Buildings of Interest
Our hotels are all conveniently close to many of Reykjavik’s main attractions. Don’t miss Althingi, the Icelandic House of Parliament, a classic 19th century structure built in 1881, the sparkling Harpa Concert Hall on the water’s edge and the Church of Hallgrímur (Hallgrímskirkja), a major symbol of Reykjavik city which stands proudly on top of a hill and offers panoramic views.
Whale-Watching
Spend a few hours taking in the majestic beauty of Icelandic wildlife as you set sail from the Old Harbour on a whale-watching tour. The ocean is a natural habitat for around 20 species of whales – the most common are the Minke Whales, White-Beaked dolphins and Harbour Porpoise, but occasionally you may see Humpback Whales, Killer/Orcas, Fin and Blue whales. Following your tour, head to the Grandi area to see the Whales of Iceland exhibition.
Videy Island
Just a few minutes away by boat, Videy Island is a unique site that combines history, culture and nature. Having been inhabited until the 1940s, it is here that you can find Videyjarstofa, the oldest stone building in Iceland, built for the High Sheriff in 1752. There are scenic hiking paths around the 1.7km2 island, which is renowned for its varied bird life, and you can visit the Imagine Peace Tower, conceived by Yoko Ono in memory of John Lennon.
Museums
Noteworthy landmarks are the Reykjavik Maritime Museum where you can learn about the country’s seafaring heritage, Arbaer Open Air Museum where live actors offer an insight into how Icelanders used to live before the country underwent its period of industrialisation, and the National Museum, which houses over 2,000 artefacts from Iceland’s rich history.
Day Trips - Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon
A must-see area just a 45-minute drive from Reykjavik is the Golden Circle, where you can find three of Iceland’s most impressive natural sites. Start in the Geysir geothermal area, home to the most energetic spouting spring Strokkur, followed by a visit to the spectacular 150-foot Gullfoss (Golden Falls) waterfall and Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO-World Heritage Site and geological phenomenon. Then, after a long day of adventures, head to the world-famous Blue Lagoon also just 45-minutes away, a beautiful geothermal spa set in the pure heart of the Icelandic landscape, where you can bathe in healing, mineral-rich waters surrounded by pure Icelandic air.
Travel Planning
Our Travel Consultants can advise on, arrange and pre-book many things to enhance your holiday. This includes everything from spa reservations and dinner reservations, to a range of special experiences available in our featured resorts that you may not know about.
Flight Information
British Airways from London Heathrow to Keflavik and Iceland Air from London Heathrow and London Gatwick.
Flight Time
From London Heathrow to Iceland: 3 hours
Travelling With Children or Without an Adult
Children travelling without both parents should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. Please contact the relevant Embassy for the county you are travelling to for further information.
Visa and Advance Passenger Information
All passengers must ensure they have a valid, acceptable passport, any required visa and any other documentation for both the final destination and any stop-off points en route. Please make sure that Advance Passenger Information is submitted in advance to travel for all destinations. Failure to hold correct documentation or submitting incorrect details with Advance Passenger Information or Visa applications may result in refusal of carriage or entry into a country. Please check with the relevant Embassy regarding visa requirements well in advance of your travel date. Charges may apply for some visas.
Passengers not travelling on a British Passport are advised to contact their relevant Foreign & Commonwealth office for individual Visa requirements.
For up-to-date resort information, visit www.fco.gov.uk
Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide and you should take health advice about your specific needs from your general practitioner or a specialist clinic as early as possible before travel. Those planning to become pregnant should discuss their travel plans with their healthcare provider to assess their risk of infection with Zika. For information about Zika, other mosquito-borne diseases (such as Dengue fever and Chikungunya), Lyme Disease (caused by tick bites), and to receive advice on mosquito bite avoidance measures, please visit Insect and tick bite avoidance.
In addition, we highly recommend that you seek specialist advice from your doctor and, where recommended, obtain vaccinations or tablets for protection against, for example: Malaria, Hepatitis A, Polio and Typhoid. In some cases, treatments for Malaria should begin well in advance of travel. Travellers may also be required to show Yellow Fever Certificates on arrival in certain destinations ie, some African countries. Please note that you are strongly advised against scuba-diving for 24 hours before travelling by air. We would also like to draw your attention to the risk of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and recommend that you consult with your doctor before travelling.
Visit the FCDO website and select your destination country for the very latest travel advice: Foreign Travel Advice. Additional sources of information include: Public Health England, The National Travel Health And Network Centre, Foreign And Commonwealth Office and your General Practitioner or a specialised clinic.