Free
layover!
Spend up to 7 nights in
Iceland, at no additional
airfare, on your way to
other cities in Europe:
AMATravel.ca/
IcelandVacations
Follow the signs to adventure in Reykjavik
for exploring—
plus a free layover option with Icelandair—Iceland is
the perfect destination for a quick summer stop.
The country notoriously suffered during the global
economic downturn in 2008, but has just as famously
bounced back, in part because of the successful development of its tourism industry (Iceland hosted more
than 1.2 million visitors in 2015). It remains a travel
hot spot and is easier than ever to get to from Canada,
especially as a pit stop on the way to other European
destinations. The only challenge? Deciding what to see,
do and taste on a four-day Icelandic layover.
Thankfully, those long summer days give you plenty
of time to explore the many lava fields, volcanoes and
waterfalls—not to mention restaurants, shops and
restaurants—found throughout the country.
BLUE LAGOON: GAVIN HELLIER/STOCKSY UNITED; SIGNS: ULLSTEIN BILD/GETTY
WITH ALMOST 24 HOURS OF DAYLIGHT
DAY ONE
Reykjavik is the obvious place to start exploring.
Slightly more than a third of Iceland’s citizens live in
its capital city, but that’s only 120,000 people: The city
is small enough to discover on foot, but big enough to
offer a variety of activities, restaurants and attractions.
Accommodations range from hostels and quaint
guesthouses to well-known hotel chains, most of which
are located close to the city centre. Icelandair operates
several hotels in Reykjavik and elsewhere in Iceland, a
fact that can prove convenient when booking your trip
with AMA.
After your flight and hotel check-in, it’s time to take
advantage of that layover and explore the city. Your
first stop should be one of several Bæjarins Beztu
Pylsur stands (literally translated: town’s best hot
dogs) to eat like a local on the go. Icelanders love their
pylsur, or steamed hotdogs made of lamb mixed with
beef and pork. It’s common to see long queues in front
of the stands during the lunch hour. Order eina með
öllu or “one with everything,” including condiments of
ketchup, sweet mustard and remoulade, plus raw and
crispy fried onions.
While you enjoy your savoury treat, stretch your
legs with a wander along the waterfront. Near the
old harbour is the city’s crown jewel, the geometric
Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre.
Designed in collaboration with renowned DanishIcelandic artist Olafur Eliasson and inspired by the »
AMA INSIDER
SUMMER 2016
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