Fiona K Tours / Himalaya Travel

30/05/2023

Iceland has quickly become one of the top travel destinations in the world, but it still feels like a well-kept secret. Perhaps that's because of its stunning natural beauty, or the swaths of open land with nothing but Icelandic horses and occasional waterfalls to remind you that you aren't completely alone. It is a country of not only natural wonders, but also thriving local culture, known for hospitality and a strong national pride in its history and mythology.

From the Blue Lagoon to the iconic Skogafoss waterfall, Iceland's scenery is the stuff of legend — sometimes quite literally, as many of its most well-known destinations have been referenced in Viking mythology and classic literature. When you visit, prepare to be awash in natural beauty; around every bend in the road is another vista so gorgeous it doesn't seem quite real.

Best Time to Go:
Iceland is a country of extremes in many ways, and the best time to visit depends entirely on how you'd like to spend your trip. Peak viewing season for the northern lights is September through March, but the country also gets quite cold during this time and daylight lasts only about five hours. The period between early June and late August sees temperate weather for visiting natural wonders and experiencing the entire Ring Road, but bring a sleeping mask — at the height of summer, the sun sets for only three hours.

Things to Know:
Iceland is one of the most stunning places in the world, with incredible vistas and natural wonders seemingly around every bend. As a result, ecologists and environmentalists recommend not eating puffin or whale — sometimes offered to tourists — and following the leave no trace rule: When visiting these natural attractions, take all of your trash with you and stick to marked paths to avoid harming the land.

Locals are quite friendly and helpful, and Iceland's crime rate is extremely low. It's a safe and exciting place to travel alone, should solo travel be your plan.

Towns and Cities to Know:
Reykjavik: Vibrant, welcoming, and gorgeous, Reykjavik is the capital and most popular tourist destination in Iceland. It's close to the airport and in the middle of some of Iceland's most famous landmarks. It's easy to visit them, too; shuttle tours depart regularly from the city, and deals are offered for more comprehensive packages.

Akureyri: Sometimes referred to as the capital of North Iceland, Akureyri is a port town that's home to some of the most gratifying whale watching in the world, with several tours guaranteeing sightings in the summer. The Akureyri Botanical Garden, founded in 1912, is famous for its vibrant flora and walking paths. An ideal destination for nature lovers, Akureyri also offers tours to nearby natural wonders, including options on horseback.

Húsavík: Húsavík is home to Húsavíkurkirkja, a must-see wooden church built in 1904 and a major reason people travel to Iceland. Visitors will also enjoy the town's many biology and cultural museums, as well as the Húsavík Whale Museum. Whale watching from Húsavík is lovely, with several species frequenting the bay.

Höfn: A fishing town in the southeast, Höfn is primarily known for its scenic views of the Vatnajökull glacier, the largest ice cap in Europe. Surrounded by shoals and beaches, Höfn has also served as a filming location for a few James Bond and Tomb Raider movies, among others.

Vík í Mýrdal: A village of just 300 people, Vík í Mýrdal (or just Vík) is nevertheless one of the most popular stops on the Ring Road for those taking the south coast sightseeing route. Two of Iceland's most famous waterfalls — Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss — are between Reykjavik and Vík, making the two-and-a-half hour drive more than worth it. On clear days, the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers can both be seen, but Vík's biggest draw is Reynisfjara, a black-sand beach and one of Iceland's most famous natural landmarks.

Vestmannaeyjar: The islands of Vestmannaeyjar (or the Westman Islands) are reachable by ferry — or a bus and a ferry, if you choose to visit from Reykjavik. A volcanic archipelago featuring some of Iceland's most diverse wildlife, the Westman Islands are a must-visit for anyone wanting to be at one with nature.

Ísafjörður: Home to Iceland's popular musical festivals — the Ísafjörður Rock Festival and Við Djúpið Music Festival — Ísafjörður is a music lover's dream. Surrounded by sweeping vistas, these events offer a truly unique experience.

How to Get Around:
There is one main highway in Iceland, called the Ring Road or Route 1. And as you might expect based on the name, it goes all the way around the country. Many of Iceland's most famous and beautiful natural wonders can be found near the Ring Road. There are several smaller roads off the route, but the Ring Road is by far the most traveled and central.

Most travelers start in Reykjavik, the city closest to Keflavik Airport. There are shuttles from the airport to Reykjavik, some with stops at the Blue Lagoon for those wanting to take a refreshing, post-flight dip in its famous warm waters. Reykjavik also has a public bus service, the Strætó.

It's easy to visit the most well-known natural sightseeing locations around Reykjavik, as there are several tour companies offering regular trips in all manner of combinations, whether you want to visit just one or everything within a three-mile radius of Reykjavik. There are also several car rental options, if you prefer to extend your trip beyond Reykjavik and explore along the Ring Road.

Hotel:
Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina is Iceland's premier hotel, owned and operated by the Icelandair tourist group. Decorated in modern Icelandic style with unique references to the county's maritime history, the hotel is colorful, comfortable, and centrally located.

12/04/2023

Nusa Penida is an island located near the southeastern Indonesian island of Bali and a district of Klungkung Regency that includes the neighbouring small island of Nusa Lembongan and twelve even smaller islands. The Badung Strait separates the island and Bali. The interior of Nusa Penida is hilly with a maximum altitude of 524 metres.It is one of the major tourist attractions among the three Nusa islands.

12/04/2023

Wonders of the Himalayas

27/02/2023

The Himalayan Adventures

27/02/2023

Springtime in the Himalayas :
Nothing is as beautiful as Spring, when the mountains have lost much their snow-white robes and are showing off their visual delights. The skies are blue, the valleys become a bouquet of smells where rhododendrons and wildflowers bloom. Singing birds are returning from the north and animals are leaving behind their hibernation with newborns in tow. There is an excitement in the air because Spring is approaching the Himalayas. Spring is an ideal time to visit the Himalayas, from the hectic, oftentimes vibrant cultural ceremonies, to many serene villages tucked away in quieter places, Nepal comes alive in the Spring season offering a variety of activities and sights to delight even the most seasoned traveler.

14/02/2023

South Australia:

If you love all things seafood, then a journey along the seafood frontier of South Australia should be high on your bucket list. From prawns and mussels to King George Whiting and fresh Pacific Oysters, you’ll be swimming in seafood on this exclusive six-day adventure.

Kicking off in Adelaide, you'll cruise along at your own pace in your hired car and stop off at some spectacular spots including the iconic Port Lincoln, Port Augusta and charming Ceduna. Indulge in some of the freshest seafood in Australia along the stunning Eyre Peninsula; taste some of SA's top wines at Lincoln Estate and meet some native wildlife at Glen Forest Tourist Park. Over the course of six incredible days, you'll enjoy stays at Port Lincoln Hotel, Majestic Oasis Apartments and Ceduna Foreshore Hotel, get six days of car hire in a Hyundai i30 or similar as well as an exclusive Full day Port Lincoln Tasting Eyre Tour. The rest is totally up to you to explore at your leisure.

With its array of world-class seafood, award-winning wines, wondrous wildlife and national parks, a road trip through this oceanic utopia is not to be missed.
Itinerary

Day 1: Adelaide to Port Augusta (305 km)

Collect your vehicle and make your way along the Princes Highway to the seaport town of Port Pirie, to stop for morning tea. Continue to Port Augusta known as the Crossroads of Australia. Visit the acclaimed Wadlata Outback Centre, where you learn about the ‘Tunnel of Time’. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 2: Port Augusta to Port Lincoln (345 km)

Depart Port Augusta and head toward Port Lincoln, along the Lincoln Highway. Visit Whyalla, the gateway to the Eyre Peninsula and home to a thriving oyster industry. Then continue south to arrive in Port Lincoln, the ‘Seafood Capital of Australia.’ Spend the rest of the day at your leisure discovering all that Port Lincoln has to offer. This evening sample some of the local seafood on offer at one of the many seafood restaurants.

Day 3: Port Lincoln

Today, sit back, let someone else do the driving and join a tour to experience some of Port Lincoln's highlights. Start the day heading to Lincoln National Park. Visit Wanna for great views over Sleaford Bay and keep your eyes peeled for native birdlife along the cliff tops. Keep an eye on the water below as in the winter months you may even be lucky enough to spot some whales. Next, head to Stamford Hill picnic ground on the other side of the park for morning tea and beautiful views across the harbour. Kick off your shoes for a stroll along Surfleet Beach before travelling to Fisheries Bay where we begin a 14-kilometre scenic coastal drive along Whalers Way. Be wowed by the breathtaking coastline and some of the oldest rocks in Australia. If you love wildlife, the next stop will be a highlight. Mikkira Station is home to the only wild koala colony on the Eyre Peninsula with around 150 koalas living in the many Manna Gum trees. You are likely to see kangaroos and emus here too and explore the historic homestead giving insight into the lives of the pioneers. Back in town we’ll have a mouthwatering meal at the Fresh Fish Place and take a stroll around the Port Lincoln Marina and foreshore. See the extraordinary range of both commercial and private fishing vessels of Australia’s largest port. By mid-afternoon, we’ll arrive at Lincoln Estate for wine tastings and to see kangaroos, parrots and other wildlife at Glen Forest Tourist Park. Finish the tour on top of the world at Winters Hill lookout, and after a fantastic day, you will be dropped back at the Port Lincoln Hotel. If a Coffin Bay Experience or a Great White shark adventure is more to your liking, ask us about alternative tour options available in Port Lincoln.

Day 4: Port Lincoln to Ceduna (403 km)

This morning depart Port Lincoln and travel along the Flinders Highway. Stop off at Streaky Bay where you can sample freshly caught seafood including oysters, abalone and scallops. Visit a five-metre replica Great White shark at the Streaky Bay Shell Roadhouse. Continue towards to Ceduna, also well-known for its oysters. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. exploring the town’s unspoilt beaches and rugged coastline.

Day 5: Ceduna to Port Augusta (471 km)

Make your way back to Port Augusta. Stop at the township of Wudinna and if time permits discover Mount Wudinna. Learn about the rock formation and history, before walking to the top to witness spectacular views. Depart Wudinna and journey back to Port Augusta. This afternoon take the Heritage Walk and learn about the history of the town.

Day 6:Port Augusta to Adelaide (307 km)

Leave Port Augusta and drive towards Adelaide. Visit Port Pirie along the way, before arriving in Adelaide

14/02/2023

Buton Island, Sulawesi, Indonesia:

Buton is one of the regions in the Southeast Sulawesi Province that has stunning natural beauty. This island is an area of several regencies with amazing nature and culture. It is part of the Buton Regency, Baubau City and South Buton Regency.

Buton is also one of the many natural beauties in Indonesia. This beautiful island has charming soft white coastlines combined with the waves. Not only the maritime, Buton offers many other natural beauties such as savannas, hills and waterfalls. Buton is also rich in stunning culinary and cultural heritage.

08/02/2023

Belitung Island, Indonesia:
Belitung is an Indonesian island east of Sumatra. Its main island's beaches, including Tanjung Tinggi and Tanjung Kelayang, are known for their rounded granite boulders, fine sand and calm waters. The island’s largest town, Tanjung Pandan, features Dutch colonial architecture and a colorful harbor. Pulau Lengkuas, one of many small offshore islands, has a 19th-century lighthouse and snorkeling among its coral reefs.

08/02/2023

27/01/2023

Iceland Ring Road Trip:

Route 1 or the Ring Road is a national road in Iceland that circles the entire country.It bypasses part of North Iceland, the Westfjords and the Snæfellsnes peninsula.

Driving the Ring Road Iceland could take at least 6 days in summer and 12 days in winter.
Go on an epic road trip, see the northern lights, walk on a glacier, visit more waterfalls than you can count, journey into the unique landscape of the Highlands, stand on volcano, relax in a hot spring, or hike some of the most scenic trails in the world…these all make the list of the best things to do in Iceland.

19/01/2023

Broome, Western Australia Delights