Discover the World Media Room

Antarctica tops Galapagos in the species stakes...

2008-12-03T11:01:52+00:00

Antarctica has more species than the Galapagos, a new study has revealed.

Researchers in Europe have carried out what they claim is the first comprehensive "inventory" of sea and land animals in the white continent and found a region that's not only rich in biodiversity but has more species than the Galapagos.

Using a combination of trawl nets, sampling as deep as 1500 metres and scuba divers, a team from British Antarctic Survey and Hamburg University in Germany found 1,200 species, a third of which were not thought to live in the region.

These include sea urchins, free-swimming worms, mites, crustaceans, molluscs and birds. And, the researchers also identified five new species, the latest issue of 'Journal of Biogeography' reported.

According to lead author David Barnes from BAS, "This is the first time anybody has done an inventory like this in the Polar Regions. It's part of the Census of Marine Life – an international effort to assess and explain the diversity and distribution of marine life in the world's oceans.

"If we are to understand how these animals will respond to future change, a starting point like this is really important."

Added co-author Stefanie Kaiser from Hamburg University: "We never knew there were so many different species on and around these islands. This abundance of life was completely unexpected for a location in the polar regions, previously perceived to be poor in biodiversity."

Discover the World, a leading specialist UK tour operator, operates an extensive range of expedition voyages to Antarctica.

For more information and to book please visit www.discover-the-world.co.uk

Iceland opens 100% naturally powered facility

2008-11-03T15:24:53+00:00

Icelandic Water Holdings ehf, makers of Icelandic Glacial mineral water, the world’s first CarbonNeutral certified bottled water, for both its product and operations, has begun production of its multi-award winning water from its new 100% naturally powered bottling facility in Ölfus, Iceland.

The facility increases production capacity of Icelandic Glacial mineral water to meet the growing consumer demand for this exceptionally pure Icelandic water in an environmentally responsible fashion.

The new 71,688 square foot bottling facility opens as one of the world’s greenest, maximizing output while minimizing expenditure of energy resources thanks to an array of environmentally efficient and modern bottling equipment. Like the former bottling operation, the new facility harnesses Iceland’s natural green energy, operating entirely on geothermal and hydroelectric power. The combination of modern equipment and use of natural green energy means that Icelandic Glacial mineral water is able to roll off the production line with an even smaller carbon footprint than before and one that is considerably smaller compared to other bottled waters in the industry.

“Environmental stewardship has always been a core part of our company’s philosophy – it’s a natural part of being from Iceland,” comments Icelandic Glacial Chairman and CEO Jon Olafsson. “Beginning today, we move production to one of the world’s most environmentally advanced bottling facilities ever constructed, further reinforcing our commitment to delivering consumers a product they can drink with a clear conscience.”

At the grand opening, Icelandic Glacial co-founders Jon and Kristjan Olafsson paid tribute to Iceland and the environment as they officially open the new facility, pushing the production line button for the very first time.

Icelandic Glacial is currently expanding its UK rollout and is available at Whole Foods, Fresh & Wild, Waitrose, Pure California as well as select premium delicatessens, coffee shops, premium grocers and up-scale clubs and bars in London.

To find out more about the secrets of Iceland and exactly what this island has to offer, visit the world's number one tour operator to Iceland, Discover the World, at www.discover-the-world.co.uk

Expedition team embarks on the 25th Antarctic expedition

2008-10-28T09:37:42+00:00

China's 25th Antarctic Expedition set off on a six-month scientific research mission from the port of Shanghai. During this period, team members will build China's first research station on Dome A, the highest point on the Antarctic Inland. This accomplishment will signify that the Antarctic expedition of China achieved the leapfrog development from the rim of the Antarctic continent to the key areas of the interior.

On the morning of October 20th, a short and warm farewell ceremony was held at the domestic base of Arctic and Antarctic expeditions in Pudong and 204 members of the expedition team boarded the vessel, Snow Dragon, to embark on the 25th Antarctic expedition.

According to sources, the expedition team is the largest one since China started its first Antarctic expeditions in 1984. The major task is to build Kunlun, the first inland scientific research station, on Dome A, the highest point on the Antarctic inland icecap. This is the third Chinese Antarctic research station after two previous installments named The Great Wall and Zhongshan.

Yang Huigen, chief scientist and captain of the 25th Antarctic expedition of China, said, "We will carry out scientific exploration of the deep ice core at the newly-built base, focusing on recovering meteorological evidence of the earth's history from 700,000 years ago. We believe we will find high-resolution records of the planet dating back one million years."

Find out more about the Antarctica, the great White Continent, and Discover the World's expedition voyages at www.discover-the-world.co.uk/antarctica/

This autumn Iceland is really going to shine....!

2008-10-03T15:15:32+01:00

This autumn, as well as the natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights there is a new presence in night sky as it becomes illuminated by the brilliant beam emitted by the Imagine Peace Tower. If you are very lucky – witness both the same time! Yoko Ono will return to Reykjavik on October 9 to relight her Imagine Peace Tower on Videy Island for its second year.

The 20-metre high beam of brilliant white light emitted from the tower will be visible across the city from October 9, John Lennon’s birthday, to December 8, the day he died, as well as on New Year’s Eve and during the first week of spring.

The spectacular Northern Lights can also be witnessed in Iceland from October – March. Iceland’s close proximity to the North Pole makes this awe-inspiring country perfect for viewing this amazing natural light show given the right conditions – on a clear starry night with an evening temperature below zero degrees Celsius.

See both of these spectacular light shows for yourself this autumn and join Discover the World on a breathtaking trip to Iceland. If you're looking for a long weekend in a vibrant, cosmopolitan city then Reykjavik has it all. Whilst you're at it indulge mind and body in a therapeutic visit to the world-famous Blue Lagoon. If, like me, you enjoy the city and the countryside then an 'Essential Iceland' self-drive is perfect. What better way to spend the autimn days then driving around the fantastic coastal scenery of the south where the air is crisp and rejuvenating.

See all of this and more at www.discover-the-world.co.uk

Jar City - contender for slickest movie of the year.

2008-09-15T10:25:20+01:00

Move over 'RocknRolla' there's a new contender in town for slickest movie of the year! Jar City is a chilling murder mystery from Iceland, adapted from Arnaldur Indridason's bestseller. When Reykjavik Detective Inspector Erlendur (Ingvar Eggert Sigurdsson) investigates the murder of an old man, unnerving forensic discoveries lead to the deaths, 30 years apart, of two little girls, and a horrific secret is soon revealed.

Parallel tragedies gradually merge in a haunting film - one deals with Erlendur's relationship with his troubled daughter, the other with how the medical histories (and hereditary secrets) of a country's entire population are on a database for anyone with computer skills to peruse and misuse.

It's a real spellbinder with some very slick and atmospheric shots of Reykjavik. Surely this movie must be ripe for the Hollywood treatment?!

Unearth the secrets of Reykjavik for yourself with Discover the World, the world's largest tour operator to Iceland, and find out why Reykjavik is one definitely one of the coolest capitals on the planet.

Thought you knew all there was to know about Iceland? Think again.....

2008-08-22T14:13:22+01:00

Icelandic women don’t take the husband’s name when they marry, chiefly because the husband doesn’t have a family name to take.
Because they don’t have surnames, Icelanders are listed in the telephone directory alphabetically by first name.
Because they don’t have surnames, it is not appropriate to call an Icelander by Mr. or Ms. Almost all Icelanders use the first name with everyone—including the president of Iceland.
The English word geyser comes from Icelandic (perhaps the only Icelandic word imported into English). Geysir is the name of a famous geyser in Iceland (which, sadly, no longer erupts).
The Icelanders speak the Icelandic language, which is used only in Iceland and among Icelandic expatriates—chiefly in Scandinavia and North America. Icelandic is very similar to old Nor
There are only about 270,000 Icelanders in the country. About half of them live in the capital Reykjavik and its suburbs.
Iceland is the world’s oldest democracy. Its parliament (Althingi) was founded about 1,000 years ago.
Iceland has vast amounts of water—because it rains so much. Icelandic water is so clean and pure that it is piped into the city and to the kitchen taps in the home without any treatment (no chlorination needed).
Urban Icelandic homes do not need a water heater or a furnace for heating. Steam and hot water are piped into the city from natural geysers and hot springs for use in homes and buildings.
Because of its bountiful water supply and many rivers, Iceland has vast reserves of hydroelectric power. Electricity is so inexpensive that aluminum ore (bauxite) is shipped in to the country, made into aluminum, and the aluminum ingots are shipped out again. (Smelting aluminum requires vast amounts of electricity.)
The weather in Iceland is not as cold as you might think. (Winter is a heck of a lot colder in Minnesota than it is in Iceland!) The climate is relatively mild because of the influence of the Atlantic Ocean’s Gulf Stream. Average winter daytime temperature in Reykjavik is 31 degrees F. (−1 degrees C.)
Iceland is very green, because there is so much water and the climate is mild. (There are not many trees however.) People like to say that Iceland should be named Greenland and Greenland should be named Iceland.
Iceland lies just south of the Arctic Circle. Winter nights and summer days are long. On December 21 in the capital, the sun rises at 11:30 a.m. and sets at 3:30 p.m. On June 21 the sun sets about midnight and rises at 3:00 a.m. It never gets darker than twilight at night during the late spring and early summer.
During a recent survey, Icelanders ranked the highest of all European countries in expressing general satisfaction with their lives.
Icelanders rank near the top of world nations in the per capita rate of connection to the Internet.

Iceland forging ahead with incentive travel

2008-07-30T16:53:46+01:00

Iceland is one the fastest growing incentive travel destinations in the world. It's success is largely down to location, accessible to companies in both Europe and North America, but also because of the unusual activities on offer and its unique landscape.

A popular way for companies to reward productivity and galvanise team spirit, incentive travel in Iceland is an attractive option for employers eager to get the best from staff in the future.

Hosting business events in Iceland is a great way to ensure they are unforgettable and unique. The volcanic island in the North Atlantic is an unusual, exciting and challenging location for any number of team building exercises and other corporate events.

Iceland feels the heat...!

2008-07-30T16:39:45+01:00

Things have have just got a little hotter in Iceland as temperatures rose above 20°C in many parts of the country yesterday and above 27°C in Thingvellir National Park, southwest Iceland—a new record this summer. Such a high temperature have not been measured in July in Iceland for many years.

Residents in Reykjavík did what they do best and used the opportunity to tan on Nauthólsvík thermal beach and swimming pools across the country were crowded.

Even higher temperatures are forecast for today because, according to meteorologists, warmer air will flow above the country than yesterday. South and west Iceland will enjoy the highest temperatures.

Meteorologist Einar Sveinbjörnsson predicts that this mid-summer’s bliss has still not peaked. The outlook is good for next weekend, a weekend dedicated to outdoor festivals in Iceland

Join the world's largest tour operator to Iceland this summer with a choice of over 20 self-drive holidays as well as activity, escorted and special interest holidays. Visit www.discover-the-world.co.uk to see just what you've been missing.

University of Iceland To Be among the World’s Top Ten

2008-07-01T12:47:28+01:00

The University of Iceland held a graduation ceremony recently for bachelor and masters students. At the ceremony two years ago, the rector announced the new goals for the university. In this year’s graduation speech she took the goals from 2006 even further.

Two years ago, Kristín Ingólfsdóttir, the rector of the University of Iceland announced that the university would aim at to be among the top 100 universities in the world before 2011, when the university celebrates its 100th anniversary.

More recentky she announced new and even more challenging goals. The university is still aiming for a seat on the top 100 list, but Ingólfsdóttir’s envisions going even further and now the goal is to get one of the university’s five faculties on the top ten list. Fréttabladid reports.

There has been a lot of discussion on how to fund such ambitious goals, with the central issue of whether the University of Iceland should charge tuition. According to Icelandic law, the state university may not charge tuition, but Althingi, the Icelandic Parliament, has made some changes in the legal framework surrounding universities so there is a legal possibility for charging school fees. However, the university’s administration has not yet made any decision on the matter. Ingólfsdóttir made no comments as to whether she would support the use of tuition.

Sigur Rós, Björk Perform Free Show for Iceland

2008-06-13T11:26:54+01:00

Native Icelanders Björk and Sigur Rós are joining forcing to perform a free concert in their home country at the end of the month in a bid to increase recognition of the growing environmental issues and natural image of Iceland.

On June 28th, both rock acts will play an outdoors show in Reykjavik, Iceland at the Botanical Garden on Laugavegur. They will be accompanied by artists such as Ólöf Arnalds, who is also from Iceland, and a few other artists from outside of the nation. Björk told the Icelandic publication Morgunbladid that the country is behind in being environmentally-friendly and needs to start incorporating 'green thinking' into what it does. The building of more dams and aluminum factories is one factor that continues to hinder progress so new options should perhaps be considered, the 42-year-old musician stated.

Last year, Björk released her sixth studio record entitled Volta, which was nominated at the 2007 Grammy Awards. Sigur Rós are coming out with their fifth full-length album, Með suð ' eyrum við spilum endalaust (which means "With a Buzz in Our Ears We Play Endlessly" in English) at the end of this month on the 23rd of June. Meanwhile, Ólöf Arnalds released her debut album, Við Og Við, last year.

Find out just why Iceland is one of the 'coolest' countries on the planet by visiting www.discover-the-world.co.uk

Iceland tops the poll as world's most peaceful country

2008-05-23T11:36:42+01:00

Did you know that Iceland is the world's most peaceful country, according to an index measuring internal and external turmoil. Only one of the G8 states makes it into the top 10 of the survey, which was published this week.

Ingibjorg Solrun Gisladottir, Iceland's foreign minister, welcomed her country's ranking by saying "We are very pleased that the index confirms the core values of a small democratic society ... which has never had a military and has effectively practised peace for hundreds of years," she said. "We can feel that other states also find this of importance and it is in fact a driving force in our first-time candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN security council."

While Iceland leads the field, Nordic countries again feature at the top of the index, which is compiled by the Economist Intelligence Unit from 24 indicators of external and internal measures of peace, including UN deployments overseas and levels of violent crime nationally. Denmark and Norway come second and third, followed by New Zealand and Japan, the G8's sole representative in the top 10.

Give peace a chance and find a more harmonious way of life by visiting the world's number travel company to Iceland, Discover the World, at www.discover-the-world.co.uk

TripAdvisor votes Queenstown and Milford Sound top two worldwide destinations

2008-05-09T09:52:11+01:00

Queenstown has been named the second most popular world destination, closely following Milford Sound in first place, by TripAdvisor®, the world’s largest travel community.

The inaugural TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Destinations Awards recognise inspirational travel spots and honour the most beloved destinations from around the world.

TripAdvisor’s 2008 Destinations Awards represent the opinions of millions of travelers. The winners were determined by a combination of TripAdvisor’s travelers’ favourite places and overall popularity on the online travel community’s website.

Vice President of Global Communications for TripAdvisor Michele Perry said the Travelers’ Choice Destinations Awards are unique because they single out not just popular places but truly exceptional places that enthrall travelers and keep them coming back.

Destination Queenstown CEO, David Kennedy, said the award for Queenstown was testament to the quality of the town’s operators and the exceptional travel experience they delivered. The award was phenomenal recognition for Queenstown and the people who run businesses in town, showcasing Queenstown’s southern hospitality and delivering an inspirational experience.

Start planning your dream holiday to New Zealand now by visiting www.discover-the-world.co.uk where you will find one of the UK's most comprehensive guides to New Zealand together with a fantastic selection of travel options.

Iceland claims Europe's largest park

2008-05-08T12:51:44+01:00

Next month Vatnajokull in Iceland will be designated the largest national park in Europe. It will cover more than three million acres (half the size of Wales), incorporating 13 per cent of the whole country.

Vatnajokull, in the south-east of the country, is a land of high plains, volcanoes, lava beds, sand flats, rivers, lakes and ravines. While some areas – such as the Detifoss waterfall, the most powerful in Europe – attract visitors, much of the park is a wilderness. Seven volcanoes, most of them active, are located under the Vatnajokull ice-cap, one of the largest glaciers in Europe.

A network of visitor centres, waymarked trails and rangers' stations is being built to improve accessibility. "National park status will protect the area against development, pollution and other human interference in order to preserve it for future generations," said Olof Yrr Atladottir, the director-general of the Icelandic Tourist Board.

Tourist officials estimate that the park could attract more than 40,000 new visitors each year.

Iceland is already anticipating an increase in tourist numbers as its currency, the krona, has fallen by more than 10 per cent against the pound in the past 12 months.

Travel with the World's number one tour operator to Iceland, Discover the World, and witness this amazing national park for yourself..!! For more information see www.discover-the-world.co.uk

Sweden ranks world's best place for mothers

2008-05-08T09:52:06+01:00

Sweden has once again been rated as "the best place to be a mother in the world" by a U.S.-based charity in a report assessing the well-being for mothers around the world.

The report, released by the aid agency Save the Children Tuesday, illustrates where mothers fare best and where they face the greatest hardship.

Save the Children has done the assessments of such aspects as longevity, drinking water quality, matNorway ranks second on the list of 146 countries in the State of the World's Mothers' index, followed by Iceland which ranks third.

Among the top 10 countries on the list are also New Zealand, Denmark, Australia, Finland, Ireland, Germany and France.

The low-ranked countries include Niger, Chad, Yemen, Sierra Leone, Angola, Guinea Bissa, Eritrea, Djibouti, Mali and Ethiopia.

The organization releases its report annually since 2000 in a bid to arouse public concerns about life quality for mothers around the world.

Enjoy a holiday in Sweden, Iceland and New Zealand and find out for yourself just why these countries are unique. For more information visit www.discover-the-world.co.uk

World's most northerly kebab shop opened..!!

2008-04-03T10:05:40+01:00

The Red Polar Bear, owned by Kazem Ariaiwand, is providing kebabs on the island of Spitsbergen, in the Svalbard archipelago 300 miles off the northern tip of Norway.

With temperatures averaging 14F (-10C), the time-honoured question of "chilli sauce?" could not seem more appropriate.

Mr Ariaiwand moved to Spitsbergen after a failed asylum attempt in Norway, and set up his business in an old military van last year in Longyearbyen. His venture has been such a success among the settlement's 2,000 population that it is challenging the more traditional fare of seal and minke whale meat.

Mr Ariaiwand fled Iran five years ago but while his wife and son were granted asylum in Norway, he was refused. Commenting on his new life Mr Ariaiwand says "I've made a fair amount of money but the problem is that I don't know how to spend it," said the 48-year-old. "I came here without knowing anyone. I had nothing. I came on a plane with my backpack. Now I have many friends, almost the whole town."

To find out more about holidays to Spitsbergen and the Polar regions visit the UK travel specialists, Discover the World, at www.discover-the-world.co.uk

Headlining acts at the Reykjavik Blues Festival - 18th - 21st March

2008-03-14T12:37:41+00:00

Among the performers featured at this year’s Reykjavík Blues Festival are The Yardbirds. This band produced the ultra-talented Blues playing guitarists Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page. The Yardbirds paved the way for the Blues in UK pop music and had a tremendous impact on the contemporary music of the times. Also performing is Magic Slim, a living legend who’s coming straight from Chicago with his band, The Teardrops. The Blues diva Deitra Farr is also one of this year’s guest performers at the Reykjavík Blues Festival, as well as Vinir Dóra and many others. The Norwegian Blues duo Jolly Jumper & Big Moe, whose style is inspired by the Blues traditions of the early 1900s, will be attending the festival for their second time. The 2008 festival will also feature the music of The Nordic All Stars Blues Band. This band is made up of an elite selection of some of Scandinavia’s finest Blues musicians.

There are many Icelandic Jazz and Blues performers attending the festival this year. Among those is the well-known Bláir skuggar whose members include the talented Sigurður Flosason, Jón Páll Bjarnason, Þórir Baldursson and Pétur Östlund.

This is the 5th Anniversary of the Reykjavík Blues Festival. In celebration, musicians who have been presented with the award of Honorary Member of the Reykjavík Blues Association will be performing at this year’s festival. These performers include Magnús Eiríksson, Björgvin Gíslason, Andrea Gylfadóttir and KK. In keeping with tradition, the Blues Festival will continue to spotlight new and upcoming Blues talent.

Vist the world's leading specialist tour operator to Iceland, Discover the World, for more information on holidays to Reykjavik and Iceland. Whether it's a city break, self-drive or escorted holiday, Discover the World have ideas for every preference and can tailor make a holiday to suit any requirment.

Imagine all the People.....

2008-03-04T11:20:53+00:00

There is something about the beauty and tranquility of Iceland that makes it the rightful setting for a spectacular tribute to John Lennon.

John Lennon changed the world in so many ways with his music and outlook on life and so now at last the world has a permanent and very spiritual reminder of his legacy.

Yoko Ono unveiled The Imagine Peace Tower in Reykjavik, Iceland on October 9th, 2007. It will shine nightly every year from October 9th (John Lennon's birthday) through December 8th, the anniversary of Lennon's death in 1980.

The legend lives on……!!

To discover this and more for yourself visit www.discover-the-world.co.uk

Icelandic culture festival kicks off in Brussels

2008-02-26T09:46:55+00:00

Brussels will play host to some innovative and intriguing Icelandic art and culture tomorrow when the ‘Iceland on the Edge’ festival opens at the Centre for Fine Arts.

The festival will bring Icelandic music and photography, multimedia installations and a sample of the vibrant cultural life that exists on the small Nordic island of just 300,000 inhabitants.

The 20 events which will take place over the course of the festival are organised into four themes: Pure Energy, Independent People, Bad Taste and Sagas.

While the slogan ‘Pure Energy’ is usually used to advertise the city of Reykjavik to tourists, this event will explore the relationship between culture and nature, showcasing some of the breathtaking scenery that is found in Iceland.

Those looking for modern Icelandic music and art should visit the ‘Bad Taste’ events. The name derives from a local record label and represents the more lively and experimental tastes in music and art.

While the ‘Independent People’ events are focused on the strong-willed people of Iceland today, the Sagas focus more on the rich literary history of the country.

Popular artists who performed at the Iceland Airwaves music festival last summer, Mum, Kira Kira, Skakkamanage and Parachutes, will travel to Brussels to perform at the festival on March 8th.

The festival will continue until the middle of June.

As the world’s leading tour operator to Iceland with over 30 years experience on the island, Discover the World have the most extensive collection of Iceland holidays on the planet featuring everything from cultural short-breaks to extensive self-drives and escorted holidays.

To uncover the secret of this fascinating island for yourself visit www.discover-the-world.co.uk or call 01737 218800 to talk to one of the company’s Iceland experts.

New Saab Move Your Mind Experience at the ICEHOTEL

2008-02-15T12:44:03+00:00

The Swedish premium car brand, Saab, has created a truly all-encompassing brand experience that will open its doors to the public on the 11th February 2008.

Housed within the ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, the Saab Move Your Mind room will allow the public to experience Saab – the brand, its spirit, tonality and core values through innovative design installations made wholly from ice.

Designed and created by Simon Padian, chief designer for Saab and Tjåsa Gusfors – a leading designer at the ICEHOTEL, specializing in ice and snow sculpture, the installation has been inspired by Saab’s core brand pillars - progressive design, responsible performance and sporty driver focus. By drawing inspiration from these core brand values and from the award-winning Saab Aero X concept car, the installation showcases Saab’s heritage in design innovation and independent thinking.

Simon Padian: ”The Move Your Mind room is designed to be a journey, a flow, a pulse which aims to disrupt and challenge the visitors perceptions of what is normal or expected. The installation is designed to create an audiovisual experience that defies the visitor’s senses. We hope that the public will find it thought-provoking and leave feeling more engaged with the Saab brand.”

Visitors will be encouraged to walk through an ice suite featuring key Saab brand messages and showcasing Saab’s design heritage. Highlights include an ice sculpted Saab Aero X and impressive light and sound sequences.

Discover the World, the UK's leading specialist tour opeartor to Swedish Lapland, features a range of 3 and 4 night holidays to the ICEHOTEL with the option of booking a unique Saab Ice Driving excursion.

For more information and to book please call 01737 218800 or visit www.discover-the-world.co.uk

Irish adventurers set to reach South Pole tonight!

2008-01-08T13:12:46+00:00

History will be made at the South Pole tonight as a team of adventurers led by Corkman Pat Falvey is expected to make history this evening as the first Irish expedition to reach the South Pole. The four explorers embarked in November on a 1,100km trek through some of the harshest conditions on the planet. They have braved icy winds, sub-zero temperatures and freezing snowstorms and are finally expected to reach their destination today.

Mr Falvey is a world-renowned explorer who has led 59 expeditions worldwide. He is the only person to have completed the Seven Summits challenge twice.

In December 2008, thanks to Discover the World, you can also follow in the footsteps of Pat Falvey with your very own South Pole Adventure. A new 8 day ‘South Pole Adventure’, featured for the first time in the UK, provides a unique opportunity to fly, as part of small select group, from Punta Arenas across the Drake passage, beyond the Antarctic Peninsula to a base camp at Patriot Hills. From here a specially equipped ski aircraft (a DCH-6 Twin Otter – the perfect transportation for these conditions) will fly you across the plateau to the South Pole visiting the Scott-Amundsen base. Prices from £17,944 per person departing December 2008 and January 2009.

Building on the success of its unique and inspiring holidays to the far corners of the globe, Discover the World, the UK’s award-winning specialist operator of quality, bespoke holidays, showcase this and many other extraordinary adventures in a new collection of Polar Journeys, with departures from June 2008 to March 2009, in a new 70 page brochure. Incorporating the very best itineraries in the highest and lowest latitudes of the planet, the new brochure focuses on adventurous voyages and land based holidays that highlight the stunning landscapes of both the North and South Poles, natural beauty of Greenland and polar bear watching adventures in Canada.

New International Ice Sculpting Festival in London

2008-01-04T12:03:07+00:00

Wrap up warm for the inaugural ‘London International Ice Sculpting Festival’ – the first of its kind in Britain and planned as an annual winter event. Set against the stunning backdrop of the ‘Natural History Museum’ in South Kensington, next to the very popular ice rink, the January festival will take the form of a competition between teams of ice sculptors briefed to interpret a predetermined theme against the clock, using huge two- metre blocks of sparkling ice.

Scheduled to last for four days, the event kicks off at 1pm on January 17th when sculptors from around the world begin their quest to dazzle with extraordinary designs. During these (hopefully) sunlit days, spectators will be able to watch as the beautiful ethereal works of art emerge. At 2pm on Sunday 20th, a team of judges will present the winning team with a trophy for ‘Best Interpretation’. Distinguished sculptor Philip Jackson is one of the judges on the panel.

This event is perfectly timed to relieve the sombre mid-January gloom and to inspire audiences in ice design. I have always believed that art and travel go hand in hand which is why a visit to the world famous and internationally renowned ICEHOTEL in Swedish Lapland is a must. Featuring an array of spectacular ice designs and ice suites the ICEHOTEL is clearly a living work of art and what’s more you can even spend a night sleeping on ice!