Iceland went on a remarkable journey during Euro 2016 and are currently preparing for the World Cup in Russia this summer.
To celebrate the achievements of this small nation, Icelandair is offering free 90-minute football inspired experiences to passengers traveling with them.
Iceland’s Men’s and Women’s football teams have co-created the 90-minute experiences, which offer passengers the chance to train the Icelandic way, give travellers an insight into how the professionals relax and even the opportunity to learn the legendary supporters ‘Viking war chant’.
Icelandair launched Team Iceland Stopover to offer passengers to opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the players with specially-designed experiences for all of the family.
Aron Gunnarsson, Captain of Iceland Men’s National Football Team said: “When stepping onto the pitch, we know that as Iceland players we have a very special team spirit that stems from our Icelandic history.
“There are many uniquely Icelandic experiences and traditions that make us the team we are today and we welcome fans of football and beyond to come and find out more by taking a Team Iceland Stopover on their next transatlantic journey.”
The experiences are available from May until the end of June and are all included in the price of any Icelandair Stopover flight ticket.
Björgólfur Jóhannsson, President and CEO at Icelandair comments, “As proud sponsors of the national team, we are thrilled to celebrate their success this summer with our Team Iceland Stopover service.
“We are continually looking at ways to enhance our customer experience and hope that passengers will enjoy time well-travelled this summer through this value-added offering.
“Not only can our passengers find out more about the backstory of this legendary team, but we’ve worked with the players to personally design these experiences, allowing our passengers to follow in their footsteps.”
Team Iceland Stopover experiences include:
Support like an Icelander
The Iceland teams have a unique bond with their fans and captains Aron Gunnarsson and Sara Björk Gunnarsdóttir have set up the chance for lucky fans to attend either a National Men’s or Women’s team match and learn how to cheer with some of the most passionate fans in the world.
Sara Björk Gunnarsdóttir said: “I’m proud to come from a nation that is leading in equality and inspiring more women into sport.
“Whilst our men’s team will be in Russia, we hope that football fans can enjoy learning how to support like an Icelander at this key match for us.”
Relax like a Pro
Downtime and relaxation is a key part of training and Icelandic midfielder Birkir Bjarnason is inviting passengers to one of his favourite geothermal areas at Laugarvatn Fontana. Here passengers can unwind like a pro, enjoying the geothermal baths, sauna and lake for a swim.
Birkir Bjarnason said: “In the run up to a big tournament, it’s both the time on the pitch and how you spend it off it that counts. With this experience passengers can enjoy one of my favourite places to relax and unwind in Iceland.”
Train the Icelandic Way
International female star Dagný Brynjarsdóttir has a wealth of training knowledge, both on the pitch and off it. She has helped develop a training program outside of the gym. Say goodbye to weights and squats indoors and prepare to be put through your paces in a training session with stunning views of Iceland’s terrain.
Dagný Brynjarsdóttir said: “The Icelandic nature offers a fantastic opportunity for a revitalizing training regime, which we are so inspired by when we’re in Iceland.
“This experience will offer you a chance to really train the Icelandic way.”
Footballing Family
To become a legend it helps to start young. Many of the national team began their careers at Breidablik Academy and younger travellers will have the opportunity follow in footsteps of Premier League star Jóhann Berg Guðmundsson with a special 90-minute session at the Academy.
Jóhann Berg Guðmundsson said: “In Iceland we have a real focus on our youth teams and have some fantastic all-weather football facilities.
“One of the top ones is at Breidablik where I started my career. We’d love to give some of our international fans and families the chance to follow in my footsteps and enjoy this ‘Football House’.”
Goal in One
Many football stars enjoy a round of golf when off the pitch. Travellers will have the chance to play one of Premier League legend Gylfi Sigurðsson’s favourite golf courses. Also included is time with the club pro, who will help our players work on everything from their swing to their putting.
Gylfi Sigurðsson said: “In order to perform on the pitch it is important to take some time to enjoy life and my other hobbies, for me one of these is getting out onto the golf.
“This experience enables you to take part in Iceland’s famous golfing scene during the summer months where you can play right into the midnight sun.”
Team Iceland Stopover experiences will be available for Icelandair transatlantic passengers to enjoy from May to end of June 2018.
To find out more and book with Icelandair visit: www.Icelandair.com/Team-Iceland-Stopover
