Reykjavik

Reykjavik, the worlds most northerly capital, with a

population of only 190,000 is beautifully positioned

amidst fjords and mountain ranges.

It acquired its name, meaning Smoky Bay, after the first settler, Ingolfur Arnarson, a Norwegian Viking, saw plumes of steam rising from the geothermal springs there in AD874.

In actual fact Reykjavik is a completely smoke-free city heated almost exclusively by geothermal and hydro power. Icelanders are proud of having the cleanest, freshest air on the planet. Given the countrys latitude of 64 degrees north, the temperature is warmer than one might expect, courtesy of the Gulf Stream. During summer the nights are bright with the sun setting around midnight. There are excellent shops, most being independently owned and even two shopping malls a short taxi drive away, great cafes selling home-made food and superb restaurants.

Reykjavik's National Gallery is the perfect place for anyone seeking culture, and with artists like Pablo Picasso, Edvard Munch and Victor Vasarely on display, it attracts an international crowd. Whatever your interests, Reykjavik has something to offer. Whether you are seeking the bustling energy and nightlife of a cosmopolitan city or the quiet green energy of the landscape surrounding the city, Reykjavik promises a memorable visit.

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Day 1

By air from the UK to Keflavik Airport. Airport bus to your hotel (included).

3 nights REYKJAVIK - Hotel Leifur Eiriksson**plus, Hotel Björk*** or Hotel Reykjavik Centrum **** (BB)

Day 4

Airport bus to Keflavik Airport for your return to the UK.

Departure Day: Daily throughout the year from London Heathrow
Departure Dates: 1 May - 30 September 2013
Duration: 3 nights

N. B. Flights also possible from Manchester and Glasgow at no supplement

Hotel Björk ***

A superior three star hotel situated within a 10 minute walk from the heart of Reykjavik. The rooms are modern, spacious and comfortable with shower/wc, satellite TV and telephone and are accessible via a lift. Buffet breakfast is taken at the hotel's excellent in-house restaurant, Potturinn & Pannan. The restaurant offers a delicious selection of traditional and international cuisine prepared using the freshest of local produce.

Hotel Leifur Eiriksson ** plus

A lovely family-run hotel since 1993. Impossible to get lost as the hotel is located opposite the stunning 73m high Hallgrimur's Church which towers above Reykjavik. All rooms with shower/wc, telephone, radio and satellite TV. Reception open 24 hours for light meals and drinks. Ensure you don't miss the complimentary breakfast!

Hotel Reykjavik Centrum ****

Comprising three 18th century style buildings in the centre of Reykjavik, this charming hotel was newly opened in 2005 and consists of 89 elegantly decorated en-suite rooms all with satellite and pay TV, cable and wireless internet, mini-bar, room safe, hairdryer, ironing board and tea/coffee making facilities. The hotel has its own restaurant serving lunch and dinner and a bar/cafe offering light refreshments.

The Blue Lagoon on Arrival / Departure (BL10/BL01)

Description: What better way to start your holiday than bathing in the famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa to soothe and refresh body and soul? Relax in the milky-blue seawater (37-39ºC) and try out the sauna, steam bath and powerful massage waterfall. Timed for all flight arrivals (LHR, MAN & GLA) and departures (MAN & GLA arrival only).
Operates: Daily, all year.
Duration: 20 mins from airport to Blue Lagoon and approx. 45 mins from Blue Lagoon to hotel, length of time in Blue Lagoon 1 ½ to 3 hours.
Price: £43 per adult, child 12-15 pay 50%, under 12 free. NB. It is also possible to take this tour from Reykjavik itself with seven daily departures, details on request.

Iceland in a Nutshell (MT/01)

Description: Includes Thingvellir (UNESCO) site of the world's oldest parliament and where tectonic plates are pulling apart. Head to Kaldidalur (Cold Valley) mountain road to Langjökull glacier before heading to the Surtshellir lava caves. Onwards to the 'lava falls' and then historic Reykholt and Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring, before reutning to Reykjavik via the beautiful Hvalfjördur (Whale Fjord).
Operates: Daily, 1 June - 30 September

Duration: 8-9 hours

Price: £209 per adult, child 0-12 pays 50%.

The Golden Circle by Super Jeep with optional Snowmobile Ride

Description: Departing from Reykjavik in your Super Jeep, your first stop is Þingvellir National Park where Iceland’s ancient parliament was situated. You’ll spend some time walking through this area to experience the dramatic mid-Atlantic ridge before heading eastbound on the mountain road to Lyngdalsheiði. Here you’ll find views of the lava fields on the hills above Laugarvatn. As you head to Haukadalur, you’ll likely be able to see the famous Strokkur geyser erupting every 5 to 7 minutes and spewing boiling water into the air at heights of 25 to 30 metres. You’ll spend some time here observing the eruptions and exploring the hot springs before heading up to the magnificent Gullfoss waterfall cascading into the white Hvítá River along with glacial water. Lunch is served at Gullfoss cafe before driving to the beginning of the Kjölur interior mountain road. You’ll be approaching Iceland’s second largest glacier, Langjökull, and optional activities, like quad and snowmobile rides, are dependent on weather conditions and time of year. In the afternoon, you make our way through the agricultural headland of southwest Iceland and through small settlements. You’ll stop at Kerið, an explosion crater and geological wonder. If you have time, you’ll visit the hot springs town of Hveragerði before reaching the Hellisheiði plateau on the way home to Reykjavik.
Operates: Daily, 1 May - 30 September

Duration: 8-9 hours.

Price: £192 per adult, child 0-12 pays 50%. Optional snowmobile extra £91 per person (2 people per snowmobile), solo rider £113.

Hekla Volcano and Landmannalaugur - the Ultimate Super Jeep Safari!

Description: Through farmland to Mt. Hekla, iceland's most active volcano, driving along the volcano's ridge. Over rugged mountain track past lava fields, explosion craters and hot springs to Hrafntinnusker, famous for its beautiful obsidian rock. Onwards to Torfajökull glacier, the largest high temperature area in Iceland. The mountain view from the top of eight glacial tongues is spectacular. Then to Landmannalaugur geothermal area, one of Iceland´s jewels and surrounded by surreal multi-coloured rhyolite mountains, for a dip in one of the warm pools. Finally to the Domadalur lava fields, with its landscape barren from the fallout ash of Hekla's last eruption in 2000, before some pumic excavations on the way back to Reykjavik. The journey will have completely circled Hekla, believed to be the entrance to Hell in the medieval times! Lunch pack included.
Operates: Daily, 1 June - 30 August.

Duration: 9-10 hours.
Departs: 0800

Price: £209 per adult, child 0-12 pays 50%.

Take a Walk on the Ice Side! (SRE-81)

Description: Less than 2 hours drive from Reykjavik is Eyjafjallajökull glacier, and just a little further the Sólheimajökull glacier tongue extending down from Mýrdalsjökull, Iceland’s 4th largest glacier. Easy walk with crampons onto the ice field where a wonderland of ice sculptures, ridges and deep crevasses awaits discovery. Instructors provide and teach you how to use basic glacier equipment. Ice climbing is not included in this tour. On the way back there’s a stop at the impressive, Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls. NB. Dependent on weather/road conditions and minimum age is 10 years.

Operates: Daily at 0900, all year.

Duration: 10 hours

Price: £129 per adult, child 10-15 pays 50%.

Notes: Bring warm clothing, rain gear and hiking boots. Pick-up at hotels is 30 minutes prior to departure.

The Golden Circle RE-04

Description: Iceland’s most popular excursion visiting the magnificent Gullfoss waterfall, the queen of Iceland’s waterfalls; the world famous Geysir area, a geothermal field where hot springs are in abundance and where Strokkur geyser erupts (includes entrance to the excellent Geysir Centre); Thingvellir National Park (UNESCO), site of the world’s oldest parliament and where the mid-Atlantic Ridge is clearly visible.

Operates: Daily at 0900, all year.
Duration: 8 hours.
Price: £55 per adult, child 12-15 pay 50%, under 12 free.

Gullfoss - Geysir Direct (RE/24)

Description: A shorter version of the Golden Circle but just visiting Gullfoss, Geysir and Thingvellir. Includes entrance to the Geysir Centre.

Operates: Daily, all year.
Duration: 5 ½ hours.

Departs: 1230 (RE24) or 1700 (RE34)
Price: £50 per adult, child 12-15 pay 50%, under 12 free.

Landmannalaugar and the Saga Valley (RE92)

Description: Þjórsárdalur Valley, a place of stunningly colorful and diverse landscape, is one of Iceland’s most popular destinations. Mt. Hekla, Iceland's best known volcano is clearly visible in the Þjórsárdalur valley. Landmannalaugar is a natural gem, hidden in the highlands of Iceland and offers some of the most surprising and memorable experiences. Take a hike in the most breathtaking scenery in Iceland and afterwards take a bath in the lukewarm hot spring stream. One of the best characteristics of this area, are the Rhyolite Mountains, with their multi-colored shapes and sizes. Some walking is required on this excursion. Lunch and refreshments are not included.

Operates: Tue, Thu, Sun - 1 July - 31 August at 0800

Duration: 12 hrs.

Price: £96 per adult, child 12-15 pay 50%, under 12 free.

NB. Dependent on weather/road conditions.

Whale Watching from Reykjavik Harbour (EL-01)

Description: The summer season is great for whale watching, as the wildlife in the bay is at its highest peak. This is the time when the migrating whales and birds entertain us with their magnificent presence in the happy company of the resident whales. Commonly seen are minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises and humpback whales. During the puffin season, mid May to mid August, we stop by one of the puffin islands for a closer look at these charismatic birds. This trip departs from the harbour.

Operates: Daily, May - September.
Departs: 0900, 1000 (Jun, Jul, Aug), 1300, 1400 (Jun, Jul, Aug) & 1700

Duration: 2½ - 3½ hours.

Price: £44 per adult, £22 children 7-15, 0-6 free.

Blue Ice (glacier hiking and ice climbing)

Description: This trip will take you to the frozen glacial tongue that is Sólheimajökull. It is a magnificent phenomenon, a rugged, raw and ever changing hub of ancient frozen water. You will explore the crevasse riddled outlet glacier with its amazing ice formations, sinkholes and jagged ridges. Along the way you will find an ice wall on the glacier and try your hand at ice climbing. All tools provided; ice axes, crampons and safety lines. Packed lunch served on the glacier.
Operates: Daily, 15 May - 15 September.
Duration: Approx. 10 hours in total including pick-up, 4 hours on the glacier.
Departs: 0830-0900
Price: £119 per person
Notes: Bring with you: warm clothing, waterproof jacket and pants, headwear and gloves. Good hiking shoes are recommended. Age limit: 14 years or shoe size 35 (for crampons). Distance from Reykjavik: 164 kms. Minimum of 2 people required.

River Fun with Arctic Adventure

Description: The most popular activity in Iceland! Hvítá river is a beautiful and fun river a little more than one hour from Reykjavik. The river has a perfectly balanced mix of serene canyons and adrenaline pumping waves and rapids. The your way you pass through the magnificent Brúarhlöð canyon and in that stunning setting participants have the option of jumping from a cliff into the river. Who can resist going glacier river swimming in Iceland?! Relax in the hot sauna or hot-tubs after your trip. Lunch included.
Operates: 15 May - 15 September
Duration: 7-8 hours including pick-up, lunch (served before or after the trip depending on which departure you choose) and sauna i.e. 3-4 hours rafting
Price: £64 per person
Notes: Bring with you a warm sweater, bathing suit, towel and a change of clothing. Age limit: 12 years for rafting the whole river and 10 years for half of the river. Distance from Reykjavik: 110 kms.

Into the Blue with Arctic Adventure (snorkelling)

Description: Silfra fissure is one of Iceland's best kept secrets. Silfra, which is situated in the heart of Þingvellir, the site of the world's oldest Parliament, is an otherworldly scene. The crystal clear water in the deep fissure gives you a feeling of being weightless and flying as you glide along the narrow crack with the lazy current. It is also worth mentioning that Silfra lies on the rift between the tectonic plates of America and Europe and the rugged underwater view of the lava field is something you will have to see to believe! After an hour of snorkelling you climb out on to the riverbank and those daring enough get a chance to leap from a cliff into the blue water. Into the Blue is a relaxing and exotic trip in an environment most will only encounter in their dreams. Participants can rent a waterproof digital camera that can both take videos and pictures. The images and videos will then be burnt onto a DVD after your trip. Please pre-book the cameras beforehand, price £27.
Operates: Daily, 15 May - 30 Apr
Duration: 4 hours including pick-up, 2 hours of activity and changing
Departs: 1000, 15 Nov-15 Feb & 0900, 16 Feb-30 Apr.
Price: £86 per adult
Notes: Bring with you: Warm undergarment clothing (fleece/wool sweater and pants), warm socks and a change of clothing. Age limit: 14 years or 150cm height. Distance from Reykjavik: 50 kms. Minimum of 2 people required.

Rafting and Riding

Description: River rafting on Hvítá River and horse riding in the countryside - the perfect family adventure! Horse riding is an excellent way to explore the countryside of Iceland. The trip starts at the horse ranch of Vellir where the first half of the day is spent horse riding. This tour is designed to give you a taste of the Icelandic nature and the opportunity to get to know the unique Icelandic horse with its five gaits. You are provided with all the necessary equipment and a friendly horse that fits your skills. After the trip you are served a delicious fish soup for lunch at Hotel Eldhestar. After lunch you go river rafting on Iceland's most popular river, Hvítá. The river has a perfectly balanced mix of beautiful canyons and heart racing waves and rapids. You travel more than seven kilometres down the river and at one point you will get the chance to hump from a cliff into the arctic river (optional!). After the rafting you will enjoy Arctic Adventure's famous lamb Volcanic BBQ for dinner before heading back to Reykjavik. This truly is the ultimate family adventure trip. Beautiful nature and action combined in one day!
Operates: Daily, 15 May - 15 September
Duration: 11 hours including pick-up from Reykjavik, horse riding, lunch, river rating and BBQ.
Departs: 0820-0845
Price: £116 per adult, children less 50%.
Notes: Bring with you: A warm sweater, bathing suit, towel and a change of clothing. Age limit: 12 years for rafting the whole river and 10 years for half of the river. Distance from Reykjavik: 110 kms. Minimum of 4 people required.

Whales and White Water

Description: Start the day with an adventure at sea, an unforgettable trip into the world of whales and seabirds. The boats are located in Reykjavik's old harbour and after a short journey you will be up close to whales in their natural habitat. The various types of whales commonly sighted include minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises and the popular humpback whales. The majestic fin and sei whales along with the killer whales (orcas) are occasionally sighted. You will be accompanied by sea birds such as gannets, guillemots, cormorants, kittiwakes, arctic terns and many more. You will also pass several islands inhabited by puffins. Next you head up to Drumbó rafting base camp where you will be served lunch. Hvítá river awaits us with a great mix of serene canyons and action packed waves and rapids. You raft 7 kms through Hvítárgljúfur canyon and at the famous Brúarhlöð canyon participants get to jump from a cliff into the river (optional!). After your river rafting adventure hot showers, hot tubs, sauna and a BBQ dinner await you.
Operates: Daily, 15 May - 15 September
Duration: 11 hours including pick-up, whale watching, lunch, transfer from Reykjavik, river rafting and BBQ dinner.
Departs: 0900 from Reykjavik harbour
Price: £116 per adult, children less 50%.
Notes: Bring with you: Warm outdoor clothing, waterproof jacket and pants, warm sweater, bathing suite, towel and a change of clothing. Age limit: 12 years for rafting the whole river and 10 years for half of the river. Minimum 4 people required.

Midnight Whale Watching with Elding

Description: The Midnight Sun and the nature of the bay provide a unique wildlife experience. This tour is ideal as a relaxing ending of a busy day or as a beginning of a fun night in town. As our whales never fully sleep, we can expect to see minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises and humpback whales just as on the day tours. To make it even more memorable we often shut down the engines to enjoy the soothing sound of the water, the whales and the birds. The tour departs from the harbour.
Operates: Daily, 15 June - 15 August
Duration: 2½ - 3½ hours
Departs: 2030
Price: £44 per person, children 7-15 £19