Stopover in Islands Hauptstadt Reykjavik & Besuch der Pazifischen Küstenmetropolen Seattle & Vancouver

About the destination: Reykjavik is not your typical capital city, it has no magnificent buildings, or a historic city centre or grand monuments, this city is much more than that. Iceland’s capital is different, full of life and very close to nature. Its location, at the fringe of the Atlantic Ocean, between two fjords and surrounded by a lunar volcanic framework, makes the city, which name literally means Bay of Smokes, incomparably special. The world’s northernmost capital is the perfect place for outdoor and wildlife lovers. Surrounded by sea, whale watching is one of the most popular touristic activities. The city has plenty of open spaces: parks, pedestrian areas, a lake situated next to the city hall and Nauthólsvik geothermal beach just 15 min away from the city centre. Throughout the city there are 7 municipal geothermal pools where locals go to socialize and relax after work. Other activities like cycling, hiking, horse riding, sailing and fishing can all be enjoyed on the doorsteps of the capital. Aside from all its natural wonders, Reykjavik has always something to offer. It is a cosmopolitan and dynamic city full of museums, art galleries and cosy coffee shops. Its nightlife is exciting and outrageous, during a night out, it seems locals are making up for the prohibition on beer that was in force till 1989 and nightspots tend to stay open until the early hours of the morning. During the day, the capital is a much more relaxed place, with its trim colourful houses, rubbish-free streets and an easygoing pace of life. Reykjavik is considered the one of the cleanest, greenest and safest cities in the world. Getting lost in this city is almost impossible: Hallgrímskirkja church and Öskjuhlíð hill are visible from most places in the city centre and are essential landmarks for orientation. Reykjavik is dynamic, creative, modern, cosy and very special. Its peculiar personality and magnetic surroundings will make you agree that there’s no better city in the world.

About the destination: Seattle is a major coastal seaport and the seat of King County, in the state of Washington. Seattle lies on seven hills including Capitol Hill, First Hill, West Seattle, Beacon Hill, Magnolia, Denny Hill and Queen Anne. The Kitsap and the Olympic peninsulas along with the Olympic Mountains lie to the west of Puget Sound, while the Cascade Range and Lake Sammamish lie to the east of Lake Washington. An iconic feature of Seattle's skyline is the Space Needle. The view from the top is stunning with a revolving restaurant, undoubtedly Seattle's most famous landmark. Mount Rainier, towering over Seattle, is 50 miles from the city. There's a national park with camping and hiking activities. One of Seattle's most popular attractions is Pike Place Market. The farmer's market is over 100 years old and still maintains local flavour. The Seattle Aquarium showcases a wide variety of colourful marine species. To relive Seattle's history visit the city's oldest neighbourhood around Pioneer Square. Moreover, it's packed with exciting night clubs, restaurants and galleries. Seattle is one of the beautiful cities of the Pacific Northwest. Eclectic, urban, outdoorsy, artsy, gritty and down-to-earth, this vibrant city is well worth a visit.

About the destination: Vancouver is a coastal seaport city on the mainland of British Columbia, Canada. Vancouver is the eighth largest Canadian municipality and one of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse cities in Canada. Explore the cobbled streets, shopping, dining and unique architecture of Gastown, a national historic site. Vancouver houses the second largest Chinatown in North America after San Francisco. It has many unique, as well as traditional shops. Granville Island is a popular peninsula connected to Vancouver. With its colourful market, it's a draw amongst locals and visitors alike. Vancouver wouldn't be the same without Stanley Park, one of the great urban parks. It's a perfect city escape. Overlooking Vancouver city, Grouse Mountain has winter skiing and even an excellent wildlife refuge. Vancouver has grown into a cosmopolitan city nestled in the great outdoors. Enjoy the snow-capped mountains, waterfront forests, cityside beaches, Olympic history and the world’s highest suspension bridge.