1) What kind of weather can I expect in Iceland in August?
In general, Iceland experiences pleasant, but fairly cool weather in August. Daytime highs average in the high-50s with nighttime low temperatures in the mid-40s.There is a fair amount of light perciptation during August. Participants should bring sweaters or jackets and a lightweight, waterproof jacket or a small umbrella. Gloves, hats, and perhaps a scarf a recommended for our glacier hike!
2) Can I arrive before or remain after the sojourn?
Yes, of course. In fact we are glad to help with that. There is plenty to explore in Iceland, so if you would like to arrive before the sojourn begins or remain after it concludes, just let us know. Scholarly Sojourns can help you arrange your hotel accommodation and is often able to secure attractive rates. Please indicate these preferences to us after you have registered for a particular sojourn.
3) How much walking will be required on this sojourn?
This sojourn requires a fair amount of walking in order to get the most our of your experience. All participants should be comfortable walking up to two miles at a time, including some uphill walking. In addition, our glacier hike, while optional, involves some moderate hiking.
4) I am a single traveler. Can you help me find a roommate?
Scholarly Sojourns will do all we can to match single travelers with a suitable roommate if they desire. But we cannot guarantee that roommates will be available. Therefore all single travelers should register as such and be prepared to pay the single traveler rate should a roommate not be identified.
5) Is this sojourn appropriate for children?
This sojourn is not appropriate for children. Young adults, however, will find the program quite enjoyable, and they may find it gets them extra credit in their history class.
While all of the Sagas of the Icelanders make enjoyable reads, those listed below will be especially relevant to the sites we will explore in Iceland. All participants therefore are highly encouraged to explore these works as a background to this sojourn:
Njal’s Saga. Eiriksson, Leifur and Cook, Robert. Penquin Classics. 2006.
The Saga of Grettir the Strong. Thorsson, Örnólfur and Scudder, Bernard. Penquin Classics. 2005.
The meeting point for this sojourn is the Blue Lagoon Spa which is easily accessible from Iceland’s main international airport, Keflavik. Those making their own air travel arrangements should choose a flight arriving between 5:00 AM and 10:00 AM on the first day of the sojourn. This will give you time to travel to the Blue Lagoon where you will rendezvous with your Scholarly Sojourns Tour Director and other tour participants for the 12:00 PM transfer to our hotel in Reykjavik.
Optional air package from: $1,298/person
The air package includes round-trip, trans-Atlantic flight, airport transfers in the destination, and 100% travel assurance. This travel package can be booked once you have registered for this sojourn and paid the deposit of $500 per traveler. Scholarly Sojourns can also help arrange your travel from any US gateway.
