This document provides information about holidays to Iceland and Greenland operated by Discover the World. It discusses Discover the World's long experience operating in these destinations, highlighting innovations they have introduced. The document encourages customers to consider tailor-made holidays and working with travel consultants to design a trip that fully meets their interests and budget. It also outlines Discover the World's customer service guarantees regarding price, responsibilities if trips are disrupted, and satisfaction with arranged itineraries.
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WelcometoIceland
All our holidays can be tailor made... If you cannot find exactly what you are
looking for, let us find it for you. We can tailor make holidays to suit, be that
customising our suggested itineraries or creating something bespoke.
Introduction
Welcome to Iceland 2
More than 30 Years’ Experience 4
Your 100% Guarantee 6
Creating a Holiday 8
Iceland
Year Round in Iceland 10
Activities & Excursions 12
Regions
Reykjavík 18
South West 20
South East 22
East Fjords 24
North East 26
North 28
West Fjords 30
Snæfellsnes & West Iceland 32
The Highlands 34
Accommodation in Iceland 36
Tailor Made Ideas 40
Unique Iceland 42
Iceland for Families 44
Self-drive holidays
Self-drive Iceland Introduction 46
Car Hire 50
Volcanic Explorer 52
Southern Highlights 54
Essential Iceland 56
Journey to the Centre of the Earth 58
Iceland Connoisseur 60
National Parks & Natural Wonders 62
Around Iceland 64
Iceland Backroads 66
Fly, Drive & Hike 68
Iceland Odyssey 70
Small Group Guided Tours
Introduction 72
Introducing Iceland 74
Best of the Midnight Sun 76
Luxury Touring 78
Southern Countryside
& Highlands 80
Northern Countryside
& Highlands 81
Absolute Iceland 82
Iceland’s Winter
Wonderland
Introduction 86
Winter Self-Drive 88
Winter Escorted 89
Greenland
Introducing Greenland 90
Greenland Holidays 94
East Greenland 95
West Greenland 96
South Greenland 97
Greenland Explorer 98
Greenland Base Camp 100
Canada & Alaska
Extend your holiday
in Canada or Alaska 102
Getting There
Flying to Iceland
& Beyond 104
Iceland Map 107
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EXCLUSIVE to Discover the World Iceland self-drive clients – a revolutionary
iPad travel guide - see page 46 for details.
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No surcharges
Once you have paid a deposit and booked
a holiday we guarantee there will be no
increases whatsoever. This is something of
a rarity in the travel business, but we feel
that if you have made a commitment to us
by booking a holiday, the very least we can
do is to absorb any price increases which may
occur. Below you will find a typical clause
from the booking conditions of one of our
competitors:
Surcharges may be imposed to cover
increases in transportation costs (eg. fuel
levy), dues, taxes, fees (eg. landing taxes),
or a variation in exchange rates applicable
to your package. In the event of a surcharge
we will absorb the first 2% and should the
surcharge be more than 10% of the price of
your holiday, you will have the right to cancel
your holiday and receive a full refund of what
you have paid.
The clause from our Booking Conditions
states: Once you have made your booking,
the price is fully guaranteed and will not be
subject to any additional surcharges.
Looking after you
throughout
Once you book an inclusive holiday,
you should be protected by various
rules, regulations and laws. However,
like most things in life, knowing your
rights and getting the powers that be to
acknowledge them and pay up, can be
a bit of a nightmare. You are entitled to
compensation if your flight is delayed over
a certain period - some airlines are legally
bound to provide meals and accommodation,
as well as compensation, should your flight
be delayed for certain reasons, and some are
not. For example – should a volcanic eruption
occur in Iceland which results in you being
unable to fly home, our policy is clear: if the
airline won’t cover your costs and your travel
insurance excludes this, then we will. We offer
a 24/7 emergency line so we are always there
to help whatever happens, and we will also
advise you of your rights if you are due further
compensation – as well as assist you to obtain
it. But our commitment goes beyond that…
Financial security
Through our memberships of various
organisations, and the licences we hold,
every penny paid to us is completely safe. In
addition, we are bound by very strict business
practices through UK and EU law as well as
the associations to which we belong.
We are members of ABTA (The Travel
Association), and AITO (Association of
Independent Tour Operators), another
travel industry body which includes most
of the UK’s most important independent
specialist tour operators – members are
financially vetted by both organisations and
have to comply with a fair business charter,
and should you have a problem during
your holiday which cannot be resolved
with us, you are able to take advantage
of an arbitration scheme. We also hold a
bond with ABTOT which protects holidays
not booked with flights. ATOL (Air Travel
Organisers Licence) – this is issued by the
Civil Aviation Authority, and protects all
clients who book their holiday in conjunction
with a flight. To hold an ATOL we must go
through regular checks to prove we are
financially sound. Through our membership
of IATA (International Air Transport
Association), we are able to buy and issue
air tickets for you, and this organisation also
vets us to check we are a safe bet, to take
clients’ money for air tickets. In essence,
to hold all these licences and memberships,
we need to be financially sound and provide
travel arrangements to the highest standards.
When deciding on which holiday company to
book with, we urge you to bear this in mind.
The best trip at
the best price
We don’t think any other company has
comparable trips when you take into account
our unique itineraries. But, should you come
across a matching itinerary of our quality,
offered by another UK based company,
even within 30 days AFTER booking with
us, we will gladly refund the difference. This
guarantee is designed to assure you that even
though our trips are of the highest standard,
you will still not pay more than you have to.
We deliver on our
promises
We are so confident the quality of our trips
will meet your expectations, that should you
be dissatisfied, we’ll gladly give you a credit
towards a future trip. Of course, expectations
have to match what we’ve promised, but we
feel that our standards are so high that we
are happy to stand behind this guarantee.
Further detailed information about all
the above can be found on our website,
together with our Booking Conditions.
OurUniquePledge
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EastFjords
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The coastline
Iceland’s east coast is defined
by its ancient fjords – some
sheltering deserted beaches, others
picturesque fishing hamlets. The
twisting, turning mix of tarmac and
gravel roads make journey times
here a little longer than anticipated
but the drive an absolute pleasure
with magnificent views galore.
Fishing villages
Charming Seyðisfjörður boasts
pastel coloured clapboard
properties and a delightful church;
Neskaupstaður is a thriving fishing
port; take a boat trip to a Puffin
sanctuary from Djúpivogur or go
hiking in the picturesque surrounds
of Breiddalsvík or along trails by the
sea at Borgarfjörður Eystri.
Inland east
Egilsstaðir is the regional centre
and has an international airport,
good shopping especially for arts
and crafts, and a variety of cafes
and restaurants. Outdoor pursuits
are also well catered for, with horse
riding, hiking and walking trails,
seal watching tours and day trips
to Vatnajökull.
Places to visit
Egilsstaðir is set on the banks of
river Lagarfljót; the upper part has
formed Lögurinn where legend
has it, this long narrow lake has a
resident monster, a giant serpent
similar to Scotland’s Nessie! Close
to the lake is Hallormstadir, one of
Iceland’s largest forests and a great
area for hiking.
Djupivogur
Breiddalsvik
Faskrudsfjordur
Mjoifjordur/
Neskaupstadur
Seydisfjordur
Borgarfjordur
Eystri
Egilsstadir
Hallormstadur
36. 36 All our holidays are covered by our 100% Guarantee, see page 6
Accommodation
36 All our holidays are covered by our 100% Guarantee, see page 6
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Perhaps you’re looking for an intimate
boutique hotel for a romantic getaway; a
cottage with character; a stylish city centre
hotel, or maybe you simply wish to stay in
a stunning countryside location.
Through our collection of pre-planned
itineraries presented in this brochure, as well
as on our website, we have selected what
we consider to be the best value lodging
option in each location. And remember
that many of our itineraries can be
adapted according to your specific wishes.
When planning your trip to Iceland, certain
‘hot spots’ such as Mývatn and Skaftafell have
a limited number of accommodation options,
and are very popular. If you have a particular
area you wish to visit, we highly recommend
that you book as early as possible.
Four star properties are few and far between,
with the exception of Reykjavík, and the
countryside Hotels Rangá and Ion. There
are no 5-star hotels in Iceland, and often
the initial impression of the outside of
a property belies a delightful interior.
What you will find is a friendly welcome,
mouth-watering food, breathtaking locations
and a comfortable, clean and personable
space to lay your head each night.
Visit our website for images and further
information regarding the accommodation
we offer. Remember that tailor made, self-drive
holidays are our particular speciality - contact
us to create your own unique itinerary and
discover Iceland for yourself.
Full details on our website.
AccommodationinIceland
Reykjavík
Many of our pre-planned, self-drive itineraries begin or end with
time in the capital, or possibly both. From the fantastic value
Hotel Klettur, well-located CenterHotels, the charming and ever-
popular Hotel Reykjavík Centrum, with its homely apartments,
you’ll be spoilt for choice in the world’s most northerly capital.
Cottages
These are ideal for families or groups and are located in areas
that make a perfect base for exploring. Our self-catering options:
cottages, cabins or summerhouses, are fully equipped and many have
verandas with barbecues, and some even boast outdoor hot tubs.
Accommodation size and facilities vary between properties and early
booking is essential!
Rural hotels & guesthouses
These properties are usually dotted around Iceland’s towns and
villages. We offer rooms with private shower/WC, although some
properties offer rooms with shared bathroom, mostly in the 3 or
4 star range. These are in hotels or well equipped guesthouses.
All supply breakfast (included), and most have a restaurant, some
with seasonal opening hours.
Farms
An authentic family-run farm, often in an incredibly scenic location,
is an excellent choice for a family holiday in Iceland. Available
around the country, these farms offer a true slice of Icelandic
hospitality. Enjoy fresh, local produce, characterful hosts and their
resident animals!
We offer a comprehensive range of accommodation
throughout Iceland and have developed longstanding
relationships with many key hoteliers and property
owners, over our 30 years plus of operation.
38. 38 All our holidays are covered by our 100% Guarantee, see page 6
Here is just a sample of the accommodation we offer around Iceland – all the
properties can be found on our website, with further images and full details.
Hotel Klettur –
Reykjavík
The hotel is quick drive from downtown
Reykjavík and a short walk from the main
shopping street. Although there is no
restaurant, its location means there are
plenty of options nearby. The 146 standard
rooms are brightly decorated, featuring great
views towards Mount Esja, while the 20
deluxe rooms are simply stylish and spacious,
with some featuring private balconies.
Hotel Frost and Fire –
Hveragerði
Set in an active geothermal region, this hotel
is the perfect base from which to explore
Iceland’s south west. The focus here is on
relaxation; with modern, well-appointed
bedrooms, a high quality, extended
restaurant, glorious river views, a steam
room, indoor and outdoor hot tubs and a
heated pool, your only concern will be that -
one day, you will have to go home.
Icelandair Hotel Vík –
Vík
Hotel Vík has been thoroughly modernised
with the addition of a stunning glass building,
housing the 36 rooms, contemporary in style,
with floor to ceiling windows making good
use of the beautiful surrounding views. There
is also a lobby bar and first-rate restaurant
which serves an á la carte menu for dinner,
as well as a generous breakfast buffet.
Alda Hotel –
Reykjavík
Located on the city’s main shopping
street, Laugavegur, this hotel combines
contemporary design with Scandinavian
touches; rooms are stylish, some offering
panoramic views across the city and sea. It is
surprisingly tranquil here but it is also close
to the buzzing heart of Iceland’s capital with
all its restaurants and bars. Facilities include
a gym, sauna, trendy bar and a hot tub.
Grimmsborgir Luxury
Apartments
Grimsborgir, just 45 minutes from Reykjavik,
is located next to the beautiful Sog, Iceland’s
largest freshwater river. There are 10 luxury
apartments fully-equipped with a large
kitchen, dining room, fireplace, spacious
lounge area with a TV and an outdoor hot
tub. The elegant Grimsborgir Restaurant
offers traditional Icelandic meals as well as
other gourmet food.
Hali Country Hotel –
Jökulsárlón
The closest hotel to the magnificent glacial
lagoon, there are 46 spacious rooms set out
across several separate buildings, some with
shared facilities but most with en suite. The
adjacent Þórbergur Heritage Centre, which
resembles a giant bookshelf from the outside,
also houses the restaurant offering such
delicacies as Arctic char and Icelandic lamb.
Northern Light Inn –
Reykjanes
This pleasant inn is situated just a 15 minute
drive from the international airport at
Keflavik, and practically next door to the Blue
Lagoon, a 25 minute walk. The 32 spacious,
en suite rooms have naturally heated
showers, and there is a very good restaurant
with panoramic windows looking out over a
lavascape, and part of the geothermal power
plant that feeds the Blue Lagoon.
Hotel Rangá –
near Hella
This superb 4-star, ranch style hotel is set
just off the Ring Road between Hella and
Hvolsvöllur. In addition to excellent facilities,
a gourmet restaurant, outdoor hot tubs and
an observatory, the Rangá has 52 extremely
well-appointed rooms, including a Royal
Suite and seven sensational World Suites.
The rural location is ideal for exploring the
Golden Circle and beyond.
Hotel Framtíð –
East Fjords
Situated in the fishing village of Djúpivogur,
this charming wooden hotel has an idyllic
location and wonderful views. The 46 rooms,
with and without private facilities, are spread
between a wing of the main building, separate
summerhouses and self-catering apartments.
The small, old restaurant is full of charm and
there is a new function room onsite too.
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AccommodationinIceland
Fosshotel
Vatnajökull
This is a popular and charismatic hotel with
fantastic panoramic views of its namesake
glacier, within easy reach of the regions
many places of interest. Newly renovated
and now with 66 light and airy rooms –
standard, deluxe, garden, family and more,
there is also a lounge area, bar and a great
restaurant which again makes the most of
the beautiful views.
Guesthouse Eyvindará
– Egilsstaðir
Just 2km from Egilsstaðir, this lovely property
with a very welcoming feel, has views over
lush green countryside and the wooded area
of Herad. It is actually a collection of fully
furnished, nicely appointed rooms with their
own verandahs, family rooms in cottages,
and there is a large, 4-bed main guesthouse.
This is a great place from which to explore
the region.
Sæluhús –
Akureyri
Set just half a mile from the centre of
Akureyri, these self-catering villas and
apartments of unquestionable quality have
a private entrance, free Wi-Fi, a combined
living and dining area, TV and a kitchenette
or full kitchen. All villas and some apartments
also include a private hot tub. These homes
away from home are an ideal base from
which to explore Iceland’s north.
Fosshotel
East Fjords
This hotel situated in Fáskrúðsfjörður was
built in 1903 and used as a hospital for
French fishermen until 1939. Reopened and
fully refurbished in 2014, the stylish property
now includes a bar and a museum dedicated
to the French fishermen. The 26 guestrooms
offer en suite facilities and there is a French
inspired restaurant, L’Abri, which serves an
excellent menu.
Hotel Laxá –
Lake Mývatn
This very crisp and clean contemporary hotel
has a prime location south west of Mývatn, with
views of the lake and river Laxá. It features 80
tastefully decorated rooms and good facilities
including a lounge and bar with excellent views.
There is an onsite restaurant which serves lunch
and dinner buffets and an a la carte menu
which uses local recipes and ingredients.
Hotel Glymur –
Hvalfjörður
The spectacular surroundings on the edge
of the ‘whale fjord’ are complimented by
superb facilities. The standard rooms are
large and modern, though the design over
two floors can prove a challenge to some.
Even if stairs are not an issue, an upgrade to
one of the spectacular villas, each complete
with their own private hot tub, still comes
highly recommended.
Hotel Hallormsstaður –
Egilsstaðir
Actually located around 25km south of
Egilsstaðir, the hotel’s setting is a very
rare scene in Iceland – in the middle of a
forest! The wooded backdrop provides
guests with outstanding hiking and cycling
opportunities, and the hotel’s contemporary
design, excellent restaurant and relaxing spa
facilities create the perfect retreat after a
day’s exertion.
Hotel Reykjahlíð –
Lake Mývatn
Located on the shores of the lake, this
family-run hotel built in 1947, has just 9 rooms,
each with private facilities and exceptionally
comfortable beds; the four rooms at the top
are particularly spacious. The hotel has a small
gourmet restaurant with sweeping views to the
rear, overlooking the lake. This is a great base
for exploring the fascinating Mývatn area.
Fosshotel –
West Fjords
Since opening in June 2013, this hotel
in Patreksfjörður, has brought a fresh
perspective to the region. With a total of
40 rooms, all with private facilities and
either mountain or sea views, a high quality
restaurant serving locally sourced food, and
a location perfect for exploring many sites of
outstanding natural beauty, time here is time
well spent.
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