean Albatros
Program No. 24633RJ
Circumnavigate Iceland and immerse yourself in its natural wonders and rich history as you join us for our Floating Campus onboard the Ocean Albatros.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
11 days
Program Begins
Reykjavik
Program Concludes
Reykjavik
Meals
27 (
10B, 8L, 9D
)
Activity Level
A land of geologic marvels teeming with fjords, volcanoes and lagoons, Iceland’s incredible landscape is a must for any great explorer to experience — and we can’t think of a better way than on this exclusive Road Scholar Floating Campus voyage! Board the Ocean Albatros for a voyage that begins in Reykjavik and leads you on a journey to the Westman Islands, Akureyri, Grimsey island and beyond. Immerse yourself in the wildlife and geology of the region as your onboard instructors offer their insight during lectures, Q&A sessions and casual discussions. In true campus style, take part in onboard activities like a book club or photography instruction, enjoy a live performance and get to know other Road Scholars who share your love for learning and exploration.
Best of all, you'll...
- Enjoy exclusive access to experts who will be with you throughout your journey and learn from them as you take in onboard lectures and educational activities.
- Spend two nights in Iceland’s capital city of Reykjavik after your voyage to explore landmarks like the National Museum, Höfði House and Perlan-Wonders of Iceland Exhibition Center.
- Explore Westman Islands, known for volcanic activity.
General Notes
This learning adventure is part of Road Scholar’s Floating Campus. You’ll experience a true campus feel as we enjoy field trips onshore and expert instruction during exclusive lectures, Q&A sessions and discussions. Enjoy a book club, onboard activities, a live performance and the camaraderie that can only be found with fellow Road Scholars! Please note that we need a minimum number of participants to enroll in this program to have exclusive use of the ship. In the unlikely event we do not meet the minimum number, then the cruise line may have its own passengers on the ship, though they will not be part of any Road Scholar activities.
Sandy Primrose
Sandy Primrose is a biologist by training, undertaking research in Australia before returning to the UK to lecture at the Universities of Edinburgh and Warwick. In 1981, he made a career change to a pharmaceutical company and later in diagnostic, food, and environmental companies. Twenty years later, he started working as a biotechnology consultant and advisor to various UK governmental organizations. Sandy has written a number of very popular science textbooks and has a passion for gardening — particularly his half-acre garden.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Roula Skoula
Roula Skoula was born in Heraklion, Crete. She studied journalism in Athens and worked as a freelance print and radio journalist. After enrolling in the School of Professional Greek Tourist Guides, she travelled with university professors, learning history, philosophy, archaeology, and more. Roula has been a professional exploration leader since 1987. In addition to Greek, she speaks English and Italian. She continues learning to increase her vast knowledge of Greek history and culture and has worked with Road Scholar for the past 13 years.
Jana Stepic
Jana Stepic was born in Slovenia. She graduated from the University of Ljubljana with a degree in cultural studies. In 2002, she turned her love of travel into a career as a professional group leader. Jana believes it is important to experience the world by meeting new people and immersing oneself in differing cultures and customs. She is constantly working to widen her field of expertise. Working with Road Scholar gives her a unique opportunity to inspire people to be explorers, adventurers, and knowledge seekers.
Kevin Durjun
Kevin Durjun has conducted Road Scholar Online Adventures in murder mystery, monarchy, theatre, and Edinburgh. He has a degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of Sussex and was the CEO of the British Acupuncture Council. A registered acupuncturist himself, Kevin advises numerous Chinese Medicine organizations. He hosts the weekly radio show “Acupuncture Point” for UK Health Radio and recently published “Delicious Mauritius Tastes and Tales from My Mother’s Kitchen,” a cookery book inspired by the beautiful island of Mauritius.
Liz Broomfield
Liz Broomfield is a British group leader with many years’ experience accompanying guests on trips all over the world. She has a continuing passion for travel and for sharing new places and people and experiencing local traditions with the guests in her charge. Liz is dedicated to providing the best educational travel experience possible. She resides on the south coast of England, and her pastimes include fitness, yoga, walking, and sea swimming. She has recently taken up drawing and tai chi.
Alex Paiva Cardoso
Alex Paiva Cardoso was born in Portugal and grew up in Paris. He studied at Sorbonne University and lived in London and Barcelona before returning to Portugal. He is an experienced group leader with more than 20 years in educational travel. In addition to leading groups in Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America, Alex has led groups aboard the Aegean Odyssey since 2013, sharing and creating new experiences with Road Scholars. He is fluent in English, Portuguese, French, and Spanish.
Carolyne Larrington
Carolyne Larrington is an Emeritus Research Fellow at St John’s College, Oxford and former professor of medieval European literature at Oxford University. She has been visiting Iceland and studying its literature for more than forty years. She has translated the most important collection of Old Norse mythological poetry, the Poetic Edda, and has written two books on Old Norse myth. Carolyne has been honored by the President of Iceland for her services to Icelandic literature, and is a member of the Order of the Falcon.
Stuart Findlay
Stuart Findlay is an experienced Road Scholar group leader since 2017, after spending many years in education both nationally and internationally. He currently lives in a small town close to Bristol, England, but his accent is distinctly Scottish as he was born and raised in Edinburgh. To date, he has enjoyed leading many land-based as well as afloat programs.
Spiros Tsampikakis
Spiros Tsampikakis comes from the island of Rhodes. He has been a professional photographer for more than 15 years. Spiros started off as a photojournalist, working offshore in combat zones and as a stringer for organizations such as Reuters, the Associated Press, Seven, and more before pivoting into commercial photography. Portraits, documentaries, fashion, advertising and weddings have all been part of his business.
Activity Level
Choose Your Pace
This program offers two activity levels to choose from on every departure date: one Keep the Pace that has more walking and standing and one On Your Feet covering slightly shorter distances at a slower pace. Must be comfortable getting in & out of tender boats and zodiacs, feel comfortable navigating around the ship and handle stairs while on board.
PLEASE NOTE: The ship is not suitable for wheelchair/electric scooter use.
Floating Campus
On our Road Scholar Floating Campuses, we’ll have the entire ship to ourselves and enjoy field trips onshore in smaller groups. Onboard experts will be on hand throughout the voyage and will offer instruction during exclusive lectures, Q&A sessions and discussions.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(20 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
Enroll with Confidence
Peace of Mind
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
Assurance Plan
Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.
Want to Protect Your Investment?
Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
Sustainable Travel
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.
- Peace of Mind
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
- Assurance Plan
Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.
- Want to Protect Your Investment?
Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
- Sustainable Travel
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.