House of travel Northern, Central & Eastern Europe Brochure 2017 | Page 38

Reykjavik, Iceland The capital and only city in Iceland, Reykjavik is the world’s northernmost capital. It’s a buzzing city with heaps of contrast. You’ll see interesting architecture with colourful old houses, visit many contemporary art galleries and museums, and spend time in its thriving café and restaurant scene. In summer take advantage of the endless daylight hours, stroll around the city and enjoy the many festivals and events on offer, or maybe rent a bike and head into the surrounding countryside. During the long months of winter, marvel at the dramatic landscapes and the allure of the northern lights. Our favourite things to see and do Reykjavik Hop On Hop Off Tour – Explore the city at your leisure, with the opportunity to hop on and off at conveniently located bus stops. You’ll see Reykjavik Harbour, the Town Hall, the National Gallery of Iceland and the Laugardalur Thermal Pools and Spa. Puffin Tour – Sometimes known as a “sea parrot”, the puffin is famous for its colourful beak that blooms to colour in summer and fades to grey over winter. Spending most of their lives at sea, puffins only come to land in summer to breed. You will see thousands of these birds on the island they inhabit. Northern Lights Mystery Tour – Visible from September through April and only seen on a clear night, the phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis is one of nature’s most spectacular displays. If you are lucky enough to witness the Northern Lights, you will see swirling light in a wild and carefree manner dancing across the sky. Whale Watching – Cruise Falaxflói Bay in search of humpback and minke whales and watch out for harbour porpoises and white-beaked dolphins. Learn about some of Iceland’s most majestic native wildlife from the onboard guide. You get thermal coveralls to wear and there is a warm indoor viewing area. Thingvellir National Park Viking Horse Riding Tour and Blue Lagoon – Head to the Blue Lagoon to relax in the waters or have a geothermal steam bath. On the way stop for an authentic Viking experience – riding an Icelandic horse through rugged countryside. Walk through ‘Game of Thrones’ Filming Locations – Take a tour with an expert guide and visit famous locations featured in the TV series including the White Walkers’ stomping ground at Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Thjorsárdalur Valley and the nearby site where a village was massacred by the Wildlings, and soak up the incredible Lake Thingvallavatn scenery. Image 34 Our favourite places to stay: • • • Alda Hotel Centerhotel Thingholt HIlton Reykjavik Nordica