Cloud 9 - Magazine

7/27/2019 Cloud 9 - Magazine

1/201 Talk to the experts 01737 218 812

cloud9Inspiration for unforgettable holidays | Jan 2013

ICELAND POLAR AUSTRALIA SWEDEN NEW ZEALAND CANADA FINLAND ALASKA NORW

new-look, interactive digital edition

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inside4 WINDOW SEATHot short break: Superjeep

Volcano Adventure PLUS

self-drive in Europes very

own Middle Earth

6 IcElANDClick here to see the new

Hotel ION and our latest

Iceland holidays PLUS

whale watching and hiking

10 GREEN lIGHT: GOIf you havent seen the

northern lights yet, nows

your chance. Click here for

late availability trips and

next winters highlights

12 WIlD STATEExplore big new horizons

in Alaska, Discover the

Worlds latest destination

16 NZ PIcK N MIXThe new go-slow, full-

immersion way toexperience New Zealand

18 IcONIc cANADAThe great outdoors by air,

sea, road, rail and sledge

Welcome to the new, interactive Cloud 9magazine from Discover the World. Goingdigital is not only better for the environment,but it also means we can bring you more issues each year. Weve

designed the magazine to be as user-friendly as possible, packed

with inspiring travel ideas and easy to share with friends. With just a

few clicks or taps you could be delving into Discover the Worlds new

Alaska programme, checking out special places to stay in Iceland

or planning an indepth exploration of New Zealand. Enjoy.

interactiveHow to get the mostfrom this digitaledition of Cloud 9

Seeing red? Give it aclick or a tap to explore

more. Throughout Cloud

9 youll nd links to our

website, pop-up image

galleries and further info

panels, video clips and

opportunities to

enter competitions

and share with

friends.

William Gray, Editor


3/208 disover-oud9.o.ukDISCOVER THE WORLD | Cloud 9 | Jan 2013

QDid the northernlights live up to allthe media hype?

AYes, absolutely

and some of theexperts are saying that it

will continue to increase

in intensity right through

next winter and beyond!

QWhats on yourtravel wishlist?

AIts going to be a

very busy year. In

January and February I

will be visiting Argentina,

Chile and Antarctica

looking for new ideas.

Then its off to Iceland

for our WhaleFest. In

March Ill be in Lapland

for a couple of weeks.May will see me in Alaska

on Icelandairs inaugural

ight to Anchorage, which

is the basis of our new

Alaska programme.

QAlaska sounds fun.Tell me more.

AIcelandair are yingthere, via Reykjavik,

twice a week from mid-May to mid-September,

providing us with easy

access to one of the

worlds most spectacular

places. Weve developed

a brand new range of

Alaska holidays which you

can nd out about here.

QIf we get anothersummer like lastyear, where would you go

to escape wet Britain?

AIf you wonderedwhere our summerwent, the answer is

Iceland! They had the bestweather on record. Some

scientists believe the jet

stream, which can bring

us warm, sunny summers,

has moved north

Will Gray chats to Clive Stacey, Discover the

Worlds MD, about travel and the weather

Qtell me about it

If you wondered where our summwent, the answer is Iceland! The

had the best weather on reco

reader polWhats on your travelwishlist for 2013?Click below to vote

ALASKA

CANADA

ICELAND

NEW ZEALAND

SCANDINAVIA


4/20

The drive

of your lifeBook early for AroundLofoten Self-driveA spectacular blend ofjagged peaks, steepfjords, shing villagesand Viking heritage,Norways LofotenIslands are the setting

for some of Europesmost breathtaking self-drive routes. Be sureto book early, though,as availability for thesummer is very limited.

Inside the volcano!

4 Talk to the experts 01737 218 812

New departures on our Iceland Superjeep

Volcano Adventure, now May to September

Burning issue

window seat

HANSSTRAND

Click here to nd ouabout our acclaimedSchools Programme Iceland toChina

This is the only

place on earth

where a volcanic

magma chamber

is accessible and

safe to explore

Discover the Worlds three-

night Superjeep Volcano

Adventure was so popular

last year that its been

extended to run from May

to September during 2013.

Combining the thrill

of exploring Iceland by

Superjeep with a unique

tour inside the colossal

magma chamber of adormant volcano, this is

surely the hottest short

break out there!

Click here to nd outmore about this tour

Click here to explorethe Lofoten Islands



When you book your holiday with Discover the World, you are in

very safe hands thanks to their 100% Guaranteed unique pledge100% guaranteed

QOnce I book with you,is my money safe?

AYes. Thanks to ourvarious licences

and bonds, every possibleangle is covered should

the worst happen. Its

amazing how often people

buy travel arrangements

from what appear to be

properly licensed travel

agents, airlines or tour

operators only to nd that

their particular holiday

falls through the net.

QWe hear about risingfuel costs all thetime. Does that mean I

might have to pay extra,

even at short notice?

AWe do not pass onfuel surcharges

once a holiday is booked.

We get our suppliers to

absorb them or we do

so ourselves. The same

applies to currency

uctuations, tax increases

or anything relating to

the dreaded S word! We

believe that once youplace your faith in us and

book a holiday you should

pay the price agreed. Its

far from the norm in the

travel industry.

Q

What about all those

other unknowns

like cancelled ights?

AIf your ight iscancelled, forwhatever reason, we

expect the airline to

initially look after you. If

they wont, we will and

that means paying for

overnight accommodationand, if appropriate,

meals until an alternative

means of travel is found.

If any company whose

services you have booked

with us as part of your

holiday goes bust, then

we will make alternative

arrangements or provide

full refund.

QBut I guess volcanieruptions and ashclouds are Acts of God?

ASpecialising inholidays to suchplaces as Iceland means

that Acts of God are all

part of the experience

and, no, we dont walk

away from these either.

Natural disasters, strikes

it makes no difference

to us we look after you

come what may!

QAnd what happensI lose my job?

AWe can help withthat too! Click thered button above for full

details of our pledge.



icelandNEW

FROM

From new hotels and lodges to whale watching festivals and hikinadventures, Iceland is looking more exciting than ever in 2013

Discover the World has

been pioneering holidays

in Iceland for nearly

three decades. No other

UK operator knows

or loves the countrybetter. Innovation lies at

the heart of its Iceland

programme and this

year is a particularly rich

one. Not one, but two,

stunning properties make

their debut in 2013: the

classy, contemporary

Hotel ION and the idyllic

Glacier Lodge (exclusive

to Discover the World andwith views to die for).

Its also 21 years since

Discover the Worlds

managing director Clive

Stacey helped pioneer

Icelands whale watching

industry a milestone

celebrated in 2013 by the

rst ever WhaleFest.

New holidays this

year include an excitingsailing adventure in the

Western Fjords, a tailor-

made hiking service and

unique summer adventu

based at Hotel ION.

NEW Hotel ION NEW Glacier Lodge NEW Holidays


7/20

Look inside Hotel ION

Iceland Summer AdventureExclusive short break based at Hotel IONThis is the rst holiday of its kind in Iceland where youcan stay in the countryside and have the option ofvarious excursions without being part of an escortedgroup tour or having to drive yourself. And what betterplace to base yourself than Hotel ION. Included are asuperjeep safari, dinner at a lobster restaurant, lava

caving and a trip to the Blue Lagoon, with optionalactivities ranging from glacier hiking to river rafting.

Hotel IONLuxury and adventure an hour from Reykjavik

Brand new for February 2013, Hotel ION buzzes withstyle. Mountain and lake views pour in through picture

windows, the spa has a 10m outdoor hot tub, each ofthe 46 guestrooms are pure pampered chic and therestaurant serves local avours with are. Located nearThingvellir National Park, this four-star beauty is easilyreached and makes a superb base, whether yourelooking for a spa break or activity lled adventure.

Glacier LodgeCottage with a view on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula

A modern self-catering cottage sleeping up to eight,this is a perfect place from which to explore one of

Icelands most beautiful regions. Look north fromGlacier Lodge and Snaefellsnes rears it snowcappedsummit; look south and youre met by the glitteringexpanse of Faxaoi Bay. Top it all with aurora displays inwinter and activities such as hiking, whale watching andsnowmobiling and you have the ultimate Iceland escape.

Exusive toDisover the Word

8 disover-oud9.o.ukDISCOVER THE WORLD | Cloud 9 | Jan 2013

Visit website

Visit website

Visit website


8/20

How it all began

Killer Whales & NorthernLightsOrcas and auroras, January to MarchNo surprises that this four-night break became aninstant hit when it was launched in 2012. Orca watchinby day, aurora gazing by night, its a double helping ofIceland winter treats. The big news this year is that youcan now choose either full board hotel accommodationor opt for breakfast basis at the modern andcomfortable Guesthouse Grundafjordur, which alsooers self-catering facilities and dine out options.

WhaleFestCelebrating 21 years of whale watching in Iceland

A special weeklong departure of the hugely popularKiller Whales & Northern Lights holiday, WhaleFest 2013

(now fully booked) will celebrate Discover the Worlds21st anniversary of pioneering whale watching trips inIceland. An exciting programme of whale watching,talks from cetacean experts and time to exploreSnaefellsnes, WhaleFest returns in February 2014, sobe sure to book your place early for this exclusive trip.

Sailing & Wildlife AdventureA voyage to the remote Western Fjords

Set sail on the 12-berthAurora, a spacious, 60ftexpedition yacht, cruising the spectacular Western

Fjords beneath towering sea clis festooned withseabirds. Anchoring in sheltered bays, youll be able toventure ashore, hiking pristine coasts and glacial valleysand exploring the wilderness of Hornstrandir NatureReserve accessible only by boat. This new 10-dayholiday is perfect for lovers of the sea and wild places.

8 Talk to the experts 01737 218 812

Play video

clip of orcasin Iceland

Visit website

Visit website



Pick your Peak!New tailor-made walking holidaysThis country was made for walking... and now youvegot no excuse not to lace up your boots and stride ointo the highlands of Iceland. Following the launch of thnew bookSummit: 100 Best Mountain Hikes in IcelandDiscover the World is oering keen walkers a new tailomade service. Simply purchase the book, choose your

peaks and and everything will be arranged for you, fromights and accommodation to car hire and guides.

walk

THISW

AY

Clickto

startp

lan

yourw

alking

ho

Visit website


10/20

greenlight:

oSightings of the

Aurora Borealis have

been spectacular so

far this winter and

theres still time to

book a holiday to

see them in the next

few months


11/20

Click here to seemore northernlights holidays

6If youre quick, you

might still catch a

display of the aurora

borealis this winter.

Contact us now for late

availability on northern

lights holidays.4In Pursuit of theAurora, NorwayA weeks northern lightsodyssey, this trip includes

a voyage along the wildFinnmark coast, plusstays in aurora-bathedTromso and Kirkenes.Available in March only.

5Lapland AdventureWeekend, SwedenEnjoy a night in thelegendary ICEHOTEL,

before transferring tocosy Camp Ripan formore winter activities(moose safari anyone?)and aurora gazing.

1Northern LightsSpecial, IcelandThis three-night escortedbreak combines thegeysirs and waterfalls ofthe Golden Circle withaurora watching, soakingin the Blue Lagoon andsuperb accommodation.

2Northern LightsAdventureSpecial, IcelandHiking spectacular trailsby day, hunting aurorasby night, this ve-dayactive break includesguided day walks andtime to visit classic sites.

3ICEHOTEL Break,Swedish LaplandToo cool for words, theICEHOTEL has 10 newNorthern Lights suitesthis year, while winteractivities range fromhusky sledging to aurorahunting by snowmobile.

Top 5northern lights holidays

Book now for late availability

8 disover-oud9.o.ukDISCOVER THE WORLD | cloud 9 | Jan 2013

ourfavouriteaborealisimagesfarthiswinter

See


12/20

ALASKA

WILD

STATE

Plan your trip onour interactive

Alaska map

Putting the wild in wilderness, Alaska is new

from Discover the World and can be easily

reached on new summer fights via Iceland


13/208 disover-oud9.o.ukDISCOVER THE WORLD | cloud 9 | Jan 2013

From gold-rushstampeders to

wilderness seekers,Alaska has long

been the magneticnorth of the

United States

Click herefor photo

gallery

Listen tothe Robert

Service Poem

It isnt the gold that Im wanting, wrote poeRobert Service. Its the great big broad lan

way up yonder. Its the forest where silence

has lease. Its the beauty that lls me with wonder. It

the stillness that lls me with peace.

From gold-rush stampeders to wilderness seekers,

Alaska has long been the magnetic north of the

United States. Robert Service craved its vast untouche

landscapes, but you could equally wax lyrical over

Alaskas wildlife, its fascinating First Nations culture othe sheer thrill of travelling in this wild state.

You can drive there on the Alaska Highway, visiting

national parks like Denali and Kenai Fjords. You can

charter a oatplane to take you beyond the roads end

stitch a route between old settler communities on the

Alaska Railroad or join an escorted coach trip.

For many, its the Inside Passage that embodies the

lure of Alaska. Cracks in crazy paving. Thats what it

looks like on a nautical chart. Except the slabs of pavi

are thousands of forested islands, wedged against

the mainland and the cracks form a coastal highway

stretching 1,000 miles from Seattle to Skagway.

The Inside Passage is a lifeline to numerous

settlements, including Alaskas capital, Juneau. Its als

a gateway to vast tracts of wilderness, from ice elds

to temperate rainforest. Imagine witnessing humpbac

whales feeding in Frederick Sound, icebergs calvingfrom a tidewater glacier in Tracy Arm Fjord or totem

poles rearing from a Tlingit village. The Inside Passage

is awash with natural and cultural spectacles. And yet

is just one facet of this wild and wonderful state.

Turn the page to start exploring Alaska >>


14/20

Click on themap circles toexplore Alaska

ALASKA

PrinceWilliamSound

Fairbanks

Anchorage

KenaiFjords

DenaliNational

Park

KodiakIsland

KatmaiNational

Park

Yu

ko

nRiv e

r

Gulf ofAlaska

BeringSea

Ala s

kaP

eni n s

ul a

Al a

ska

R an g e

The Arctic North

Wra

St

Na

P

Br o o k s R a n g e

Ar c t i c C i r cl


15/208 disover-oud9.o.ukDISCOVER THE WORLD | cloud 9 | Jan 2013

Glacier BayNationalPark

Juneau

Ketchikan

Tong

assN

ationalForest

5 WAyS To go

PacicOcean

Cruise - Inside Passage:Alaskan Discovery

Join a small-ship voyagefrom Juneau to Ketchikan,exploring fjords and islandsrich in wildlife and culture.Kayak to hidden inlets andhike in pristine forests.

WildlifeGlaciers,Grizzlies&WhalesFromJuneau,visitthemajesticMendenhallGlacieandtakeaoatplanesafarinsearchofbears.ThenytoGustavus,gatewaytoGlacierBay,forencounterswithicebergsandwhales.

RailAlaskanRailroadAdventure

RideAlaskasfamousRailroadfromAnchor

age

toSeward,cruiseKenai

Fjords,thencontinueby

railtoTalkeetna,Denali

NPandFairbanks.

Self-driveAlaskas

NaturalWonders

Combinethreenational

parksKenaiFjords,De

andWrangell-StElias

atwo-weekadventurewlotsofextrasinc

luded,

bushplaneights,wildlif

cruisesandhistorictou

EscortedAlaskabyRail&Coach

Perfectforrst-timers,thisweeklongtourtakesinthescenic,culturalandwildlifehighlightsofDenaliNP,PortageGlacierandKenaiFjords.

Click here forour full range ofAlaska holidays

Cruising into Prince William Sound



An alternative to touring, Discover the Worlds new modules oer a

more relaxed, in-depth way to experience New Zealands highlight

There is nowhere better

than New Zealand to

hit the road with a

motorhome or join an

escorted coach tour.

Discover the World

continues to offer both.

Theres a lot to be said,

however, for a go-slow

approach, restricting

yourself to one ortwo carefully selected

locations and taking the

time to really get to know

their individual characters

not to mention enjoying

the luxury of spending

several nights in one place.

Travel less, see more

is the concept behind

Discover the Worlds new

modules approach to

exploring New Zealand.

The box, opposite, shows

how they work, while

the map highlights the

modules in North Island(well be featuring South

Islands modules in the

next issue of Cloud 9).

Click or tap the red

circles on the map to

get an idea of what each

module offers.

These quintessential

ve-night itineraries

can be bolted together

and have been carefully

designed to showcase th

best visitor experiences

in each area. A choice

of three types of

accommodation featurein each itinerary, as

well as a range of

excursions

and walks.

trv rNew ZealaNd modules

Yourticket

go-slowtravel

savouringthe

verybestof

NewZealand

Lake Taraw


17/20

Click on thecircles to explore

each module

Hawkes

Bay

Wellington& Wairarapa

Taranaki& Wanganui

NorthlandCoromandel& Auckland

CentralNorthIsland

Tongariro

8 disover-oud9.o.ukDISCOVER THE WORLD | Cloud 9 | Jan 2013

NZmoduesHow they work

1 Take your pick from

a selection of ve-nightmodules in key regionsof New Zealand.

2 If you like, addthree-night extensionsin other regions or bolton additional ve-nightmodules to tailormakeyour ideal holiday.

3 Choose youraccommodation fromdeluxe/luxury lodge,boutique B&B orstandard/superior hotel

4 A range of excursionshowcasing the best ofeach region are includedin each module.

Salt Air ying sa

over Roberton Isla



From Nova Scotiaand Newfoundlanto British Columband the Yukon,Canada is ablaze

with walking trailThere are plenty self-guided shortwalks availableon self-drive orindependent tripswith Discover theWorld whetheryou feel footloose

in the forests ofAlberta or justfancy a gentlestroll throughthe winelands ofOntario.

When it comesto classic trainjourneys, the RockyMountaineer isamong the worlds

nest. Soak up theviews from glass-domed coachesas the train windsthrough RockyMountain valleyscloaked in forestand studded withazure lakes. Three

two-day routesare available fromVancouver eachcoupling smoothlywith a self-drive orescorted holiday.

by ROAD

From roaming theRockies to cruisingthrough Quebec,a self-drive in big,beautiful Canada is

all about relaxed,free-spiritedtravel. Choose acar or motorhomeand spend yourdays exploringVancouver Island,and the mountaingems of Banff and

Jasper nationalparks or takinga leisurely drivethrough theequally enticingAtlantic Provinces.

canON FOOTby RAIl



Canadas ultimatewinter-wildernessplayground, theYukon outpost ofWhitehorse is jus

the place to heedyour call of thewild. Dog sledginheadlines Discovethe Worlds ve-day Yukon WinterDream holiday, buyou also get to gosnowmobiling an

aurora hunting,as well as taking spectacular scenight over oneof Canadas mostenigmatic regions

Newfoundland is afascinating blendof crinkle-cutcoastline, enticingnational parks

and rich maritimehistory. Add a fewsurprises, like theViking settlementof LAnse auxMeadows and thevibrant waterfrontcity of St Johns,and you have the

perfect settingfor a nine-dayexpedition voyageencircling theisland during thegolden days of fall.

Cast away anyfears: sea kayaksare suprisinglystable and easy topaddle and there

is no better way toadmire the sceneryand wildlife ofCanadas coastthan by nosingabout in shelteredinlets and bays.One of the bestplaces to get

aoat is Tono onthe west coast ofVancouver Islandwhere giant cedarsand First Nationsculture stand proud.

adaSnuggled deep inthe wilderness ofBCs Great BearRainforest youllnd a oating

lodge with justve guestroomsand where youronly neighboursare grizzly bears,wolves, otters andeagles. Great BearLodge is a nature-lovers dream,

made all the morespecial by its subtlelink to the outsideworld by oatplanefrom Port Hardy onVancouver Island.

here to see mofabulous ideas

your Canadholid

Click

by FlOATPlANE by SEA KAyAK by bOAT by SlEDGE


20/20

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Discover the World LtdArctic House, 8 Bolters Lane, Banstead, Surrey SM7 2ARwww.disover-the-word.o.uk Email [email protected] +44 (0) 1737 362 341 Twitter @DTW_Hoidas

cloud9In the next issue:South Island New ZealandGreat adventures

Norwegian Fjords

Iceland self-drive

Greenland

Writing & design Wiiam Gra | www.william-gray.co.uk

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