| Programme | Details | Dates |

PROGRAMME (confirmed programme will be online in early 2011)

In 2011 we are going to Iceland. Here you can see what is planned.

DAY
MORNING
AFTERNOON
EVENING
Day One
Traveling
Traveling
Day Two
Greater area Reykjavík sightseeing
Swimming
Haunted Iceland Tour
Day Three
Golden Circle Tours
In Hostel
Day Four
Whale watching & the Blue Lagoon
In Hostel
Day Five
Rafting
In Hostel
Day Six
South Coast Glacier Adventure
In Hostel
Day Seven
Horse Riding
Swimming
Viking Meal
Day Eight
Traveling
Traveling

As some of the days will be long and tiring the evenings are set aside at the moment for relaxing in the Hostel. However there could be the option of Ice Skating, Bowling or evening swimming again in the Thermal Pool as it is open until 10:30pm


PROGRAMME DETAILS

Greater area Reykjavík sightseeing

This tour includes the most significant places in the capital and some surrounding towns. Only a few places are listed below.

We visit the presidential residence at Bessastaðir as well as Hafnarfjörður, the town where the "hidden people" and humans live together in harmony. There we also visit the old fishing harbor.

In Reykjavík we go to the restaurant Perlan, which is built on water tanks that hold the city´s hot water supply.

After enjoying the spectacular view over Reykjavík and its surroundings we go to Höfði house where the all-important summit between former U.S. President Ronald Reagan and former U.S.S.R. Secretary General Mikhail Gorbachev took place in 1986.

We visit the Hallgrímskirkja church and the old town centre where the Icelandic parliament Alþingi and the town hall are situated. We also show you the sports and recreation area in Laugardalur, a geothermally heated outdoor swimming pool and sculptures crafted by Ásmundur Sveinsson.

Swimming
Our Hostel is very close to a valley known as Laugardalur, where there is both a health & spa resort and one of Reykjavík’s biggest out-door swimming pools. Laugardalur is a beautiful leisure area blessed with hot springs.
Haunted Iceland Tour

An evenings walk through the city with a difference! The tour company hired several mediums to walk the anticipated route of the city and identify spirits and any other unusual presence they might encounter.

All of the stories are thoroughly researched and will delight even the skeptics in the group! The tours are offered in the evening, when the atmosphere is just right for a good ghost story..

Golden Circle Tour

A classic excursion to many of the scenic natural wonders for which Iceland is justly renowned. First over a part of the highland plateau to Hveragerði where harnessed geothermal power has permitted a greenhouse industry with fruit, vegetables and exotic plants flourishing under glass.

Then to the picturesque Kerið, a lake-filled extinct volcanic crater, before continuing to Skálholt with its new cathedral, the site of an ancient bishopric, and for centuries Iceland's main cultural center. Onwards to mighty Gullfoss (the Golden Waterfall), perhaps the most beautiful in the country. After our lunch stop we'll explore the world-famous, fascinating Geysir area, where hot springs and other geothermal phenomena abound, and with the very active geysir Strokkur spouting every few minutes.

On we go under scenic mountains, past the summer resort Laugarvatn, and over a highland moor to descend into the rift-valley which is the boundary between tectonic continental plates and the site of the Þingvellir National Park. This splendidly scenic place is of tremendous geological and historic interest. For centuries it was the site of the oldest democratic parliament in the world, founded here in 930 A.D. and still active. Homeward bound, the tour goes over the Mosfellsheiði heath and to Reykjavík.


Whale Watching

Take part in an adventure at sea with an unforgettable trip into the world of whales and sea birds. Whales most frequently seen on tours are the Minke whales, Orcas, Humpback whales, Dolphins and Porpoises, and sometimes Fin, Sei and Blue whales.

In these areas we see many different species of seabirds such as the gannet, puffin, guillemot razorbill, cormorant, gulls, kittiwake, terns and many more. Eldey island is home to a Gannet breeding colony of 16,000 pairs.

The Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is a unique geothermal spa where guests enjoy relaxing in warm geothermal seawater in the surroundings of magical lava fields and black sandy beaches.

The geothermal seawater is led directly to the Blue Lagoon from wells as deep as 2000 meters/6000 feet and the water stays warm and inviting at 36°-39° throughout the whole year. An indoor Blue Lagoon and geothermal sauna are also on the site. The Blue Lagoon’s warm water and natural active ingredients; mineral salts, silica and blue green algae help you relax and escape the stress and strain of daily life. The Blue Lagoon’s white silica mud gently cleanses and exfoliates the skin and has a revitalizing effect while the blue green algae nourish and soften the skin. The mineral salts balance and relaxes body and soul. Bathing in this surreal environment is a unique experience no one should miss and is one of the highlights of a visit to Iceland.

Rafting
The Hvítá glacial river is a beautiful and fun river at one hours drive from Reykjavík. The river has a perfectly balanced mix of serene canyons and adrenaline pumping waves and rapids. As we pass through the magnificent Brúarhlöð canyon participants have the option of jumping from a cliff into the river. No one should leave Iceland without experiencing the power that its rivers contain and lay eyes on the scenic canyons of Hvitá river.
South Coast Glacier Adventure

This adventurous 4X4 super-jeep tour will take you to two of Iceland’s most picturesque waterfalls and on to the Mýrdalsjökull glacier The tour will start by taking you to the Hveragerði “greenhouse community”, where you can see how Icelanders grow their fruit and vegetables, making them self-sufficient in the growth of bananas, among other things. We will then go to the Seljalandsfoss waterfall; at 40 metres high, its main attraction, besides the scenery, is the fact that there is a pathway leading behind the waterfall and out the other side, giving visitors a chance to view the falls from within.

From Seljalandsfoss, we will take you to the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, home to the sub-glacial volcano Katla which has erupted roughly twice per century since settlement. Here you will explore the icy scenery of Mýrdalsjökull with your guide on the 4X4 super-jeep.

The last stop before heading back to Reykjavik is the picture-perfect Skógafoss waterfall. The falls are 60 metres high and reportedly hide a treasure belonging to a settler in the area, Þrasi. According to legend, the last attempt to find and fetch the treasure chest resulted in one of its rings coming off, and it is now used as a door-ring on  Skógar church.



Horse Riding
This trip is an excellent trip for all those interested in trying the Icelandic horse, a trek on the hardy, sure-footed Icelandic horse is an experience to remember. Whether you are a beginner or expert, old or young, these friendly horses, with their alert and willing nature are indeed a pleasure to ride in their natural surroundings.
Viking Meal

As is now traditional on our international trips, the last meal in the country will be in a restaurant serving local cuisine. You can choose between lamb, lobster, beef or even whale meat!

Fjörugarðurinn easily sits 350 guests. Here, the emphasis is on the  Viking Era and as you enter you step into the world of the past. The decor is in the Viking style and we offer a  true Viking feast with traditional meals served in old-fashioned Viking-style trays. During these famous feasts there is never a dull moment and the guests can expect various treats and surprises offered by our singing Valkyries and Vikings.


DATES

CONFIRMED DATES ARE 6th - 13th AUGUST 2011