Hollywood casts Iceland in leading role
- Inside view from Lizzie at Discover the World
I don’t mind admitting, I’m feeling a little star struck. Someone mentioned Tom Cruise would be filming in Iceland this summer and I’m intrigued. It’s not as though Tom is up there with Brad Pitt any more, but I’m old enough to have watched Top Gun at a very impressionable age and Hollywood is about as big budget movie as it gets. It’s hard to imagine Tom being chauffeured around Iceland, but this country's versatile landscape is pulling in many of the world’s greatest movie stars and film directors.
The list already includes Clint Eastwood - The Flags of Our Fathers (2006) and Ridley Scott - Prometheus (2012). Two James Bond movies - A View to a Kill (1985) and Die Another Day (2002) feature Iceland and part of the second season of the hit TV series Game of Thrones was recently filmed in Vatnajokull National Park. The show’s executive producer and co-writer David Benioff was thrilled with the scenery, describing it as “shatteringly beautiful and barren.”
It seems a trip to Iceland these days could just as easily bring you face to face with a well-known film producer as an erupting volcano. Russell Crowe is expected to be there in July filming the title role in Darren Aronofsky’s Noah and Ben Stiller was spotted location scouting last year for his upcoming remake of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.
The Film in Iceland agency must deserve some credit for Iceland’s popularity on the big screen offering free assistance and information about filming in Iceland, as well as promoting a generous 20% refund of the costs incurred for film and TV production there. Of course, it is also quite simply a terrific filming location with its picture perfect waterfalls, dramatic volcanic terrain and jaw dropping glaciers. I will leave you with a few words from Hollywood legend Clint Eastwood who was certainly impressed by his experiences there:
“Flying in over the black sand beaches and lava fields, I could see that Iceland had the rugged and unusual look we needed for our film. I soon learned that Iceland also has friendly, hard-working people with a refreshing can-do spirit. The open roads and undisturbed countryside remind me of the way America was fifty years ago. With such gorgeous scenery, delicious fish and even golf, Iceland made for a terrific filming location.” -Clint Eastwood, Flags of Our Fathers, 2006 (source: Film in Iceland).
Posted on May 10, 2012 in Current Affairs , Film , Iceland , Volcanoes | Permalink | E-mail this | Comments (0)
Journey to the centre of the Earth
The idea of descending into the beating heart of a volcano is usually the stuff of movies, scientists or those adrenaline junkie types who like to walk across canyons with nothing more than a piece of string. I never had it on my own wish list....until now. Lizzie from Discover the World offers an inside view of our new Inside the Volcano Tour.
A picture says a thousand words, so if you’ve been a bit too busy to read the papers of late, take a moment to peruse this image taken from inside a volcano. Imagine you are standing in the magma chamber of the volcano itself looking up towards the tiny (4x4metres) crater opening above. That tiny platform hanging off those cables is your only way in and out. It’s one of those rare occasions when we can justify putting the words experience, scenic and adrenalin in the same sentence!
Sorry, but this is another one of those Icelandic volcanoes with an impossibly difficult name to pronounce – Thrihnúkagigur – but it’s a worthy candidate for anyone willing to make the effort. Thrihnúkagigur is currently the only place on earth where you can go into a magma chamber, which makes this a genuinely unique experience. It is only open to the public for a few weeks this summer and has a strict maximum capacity per day to protect the sensitive environment surrounding the volcano. There are plans to build a ground tunnel from the surface that will lead into the magma chamber and a viewing platform, but this is still subject to an environmental impact assessment.
So in short, this may be your only opportunity to view a volcano from the inside out.
Discover the World has created a new and one-off, ‘Superjeep Volcano Adventure’, which includes a unique tour inside Thrihnukagigur. Aternatively, you can include this as an optional excursion on any Discover the World holiday to Iceland. All you have to do is take a 30 minute drive out of Reykjavik, hike 40 minutes to the crater and descend 120 metres to the bottom of the magma chamber by an open cable lift.
Posted on May 9, 2012 in Iceland , Science , Travel , Volcanoes | Permalink | E-mail this | Comments (0)
Birding in Australia made easy!
We’ve just discovered the nifty little Bird Trails app which is the perfect companion for anyone planning a trip to Tropical North Queensland. With 12 endemic species to be found in the area, this guide will ensure that you don’t miss out with detailed information on locations, birdcalls and pictures, as well as recommended excursions and birding hotspots.
Take in the best of the region’s scenery and wildlife, from the Mareeba Wetlands to the Atherton Tablands, on our Birdlife of the Tropical North self-drive tour - or contact our team today for a tailor-made itinerary.
Posted on April 16, 2012 in Australia , Travel , Web/Tech , Wildlife | Permalink | E-mail this | Comments (0)
Sandi Toksvig Excess Baggage on BBC Radio 4: Reykjavik, Iceland
If you missed BBC Radio 4 journalist Sandi Toksvig's Excess Baggage show reporting from Reykjavik, Iceland (broadcast 31 March 2012), then you can catch it again on BBC iPlayer for a short time!
In the feature, Sandi visits the capital city of Reykjavik, and examines tourism in Iceland today. It is possible that that those pesky volcanic eruptions and the financial woes of the country may not have been all bad... The volcanic activity (Eyjafjallajokull eruption of May 2010, pictured left) has highlighted Iceland's incredible geological wonders, and the banking crises have helped the people to refocus on their cultural roots, like the Sagas and knitting!
Posted on April 2, 2012 in Current Affairs , Iceland , Television , Travel | Permalink | E-mail this | Comments (0)
Remembering the Titanic in Halifax, Canada
This month sees the 100th anniversary of the tragic sinking of the Titanic, the largest passenger steamship in the world at that time, resulting in the loss of 1,517 lives. 150 of the victims came to rest in a graveyard in Halifax and its possible to pay your respects during a 75 minute guided tour of Nova Scotia’s capital city, at the same time learning about the key role that Halifax played in the rescue efforts.
Halifax is unfortunately no stranger to maritime tragedies, with the 1917 explosion of the SS Mont Blanc in Halifax Harbour claiming a staggering 1,900 lives – most of them local residents on the harbourside. Full details can be found in Halifax’s excellent Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.
But despite these sad incidents Halifax remains a friendly and positive little city, and is a great place to start any exploration of Canada’s Maritime Provinces. Visit the hilltop citadel and enjoy waterside dining, before heading to the nearby picturesque fishing villages of Peggy’s Cove and Lunenberg. Further afield the Bay of Fundy is well worth a visit for its world-renowned tides and, during the summer, excellent whale-watching encounters.
Cape Breton Island meanwhile boasts one of the region’s most spectacular drives, the Cabot Trail – although come back in the autumn and the dazzling colours of New Brunswick’s vast forests will rival the Atlantic coast for prize-winning photo opportunities. And for something completely different, a short hop to tiny Prince Edward Island, Canada’s smallest province, provides a chance to kick back and relax, with a leisurely exploration of red sand beaches and rolling green hills.
With Halifax around just 6 hours flight from the UK, why not see a different side of Canada this summer?!
Posted on March 31, 2012 in Canada , Current Affairs , Events , History , Travel | Permalink | E-mail this | Comments (0)
Discover the World MD speaks out about consumer protection
In the light of the Ryanair ash cloud case Discover the World MD speaks out about consumer protection
As travel experts, at Discover the World we are as proud of our level of consumer protection as we are our unique holiday experiences and are one of the few tour operators in the UK that offers a ‘no surcharge guarantee’ once the holiday arrangement is confirmed. Our Managing Director, Clive Stacey explains…
“It always amazes me why the travel industry, cannot stand behind their product and guarantee the price of arrangements. Once the passenger has entered into a contract to buy surely they have a moral right to expect prices will not change. However most travel suppliers reserve the right to pass on increases.
This is not an especially difficult or risky thing to do, we hedge ahead for currency and a certain amount of fuel commitments and through sensible business arrangements with the principal airlines we use, we have in most cases managed to protect clients from increases in air fares.
On the occasions where there are additional expenses we absorb these as we consider this to be good business practice and something our clients appreciate. But we also go further: we have taken out an insurance policy to cover our passengers against the cost of unexpected delays due, for example, to natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions and extreme weather.
Ryanair - take note!
Combine this with the various bonds and licences we hold - totally protecting our clients’ money - we feel we offer an industry leading commitment.
I really don't understand why everyone in the travel industry doesn't operate in this way. Obviously we adjust our prices to reflect changes in costs as they happen, but these never apply to clients who have already booked a holiday with us.”
As specialists in bespoke travel arrangements we carry around 12,000 passengers a year to about a dozen places across the planet from Iceland to New Zealand and Antarctica to Sweden.
Clive concludes, “Like most businesses who respect their customers and provide a quality service we are prospering even in times of recession.”
Posted on March 28, 2012 in Current Affairs , Travel | Permalink | E-mail this | Comments (0)
Prometheus Trailer - Ridley Scott's Iceland
Our resident movie fanatic and Nordic specialist Alex gives an insight into Iceland's latest big screen epic:
Film buffs have been currently salivating over the enormous amount of trailers that have been released over the past couple of months for Ridley Scott's Prometheus which is due out in June and is apparently not an Alien prequel. Those that have looked in awe (and some in terror) at the most recent trailer will win a spotter's badge for noticing a famous Icelandic landmark in its opening scenes.
If you recognised the roar of Europe's most powerful waterfall Dettifoss (in Jokulsa National Park) dominating the opening moments of the trailer then you deserve a 'travellers film buff' pat on the back as we get excited over how much of Iceland is featured in Ridley's first sci-fi feature since Blade Runner! The director has been quoted in interviews that Iceland will get a good fifteen minutes of silver screen time with some key actors and actresses in the movie after shooting scenes for the movie over a fortnight. Scott had hinted that the footage taken there represented "beginning of time". We can't say much else as the movie has been shrouded with secrecy and even the sheer mention of 'beginning of time' could be considered a 'spoiler'!
We are incredibly excited at seeing how this succesful Director has mastered using this incredible location in one of the most highly anticipated movies of 2012. With its release date in June why not consider following in the movie's footsteps on our of Summer Self Drives in Iceland - if you opt for the National Parks & Natural Wonders itinerary you can even take in some of the Skaftafell National Park where Christopher Nolan shot scenes from Batman Begins!
Posted on March 23, 2012 in Film , Iceland | Permalink | E-mail this | Comments (0)
Northern Lights in Iceland - fantastic photograph from 21 March 2012
Photographer Daniel Lopez captured some absolutely stunning images of the northern lights on 21 March, as they shimmered over the Vatnajokull glacier in Iceland. The photographs were featured on NASA's blog and you can see further pictures on MSNBC's photo blog.
For hints and tips about capturing the northern lights on camera, visit our website or order a copy of our Cloud 9 magazine, where Icelandic photographer Ragnar TH Sigurdsson shares his expertise on photographing the lights, then put the know-how into practise.... Remember that it's not too late to head over to Iceland and see the aurora for yourself (we have late availability on 11 April 2012 Northern Lights Special departure), so get in touch with us and you too could be gazing at a sky full of aurora!
Posted on March 22, 2012 in Iceland , Science , Weblogs | Permalink | E-mail this | Comments (0)
Hairy Bikers' 'Bakeation' TV programme in Norway
Did you catch the Hairy Bikers on TV last night, as they headed to sample Norway's culinary delights?! If you missed it, then catch them again on BBC iPlayer (for a limited time).
The 'bikers', aka Dave Myers and Si King, started their epic 5000 mile 'bakeation' in the south, by taking one of Norway's most picturesque routes, to their first stop, the beautiful island of Haholmen near Molde, only accessible by boat. Using traditional ingredients Dave and Si create 'klipfisk' stew and ryebread - yum! As an example of just how accommodating the Norwegians can be, a cooker is brought out onto the pontoon for them to use.
Watch as the cooks attempt to order the traditional waffles with cream, which is available on board almost every ferry crossing in the area, and as they discuss just how close they feel to their Viking roots (must be the beards....)!
As the Hairy Bikers journey through the fjords, they unravel the mystery of the brown cheese (we absolutely love it too!), which is a recipe carefully handed down through families, made from goats milk. To taste the deliciousness that is brown cheese is an absolute must for anyone travelling to Norway. Its distinctive taste is kind of like a 'fudgy' but soft firm cheese; beware as it is incredibly more-ish! A stay in the unique Juvet Landscape Hotel will blow you away, and what a way to end the day, with a relaxing soak in the hot tub (we're a bit unsure about the bikers' knitted Norwegian trunks though!).
The stars of the 'Bakeation' in Norway are certainly the characters that the bikers meet on the road, including Nikka, who has been making traditional Norwegian wafers all her life! On to Geiranger and they ascend the bends at Trollstigen and take in their first views of this magnificent fjord. Another recipe follows and they prepare cookies as the boat is moored between the two stunning waterfalls; Bachelor and the Seven Sisters - what a location!
Day 4 and the Hairy Bikers head towards Oslo, in time for Norway Day, but there is time for a stop at Lom at the bakery to try the area's take on a traditional Bergen speciality. At the home of Peer Gynt Vinstra they try a Pirogy, which is a kind of cornish pasty or samosa, filled with cheese and ham.
The boys visit a bakery in Oslo is run by a French/Norwegian couple, who bake outstanding 'woodland' bread made with olives and thyme, using an age-old recipe.
On their final night in Norway, the Hairy Bikers visit the Ice Bar in Oslo, where they taste aquavit and lark around with some ice glasses. Their timing is impeccable as they are in Norway to celebrate the splendour of National Day, May 17th, which is celebrated throughout the country, with national dress and a real party atmosphere.
Now that's our kind of TV programme - food and the fantastic destination of Norway - a winning combination! If you fancy trying out some of the Bikers' Norwegian recipes, take a look at the BBC website. The route that the bikers took is also shown on the BBC's website (very similar to our 'Fjord Odyssey' self-drive holiday!).
Posted on March 16, 2012 in Food and Drink , Norway , Travel | Permalink | E-mail this | Comments (0)
Photographs of Iceland - a frozen 'Giant's Causeway'
Iceland is a spectacular location for photography, as articles in today's online Daily Mail and Daily Telegraph show. Long-time friend of specialist Iceland holiday company Discover the World, the photographer Ragnar Sigurdsson, has captured some stunning images of Iceland's glaciers and iceberg lagoon. Images featured in the online articles include an ice field which resembles the Giant's Causeway!
Incidentally, most of the shots from Discover the World's Iceland holiday programme brochure are courtesy of Ragnar. For further inspiration, take a look at Ragnar's website, which showcases further stunning images captured in the Land of Ice and Fire...
Posted on March 15, 2012 in Current Affairs , Iceland , Weblogs | Permalink | E-mail this | Comments (0)
Solar Storm Story - How solar flares create the Northern Lights
This morning newspapers and websites as well as the Discover the World office have been abuzz with talk of the solar storm currently taking place around our planet.
If you'd like to find out more about how solar activity results in the northern lights as well as tips on how to photograph them, take a look at these webpages, and watch one of these fascinating videos, (including footage of the northern lights in Iceland, Sweden, as seen from orbit, and a well-explained video of how they are created)!
Posted on March 8, 2012 in Current Affairs , Iceland , Lapland , Norway , Scandinavia , Science , Sweden , Television , Travel | Permalink | E-mail this | Comments (0)
Marcel Theroux's video of Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull Volcano Hike
Roving reporter Marcel Theroux visited South Iceland, and took a closer look at the infamous Eyjafjallajokull volcano. Take a look at his video, which has just been uploaded onto the Guardian's website. Marcel talks to Superjeep driver and guide Saeli Hauksson, about the events of May 2010, when the perfect 'tourist' eruption turned to clouds of ash. They then take a hike (in unfortunately dreadful weather) up to one of the mountains formed following the eruption, and even taste an Icelandic hotdog that has been cooked in the still-warm lava.
It's possible to follow in Marcel's footsteps and join Saeli on a day's hike as part of a self-drive trip to Iceland. Discover the World offers an excursion Eyjafjallajokull Volcano Hike By Superjeep which allows you to explore this magnificent and fascinating area, whatever the Icelandic weather will throw at you! Uncover vast plains of ash and awesome solid lava flows that were created during the eruption, and feel the power and warmth of the planet beneath your feet. This is an up-close and personal look at Iceland's wild and wonderful landscapes. Contact the Iceland specialists to find out more and book your trip to 'Where Satan goes backpacking' as Marcel so eloquently sums it up!
Posted on March 6, 2012 in Iceland , Travel | Permalink | E-mail this | Comments (0)
Marcel Theroux's Horse Riding in Iceland Video
No visit to Iceland is complete without an encounter with an Icelandic horse. These fantastic animals are rugged, charming and often fantastically feisty - typically viking-esque! Marcel Theroux travelled out to Iceland with Discover the World to see the annual horse round-up in the North, and met some interesting characters along the way, including enjoying a traditional Icelandic sing-song and viking 'merriment' to celebrate the 'sorting' of the horses!
It's easy to arrange a horseriding day trip, for one hour or longer, or experienced riders can take part in the horse round-up or choose from a fantastic array of longer multi-day treks.
Take a look at Marcel Theroux and Richard Sprenger's video on Guardian.co.uk or visit Discover the World's website for more information on the Icelandic horse.
Posted on March 6, 2012 in Iceland , Television , Travel , Weblogs | Permalink | E-mail this | Comments (0)
Tasmania Travel Evening: Thursday 22nd March
We're delighted to announce that we're going to be joined by some Tasmanian guests this month, who will be sharing their passion for Australia's smallest state and its unique inhabitants.
Boasting some incredible statistics, Australia is home to more than 378 mammal species, 828 bird species, 4000 fish species, 300 species of lizards, 140 snake species, two crocodile species and around 50 types of marine mammal. More than 80 per cent of the country's plants, mammals, reptiles and frogs are unique to Australia and are found no-where else on earth.
Tasmania is arguably one of the best places to see some of Australia's unique wildlife in its natural habitat - in one short trip last year I was lucky enough to see wombats, pademelons and wallabies, as well as enjoying a fascinating visit to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary for a chance to come face to face with some of the more elusive species including the Tasmanian devil. In addition to its abundant wildlife, Tasmania also boasts vast and ancient rainforests, deserted beaches and towering peaks, as well as world-class food and wine and some great places to stay.
Join us for an evening presentation by Karl Mathiesen, Manager of Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, who has been instrumental in various conservation projects throughout Tasmania, including work to save the fascinating Tassie devil. Sit back with a glass of Tasmanian wine whilst Karl talks about some of his favourite wildlife encounters, and answers your questions about life on the island. Our team of Aussie Specialists will also be on hand to assist you with your travel plans to Tasmania and beyond.
Click here to find full details about our Tasmania Travel Evening
and to book your place to join us.
Posted on March 2, 2012 in Australia , Events , Travel , Wildlife | Permalink | E-mail this | Comments (0)
Tour the Canadian Rockies - and enjoy a FREE flight!
Whether you choose to travel independently or to join a guided group, there’s no doubt that the Canadian Rockies have immense appeal to all types of traveller. And there are certainly advantages with both – with a self-drive holiday you can travel at your own pace, stopping as frequently as you like for those all-important photo opportunities and picking from an endless range of activities to suit your preferences. A traditional coach tour on the other hand offers total relaxation as you let someone else take care of the driving and navigation, so you can sit back and focus on the spectacular views afforded by the mountains, glaciers and lakes for which the region is renowned.
But perhaps a compromise is what you’re after – the advantages of travelling with a knowledgeable guide, but with a little more flexibility? Our Premier Plus escorted tours are the perfect solution! Including luxury accommodation throughout plus a memorable journey on the Rocky Mountaineer's Gold Leaf service, these are the best way to see the Rockies in style! And for those that want a sense of independence, these tours offer unique flexibility – you can dine with new-found friends or find a table for two in the restaurant of your choice. Activity choices range from whale-watching and canoeing to spa treatments and afternoon teas - all included in the price of your tour, just take your pick and tailor your holiday to suit you!
THERE'S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO BOOK: we’re currently offering 1 free flight per couple on selected Premier Plus escorted tours! Book by 25 February and experience the best of the Rockies, Vancouver, Whistler and Victoria – limited spaces available, so hurry, book now!!
Terms and conditions apply, please see our website for further details.
Posted on February 7, 2012 in Canada , Travel | Permalink | E-mail this | Comments (0)
