Archive for the ‘Iceland’ Category

Snow Voyages- Iceland and Poland

Posted in Iceland, Poland | by Amy
February 17th, 2011

It is not common knowledge that Baltic countries make great holiday destinations with beautiful ice capped mountains, lava fields, hot springs and waterfalls. The contrasting locales are interesting to both talk about and definitely see. Iceland, very close to the United Kingdom is an easily accessibly place. Self drive holidays are arranged by the company to places around the country. The waterfalls and natural geysers found here are remarkably impressive.

img credit : http://www.flickr.com/photos/big-ashb/351866708/

img credit : big-ashb

Summer and fall months are recommended to be the best times to visit these places so tourists can indulge in fun activities like ice fishing, snow mobiles and glacier tours. The guided tours and fly/drives to this place are complacent to the customers’ interest as there are planned as well as tailor made tours. Active holiday packages include adventures like river rafting on the magnificent white river, horse riding through the country and hiking. Tours that consist of natural yet amazingly magnificent places to visit are so rare that the country’s unspoiled beauty is almost divine to those who spend nerve-wrecking working hours in densely populated metropolitan cities.

Classical tours covering countryside comprise breath-taking sights like mountains, valleys and other pristine natural wonders. The volcanoes and waterfalls are ravishingly beautiful. These wonderful sights not only help tourists to relax and enjoy, they also enchant them with their enticing beauty. There are family self drive holidays encompass landmarks that are natural wonders. Child friendly activities and beautiful drives are a real treat.

Poland is a country of great historical importance. Cities like Krakow and Warsaw are included in the itinerary of places to visit, giving the tourists a journey of urban charm and importance. The sights here, from mountains to monasteries are impressively wondrous. Scenic tours are extremely pleasant here, and even include a visit to the home of the Holy Father John Paul II. The spa holiday package is a surprisingly exquisite one, with lovely resorts to relax and unwind life. Also included are winter holiday tours and city breaks. Lush forests and beautiful seascapes are a delight to the tourists. Exploration of the country that is a true blend of eastern and western cultures is an experience of a lifetime. Baltic Travel Company provides its best!

Best Places to See Whales in Scandinavia

Posted in Iceland, Norway, Scandanavia | by admin
September 8th, 2010

The seas around Scandinavia are home to a huge variety of whales, including Orcas, pilot whales, humpback whales, sperm whales, blue whales and even the rare northern bottlenose whales. The ideal time to spot whales is during the warm summer months, especially during June and August.

Dolphin/whale outside family cabin along a fjord in Northern Norway.(img credit: flurdy)

Professional tours steer clear of the controversial whale hunting grounds and provide information on how concerned visitors can help stop commercial whaling.  On the average, 94% of the boats that go out to view whales succeed, and although there are no guarantees, most  tour companies will give you free pass to try again another day if the whales don’t appear.

Quite often while on a whale watch boat, you have the chance to see other interesting Icelandic marine wildlife, like harbor porpoises and white-beaked dolphins.  Some tours pass by Puffin Island to catch a glimpse of this rare arctic bird’s nesting grounds.

Iceland

Whales start moving past the Icelandic coasts as early as April and some don’t leave until as late as October. The parade of majestic creatures — given away by their water spouts and habit of ” breaching” — can be spotted from many spots along the coastline as they pass by on their yearly migration to the warmer waters outside the arctic circle.

Schooner converted for whale watching trips.(img credit: Plassen)

Husavik is considered the “hot spot” for whale spotting from the shoreline.

Most professional whale watch safaris embark from the port city of Reykjavik, although small family-run expeditions — some with luxury accommodations — are available from various ports.

Vesteralen Islands

Fluke of a diving sperm whale in Norway(img credit: Nijenhuis)

In Andenes (Vesteralen), the continental shelf drops to depths of 3000 feet, creating a perfect habitat for the massive male sperm whales who come to feed from May to September.

Since Whale Watching here has become so popular, especially in the Lofoten Islands, the Norwegian authorities have setup a special “Whale Route” that uses car ferries to link the various islands in the area.

Norway

An orca whale in the waters of Northern Norway(img credit: Cabby)

Northern Norway is a great place to spot the Orca “killer” whales up close and personal. Tours depart from many port cities including Tysfjord, Vestfjord and Ofotfjord in Nordland.

10 of the Most Expensive Holidays You Can Take

Posted in Holiday Tips, Iceland | by admin
August 3rd, 2010

1) North Island, Seychelles…

Mrs ColdPlay, Gwyneth Paltrow, would probably love this one. For the eco-conscious, North Island resort is a resort with a difference. It’s first and foremost a conservation project; a constant work-in-progress.

A former abandoned ecologically-comatose coconut plantation, it was painstakingly brought back to life.  Species indigenous to the area – tortoises, certain birds, trees and plants - were re-introduced. Some endangered ones have also been repopulated.

North Island

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North Island has 11 guest villas, all built with a respect for nature in mind and costs £1,500-£2400 a night per person. Activities are high fun, but with low environmental impact; fly fishing, scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, biking, gym use, etc.

A holistic spa is also available and offers a range of pampering works including hot stone treatments, shiatsu, Reiki, reflexology and massage.

Meals are customised and vegetables/herbs are apparently sourced from the island itself.

2) Wakaya Club & Spa, Fiji…

At £1,200-£4,800 a night, a stay of at least 4 nights is recommended by the resort. But then, it’s hard to imagine Bill Gates, Russell Crowe or Michelle Pfeiffer complained about it when they were booking their stay there. Not with the amount of money they’re flipping somersaults in.

With a team of 12 staff to every guest, the Wakaya island resort has 10 cottage suites, each with its own secluded garden.


Wakaya Club(img credit: wakaya.com)

If you’re paying towards the high end of the fee scale, you get additional perks like a Jacuzzi, a secluded garden with a waterfall, a private spa, tennis court, gym, a personal chef and an on-call driver.

Do you get your own garden gnome though? That’s what I want to know.

3) The Mansion, MGM Grand Hotel, Las Vegas…

You can spend as much time as you want at The Mansion. Absolutely. The £3,000 to £9,500 you have to pay to stay there per night is just a formality. The sooner you get that little distraction out of the way, the sooner you can get back to spending (more and more and more) money on the ridiculous.

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The Mansion provides you with your own spa and pool as well as a butler and two on-call chefs. Also included is a Rolls Royce pick-up from the airport.

4) Burj Al Arab Hotel’s Royal Suite, Dubai…

The Burj Al Arab is the only 7-star hotel in the world. It’s also the only hotel with an underground restaurant (reached via submarine – no joke).

It has various rooms at various prices, but the Royal Suite appears to be the priciest and will apparently set you back around £11,000 a night.


Burj Al Arab (img credit: stylecrave.com)

The suite’s decked out in lavish Versace-gold decor, a revolving bed, a private butler, private cinema, private elevator. You also get a pick-up to and from the airport in a Rolls Royce. And while you’re at it, you might as well pay that bit extra to have a chauffeur-driven Rolls or helicopter take you anywhere you want to go.

Exclusive is as exclusive does, dah-ling.

5) The Rania Experience, Maldives…

At 7 acres, this beautiful baby of an island is small, but its size merely adds to its private exclusivity.

Referred to as ‘the Rania Experience’, a stay costs £10,000 a day (based on 2 people). It can accommodate a maximum of 12 guests.

The Raina Experience (img credit: theraniaexperience.com)

You get your own private yacht, your own butler, personal chef as well as cruises at sunset/under moonlight, island hopping, unlimited spa treatments, diving with a qualified instructor, top quality drinks on tap, and much more.

The owner/s of the island’s obviously not stupid as a minimum of 3 nights is required. Besides, if you’re gonna spend £10,000 without blinking, you might as well spend thrice the amount for good luck. Makes sense. Absolutely.

6) Musha Cay, Bahamas…

Richard Branson, eat your heart out. You’re not the only one with your own island. Sorry, love. David Copperfield (illusionist - dark hair, brooding dark eyes - yes, him) has his very own too.

Musha Cay(img credit: islandhideaways.com)

With a total of 5 guest houses, each with its own private beach, The Cop’s making a caviar-load of money off Musha Cay at a starting fee of around £24,000 a day. For that amount, guests and up to 23 of their chums get the island all to themselves. There’s also a tennis court, freshwater pool, steam room as well as a beachfront gym and cinema screen.

The island really does look incredibly exotic and plush. However, there’s something about it that’s a bit reminiscent of the Island of Dr Monroe, don’t you think?

7) The Royal Penthouse Suite: Hotel President Wilson, Geneva…

The cost to spend a night at the Burj Al Arab Hotel is pennies compared to Geneva’s Hotel President Wilson. It costs a whopping £26,450 per night.

No, it’s not a misprint.

Yes, £26,450.

Royal Penthouse(img credit: trendhunter.com)

Unless you’re a ghost, the 17,000 sq ft Royal Penthouse Suite is accessed by way of private elevator. And for your complete safety, the suite’s windows are bullet-proofed and its doors fully armoured. Hmm, makes you wonder.

Anyway, you can mull over exactly why such protection is needed while sipping on champagne and enjoying the spectacular scenery of Mont Blanc & Lake Geneva from the comfort of your hotel window.

8) Nygard Cay, Bahamas…

Copperfield has competition; there’s another Bahamas island in town. At £26,500 a day, the Nygard Cay sports Mayan-style tree houses, an elevated lagoon, an 82-foot power cruiser, a fishing vessel, volleyball, basketball and tennis courts, and of course the usual: pool, water slides and hot tubs, etc.


Nygard Cay(img credit: nygardcay.com)

If Oprah’s been, then Nygard Cay has got to be rather nice. But then again, George Bush has been there too, sooo…

9) Necker Island, British Virgin Islands…

A stay at Richard Branson’s exclusive 74-acre Necker Island retreat will apparently cost you, oh, somewhere around £30,000 a night. Which is nothing, really, when you don’t think about the two noughts at the end.


Necker Island(img credit: msn.com)

You get your own private villa (I should think so for that price) and a yacht to use.

The £30k includes food, drinks and activities, but for those who can afford it, it’s probably neither here nor there that it’s all inclusive. Their pet poodle’s pierced belly button probably costs that much.


10) Royal Villa, Grand Resort Lagonissi, Greece…

In terms of price, the Royal Villa makes Geneva’s Royal Penthouse Suite seem like a wee baby.

With a butler, private marina beach, indoor heated pool, massage room and steam bath along with a private chef and pianist upon request, the Royal Villa is just shy of £35,000 a night.


Royal Villa(img credit: stylecrave.com)

£35,000? A night?

Maybe it’s all just a secret experiment to find out just how much one can charge and get away with. Maybe it’s all a dream. Maybe Tiger never cheated.

Norway’s Top 7 Most Beautiful Fjords

Posted in Iceland, Norway | by admin
April 8th, 2010

The beautiful coastline of Western Norway features breathtaking fjords offering dazzling views of unsurpassed natural beauty. These coastlines have changed little since the days of the great viking sailors, and many remnants of the regions’ history can be glimpsed along the shorelines. Each fjord has its own personality and they have been given special nicknames.

Sognefjord - King of the Fjords

Sognefjord is Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, extending more than 250 kilometers inland to the foot of the Jotunheimen Mountains.

Sognefjord, Norwaycredit

A boat trip along this dramatic channel leads to the charming city of Flåm snuggled into the mountain valley. From there you can hop on the Flåm railway and tour the countryside.

Lysefjord - Light Fjord

Described by Victor Hugo as one of the most terrifying ocean reefs in his book “Toilers of the Sea,” Lysefjordb’s waters plunge to 400 meters below the square topped Preikestolen cliff, known as Pulpit Rock.

Lysefjord - Light Fjordcredit

Day hikes to the cliff top during the summer reward travelers with stunning views of this narrow winding waterway.

Vindafjord - Turning Fjord

In the northern section of the Norway coast is the enchanting Vindafjord, named for the dramatic turn in this narrow fjord at Dragneset.

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The winding fjord is dotted with charming hamlets but remains an important center of trade.

Hardangerfjord - The Fjord of Lovers

Known for its beautiful romantic views, the ever changing sunlight across this enchanting fjord adds a magic touch to the area known as “the garden of Norway” where charming farms have beautiful orhards.

Hardangerfjord Norwaycredit

Hardangerfjord is the the second largest fjiord in Norway. Considered the ‘Gateway to the Fjords’ and is a about a 2 hour trip from the city of Bergen.

Nærøyfjord - God of the Sea

Nærøyfjord is officially named for from the norse god ‘Njord’, but the name also refers to the extreme narrowness of its waterways. There are spectacular views for hikers on the Rimstigen trail.

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In 2005, Nærøyfjord became part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Tour, together with neighboring Geirangerfjord.

Geirangerfjord - Venice of the North

Narrow cliffs and 1,700 meter high snow-capped mountains are reflected in the waters of Geirangerfjord, giving an appearance of a city floating under the sea.

Geirangerfjord by Gerald Brimacombecredit

On either side are breathtakingly high waterfalls with names like the Bridal Veil and the Seven Sisters. The southernmost fjord on Norway’s western shore, it is located 120 km from Bergen.

To see more about Norway holidays and tours, visit our website’s Norway section here: http://www.baltictravelcompany.com/fu/co20/Norway-holidays

Exploring Iceland in the Summer: 5 of The Best Activities

Posted in Holiday Tips, Iceland | by admin
March 29th, 2010

See Reykjavik

Reykjavikcredit

No visit to Iceland is complete without a visit to the northernmost capital city in the world. This dynamic city is full of cultural attractions. Reykjavik during the summer experiences also constant daylight, so that you can enjoy the city’s energetic nightlife while Iceland is still bathed in sun.

During the summer, you should also take advantage of your opportunity to participate in some of Iceland’s outdoor activities. Leaving all of Reykjavik’s attractions can be difficult, so make sure that you give yourself plenty of time to explore this unique city before you leave to experience some of Iceland’s other amazing attractions.

Relax In A Bath

Sundlauger Reykjavikurcredit

Once you have your fill of Reykjavik’s museums, shopping, and dining, refresh and unwind at the volcanically heated swimming facility located in the city, known locally as Sundlaugar Reykjavíkur. For an even more unique experience, you should visit the Blue Lagoon. This man made lagoon is now a famous spa, and it is Iceland’s most popular tourist attraction. The mineral waters of the Blue Lagoon are known for being beneficial to the health of bathers.

Climb To The Top Of A Mountain

Sunset behind Mount Esjacredit

Mount Esja is located right outside the city of Reykjavik. The climb to the summit is relatively easy, and offers stunning views. If you are an experienced hiker and would like more of a challenging climb, you can choose to follow an expert path. Along the way you will be able to see some of Iceland’s beautiful summer flora. On your hike, expect to meet many native Icelanders. The hike to the top of Mount Esja is particularly popular with Reykjavik locals.

Watch The Whales


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Whale watching excursions allow you to see some of the majestic creatures that call the waters of Iceland home. Whale watching tours are very popular with locals and visitors alike. There are many tour boats that depart from the Reykjavik area, but no matter where you stay in Iceland, most coastal cities offer whale watching opportunities.

Visit a National Park

Jökulsárlón Lagooncredit

Iceland’s extraordinary natural resources can be best appreciated by visiting one of the country’s national parks. Within the parks you can hike, camp, and fully take in the beauty and grandeur of the Icelandic landscape. Vatnajökull National Park is the largest national park in Europe, and the park makes up 11% of Iceland. This park is home to both glaciers and volcanoes. Within this park you will be able to witness why Iceland is often known as the island of fire and ice.

The 10 Greatest Waterfalls of Iceland

Posted in Iceland | by admin
September 16th, 2009

#1- Dettifoss Waterfall

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Located in Northeast Iceland’s Jokulsargljufur National Park, Dettifoss is Europe’s most powerful waterfall, with an average flow of over 7,000 cubic feet per second. The massive waterfall is 144 feet high and an impressive 328 feet wide.

#2- Glymur Waterfall

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The highest waterfall in Iceland, Glymur is 643 feet tall. Located in the far east end of Hvalfjordour, or Whale Fjord, due to the height and location of Glymur, one cannot view the entirety of the falls from one location.

#3- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

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Located between Selfoss and Skogafoss (#5), the 200 foot Seljalandsfoss is connected to the river Seljalandsa. One of the most picturesque waterfalls in Iceland, Seljalandsfoss also offers some of the best tourism as a foot path travels directly behind the falls, allowing tourists to view the waterfall from the backside without getting wet.

#4- Gooafoss Waterfall

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The name means “waterfall of the gods.” Though one may think the name derives from the beauty and immensity of this waterfall, it actually dates back to about the year 1000. According to legend, when Christianity was declared the official religion of Iceland, Porgeirr Ljosvetningagooi threw statues of Norse gods into the falls.

#5- Skogafoss Waterfall

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Southern Iceland boasts the beautiful and massive Skogafoss. At 82 feet wide and nearly 200 feet tall, Skogafoss is one Iceland’s largest falls. A local legend states that Prasi Porolfsson, the first Viking who settled in the area, hid a treasure behind the waterfall that has been glimpsed but has yet to be found. The legend is enhanced by the fact that, due to the fall’s spray, a single or double rainbow appears before it on most sunny days.

#6- Svartifoss Waterfall

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Known as “Black Falls,” Svartifoss is flanked by dark lava columns. The columns formed inside of a slow cooling lava flow, allowing for this natural, unique beauty. Svartifoss is within Iceland’s Skaftafell National Park.

#7- Ofaerufoss Waterfall

07-ofaerufoss by you. credit

Like Barnafoss (#10), a natural bridge once ran the length of the falls of Ofaerufoss. Until the bridge’s collapse in 1993 due to an earthquake, visitors could walk very near the waterfall, gaining a spectacular view. The falls are just as spectacular today. Ofaerufoss is located in Iceland’s Eldgja chasm.

#8- Haifoss Waterfall

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Southern Iceland’s Fossa river gives us Haifoss, Iceland’s second highest waterfall at about 400 feet tall. Located in the Thjorsardalur valley, Haifoss shares a gorge with the waterfall Granni. Haifoss was named in the 19th century by Dr. Helgi Petursson.

#9- Gullfoss Waterfall

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One of the country’s most famous tourist attractions, Gullfoss is located in the southwest, in Iceland’s Golden Circle. Making the canyon of the Hvita river its home, Gullfoss rushes at a rate of about 5,000 cubic feet per second. Above the waterfall exists a stone memorial to Sigriour Tomasdottier, who is rumored to have saved the falls from industrialization.

#10- Barnafoss Waterfall

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Western Iceland’s Barnafoss is known not only for its beauty but also its folklore. Known as “the children’s waterfall,” the legend of Barnafoss comes from the tale of two boys falling from the natural bridge that once spanned the falls. The mother was so distraught that she put a spell on the bridge, causing it collapse.

10 Things You Should Take with You When Travelling to Iceland

Posted in Iceland | by admin
September 14th, 2009

Iceland is one of the most unique travelling experiences, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere. As with any trip, pack your camera, of course, and the most comfortable shoes you own, so you can see it all and remember it later. You’ll need a few more things to make your trip even more enjoyable and memorable.

1. Comfortable Clothing

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The average temperature in the country’s capital of Reykjavik is 51 degrees F. in July and about 32 degrees F. in January. Bring gloves, thick socks and a warm coat for cold weather. A light jacket and will do in mild weather.

2. Icelandic Dictionary

Education by gunnisal.
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Although many people in Iceland speak English and Danish regularly, plus French and German as taught in school, be prepared to run into those who only speak the native Icelandic language in shops, restaurants or on the street.

3. Binoculars

Binoculars portrait (dscn4659_mod_vign_sm) by gerlos.
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If you don’t own a set, buy or borrow them so you don’t miss out on some of the most wondrous sights in the world. They’ll give you a great close-up view of volcanoes, fjords, geysers, whales, seals, waterfalls and an amazing skyline. Binoculars also come in handy for bird watching and concerts.

4. Rain Coat

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Weather can be stormy any time of year, so bring along your gear and also be prepared for water splashing on whale watching, fishing and whitewater rafting trips.

5. Fishing Pole

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Be prepared for lake, stream or ice fishing for salmon or trout, depending on the time of year. Reserve salmon fishing permits long before you come, or trout permits when you arrive.

6. Golf Clubs

Wilson 4300 Vintage Wood Golf Clubs (3) by tenyobooks.
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Iceland has more than 50 golf courses available May until September. While some of them offer club rentals, if you’re emotionally attached to your nine-iron, you’d better bring it along. Try your hand golfing at 3 a.m. in June, just for the fun of it, when the midnight sun is out and 24-hour golf is on the agenda.

7. Hiking Boots

Hiking Boot by fullerenium.
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With beautiful terrain to explore, plan at least one day for hiking. Hire a guide or go on your own. Sturdy, comfortable shoes are a must-have for an enjoyable outing.

8. Travel Sickness Tablets

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If air or sea travel makes you queasy, pack some in your carry-on luggage. Once you arrive, glacier tours can be a fun adventure, and many different boating activities abound. If you’re prone to motion sickness, come prepared so you don’t miss out on the fun.

9. Bathing Suit

The rubber bathing suit comes out of storage by jc5083.
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Hot outdoor pools are the rage year round, so don’t forget to pack your favorite swimwear. While doing laps is popular, “hot pots” are even more so, with water between 90 and 110 degrees F. to sit and relax in with new friends.

10. Sunscreen

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Any amount of time spent in the sun requires protection, as with anywhere, but particularly in Iceland where there are so many outdoor activities and the sun is strong. Skiing, horseback riding, swimming and ferry rides are just a few ways to get burned if you’re not careful.