Iceland is HOT for Rainbow Reykjavik 2012

Robert Doyle READ TIME: 6 MIN.

REYKJAVIK, Iceland - Have you always dreamed about seeing the Northern Lights? Walking along the Continental Divide between the tectonic plates of Europe and North America? Seeing geysirs, waterfalls and nature of unparalleled beauty? Relaxing in the turquoise geothermal springs of the world famous Blue Lagoon?

Or dining in the World-Class restaurants, sitting in cosy cafes -- and partying until the wee hours of the morning with LGBT people from all over the world, in the charming and very cosmopolitan city of Reykjavik?

If so, there is no better time than right now to book your trip to Iceland: the first annual international LGBT Festival will take place from 16-19 February, 2012. International guests are anticipated from countries all over the world, including the USA, Canada, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and Norway. And Icelandair is offering outstanding and affordable flight, hotel and event ticket packages for the event!

The Location:
Iceland has already fully established itself as one of the most LGBT-friendly countries in the world. Pride is indeed in Iceland's nature, as the LGBT Community is not merely tolerated in Iceland....but it is fully integrated into the very fabric of society, enjoying all the same legal rights as mainstream consumers.

In addition to Iceland's world famous annual Reykjavik Gay Pride, this new international LGBT Rainbow Reykjavik Festival will allow international guests to experience the incredible beauty and LGBT-friendliness of Iceland, and also to meet other LGBT people from both Iceland....and all over the world.

Reykjavik is also a perfect venue for the event: with its modern wellness hotels, trendy bars, cosy restaurants and cafes and a wide variety of boutiques and stores, it offers an exciting mix of both historical charm and modern comfort for its many international guests.

Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Iceland isn�t at all as cold as the name implies! Temperatures are moderate year-round. Snow is not the norm and only settles intermittently in Reykjav�k. Average January temperatures in Reykjav�k, at around zero Celsius, are actually higher than those in New York. The weather can be extremely changeable.

Icelanders often say, "If you don�t like the weather, just wait 15 minutes." And always bring a bathing suit, whatever time of the year you visit. A favourite pastime is year-round outdoor swimming in countless geothermally heated pools and lagoons, with a typical temperature of 25-28�C.

The Rainbow Reykjavik LGBT Festival Program:
The program provides a colourful mixture of various events involving entertainment, partying, relaxation and nature. Many daily activities offer non-stop entertainment and will take place during the festival in and around beautiful Reykjavik, including hiking, great meals, cocktail receptions, parties, concerts .... as well as simply relaxing in the amazing geothermal spa of the Blue Lagoon.

Reykjavik Excursions is the day tours' specialist and will take you to the Blue Lagoon and "Gaysir". Pink Iceland the only tour operator in Iceland dedicated to LGBT clientele has put together this fabulous program with the best Reykjavik and its surroundings have to offer. Most of Pink Iceland's partners are either LGBT owned and operated; and all are of course very LGBT- friendly.

The following provides an overview by day to the program. The program timing may vary. Please refer to http://www.icelandair.us/offers-and-bookings/book-packages/package/item551969/Rainbow_Reykjavik/?utm_source=raindbowreykjavik&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=rainbow for the final program.

  • Thursday 16. February 2012: After arriving at the Reykjavik Airport on Thursday February 16th, guests will be picked up and transported directly to the world famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. A visit to the Blue Lagoon is an important part of all guests' stay in Iceland. Guests renew their relationship with nature, soak up the scenic beauty and enjoy breathing the clean, fresh air while relaxing in the warm geothermal turquoise seawater.

    It is no surprise that the readers of "Conde Nast Traveller" voted Blue Lagoon as the best medical spa worldwide. For five consecutive years Blue Lagoon has been awarded the Blue Flag environmental recognition granted to natural beaches and marinas. Guests will then be transferred to a Welcome Party with local entertainment. And guests can take part in the stunning Northern Lights Tour -- to finally experience this �Bucket List" wish of a lifetime!

  • Friday, 17. February 2012: After restful sleep in either the Reykjavik Natura or Hilton Reykjavik Nordica Hotel, it is time to experience first-hand Iceland's stunning nature, with the remarkable and world-famous Gullfoss, Gaysir & Fontana Tour. Be astounded by the gorgeous waterfalls.

    Amazed by the geothermal geysirs. And walk along the Continental Divide between the tectonic plates between Europe and North America. Afterwards, guests enjoy a Community dinner in the Kolabrautin Restaurant, followed by a concert in the new and extraordinary Harpar concert hall with World-Class performers. After hours, guests may party as long as they like, with special parties scheduled at both Barbaba and Tr�n�.

  • Saturday, 18. February, 2012: Saturday's festivities begin with a light lunch at J�mfr�in, followed by a LGBT History Walk through Reykjavik, where you will learn exactly how it came to be that Iceland became one of the most LGBT-friendly countries in the entire world. That evening, guests take part in a Cocktail Reception and then head over to a top notch -- Viking Themed -- dance party with top DJ's.

  • Sunday, 19. February 2012: On Sunday, guests may wander through Reykjavik. Have a nice breakfast or brunch on their own. And again visit the Blue Lagoon if they like, prior to departing from the airport (depending on the time of their departure of course).

    How to Book:
    Icelandair is a proud Platinum sponsor for the event, and they are offering unbelievable prices http://rainbowreykjavik.com/bookings for the following packages!

    � Roundtrip flight to Iceland
    � 3 nights hotel stay in either Reykjavik Natura or Hilton Reykjavik Nordica
    � Flybus transportation from and to the airport
    � A soak in the Blue Lagoon
    � Welcome party with local performers
    � Gullfoss, Gaysir & Fontana Tour & Lunch box
    � Dinner at one of Reykjavik
    � Concert in Harpa
    � Party at Barbara & Tr�n�
    � Light lunch
    � LGBT History Walk in Reykjav�k
    � Cocktail reception
    � Dinner Dance Party - Viking Theme

    To see icelandair's offers and for booking, please visit: http://www.icelandair.us/offers-and-bookings/book-packages/package/item551969/Rainbow_Reykjavik/?utm_source=raindbowreykjavik&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=rainbow

    Further information regarding the event, please visit: http://www.icelandair.us/offers-and-bookings/book-packages/package/item551969/Rainbow_Reykjavik/?utm_source=raindbowreykjavik&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=rainbow


    by Robert Doyle

    Long-term New Yorkers, Mark and Robert have also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center, Mark is a PhD in American history and literature, as well as the author of the novels Wolfchild and My Hawaiian Penthouse. Robert is the producer of the documentary We Are All Children of God. Their work has appeared in numerous publications, as well as at : www.mrny.com.

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