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

Lake MyvatnNature baths ICELANDDIRECT FLIGHTS For the fi rst time, weekly direct fl ights will connect London Gatwick with Akureyri, commencing summer 2010. This service operated on a Monday by Iceland Express, means it is even easier to book a trip that focuses on the north of the country, without the need to travel via Reykjavik. NEW! FLY DIRECT TO NORTH ICELAND Begin your discovery of the natural wonders and wild landscapes that shape Iceland's rugged north, in less than 3 hours fl ying time from the UK. This new service can be utilised both ways on week- long holidays or you may combine it with fl ying into or out of the capital, with the addition of a short domestic fl ight, to tailor- make a longer or shorter holiday. Flexibility is the key so please don't hesitate to contact us to discuss your travel options. For fl ight schedules and a route map, see pages 116- 117. AKUREYRI This is the country's ' second city', and with just 17,000 inhabitants, it has a refreshingly relaxed, friendly and accessible feel. Akureyri occupies a stunning fjord- side location almost at the head of Eyjafjordur and the views from the fl ight as it comes into land are worth trying to secure a window seat! Thanks to its relatively sheltered position, the town enjoys a temperate mild climate, and is a very pleasant place to stay for a few days, as well as being a good base from which to explore countryside beyond. Akureyri has some good shops, as well as a selection of excellent restaurants and bars. Wander down by the harbour, stroll around the Botanical Gardens, take a peek into one of the little galleries, or simply sit and people watch in a pavement café. Iceland's North and North East regions are home to some truly breathtaking scenery and amazing fauna. One of the jewels of this area is undoubtedly Lake Myvatn. The lake itself, dotted with islands, has an area of 37 sq km and is surprisingly shallow, averaging just 2m in depth. The road which encircles the lake connects various places of interest and is ideal for walking, horse riding or perhaps cycling ( bikes may be rented locally). There are pseudocraters to stroll around, curious lava formations to investigate as well as forested sections to explore. This really is a beautiful area. The lake's surrounding wetlands are home to plentiful birdlife and this is a huge draw for bird watchers in the summer months as it is an important feeding and breeding area. Visit the nearby Nature Baths, where you can relax in serene milky- blue waters and soak in magical views across the lake, that seem to go on forever. Just a short drive is Namaskard and with its red earth, bubbling grey mud pools and constantly steaming solfataras, you'll be busy with your camera! The northern town of Husavik, otherwise known as the whale watching capital of Europe, offers boat trips out into Skjalfandi Bay, backed by snow- dusted granite mountains. See a variety of cetaceans and sea birds then perhaps learn more about them at the fascinating Whale Museum on the harbour side. Hauganes also offers whale watching trips and if you are holidaying between the months of May and September, this is an activity we recommend. Seals can be spotted along the coast line of the Vatnsnes Peninsula, a nature Reserve. Hikers will be in their element and spoilt for choice in the variety of walking trails and terrains available; including the Jokulsa Canyon and horse- shoe shaped, wooded gorge at Asbyrgi, which has a hidden pool at its head, below vertiginous bird cliffs. Two of Iceland's most photogenic waterfalls are also found in the north; Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful and beautiful Godafoss, their thundering chorus and billowing clouds of spray providing yet more unforgettable memories. Find out more about the wonders of north Iceland in our Travel Directory ( pages 16 and 17) or perhaps take a look at our specially crafted itineraries on the pages indicated below. Choose to cover the highlights of the north or combine this region with other areas of Iceland: Arctic Circle Adventurer ( self- drive, 7 nights, page 41) Northern Highlights ( self- drive, 7 nights, pages 42- 43) North East Explorer ( self- drive, 7 nights, page 44) Culture & Nature in Iceland ( self- drive, 7 nights, page 45) National Parks & Natural Wonders ( self- drive, 9 nights, pages 50- 51) Wild Iceland ( self- drive, 14 nights, page 54) 40Why choose Discover the World - see page 4 For our office opening hours please visit our website