ICELANDSELF- DRIVE 38 For our office opening hours please visit our website Flexibility is the key on our popular Southern Highlights itinerary which allows you to spend your days as actively or leisurely as you please. To help you plan your time, here are some suggestions of what you might choose to do during your week in the south but there are plenty of other possibilities. With days out to see such impressive natural wonders as Skogafoss, Seljalandsfoss, the hot springs and more at Geysir as well as some dramatic coastline, you'll have a splendid introduction to the island's kaleidoscope of landscapes. Don't be surprised that after this trip you'll want to come back again next year! Choose between hotel accommodation and a selection of delightful self- catering cottages. All the properties on this tour can be found within easy access of Hveragerdi and Selfoss therefore shopping for supplies or heading out to dinner is but a short hop. And of course with all that Reykjavik has to offer, a night out in the capital is also perfectly feasible too. And for anyone keen on swimming, both Hveragerdi and Selfoss have geothermal swimming pools. HVERAGERDI This town is only 45 minutes from Reykjavik, and provides a great base from which to explore the south of Iceland, offering easy access to any number of sights including spectacular waterfalls, national parks and black sand beaches. Hveragerdi is set in an extensive geothermal area and utilises this natural energy for vast greenhouse cultivation of vegetables and fl owers for which the town is known. SELFOSS is a large town about an hour from Reykjavik and provides a central hub for exploring the region, with many attractions easily accessible. There are also many opportunities on offer for both adventure and relaxation with horse riding, golf, fi shing, river rafting and glacier tours - pre- bookable through us. OUTLINE ITINERARY 1390 km ( approx) Day 1 fl y from the UK to Kefl avik, collect rental vehicle and head off to your accommodation, approximately 1 ½ to 2 hours from the airport. Day 2 a leisurely day exploring the Reykjanes Peninsula with its rocky coastline, geothermal and volcanic features and of course, the famous Blue Lagoon. Be sure to have a dip in the warm, therapeutic waters or perhaps indulge in a spa treatment ( payable locally). Day 3 drive to Thingvellir National Park to see the site of the ancient parliament or visit the capital, Reykjavik, with its landmark church Hallgrimskirkja and the hilltop Perlan revolving restaurant, to name but two popular places of interest. Day 4 enjoy an excursion to the offshore volcanic Westman Islands. Drive to the small airfi eld at Bakki, past Hvolsvollur village and fl y by small plane ( seating 5- 7 passengers) to Heimaey, the main Island - this takes no more than 10 minutes. And from the Skogafoss Thingvellir Blue Lagoon Geysir SELF- DRIVE From £ 381 ( tour) + £ 204 ( UK flights)* B& B 7 nights Year round SOUTHERN HIGHLIGHTS This week long itinerary covers similar ground to our Essential Iceland trip but has a single base in the heart of Iceland's southern countryside, with a choice of hotel or cottage accommodation. Each day you have the freedom to explore a new area of interest and natural beauty across Iceland's beautiful south. Who for? Those who prefer to take leisurely day trips from a single base, rather than tour using a number of hotels Vik= Overnight stay Blue LagoonSkogar Westman Islands Gullfoss Hveragerdi / Selfoss Thingvellir Keflavik Reykjavik * Per person, based on 2 sharing a category D vehicle from January to March and lowest UK- Iceland return airfare

tel. 01737 218 800 | discover- the- world. co. uk SELF- DRIVEICELAND 39 Seljalandsfoss Reykjavik View towards Dyrholaey summer of 2010, a new 30- minute ferry service is due to begin operation. Discover the volcanoes, recent lava fi elds, bird cliffs and the busy harbour. It is also possible to take a sightseeing fl ight over the volcanic island of Surtsey but this must be booked in advance of your departure from the UK. Day 5 explore enchanting Thjorsa Valley with its views of Hekla, stunning waterfalls and historic sites. Day 6 visit Gullfoss, the hot springs and geysers at Geysir and historic Skalholt church. Day 7 take the coast road east to the glaciers, past more breathtaking waterfalls including Seljalandsfoss - the sight and sound from behind its cascading water is a detour that shouldn't be missed! Further along the coast road is mighty Skogafoss and for a different view of the falls, climb the 300+ steps to the summit. Nearby is the Skogar Museum with authentic examples of traditional turf houses as well as plenty of fascinating artefacts in the main building. At Dyrholaey, atop the rugged cliffs and natural rock arch, look out along the black sand beaches, the uninterrupted views, weather permitting, provide great photo opportunities. Consider taking an optional snowmobile trip on Myrdalsjokull glacier. ( pre- book through us). Day 8 return to Kefl avik, drop off your rental vehicle and fl y back to the UK. HOTEL SELFOSS This modern hotel offers excellent facilities including a riverside restaurant, lounge, cinema and spa - to which, exclusively, Discover the World guests receive free entry when staying 7 nights. The 99 stylish en suite rooms have all the amenities expected from a 4- star hotel. HOTEL ORK This 3- star country hotel is located in the small village of Hveragerdi, and offers good service with all the comforts you would expect to fi nd in a larger property. All 85 rooms have en suite facilities and the hotel has its own restaurant, outdoor swimming pool with water slide, hot tubs and a geothermal sauna. COTTAGES We offer a selection of self- catering wooden summerhouses of varying sizes/ price categories near to Hveragerdi/ Selfoss. They sleep between 3 and 9 people in one or two bedrooms and include a kitchenette lounge area and separate bathroom ( shower/ WC). With the addition of verandas and outdoor hot tubs, these cottages are very popular and we advise booking early to avoid disappointment. Please note should you wish to ease into your holiday, opt for an additional night just a 20 minute drive from the airport. A night at the Northern Light Inn means you can have a relaxing dip in the warm waters of the nearby Blue Lagoon before commencing your itinerary. Likewise, Glasgow and Manchester passengers may wish to extend their holiday by staying overnight at the Northern Light Inn at the end of their trip, as the return scheduled fl ight to the UK is particularly early. Call our offi ce team or see our fl ight schedules on page 117 for details. " Just to say a huge thank you for organising our trip. It was a fantastic holiday exceeding every expectation!" S EDMONSTON, JULY 2009