Iceland opens 100% naturally powered facility

Icelandic Water Holdings ehf, makers of Icelandic Glacial mineral water, the world’s first CarbonNeutral certified bottled water, for both its product and operations, has begun production of its multi-award winning water from its new 100% naturally powered bottling facility in Ölfus, Iceland. 

The facility increases production capacity of Icelandic Glacial mineral water to meet the growing consumer demand for this exceptionally pure Icelandic water in an environmentally responsible fashion.

The new 71,688 square foot bottling facility opens as one of the world’s greenest, maximizing output while minimizing expenditure of energy resources thanks to an array of environmentally efficient and modern bottling equipment. Like the former bottling operation, the new facility harnesses Iceland’s natural green energy, operating entirely on geothermal and hydroelectric power.  The combination of modern equipment and use of natural green energy means that Icelandic Glacial mineral water is able to roll off the production line with an even smaller carbon footprint than before and one that is considerably smaller compared to other bottled waters in the industry.

“Environmental stewardship has always been a core part of our company’s philosophy – it’s a natural part of being from Iceland,” comments Icelandic Glacial Chairman and CEO Jon Olafsson. “Beginning today, we move production to one of the world’s most environmentally advanced bottling facilities ever constructed, further reinforcing our commitment to delivering consumers a product they can drink with a clear conscience.”

At the grand opening, Icelandic Glacial co-founders Jon and Kristjan Olafsson paid tribute to Iceland and the environment as they officially open the new facility, pushing the production line button for the very first time. 

Icelandic Glacial is currently expanding its UK rollout and is available at Whole Foods, Fresh & Wild, Waitrose, Pure California as well as select premium delicatessens, coffee shops, premium grocers and up-scale clubs and bars in London.

To find out more about the secrets of Iceland and exactly what this island has to offer, visit the world's number one tour operator to Iceland, Discover the World, at www.discover-the-world.co.uk

Failed attempt to lift regulations protecting whales signals some great news!

The Whale & Dolphin Society have just sent through an update on the outcome of talks at the   International Wildlife Trade Conference and it's all good news for now..."We've just had some fantastic news from our campaigners at the international wildlife trade conference in the Netherlands - Japan and Iceland have once again failed in their attempts to lift regulations protecting whales" Click here to read more.

For Discover the World's approach to Iceland's decision to resume commercial whaling, please visit our dedicated web section. 

Thanks
Alexis (01737 214 294)

Whale watching in Iceland - get ready for a great season!

We've just had a report from our Husavik-based whale watching supplier and they have had a totally unique and amazing start to the season. In his own words...

"I just went out this morning on Athena - the only boat out on the Bay in a fabulous weather. It was our first trip of the season - kind of a prestart - and we saw something that I don't think has been seen in this Bay before. A Blue Whale never so close to the harbour of Husavik and a Humpback calf with the Blue almost 'baby-sitting' the calf...........amazing to see how the Big blue was kind of protecting the young one from aproaching the boat too close!

This is the earliest arrival of the big ones in this bay - ever......!!   Last year it was early on the 30th. of April. Unfortunatly i did not take with me our big Canon camera, only the smaller one. True nature at its best in perfect weather!"

We offer plenty of opportunities to go whale watching in Iceland - from the Snaefellsness peninsula in the west to Husavik in the north - across many of our holiday itineraries. If you think watching these giants of the ocean will appeal to your readers then pls click on the following links as appropriate for more info & pricing:

• Whale watching opportunities in Iceland - holidays and excursions

Other destinations include:

• Whale watching in Norway - Orca
• Whale watching in New Zealand

If you need images and further information then do let me know.

Many thanks
Alexis - 01737 214 294

May Bank holiday ideas - unique ideas from the Iceland specialists

We have some great short breaks for all preferences that will make for some great & unique listings in any Bank Holiday round-ups you have planned, including:

• Superjeeps for the adrenalin junkies out there
• A romantic cracker for any of your readers looking to spice up their relationship
• Family fun on a great value holiday based in Reykjavik
• Nature lovers will go crazy over Iceland's natural offerings, from huge waterfalls in the south to stunning spouting geysers and tectonic plate rifts close to the capital

Please just call me on 01737 214 294 for more details including prices etc.

IMAGES - what would an Icelandic listing be without a superb image to go with it. We have probably the most Icelandic images of any operator and they are all free to use!

Thanks
Alexis

Blue Lagoon expansion - all going to plan

According to the Blue Lagoon "...the enlargement and redesign of the Blue Lagoon is going well. Changing rooms on first floor opened last week and by the end of May all changing rooms should be completed. The new office area will also be completed by the end of May. Construction of the new restaurant is also going well, with the plan being to open the new restaurant mid summer."

As the world's leading operator to Iceland, we offer relaxing stops at the Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa as part of any itinerary to the land of fire & ice. However, our Reykjavik City Break is the lead-in holiday that will give one the best taste of this relaxed and romantic city whilst enjoying the new & better facilities at the Blue Lagoon - all in the spcae of 3 nights. Prices start from just £291 per person which includes accommodation with breakfast, flights & taxes.

For a brochure, further information or to make a booking, please contact Discover the World on 0870 060 3288 or visit the website at www.discover-the-world.co.uk/iceland

If you need some great (and rights free) images or further information then let me know (alexis@discover-the-world.co.uk / 01737 214 294).

Inspiration in one place...

Featuring arguably the greatest variety of stunning scenery and unspoilt wilderness of any European destination, Iceland has dazzling landscapes ranging from surreal to sublime.The dramatic landscapes, born from volcanic eruptions and carved out by glaciers, are made up of colours which defy description; imagine rust-red craters, cobalt-blue lakes and luminous green moss interspersed with black sandy beaches.

Find some inspiration all in one brochure (Iceland & Greenland) by clicking here

Feature ideas - Discover the World - Lapland, Iceland, Greenland and beyond...

Here are a few different story angles across a selection of our destinations. If you need images or further information then let me know (01737 214 294 / alexis@discover-the-world.co.uk):

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The Icehotel with a wildlife twist... Icehotel & Orca safari – Swedish & Norwegian Lapland (5 nights) – a short break that (probably) can’t be rivalled for sheer excitement. This escorted two-centre trip combines an amazing wildlife experience – swimming with orca whales as they feed on the shoals of herring - amidst breathtaking scenery on Norway’s stunning coastline with a stay at the Swedish Icehotel®, one of the world’s most unusual hotels. Needless to say, an array of snowy activities are available.

Prices start from £1262 per person which includes flights, accommodation and all other inclusions which can be seen on our website.

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Husky mushing in its true form (

Greenland

)

With departures between March & April 2007, the chance to learn about a way of life unique to the Arctic region is what our Greenland Husky Safari is all about. Explore the frozen wilderness of East Greenland by husky sledge and visit a traditional Greenlandic community amongst other activities on this 5, 6 or 9 night adventure that includes at least 1 night in Iceland’s capital Reykjavik at either end of the trip.

Prices start from £1214 per person based on 2 sharing and includes flights, accommodation and husky sledge tours as described in the itinerary and all other inclusions which can be seen on our website.

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Pure nature and total indulgence

Aurora spa break – Finnish Lapland (4 nights) - The fell area of northern Finland with its never ending pristine and glittering landscape, is perfect for all types of adventure (including husky sledging and snowmobiling) for the boys, whilst the ladies can pamper themselves with two superb spa treatments, leaving everyone involved exhilarated and/or relaxed. A taste of

Lapland

quite unlike anything else in our brochure...

Prices start from £1038 per person based on 2 people sharing and full board basis (drinks not included) and include flights, two spa treatments and other activities which can be seen on our website.

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Pristine snow cloaked log cabins (as well as huge amounts of adventure!)

Kakslauttanen Cabins and igloos – Finnish Lapland (3 nights) - Authentic Finnish log cabins with their own private sauna, ice igloos, glass igloos, northern lights (possibly!), pristine snow-cloaked forests...the list of unique attractions goes on!

In addition to the numerous excursions (reindeer sledging, husky sledging, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, etc), this short 3 night break is an ideal surprise getaway, romantic escape or even a family break. This is an unforgettable long weekend with a choice of accommodation – various log  cabins, glass igloos or ice rooms

Prices start from £695 including flights, accommodation and other inclusions which can be seen on our website.

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Romance is in the (purest) air (in the world):

A new break for the winter time and a perfect break for the festive and/or valentine romantics, our Iceland based Romantic Winter Retreat self drive visits Reykjavik as well as the stunning Hotel Budir, located on the beautiful Snaefellsness peninsula in Iceland’s west. The 5-night holiday finds just the right balance between long cosy nights spent in romantic hotels and days out exploring

Iceland

’s spectacular and peaceful countryside.

Prices start from £552 per person including flights, accommodation, car hire and other inclusions which can be seen on our website.

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thanks and happy christmas!

Iceland in the City - Bands invited to perfrom in Manchester this weekend

Great news just in is that five Icelandic musicians and bands have been invited to perform at the four-day In The City festival in Manchester.

The musicians and bands will perform on International Showcase Night, which has been dedicated to Icelandic music for the first time in the festival’s history, as reported by ruv.is.

The Icelandic night, dubbed Iceland in the City, will take place on the last night of the festival (Tuesday 31st Oct) at The Life Café/ Late Room in Manchester. Admission is free and the show starts at 19:00.

Although the artisits appearing may not be as well known as a certain Ms Bjork, with Icelandair starting their direct flights from Manchester earlier this year, this is the perfect opportunity to let your readers know that the Land of Fire & Ice is a lot 'closer' than they may think if they are in the Manchester area - or even Glasgow, Heathrow or Stanstead areas.

Discover the World offer a whole host of great holidays to Iceland, whether for music minds to get their musical fill in the numerous cafe's and bars in reykljavik, or for families looking for a really unique holiday together.

Whatever holiday your readers might prefer, our 3-night winter Reykjavik City Break starts from £279 including flights & accomodation and remains the perfect way to experience the famous city and it's geothermal surroundings.

Geysers, Waterfalls, Glaciers, not to mention superjeeps and snowmobiling make this a real adventure-packed destination whilst the more sedate amongst us can relax in the warm cobalt blue, healing waters of the blue lagoon.

If you need stunning images or more information about any of our Iceland holidays then please call me on 01737 214 294 or visit www.discover-the-world.co.uk/iceland

For more information on the event itself - please visit www.inthecity.co.uk/schedule_event_night.php?id=52

Many thanks - alexis

Whaling in Iceland - Discover the World's view

In light of the decision by the Icelandic Government to resume commercial whaling, please download  our official statement here - Download  iceland_whaling_discover_the_worlds_view_british.doc

Having operated holidays to Iceland for over 21 years and as the first tour operator in the world to operate a whale watching tour to Iceland in 1993 – with similar holidays consistently featuring in our offerings ever since - it is Discover the World's experience that Icelanders are some of the most fair minded, friendly and well informed people in the world and their country really is a true paradise.  It is therefore especially perverse that their government should take this action.  We can assure you and all our clients that we will be taking an active roll in lobbying the Icelandic government.

We have also created a forum - www.discover-the-world.co.uk/whalingdebate - encouraging members of the travelling public to make their feelings known on the subject. Feel free to add your own comments.

Any questions please get in touch - 01737 214 294 / alexis@discovertheworld.co.uk
Thanks. Alexis

 

Iceland Round Ups by horse - riding at its best!

Well, it's that time of the year where the most trustworthy of steeds - the Iceland horse - is once again called upon to do what it does best.

The annual Iceland Horse Round Up is testament to the breed's incredible competence amongst some of the most dramatic and energy-sapping landscapes in Europe. With droves of horses being herded down from their summer pastures in Iceland's northern highlands, the corrals await, where icelandic farmers jump at the chance to ourtbid one another for the finest animals amongst the herd.

And this is no small herd - those participating in Discover the World's Horse round up - www.discover-the-world.co.uk/horseriding - will ride alongside, behind and in-front of a herd of upto 2500 icelandic horses and foals. A magnificent sight and one I can confirm is unlike any other. I took part last year and will never forget it!

It was unlike anything I have experienced in all my riding years and is guranteed to thoroughly impress.

Never mind that pre-conception that Icelandic horses are short and can be called - heaven forbid - ponies. They are hardy, obedient and tough as nails. Where british riding consists of a 30 metre trot every so often, 'Icelandics' have the potential to keep going until they die of exhaustion. Of course, our tours won't push these superb animals that far, but it just shows how tough they are in any conditions.

We (Discover the World) offer the most comprehensive Iceland riding holidays to the UK market - with the close support of our reputable supplier Ishestar - including both the Horse Round Up in early October and the Sheep Round Up that departs in 8 days time (12th September).

If you think your readers will be intersted in these these stunning and 100% unique rides, then give me a call - 01737 214 214 - for details and images. If you would like our Riding in Iceland brochure then let me know.

Thanks and kind regards. Alexis.