the Thorsmork Valley. The whole area is scored by valley glaciers and swift rivers. Explore this dramatic wilderness on foot before checking into the Hotel Dyrholaey for 3 nights ( details page 68). Day 6 head east crossing the sand plains of Myrdalssandur to Kirkjubaejarklaustur - stop here to see the lava remains from the eruption of 1783. Continue to Skaftafell, now part of the enormous Vatnajokull National Park and walk to its glacier, seeing Svartifoss en route, an enchanting waterfall certainly worth a photo or two! Carry on to the stunning glacial lagoon, Jokulsarlon and take a cruise amongst its icebergs ( at additional cost). Day 7 reach the Myrdalsjokull glacier after traversing glacial outwash plains. Optional snowmobile excursion ( at additional cost). Carry on to Skogar where you may choose to visit to the museum ( entrance fee applicable). Nearby, approach the foot of the spectacular 60m high Skogafoss and no doubt, stand in awe and feel its spray! On a clear day, you may be able to see the Westman Islands offshore as you explore the dramatic black sand coastline around Dyrholaey. Day 8 visit the coastal towns of Stokkseyri and Eyrarbakki before transferring to Kefl avik airport for the Sunday fl ight back to London*. DEPARTURES & FLIGHT OPTIONS From London 27 June, 11 & 25 July, 8 Aug 2010; 26 June, 10 & 24 July, 7 Aug 2011. Regional passengers due to differences in fl ight schedules Manchester and Glasgow passengers require two nights in Reykjavik on an unescorted, breakfast only basis ( one before and one after the tour) - contact us for details and see page 117 for fl ight options. JokulsarlonSkaftafell Thorsmork ESCORTEDICELAND " Iceland is a truly beautiful country, so clean and fresh with such wide open spaces and friendly people." H MCATEER, JUNE 2009 tel. 01737 218 800 | discover- the- world. co. uk89

During the week, expect to meet tens of thousands of seabirds and wildfowl, take a whale watch cruise and experience life in a fi shing village. You will travel around an ice crowned volcano and walk on lava among craters and bubbling mud pools. And, you'll witness great gorges carved by glacial rivers and enjoy the spectacle of Iceland's most powerful waterfall. There will also be time for shopping in Akureyri or perhaps even some relaxing! Daily excursions by coach include up to two hours of walking so if you'd like to do this, moderate fi tness and the ability to cope with uneven ground, including uphill and downhill sections, are important. Though of course, it's perfectly possible to enjoy the dramatic scenery without taking part in these walks. The escorted group will consist of an average of 15 participants ( max 26). ? Meal basis this tour is on a full board basis ( breakfast, picnic lunch and 2- course evening meal) except the night in Reykjavik which is breakfast only. OUTLINE ITINERARY Day 1 fl y from London to Kefl avik on a Sunday and transfer by coach to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and the fi shing village of Grundarfjordur, ringed by dramatic mountains. Spend two nights at Hotel Framnes, a small hotel by the harbour ( see page 72). Day 2 enjoy a day of contrasting scenery including ice scoured fjords and the mystical snow- capped volcano of Snaefellsnes. Walk a scenic path past dramatic basalt columns, blow holes, rock arches and bird- covered cliffs on this sometimes wild and windswept coast. Evening talk at the hotel. Day 3 morning visit to a farm that cures ' hakarl' ( an Icelandic shark delicacy) then enjoy a boat trip ( at additional cost) around the many islands of Breidafjordur Bay, which teem with seabirds, including puffi ns. Travel north to Eyjafjordur and stay 4 nights at the relaxed and informal country guesthouse, Ongulsstadir, near the head of Iceland's longest fjord, see page 71 for details. Day 4 continue to Lake Myvatn and spend the day enjoying Iceland's best- known region of natural beauty, also a prime bird watching location. See moon- like craters, surreal lava formations, hissing steam vents and bubbling mud pools. Pseudocraters at Lake MyvatnAkureyri Eyjafjordur Dettifoss ESCORTED From £ 1325 ( tour) + £ 204 ( UK flights)* FB? 7 nights July - Aug NORTHERN COUNTRYSIDE The magnetic appeal of the west coast, the spectacular northern fjords and a wealth of volcanic features combine on this superb two- centre itinerary focusing on nature, scenery, life and legend. What better way to discover the areas' many facets than in the company of an expert guide whose knowledge and enthusiasm is infectious. Who for? Those with an interest in geology and birds who wish to explore with like- minded travellers ICELANDESCORTED 90Why choose Discover the World - see page 4 For our office opening hours please visit our website Gullfoss Keflavik Reykjavik Grundarfjordur Breidafjordur Bay Husavik Dettifoss Asbrygi Myvatn = Overnight stay = Kjolur Highland Route Akureyri * Per person, based on 2 sharing and lowest UK- Iceland return airfare