Strabo Photo Tour Collection

Iceland: Fire and Ice - 2009

Copyright Ron Rosenstock

*Land cost has been revised to reflect current exchange rate.

The unique interplay of light and shadows in Iceland, together with the intensive colors of the rapidly changing nature, makes every photographer’s heart jump! The traditional theme and image of Iceland has been ice and fire, but it is much more than that. Mother nature has painted a magnificent tapestry of colors with geological phenomena unmatched elsewhere in the world. Inexorably intertwined with this exotic natural environment are the 280,000 Icelanders who along with their Nordic and Celtic ancestors have called this North Atlantic Island their home for over 1100 years. They live mostly along the coast; over one-third live within a 20-kilometer radius of Reykjavik, the capital city.

Experience the vast volcanic landscape, breathtaking glaciers, and hardy Viking hospitality that have been celebrated for centuries in Icelandic sagas. On this unique expedition, view towering volcanic pillars, hike to stunning waterfalls, and languish in ancient geyser springs. From the capital city to remote farms on the tips of exposed fjords, Iceland is picturesque, including some features of the moon surface. Volcanoes, hot springs, and glaciers influence the look and feel of the country. At every turn, the vistas will astound you. Join us on this exploratory adventure of one of our planet’s most fascinating and unique environments.

Itinerary

August 27: Home - Iceland

Copyright Ron Rosenstock

Our journey to Iceland begins with an overnight flight to Keflavik Airport in Reykjavik, Iceland.

August 28: Reykjavik – Borgarfjordur

After a very early arrival in Keflavik Airport, our local guide will meet us as we start the tour with a light breakfast in an Icelandic coffee shop. Before reaching our hotel in Borgarnes we will take a scenic drive to Lake Thingvallavatn, Iceland's largest inland lake, and the Thingvellir region. The first Icelandic settlers established the first known parliament here. This area is scarred by one of the world’s great geological boundaries, a rift valley marking where the North American and Eurasian continental plates are physically tearing apart. After checking in to our hotel and enjoying a rest, we will explore the valleys West of Borgarnes. Hotel Hamar (B, L, D)

August 29: Borgarfjordur – Saudarkrokur

Driving north today we will drive around the Vatnsnes Peninsula with its renowned seal colony cliffs on the western side and the spectacular Hvitserkur Rock on the eastern side. Traveling further east we reach the town of Saudarkrokur, with its brightly painted houses and bustling harbor. Hotel Tindastoll (B, L, D)

August 30: Saudarkrokur – Lake Myvatn

Copyright Ron Rosenstock

We leave the Northern fjords passing Akureyri and over to the spectacular Godafoss Falls, ending the day in Lake Myvatn (Midge Lake). The ice-blue Skalfandafljot River tears through horseshoe-shaped basalt canyons busting into a pair of cataracts. The largest of these being, Godafoss, known as the Waterfall of the Gods. We will take hikes to either side of these breathtaking falls, offering tremendous views and places to photograph. Hotel Reynihlid (B, L, D both days)

August 31: Lake Myvatn

We will have another full day in the Lake Myvatn region. Lake Myvatn, located in the rugged Myvatn desert, is Iceland’s best-known natural wonder with pseudocraters, dark lava castle formations, steam vents, hot springs, mud pools, volcanoes, and brilliantly colored mountains. We will photograph the otherworldly region of craters, towering volcanic pillars, and boiling mud pots along the lakeshore. Dimmuborgir, is comprised of a vast field of towering volcanic pillars, while Namafjall is streaked in gray gypsum, yellow sulfur deposits, and evil smelling blue-gray belching mud pools. It is essential to follow boardwalks and guide ropes keeping a safe distance from the 200°C pots. Steam vents exist, where rocks, gravel, and earth have been burst upwards like a bubble to form waist-high, perforated mounds through which vapor screams ferociously. Perhaps we will end the day on a quieter note at the crystal clear blue waters of the Lake Myvatn natural baths, with an optional swim or spa treatment.

September 1: Myvatn – Borgarfjordur Eystri - Egilsstadir

This morning, we take a last look at the volcanism of the Myvatn area, including the recent lava of the "Krafla fires" of 1975-1984. We travel east through the desolate highlands, to Egilsstadir, and then on to view the East fjords. Borgarfjordur East, also known as Bakkagerdi, is an isolated community of just 120 people, overlooking a wide fjord. Backed by mountains, it is a charming location steeped in local lore. Hotel Herad (B, L, D)

September 2: Egilsstadir – Ice Lagoon – Skaftafell National Park

As we depart Egilsstadir, we travel south, along the East coast with its dramatic fjords, stopping at the quaint harbor village of Djupivogur. Afterwards we photograph one of the highlights of the tour, having extended time at the ice lagoon Jökullon on Breidamerkursandur.

Our next photo opportunity is Skaftafell National Park, where our accommodations are nestled between sliding glaciers at the foot of the Vatnajökull Glacier. This is Europe’s largest icecap - larger than all other glaciers in Europe combined. We are at a prime location for morning photography. Hotel Skaftafell (B, L, D)

September 3: Skaftafell and surroundings

This morning, we explore Skaftafell National Park, a natural wonderland of powerful glaciers, turbulent waterfalls, lush birch woodlands, and vibrant wildflowers. We will have a leisurely morning photographing at the foot of Vatnajökull glacier. In the afternoon Iceland’s highest mountain, Hvannadalshnukur, Skaftafell offers short hikes with fantastic views of the mountain and its sliding glaciers. An extended hike takes us to a tremendous basalt waterfall known as Svartifoss, or the Black Falls. Hotel Skaftafell (B, L, D)

September 4 - September 5: Skaftafell – Vik - Hella

Some say this route is one of the most scenic and beautiful routes in Iceland. We travel along the south shore past spectacular mountain scenery, across a vast lava field by Kirkjubæjarklaustur and into Iceland's southernmost village of Vik, where black sand beaches and picturesque rocks line the sea shore including columnar basalt grottoes, sea stacks, and bird cliffs. We visit the Dyrholaey headland where thousands of birds nest during the summer including puffins, guillemots and fulmars. Perhaps we will have time for an optional amphibious boat tour out from Dyrholaey to view the three trolls. Finally we reach our accommodation at Hotel Rangá or Rangarsel.

We will have another full day to explore Southern Iceland. Depending on the weather and road conditions we will take a day trip to Landmannalaugar Nature Reserve or Thorsmork Glacier Valley. (B, L, D both days)

September 6: Hella - Home

This morning we will work our way towards the airport, as we travel west on the Reykjanes peninsula coastal road. Krysuvik offers tremendous shale hills and coastal scenery along the way. We arrive at the airport in the early afternoon for our evening flights home. (B)
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*Note: The trip cost is based upon the current exchange rate with Iceland, please note this has been quite erratic of late. If there is an adjustment in the trip price (positive or negative), we will notify participants and make appropriate charges/credits.
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As this is an active expedition with moderate hikes, you should be in good physical condition. While hotels selected are the best available, accommodations are basic with a private bath in each room.

Accommodations

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Guides

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Food & Drink

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Notes

A note from your photo instructor Ron Rosenstock:
Iceland is an incredible country, a land of waterfalls, rainbows, glaciers, ice floes, sea stacks, and very friendly people who all speak English. It is a MUST for landscape photographers. Imagine photographing an ice cave with sunlight glistening through the sculpted forms, a lagoon filled with ice floes, and the reflections of a glacier at sunrise in a perfectly still lake.
One of the nicest aspects of travel to Iceland is the relatively short flying time from the east coast of the U.S -- less time than traveling to Ireland. Keflavik Airport is the most, user-friendly one I’ve ever encountered. Iceland has the best of what New Zealand, Ireland, and Alaska have all wrapped up in a small country the size of Kentucky.

*Note: The trip cost is based upon the current exchange rate with Iceland, please note this has been quite erratic of late. If there is an adjustment in the trip price (positive or negative), we will notify participants and make appropriate charges/credits.

Pricing Info

Tour land cost: $4,995 US Dollars based upon minimum of 7 paying participants. There is a small group surcharge of $500 if 5-6 paying participants. All our program prices are based on double occupancy unless noted in exceptions.

Single room supplement: $845; single rooms are subject to availability and are not guaranteed. We try to accommodate travelers who request single accommodations, as well as travelers who are looking for a roommate. If a single room is requested, or if we are unable to find a suitable roommate, you will be required to pay the supplement.

Note: The land costs on international tours is based upon current exchange rates. Although the rate has been relatively stable, should it change, there may need to be an adjustment in the land cost.

General Tour Info (includes, excludes and other details)