Travel Like a Bachelorette

Travel like Ali in Iceland from $799*

Departures: Oct 1 - Dec 12, 2010

Iceland has played host to the latest episode of "The Bachelorette."  There's no better time to visit this amazing land than now, and you can even enjoy the same experiences as Ali and company did with this driving holiday!

Price

Note:  Three People means one double and one single room in booking

Toronto flights available through Oct 29, 2010

Extra nights (booked at the Hilton; may be required based on departure date): 

Double $109 per person, Single:  $165 per person

Itinerary

Day 1:  Departure from North America.  Complimentary snacks, soft drinks, pillows and in-seat entertainment system during flight.  Meals, alcoholic beverages, headsets and blankets available for purchase. 

Day 2:  Arrival in Iceland.  FlyBus transfer to the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica.  Check in to your hotel and get situated for your next 3-night stay in Iceland.

Your hotel:

HILTON REYKJAVIK NORDICA

Arguably one of the finest hotels in Iceland, the deluxe 4-star Hilton Reykjavik Nordica Hotel, a sleek minimalist modern hotel with a cosmopolitan atmosphere, is the perfect accommodation when visiting Reykjavik.

With panoramic views over the city and the majestic Mt. Esja, the hotel is also home to the award winning Vox Restaurant with New Nordic Cuisine offering the best seasonal ingredients and a superb wine list. Laugardalur, the city dweller's outdoor activity park, which boasts one of Reykjavik's best swimming pools,is within 10 minutes walk. A large botanical garden, animal zoo, amusement park and the main sports centerare amongst other things found in the area. All rooms are bright and spacious with modern furnishing and wooden floors.

In the afternoon you might want to consider visiting the world famous Eyjafjallajokull volcano, just as the Bachelorette and her companions did.  (Optional, booked in Iceland.  Note:  Tour offered only Thu - Sun at 1:30pm).  You'll travel in a 4X4 monster jeep to a location with the best possible view of the volcano. Although the eruption seems to be over, the affects on the environment are ferocious and in some areas devastating.  Witness vast volcanic vistas and crossing unbridged glacial rivers en route. Once at your destination you will see black ash covering what once was a glittering, white glacier. The breathtaking glacial lagoon which was there only a few weeks ago is now completely washed away by a massive flood following the sub glacial eruption. The sight of what the unbridled power of a spouting volcano can do in a short time to its surroundings is breathtaking and leaves visitors awestricken. Or enjoy the beauty and charm of Reykjavik, the world's northernmost capital city.

In the evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner at The Lobster House (Humarhusid). Located in one of the oldest houses in Reykjavik’s Old Town area.  The house was originally built in 1838 and its style has been preserved, providing the restaurant with its distinctive character. The Lobster House is renowned for serving fresh and delectable Arctic lobster in a charming and romantic atmosphere. Your menu will be the same one served during the television episode. (Pan fried Arctic langoustine lobster tails with fresh scallops, chorizo, butternut squash and orange hollandaise sauce).

Overnight: Hilton

Day 3: Blue Lagoon

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, followed by a relaxing day at the Blue Lagoon. Several departures/returns per day. It's up to you when you want to return to Reykjavik, based on the Blue Lagoon bus schedule.

BLUE LAGOON

The Lagoon is a unique wonder of nature; a lagoon with pleasantly warm, mineral-rich geothermal water in the middle of a black lava field.  The smoky blue-green waters and white silica mud help revitalize and nourish the skin. The facilities include modern changing rooms and showers, lave caves, steam baths, restaurants and shopping. A visit to the Blue Lagoon is both invigorating and exciting whether bathing in the unique surroundings or indulging in spa therapy treatment in the luxurious and modern facilities. 

After your swim you might enjoy a light lunch at the excellent Lava Restaurant offering a view over the lagoon and its spectacular surroundings. (Not included-  purchased in Iceland.)

Overnight: Hilton

Day 4: South Shore Self Drive and Horseback Riding

Pick up your rental car and drive along the scenic south shore towards Hotel Rangá. Afternoon horseback riding in area. otel Rangá is a 4-star luxury resort & restaurant situated on the banks of Iceland’s main salmon river.As a member of Special Hotels of the World, it has an excellent reputation for upscale cuisine, accommodation and service. The hotel is built in log cabin style and the 7 suites are individually decorated to match the 7 continents. A celebrity hot spot, top honeymoon destination and a favorite amongst locals, Hotel Rangá is also a great location for viewing the amazing Northern Lights (sightings not guaranteed).

Afternoon: Horseback riding at Hestheimar Ranch in the region near Ranga.

The Icelandic Horse is a magnificent breed that has not changed since Vikings rode them 1000 years ago. Strong and muscular, yet small and gentle, with great stamina, speed and intelligence, they are the perfect riding companions for handling the rough Icelandic terrain.  Hestheimar is a friendly, family owned ranch and riding center where guests can enoy riding Icelandic horses in the beautiful countryside. 

Overnight: Hotel Rangá

Day 5:  Driving Tour in the Golden Circle region.

Drive the scenic Golden Circle route towards Keflavík airport for departure.  Of all the spectacular nature that resides in Iceland there are three “must see” highlights that are easily experienced in one day. Thingvellir National Park (UNESCO) is Iceland’s greatest historical site and a jewel of nature. It is the original home of the world’s oldest existing parliament, Althingi, which was established in the tenth century as well as the visible site of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where the North American and European tectonic plates meet.

A short drive across the fertile farmlands of the south reveals the breathtaking Gullfoss “Golden” Waterfalls where traversing a narrow path provides close-up views of the thundering waterfall below. The Geysir Geothermal Area is where hot springs are in abundance, geysers explode and pools of mud bubble. Geysir is also Iceland’s largest geyser and lends its name to all others. Although the great Geysir is not as active these days, its sibling Strokkur is very active, spouting water up to 100 feet (30 meters) (100 feet) every few minutes.

Drop off rental car at airport in time for your departure to North America.

Includes

• Round-trip air transportation from New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), Seattle (SEA), and Toronto (YYZ).(Seattle departures additional $70 per person round trip)
• Arrival airport/hotel transfer with FlyBus
• Accommodations at the Nordica Hotel in Reykjavik and Hotel Ranga in South Iceland
• Breakfast every day except arrival
• Lobster dinner on arrival day
• Horseback riding tour
• Blue Lagoon visit and use of towel
• Rental car (Toyota Corolla Sedan manual or similar)  with unlimited mileage and value added tax for 2 days
  

Excludes

• Personal travel insurance (arranged by passenger)
• Meals other than those listed in itinerary
• Collision and damages waiver (approx. $24** per day)
• All activities and admissions
• Meals not listed in itinerary
• Gasoline
• Additional driver fee (approx. $6** per person per day plus applicable taxes)

Conditions

• Credit card imprint required upon picking up car
• * Prices quoted are exclusive of applicable taxes and official charges by destination of approximately $100 per person, including the Sep. 11th Security Fee.
• Lower airfares and packages may be available on icelandair.us and icelandair.ca