Firsthand account of a visit to the erupting volcano

Last week I was fortunate enough to visit the erupting volcano and see this spectacular sight for myself, here is a firsthand account of one of the most memorable experiences of my life...

 

After a short flight we were welcomed at the airport by our expert guide Ragnar, and his enormous superjeep.  It looks like you could drive it anywhere, and indeed you probably could, the 38 inch tires lifting the heavily modified Land Rover Defender well clear of the ground.

We headed straight for the excellent Hotel Ranga, the perfect base for viewing this particular eruption, but only had time for a pit stop and a sandwich before being whisked up towards the base for our snowmobile trip up to the eruption.

Once there, we were kitted out with thermal overalls, gloves and helmets and then given a quick lesson on piloting our snowmobiles. Suitably prepared, we set off in single file on an exhilarating journey across the glacier, the huge white open spaces sparsely populated with other snowmobiles and adventurers in superjeeps out to get a look at the eruption. We made our first stop on the crest of a small ridge, and the burnt orange sunset blazing across the sky added some extra spectacle to the awesome view of the smouldering crater in the distance, plumes of smoke rising over the tear in the earth’s surface in front of us. Thinking that this was our viewing point, we all started taking pictures and chattering excitedly. But no, we remounted and headed off again - straight for the volcano!

As we pulled up at the natural viewing platform overlooking the eruption from a mere two or three hundred metres away, the excited chatter died away, with the whole party overcome by the natural phenomenon taking place before our eyes. Huge spouts of red and orange lava shooting out of the crater to a soundtrack of low booms and crashes. There are not enough superlatives to describe what it’s like to be stood in front of something like this, still images do not do it justice, and you can’t help but feel humbled and privileged at being able to witness it. The raw power of nature, hurling new born earth hundreds of metres into the air is something I will never forget, the minus fifteen or twenty degree Celsius temperatures a mere mild inconvenience as we basked in the glow of the thousand degree lava.

But the surprises didn’t stop there, from here we boarded a helicopter for our flight back to Hotel Ranga, I don’t think there could have been a better time for my first experience in a helicopter. Rising quickly over the edge of the crater, our new vantage point opened up the view to include the spectacular lava flow running out of the volcano, at one point dropping suddenly over a ledge to form a 200m high “waterfall” of lava. We soared above for a while enjoying this incredible view before turning and heading for our temporary home.

And home it feels like, Ranga is built in a lodge style, all the rooms are very well appointed and have great big Jacuzzi baths – perfect for relaxing after a hard day’s volcano watching. The hotel also features 7 rather unusual themed suites, decked out to stunning effect to represent the different continents of the world.

Despite the fact that our visit was (quite literally!) a flying one – not nearly as relaxed or all-encompassing as the 3 night breaks offered on our website – we still managed to squeeze in a visit to the Blue Lagoon on the way back to the airport, perfect relaxation before our flight back home...

Paul, Discover the World

Expedition team embarks on the 25th Antarctic expedition

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/

Skiing in Lapland - midnight sun skiing until late june, huge amounts of fresh powder snow, affordable heli skiing...what more could you ask for?

“…but look what happened last season, I paid all that cash and didn’t get any snow so there’s no way I’m going away this season!”

If this sounds familiar to any of your readers, then Discover the World’s new Lapland & Beyond brochure has the answer – guaranteed snow!

Whether it’s superb, affordable heli-skiing, great off-piste slopes or skiing under the midnight sun until late June, read on for some ski holiday ideas that your readers are sure to love Download discover_the_world_lapland_beyond_brochure_ski_release.doc

Discover the World announce new direct flight to Kiruna - more information

We now have more details about our our new direct flight with SAS to Kiruna, Swedish Lapland. For more information, please click on the press release button in the navigation pane above or click here

In addition to the new flight, we are also developing combined Icehotel/Ski packages as well as ski-only itineraries which will be detailed in our Lapland & Beyond brochure (due out in the second week of June). The resorts are Riksgransen & Bjorkliden and offer some of the world's best  off-piste skiing as well as very affordable and absolutely amazing heli skiing opportunities (I was there last week and it was incredible - sunshine, fresh powder snow (this late in the season!) and    people-free mountains!).

We were even skiing at 1230 in the morning thanks to the midnight sun - where else can you do that!

What a combination - especially if you visit the icehotel in the same holiday.

Watch this space for more details and if you would like our Lapland & Beyond brochure (2007/2008 winter season) then let me know - 01737 214 294 / alexis@discover-the-world.co.uk

thanks

Tourism in Antarctica - Discover the World's stance

Nicola Rickett, our Antarctic product manager, has put 'pen to paper' to ouline our stance on Antarctic tourism and how operators such as Discover the World can, without doubt, play their part in the fight to keep this pristine continent exactly that, negating the wider scale problems faced by Antarctica in the face of increased tourism demand.

It's all about making the right choices.

For further insights please visit www.antarcticblog.com or for the specific post please click here

Thanks
Alexis

May Bank holiday ideas - unique ideas from the Iceland specialists

We have some great short breaks for all preferences that will make for some great & unique listings in any Bank Holiday round-ups you have planned, including:

• Superjeeps for the adrenalin junkies out there
• A romantic cracker for any of your readers looking to spice up their relationship
• Family fun on a great value holiday based in Reykjavik
• Nature lovers will go crazy over Iceland's natural offerings, from huge waterfalls in the south to stunning spouting geysers and tectonic plate rifts close to the capital

Please just call me on 01737 214 294 for more details including prices etc.

IMAGES - what would an Icelandic listing be without a superb image to go with it. We have probably the most Icelandic images of any operator and they are all free to use!

Thanks
Alexis

'Discover the World' named Travel Specialist of the Year in New Zealand Tourism Awards 2007

Not only did we manage a top 10 'Tour Operator' placing in Wanderlust's anual reader awards, presented by Lyn Hughes at Destinations London last week, but on Tuesday night Tourism New Zealand & Air New Zealand and their panel of judges voted us 'Travel Specialist of the Year 2007' and we won the 'Best On-line Content 2007' award - both relating to our New Zealand holiday programme...obviously.

We also gained a Highly Commended award for both the following:
> Best New Zealand Marketing/Promotional Campaign
> Best New Zealand Consumer Publication

For more information, please click on the Press Releases link above.

As always, if you need any information and some great rights free images across all of our New Zealand holidays then do let me know by phone or email (01737 214 294 / alexis@discovertheworld.co.uk)

North Pole Solar Eclipse Voyage - July/August 2008

In a really special addition to our Arctic Voyage offerings, clients can now journey to the very top of the world and be one of the few to experience a dramatic Solar Eclipse on this unique voyage in the Arctic seas.

The total eclipse will only be visible from a narrow corridor on the 1st August 2008, where the vessel hopes to sit in the very centre of the eclipse path across the earth, which will cross the northern island of Novaya Zemlya.

Of course, availability is limited and it has so far proven extremely popular, so the old story of booking early definitely applies. The starting price is from £12,490pp for a twin cabin (which doesn't include a flight to Helsinki - from around £220pp), bookable through Discover the World. Here are a few vital details:

Departure Date:   Duration:  Vessel:   Prices From:
19th July 2008   17days      Yamal    GBP 12,490

Please also Download discover_the_world_north_pole_solar_eclipse_voyage.doc  for more information including an outline itinerary and pricing.

Thanks and any questions or for images then call me (Alexis) on 01737 241 294 or email alexis@discover-the-world.co.uk

Feature ideas - Discover the World - Lapland, Iceland, Greenland and beyond...

Here are a few different story angles across a selection of our destinations. If you need images or further information then let me know (01737 214 294 / alexis@discover-the-world.co.uk):

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The Icehotel with a wildlife twist... Icehotel & Orca safari – Swedish & Norwegian Lapland (5 nights) – a short break that (probably) can’t be rivalled for sheer excitement. This escorted two-centre trip combines an amazing wildlife experience – swimming with orca whales as they feed on the shoals of herring - amidst breathtaking scenery on Norway’s stunning coastline with a stay at the Swedish Icehotel®, one of the world’s most unusual hotels. Needless to say, an array of snowy activities are available.

Prices start from £1262 per person which includes flights, accommodation and all other inclusions which can be seen on our website.

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Husky mushing in its true form (

Greenland

)

With departures between March & April 2007, the chance to learn about a way of life unique to the Arctic region is what our Greenland Husky Safari is all about. Explore the frozen wilderness of East Greenland by husky sledge and visit a traditional Greenlandic community amongst other activities on this 5, 6 or 9 night adventure that includes at least 1 night in Iceland’s capital Reykjavik at either end of the trip.

Prices start from £1214 per person based on 2 sharing and includes flights, accommodation and husky sledge tours as described in the itinerary and all other inclusions which can be seen on our website.

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Pure nature and total indulgence

Aurora spa break – Finnish Lapland (4 nights) - The fell area of northern Finland with its never ending pristine and glittering landscape, is perfect for all types of adventure (including husky sledging and snowmobiling) for the boys, whilst the ladies can pamper themselves with two superb spa treatments, leaving everyone involved exhilarated and/or relaxed. A taste of

Lapland

quite unlike anything else in our brochure...

Prices start from £1038 per person based on 2 people sharing and full board basis (drinks not included) and include flights, two spa treatments and other activities which can be seen on our website.

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Pristine snow cloaked log cabins (as well as huge amounts of adventure!)

Kakslauttanen Cabins and igloos – Finnish Lapland (3 nights) - Authentic Finnish log cabins with their own private sauna, ice igloos, glass igloos, northern lights (possibly!), pristine snow-cloaked forests...the list of unique attractions goes on!

In addition to the numerous excursions (reindeer sledging, husky sledging, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, etc), this short 3 night break is an ideal surprise getaway, romantic escape or even a family break. This is an unforgettable long weekend with a choice of accommodation – various log  cabins, glass igloos or ice rooms

Prices start from £695 including flights, accommodation and other inclusions which can be seen on our website.

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Romance is in the (purest) air (in the world):

A new break for the winter time and a perfect break for the festive and/or valentine romantics, our Iceland based Romantic Winter Retreat self drive visits Reykjavik as well as the stunning Hotel Budir, located on the beautiful Snaefellsness peninsula in Iceland’s west. The 5-night holiday finds just the right balance between long cosy nights spent in romantic hotels and days out exploring

Iceland

’s spectacular and peaceful countryside.

Prices start from £552 per person including flights, accommodation, car hire and other inclusions which can be seen on our website.

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thanks and happy christmas!

Sarpik Ittuk - inaugural Antarctica voyage

With a long awaited inaugural voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula now over, Quark Expeditions' Sales & Client Services executive Dale Woods reports back about how the new vessel - Sarpik Ittuk - performed. Here's his account:

THE DRAKE PASSAGE
The first question everyone has asked on my return has been, "What was she like in the Drake Passage?"  I can say with complete confidence that the new ship handles as well as any ship in our fleet!

I admit that a Force 9 gale, with winds of more than 40 knots, was more of a test than I had anticipated. But it means that I can tell you without reservation that she is an excellent ship, and a welcome addition to our fleet.

How many knots can she do crossing the Drake? 10! That's right . In a Force 9 gale she was able to maintain 10 knots. She can do the crossing in the required amount of time, quite handily. 

THERE ARE MANY OTHER ADVANTAGES TO SARPIK ITTUK
Getting in and out of Zodiacs was simple. You take only 3 steps and you are in the landing craft. The picture to the right shows the gangway lowered and ready for a the boat to run alongside.

The ship has powerful bow and stern thrusters, which made maneuvering in narrow channels and bays very easy.

The vessel's shallow draft - the amount of ship below the waterline - is another advantage when sailing the Peninsula. The ship can be positioned closer to shore, shortening the transfer times during landings.

The Panorama Lounge affords wonderful views of the passing scenery. I enjoyed relaxing in the lounge after a landing, while trading stories about what we had seen. We held the recap sessions in  the Lounge, which converts easily to a presentation room with all the latest audio-visual equipment.

We always had the option of strolling the ample exterior decks, if we wanted a breath of fresh air. They are perfect places for taking pictures of icebergs and wildlife in the water.

Something else that I think your passengers will appreciate is being able to look out the cabin window while lying in bed. That was a comfortable way to watch the sunrise at 2:30 in the morning!



Discover the World offer a number of small-vessel voyages to the stunning Antarctic Peninsula, including voyages aboard the Sarpik Ittuk through 'till February 2008. Please visit our website - www.discover-the-world.co.uk/antarctica - for more information or call/email me on 01737 3663 94 / alexis@discover-the-world.co.uk for some great images. Voyage prices start from £2,137 per person excluding flights which are available through Discover the World from approximately £900.

Thanks.
Alexis