Unforgettable Iceland

A Travel Taster By Mary Concannon Of Eblana Travel

There has never been a better time to travel to Europe’s most unequalled destination. Eblana Travel has several short breaks available to Iceland for Easter, bank holiday weekends, and during the summer.

All packages include direct flights from Dublin, three or four nights staying at the four-star Loftleider Hotel on a B&B basis, return transfers, and an English speaking tour guide to assist you during your stay.

The company also offers pre-bookable excursions to allow you to see the real Iceland.

City tour

Reykjavik is the world’s most northerly capital, and is home to more than one third of Iceland’s population. Today Reykjavik is a modern city with a variety of restaurants, museums, galleries, and theatres. This tour covers the city from one end to the other with highlights including the old town, the parliament, the cathedral, the harbour, the national museum, The Pearl, and Hofdi House.

Duration three hours, price €28 per person.

Super Jeep safari

Are you looking for an unusual and exciting excursion? On this tour you can discover the enchanting volcanic wonderland of the Reykjanes Peninsula close to Reykjavik, from a 4x4 truck. This mystical place allows the imagination to flow free while driving through the vast lava fields with their strange colours and rock formations. Duration four hours, price €135 per person.

Golden circle tour

Take a morning drive over Hellisheidi plateau, passing Hveragerdi and further on to Gullfoss, the golden Waterfall, one of the most impressive waterfalls in Europe. Only a few minutes drive from Gullfoss, the famous Great Geysir. Onwards to Pingvellir, a remarkable geological site and the most historic site on the island. Pingvellir, located by Lake Pingvallavtn, the largest lake on the island, is now a national park. The beautiful canyon running through the park is actually the meeting point of two of the earth’s tectonic plates. From Pingvellir, travel over Mosfellsheidi plateau to Reykjavik.

Duration eight hours, price €75 per person, lunch is included.

The Friendly Icelandic Horse Riding Tour

Transfer to the riding centre, where the participants put on overalls, riding helmets, boots, and gloves (all supplied). The ride starts into beautiful Heidmork with its numerous caves and canyons.

Duration three hours (one hour horse riding), price €60 per person.

Blue Lagoon

Your private coach and guide will pick you up five hours before flight departure and take you to the Blue Lagoon, a man-made oasis in the lava. The facilities include modern changing rooms and showers, an indoor geothermal pool, a winter garden, restaurant, and other services. Enjoy a refreshing bath or swim in the pleasantly warm mineral-rich water, known for its healing properties, before continuing to Keflavik International Airport. Price €60 per person.

South coast tour

Full day coach tour with guides through ancient settlements, including the traditional tiny village of Vik, Iceland’s most southerly town. Lunch stop made for optional lunch at visitors’ own expense. Enjoy spectacular waterfalls and a clear view of the glacier. Duration 10 hours, price €95 per person (available on four night trips only).

Evening Northern Lights and Blue Lagoon tour

In October and November nature demonstrates her spectacular light show in the far northern hemisphere with the unforgettable swirl and dance of stars and light against the pitch black sky. This is perhaps one of the most wonderful natural sights you will ever see. This is followed by a trip to Blue Lagoon, a man-made oasis in the lava.

Duration four hours, price €62 per person (available October and November only).

View of Eyjafjallajokull volcano tour

This tour takes you from Reykjavik over the mountain pass Hellisheidi which offers a magnificent view of the wide plains formed by glacial rivers. Enjoy a brief stop at Hveragerdi with its greenhouses before proceeding east through small villages and farmlands to the majestic mountains towering over the coast where there are views of mountains, including snow shrouded Hekla, and the country’s most famous volcano, the ice-capped Eyjafjallajökull. The view is weather dependent.

Duration four hours, price €49 per person.

Eblana Travel has the following trips available. Cost shown is per person sharing and includes flights, baggage fees, return transfers, and accommodation on a B&B basis. Tax and insurance are extra.

Easter weekend: four nights, April 21 to 25, €559 pps.

May Bank Holiday weekend: three nights, April 29 to May 2, €499 pps.

October Bank Holiday weekend: four nights, October 27 to 31, €559 pps.

Mid term break: three nights, November 3 to 6, €499 pps.

Flights only from June to August from €299 per person.

To book you holiday to Iceland, contact Eblana Travel on (091) 501 400, email Sales@eblanatravel.ie, or contact your local travel agent.