Iceland’s leading tour operator, Iceland Travel, has just launched in the UK with an all-new tour featuring a guided visit to the key Icelandic filming Game of Thrones locations of HBO’s world hit television drama,
Game of Thrones. Fans of the epic fantasy drama can now book online from just £699 per person* to explore some of the most iconic filming locations from the third series in Iceland alongside locations confirmed for the fourth series, which will be shot this summer for release in 2014.
Available from 1 October 2013 to 30 April 2014, the new four-night tour takes fans to the filming locations of the drama’s famed ice wall itself, and to locations “north of the wall” (largely filmed at the beautiful Lake Mývatn) where the series’ primitive “Wildlings” roam. Travellers will be regaled with tales of the “Seven Kingdoms” by local guide Jon Thor Benediktsson, who also guided the Game of Thrones crew on set during filming for the third series.
Game of Thrones locations from “beyond the wall” visited on the tour include the beautiful Goðafoss waterfall, Hverfell crater, Höfðabrekkuheiði, the cave where pivotal characters Jon Snow and Ygritte had their first romantic encounter, and the land they crossed with the “Wildings” to reach the “wall”.
Passing through awe-inspiring waterfalls, volcanoes, and mysterious landscapes scattered with hot springs and unusual lava rock formations, travellers will learn how the tale of survival of the drama’s “Wildlings” in such harsh conditions is reminiscent of that of the Icelandic Vikings. Travellers will also see historic locations such as the dark castles of Dimmuborgir, the caves of Grjótagjá and the bubbling mud pits of Hverir. Before the end of the tour, travellers will take in the landscapes which inspired J.R.R Tolkien to write the Lord of the Rings and take a dip in the revitalizing natural waters of Mývatn baths.
Travellers extending their stay by a day have the option to join an adventure tour to climb part of the almighty glacial tongue of Sólheimajökull, a masterpiece of amazing ice formations formed by ever-changing ancient frozen water (tour cost £122 per person). Alternatively, visit the dramatic landscapes at Þingvellir on a classic afternoon ‘Golden Circle’ tour for an extra £50 per person. Confirmed as a filming location for the fourth series, Þingvellir was the “Parliament Plain” of ancient Iceland.
*Starting from £699 per person, the ‘Game of Thrones – Iceland: Beyond The Wall’ tour spends two nights in the beautiful northern town of Akureyri surrounded by snow-capped mountains, and two nights in Iceland’s charming capital Reykjavík at the new Reykjavik Lights Hotel. The four-night tour includes flights from the UK, accommodation, transfers, return Reykjavik-Akureyri flights and all activities and excursions as stated, although it can also be purchased without international flights. www.icelandtravel.is
