Depart from Chicago (or similar) this evening and make your way to Reykjavik, Iceland. The stunning beauty and friendly people alone are worth a visit!

Upon arrival, the group will be met and transferred into town where you will be able to store your bags until check-in later this afternoon.

Alda Hotel, a boutique-style hotel, offers a calm escape in the upper end of Laugarvegur (otherwise known as the quiet part), around a 15-minute walk from the center of the city. It’s near shops, cafés, and restaurants but away from the central nightlife area. Guest rooms have a walk-in shower, bathrobe, hair dryer, coffee/tea making area, and free Wi-Fi.

Lunch will be provided at the Messinn Seafood Restaurant, a local favorite.

Enjoy a two-hour walking tour this afternoon around the city center. Learn about the history of the region and view the architecture of some of the more prominent landmarks, several of which you will have a few minutes to make a brief visit to. This may include Hallgrímskirkja Church, Arnarhóll Hill, the harbor, National Theatre as well as the main shopping street.
 

All participants will gather late this afternoon after hotel check-in to meet with your national guide and receive a short welcome briefing and details on the week’s activities.

Enjoy a welcome dinner at a nearby restaurant (within walking distance).

Overnight:  Alda Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Professional members of the program will interact with local mental health professionals in Reykjavik including the opportunity to learn about mental health policies; diagnostic systems in use today; training, practice, and the role of psychologists in Iceland. A meeting will be requested with mental health staff at Landspitalinn Hospital to provide an overview of the mental health system in their country as well as integration of mental health services in their overall healthcare. Visit a local inpatient clinic and outpatient treatment center to learn about access to care, diagnosis and support service for families.

Professionals will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

​Guest program: This morning accompanying guests will visit the Raufarhólshellir Lava Cave. The cave formed as a lava tube during the Leitahraun eruption, which occurred about 5200 years ago. After your return to the city for a foodie walking tour of central Reykjavik with a local guide. Get to know authentic Icelandic restaurants, bars & establishments where to locals go. As this includes snacking/sampling throughout the afternoon tour, no formal sit-down lunch is included this afternoon for guests.

Dinner is by individual arrangement.
Overnight: Alda Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Professional members of the program will interact with your colleagues this morning including the opportunity to meet with government representatives or a local mental health association. Time permitting, meet with representatives from deCODE Genetics, global leaders in analyzing and understanding the human genome. Learn about recent genetic research relevant to mental illness.

Guest program:This morning accompanying guests will enjoy a whale watching adventure after a short walk to the harbor. September is great for whale watching, as the wildlife in the bay is at its peak! The Minke whales are at their most abundant, along with White-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises and the occasional humpback whales, giving you the chance to enjoy and understand them in their natural environment.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

This afternoon the group will enjoy a visit to the Culture House, where you will be joined by a local musician for a private concert and introduction to Icelandic folk music through storytelling and history talk. You will have a chance to tour the museum exhibits and speak to the musician. The Culture House was built in 1906-1908 to house the National Library and National Archives of Iceland and was opened to the public in 1909 as a culture center.

Dinner will be provided this evening. 
Overnight:  Alda Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Check out of your local hotel after breakfast and head west! Today’s explorations will focus on history and heritage. Your first stop is to visit Reykholt, home of Snorri Sturluson from 1206-1241. He was one of the most influential Icelander ever and was a saga writer, politician, historiographer and poet. He was also a chieftain and one of the richest men in Iceland during the Sturlung Age. He is perhaps most famous for writing Prose Edda which tells of the origins of Nordic Mythology

After a chance to grab lunch (on own) continue to take an adventure that will lead you to the untouched beauty and raw nature of Langjokull, Iceland’s second largest glacier. Enjoy the opportunity of a lifetime as you journey up the white slopes and go deep inside the man-made ice tunnels leading to the blue heart of the glacier. Ride in modified glacier vehicles specially made to explore the glacier environment and enjoy the view from the top of the ice cap.

Warm up at the Krauma Spa, which will feel lovely after the chill of the glacier. Krauma offers five relaxing natural geothermal baths, a cold tub to get your blood circulation going, two calming saunas and a relaxation room where you can rest by the fireplace while listening to soothing music.

Head onward to check into the 3* B59 Hotel, a welcoming oasis where quiet luxury meets rugged wilderness on the doorstep of Iceland’s iconic natural wonders. Featuring free Wi-Fi throughout the property, they also have an on-site restaurant. Every room is equipped with a flat-screen TV, minibar & bathroom amenities. Time permitting, you might want to use the spa with its relaxation pool, sauna and hot tub (for a fee).

Dinner will be provided this evening. 
Overnight: B59 Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Depart Reykjavik this morning after breakfast and head to the countryside. Highlights of the day are noted below but will also include a chance to relax at the Fontana spa before heading to your rural hotel. Your first stop this morning is to see the majestic waterfall Gullfoss, widely considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world.

The renowned Geysir geothermal area is not to be missed as you’ll walk the path through boiling ground but be on your guard as the geyser Strokkur will erupt when you least expect it. Your Golden Circle journey will end by treading in the footsteps of the Vikings at Thingvellir National Park. You’ll walk through the gorges that are being torn apart as the tectonic plates rip away from each other and if you listen closely, you just might hear the echoes of the Vikings deliberating at this UNESCO world heritage site of the first parliament in the world.

Landhotel is ideally located to see the local sites and will be opening in May. Guest rooms will have coffee, bathrobes, Wi-Fi, ironing board, desk and a hairdryer. 

Lunch will be provided today with dinner on your own with a variety of options available in Selfoss area.

​Overnight: Landhotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This day will also be focused on seeing the natural beauty of Iceland. We’ll be traveling around the area covered in ash from the Eyjafjallajökull volcano which stopped air traffic all over Europe in 2010.

Some of the amazing locations you will visit today include a walk behind Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland’s iconic waterfalls (conditions permitting). The waterfall drops 60m and is part of the Seljalands River that has its origin in the volcano glacier Eyjafjallajökull.

Another amazing waterfall you will visit is Skógafoss which is situated on the Skógá River along the cliffs of the former coastline. 

Lunch will be provided this afternoon.

Explore Reynisfjara Beach, memorable due its black sand beach and amazing basalt cliff formations.  Reynisdrangar are basalt sea stacks situated under the mountain Reynisfjall near the village Vík.

Enjoy some time to shop in the village of Vik this afternoon. Vik is a remote seafront village sitting in the shadow of Mýrdalsjökull glacier. Have a chance to explore with your guide.

Visit a local museum such as the Lava Center of Volcanology in Hvolsvöllur. The Lava Center is an interactive, high-tech educational exhibition depicting volcanic activity, earthquakes and the creation of Iceland over millions of years.

Say goodbye as you reflect and share memories over a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. 
Overnight: Landhotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Depart early for your one hour drive back to Reykjavik to the Keflavik International Airport for your flight home this afternoon. Depending on the flight time, lunch is by individual arrangement.

Meals: Breakfast

Professional Participants - As this Nanda Journey program is focused primarily on professional development, costs associated with your participation on the program may be tax deductible as an ordinary and necessary business expense. Consult with a tax professional to determine eligibility.

Please note: All itineraries are subject to change based on availability of hotels, flights and hosting organizations at the time of finalization of booking. 

Comparable meetings and activities will be arranged should an itinerary change be necessary. 30 days before departure, a finalized itinerary will be available and reflect final details.

Begin your explorations in Iceland by venturing North! Take a once in a lifetime tour to the incredible sights of the Icelandic highlands. Completely inhabitable, the highlands consist of volcanic sand, pumice and lava deserts. Mountains, volcanoes and glaciers loom over the landscape with rivers, waterfalls and oases strewn in various locations.

DAY 1: AUGUST 17, 2023

Depart today from Chicago and make your way to Reykjavik.

Meal service is not provided on Icelandair but food is available for purchase. You might want to bring you own snacks or grab something at the airport after arrival as the first meal provided today is lunch.

DAY 2: AUGUST 18, 2023
 

Upon arrival early this morning, the group will be met for your transfer to the Blue Lagoon. Kick back and just relax in the geothermal seawater and recuperate from your flight. It is incredibly relaxing and rejuvenating and a must experience activity.

Your visit today to the geothermal spa will include entrance to the site, use of a towel, a drink of your choice, a silica mud mask treatment, plus use of slippers and robe. Other optional services are available at additional cost (water massage, etc.). They have changing rooms, showers, and have incredible service to make your stay comfortable.

Lunch will be provided today before heading onward to the domestic airport.

Check in for your flight North. Fly to the Akureyi domestic airport (or another nearby airport depending on availability closer to travel) where you will be met by your extension guide.

Make the drive into Mývatn where you will check into your local hotel. On the way to the hotel, stop to see the Goðafoss Waterfall. The water of the river Skjálfandafljót falls from a height of 39 feet over a width of 100 feet. It is historically significant as the location where in the year 1000, after Lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði made Christianity the official religion of Iceland, he threw his statues of the Norse gods into the waterfall.

Berjaya Mývatn Hotel was opened in July 2018 with amazing nature at your doorstep. The hotel has free Wi-Fi, coffee & tea set, hairdryer, satellite tv and bathroom amenities. The hotel has onsite dining for your convenience.

Dinner will be provided at the hotel this evening.

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Hotel: Berjaya Mývatn Hotel 

DAY 3: AUGUST 19, 2023 - VISIT THE ICELANDIC HIGHLANDS

This morning, head out for a morning UTV safari off the beaten tracks. The goal is to give you a memorable and education tour, but still ensuring you minimize your impact on the delicate Icelandic natural environment. 

Lunch will be provided today in Vogafjós Mývatn.

Climb aboard a traditional Icelandic boat in Húsavík by Skjálfandi Bay in North Iceland for an incredible whale-watching excursion. See the magnificent marine life that dwells in the waters near the Arctic Circle on this fully guided adventure. Húsavík is a town of just over two thousand people and considered to be one of the best places in Europe for whale watching in the summer. 

Dinner will be provided in Húsavík before returning to your hotel in Mývatn.

Time permitting you might opt to further explore town or visit the GeoSea baths. Drilling for hot water at Húsavíkurhöfði in the mid-20th century revealed water that turned out to be hot, too rich in minerals to be suitable for heating houses. Instead of letting this hot water go to waste, an old cheese barrel was installed at Húsavíkurhöfði. There, Húsavík residents could enjoy the health benefits of bathing there. Those suffering from skin conditions such as psoriasis have found relief by bathing in the water, which is at an optimal temperature of 38°-39°C. 

Note: Keep in mind that the area is in the mid-highlands of Iceland where snow can linger the better part of the summer. Bring warm clothes, waterproof jacket and pants, sunglasses, sunblock, good hiking shoes/boots for walking in snow and perhaps a snack.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

Hotel: Berjaya Mývatn Hotel

DAY 4: AUGUST 20, 2023 

After breakfast, you will begin your explorations of the unique Mývatn area with its strange formation of lava, cold freshwater springs, boiling pools of mud and steaming volcanic ground. Lake Mývatn has a rich local culture as the area has been settled from the era of the Vikings. Today’s exploration will include stops to see the Dimmuborgir lava fields, Grjótagjá Cave, Höfði peninsula, Hverir boiling mud pools, various viewpoints, Lúdentarborgir crater rows and more. Dimmuborgir, or the Black Fortress, is a dramatic expanse of lava fields, caves, and rock formations steeped with local folklore. Much of the area was formed by an old volcano creating a lake of lava 2300 years ago.

Lunch will be provided this afternoon in Mývatn.

End the day with a visit to the Mývatn Nature Baths. Drawing on a centuries-old tradition, the tastefully designed complex offers bathers a completely natural experience that begins with a relaxing dip amidst clouds of steam rising from a fissure deep in the Earth's surface and ends with a luxurious swim in a pool of geothermal water drawn from depths of up to 2.500 meters.

Return to the hotel for dinner/

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

Hotel: Berjaya Mývatn Hotel

DAY 5: AUGUST 21, 2023

After breakfast, transfer to the local airport for your flight back to the domestic airport in Reykjavik. Connect with the rest of the group that will be flying in from the U.S. today.

Meals: Breakfast

PROGRAM INFO

Date & Length: 4 days August 17–21, 2023

Extension cost: $3,899 per person | Single supplement: $999

Inclusions: Group airport transfers and baggage handling, meals and activities as mentioned, and accommodations based on double occupancy. Coach class flights domestic airport (bag fees may apply).

Not Included: Hotel incidentals, tips to your drivers and guides and meals not mentioned.

Review and download Booking Terms & Conditions HERE  

Dr Barrett was senior medical officer and senior mental health consultant for the mental health and substance abuse department for the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland between 2004 and 2007.  He was the Mental Health Director for the state of Colorado between 1994 and 2004 and  program evaluation and executive director for Bethesda Community Mental Center in Denver between 1974 and 1990.  Dr Barrett was a Fulbright Professor at University of Zagreb in Croatia in 2011.  

Dr Barrett is also past president of the National Association of State Mental Health Directors Board of Directors.  He has authored or co-authored many journal articles and made keynote addresses at many national and international professional conferences.

Dr. Barrett currently serves as clinical professor emeritus at the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Barrett teaches in both the Pys.D. program and in the International Disaster Psychology program.  He also provides consultation services for the Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education and for the Denver Children’s Advocacy Center. Dr. Barrett has led professional mental health delegations to China, South Africa, Rwanda, India, Cuba, Myanmar, Peru, and Vietnam and Cambodia.

A boutique-style hotel, offers a calm escape in the upper end of Laugarvegur (otherwise known as the quiet part), around a 15-minute walk from the center of the city. It’s near shops, cafés, and restaurants but away from the central nightlife area. Guest rooms have a walk-in shower, bathrobe, hair dryer, coffee/tea making area, and free Wi-Fi. 

At Alda Hotel Reykjavik, we combine a fantastic location, on Reykjavik‘s main shopping street, Laugavegur, with a harmonious atmosphere.
Our boutique-style hotel, where rooms vary in shapes and sizes, offer a calm escape.

The idea of Alda Hotel Reykjavík is to provide tranquil space in the middle of the city to take in and process the expressions from the adventures experienced in Iceland. We are located on the upper end of Laugavegur (otherwise known as the quiet part), around a 15-minute walk from the center of the city.
We are close to shops, cafés, and restaurants but away from the central nightlife area.

WEBSITE:  Alda Hotel  

B59 Hotel, a welcoming oasis where quiet luxury meets rugged wilderness on the doorstep of Iceland’s iconic natural wonders. Featuring free Wi-Fi throughout the property, they also have an on-site restaurant. Every room is equipped with a flat-screen TV, minibar & bathroom amenities. Time permitting, you might want to use the spa with its relaxation pool, sauna and hot tub (for a fee).
 
WEBSITE: B59 Hotel (or similar)

Landhotel is a new hotel, opened in June 2019. It is an elegant four star hotel. The hotel architecture and its interior is inspired from the surroundings and has total of 69 rooms all of which are very spacious and all have a fantastic views to the highlands, lowlands and midlands.

One of the unique qualities of Landhotel is its location. It is located within 2 hours away from the most scenic attractions in South Iceland for endless list of leisure activities and you can reach the most scenic attractions within a day tour from the hotel. It is optimal to have base at Landhotel and enjoy your adventurous travel with quiet evenings and relax in our luxurious lounge in the country where no light or traffic pollution exists.

The only sound you hear is the sound of nature!

State of the art acoustic system! The hotel prides itself with a state of the art acoustic system which means NO echo anywhere in the hotel. Our guests can enjoy conversations with out any background noise from others. A perfect place to relax!

WEBSITE:  Landhotel