Status | Starts | Group size | Leader | Duration/price Inc. flights from/to UK | Duration/price Exc. international flights | Single supp. | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A question often asked on our popular summer trip to Iceland is 'what’s it like here in winter?' Well, now you can find out on this exciting winter break, designed to be taken as a long weekend.
-
- Fly from London to Keflavík where we transfer to our hotel in the magnificent countryside of south Iceland. We’ll be ready to head out to see the aurora on this and other evenings if weather conditions allow.
- Accommodation: Near Hveragerði, 4-nights on full board basis.
-
- We’ll make three full day trips to explore the coast and mountains of south Iceland. Amongst the birdlife we will expect to see at this time of year are harlequin ducks and Barrow’s goldeneye, lots of gulls and, further inland, snow buntings and ptarmigans in their white winter plumage.
- Iceland’s geology is not forgotten as we visit lava fields, craters and glaciers and learn more about the processes that created this incredible landscape. Visits include the geysers at Geysir and the wonderful waterfall of Gullfoss (where there is a chance to see arctic fox in its winter coat).
- Iceland is one of the best places to see the aurora borealis or northern lights. We shall, of course, make a special effort to be in the right place to see this unforgettable spectacle, often seen during the long nights of the sub-arctic winter – although chance plays a large part, and there may well be no aurora activity during your short stay.
-
Day 5 Transfer to Keflavik and fly back to the UK
All prices are per person and include:
- Services of the naturalist leader
- Flights
- Transfers
- Accommodation
- All meals
- Guided activities
Accommodation
On this tour we stay in a small, but comfortable, guesthouse with its own hot tub. All rooms are en suite.
Meals
All main meals are included.
Birds
We expect to see several different species of wildfowl, including harlequin ducks and Barrow’s goldeneye. Gulls will be abundant and inland we may see ptarmigan in their white winter plumage and raptors such as gyrfalcon.
- Snow bunting
- Iceland gull
- Glaucous gull
- White-tailed eagle
Mammals
Although wildlife has a struggle to survive in Iceland’s harsh winters, we may spot an Arctic fox, in its white winter coat, and seals and whales are a possibility.
Scenery
Iceland’s dynamic geology, remarkable landscapes and magnificent fjords give rise to fascinating and beautiful scenery, and it is one of the best places to see the aurora borealis, or northern lights.
Walking
We walk no more than five kilometres, in total, on any one day, and the maximum distance walked on a single walk is slightly over three kilometres.
The terrain is mostly level, but may be rough underfoot with sharp lava, and we recommend stout walking boots.
Flights
Price includes return scheduled flights London – Keflavik – London.
Ground transport
Ground transport is in specially equipped 4 wheel drive vehicles, adapted for winter in Iceland and driven by the tour leader.