Iceland - A Great Value Destination

Here at Discover the World we’re passionate about offering unique and affordable holidays to some truly extraordinary destinations.  Our company ethos is to provide specialist and fairly priced tours, and we check time and time again to ensure that we deliver on that promise. 

Value, of course, should not be measured purely by cost, but in the quality of the experience. Traditionally, Iceland has not been a ‘cheap’ destination, but in terms of experience, it has always delivered exceptionally well. And with the recent strengthening of both the US dollar and the Euro, combined with the de-valuing of the Icelandic Krona, this ‘value for money’ just keeps getting better. Over the past few months we have conducted some research into the changing trends in the cost of travel and we’d like to share with you some examples of self-drive tours from popular destinations around the world, so you can compare them with the excellent price of our Iceland self-drive holidays.

All the following are genuine holidays available on the UK market and are based on two adults travelling, staying in double/twin rooms in late July 2009.     
                                                  

Finland – Wild Taiga – 7 nights

A fly drive holiday that takes you through the taiga forests of Finland.

Day 1 – Arrival in Kuopio – Metsakartano (approx 78 miles)
Day 2 – Explore Tilikkajarvi or Hiidenportti National Parks.
Day 3 – Observe beavers or flying squirrels – Metsakartano to Kuhmo (63 miles)
Day 4 – Meet the brown bears – Kuhmo to Juntusranta (102 miles)
Day 5 – Hiking in Hossa – Juntusranta to Kuusamo (81 miles)
Day 6 – Kuusamo & Oulanka National Park
Day 7 – Reach the Arctic Circle – Kuusamo to Rovaniemi (126 miles)
Day 8 – Departure from Rovaniemi Airport

What is included:
• Accommodation in a double/twin room or cabin
• Breakfast and dinner daily (except dinner on day 7)
• Flights from London Heathrow to Kuopio and return from Rovaniemi to London Heathrow
• Car Hire – pick up from Kuopio Airport and return to Rovaniemi Airport

Cost based on two adults travelling end of July is £1,679.00 per person; ie. total cost is £3,358.00 for a couple.

Norway - The Majestic Fjords with Historical Hotels – 6 nights

Explore Western Norway and stay at historical hotels during this itinerary.

Day 1 – Oslo Harangervidda – Lofthus (242 miles)
Day 2 - Lofthus – Hardangerfjord – Bergen – Os (96 miles)
Day 3 – Os – Sognefjord – Balestrand (174 miles)
Day 4 – Balestrand – Nordjord – Norangsfjordeb (165 miles)
Day 5 – Norangsfjorden – Geirangerfjord – Grotli (44 miles)
Day 6 – Grotli – Lillehammer – Oslo (261 miles)
Day 7 – Departure from Oslo

What is included:
• Return flights with SAS from London Heathrow  to Oslo
• 6 nights accommodation in a double / twin room on half board basis
• 7 days car hire – Group A, a Nissan Micra or similar, upgrades on request
• All domestic ferries in Norway for car and passengers
• Cruises: Geirangerfjord

Cost based on two adults travelling end of July is £1,903.00 per person; ie. total cost is £3,806.00 for a couple.

Canada - Niagara Falls and Ontario Wineries - 6-nights 

A holiday to The Niagara Falls, combined with visits to some of Canada’s vineyards.

Day 1-  Arrive Toronto
Day 2 – Toronto to Niagara Fall (80 miles)
Day 3 – Niagara-on-the-Lake
Day 4 – Niagara Falls to The Muskokas (205 miles)
Day 5 –The Muskokas
Day 6 – Huntsville to Toronto (137 miles)
Day 7 – Depart Toronto
Day 8 – Arrive London Heathrow

What is included:
• Return flights to Toronto from London Heathrow
• 6 nights accommodation
• Admission to CN Tower
• Maid of Mist at Niagara Falls
• 7 days Hertz mid-size car rental

Cost based on two adults travelling end of July is £1,601.00 per person; ie. total cost is £3,202.00 per couple.

California - National Parks - 8 nights

An 8-night self-drive itinerary, exploring the National Parks of California.

Day 1 – London San Francisco
Day 2 – San Francisco
Days 3 and 4 – Yosemite National Park (189 miles)
Day 5 – Death Valley (334 miles)
Days 6 and 7 – Death Valley & Las Vegas (187 miles)
Day 8 - Depart Las Vegas (via Chicago)
Day 9 - Arrive London Heathrow

What is included:
• Return flight from London Heathrow, outbound to San Francisco and inbound from Las Vegas
• Accommodation in a combination of three and four star hotels and simple accommodation in remote areas
• Alamo car hire, including unlimited mileage

Cost based on two adults travelling end of July is £1,496.00 per person; ie. total cost is £2,992.00 per couple.

Iceland - National Parks and Natural Wonders – 9 nights

On our 9-night self-drive itinerary discover magnificent scenery across three of Iceland’s national parks, among them Vatnajokull, the largest in Europe. See moon-like volcanoes and brooding grey deserts contrast with shimmering icecaps, vibrant green valleys, peaceful fjords, sleepy fishing villages and naturally, countless waterfalls in all shapes and sizes.

Day 1 fly from the UK to Keflavik, transfer to the city and overnight at Hotel Cabin.

Day 2 fly to Akureyri on the 13.00 flight and collect rental vehicle at the airport. Explore the quaint northern town located almost at the head of Eyjafjordur then drive to Myvatn, making a detour at picturesque Godafoss for a photo stop. Spend two nights at Hotel Sel, overlooking Lake Myvatn.

Day 3 experience the geothermal and volcanic wonders of Myvatn and its surrounds: mud pools, craters, surreal lava formations, the lake with its prolific bird life and the Nature Baths.

Day 4 visit the Jokulsa Canyon National Park and explore its gorges and waterfalls, including Dettifoss. Then cross a moody desert landscape and head east to Egilsstadir. Check in at Hotel Herad for an overnight stay.

Day 5 perhaps head off to Mjoifjordur, considered by many to be the most beautiful of the stunning East Fjords, before continuing south through yet more striking scenery to overnight at Hotel Stadarborg.

Day 6 one eye-catching view follows another on the journey south through the fjords to Hofn, a fishing port at the foot of Europe’s largest icecap, Vatnajokull. Travel around the base of the icecap, in sight of its many breathtaking glaciers. One has receded, forming a huge lagoon, where icebergs lie adrift – this is Jokulsarlon. Take a boat trip amongst the icebergs and head over to the beach and watch as they drift out to sea. Overnight at Hotel Skaftafell.

Day 7 go hiking in Skaftafell for stunning views over the south coast and of glacier tongues. Also discover Svartifoss, a striking little waterfall backed by basalt columns, hidden away from view until you are almost upon it. Drive past the turf church at Nupsstadir before reaching the little village Kirkjubaejarklaustur - overnight at Hotel Klaustur.

Day 8 journey along the south coast, visit the Skogar folk museum and the thundering falls, Skogafoss. Don’t miss the walk behind Seljalandsfoss and look out through its curtain of cascading water. Spend two nights at Hotel Ork in Hveragerdi.

Day 9 enjoy the three great attractions of the Golden Circle: the geothermal area at Geysir, the two-tiered waterfall at Gullfoss and historic Thingvellir, Iceland’s third national park.

Day 10 drive back to Keflavik, drop off rental vehicle at the airport and catch the flight back to the UK.

Please note if travelling in April or September it is recommended that you opt for a 4WD vehicle.

What is included:

• Return flights between UK and Keflavik
• Accommodation, staying in a range of country hotels with a first night in the capital
• Car hire including unlimited mileage and semi-comprehensive insurance – no charge for additional drivers.