Iceland in Winter
Harlequins and Northern Lights!

Thursday 22 - Monday 26 November 2012 (5 days)
Thursday 7 - Monday 11 February 2013 (5 days)
Thursday 28 February - Monday 4 March 2013 (5 days)
Thursday 21 - Monday 25 March 2013 (5 days)

What's it like here in winter? This question is often asked on our popular 'Iceland in Summer' trip. Well, now you can find out on this exciting winter break, designed to be taken as a long weekend.

Iceland's wildlife has to struggle to survive the harsh winter conditions and often congregates around the coast or other sheltered areas. We expect to see several different species of wildfowl including Harlequin Ducks, perhaps surfing in the sea, and Barrow's Goldeneye. There'll be lots of gulls including Glaucous Gull and the eponymous Iceland Gull on the coasts and in harbours. Further inland we should encounter large flocks of Snow Buntings, Ptarmigans in their white winter plumage and there's always the chance of a Gyr Falcon or even White-tailed Eagle. Of course, all this is complemented by the dramatic landscapes of Iceland and, if the weather allows, displays of the aurora borealis. On this tour we'll also learn about Iceland's vibrant volcanic geology.

In March 2010 our group actually saw an erupting volcano, and we were delighted for them - but then after six non-Iceland tours with flights cancelled or postponed we were not so sure!

Groups are limited to just five, to allow us to travel in our own especially equipped four-wheel drive vehicle, and are all guided by expert naturalist and geologist Andy Jones, who lives in Iceland, and also guides our popular summer trips there.

Please note that auroras occur at random and can't be predicted. 2012 and 2013 are peak years for solar activity in the current cycle, and our 2011/12 tour groups all saw auroras. However chance plays a large part, and there may well be no aurora activity during your short stay. However we hope you will enjoy the wildlife and landscapes during the day and feel that it was a worthwhile trip even if no auroras are seen!

Accommodation: We stay at a small but comfortable guesthouse with all rooms en suite, and its own hot-tub (bring a swimming costume!).

Transport: Will be in an especially equipped four wheel drive 'winterised' vehicle driven by the leader.

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: Andy Jones

Numbers: Max. 5 clients

Price:
2012: £ 1,395
2013: £ 1,445

Single supps.:
2012: £ 95
2013: £ 105

Deposit: £ 400 per person

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

The price excludes holiday insurance, drinks, and other personal expenses.

For an ex-international flight cost (starting and finishing in Keflavik) please deduct £ 195 from the tour cost.

These trips will be operated in conjunction with Limosa Holidays

Iceland map
Outline Itinerary
Day 1 We take a scheduled flight from London to Keflavík and transfer to our hotel in the magnificent countryside of south Iceland. We'll be ready to head out to see the aurorae on this and other evenings if weather conditions allow. Overnight near Hveragerði
Days 2-4 We'll make three full day trips to explore the coast and mountains of south Iceland. We'll visit the geysers at Geysir and the wonderful waterfall of Gullfoss. 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. 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. Please note however that we cannot guarantee northern lights, or the weather for seeing them! Three nights near Hveragerði
Day 5 We travel to Keflavík for our return flight to London.

Click here for a full, printable itinerary