Iceland — Europe — Explore Worldwide 2008/09 online holiday brochure

EUROPE ICELAND Markarfljot/Peter Eshelby Icelandic Volcano Trek TREKKING GRADE B/C Ref IV JFMAMJJASOND JFMA ICELAND Our Superjeeps/Ragnar Th. Sigurdsson 8 DAYS GUESTHOUSE/HUTS/CAMPING FROM HIGHLAND TO ICE CAPS & COAST Icelandic Escapades 4 DAYS GUESTHOUSE AN EXCITING BREAK IN THE LAND OF ICE AND FIRE Ref IA Mount Hekla is Icelands most active volcano and, though little-known outside Iceland, the spectacular Fjallabak Behind the Mountains region is one of the best wilderness and trekking areas in Europe. Our route in the southern Icelandic Highlands is varied, traversing lava fields, hot springs and passing between enormous glaciers. Luggage and equipment is transported by support vehicle. In the Shadow of Mount Hekla We begin with a drive to the northern foot of Mount Hekla (1491m) and across huge lava fields and black ash to Landmannahellir, on the edge of a blue mountain lake (590m). From here, we begin our trek with a slow climb up to the colourful plateau of Hranftinnusker where innumerable obsidian stones glitter. Walking among countless hot springs and steam vents that rise from the earth, we reach our camp near Austurdalir, north of Laufafell (1164m). We spend a day exploring the huge plateau and head to the south of Laufafell. Into the Forested Valley of Thor Crossing numerous clear streams, we hike on to our next hut at Hvanngil to join the famousLaugavegur trail that runs south. Crossing an arid desert of black sand, we walk alongside the awesome Myrdalsjokull glacier. Once we meet the powerful Hiking on the Hranftinnusker Plateau Markarfljot glacial river, we follow this to the forested valley of Thorsmork, the Woods of Thor, the Nordic god. Between the Glaciers Hiking the high pass of Fimmvorduhals (1116m), between the seracs (tower-shaped glacial masses, split by crevasses) of Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull, we arrive at the coast and the beautiful Skogafoss waterfall. Our final hike takes us down to the volcanic, black sand beaches near Skogar where on a clear day we may be treated to an extraordinary view of the ocean and the Westman Islands archipelago. Finally, we return to Reykjavik. JFMAMJJASOND JFMA This exciting weekend break offers a whole variety of unusual experiences: a chance to see the amazing Northern Lights and superjeep into spectacular volcanic landscapes; take a surreal dip in the therapeutic waters of the Blue Lagoon, or of snowmobiling. Thorsmork & the Northern Lights From Icelands famous capital, Reykjavik, we head off in outrageous superjeeps (complete with huge tyres) on a wild ride to Thorsmork. Surrounded by glaciers, Thorsmork is arguably Icelands most beautiful valley, but the drive across glacial moraine, past lakes filled with ice, and through rivers is as exciting as the valley is spectacular. On the return leg of our round trip we drive across lava fields and, weather permitting, into the hills to find a point from which we hope, to view the awesome Aurora Borealis. Waterfalls, Geysirs & Blue Lagoon We have left the second day free allowing you to tailor your activities to suit your preferences. A popular option for our groups is to take a tour of some of the countrys incredible natural wonders, including Gullfoss, an enormous waterfall, and Geysir, the spouting hot spring after which all others are named. Depending on the time of year and snow conditions you might like to head up into the hills for an adventurous snowmobile ride (dont worry both instruction and crash helmets are provided!). With the chance to Icelandic Escapades Ref IA ICELAND Optional snow mobile REYKJAVIK Keflavik airport Optional sights tour Thingvellir Gullfoss Falls Geysir Blue Lagoon Hot Springs Hv i ta Myrdalsj�kull Thorsmork by superjeep Icelandic Volcano Trek Ref IV Valafell From Landmannahellir Start of trek Hot springs Laufafell 1164m ATLANTIC OCEAN km 0 80 REYKJAVIK Hekla 1491m HRANFTINNUSKER PLATEAU Hot springs MARKARFLJOT Wild camp Tindfjallajokull 1463m sample Reykjaviks infamous nightlife, and a recuperative dip in the Blue Lagoon on our last day, this truly is the ultimate Icelandic adventure break. t fljo HVANNGIL Mountain hut ar ICELAND Mountain hut kar EMSTRUR Wild camp FACTFILE Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Reykjavik. 2 Superjeep to Thorsmork, with Northern Lights viewing (Sep to Apr, weather permitting). 3 Free for optional tours and activities. 4 Free time in Reykjavik; visit Blue Lagoon en route to airport. Fly London. Accommodation & Meals: 3nts guesthouse; 3 breakfasts included. See p42. Mode of Travel: Bus/Superjeep. Comment: This short, flexible, hotel-based trip provides an exciting break suitable for people of all abilities. Tour Staff & Support: Local support staff plus drivers and guides. Group Size: Approx. 9 to 12. THORSMORK M MYRDALSJ�KULL 1480m Fimmvorduhals 1450m EYJAFJALLAJOKULL 1668m To SKOGAR Mountain hut 0 km 25 REYKJAVIK ATLANTIC OCEAN FACTFILE Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Reykjavik. 2 Drive to Landmannahellir, trek to Hranftinnusker Plateau (6hrs). 3 Explore Hranftinnusker Plateau (6-8hrs, depending on local conditions). 4 Trek to Hvanngil (6-7hrs). 5 Trek to Thorsmork valley (7-8hrs). 6 Trek to Skogar via Fimmvorduhals (8hrs). 7 Walk to ocean (3-4hrs); drive to Reykjavik. 8 Fly London. Note: Itinerary may vary according to local weather conditions. Accommodation & Meals: 2nts guesthouse, 5nts mountain huts/camping; 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 5 dinners included. See insert p2. Mode of Travel: Bus transfers (public and charter)/On foot during 6-day trek. Comment: The moderate to strenuous trekking (5-8 hrs per day) is generally at altitudes of 600-1000m and should present no difficulty for experienced walkers. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader/guide plus driver(s). 4WD support vehicle transports luggage and food. Group Size: Approx. 10 to 14. Optional snowmobiling/Ragnar Th. Sigurdsson Trek length and gradients 1200m 1000m 800m 600m 400m 200m 0m Day 2 6hrs Markarjot Hvanngil Emstrur Thorsmork Skogar Day 3 5-6hrs Day 4 5-6hrs Day 5 5-6hrs Day 6 8-9hrs Day 7 3-4hrs Request a tour dossier for comprehensive tour information 43

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