Iceland
The land of ice and fire in summer

Friday 15 - Sunday 24 June 2012 (10 days)

Formed by volcanoes and carved out by glacial action, Iceland has some of the world's most remarkable and awe-inspiring scenery within its intricate coastline. We visit this fascinating land in the delightful sub-arctic summer, when the flowers are at their best, the birds' breeding season is in full swing - and when many cetaceans can be seen off the coast!

In geological terms, Iceland is a very young country. Formed by volcanic upheaval where the Atlantic Ocean floor is splitting apart, it is, in a sense, a baby continent, still very much in the process of creation. For anyone interested in the way our earth was formed a visit here is an absolute must, with almost all types of volcanic phenomena on display.

In wildlife terms, it has marshes packed with breeding wildfowl, waders and terns, and a coastline teeming with seabirds, together with Arctic specialities from Gyrfalcon to Snow Bunting, and a few North American birds including Harlequin Duck and Barrow's Goldeneye. We also have an opportunity to go whale-watching, with a good chance of seeing Minke Whales and Orcas amongst others.



In June the birds are most active with their young, and this is also the best time to see the flowering of Iceland. Harsh conditions make this a land almost devoid of woodlands, but it has a good diversity of flowering plants, and many of these, including several orchids and some endemic species, will be in full flower.

The trip will include a crossing of Iceland's remote and little-visited interior - with a chance to see Pink-footed Geese.



Price: £ 2,595
Single supp.: £ 235
Deposit: £ 400 per person

The price per person includes return scheduled flight from London - Keflavik*, airport taxes, accommodation as outlined, all meals, incidental tips, transport and the services of the leaders.

The price excludes holiday insurance, optional tip to local guide/driver, and a whale-watching trip (which is weather-dependent), drinks, and other personal expenses.

*Please note that it may be possible to arrange flights from Glasgow - Keflavik, although these usually need an extra night stopover in Iceland, and may not return to Glasgow! Please enquire for details.

For an ex-international flight cost (starting and finishing in Keflavik) please deduct £265 from the tour cost.

This trip will be operated in conjunction with Limosa Holidays.

Iceland map

Accommodation: Comfortable country hotels/guesthouses with all rooms en suite.

Walking: Walks are no more than three miles in total on any one day and never more than two miles at one time. The terrain is mostly level but may be rough underfoot with sharp lava. Stout walking boots are recommended.

Leader: Trausti Gunnarsson

Numbers: Max. 14 clients

Outline Itinerary
Days 1-3 We take a scheduled flight London - Keflavik, and then drive to Reykjavik where we may have time for a short stop. We continue onwards towards Hveragerdi. Three nights Hveragerdi
Days 4-6 Today we travel, via Thingvellir, to our base on the dramatic Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Three nights Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Days 7-8 We drive through the spectacular north of Iceland, to Eyjafjördur near Akureyri, where we stay for two nights at a country guest-house. Two nights near Akureyri
Day 9 Today we drive across Iceland's rugged and little-visited interior, for a fascinating and unusual view of the country. Overnight Skálholt
Day 10 Flight times permitting, we should have time to explore the local coast for some seawatching and have a quick tour of Reykjavik before travelling to Keflavik airport for the flight back to London.

Click here for a full, printable itinerary