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Roopali Phadke

Iceland: Eclipse, Energy and Epic Landscapes

August 10-18, 2026
Reservations are due by January 15, 2026

Travel to Iceland with President Suzanne M. Rivera & Professor Roopali Phadke

This unforgettable program features some of Iceland’s most iconic highlights: a Reykjavik food tour, the dramatic waterfalls and black sand beaches of the South Coast, the stunning Golden Circle, and a restorative visit to the famed Blue Lagoon. We will also gather on August 12 to witness the total solar eclipse in its full 1 minute and 48 seconds —a once-in-a-lifetime celestial event.

Our exclusive viewing location aligns closely with the eclipse’s path of totality, plunging us into total eclipse darkness for one minute and forty-eight seconds. What’s more, with 2026 marking the peak solar activity in the Sun’s eleven-year cycle, the extent of the elusive solar corona may be at its stunning best.

Reserve your space online | Contact Alumni Engagement for more information

Events

Highlights Include:

  • A Borton Overseas host to handle all the details.
  • Witness the August 12, 2026 Total Solar Eclipse from our strategically situated vantage point with a guide
  • Experience waterfalls, geysers, glaciers, and a black-sand beach
  • Indulge in the therapeutic waters of the famous Blue Lagoon
  • Smaller group size with Macalester Faculty

View the Complete Itinerary Here

Prices Per Person (6 nights)

MAIN ICELAND TOUR–
Twin/Double occupancy: $5,142.00
Single room supplement: $1,949.00

Inclusions (main tour):

  • 6 nights’ accommodation in standard room at first-class Reykjavik hotel
  • Private guided Reykjavik Food Tour by foot (3 hours)
  • South Coast tour (9-10 hours) by private smaller vehicles with driver/guides
  • Half day private coach to eclipse viewing area with guide & eclipse glasses
  • Private guided Golden Circle tour by coach (7-8 hours)
  • Roundtrip transfer to Blue Lagoon by private coach
  • Comfort package at Blue Lagoon (entrance, use of towel, silica mud mask, 1 drink)
  • 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
  • 2 conference room rentals at hotel (3-4 hours)
  • 1 drink per person at cocktail reception
  • Gratuities (local guides/drivers)
  • Hotel/tour taxes
  • 1 tour leader from Borton Overseas


Faculty Leader

Roopali Phadke is Professor of Environmental Policy at Macalester College, where she has taught since 2005. Her teaching and research focus on energy, water and climate policy. She received her PhD from the Univ. of California Santa Cruz in Environmental Studies, as well as a Masters degree from Cornell University and a Bachelor of Arts from Wellesley College. She also served as a National Science Foundation postdoctoral fellow in the Science, Technology and Society Program at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

She recently completed a multiyear National Science Foundation study titled “Mining Futures” examining the politics of critical minerals for climate solutions. Her research also examines the circular economy of metals through remining and e-waste collection. She is also a member of the Future Mississippi Collaborative, a research collective focused on lock and dam infrastructure on the Mississippi River.  

Dr. Phadke serves on many local and national boards including: World Learning, Native Sun, Northern Lights.mn, and Recycling Electronics for Climate Action (RECA).

Optional Extension: Northern Iceland

Reykjavik to Northeast Iceland
Transfer to Reykjavik domestic/downtown airport for check-in for short 45-minute flight (morning or midday) up to Akureyri, the main city in North Iceland. Transfer to your accommodation. Remainder of day at leisure to explore Akureyri sights on own, such as the church, the botanical garden, and several museums. Can add an Optional Excursion for individuals, such as afternoon whale watching by boat, or a visit to the Forest Lagoon Spa (5-minute drive from city center). Overnight: Hotel Kea, Akureyri

Monday, August 17 Diamond Circle B
Breakfast at hotel. Depart this morning for a full day sightseeing tour through the sights of Lake Myvatn, waterfalls, and more (duration: ~10 hours). Overnight: Hotel Kea, Akureyri. We visit the highlights of North Iceland, and witness Nature’s most creative scenery. Among the highlights are the area around Lake Mývatn, powerful glacial rivers, beautiful canyons & valleys, and great waterfalls. In the fishing village of Húsavík, option to try the new GeoSea Geothermal sea baths or can spend time in the cozy coastal town, visiting the Whale Museum.

Tuesday, August 18 Akureyri – Reykjavik – departure B
Breakfast at hotel. Transfer via shuttle this morning to Akureyri airport for 45-minute flight from Akureyri back to Reykjavik domestic airport. Transfer on own (or can add airport coach or private transfer) to Keflavik international airport. Check-in for individual afternoon flight back to the US.

NORTH ICELAND Extension–
Twin/Double occupancy: $1,515.00
Single room supplement: $168.00