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Iceland
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© Keith Grant/Nature Portfolio  Hot springs in Iceland |
The last Great Auks were probably killed in early June 1844 on the remote island of Eldey in SW Iceland. Our unique holiday pays homage to this extinct species with a visit to its final haunts, and combines it with the chance to visit some of the best seabird colonies in the Atlantic, as well as encountering Iceland's other special species and superb volcanic and glacial landscapes - and a stay on the fabulous Westman Islands!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 the volcanic phenomena on display.In wildlife terms, it has marshes packed with breeding wildfowl and waders, and a coastline teeming with seabirds, together with Arctic specialities from Gyr Falcon to Snow Bunting, and a few North American birds including Harlequin Duck and Barrow's Goldeneye. Offshore there are whales and dolphins, while botanists will enjoy a surprising diversity of flowering plants. This is the only bird and wildlife tour we know that features a species which we have absolutely no hope of seeing! But we know you will enjoy learning about this extraordinary flightless seabird - the original 'penguin'- and the factors that led to its sudden demise, and will like seeing the wonderful part of the world that was its last home. Itinerary Days 1 - 2 We take a scheduled flight London - Keflavik, from where we transfer to our hotel in the south of Iceland for a two-night stay near Gullfoss. Next day, spectacular volcanic landscapes provide the background as we search for some of Iceland's special species including Barrow's Goldeneye, Harlequin and perhaps Gyr Falcon. We make excursions to some of the best birdwatching, geological and historical locations including one of the world's most famous geological sites - Geysir, site of hot springs and, well, geysers. "Foss" is the Icelandic for waterfall, and Gullfoss, or "Golden waterfall", is one of the most attractive. Richly-plumaged Icelandic Black-tailed Godwits breed in the Skogar area, and we shall also see Great Northern and Red-throated Divers. Two nights Gullfoss Day 3 We visit the promontory of Dyrhólaey, below the Myrdalsjökull glacier, for our first taste of Iceland's magnificent seabird colonies. We will also find Great Skuas breeding near the snout of the glacier. We stay overnight in the area, well-placed for our flight to the Westman Islands the following day. Overnight Dyrhólaey Day 4 We take a light aircraft for the short flight to the Westman Islands. Home to the world's largest Puffin colony, the spectacular cliffs have countless numbers of seabirds. We have a guided tour of the island of Heimay. Here we have a chance to walk on some of the youngest land on earth - around 35 years old! After this we take a birdwatching boat trip around the islands with the chance of encountering Orcas and Minke Whales. Overnight Westman Islands Day 5 We spend the day on the Westman Islands enjoying the magnificent seabird colonies before taking a late afternoon flight back to the mainland. Overnight Hlid Day 6 We visit the wetland reserve at Floí to see Red-necked Phalaropes and other breeding waders and wildfowl. Later we visit the south shore of the Reykjanes peninsula for some more coastal bird watching. Driving through barren lava fields, we reach this rich area of unimproved pasture which teems with nesting waders including Dunlin, Snipe, Whimbrel and Golden Plover. Nearby cliffs are home to no less than five species of auk, including Brünnich's Guillemot, together with other seabirds. Inland, rough moorland is home to breeding Snow Buntings and Merlins. Overnight Hlid Day 7 Today we take a boat trip around the island of Eldey, the location where the last two Great Auks were probably killed. The island is now Iceland's largest gannetry and we have a very good chance of encountering Minke Whales and White-beaked Dolphins as well. Overnight Hlid Day 8 We transfer to Keflavik airport for the flight back to London. Accommodation: Comfortable country hotels/guesthouses with all rooms en suite. Please note that in 2007 we have negotiated NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS! However, availability of single rooms may be limited. |
| Principal Leader: | Andy Jones |
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Price: |
£ | 1,845 | ||
| Single supp.*: | £ | NONE | ||
| Deposit: | £ | 300 | per person | |
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The price per person includes return scheduled flights from London - Keflavik*, return flights to Westman Islands, airport taxes, accommodation as outlined, all meals, incidental tips, boat trips as outlined, ground transportation and the services of the leaders.
The price excludes holiday insurance, optional tip to local guide/driver, drinks, and other personal expenses.
*Please note that it may be possible to arrange flights from Glasgow - Keflavik. Please enquire for details.
*For an ex-international flight cost (starting and finishing in Keflavik) please deduct £ 195 from the tour cost. |
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