Build Your Own Trip – Reykjavik Air & Hotel from $599*
Special Offer: For a short time only – valid April 12 – 26, 2010
The ideal time to experience all Iceland has to offer. Enjoy shopping for quality Icelandic products, delicious gourmet Icelandic cuisine, invigorating outdoor adventure, highland wilderness beauty, soothing spas and more. Your accommodation is at the friendly Fosshotel Lind or Fosshotel Baron. Both are situated in the historic city center and offer three star amenities. They make an ideal base for exploring Southern Iceland.
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Springtime Exposure
This spring see more of Iceland with a trip that includes a visit to the world famous Lake Myvatn area of Northeast Iceland. Known for its distinctive volcanic features, as well as Europe’s largest bird sanctuary, a visit here is a breathtaking experience. Travelers will also have plenty of time to explore the wonders of South Iceland on a variety of day tours that can be added to this four-night springtime vacation.
Species thrive in the blend of lush vegetation and lava spires at the lake. While there, visit the colorful majesty of the still-active Krafla volcano and the primordial bubbling landscape of Hverarond. Next, take a walk through the surreal lava park of Dimmuborgir, where rock formations tower above delicate flowers dotting the ground. Visitors will also have the opportunity to take a swim in the Myvatn Nature Baths, a soothing geothermal lake set amid the exotic lava landscapes.
From $999* per person based on double occupancy. Departures: April 16 - May 26, 2010
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*Prices quoted are exclusive of applicable taxes and official charges by destination of approximately $100-$270, per person including the Sept. 11th Security Fee.
“The shapes glow a ghostly blue. Centuries of compression – the ice here is between 500 and 1,000 years old – have squeezed away the bergs’ reflective surfaces, allowing only higher-energy blue light waves to penetrate. I am wondering how the ice can last so long in a place that doesn’t feel all that cold, when our guide hands me a bite-size chunk. I pop it into my mouth. The ice is flavorless and dense, the kind you find in cocktails at the best bars, and I suck on it all the way back to shore.”
From time to time those of us at Dateline receive letters from our fans – true Icelandophiles who have skyr running through their veins. Here’s one of our recent favorites, from an International Affairs major at Franklin & Marshall. Phillip Zabriskie, from Wellesley, Mass., is an Eagle Scout who has traveled to Iceland for the last three consecutive summers, including the Icelandic Scout Jamboree in 2008.
We know we say this a lot, but “fire and ice,” in this case, is the literal truth. Every summer in mid-August there is a huge fireworks display at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Candles light up the icebergs that float in the lagoon, and the sky above explodes in fiery arrays of color. This amazing combination is a unique photo op. A week spent on a Super-Jeep tour and photographing some less accessible places in the Icelandic Highlands concludes with another fireworks display – this time for Reykjavik‘s Cultural Night on Aug. 21, 2010, which coincides with the Reykjavik Marathon. Shutterbugs and fireflies alike will delight in the action. For more information and the specific date for the glacier lagoon fireworks display, check: http://www.natureexplorer.is/photography/fire-ice-photo-tour/
Iceland is a relative youngster among western nations, having declared full independence from the Danish crown in 1944. In our country, we call it “National Day,” and it is on June 17 that we commemorate the birthday of Jon Sigurdsson, one of the most important Icelandic patriots. Every year, Icelanders celebrate the holiday (and warmer temperatures) with parades, street theater, parties and dancing. Come and celebrate with us. To plan a trip, start with a look at Icelandair.com and get ready to par-tay.
In ancient Norse mythology, Ægir was the god of the ocean. He might also be the god of smooshing an “a” into an “e”, but’s another story. When he wasn’t messing with the alphabet, he brewed ale for Thor in a huge pot, and was known for throwing a heck (there’s that word again) of a party. We think he’d like Sjomannadagur, or Seaman’s Day.
Iceland’s premier art festival since 1970 brings together the best in local and international theater, dance, music and visual art. The festival program offers a variety of selected exhibitions, concerts, dance, theater and opera performances. Along with its focus on Icelandic culture past and present, the festival hosts many outstanding international artists and performers. For more information log onto 