With summer just around the corner, leading Iceland travel specialist Discover the World has added more holidays to its portfolio. From horse riding excursions, superjeep rides and volcano tours for families to guided group hiking in the East Fjords for solos, and new interactive museums and geothermal spas for couples and friends to explore, there are holiday options to suit every traveller this summer.
What’s more, the operator offers the flexibility for guests to choose between escorted tours or self drives, traditional countryside hotels or stylish summer houses and authentic full-board meal plans or flexible self-catering.
Exclusive West Iceland Hiking Escape- Combine Scenic Guided Walks with a Self-Catering Summer House
Based at Discover the World’s own self-catering Icelandic Summer House Glacier Lodge (with views of the dormant Snaefellsjökull volcano) this week-long fly-drive is ideal for those looking to combine a self-guided walking holiday with a choice of other activities in Iceland’s west. On the lodge’s doorstep there are some of the country’s best walks, offering a variety of landscapes from mountain climbs and ancient ropy lava fields to gentle strolls through flower meadows and coastal hikes to deserted sandy beaches. Supported by detailed notes written exclusively for Discover the World by Iceland expert guide Cathy Harlow, guests can choose between 17 featured walks around the Peninsula including the Snaefellsjökull National Park, the only national park in Iceland to stretch all the way to the sea. Guests can explore at their own pace using the notes to learn about local wildlife and Sagas along the way. There are also options for horse riding, day trips around the famous Golden Circle, whale watching trips from nearby Olasfvik or tours Into the Glacier and inside the Vidgelmir Lava Caves.
7x nights available from £705pp (June-August) based on a group of four sharing 6x nights at Glacier Lodge (self-catering basis) and 1x night at Northern Light Inn (B&B basis) including car rental and use of iDiscover iPad. www.discover-the-world.co.uk/destinations/iceland-holidays/west-iceland-hiking-escape
Northern Highlights Fly Drive- Discover the Lesser-Visited North and its NEW Geothermal Spa
This week-long fly-drive starts in the majestic East fjords and winds its way towards the North, finishing in Akureyri. It offers the chance to combine whale watching trips aboard traditional wooden boats in Husavik (one of the best whale spots in Europe) with time to relax afterwards in the country’s newest spa GEOSEA which opens in late June and boasts interlinked geothermal seawater baths overlooking the Skjálfandi fjord. The journey (including overnights in Egilsstadir, Breiddalsvik, Neskaupstadur, Myvatn and Husavik) also offers the chance to enjoy horse riding, puffin watching and hikes through Iceland’s largest forest, Hallormsstadur, as well as marvelling at lake views, rich birdlife, waterfalls and bubbling mud pools in the surrounding area.
7x nights available from £1,661pp (June-August) based on two sharing accommodation on a B&B basis, domestic flight from Reykjavik to Egilsstadir, domestic flight Akureyri to Reykjavik, 8x days car rental and iDiscover iPad. Entry to GEOSEA is available from £31 per adult and £13 per child. www.discover-the-world.co.uk/destinations/iceland-holidays/northern-highlights
‘In the Footsteps of Elves’ Escorted Group Tour, with no Supplement for Singles in May/September
This week-long group hiking trip is based at Country Hotel Alfheimar in the little-visited East Fjords of Borgarfjördur Eystri. A land of myth and mystery, it’s home to sweeping vistas, far-reaching coastlines and ancient tales of the ‘hidden people’ and legendary elves who reside here. Moderate daily hikes with an expert local guide follow winding fjords, wild moors and beautiful black sand beaches and are ideal for those looking to get out into the wilds without pushing themselves on technical paths. Groups can return to communal meals and a comfortable bed each night, as well as the chance to relax at the local spa. What’s more, the tours in May and September do not incur a single supplement charge (although there is a supplement to be paid for pre and post nights in Reykjavik).
7x nights in late May available from £1,938pp (or 7x nights in September from £2,042pp) based on a single traveller staying for 4x nights in Borgarfjördur Eystri on a full board basis (excluding 1x breakfast, 3x lunch and 1x dinner) and 2x nights in Reykjavik on a B&B basis (1x night pre and 1x night post tour) including transportation and daily excursions. www.discover-the-world.co.uk/destinations/iceland-holidays/in-the-footsteps-of-elves
‘Family Explorer’ Fly Drive – Bring Geography Lessons to Life with Adventurous Activities
This nine-night summer self-drive is perfect for families looking to learn all about the country’s awe-inspiring geography and folklore, where there’s the opportunity to spot incredible natural wonders at every turn. The two-centred trip begins at self-catering Glacier Lodge in Snaefellsnes (where families can enjoy horseback tours on the peninsula, whale watching and seabird spotting) and ends at the Minniborgir Cottages in the south, only 75km from Reykjavik, with activities on offer like caving in a lava tube, glacier hiking, superjeep tours and the chance to descend inside the crater of the dormant Thrihnukagigur volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula. What’s more, interactive volcano museum Lava Centre has recently opened an hour’s drive east of here; dedicated to explaining the science behind the creation of Iceland over tens of millions of years via impressive displays and simulators.
In addition, families will also receive an exclusive iDiscover iPad for the duration of the holiday, with a fun Mission:Explore area for kids designed to test their creativity, curiosity and exploration skills. For example, they can hold tectonic parliamentary sessions, learn about the country’s unique folklore and judge the ‘W’ factor; awarding prizes to the waterfall that is wettest, tallest or fastest.
9x nights available from £800pp (June-August) based on a family of four sharing 4x nights at Glacier Lodge (self-catering basis) and 5x night at Minniborgir Cottages (self-catering) including car rental and use of iDiscover iPad. www.discover-the-world.co.uk/destinations/iceland-holidays/family-explorer-the-icelandic-way
West Iceland Escape at Hotel Husafell- Shorter Family Fly-Drive with Free Kids Excursions
Families after a shorter Iceland fix are sure to love this three-night adventure based at the stylish Hotel Husafell, close to Langjokull glacier and just 90 minutes’ drive from the rugged Snaefellsnes Peninsula. With the flexibility of their own car, families can explore the wealth of natural wonders surrounding this hidden oasis. There are thrilling rides onto Europe’s second largest Langjökull Glacier including the chance to step Into the Glacier, tours inside the Vidgelmir Lava Caves (where kids under 11 go free), guided eco walks, geothermal heated baths on site, horseback riding and plenty of hiking trails including to the waterfall duo of Hraunfossar (Lava Falls) and Barnafoss (Children’s Falls) known for their beauty. Further afield, families can visit the Golden Circle or drive to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula for the chance to explore its sandy beaches and picturesque fishing villages.
3x nights available (June-August) from just £317pp based on a family of four sharing 2x interconnecting rooms at Hotel Husafell on a B&B basis, including car rental and use of iDiscover iPad. www.discover-the-world.co.uk/destinations/iceland-holidays/west-iceland-escape-at-hotel-husafell
For further details, visit Discover the World www.discover-the-world.co.uk or call 01737 886 131.
