tel. 01737 218 800 | discover- the- world. co. uk REYKJAVIK EXCURSIONSICELAND 27 SUPERJEEP SAFARIS The specially customised 4WD vehicles can drive almost anywhere, glide over snow, traverse rivers and climb steep slopes. The drivers show just how versatile the vehicles are on an exciting day trip into the wilds beyond the capital. The itineraries given here may vary according to the weather and season and they operate with a minimum of 2 or 4 passengers depending on your chosen excursion. THE GREAT GOLDEN CIRCLE TOUR 8- 10 hours / daily at 09: 00 ( depending on snow and weather conditions). This great day out starts with a drive through scenic Thingvellir then it is onto the mountain road to Laugarvatn. Visit the two- tiered falls at Gullfoss and the spouting geysers at Geysir. On the way back, stop at Hveragerdi, the greenhouse village. Optional snowmobiling at a supplement. SOUTH SHORE AND GLACIAL ADVENTURE 8- 10 hours / daily at 09: 00. South Iceland is a lowland region of lush farmland, glaciers, dramatic coastline and striking waterfalls. This is also an area of historical signifi cance. Visit the Myrdalsjokull glacier where, in winter, you can opt to go snowmobiling ( additional cost). During this tour, stand behind a plummeting waterfall; see black sand beaches and rugged cliffs. Tour includes stops at Vik and Hveragerdi. REYKJANES AND THE BLUE LAGOON WITH QUAD BIKE ADVENTURE 8- 9 hours / Mon at 09: 00. Reykjanes is the most volcanic peninsula in Iceland. See lava fi elds, volcanoes, solfatares, bird cliffs and caves. Perhaps drive over rough terrain on a quad bike and fi nish the day swimming in the Blue Lagoon ( entry fee additional). MOUNT HEKLA & LANDMANNALAUGAR 10- 12 hours / Weds at 09: 00 ( subject to road conditions). This is an unforgettable excursion through some very rugged terrain. Drive through the beautiful plains of southern Iceland before climbing through the spectacular Thjorsa Valley. Cross rugged lava fi elds, unbridged mountain rivers and sprawling arctic deserts to reach Landmannalaugar, a landscape of sweeping mountains and hot and cold springs which mix together to create the ideal setting for a relaxing bathe. Continue to the foot of Mount Hekla, the most active volcano in Iceland. THORSMORK 8- 10 hours / Tues, Thurs & Sat at 09: 00 ( May- Oct, minimum 2 passengers and subject to road conditions). Head along the south coast to Thorsmork, a beautiful valley surrounded by three glaciers. Enjoy the exhilarating drive through glacial rivers. On the way, try out the black sand beaches on the south coast and make a stop at a glacial lagoon by Gigjokull. In Thorsmork, hike to the Stakkholtsgja fi ssure. THE NORTHERN LIGHTS On these excursions, out of town and away from city lights, we hope to offer the best chance of witnessing this amazing natural phenomenon, although sightings cannot be guaranteed. NORTHERN LIGHTS BY SUPERJEEP OR COACH 3- 4 hrs / daily at 20: 00 ( 15 Sept- 15 Apr). Travel out of Reykjavik in style, in a customised 4WD superjeep, to a special vantage point in search of the northern lights. It is advisable to book such an excursion for as early in your trip as possible in case conditions are unfavourable and a trip is postponed. You may have the opportunity to try another night at no extra cost to you! GLACIER ACTIVE EXCURSIONS Choose from a variety of durations hiking on the Solheimjokull glacier, some including hot springs and lava caves. Contact us for details. RIDING TOURS For riders of all ages and abilities. Icelandic horses are alert, willing animals with a friendly nature and are a pleasure to ride in their natural surroundings. Shorter tours are also available, as are specifi c riding tours, see pages 98- 99 for details. We also offer riding day trips combined with whale watching or the Blue Lagoon. Visit our website for details and prices as well as further available excursions such as walking and hiking and excursions by air. Aurora borealis over ReykjavikSkogafoss JokulsarlonDyrholaey

Christmas marketSkogafoss Thingvellir Hallgrimskirkja Christmas and New Year are a chance for Icelandic families to spend time together at home. Surrounding the quiet family celebrations are many delightful traditions and customs that visitors too may enjoy. In the 13 days before Christmas, the 13 ' Yuletide Lads', known locally as the ' Jolasveinar' come down from the hills to make mischief in the towns and villages - perhaps you will encounter one of them! Visitors with children should make note - leave a shoe in the window overnight and hopefully, the ' Lad' of the day will leave a small gift. The wonderful Christmas lights are everywhere - in the streets, adorning windows, on balconies and covering gardens. But even they cannot compare with the light show on New Year's Eve. Just before midnight, a riot of colour and sound explodes over the city as everyone sets off spectacular fi reworks to welcome in the New Year. The city also plays host to numerous concerts and choirs and there seems to be something musical happening on every street corner. And the legendary nightlife steps up a gear for the special celebrations. One of the most popular optional excursions at this time of year is to head out of Reykjavik in search of the awesome northern lights - either by coach or superjeep. And of course, the famed Golden Circle route is also something that takes on a whole new look under a blanket of snow. See page 26 for details of our excursions from Reykjavik. Reykjavik is a city known for its fi ne dining and during the festive season, many restaurants offer exceptional menus making the most of top quality Icelandic produce - however availability is understandably limited if you wish to make a reservation in advance, or would like some restaurant recommendations for festive buffets or special evenings, please give our team a call. On a more traditional note, be sure to taste ' Laufabraud', a tasty side dish similar to ' poppadoms', traditionally prepared by all the family and highly addictive! A city break for 3 or 4 nights is simply magical at this time of year although should you wish to stay for longer we can tailor- make a trip to suit. INDEPENDENT From £ 119 ( tour) + £ 204 ( UK flights)* B& B 3+ nights Dec - Jan FESTIVE REYKJAVIK Christmas or New Year in Reykjavik is truly special. Iceland's capital is literally covered in lights - everywhere glows with warmth and a magical atmosphere envelops the city. The New Year fi reworks are without doubt spectacular ensuring that you can start 2011 with a bang. literally! Who for? Those who wish to celebrate Christmas or New Year with a difference and return home with a wealth of special memories ICELAND 28Why choose Discover the World - see page 4 For our office opening hours please visit our website FESTIVE tailormake * Per person, based on 2 sharing from January to March and lowest UK- Iceland return airfare Reykjavik = Overnight stay Kefl avik