DATELINE ICELAND - September/October 2001
A periodic look at news and events from the home of the Vikings. Brought to you by the Icelandic Tourist Board.
> Fall for Midweek Madness
> Icelandair Rocks Reykjavik
> Take A Romantic Spin
> Iceland Sizzles in Playboy Magazine Feature
> In Spa We Trust
> On A High Note
> Visit the Sheep and Horse Round-Up
> Icelandic Horses on Film
> When It All Just Clicks
> Rockin' Round the Clock
Fall for Midweek Madness
Start your fall season off with a great midweek offer from Icelandair Holidays, guaranteed to make you mad about Iceland. Priced from only $339 per person double occupancy, the package includes transatlantic air on Icelandair, two hotel nights at Icelandair Hotels, a Scandinavian buffet breakfast, and round-trip airport transfers. Contact Icelandair Holidays at 800 779 2899; e-mail: [email protected]; website: www.icelandair.is
Icelandair Rocks Reykjavik
The third annual international Iceland Airwaves, the world's most innovative music festival, sponsored by Icelandair, will rock Reykjavik from October 17-22. Thousands of fans from around the globe are expected to groove to cutting-edge tunes from alternative artists from both sides of the Atlantic. The highlight takes place on Saturday, October 20th, with a spectacular show of renowned international artists. Take advantage of Icelandair Holidays special packages for the event from Boston, New York (JFK), and Baltimore/Washington (BWI), starting from $499; add $50 from Minneapolis,/St. Paul, and inquire about packages from Orlando. Packages include round-trip air, hotel accommodations for two-nights, transfers, breakfast and a festival pass. Additional information is available at: www.icelandairwaves.com or call Icelandair Holidays at (800) 779-2899; e-mail: [email protected]
Take A Romantic Spin
Iceland is a popular destination for American honeymooners and those in the mood for romance. Icelandair Holidays suggests a driving tour to explore the southern Iceland landscape known for its glaciers, geysers and waterfalls. Afterwards, relax at the Icelandair Hotel Ranga, a lovely new hotel offering excellent service and meals in a charming, rustic setting. Priced from $585 per person double occupancy, the package includes transatlantic air, three-day rental of a Hertz Toyota Corolla, room with breakfast at Icelandair Flughotel upon arrival, two nights at Icelandair Hotel Ranga with a welcome dinner, and gift. Contact Icelandair Holidays at 800 779 2899; e-mail: [email protected]; website: www.icelandair.is
Iceland Sizzles in Playboy Magazine Feature
With the help of the Icelandic Tourist Board, Iceland's natural and ever-so-popular beauty once again provided incredible scenery that even fashion models from Playboy magazine couldn't steal. Look for 2001 fall and winter fashions in the magazine's November issue. Fashion producer, Trish Neve, says they didn't know what to expect from the country itself, but after spending one short week there, they were all madly in love and swore to return.
"What made our trip such a success," she says, "was the incredible varied terrain and scenery coupled with the incredibly kind, tenderhearted people of Iceland. Everything is so clean, pure and unspoiled. Having traveled half the world in my lifetime, I can truly say Iceland is an experience you should arrange to have in this lifetime," Neve tells us.
See the Fall/Winter 2001 issue of FHM Collection and September issue of Maxim magazines for other scenes from Iceland.
In Spa We Trust
Even the most stalwart traveler needs a break. Having fun can be tiring on body and soul. An oasis of relaxation can be found in the basement of Reykjavik's Hotel Saga, home to a massage parlor, sauna and tub. Treat yourself to a spa, Icelandic style. Contact Hotel Saga, 354 552 3131.
On A High Note
Get into high gear with Spanish tenor, Jose Carreras, who will be holding a concert at Laugardalsholl Hall on Sept. 17. The concert, part of a Scandanavian tour by Carreras, will be launched in Iceland, supported by The Iceland Symphony Orchestra and Icelandic Opera. Tickets are being sold exclusively at www.midasala.is
Visit the Sheep and Horse Round-Up
September harkens the arrival of one of the most popular events in Iceland, the Sheep ("Rettir" in Icelandic) and Horse Round Up. In an entertaining and interesting process that can take up to a week, farmers set off on horseback to gather their sheep and horses that have spent the summer grazing in the highlands. With the advent of the fall season, the sheep and horses are herded into pens where they are identified and sorted. This most festive Icelandic occasion warrants a country holiday commemorating a major event on the farming calendar. Don't be sheepish. Join in this lively community celebration in September, which is "shear" to make you smile.
Icelandic Horses on Film
And speaking of horses, the documentary, "Riding the Icelandic Horse" has been selected to participate in the New York International Independent Film Festival, and will be shown on Sunday, September 9, 2001 at 12:10 p.m. at the Sutton 1 & 2 Theaters in New York City at 205 East 57th Street (Third Avenue). The film captures the mutual joy between horse and rider, as both become one with nature. Enjoy "Riding the Icelandic Horse" which immediately follows the screening of Sharon Stone's "Beyond The Summit." Tickets are $10, and can be ordered in advance at www.nyfilmvideo.com; or call 1-866-468-7619.
When It All Just Clicks
Bringing souvenirs back home to family and friends has somehow become a right-of-passage for the traveler. And finding the perfect souvenir can often be time consuming. Not to worry. Click on www.buynational.com and you can purchase almost every Icelandic souvenir available in downtown Reykjavik.
Rockin' Round the Clock
Here's a gem that will definitely clear customs and remind you of the great time you had in Iceland. A battery-operated clock embedded in the base of a handcrafted Icelandic lava stone is sure to keep you on schedule. Every clock is unique in size and shape, just like natural Icelandic lava. At $99, (batteries not included), it's about time. Visit www.icelandgiftstore.com/lava_016htm.
