ICELAND
THE LAND OF FIRE AND ICE
Sitting just below the Arctic Circle, Iceland is a sparsely populated country with one of the most geologically and volcanically active landscapes on Earth, thunderous waterfalls, vast inland glaciers, towering sea cliffs and iceberg-strewn beaches. A land of extremes where icebergs from the glacier float to the ocean and wash off on the volcanic black sand of the beach. Discover the spectacular landscapes, gushing waterfalls and geothermal wonders, the charming capital Reykjavik and the local culture, immerse yourself in a dramatic Nature on this unforgettable experience.
CULTURE AND TRADITIONS
- Visit the Viking World museum, a spectacular modern building that hosts a collection of originals and replicas of the Viking civilization and its influence on the modern world. The collection sheds light onto the settlements and explorations of unknown lands, celebrating Icelandís central role in the discovery of North America a 1000 years ago.
- Discover the capital ReykjavÌk, a pulsing city, nucleus of Icelandís rich culture and arts scene. Various museums preserve the culture and history of both the city and the country at large. Designated as a UNESCO City of Literature, ReykjavÌk is also the core of Icelandís literary heritage where youíll discover a treasure of literary works and a wealth of talented poets and authors.
- Get access to the Viking Village, built as a movie set; enter the village walls and roam around the site, observe the immaculate details and its buildings, which reproduce magnificently the architecture of the period.
NATURE AND LANDSCAPES
- With a geologist visit the remarkable solfatara fields of Kr˝suvÌk where youíll discover an expanse of steaming volcanic vents and boiling hot springs, framed dramatically by a range of multi-coloured hills.
- Explore one of the longest lava tubes, the Raufarholshellir Cave, a magnificent experience deep in the bowels of the Earth, imagine the lava flowing in through this immense space leaving behind the incredible colours and formations visible today.
- Visit Stokksnes and Mt. Vestrahorn, an absolutely mind-blowing landscape; one of the first settlements in Iceland, Vestrahorn is a 454 meter high mountain overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the shore features stunning lava dunes, that are constantly being shaped by the natural forces of water and wind.
- Whale Watching, privately enjoy the gentle giants up close, discover the magnificent nature of Skjalfandi bay observing whales, dolphins and sea birds in their natural habitat.
- Travel to Flatey Island, the Jewel of Western Iceland, beautifully kept old houses in cheerful colours, narrow paths taking you through a dense population of birds.
- Explore the Westfjords, where Icelandís dramatic landscapes come to a riveting climax and where mass tourism disappears.
- Get on board an helicopter to discover Iceland form above, the stunning skies and mountain tops, volcanos, geothermal areas, valleys and waterfalls. Nothing reveals the incredible geology and surreal beauty of Iceland better than a helicopter tour.
- With a private boat float on the Glacier Lagoon, one of Icelandís natural crown jewels and one of the greatest wonders of nature. The lake is becoming more impressive as it increases in size, visibly demonstrating the effects of global warming, that makes the lagoon and the nearby glacier tongue even more special due to the constant change of the Icelandic landscape.
- Visit the Black Diamond beach, a strip of black sand belonging to the greater Breiðamerkursandur glacial plain, here the icebergs wash up on shore, standing dazzling and defiant in stark contrast to the black sand beach. It is a favourite amongst photographers, nature-lovers, and wildlife-enthusiasts: many seals call this beach home, and it is one of the best places in the country to see orcas from the shore.
- Visit the famous Gullfoss waterfall, the giant gorges and the powerful crashing water are truly inspiring, an uplifting experience. On sunny days visitors are treated to thousands of rainbows, a natural reaction with the clouds of spray from the tumbling falls.
- Explore the area of Geysir, get close to boiling mud pits and exploding geysers, one of the greatest natural attractions of Iceland.
- Walk behind the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, one of the best known waterfalls in Iceland; the waterfall drops 60 mt and is part of the Seljalands River that has its origin in the volcano glacier Eyjafjallajˆkull.
SPORTS AND WELLNESS
- Ice Lagoon Kayaking, Paddle with magnificent view. The Jokulsarlon Glacier lagoon is considered one of the natural wonders of Iceland. Paddling on the Glacier lagoon provides outstanding experience and gives participants magnificent view of the ice cap and the vast dome of ice that rises above, a unique journey where you will paddle amongst floating icebergs and wildlife, seals and birds.
- Get access to the Blue Lagoon, a place of intimacy, warmth, and enchantment. Carved into an 800-year-old lava flow the retreat has mineral-rich water within canyons, corridors, and open spaces, a geothermal reservoir that will bring you serenity with its revitalizing and unique properties of its waters.
- Experience Heli-skiing, from mountain to sea in one ride; because of the very stable snowpack in Iceland, you can ski much steeper and with more exposed lines than you would anywhere else in the world, skiing all the way down to the ocean basking in the rays of the midnight sun.
- Dogsledding, pulled by a pack of strong, beautiful huskies or Greenland dogs where the only sounds you hear are the dogs breathing and the sled softly touching the ground; itís just you, the frosty stillness and our majestic furry friends leading the pack across the snow.
WINTER
- Northern Lights Hunting is a beautiful and natural way to tune out from the real world by looking at the magical display of lights in the sky. We venture out in the right conditions and seek out the most magnificent places to see them. Due to limited light pollution in Iceland it is a great location to witness this phenomenon.
- With your own Snowmobile explore the white and blue world by driving safely on a glacier; enjoy the Icelandic wilderness from close proximity, all equipment is provided.
- With your expert guide explore blue and crystal clear newly formed ice caves, a rare natural phenomena. Each fall, after the meltwater of spring has begun to freeze, local guides from the area hunt for new ice caves, the structure and condition of the caves can vary greatly each year.
- Walking on glaciers in Iceland is a true experience, the Icelandic glaciers are among the most impressive sites to discover. You can experience glacier exploration at its best, where you can choose between walking, hiking and/or climbing some of the islandís most magnificent glaciers.
EPICUREAN
- Harness the natural volcanic energy of Iceland to bake bread, boil eggs and steam seafood by cooking over a natural geothermal steam vent in the ground.
- Venture out to Icelandís west-coast Breidafjordur and feast like a true Viking by tossing out the nets and enjoying fresh scallops and sea urchin, prepared as fresh sushi on-board the boat.
- Reykjavik City culinary journey. Test your limits with our a 5-stop introduction into Icelandís notorious culinary scene of smoked meats, fried flatbread and dairy products.
- Gourmet meal in a greenhouse, a unique food experience with vegetables growing all around you; owned by an agronomist, the Fridheimar Farm offers meals prepared with the freshest ingredients.
- Enter the Bryggjan fishermenís restaurant, with its phenomenal view of the harbour and ever-popular delicious meals. Itís a small place, but packed with character and great sense of hospitality.
- Apotek Kitchen and bar is an exciting restaurant located in one of the most beautiful corners of ReykjavÌk. The restaurant is casual-smart, offering delicious food in vibrant atmosphere and stylish surroundings. The menu is a fun mix of Icelandic and European cuisine with a smoking hot Argentinean grill.