PANORAMIC REYKJAVIK - TOUR E
Excursions
- 2.5 Hours
- Limited Capacity
With around 180,000 inhabitants, Reykjavík – meaning ‘smoky bay’, from the geothermal activity taking place in the area – is certainly amongst the smallest capital cities in the world. Our tour starts with a drive through the city’s main recreational and sports area of Laugardalur. We pass the Olympic sized, open-air swimming pool, which is filled with thermal water, and open all year round. The pool is considered a prime example of the seemingly endless natural hot water source, which supplies Iceland. From Laugardalur we head inland to the Alftanes Peninsula and visit Bessastadir the residence of the President of Iceland.
We return to the hustle and bustle of the inner city, driving past the open-air museum at Arbaer where selected old houses have been reconstructed. The museum has been created around the old farm of Arbaer, first mentioned in written records in 1464. Onwards, crossing the Ellidaar (Ellida River) - one of the world's cleanest salmon rivers known to flow through a capital city - we then have a stop at The Pearl or Perlan. Here, the panorama from the viewing platform is so splendidly clear making it a great place for a view of Reykjavík.
We then drive past the Hallgrimskirkja Church, and head for the charming old quarter of Reykjavík with its colourful wooden houses and narrow streets. Passing the city lake, Tjornin, with its rich birdlife we skirt the university complex. Next we head towards the old harbour area where we have a short photo stop. Returning to the pier we follow the coastline, passing the Hofdi house where the summit meeting between US President Ronald Reagan and Russia Secretary General Mikhail Gorbachev was held in 1986.
TOUR NOTES: This is a driving tour to see some of the many highlights Reykjavík has to offer. It should be noted that much of what is seen on this tour is also included in tours A and C. An approximate 30 minute stop is scheduled at the Pearl vantagepoint where there are toilet facilities. Walking is limited, optional at the short photo stop, but includes approximately 50 metres (165 feet) to and from The Pearl (lifts are used to reach the viewing platform – there could be a short wait to use them). Guests may remain on the coach throughout the tour if they prefer. Please note that the coach used may not have air conditioning. Places of interest may be visited in a different order to that described.
DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR THE 2011 SCANDINAVIA & BALTIC SEASON.
Snack or meal provided
Refreshments available
Free time
Shopping opportunity
Wheelchair access
Swimming opportunity
All prices are based on operating costs, tariffs and rates of exchange and are subject to change without notice.
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