Circumnavigation of Iceland aboard Le Bellot: Postponed

Discover the ethereal beauty of Iceland on a 7-night circumnavigation of this island nation aboard our 5-star expedition ship. See landscapes of ancient Viking ruins and crystalline glaciers atop simmering volcanoes. Cross the Arctic Circle on Grímsey Island and cruise along Surtsey, a UNESCO site. Reykjavík extension available.

Dates
Jul 5 - Jul 13, 2020  (9 Days)
Cost

from $6,595 per person, double occupancy

For more Information
travel@commonwealthclub.org

(415) 597-6720

    Sunday, July 5
    Depart the U.S.
    Monday, July 6
    Reykjavík, Iceland

    Arrive in Reykjavík, a UNESCO Creative City of Literature. See the idyllic parks and botanical gardens of Laugardalur, where a geothermal, Olympic‑sized outdoor swimming pool speaks to Iceland’s seemingly endless supply of natural hot water. Continue to the superb National Museum, where over 2000 artifacts— including the priceless 13th‑century Valþjófsstaður church door—provide a comprehensive account of Iceland’s history and culture. Visit Hallgrímskirkja church, whose distinct silhouette rises above Reykjavík’s skyline. Continue to Reykjavík’s old town center, a compact core of narrow streets lined with small, colorful houses, before boarding
    Le Bellot. (B,D)

    Tuesday, July 7
    Vigur Island / Ísafjörður

    Enjoy the morning cruise to the awe‑inspiring, seldom‑visited Westfjords peninsula. On verdant Vigur Island—home to one single farming family—observe Arctic terns, black guillemots, eiders and thousands of puffins in their natural habitat. See relics of Iceland’s traditional farming heritage, including the nation’s only windmill and a 200-year-old rowboat still used to ferry sheep to the mainland. Enjoy sweeping fjord views and keep watch for whales, dolphins and seals. Visit Iceland’s smallest post office and savor coffee and cakes served by our hosts in their home, the picturesque 19th‑century Viktoria House. This afternoon, cruise up Ísafjarðardjúp, the dominant fjord of this remote 14‑million‑year‑old region, framed by the dramatic rise of rugged mountains. Near the town of Ísafjörður, visit the open‑air Ósvör Maritime Museum, where restored 19th‑century fishermen’s huts and fishing equipment vividly depict the harsh reality of the lives of generations of Iceland’s fishermen. Tour Ísafjörður’s Westfjords Heritage Museum, where fishing and nautical exhibits, including tools from whaling days and evocative old photos, relate this remote outpost’s fascinating maritime history. Attend the Captain’s Welcome Reception on board the ship this evening.
    Le Bellot (B,L,R,D)

    Wednesday, July 8
    Siglufjörður / Grímsey Island / Arctic Circle

    Clinging to the foot of steep mountain walls at the entrance to a gorgeous fjord, charming Siglufjörður is one of Iceland’s most dramatically sited towns. Multicolored houses lead to a bustling harbor, the hub of the town’s fishing industry. Siglufjörður celebrates the glory days of herring fishing at the award‑winning Herring Era Museum, which recreates the history of fish salting and oil processing during the early 20th century. Enjoy a lively, music‑filled performance illustrating síldarsöltun (the traditional herring salting process). Return to the ship and cruise to Grímsey Island, which straddles the top of the world at 66 degrees north. Craggy coastal cliffs and basalt formations host dozens of species of seabirds, including puffins and auks. Visit Grímsey Church, built out of driftwood in 1867, and walk across the Arctic Circle, where the island is lush with vegetation. 
    Le Bellot (B,L,D)

    Thursday, July 9
    Húsavík for Lake Mývatn

    Explore northern Iceland’s extraordinary natural landscapes, stopping at Námaskarð—a geothermal wonder of boiling, sulfurous mudpots—and the pseudocraters at Skútustaðir, formed when hot lava flowed across the wetlands over 2000 years ago. Walk among the surreal “dark castle” lava formations of Dimmuborgir and drive along the shores of cerulean‑blue Lake Mývatn, a birder’s paradise harboring many rare migratory birds and 14 species of Iceland’s bountiful wild ducks. Continue to Goðafoss, or “Waterfall of the Gods.” According to legend, this waterfall earned its name when an Icelandic lawspeaker threw wooden statues of Norse gods into its waters, signifying his conversion to Christianity.
    Le Bellot (B,L,D) 

    Friday, July 10
    Seyðisfjörður

    Seyðisfjörður is a tranquil, 11‑mile‑long fjord that winds toward its eponymous town, a thriving artist’s community where colorful, chalet‑style houses shelter beneath Mount Strandartindur and Mount Bjólfur (Beowulf). Visit the sky‑hued Blue Church and observe a specially arranged cultural and musical performance. Continue to the Technical Museum to learn more about the mechanical and architectural innovations that characterize this island nation, and enjoy light refreshments.
    Le Bellot (B,L,D)

    Saturday, July 11
    Djúpivogur for Jökulsárlón

    Enjoy a full‑day scenic excursion, with lunch, along Iceland’s east coast with stunning mountain views. Board a specially designed small boat for a private cruise amid the luminous blue icebergs of Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and touch the ice that has calved off the outlet tidewater glacier. These mesmerizing ice sculptures can spend up to five years floating in the lagoon before moving out to sea via Iceland’s shortest river.
    Le Bellot (B,L,D)

    Sunday, July 12
    Heimaey, Westman Islands / Cruise along Surtsey Island

    Arrive at Heimaey Island, part of the Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) archipelago, and stop at Sprangan, the craggy cliff where young islanders learn the local pastime of rope swinging. See the ruins of ancient Viking farmhouses dating from A.D. 650 in Herjólfsdalur Valley, observe Heimaey’s largest puffin colony from the headland of Stórhöfði and view a timbered stave church in scenic Skansinn. See imposing Mount Eldfell and tour the Eldheimar Museum, which chronicles the fateful volcanic activity of 1973 and its impact on the community. This evening, cruise along the coast of Surtsey Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Created during volcanic activity between 1963 and 1967, it is one of the youngest and most fragile islands on Earth; scientists continually study the evolution of flora and fauna. Be on the lookout for graceful orcas that frequent the region. Join your traveling companions for the Captain’s Farewell Reception this evening.
    Le Bellot (B,L,R,D)

    Monday, July 13
    Reykjavík / U.S.

    Following breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport for your return flight to the U.S. (B)

    Map
    Reykjavík and the Golden Circle: Jul 3-5

    The captivating city of Reykjavík and its surrounding natural wonders provide you with a perfect introduction to Iceland. Visit the famous Blue Lagoon and rejuvenate in the warmth of its mineral‑rich geothermal waters surrounded by black lava fields. Tour the legendary Golden Circle—UNESCO World Heritage‑designated Þingvellir National Park, the thundering terraced cataract of Gullfoss and Strokkur, possibly the world’s most iconic fountain geyser. Take in the stunning panoramas from the futuristic glass dome of the Perlan Museum and discover its immersive exhibits on volcanoes, earthquakes and geothermal zones. Accommodations are for two nights in the deluxe Hotel Borg.

    Cabin Categories (Prices are per person, double occupancy)

    8 – $6,595  Picture window, single door onto private partial-wall balcony, Deck 3, forward. (limited availability)
    7 – $7,795  Picture window, single door onto private partial-wall balcony, Deck 3, midship
    6 – $8,495  Expansive sliding glass door, private balcony, Deck 4, forward
    5 – $8,995  Expansive sliding glass door, private balcony, Deck 4, forward
    4 – $9,695  Expansive sliding glass door, private balcony, Decks 5 & 6, aft (limited availability)
    3 – $9,995  Expansive sliding glass door, private balcony, Deck 5, forward (limited availability)
    2 – $10,595  Expansive sliding glass door, private balcony, Deck 5, midship
    1 – $10,995  Expansive sliding glass door, private balcony, Deck 6, midship
    Deluxe Suite – $12,495   Suite with expansive sliding glass door, large private balcony, two bathrooms, two closets, large sitting area with sofa, Deck 5 (limited availability)
    Prestige Suite – $13,495  Two rooms, expansive sliding glass door, large private balcony, sitting area with sofa, Deck 5 (limited availability) 
    Privilege Suite – $13,795   Large suite with expansive sliding glass door, large private balcony, sitting area with sofa, Decks 5 & 6 (limited availability) 
    Grand Deluxe Suite - $14,995  Large two-bedroom Suite, expansive sliding glass door, spacious private terrace, full bathroom with tub and separate shower, additional half bathroom, sitting area with sofa, Deck 6 (limited availability)
    Owner’s Suite – $15,295  Large two-room Suite, expansive sliding glass door, spacious private terrace with outdoor Jacuzzi. Full bathroom with tub and separate shower, additional half bathroom, sitting area with sofa, Deck 5 (limited availability) 

    Economy-class air is included from Boston, New York‑JFK, Newark, Toronto and Washington‑Dulles round trip Reykjavík, available exclusively through Gohagan & Company.

    Low Air Add-Ons are available for $200 per person from Chicago, Dallas and Minneapolis, and $300 per person from Denver, Portland, San Francisco, Seattle and Vancouver.

    Singles are available in category 5 at $15,295 and in category 2 at $17,995 on or before January 17, 2020.  (Assistance with providing a roommate can be provided.)

    Prices above reflect the Early Booking Discount.  Add $1000 for reservations made after January 17, 2020. Taxes are an additional $455 per person and are subject to change.

    Included
    Round-trip air from select gateways with Low Air Add‑Ons available at additional cost; Seven nights aboard the exclusively chartered, Five‑Star Le Bellot; Cruise round trip Reykjavík, Iceland, featuring port calls at Vigur Island, Siglufjörður, Grímsey Island, Húsavík for Lake Mývatn, Seyðisfjörður, Djúpivogur for Jökulsárlón, and Heimaey, Westman Islands; Meals as specified in the itinerary; Complimentary alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages available throughout the cruise; Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions; All entrance fees and tours as described in the itinerary; Transfers and luggage handling abroad if your arrival(s)/departure(s) coincide with the scheduled group transfer(s); Gratuities to local guides and drivers on included excursions and transfers; Hospitality desk in the hotel and aboard ship; Complimentary bottled water in your accommodations and on excursions; Complimentary use of an audio headset during guided excursions; Experienced Gohagan & Company Travel Directors throughout the program; Pre‑departure materials, including a reading list; Automatic $250,000 flight insurance policy for each participant ticketed on flights by Gohagan & Company

    Not Included
    Taxes of $455 per person (subject to change); Gratuities to ship personnel ($105 per person recommended); Hotel staff gratuities (Pre-Circumnavigation Option) ($2 per person per day recommended) and gratuities for activities on your own; Passport and visa fees; Meals and alcoholic beverages not listed as included; Transfers and baggage handling to/from airport/ hotel on day(s) of arrival and/or departure if you are arriving earlier or later than and/or departing earlier or later than the scheduled group transfer(s); Any overnight on land due to flight schedule(s); Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls and Internet access; Accident/sickness, trip cancellation and baggage insurance; Baggage charges on aircraft; airfare and associated local taxes not listed as included; Airport facility taxes and federal inspection fees not listed as included; All other services not specifically mentioned in the “Included” section

    Pre‑Program Option
    Reykjavík and the Golden Circle: Jul 3 – 5, 2020
    $1,495 Double Occupancy
    $2,195 Single Occupancy

    What to Expect

    This program requires physical independence and mobility.  Any physical or mental condition that may require special medical attention or physical assistance (for example, the need for a wheelchair) must be reported in writing when you make your reservation. Participants should be able to walk confidently on a number of surfaces, including narrow cobblestone streets, stone floors and uneven and/or slippery terrain.  Travelers must also be able to embark or disembark boats and motorcoaches alone or with minimal assistance and climb stairs and step over raised thresholds without assistance.  The ship may either dock in port or tender ashore by small boat (tenders). Tenders involve a dry landing (participants step from the tender vessel directly onto land or a dock).

    Please note that the ship’s cruising pattern and direction are dependent on weather and sea conditions and are subject to change.

    Hear from guest lecturers aboard the ship throughout the voyage.

    Cancellations
    Cancellations for all or any part of the trip including Pre/Post Program(s) reservation(s) will not be effective until received in writing in the offices of The Commonwealth Club. Should you have to cancel, the following terms will apply:

    From the time of booking through 120 days prior to departure: $300 ($50 Pre/Post Program(s)) 
    From 95 to 119 days prior to departure: $900 ($200 Pre/Post Program(s)) per person
    From 60 to 94 days prior to departure: 50% of the published full regular tariffs
    59 days or less prior to departure: No refund

    A “no-show” or early return from the trip will result in forfeiture of 100% of the published full regular tariffs.

    In addition, any applicable airline cancellation fees, optional excursion cancellation fees and administrative fees may apply. 

    Discounted Reservations
    Discounts apply only to those reservations received in the offices of The Commonwealth Club in writing, accompanied by the required deposit, by January 17, 2020. In the event a “discounted” reservation must be cancelled, no “replacement” reservation can be substituted at the discounted rate. A “replacement” reservation is a new reservation and can be substituted only at the full-fare tariff. Cancellation penalties may apply. 

    Trip Insurance
    We strongly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance. In the event that you must cancel your participation in a travel program, trip cancellation insurance may be the only source of reimbursement. Information about travel insurance will be sent upon registration and can be viewed on the website for Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

    Eligibility
    We require membership to the Commonwealth Club to travel with us. People who live outside of the Bay Area may purchase a worldwide membership. To learn about membership types and to purchase a membership, visit our membership page or call (415) 597-6720.

    Airfare
    Included air and Low Air Add‑Ons are limited, are not guaranteed, are subject to change and availability at time of booking, and are nonrefundable. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between you and the airline, even if purchased through Gohagan. Round‑trip economy air is included from Boston, Massachusetts; New York, New York‑JFK; Newark, New Jersey; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and Washington, DC‑Dulles. Round‑trip  Low  Air  Add‑Ons are available from Chicago,  Illinois; Dallas,  Texas; Denver,  Colorado; Minneapolis,  Minnesota;  Portland,  Oregon; San Francisco, California; Seattle, Washington; and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, at additional cost; all are available through Gohagan, and all are based on economy‑class travel on carriers and routings of Gohagan’s choice based upon contractual agreements between Gohagan and respective airlines. As the airfares negotiated by Gohagan are very restricted, all tickets issued are non‑endorsable and cannot be exchanged for another carrier or alternative routing. Gohagan and the sponsoring association/organization have no control over availability. Once submitted, flight itineraries and/or travel dates on all deposited bookings can be changed for a $300‑per‑person air change fee for the flight round trip Reykjavík, plus any applicable change fees for connecting flights, service charges and/or supplier fees. Included air, however, is not guaranteed on any such changes. Upgraded economy and business class may be available for your flights at additional cost.

    Luggage
    Luggage allowance policies are set by the airlines and may change without notice.

    Physical Accessibility
    All programs require physical independence and mobility. Any physical or mental condition that may require special medical attention or physical assistance (for example, the need for a wheelchair) must be reported in writing when you make your reservation. Travelers must be able to embark or disembark motorcoaches alone or with minimal assistance from your traveling companion and climb stairs and step over raised thresholds without assistance. Travelers requiring assistance must travel with a companion who will be responsible for handling equipment.

    Rates
    Prices quoted are based on fares in effect at the time of printing and are subject to change at any time. On land and/or cruise programs, even after full payment, Gohagan reserves the right to increase the tour price in the event of cost increases due to changes in supplier costs, currency fluctuations or fuel or energy surcharges and all such increases are to be paid to Gohagan upon notice to the tour participant of such increases. On programs which include Gohagan purchased interstate or international air (which originates or returns to the United States), no increased costs will be passed on after final payment except for subsequently imposed governmental tax increases.

    Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Binding Arbitration Agreement Responsibility  
    The Commonwealth Club and Thomas P. Gohagan & Company and its and their employees, shareholders, subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors or trustees, successors, and assigns (collectively “Gohagan”), do not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your trip including, for example, lodging facilities, airline, vessel, or other transportation companies, guides or guide services, local ground operators, providers or organizers of optional excursions, food service or entertainment providers, etc. All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result, Gohagan is not liable for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity or of any other third party.

    In addition and without limitation, Gohagan is not responsible for any injury, loss, death, inconvenience, delay, or damage to person or property in connection with the provision of any goods or services whether resulting from, but not limited to, acts of God or force majeure, acts of government, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, bites from or attacks by animals, insects or pests, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind or the threat thereof, sickness, illness, epidemics or the threat thereof, the lack of availability of or access to medical attention or the quality thereof, overbooking or downgrading of accommodations, mechanical or other failure of airplanes, vessels, or other means of transportation, or for any failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart timely or safely.

    If due to weather, flight schedules or other uncontrollable factors, you are required to spend an additional night(s), you will be responsible for your own hotel, transfers and meal costs. Baggage is entirely at owner’s risk. The right is reserved to decline to accept as a trip participant, or remove from a trip, without refund, any person Gohagan judges to be incapable of meeting the rigors and requirements of participating in the activities, or who is abusive to other trip participants, leaders or third parties, or who Gohagan determines to detract from the enjoyment of the trip by others. Specific room/cabin assignments are within the sole discretion of the hotel or cruise line.

    Gohagan reserves the right to change the itinerary or trip features at any time and for any reason, with or without notice, and Gohagan shall not be liable for any loss of any kind as a result of any such changes. Ship schedules, port calls, hours of arrival and departure, sightseeing events, special programs and guest lecture series (if applicable), are subject to change or cancellation. Gohagan reserves the right to substitute motorcoach transportation using hotels, inns or lodges for cruise accommodations if necessary due to weather, water conditions or levels, other events of force majeure, mechanical or other conditions beyond the control of Gohagan. Gohagan is not responsible therefor and is not required to compensate passengers under these circumstances. Gohagan may cancel a trip (or an option) for any reason whatsoever; if so, its sole responsibility is to refund monies paid by the participant to it. Gohagan, however, is not required under these circumstances to refund the cost of any purchased travel insurance. Gohagan is not required to cancel any trip for any reason including without limitation, United States Department of State, World Health Organization or other Warnings or Advisories of any kind. Gohagan is not responsible for penalties assessed by air carriers resulting from operational and/or itinerary changes, even if Gohagan makes the flight arrangements or cancels the trip. Gohagan reserves the right to substitute vessels, hotels or attractions of a similar category for those listed in this brochure.

    Binding Arbitration
    Any dispute concerning, relating or referring to this Agreement, the brochure or any other literature concerning the trip, or the trip itself, shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. Sections 1-16, either according to the then existing Commercial Rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA) or pursuant to the Comprehensive Arbitration Rules & Procedures of the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (JAMS). Such proceedings will be governed by substantive (but not procedural) Illinois law and will take place in Chicago, IL. The arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability, or formation of this contract, including but not limited to any claim that all or any part of this contract is void or voidable. Please understand that by agreeing to these terms and conditions, the participant and Gohagan are waiving the right to a trial by jury.

    Acceptance of Contract
    By forwarding of deposit, the participant certifies that he/she does not have any mental, physical or other condition of disability that would create a hazard for him/herself or other participants and accepts the terms contained in this Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Binding Arbitration Agreement.

    Registration 
    Commonwealth Club CST#: 2096889-40; Gohagan CST#: 2031868-40, WST#: 601 767 666, OST#: TA 0905.