Iceland and Greenland

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6 Brennisteinsalda Volcano in Landmannalaugar, the rainbow mountain of Iceland THE BEST OF SOUTH ICELAND ICELAND’S MOST VISITED REGION, AND WITH GOOD REASON Explore the most famous sights in South Iceland from the countryside instead of taking long drives from Reykjavík. This 8-day tour focuses on guided day excursions and explorations from only three different overnight locations in Southern Iceland. You visit the Golden Circle sites, explore the interior highlands of Landmannalaugar, the Westman Islands, and the frozen wonders of Vatnajökull National Park. Your Icelandic adventure includes short walks here and there, bathing in the geothermal Blue Lagoon, climbing volcano craters, walking on glaciers, a boat trip between floating icebergs and lots of time to take pictures. HIGHLIGHTS and EXPERIENCES: Bathe in the Blue Lagoon, walk on lava and explore two national parks Easy hike on a glacial tongue Boat trip between floating icebergs on Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon Explore the interior highlands and the Westman Islands Visit Brennisteinsalda Volcano, the rainbow mountain of Iceland Excellent value for money Small groups, maximum 20 persons BORGARNES REYKJAVÍK DURATION: 8 days / 7 nights DEPARTURES From June to September a total of 7 departures are offered. See details on www.gjtravel.is LANGUAGES English ACCOMMODATION Mix of simple hotels and cabins, in rooms with shower/wc MEALS 7x breakfast ALSO INCLUDED • Arrival & departure transfer by FLYBUS • Fully escorted 6-day bus tour with an English speaking guide or driver-guide • Ferry to/from Westman Islands • Entrance to Pompeii of the North Exhibition • Visit to two national parks • Entrance & towel to Blue Lagoon • Boat trip on Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon • 1,5 to 2-hour glacier hike • Entrance fee to Eyrarbakki Maritime and Folk Museum GROUP SIZE Small group limited to 20 persons TOUR CODE GJ 56 AKUREYRI GULLFOSS & GEYSIR VÍK HÚSAVÍK MÝVATN VATNAJÖKULL SKAFTAFELL HÖFN EGILSSTAÐIR ICELAND ITINERARY Day 1, SUN: WELCOME TO ICELAND FLYBUS shuttle to Reykjavík. Day 2, MON: BLUE LAGOON & REYKJANES PENINSULA Meet your tour guide and warm up in the geothermal mineral rich waters of the famous Blue Lagoon. Next, we explore Krýsuvík, an area with solfataras, fumaroles, mud pots and hot springs. We continue through lava fields to Strandarkirkja, a Lutheran parish church on the southern coast of Iceland. Next stop is the charming fishing village of Eyrarbakki where we visit the local Maritime and Folk Museum. Stay 3 nights in Hella, South Iceland. Day 3, TUE: LANDMANNALAUGAR & ÞJÓRSÁRDALUR Today we drive the rough unpaved road to Landmannalaugar, an oasis in the barren highlands, surrounded by colorful rhyolite mountains. The highlight is a 90-minute round-trip hike up toward Brenninsteinsalda, the rainbow mountain of Iceland, which is still "hot" and where you can see sizzling sulfur springs and vapor at its sides. It could very well be the most colourful and spectacular volcanic mountain of Iceland, and so its picture is often found in books and calendars. In Landmannalaugar there is also a natural geothermal stream where you can enjoy a relaxing bath. We continue to the beautiful waterfall Hjálparfoss surrounded by unusual basalt rock formations. Nearby is the Viking farm ruins at Stöng, which was completely buried in pumice during one of Hekla Volcano's bigger eruptions in 1104. A leisurely hike brings us to Gjáin, a green oasis in an otherwise rocky, barren moon-like landscape. Þjórsárdalur is off-the-beaten-path and is dominated by Hekla, one of Iceland's most active volcanoes. Please note that in case Landmannalaugar is not accessible during June departures we travel only to Þjórsárdalur valley on that day. Day 4, WED: GOLDEN CIRCLE Today, we explore Þingvellir, a national park and UNESCO world heritage site, followed by Geysir hot springs and Gullfoss waterfall. After the three "must-see" sights on the Golden Circle route, we add a little extra. There is a small waterfall called Faxi, and nearby we visit a traditional sheep pen, and Skálholt, which is one of Iceland's most historic and holy places. Day 5, THU: WESTMAN ISLANDS Short ferry ride to the Westman Islands, where we explore bird cliffs, walk up a volcano crater and visit „Pompeii of the North“, a volcanic excavation project. There you observe a “house” which was dug up from the thick layer of pumice after 40 years. You have the afternoon free to wander around the town of Heimaey, with its birds and signs of recent volcanic eruptions. In the evening we travel to our accommodation near the village of Vík in South Iceland, where we stay for two nights. Day 6, FRI: VATNAJÖKULL GLACIER Today we travel to Vatnajökull, Europe’s second largest national park, which has Iceland’s highest mountains, an alpine environment, and Europe’s largest glacier. We hike to Svartifoss waterfall. In the afternoon we head over to the famous Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon for a cruise, sailing between the icebergs of all shapes and sizes, which float in the clear blue water. Day 7, SAT: GLACIER HIKE & SOUTH COAST We start the day with a walk along the black lava beach and bird cliffs at Reynisfjara, see interesting basalt columns and rock formations. Next, we stop for an easy 1,5 to 2-hour glacier hike on the impressive Sólheimajökull glacier tongue. We continue to the thundering Skógafoss waterfall and stop at Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can follow a slick and wet trail right behind the falls. The Best of South Iceland program ends with a short Reykjavík city tour before we reach the hotel in Iceland’s capital city. Day 8, SUN: DEPARTURE HOME FLYBUS shuttle to Keflavík airport. VISIT US AT www.gjtravel.is
New tour Greg Mortimer polar expedition ship ICELAND CIRCUMNAVIGATION COMBINE LUXURY WITH OUTDOOR ADVENTURES An alternative way to see Iceland is on board the Greg Mortimer. The 104 m expedition-style ship, built in 2019, is equipped with the best naval technology and is designed with the comfort of passengers in mind. Avoid the crowds, join exciting excursions by inflatable Zodiac dinghy, kayaks and comfortable buses, and have a chance to discover less-visited ports of call and onshore explorations of stunning Icelandic landscapes and wildlife. Escape the urban environment and witness Mother Nature at work in the ever-changing wilderness. With many deep fjords that are ideal for kayaking and Zodiac cruising, and glaciers to explore, combined with splendid birdlife and friendly locals, a circumnavigation of Iceland is an experience not to be missed. HIGHLIGHTS and EXPERIENCES: Explore Iceland’s wilderness on a luxury exploration-cruise Reach some of Iceland’s remotest fjords, bays and pristine environments Perfect for kayaking, hiking, whale- and bird watching See Grimsey Island, Vatnajökull National Park and the Westman Islands BORGARNES REYKJAVÍK DURATION: 11 days / 10 nights DEPARTURES 02 June to 12 June 2020. See details on www.gjtravel.is LANGUAGES English INCLUDED • One night hotel accommodation in Reykjavík on Day 1 • Transfer from the hotel to pier on Day 2 • Transfer from the pier to downtown Reykjavík or to Keflavík airport on Day 11 • Onboard accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service • All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage • Beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner • All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises • Educational lectures and guiding services from expedition team • Access to our onboard doctor and basic medical services • Use of 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket during the voyage • Complimentary use of muck boots during the voyage • Comprehensive pre-departure information • A printed photo book produced with photos from your voyage • Port surcharges, permits, and landing fees GROUP SIZE Maximum 120 persons TOUR CODE GJ-ICN THE GREG MORTIMER With its eye-catching X-BOW design, capable of negotiating strong winds and waves, and allowing for more gentle sea crossings, and featuring state-of-the-art onboard technology, the Greg Mortimer in unquestionably redefining the future look and comfort of expeditions ships in the Polar Regions. 2019/20 will be her inaugural season. 80% of the cabins benefit from having outer balconies and all are spaciously proportioned, ranging from 16-44m2, with shower/wc, personal storage options, twin or double beds, international power outlets and a daily cabin serivce, as well as all the basic amenities that you will need onboard. A panoramic Observation deck with floor to ceiling windows and spacious outer decks means you’ll never miss out on the action wherever you are on the ship. AKUREYRI GULLFOSS & GEYSIR VÍK SKAFTAFELL HÚSAVÍK MÝVATN VATNAJÖKULL HÖFN EGILSSTAÐIR ICELAND ITINERARY Day 1, TUE: WELCOME TO ICELAND Arrive in Reykjavík and make your own way to our group hotel. Day 2, WED: EMBARK THE GREG MORTIMER & EXPLORE HVAL- FJÖRÐUR After breakfast at the hotel, a transfer is included to the pier to board the ship, the Greg Mortimer. Sail into Hvalfjörður, a beautiful fjord just north of Reykjavík with wide areas of flat verdant land along majestic mountains, and beaches cut with creeks. The area is rich in bird life and is home to seals, perfect for Zodiac cruising, kayaking and hikes. Day 3, THU: SNÆFELLSNES & LÁTRABJARG Today we explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula where volcanic craters, lava flows, an ice cap, mountains, fjords, sandy beaches and high bird cliffs shape the landscape. En route to Patreksfjörður, we sail past the immense Látrabjarg cliffs, Iceland’s westernmost point and home to a huge population of razorbills and puffins. Day 4 & 5, FRI & SAT: WEST FJORDS Over the next two days, explore the Westfjords region featuring outstanding landscapes with jaw-dropping views of dramatic fjords and the attractive Dynjandi waterfall. The spectacular fjords offer kayaking excursions, hiking trails, and birdwatching. Day 6, SUN: AKUREYRI, LAKE MÝVATN & HÚSAVÍK From picturesque Akureyri we offer two different shore excursions. Option One includes Goðafoss waterfall, Lake Mývatn, Námaskarð hot springs, Dettifoss waterfall and the horseshoe shaped canyon called Ásbyrgi. Option Two includes a longer tour of Akureyri and its botanical garden, Goðafoss waterfall, Lake Mývatn, Dimmuborgir lava labyrinth, Námaskarð hot springs and soaking in the geothermal Mývatn Nature Baths. Both options end at Húsavík, the whale watching capital of Europe. If you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the many whale species in these waters. Day 7, MON: GRÍMSEY ISLAND Located off Iceland’s north coast, Grímsey is probably best known for its proximity to the Arctic Circle, which cuts across the island. Many people travel to Grímsey just to say they have stepped across the imaginary line. It’s a fantastic place for Zodiac cruising, kayaking, and photographing seabirds such as guillemots, gulls and puffins. Day 8, TUE: MJÓIFJÖRÐUR Our next stop is Mjóifjörður, located on Iceland’s east coast. It is a little-known gem cherished by locals, hidden between mountains with spectacular waterfalls – ideal for kayaking and Zodiac cruising. Day 9, WED: VATNAJÖKULL NATIONAL PARK Höfn is a lively fishing town, and gateway for our shore excursion to Vatnajökull National Park and home to Europe’s largest glacier. The park is excellent for hiking and boasts colourful mountains and deep valleys, as well as rich birdlife, reindeers and seals. We stop at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, filled with floating icebergs that wash up on shore at the Diamond beach. Day 10, THU: WESTMAN ISLANDS Located off Iceland’s south coast, we sail past Surtsey Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site that emerged from the sea in 1963. The Westman Islands are an archipelago of 15 uninhabited islands which are considered to have the largest Atlantic puffin colony in the world. When sailing around the islands it is not uncommon to see puffins but also whales and seals. Heimaey is the main island in the archipelago where we visit the impressive Eldheimar Museum to learn about the 1973 volcanic eruption. Day 11, FRI: REYKJAVÍK After breakfast, bid farewell to the expedition team, crew and newfound friends as you disembark in Reykjavík, where the voyage ends. A transfer to downtown Reykjavík or to Keflavík airport is included. NOTE: Zodiacs are a vital part of getting up close and personal on your adventure. On this new ship, there are specially designed launching platforms that enables to load Zodiacs easily and quickly, allowing you to spend more time exploring on the two to three daily landings. VISIT US AT www.gjtravel.is 7
Page 1 and 2: SEPTEMBER 2019 APRIL 2021
Page 3 and 4: Puffins in the West Fjords GRAND TO
Page 5: Eldhraun lava field, South Iceland
Page 9 and 10: Hótel Skógafoss The Hotel and res
Page 11 and 12: Vík in South Iceland (photo courte
Page 13 and 14: New tour Northern Lights Iceland IC
Page 15 and 16: Happy New Year NEW YEAR’S EVE IN
Page 17 and 18: Ilulissat Icefiord Eqi Glacier Ilul
Page 19 and 20: Ilulissat Icefiord HIGHLIGHTS OF IC
Page 21 and 22: Seljalandsfoss waterfall in South I
Page 23 and 24: Hvítserkur, Vatnsnes Icelandic hor

Iceland and Greenland

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