The Ultimate North & South Iceland Aurora Encounter

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1 For Expert Advice Call for Swedish and Norwegian Lapland for Iceland and Greenland A unique occasion deserves a unique experience. The Ultimate North & South Iceland Aurora Encounter Break available: Mid Nov - Early April 6 Nights If you are looking to experience true nature, dramatic volcanic landscapes, the Northern Lights and the magical experience of Husky Dog Sledding or snowmobiling then your name is written on this "Get Away from it all" wilderness holiday! This break offers the opportunity to still experience Icelandic Wilderness at its best away from the crowds. Your superb local guides will take you to hidden gems and time your stops at the more popular places to avoid the big crowds. Covering both North and South Iceland you really will see the best that Iceland has to offer and staying in your own private wilderness cabin you have an excellent chance of seeing the Northern Lights. If you are only going to go to Iceland once and want to see it's many highlights this is the break you should choose! Highlights A choice of Mushing your own Siberian Dog Sled Team or Snowmobiling 3 SuperJeep adventure Tours to see the dramatically beautiful Volcanic Landscape 1 4WD Golden Circle Highlights Tour to see Geysers, Waterfalls and the remote area behind Mount Helka 1 Northern Lights SuperJeep Hunt Bathe in the naturally warm Myvatn Geothermal Baths 2 nights in the Sel Hotel Myvatn surrounded by magnificent views and pseudo craters 3 nights in Wilderness Cabin, ideally situated for the Northern Lights 1 private dinner cooked for you by the guide in the cabin 1 night in the buzzing capital Reykjavik Day by Day Itinerary Day 1 Fly Reykjavik and Transfer into Reykjavik Fly into Reykjavik and take a flybus transfer into Reykjavik to overnight. Reykjavik is full of wonderful fish restaurants so tonight we would recommend you try one out. Overnight in Reykjavik. A la Carte Optional Extras Northern Lights by Boat page 1/11

2 Hunting the northern lights from the ocean is an amazing experience. Sail away from the coastline of Reykjavik and see the Aurora Borealis out on the North Atlantic ocean with beautiful mountains and the city lights in the background. This 2-3 hour Northern Lights cruise includes warm overalls to wear, heated seating areas inside, expert guide on board to explain the Northern Lights. Price per person: From 80 Northern Lights Explorer This evening you will be taken out from Reykjavik in a Super-jeep into the wilderness for a search for the Northern Lights. Given cloudless skies, sightings can occur from autumn to early spring. The elders say that the colder the nights the more vibrant & intense the colors will be. Swirling and swaying overhead, displays are usually greenish yellow but white, red and pink lights also frequently appear. Your guide will be steadfast in his Northern Lights search for you, though of course we cannot guarantee that you will see them. This tour is about 3 hours long. Please note the maximum number of passengers in the SuperJeep is 6 in order to give you a very personal and individual tour. This is in sharp contrast to the coach tours that are available through other companies, or the very large SuperJeep Tours with 12 people in. Price Per Person: From 150 Day 2 Fly Husavik, SuperJeep Tour of Dettifoss, Visit Myvatn Baths, SuperJeep Northern Lights Hunt page 2/11

3 Fly to Husavik in North Iceland and be picked up in your SuperJeep for your tour. We will drive to Vatnajökull National Park, where you will visit Hafragilsfoss. Hafragilsfoss is a 27m high waterfall on the edge of the 120m deep Jökulsá canyon. Afterwards you will walk with your guide for about 2.5km to visit Selfoss the 11m high waterfall and Dettifoss, Europe s most powerful waterfall. This amazing 45m high & 100m wide waterfall shows you quite how powerful nature can be. Next you will be taken to the Myvatn Baths and on the way look out at the dramatic volcanic landscape, before entering the Myvatn baths. Here you can have a completely natural experience that begins with a relaxing dip amidst clouds of steam rising up from a fissure deep in the Earth s surface, and ends with a luxurious swim in a pool of geothermal water drawn from depths of up to 2,500 metres. After dinner at the hotel (not included) your guide will drive you in a SuperJeep into the winter night hunting for the perfect spot to see and enjoy the Northern Lights. Of course we cannot guarantee them but we do offer a free second tour the following evening if you don t see them on the first night. This tour lasts 2-3 hours. Return to overnight at the hotel. Day 3 A choice of Siberian Husky Sledding or Snowmobiling Today you have a choice of Mushing you own Husky Dog Sled or Snowmobiling Option 1: Mushing your own Dog Sled You will be instructed in the basics of driving a Husky dog team before you set off exploring our trail close to Lake Myvatn. You can take a turn as a musher driving the team or relax as a passenger as your guide takes over. You will be out on the trail with the dogs for approximately 1 hour, and there will be plenty of opportunities for taking pictures on the tour with the dogs and the great landscape around lake Myvatn. Option 2: Driving your own Snowmobiling This is a snowmobile tour exploring the area of Lake Myvatn. You will enjoy the magnificent view of the surrounding mountains from the lake or the amazing views of Krafla Volcano. Take an exciting adventure on our snowmobiles out on the frozen Lake Mývatn or travel into the Krafla area with one of our guides. Where we run our tours depends on snow layers. At the beginning of the season, we operate our tour in Krafla, where we get the first snows of the season As soon as the ice on Lake Myvatn is safe, we move our gear to Sel Hótel and operate from there until springtime when we move back to Krafla to finish the season. Helmets, snowsuits, and boots are provided and you will be driving your own snowmobile for about an hour. Return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure to enjoy the surrounds and to overnight. Day 4 Myvatn SuperJeep Tour, Fly back to Reykjavik, Transfer to Wilderness cabin page 3/11

4 This morning on your Superjeep Myvatn tour you will explore and learn about the volcanic geology of this area that makes this area such a very special place. You will discover the magic of the area including the Dimmuborgir lava area, the Skútustaðir craters, the Höfði lava-pillars and the Hverir geothermal area. There is a maximum of 6 per vehicle and this tour lasts about 4 4½ hours. Early afternoon you will be taken back to Husavik for your flight to Reykjavik. On arrival in Reykjavik your guide will be waiting to transfer you to your cabin in South Iceland(@ 1 1/2 hrs). The new Eyjafjallajokull Wilderness Cabin is situated in a secluded rural area providing excellent opportunities to view the Northern Lights without any light interference at night. There are also wonderful views of the famous Eyjafjallajokull Volcano during the day. The luxury cabin is yours exclusively and privately to your booking providing the perfect setting for a very special trip. Tonight the guide will come and cook a bbq or 3 course meal for you at the cabin. We have had excellent feedback on the quality of his cooking with the bbq lamb from his family farm being particularly well rated. Afterwards he will retire to leave you to relax and enjoy the peace and solitude of the cabin this evening and hopefully another chance to watch the Northern Lights. The guide provides a wake up service if the Northern Lights should appeear whilst you are asleep. Day 5 Golden Circle Highlights 4WD Guided Tour After breakfast in the cabin your guide will take you on the Golden Circle Highlights 4WD Tour; a magnificent introduction to first timers in Iceland. Experience the famed Strokur Geyser which erupts every 5 minutes, the magnificent Gullfoss Waterfall which can totally freeze in the winter, as well as the beautiful area of Pjorsardalur behind Mount Helka. This area is full of waterfalls, including Háifoss, Iceland s tallest. The maximum number of people will be 8, (though it is often 4), which is in sharp contrast to the bus companies that offer this trip. The guide will also time it so as to beat the bus trips so you can enjoy the sights in all their beauty and at one with nature. Tonight you will cook for yourself and hopefully enjoy some Northern Lights. You will pre-choose your meal before you go so that your ingredients and recipe are waiting for you at the cabin. For those of you would prefer not to cook there is the option to upgrade to a 3 course set menu at the famed Hotel Ranga. A la Carte Optional Extras Northern Lights Hunt with Bonfire page 4/11

5 Hotel Ranga has an excellent reputation for Northern Lights Sightings due to its location in a rural area with a higher frequency of clear nights. However we want to give you the very best chance possible so tonight you will be picked up for a 3 hour adventure to hunt out the Northern Lights with one of the local mountain guides. In a specially adapted 4WD super jeep you will be taken inland off-road to the back of the famed Mount Helka to try and see if you can find the Northern Lights. This volcanic area is near Tindfjallajökul Glacier whose cooling effect creates clear skies critical for spotting the Northern Lights. This area also has very few artificial lights to spoil your viewing as many of the farms in the area were abandoned due to a previous volcanic eruption. The beauty of this tour is that the guide will take you to the best area based on the forecast to see the Northern Lights and so give you the best chance of seeing them. Stop for a warm up by a bonfire and a hot drink in a cave, or on the black volcanic beaches with a bonfire and a hot drink whilst your guide tells you about both the Northern Lights Phenomenon and some of the folklore and local superstitions! Price per person: From 115 Northern Lights on top of the Glacier We are very excited with this new offer which we have worked up with our local man on the ground. Tonight he will take you up to 1600 M on top of the glacier on top of Eyjafjallajökull volcano in a SuperJeep to hunt the Northern Lights. The glacier cools the air creating clear skies which is what you need for the Northern Lights giving you an excellent chance of seeing them! Even if they don t show you will have an incredible evening gazing at thousands of stars above you crystal clear in the darkness. The snow reflects the moonlight and the tiny lights of the villages can be seen well below you. This is a 4 hour trip as it will take you 90 mins each way as you climb in your superjeep up the steep volcano an adventure in itself. Price per person: From 190 Upgrade to 3 course menu at Hotel Ranga For those of you would prefer not to cook there is the option to upgrade to a 3 course set menu at the famed Hotel Ranga. Hotel Ranga s restaurant has an excellent reputation as one of the top gourmet restaurants in Iceland and many locals come down from Reykjavik just for dinner. Upgrade Price per person: From 70 page 5/11

6 Day 6 Choice of Guided Super Jeep Tour; Eyjafjallajökull's Volcano or Þórsmörk and Waterfalls Tour After breakfast adventure out into the unique landscapes of South Iceland probably the most dramatic Geograhy field trip you will ever experience! We work only with local guides who are both passionate about their country and want to share their insights with you but who are also trained as part of the mountain rescue team. They will have fascinating stories to share about the volcanic eruption that occurred in We continually receive fabulous feedback on this day from satisfied clients who enjoy this personalised, relaxed guided day experience from enthusiastic local guides who are keen you have an extra special experience. SuperJeeps take up to 8 people but the norm is for 4 people. Note this is in sharp contrast to the coach tours that are available through other companies, and which also cannot access most of the area that we take you to. This is serious off-roading! Choose between the following adventures: EITHER Eyjafjallajökull s Volcano Tour This tour will take you as close as is possible to the new large crater in Eyjafjallajökull volcano from the 2010 eruption and to places where no hire car can go. We drive up the slopes of the glacier in a highly equipped SuperJeep and on our way take in the astonishing view over the whole South coast of Iceland with it s glaciers, and back across the Atlantic including the Westman-Islands. This tour gives you the perfect glacier experience; an exciting SuperJeep drive in the snow, walk on the glacier and the magnificent view over the south. This is real adventure! OR Þórsmörk Valley Tour Your guide will take you up between the three glaciers; Myrdalsjokull, Eyjafjallojokull and Tindfjallojokull. In your specially adapted SuperJeep you will have the thrilling drive of fjording glacial rivers and driving across the floodplain to see the lasting effects and landscape changes following Eyjafjallajökull s 2010 eruption. You will be surrounded by an imposing mountain ridge and see spectacular landscapes. We describe it as like being in a production set from Lord of the Rings when they go to Mordur. You will see dramatic towering black volcanic cliffs. Stop at the stunning Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, which you can walk behind and be mesmerised looking back through the falling water. If you wanted to see the Raw Iceland this is hard to beat! Tonight you will cook for yourself and hopefully enjoy a final evening of Northern Lights. You will pre-choose your meal before you go so that your ingredients and recipe are waiting for you at the cabin. For those who would prefer not to cook and go out instead there is the option to upgrade to taking a 3 course meal at Hotel Anna. This local country retreat has a wonderful friendly atmosphere and serves superb home cooked country food. A la Carte Optional Extras page 6/11

7 Upgrade to 3 course meal at Hotel Anna For those who would prefer to not cook and go out instead there is the option to upgrade to taking a 3 course meal at Hotel Anna. This local country retreat has a wonderful friendly atmosphere and serves superb home cooked country food. The menu is based on regional traditions and seasonal ingredients are sourced from local farmers and fishermen. Upgraded Price per person : From 60 Day 7 Transfer to airport for flight home Breakfast and morning at leisure to enjoy the Cabin and its surroundings before your transfer to the airport for your flight home. If this is not the perfect break for you then do take a look at some of our other breaks, such as the Iconic Northern Lights break in Iceland. If you have a minimum of 4 people the Private Iceland Highlands Aurora Adventure is a great experience. A la Carte Optional Extras Snowmobiling on the Mýrdalsjökull glacier You will be picked up and taken to the Snowmobile Meeting Point. Here you will transfer to a Super Jeep to go on rough tracks up to the Snowline of the Eyjafjallajökull glacier to take an exhilarating 1 hour s snowmobile ride with superb views back down to the Atlantic Coast. While the south is certainly spectacular from below nothing beats experiencing it from above! Snowmobiling on top of Eyjafjallajökull glacier is an extraordinary experience. This snowmobile tour is the perfect length of time for first-time riders and individuals looking for a scenic, fun ride, exploring and experiencing the wilderness, the glacier and the breathtaking views over South Iceland in good weather. After a short safety briefing you will be dressed in the warm arctic thermals and helmet that are provided but please wear very warm socks and hiking boots. You will snowmobile for about an hour on a shared snowmobile, but don t worry there will be time to swop so you both get the chance to drive (2 people per Snowmobile). Price Per Person: From 180 Transfer to Glacier Hiking on glacial tongue Seimajökull page 7/11

8 Transfer to join the small group visiting the magnificent frozen glacial tongue Seimajokull and hike on the glacier. Explore the crevasse riddled outlet glacier with its amazing ice formations, sinkholes and jagged ridges. You will be on the ice 1 ½ hrs-2 hrs and the pace is leisurely with plenty of stops to talk about the formation of Glaciers and Global warming etc. The Glacier is a 20 min walk from the starting point. We will provide all the tools you need: crampons and safety lines but you must wear Hiking Boots for the Crampons to fit onto. Price Per Person: From 85 Riding in Icelandic Countryside A purebreed descendant of its Viking ancestors from the 9th century, the Icelandic horse is a product of isolation and a thousand years of breeding for good riding qualities, resulting in a gentle, friendly disposition and calm manner that make them a delight for anyone to ride. Whilst small in size they are hardy animals that have an unusual gait called a tolt. As fast as a trot but it is much smoother- indeed there are competitions where people hold full glasses of unspilt beer as they ride the tolt! You have a choice of a 1hr or 2 hr ride by Irafoss Waterfall, or a 3hr ride which takes you up steep tracks towards the Eyjafjallajökull Volcano. Here you will be able to enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the glacier behind you and in front of you the Atlantic Ocean in all its glory. Finally there is the option to take a 2 hour ride through farmland, followed by a choice of a Jacuzzi or Sauna and a light lunch. Price Per Person: From 75 to 245 (Dependent on tour taken) Where You'll Stay Eyjafjallajokull Wilderness Cabin What makes this place unique is the outdoor scenery and the open view in all directions. The house is designed to capture this, with big windows, minimalistic architecture and a lot of daylight. It really is a special place and the isolation and lack of external lighting makes it a great place for Northern Lights viewing. Your hosts are nearby to cook dinner for you. There are 4 bedrooms, 3 doubles (or 1 double and 2 twins) and 1 single so the cabin can take up to 7 people, though we guarantee it is exclusively for you for bookings from 2 people upwards. There is Wi-Fi and mobile connection, ipod Docking Station, TV with very limited Channels (probably in Icelandic) and DVD Player (DVDS not supplied). page 8/11

9 Saeli Icelandic Cabin It is perfect for a family or two couples with a separate living/eating area and two main bedrooms and an attic bedroom which kids will love. There is one separate bathroom with shower. This has been refurbished very recently and is a wonderful place to relax and look out for the Northern Lights, after the excitement of the day adventure SuperJeep tours. A brand new hot tub has just been added outside which comfortably fits 6 people. What a wonderful place to be if the Northern Lights are out! There is Wi-Fi and mobile signal, TV with very limited channels (probably in Icelandic). The beds are set up as a double in one room, a double with a combined single bunk bed above and then the attic has a mattress on the floor. We would therefore suggest it is perfect for 4 adults and 2 children. Sel Hotel Myvatn Whilst this 58 room hotel is a 3 star hotel it is recommended by the locals and has a friendly and comfortable atmosphere with a team who really want to make sure you have an incredible time. Because of that they also provide a wake up call for those wishing to see the Northern Lights if they come out whilst you are asleep so you don't miss them! They also have a cafeteria made out of glass which is a great place to watch and wait for the Northern Lights to show. Hotel Reykjavik Centrum page 9/11

10 During its construction, the remains of a Viking longhouse from the Settlement Period were found. Among the finds excavated at the site were Iceland s oldest human remains, dating from approximately 870 AD. Foss Hotel Myvatn This spectacular hotel offers standard rooms, lake view rooms and suites with outdoor hot tubs. On the ground floor you will find a wonderful restaurant with the perfect view over the lake. Testimonials "The best adventure we have ever been on bar none! Extremely well organised and nothing was left out. Everything from the flights, accommodation, tours and food was fantastic. The tour operators were exceptional and catered for our every need, nothing was too much trouble and made us feel very welcome and very much at home. I would highly recommend anybody considering a holiday in Iceland to book with Weekend a la Carte Aurora Nights. Thank you so much for making this the trip of a lifetime and one we will most definitely remember forever. I look forward to booking our next adventure with you soon." Simon "We had a fantastic time there and thought the whole experience was absolutely fantastic. Your organisation and support in the booking and selection process was perfect and made the whole trip so enjoyable. Every detail worked perfectly, Hotels, transfers, flights, wilderness lodge etc. etc. and the guides and operators you provided were an absolute credit to themselves, your company and Iceland as a whole. They showed passion, knowledge, enthusiasm and were the most welcoming people we have ever met. We were truly inspired by the whole trip and have now developed a strong desire to return for further exploration. Our enthusiasm for the whole experience is something that we now describe passionately to friends and work colleagues and they have all asked who we booked with, rest assured, your details are provided". Ian and Julie Luckett Price Per Person: From 2,915 ( Inc Flights) What's Included? page 10/11

11 Flights (from the UK and Internal) with one hold bag per person 6 nights accommodation with breakfast (Sel Hotel Myvatn, Wilderness Cabin, Hotel Reykjavik Centrum) Transfers Three SuperJeep Guided Tours One 4WD Guided Tour Husky Sledding OR Snowmobiling 1 SuperJeep Northern Lights Hunt Entrance to Myvatn Baths 3 Dinners (2 self-cooked) Departure Airport Heathrow Manchester Luton Glasgow Whilst there are flights from other airports the scheduled flights would mean 1 extra night in Reykjavik Our International clients are welcome to book their own flights 2017 Weekend a la Carte For Expert Advice Call for Lapland for Iceland page 11/11