2016 Europe, Middle East, and Africa Travel Guide - (Page 24)

ICELAND Reykjavik A UNESCO City of Literature and the world's most northerly capital city, Reykjavik, with a population of only 120,000 and very few skyscrapers, is a dream for travelers who want to feel the energy of a capital city, but still feel immersed in the great outdoors. The city is abuzz with cafes, restaurants and truly unique attractions such as Yoko Ono's Imagine Peace Tower, all complemented by geothermal beaches. SEE: Come for the literature. The city library offers literary walking tours, mainly in downtown Reykjavik, that show off the city's literary side; the guided tour Dark Deeds in Reykjavik is free of charge and takes place every Thursday at 3 p.m. in June, July and August. Additionally, selected city benches in Reykjavik have become literary retreats- visitors can listen to readings from Icelandic literature by scanning a QR code, placed on several city benches, with a smart-phone; the readings are in English and Icelandic. SAVOR: In Reykjavik, art aficionados will want to savor the arts scene, which includes exploring everything from the Reykjavik Art Museum and the National Gallery, which showcase the works of classic Icelandic artists, to independent galleries that feature more cutting-edge artists. SIGNATURE EVENT: There's no more spectacular event than feasting one's eyes on the Northern Lights. This beautiful phenomenon takes place between September and April, although there's no guarantee visitors will see the Northern Lights during their stay, but the hunt for the lights is in itself an adventure. STAY: The 99-room Hotel Borg is located near all of the city's top attractions and within close proximity to art galleries and restaurants. This elegant hotel offers an Art Deco style, with modern in-room amenities. Guests have access to a spa, the onsite restaurant and concierge service. CRUISE: As the gateway to Iceland's natural wonders-this land of "fire and ice"- Reykjavik is included in many big ship itineraries, including Princess Cruises and Regent Seven Seas. Solfar Sculpture and Image Peace Monument in Reykjavik. 24 FACTS June to August Iceland was the last country to be settled in Europe, when emigrants from Scandinavia and the British Isles first came to live on the island in the ninth and 10th centuries GETTING THERE: Delta flies to Reykjavik from New York (JFK) and Minneapolis (seasonal service to begin May 2016) ENTRY DOCUMENTS: Valid passport CURRENCY: Icelandic Krona LOCAL FOODS: Hangikjot (smoked Icelandic lamb); skyr (a type of cheese that's comparable to yogurt); fish and some seafood, of course; kjotsupa (meat soup); and the Icelandic hot dog BEST BUYS: Icelandic sweaters; jewelry with volcanic rock; books; Blue Lagoon beauty products; and anything made by Icelandic designers BEST TIME TO GO: FUN FACT: INFORMATION PLEASE: visiticeland.com http://www.visiticeland.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of 2016 Europe, Middle East, and Africa Travel Guide

Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Holland
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom
Ghana
Kenya
Morocco
Nigeria
South Africa
Senegal
Tanzania
Egypt
India
Israel
Turkey
United Arab Emirates

2016 Europe, Middle East, and Africa Travel Guide