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

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

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!

Sarpik Ittuk - inaugural Antarctica voyage

With a long awaited inaugural voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula now over, Quark Expeditions' Sales & Client Services executive Dale Woods reports back about how the new vessel - Sarpik Ittuk - performed. Here's his account:

THE DRAKE PASSAGE
The first question everyone has asked on my return has been, "What was she like in the Drake Passage?"  I can say with complete confidence that the new ship handles as well as any ship in our fleet!

I admit that a Force 9 gale, with winds of more than 40 knots, was more of a test than I had anticipated. But it means that I can tell you without reservation that she is an excellent ship, and a welcome addition to our fleet.

How many knots can she do crossing the Drake? 10! That's right . In a Force 9 gale she was able to maintain 10 knots. She can do the crossing in the required amount of time, quite handily. 

THERE ARE MANY OTHER ADVANTAGES TO SARPIK ITTUK
Getting in and out of Zodiacs was simple. You take only 3 steps and you are in the landing craft. The picture to the right shows the gangway lowered and ready for a the boat to run alongside.

The ship has powerful bow and stern thrusters, which made maneuvering in narrow channels and bays very easy.

The vessel's shallow draft - the amount of ship below the waterline - is another advantage when sailing the Peninsula. The ship can be positioned closer to shore, shortening the transfer times during landings.

The Panorama Lounge affords wonderful views of the passing scenery. I enjoyed relaxing in the lounge after a landing, while trading stories about what we had seen. We held the recap sessions in  the Lounge, which converts easily to a presentation room with all the latest audio-visual equipment.

We always had the option of strolling the ample exterior decks, if we wanted a breath of fresh air. They are perfect places for taking pictures of icebergs and wildlife in the water.

Something else that I think your passengers will appreciate is being able to look out the cabin window while lying in bed. That was a comfortable way to watch the sunrise at 2:30 in the morning!



Discover the World offer a number of small-vessel voyages to the stunning Antarctic Peninsula, including voyages aboard the Sarpik Ittuk through 'till February 2008. Please visit our website - www.discover-the-world.co.uk/antarctica - for more information or call/email me on 01737 3663 94 / alexis@discover-the-world.co.uk for some great images. Voyage prices start from £2,137 per person excluding flights which are available through Discover the World from approximately £900.

Thanks.
Alexis

Orca whales galore - Norwegian fjords host a spectacular natural show with added herring

Wow...have a read of these fantastic tales from our naturalist Cathy Harlow who is currenty guiding in the Lofoten area of the Norwegian Fjords. Although the appearances have been late this year, last week huge shoals of herring appeared, closely followed by some hungry Orcas!

Here's Cathy's update:

As we pulled out of Skutvik harbour, it was trying hard to sleet. On board MS Leonora spirits were high as we had just heard that great shoals of herring had swum in overnight off Henningsvaer in Lofoten.  And then the news that we had dreamed of came through – huge numbers of orcas were there too.  It was full steam ahead for Leonora as we laboured through the swell of the open fjord to get there.  As the first blows came into view the excitement mounted and all of a sudden we were surrounded by orcas.  Whatever direction your eye travelled, there were fins and blows but then the action stepped up.  A young orca breached three, or perhaps it was four times in succession right by our boat, hurling itself backwards out of the water.  As every camera focused on that awesome event, another started up just in front of the zodiacs.  What followed can only be described as pure undiluted magic – breaches and spy-hops galore to one side, while on the other a young orca just wouldn’t stop tail-slapping, to the delight of everyone on board. 

As well as just getting completely absorbed in this exuberant display of orca antics, we were trying to gather some useful recordable data.  This was clearly more than one group, so two or perhaps even three were there as there were definitely 50 or more orcas around us.  They didn’t appear to be feeding as there weren’t any signs of herring in the immediate area.  Perhaps they had finished feeding and were socializing after a really satisfying meal?   Certainly, quite a few happy whale watchers came home last Wednesday. 

We offer a number of departures to see the Orcas in early 2007. If this isn't inspiration enough however, all the holidays are combined with the Swedish Icehotel on our Icehotel & Orca holiday. This is a great combination of two unique experiences where 2 nights will be spent at the Icehotel, before a scenic train journey takes you to the fjords of Northern Norway where you can experience the Orcas feeding on huge shoals of herring. Be warned though...availability is very low due to the popularity of this trip.

If you need great images or more information then let me know (01737 214 294 / alexis@discovertheworld.co.uk)

Many thanks. Alexis

Planet Earth Ice Worlds - Antarctica & the Arctic

The BBC's Planet Earth series kicked off on BBC1 at 9pm yesterday (Sunday 5 November).

Stunning photography combined with insights into the wildlife of the regions not only made for great viewing, it also perfectly reflected our Polar offerings (always nice!!).

So...whether it's polar bears in Canada or Spitsbergen or Humpback whales in Iceland, Antarctica or even Alaska, we offer a great selection of holidays for the wildlife enthusiast or anyone looking for a unique holiday experience.

If you feel that your readership or that of a publication you are writing for would be interested in such unique regions and holidays then do let me know (01737 214 294 / alexis@discovertheworld.co.uk) as I can send through plenty of great images (& information) that will only give a feature more impact. 

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

 

BBC Galapagos series - a success by all accounts

The Executive Director of the Galapagos Conservation Trust was interviewed on BBC breakfast recently and he talked about the best way to see the islands.  He mentioned that it is best to travel with a tour operator offering small vessels (minimum impact on environment) - which is what Discover the World do - www.discover-the-world.co.uk/galapagos   

As for the Galapagos Conservation Trust, they were delighted to have the core team from the BBC - who were responsible for the filming and production of the series - as speakers to their 'Galapagos Day' last a week or two back.  Led by Producer Patrick Morris, the team told about the making of the series and the GCT were privileged to see clips from the film as well as some of the sounds and sights that didn't make it into the final series!

If your readership is likely to enjoy the opportunity to explore the islands on an intimate and small vessel, then look no furhter. We offer several of these trips so get in touch by calling me (Alexis) on 01737 214 294 or visit www.discover-the-world.co.uk/galapagos . Thanks