Iceland Fire & Ice Photo Tour August 2010

Photo ops that are only available once a year:
Fireworks show at Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and Reykjavik Cultural Night

Classic shots and other frames you would not find on your own on a guided tour for nature and landscape photographers of all levels. Great mix of photography and sightseeing in Iceland. 

Day 1:  August 13, Arrival in Keflavik Int. Airport
Drive from Keflavik Airport out to the Blue Lagoon where we gather the group if people are arriving on different flights. From the Blue Lagoon we drive the gravel back roads of Reykjanes Peninsula which is often described as „lunar landscape" and has great photo ops of the volcanic landscape and lava fields. No houses, no people and no traffic to interupt us. A photo stop at the hot springs at Seltún near Krýsuvík to capture the arrays of color in the geothermal area. Afternoon shoot at Seljalandsfoss waterfall in the afternoon (the sun doesn´t hit the waterfall until the afternoon and then most of the tourists are gone).
Accommodation: Hotel Rangá

Day 2:  August 14, Rangá - Skaftafell
Morning shoot a Skogafoss waterfall and the birdcliffs of Dyrholaey, a seacliff known for it´s basalt columns and a big hole through the cliff. Lunch at Vík before we continue east along the south shore to Skaftafell National Park which has endless photo with Europe´s largest glacier in the back garden, steep mountains, green hills and sandy desert. You have the option to shoot Svartifoss waterfall, Svínafellsjökull glacier tongue and weather permitting, Iceland´s highest peak in the evening sun. At midnight there are fireworks in Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon which is a unique photo op - it´s only held once a year. The date for the fireworks is not set but is usually the Saturday before the Reykjavik Marathon.
Accommodation: Hotel Skaftafell

Day 3:  August 15, Skaftafell - Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Morning boat cruise on Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon which is one of the most spectacular places in Iceland and a location for numerous films and ads. We visit another glacier lagoon which is  much less frequently visited, Fjallsarlon and dramatic glacier tongues of Vatnajokull glacier. We are certain that you would also appreciate more time in Skaftafell National Park.
Accommodation: Hotel Skaftafell

Day 4:  August 16, Skaftafell - Landmannalaugar - Hotel Highland
We drive through the Laki lava field which is among the largest lava fields in the world before turning into the highlands, to an area known as Fjallabak („Behind the Mountains"). The landscape and scenery changes with every turn and on every hill on this winding mountain track that takes us to Landmannalaugar. It is said that every nature photographer in Iceland goes through a Landmannalaugar-phase, the colors of the mountains, the lava and hot springs provide endless opertunities for a great landscape and nature photography.
Accommodation: Hotel Highland

Day 5:  August 17, Hotel Highland - Domadalur - Hekla
From barren wilderness to crater lakes to green valleys and secluded mountain lakes to black lava - all within 50km.
It´s a short distance to the foothills of the famous volcano Hekla by the rough mountain tracks of Domadalur and Fjallabak.  The landscape around Hekla is shaped by centuries of volcanic activity, the most recent eruption in February 2000.
This is a deserted land of awsome beauty with endless photo ops for landscape photographers.
Accommodation: Hotel Highland

Day 6:  August 18, Icelandic highlands: Veidivotn lakes & Jokulheimar
Hotel Highland is ideally located so we can take different mountain roads and spend most of our day behind the camera instead of behind the wheel. Within a short distance we get a great variety of samples of the Icelandic highlands. Beautiful green mountain lakes, deserted sands and the desolated west edge of Vatnajokull glacier at Jokulheimar („Glacier World"). This is something you won´t read about in the guide books and the average tourist never sees.
Accommodation: Hotel Highland

Day 7:  August 19, Three of Iceland´s biggest waterfalls and off-road to Geysir
We visit two waterfalls that are seldom visited because they are less accessible and further away than others. They are however fantastic, each in their own way. Dynkur falls is in Iceland´s longest glacier river, Thjorsa and is completely untouched. Dark muddy glacial water, powerful and intimitating. Haifoss is Iceland´s second highest waterfall, clear water and majestic as it cascades into a deep canyon. From Haifoss we drive a 4x4 track across a few unbridged rivers to the famous Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir.
Accommodation: Hotel Geysir

Day 8:  August 20, Golden Circle to Reykjavik
Morning shoot at Geysir for those who wish before we drive to Thingvellir National Park, Iceland´s ancient parliament place of Althingi established in 930 AD which makes it the oldest parliament in the world. Thingvellir is also known for it´s natural beauty and geographical uniqueness. It´s the best place to see the tectonical plate boundaries, where the North-American plate and the Eurasian plate meet. After Thingvellir we visit Iceland´s second largest geothermal area at Hengill volcano and Nesjavellir-plant which provides Reykjavik with hot water from the geothermal vents. Reykjavik city tour in the afternoon or you see the city on your own.
Accommodation: Hotel Holt in Reykjavik

Day 9:  August 21, Reykjavik Marathon & Cultural Night
This is a very picturesque day to be in Reykjavik. All over the center of Reykjavik there are cultural events in the street, music, art, theater and the annual Reykjavik Marathon is held on this day. The day ends with a great fireworks show on the waterfront. This is the day to be in Reykjavik.
Accommodation: Hotel Holt in Reykjavik

Day 10:  August 22, Departure from Keflavik Airport
We drop you off at the airport in time for your flight. It's pbssible to extend your stay - just drop us an email.

Price per person: 375.800
Group size: Max 14 pax, min 6 pax
Included: dbl room accommodation in the best locations, hotels with breakfast, all ground transport in Iceland, local English speaking guide with solid knowledge of photography and Iceland. (Additional for single room accommodation)
Excluded: Flights to and from Iceland, food & drinks
Optional: Single suppliment ISK 95.000 extra

For further information and bookings, please don´t hesitate to contact us by email: info@NatureExplorer.is
You can also go on your own in a photo tour, please check our Iceland Ring Road Photo Tour