Celebrating 40 years of friendship between Seattle and Reykjavík, this curated program is intended for civic, business, and cultural leaders, and SRSCA members. It facilitates engagement with counterparts in Reykjavik to observe and exchange knowledge on contemporary issues impacting our communities, cities, and nations.

It's not just a sightseeing tour. SeatoIce 2026 is a curated delegation led by two uniquely connected leaders.

Begga Laxdal, Executive Director of the Icelandic American Chamber of Commerce and former Head of Culture and Public Diplomacy at the Icelandic Consulate, brings exclusive access to Icelandic institutions, innovators, and government.

‍Sheila Stickel, President of the Seattle–Reykjavík Sister City Association, Principal at AdvocacyNW, and External Relations Director at the National Nordic Museum, anchors the trip in deep, long-standing civic and cultural relationships.

Together they create a journey focused on Nordic culture, sustainability, innovation, food, and design built on real access, connection, and exchange. The trip is designed to foster long-term relationships that spark professional collaborations and enduring affinity with Iceland and the broader Nordic region.

The trip is intentionally designed with two distinct, but complementary, experiences. You are not required to participate in both.
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The Reykjavík Delegation Experience (August 18-23, 2026) is the civic, cultural, and relationship-driven portion of the trip. This includes curated visits, conversations, and events with Icelandic cultural leaders, innovators, sustainability experts, and partner institutions. It is designed for travelers interested in deeper engagement, cultural exchange, and understanding how Iceland approaches design, governance, climate solutions, and creative industries.
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The Iceland Golden Circle & South Coast Tour (August 23-27, 2026) is immersive travel. Participants will experience Iceland’s extraordinary landscapes—waterfalls, glaciers, volcanic terrain, and iconic sites—alongside expert local guides. It’s ideal for travelers and families who want an organized, small-group exploration of Iceland’s natural wonders.

Participants may join the Reykjavík delegation portion and depart afterward, arrive later for the Iceland Golden Circle tour only, or participate in both for the most comprehensive experience.

Activity scheduling varies by day and by trip portion. We encourage participants to make themselves available and engaged for the entire experience. You'll be solely responsible for your own arrangements should your schedule require you to depart from the offered itinerary.

During the Reykjavík Delegation Experience, days will generally be full and engaging, with optional programming from morning through the early evening. This may include site visits, meetings, cultural experiences, and hosted activities. Evenings are intentionally left flexible, and dinner is typically on your own, allowing time to explore Reykjavík independently or relax.
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During the Iceland Golden Circle & South Coast Tour, expect full-day travel days. We’ll be moving by coach from site to site to experience Iceland’s landscapes, waterfalls, glaciers, and iconic locations. These days are immersive and scenic, and again, dinners are generally on your own, giving you freedom to choose how you spend your evenings.

Reykjavík Delegation Experience
What is included:

• Optional discounted round trip airfare on select Icelandair flights from/to Seattle
• Airport transfers in Iceland if you are traveling on the designated flights
• A curated Reykjavík itinerary with delegation programming and scheduled experiences
• Trip coordination, planning, and on-the-ground guidance

What is not included:

• Hotel accommodations. However, there will be room block with a dedicated reservations link shared via email to confirmed participants
• Meals (unless specifically noted for a hosted event)
• Airport transfers if you are not traveling on the designated Icelandair flights
• Logistical and transportation arrangements other than those on the designated itinerary
• Travel or evacuation insurance, or emergency services
• Personal expenses, optional activities, and independent sightseeing

Iceland Golden Circle & South Coast Tour:
What is included:

• All ground transportation during the Golden Circle & South Coast tour
• Hotel accommodations for the duration of the tour
• Entrance fees to all scheduled sites and attractions
• Professional guides and organized daily sightseeing

What is not included:
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• Optional activities or excursions (e.g., glacier hikes, boat rides, specialty tours)
• Meals (unless specifically noted for a hosted event)
• Transportation to and from events if you are not traveling with the group or coach
•  Personal & incidental expenses

This structure gives travelers maximum flexibility — you can travel with the group for ease and savings or customize your experience independently, all while benefiting from curated access and programming that keeps the tour well-organized and seamless, with the freedom to choose meals and optional experiences that best fit your interests and pace.

We plan to host 30 delegates and up to 10 guests for the Reykjavík Delegation. We have capacity to host up to 40 people for the Golden Circle & South Coast tour.

While the trip is not physically strenuous or athletic, it does involve a moderate amount of physical activity, with daily walking built into most days. Comfortable walking shoes and a reasonable level of mobility are important to fully enjoy the experience.

Expect:

• Walking on uneven terrain (gravel paths, trails, lava rock, beaches)
• Standing during site visits, museums, and outdoor stops
• Occasional stairs, inclines, or longer walks at natural sites (waterfalls, viewpoints, towns)

The pace is manageable and flexible, and there are usually options to:

• Walk shorter distances
• Skip certain stops or return to the coach earlier
  
• Move at your own comfort level during free time

Accommodations will be business-class hotels. Comfortable, well-located properties chosen for quality, reliability, and proximity to programming and sites. Once hotel options are finalized, travelers will be able to review the accommodations in advance and decide whether they are appropriate for themselves or their family.
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Transportation will be provided by private buses and coaches, selected to comfortably accommodate the group as we move between sites and activities. This allows for coordinated travel, efficient scheduling, and a smooth overall experience.

Our goal is to balance comfort, practicality, and flexibility, especially during Iceland’s busiest travel season, while maintaining the high standards a group of our caliber demands throughout the trip.

Participants may cancel their portion of the trip at any time. However: delegate, delegate guest, and tour participation deposits paid to SeatoIce are strictly non-refundable.
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Payments made beyond the deposit may be refundable depending on timing and supplier policies, and we will make best efforts to minimize losses where possible.
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We strongly recommend that travelers purchase travel insurance to protect against unexpected changes.

See our refund policy for further information.