Skiing in Lapland - midnight sun skiing until late june, huge amounts of fresh powder snow, affordable heli skiing...what more could you ask for?

“…but look what happened last season, I paid all that cash and didn’t get any snow so there’s no way I’m going away this season!”

If this sounds familiar to any of your readers, then Discover the World’s new Lapland & Beyond brochure has the answer – guaranteed snow!

Whether it’s superb, affordable heli-skiing, great off-piste slopes or skiing under the midnight sun until late June, read on for some ski holiday ideas that your readers are sure to love Download discover_the_world_lapland_beyond_brochure_ski_release.doc

Live Earth Antarctica - Debut from Nunatak

With Live Earth set to storm the musical world this weekend, Nicola- our Polar voyage manager - has taken a sneaky peak at what they have planned for Antarctica. 

Whilst the world's most famous entertainers including Shakira, Duran Duran, The Police will be playing to huge crowds on all seven continents....the band of the moment on the world's most remote, windiest and coldest stage will be none other than the British Antarctic Survey's own Nunatak (aka a group of musical scientists at Rothera Research Station).  You can see them rehearsing for their gig by clicking here on YouTube. They have a lively crowd of 17 to play too in their international debut!

In probably the most unique arena of any of the planned shows, the concert will kick off in temperatures of around 10 degrees C below zero on a stage at Rothera Station's airstrip.  Check out more info on our Antarctica blog - www.antarcticblog.com

Discover the World announce new direct flight to Kiruna - more information

We now have more details about our our new direct flight with SAS to Kiruna, Swedish Lapland. For more information, please click on the press release button in the navigation pane above or click here

In addition to the new flight, we are also developing combined Icehotel/Ski packages as well as ski-only itineraries which will be detailed in our Lapland & Beyond brochure (due out in the second week of June). The resorts are Riksgransen & Bjorkliden and offer some of the world's best  off-piste skiing as well as very affordable and absolutely amazing heli skiing opportunities (I was there last week and it was incredible - sunshine, fresh powder snow (this late in the season!) and    people-free mountains!).

We were even skiing at 1230 in the morning thanks to the midnight sun - where else can you do that!

What a combination - especially if you visit the icehotel in the same holiday.

Watch this space for more details and if you would like our Lapland & Beyond brochure (2007/2008 winter season) then let me know - 01737 214 294 / alexis@discover-the-world.co.uk

thanks

Tourism in Antarctica - Discover the World's stance

Nicola Rickett, our Antarctic product manager, has put 'pen to paper' to ouline our stance on Antarctic tourism and how operators such as Discover the World can, without doubt, play their part in the fight to keep this pristine continent exactly that, negating the wider scale problems faced by Antarctica in the face of increased tourism demand.

It's all about making the right choices.

For further insights please visit www.antarcticblog.com or for the specific post please click here

Thanks
Alexis

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

New SAS direct flight to Kiruna, Swedish Lapland

Visiting the Swedish Icehotel will become even easier next winter thanks to Discover the World & Scandinavian Airlines' ground breaking agreement to operate an exclusive charter flight series between Heathrow and Kiruna on selected dates between December 2007 and April 2008.

This means that the Icehotel will be brought within only three and a half hours of London, making the lengthy transit through Stockholm unnecessary.

We will also be adding skiing to our winter in Lapland programme as Swedish Lapland offers some of the most exciting and challenging skiing in Europe and with guaranteed snow right the way into June, this is an experience not to be missed.

I'll keep the media room posted on further developments so watch this space!
If, in the meantime, you would like further information then call me on 01737 214 294.
Thanks
alexis

Virgin Galactic takes off in Kiruna - Swedish Lapland

Story Angle: Space travel for mere mortals takes a step forward - Branson stamps his mark on Lapland and the city of Kiruna, whilst close by is an experience of a different sort - the Swedish Icehotel

According to www.sweden.se, british entrepreneur Richard Branson and his Virgin Galactic have picked Kiruna (the northernmost city of Sweden) as one of their platforms for space tourism. In September 2004 Branson announced that his Virgin Group of companies had commissioned five spacecrafts. These vessels would be the first in the Virgin Galactic fleet, aiming to carry private passengers with adventurous spirits, not to mention fat wallets, beyond the atmosphere of Earth and into space.

The first commercial space tourism adventures will be launched in the US, from Spaceport America in New Mexico, starting as soon as 2008. Shortly thereafter, perhaps in 2011 or 2012, these atmospheric escapes will begin in Kiruna as well.

So...if unique experiences to space aren't quite within your readers' budgets, how about an alternative experience, visiting the icehotel and even taking part in husky sledging, snowmobiling, moose watching and of course sleeping on ice!

It just so happens that the Swedish Icehotel is around 20 minutes from the satellite control center and Discover the World offer a 3 night holiday experience (Dec - Apr each year) to the Swedish Icehotel from £751 based on twin share (1 night on ice, 2 nights in 'warm' accomodation). Click here for more details.

For images and further info then call me on 01737 214 294.

thanks.
Alexis

North Pole Solar Eclipse Voyage - July/August 2008

In a really special addition to our Arctic Voyage offerings, clients can now journey to the very top of the world and be one of the few to experience a dramatic Solar Eclipse on this unique voyage in the Arctic seas.

The total eclipse will only be visible from a narrow corridor on the 1st August 2008, where the vessel hopes to sit in the very centre of the eclipse path across the earth, which will cross the northern island of Novaya Zemlya.

Of course, availability is limited and it has so far proven extremely popular, so the old story of booking early definitely applies. The starting price is from £12,490pp for a twin cabin (which doesn't include a flight to Helsinki - from around £220pp), bookable through Discover the World. Here are a few vital details:

Departure Date:   Duration:  Vessel:   Prices From:
19th July 2008   17days      Yamal    GBP 12,490

Please also Download discover_the_world_north_pole_solar_eclipse_voyage.doc  for more information including an outline itinerary and pricing.

Thanks and any questions or for images then call me (Alexis) on 01737 241 294 or email alexis@discover-the-world.co.uk

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!