Mjoeyri Cottages, Eskifjordur The charming village of Eskifjordur is reached from Reykjavik either by a short domestic fl ight via Egilsstadir, or a scenic few days' drive along the south coast, and from the summer of 2010, by direct fl ight between London Gatwick and Akureyri. Therefore, like our other self- drive itineraries, we can tailor- make your trip to suit. Originally a Danish trading post dating from 1798, one of the old merchant houses, Gamlabud has been restored and it houses the Maritime Museum. In Eskifjordur you'll also fi nd places displaying rock and gnome collections, a quirky take on village life past and present! The area is a geologist's dream and it is where the rare Icelandic feldspar crystal is found. Travel back to the late 1800' s at the lovingly restored Randulf's Seahouse, where adults can wash down morsels of rotten shark like a true Icelander with a slug of Brennivin ( schnapps known as ' Black Death')! Another delicacy to try - dried fi sh, is still made here using traditional methods. The accommodation on this trip comprises 5 newly built 39m2 cottages which have their own balcony and porch; an open plan kitchen, diner and living area with a double sofa bed; bathroom ( shower/ WC); plus 2 rooms on the second fl oor each with twin beds. From Eskifjordur you have plenty of day trips from which to take your pick: enjoy a lovely coastal drive to Djupivogur or take the route with breathtaking views up, over and down into quaint Seydisfjordur. Visit beautiful Lake Myvatn, renowned for its birdlife and perhaps take a dip in the Nature Baths; explore the myriad of geothermal and volcanic wonders in the area - see pseudocraters, lava stacks and Namaskard with its mud pools and steam vents. And of course there are several places around the lake where you can enjoy short walks and some delightful food. You may wish to hire a small boat and some fi shing rods or kayaks from Saevar and Berglind at Mjoeyri, or go horse riding - beginners and experienced riders alike can take to the saddle at nearby Neskaupstadur, where there is also a little pottery studio and shop. OUTLINE ITINERARY 780 km ( approx) Day 1 fl y from the UK to Kefl avik and transfer to Reykjavik for an overnight stay at Hotel Reykjavik Centrum. Day 2 take a short taxi ride ( payable locally) to Reykjavik City Airport for the one hour fl ight east to Egilsstadir. Collect rental vehicle from the airport and drive to Eskifjordur ( approximately 40 mins). Check- in for a 5- night stay. Days 3- 6 at leisure for optional activities and excursions around the settlement of Fjardabyggd ( book and pay locally) or enjoy the freedom to explore on day trips. Day 7 return rental vehicle to Egilsstadir airport and fl y to Reykjavik ( or opt to spend a few extra days driving back along the south coast). Overnight stay in the capital. Day 8 transfer to Kefl avik for return fl ight to the UK. Please note between October and April activities will be limited and car hire is with a minimum 4WD vehicle. During winter, visitors may enjoy downhill skiing at the Oddsskard Ski Area, and the town celebrates a ' Days of Darkness' festival during the second week of November. Wintertime also brings the chance of seeing the magical northern lights. HIKING WEEK, 19- 26 JUNE 2010 Each summer, keen walkers congregate at Eskifjordur for Hiking Week. Locals and visitors alike pay a nominal fee for each route and explore the stunning East Fjords together. There are longer ( 4- 7 hrs) and shorter ( 1- 3 hrs) walks each day; choose to do as few or as many as you wish! Nature study adventures for children and evening entertainment is organised throughout the week. Contact us or see our website for further details. SELF- DRIVE From £ 898 ( tour) + £ 204 ( UK flights)* B& B 7+ nights Year round EAST FJORDS RETREAT The Mjoeyri cottages are a perfect getaway for those wishing to explore the East Fjords. Perched on a secluded spit of land on the outskirts of charming Eskifjordur, they are surrounded by craggy mountains and long, green valleys. Take part in a number of great optional activities based around Mjoeyri or head off on day trips to some delightful places nearby. Who for? Those looking for a relaxing and informal scenic short break ICELANDSELF- DRIVE 64Why choose Discover the World - see page 4 For our office opening hours please visit our website Reykjavik = Overnight stay Kefl avik Myvatn Modrudalur ? Borgarfjordur Eystri Djupivogur Eskifjordur Seydisfjordur Egilsstadir * Per person, based on 2 sharing a category A vehicle from June to August and lowest UK- Iceland return airfare Akureyri ?

tel. 01737 218 800 | discover- the- world. co. uk SELF- DRIVE From £ 599 ( tour) + £ 204 ( UK flights)* B& B 11 nights May - Sep NATURAL ICELAND - FARM STAYS NEW FOR 2010! We've hand- picked a charming selection of rural accommodation around Iceland. Enjoy getting to know your friendly hosts; learn about the farming community and savour fresh and natural local produce - this is healthy country living, Icelandic- style, at its best! This 11- night holiday follows the scenic ' Route 1' around Iceland, staying at properties owned by working farmers. As well as getting to know some real characters, and seeing some incredible scenery, you'll enjoy a smorgasbord of mouth-watering food, including delicious ice cream and dairy products, organic meat and of course freshly caught fi sh. OUTLINE ITINERARY 1760 km ( approx) Day 1 fl y from the UK to Kefl avik on a Tuesday and collect rental vehicle. Your fi rst night's accommodation is under a two- hour drive, at the old English hunting lodge ' Ensku husin vid Langa' near Borganes ( rooms with private bathroom); a charming and quirky property dating from 1884. Day 2 drive north to the mystical Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Check in at Guesthouse Langaholt ( rooms with private bathroom) located on a long sandy beach with fabulous views to the Snaefellsjokull glacier. There is a 9- hole golf course next door to the guesthouse. Day 3 further time to explore before driving northeast to the fertile valley of Vatnsdalur. Stay overnight at Hof I - in en suite rooms with a large living room and hot tub. Day 4 head north east to Akureyri, for an overnight stay at Ytra- Laugaland in rooms with a shared bathroom. This farmer's guesthouse is located on the eastern side of the Eyjafjardara river and close by you'll fi nd a swimming pool, golf course and horse riding centre. Day 5 en route to Lake Myvatn, stop off at the impressive falls at Godafoss before checking into lakeside Vogafjos ( rooms with private facilities). See cows being milked at the hotel's Cowshed Café! Day 6 spend a leisurely day heading east across the highland desert. Stop for coffee and homemade cake at the delightful family- run café at Modrudalur farm, with its turf buildings and quaint church. Spend the next two nights at the farm Eyjolfsstadir ( rooms with shared bathroom); which enjoys a peaceful location near Egilsstadir. Day 7 places to explore today include Seydisfjordur; perhaps one of the prettiest towns in Iceland, and the remote Borgarfjordur Eystri, both amazing drives offer picture- postcard coastal views. Day 8 head south through the soaring East Fjords, the road hugs surf- pounded beaches and here you can spot a variety of birdlife. Reach Hofn and stay at the charming old farmhouse Holmur ( rooms with shared bathroom), with fantastic views towards the glacier. Day 9 continue along the south coast to the glacial lagoon at Jokulsarlon. Perhaps take a short hike to Svartifoss in Skaftafell National Park, an alluring waterfall backed by basalt columns. Stay overnight in the Kirkjubaerklaustur area at the sheep farmer's guesthouse Hunkubakkar ( 2- unit cabins with private bathroom). Day 10 many attractions are easily visited from Road 1 including the cliffs of Dyrholaey, thundering Skogafoss and elegant Seljalandsfoss ( sure- footed explorers can walk behind the waterfall at the latter!). Stop tonight at the farmer's guesthouse Hjardarbol ( rooms with private bathroom) between Selfoss and the greenhouse village of Hveragerdi. Day 11 spend a fi nal day in the rugged Icelandic countryside, driving the Golden Circle route taking in Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss and Geysir. Return rental vehicle before checking into Hotel Cabin. Day 12 transfer to Kefl avik Airport for the return fl ight to the UK. DEPARTURES On certain departure dates, the accommodation mentioned above will be substituted with a similar alternative ( due to limited availability); our team will advise you at the time. As this itinerary is based at unique smaller properties, we are unable to tailor- make this package for the nights staying in the countryside. You may however add nights at either end of the above itinerary in Reykjavik - please contact us to discuss your travel plans. Who for? Those who relish the chance to interact with their hosts and enjoy the rural life! SELF- DRIVEICELAND 65 Ytra Laugaland farm stay Reykjavik = Overnight stay Kefl avik Selfoss Borgarnes Hveragerdi Gullfoss Skaftafell Jokulsarlon Egilsstadir Modruvellir VarmahlidMyvatn Vatnsdalur Akureyri Kirkjubaejarklaustur Hofn Djupivogur Seydisfjordur Blonduos Borgarfjordur Eystri Geysir * Per person, based on 2 sharing a category A vehicle from May to September and lowest UK- Iceland return airfare