tel. 01737 218 800 | discover- the- world. co. uk TRAVEL DIRECTORYICELAND 21 As the world's most northerly capital and one of the most compact - Reykjavik, the ' Bay of Smoke' never fails to surprise, at any time of year. With convenient connections from several UK airports ( see page 117) it is less than a three hour fl ight from the UK. REYKJAVIK REYKJAVIK Iceland's capital is just a 45 minute drive from the international airport at Kefl avik, and is situated in the south- west corner of the island. Extended days under the midnight sun make this a very popular summer destination but with the prospect of sightings of the northern lights, winter also has a special draw. This is a city with a ' small and friendly' appeal and is an ideal short break destination in its own right. But visitors, no matter how long they have here, shouldn't miss an opportunity to explore beyond the city limits where nature most defi nitely rules! PERLAN one of Reykjavik's two most prominent landmarks is Perlan or ' the Pearl' which overlooks the city from the top of Oskjuhlid Hill. Six large, silver circular tanks hold naturally heated hot water for the city and above the tanks a glass dome houses a revolving, world class restaurant. At night a bright light shines skywards from the tip of the dome. Inside the building you'll often fi nd a craft fair or art exhibition to stroll around but once you step onto the outdoor viewing platform you'll see why this is such a popular place to visit. HALLGRIMSKIRKJA vying with Perlan for the most distinctive building award has to be Reykjavik's tallest, the centrally located Lutheran church. Beautifully sculpted out of concrete and fi nished in 1986, the building is said to mirror nature's own basalt columns. For wonderful views over the city, take the lift to the top of the 250 foot tower. LAUGARVEGUR this is the original and main shopping street in Reykjavik, running east to west across the city. An eclectic mix of high fashion, Icelandic handicraft and book stores as well as quirkier offerings and a more favourable exchange rate are very tempting! In addition, Reykjavik has two more internationally styled shopping malls, Kringlan and Smaralind. OLD TOWN Austurvollur is the name given to the square in Old Town Reykjavik. Filled with fl owers and outdoor coffee drinkers in the summertime, this square is surrounded by brightly coloured buildings, the city's oldest church Domkirkja, the Parliament Building and elegant art deco Hotel Borg. OLD HARBOUR separate from the commercial harbour, this is where visitors congregate to head out to sea on whale watching trips. Moored old fi shing boats provide great photo opportunities. THE NATIONAL MUSEUM this state- of- the- art museum presents 1,200 years of Iceland's cultural and social history and is well worth a visit even if it isn't raining! The Culture House and Reykjavik Museum of Photography are also recommended. TJORNIN although this translates as ' the pond' it is best described as a lake, with a fountain and an abundance of birds, very willing to make friends in exchange for some bread. BLUE LAGOON a world- famous attraction is just a 30 minute drive from the capital. See next page for information. Views over the city from Perlan Hallgrimskirkja

ICELANDSPA BREAK 22Why choose Discover the World - see page 4 For our office opening hours please visit our website The Blue Lagoon is a large expanse of naturally heated water ( 2/ 3 saltwater and 1/ 3 freshwater), with an inviting powder- blue colour, set amidst a jet black lavascape. Situated a mere 10 minute drive from the international airport at Kefl avik and around 30 minutes from Reykjavik, it is Iceland's premier attraction for visitors as well as being hugely popular with the locals. The water is drawn from a depth of around 2000m and is rich in unique natural minerals such as silica mud and blue green algae, especially benefi cial for those with skin complaints. Dotted around the waters edge you'll fi nd silica mud pots - be sure to take advantage and cover face and body with this white mud as it is a wonderful skin tonic. The fl ow and mix of the water is controlled, keeping temperatures at 37- 39° C/ 98- 102° F ensuring bathers step out smiling and slightly pink! There is something very special about swimming in the crisp Icelandic air, open to the elements, which is truly invigorating. And with a range of optional spa and massage treatments, available both in the water and in special treatment rooms, potentially, this is a short break where any aches, pains, cares or woes can literally be washed away. The Northern Light Inn is perfectly situated within walking distance of the lagoon and is the only construction, apart from the power plant and lagoon, for miles around. As the name would suggest, during the winter months, this is an ideal location for watching the northern lights due to the expansive skies a new 360° observation lounge and lack of neighbours! For more information about the hotel, turn to page 25. Although most visitors to the lagoon choose to swim guests may enter the facility without bathing if they prefer to simply take photos or perhaps purchase some of the excellent skin care products on sale at the Blue Lagoon spa shop. Onsite there is also the Blue Café, open daily serving soups, salads and other light snacks, which offers a spectacular view of the lagoon with fl oor- to- ceiling windows. Additionally, the stylish Lava Restaurant, which has been cleverly built into the lava, offers an à la carte menu for sophisticated evening dining. A glass staircase leads people to the Bar and Lounge area on the second fl oor and on the roof of the restaurant is a viewing platform which overlooks the lagoon. Your Iceland escape has 3 or 4 days at leisure to fi ll as you wish. You could spend all your time at the lagoon but it would be a pity not to venture further afi eld on an optional excursion. There are many opportunities to explore the natural wonders of the region, a popular choice being a Golden Circle tour. A return bus service is also available from the Blue Lagoon to downtown Reykjavik, if you hanker for some café culture and retail therapy. OUTLINE ITINERARY Day 1 fl y from London to Kefl avik and transfer to the Northern Light Inn ( approx. 10- 15 mins), for your three night stay. Day 2 after breakfast stroll along to the Blue Lagoon for your fi rst chance to swim or simply fl oat in the warm, milky- blue waters ( entry fee included). The depth of the lagoon is 90- 140 cm/ 2' 9" - 4' 5" so non- swimmers and children are welcome too but must take note of the depth indicators ( children 13 and under may enter the lagoon free of charge). Perhaps indulge in some spa or massage treatments, available at additional cost. Back at the hotel, enjoy possible northern lights viewing if conditions permit! Day 3 at leisure to enjoy the lagoon, take an optional excursion or head into the capital. Day 4 transfer to Kefl avik for the fl ight back to the UK. DEPARTURES & FLIGHT OPTIONS Alternative fl ights may be available at a supplement from regional airports. See pages 116- 117 for fl ight schedules. Please contact us to discuss your requirements. Who for? Those with a healthy outlook who enjoy spas and simply want to get away from it all on a short break INDEPENDENT From £ 198 ( tour) + £ 204 ( UK flights)* B& B 3 nights Oct - Apr BLUE LAGOON SPA BREAK NEW for 2010! This fully- fl exible 3- night break is based at a delightful hotel next door to the world- famous Blue Lagoon, giving you a chance to sample rest and relaxation, Icelandic style. Make the most of your time at the lagoon and perhaps take an excursion exploring the amazing natural wonders in the vicinity. * Per person, based on 2 sharing from January to March and lowest UK- Iceland airfare = Overnight stay Kefl avikReykjavik Blue Lagoon Exclusive Bath & Lounge