Thu, 10 Jan 2013
Spending the New Year in the Lofoten Islands
What?s better than seeing a sky full of fireworks to celebrate heading into the New Year? Well the a...
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It acquired its name, meaning ‘Smoky Bay’, after one of the first settlers, Ingolfur Arnarson, a Norwegian Viking, saw plumes of steam rising from the geothermal springs in AD 874.
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 country’s latitude of 64ºN, the temperature is warmer than one might expect, courtesy of the Gulf Stream. There are excellent shops, great cafes selling home-made food and superb restaurants. Reykjavik is especially suitable for those seeking the bustling energy and nightlife of a cosmopolitan city along with a selection of adrenaline packed outdoor activities.
Day 1
Arrive Keflavik Airport. Airport bus to hotel.
3 nights REYKJAVIK - Hotel Leifur Eiriksson or Reykjavik Centrum (BB)
Day 4
Airport bus from hotel to airport for return flight to the UK.
Departure Day: Daily from London Heathrow Airport
Departure Dates: 1 November 2012 - 27 April 2013
Duration: 3 nights
NB. Departures also possible from the following airports subject to flight schedules and availability
Glasgow (direct) - no supplement
Manchester (via Glasgow) - no supplement
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!
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.
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.
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.
Description: Visit the underground world under the great lava field in the Blue Mountains; an amazing hike through an ancient underground lava tube. Visit Gullfoss, the undisputed queen of Icelandic waterfalls, an amazing sight with water rushing down three steps of lava layers with breathtaking power and grandeur. Afterwards feast on a traditional Icelandic meat soup at the Gullfoss Cafe before continuing to the geothermal area of Geysir, home of the one and only Geysir. The last stop is at the famous Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the original birthplace of the oldest existing parliament in the world. It is also the place where the tectonic plates of America and Europe meet and the rift valley is clearly visible.
Operates: Daily, 12 Sep-14 May.
Duration: 8 hours, departs 0900.
Price: £119 per person.
Description: Pick up from your hotel by super truck and drive directly to the Langjökull glacier about 2½ hours from Reykjavik. There you will be given a security talk and instructions for driving a snowmobile before setting out on an exhilarating 2 hour tour across the endless white snowfields - a great way to combine the adrenaline-filled activity of your choice with awe-inspiring scenery. Racing through the ice fields is a truly exciting adventure and a great way to explore one of the huge glaciers covering more than 11% of Iceland.
Operates: Sundays, 16 Sep-14 May.
Duration: 7-9 hours, departs 0930.
Price: £243 per person (2 per snowmobile), supp for solo driver £27.
Description: The Golden Circle tour allows visitors to experience some of Iceland’s most famous and exciting natural phenomena. Þingvellir Nationa Park, one of Iceland´s most historic sites and location of Iceland´s first parliament; the geothermal area around the Geysir hot spring and Gullfoss where your proximity to its edge is so close you can feel the spray of the glacial water on your face. The action kicks into higher gear as you get even closer to Iceland´s nature with a snowmobiling tour on Langjökull (1 or 2 hours - see prices), Iceland´s second largest glacier.
Operates: Daily, all year.
Duration: 9-10 hours, departs 0830.
Price: £194 per person (2 per snowmobile, 1 hour), £222 per person (2 per snowmobile, 2 hours) supp for solo driver for 1 hours £17 and £28 for 2 hours.
Description: For the first time ever in Iceland, a FULL DAY snowmobile tour into the Icelandic highlands! You will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the best place suitable at the time of your trip for this adventure. Since this is a winter trip (and the Icelandic winter weather is not to be messed with!) the trip will be customized according to the conditions i.e. You will be taken where the snow is the deepest, the sun shines the brightest and the views are the greatest! With favourable conditions the trip will travel between the mountains and reach the Langjökull glacier.
Operates: Daily, 15 Dec-15 Jun.
Duration: 10-12 hours, departs 0800.
Price: £417 per person (1 person per snowmobile).
Description: A short drive from Reykjavik you will find your 700 cc Yamaha Grizzly Quad bike waiting outside the base on the Hellisheíði plateau. There you will receive a short security talk and instructions for driving the bikes before heading out on a 2-3 hour ATV bike trip along the mountains and through the amazing lava fields of the Blue Mountain Range. Driving these powerful machines through the lava fields is a great way to explore the hills and mountains on the outskirts of the city. Halfway through the trip you will stop at the Leiðarendi lava cave and descend into the hidden depths of the Tvibollahraun lava field. The Leiðarendi cave is a perfect example of an Icelanic lava tube and is situated in one of the most active volcanic areas in the world. You will climb, crawl and walk beneath the surface before surfacing for a packed lunch.
Operates: Daily, 16 Sep-14 May.
Duration: 6 hours with 2-3 hours of quad biking, departs 0930.
Price: £162 per person (2 per bike), supp for solo driver £27.
Description: Drive towards the Hellisheidi plateau and the Blue Mountains area, approximately 30 minutes from Reykjavik. On arrival you have a brief security talk and instructions for driving the bikes before setting off along the mountains and up to a mountain valley close by. Racing through the lava fields is a truly exciting adventure and a great way to explore the hills and mountains on the outskirts of Reykjavik. The quad bike makes it possible to you to visit places accessible only by the selected few who have access to off-road vehicles.
Operates: Daily, all year.
Duration: 2-3 hours with 1 hour of quad biking, departs 0930.
Price: £56 per person (2 per bike), supp for solo driver £14.
Description: Start the day with your transfer to the mountainous Hellisheiði lava plateau by the Blue Mountains, located just 25 minutes from Reykjavik. You will start by gearing up in warm thermal layers and waterproof clothing before an expert ATV guide shows you how to safely handle the powerful 700 cc engine of the Super-ATVs. From the base you follow gravel roads to the North and to the river system that comes from Mount Hengill. You will drive the rough tracks along the river, crossing it many times and on occasion actually driving in the river. This is one of the most adventurous quad bike journeys on offer with tons of action and scenic views.
Operates: Daily, all year
Duration: 4-5 hours (2 hours biking), departs 1300-1330
Price: £94 per person
Description: Search for the Northern Lights in a monster super-jeep. Start by exploring the hidden world in and under the lava field located in the Blue Mountains then by walking down into the lava cave and discovering the marvels that volcanic activity has created in the past. This is a trip that everyone can undertake and enjoy. You will see the magical rock formations left behind in the last volcanic eruption and glistening icicles of all shapes and sizes. Head on to Rauda Husid restaurant, one of Iceland’s most renowned seafood restaurants, in Eyrabakki village on the south coast where a 2-course dinner (lobster and dessert) is waiting for you. From Eyrabakki you will not have to travel far into the mountains which provide the shadows required to see the Aurora Borealis - this and a cloudless clear winter evening.
Operates: Daily, 12 Sep-14 May.
Duration: 6 hours, departs 1730.
Price: £156 per person (Northern Lights, caving and 2-course dinner); £140 per person (Northern Lights and 2-course dinner); £111 per person (Northern Lights only).
Description: A beautiful hike from the outskirts of Hvergerði, the town of hot springs and green house agriculture into the beautiful valley of Reykjadulur. Up there hot water rushes down the slopes of Hellisheiði mountain range creating natural hot springs surrounded by pure and untouched Icelandic nature. The valley also has an amazing abundance of geothermal springs and you will witness everything from small gurgling melting pots to vibrant super heated pools of water. After strolling along these wonders of nature you hike back down into the town of Hveragerði.
Operates: Daily, 15 Nov -15 Feb.
Duration: 6 hours, departs 1000.
Price: £83 per person.
Description: The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are a spectacular natural phenomenon, often seen dancing around in fantastic colours across the Icelandic Arctic sky. The locations visited for this trip are defferent for each tour since the tour travels to where it's most likely to see the Northern Lights each day. This tour is dependent on weather and sightings are not guaranteed. However, if you don't see any lights on your tour you are welcome to join the tour again free of charge!
Operates: 15 September - 15 April
Duration: 3 hours, departs as follows: 15 Sep - 15 Oct = 2200, 16 Oct - 14 Mar = 2100, 15 Mar - 15 Apr = 2200
Price: £28 per person, children 0 - 11 are free, teenagers 12-15 yrs £14
Price Includes: Guided bus trip with pick up from your hotel 30 minutes prior to departure.
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.
Description: The trip starts with the Black as you explore the hidden world under a lava field. The cave is a perfect example of an Icelandic lava tube where you have the opportunity to discover the marvels created by past volcanic activity. This is an adventure that everyone can undertake. After the cave lunch is served before moving into the Blue... Snorkelling in Silfra is the second adventure, where you will be taken into the crystal clear water of the deep Silfra lava fissure - one of Iceland's best kept secrets. Frequently rated as one of the world's top ten diving sites, Silfra offers up to 100 metres of underwater visibility and is located on top of the seperation between the continental plates of Europe and America!
Operates: 15 Nove - 30 Apr, Daily
Duration: 7 hours
Departs: 1000, 15 Nov - 15 Feb & 0900, 16 Feb - £0 Apr
Price: £119 per person
Please view our Terms & Conditions for this holiday.
To book call 01274 875 199 or