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Capture the Beauty of Iceland: A Photographic Treasure Hunt Grab your camera and get ready to let Iceland take your breath away. Explore the dramatic landscapes of the northern coast and tour the “otherworldly” interior with a team that can take you to out-of-the-way places and show you how to take bits of its beauty back home. Oli Schram is the most experienced traveller, guide, tour leader and birdwatcher Iceland has to offer. An Icelander by birth, Oli has travelled to remote areas for the better part of his life – by foot, on horseback and in every vehicle imaginable. Since 1994, Oli has been running his own tour company, specializing in small groups with special interests: photographers, birdwatchers, cultural enthusiasts and adventure seekers (including snow scooter, rafting, horseback, climbing and diving tours). Oli is a well-know personality in Iceland and has the right connections to make each trip unique. One of Iceland’s best storytellers, he has a vast repertoire of historical facts and legendary tales with which to spice up the trip, and is also up-to-date on Iceland’s current issues. Oli will make every visitor feel right at home and completely comfortable – whether walking the streets of the capital city or driving the “less-travelled roads” of the interior. Marilyn Smith is a Paris-based Canadian journalist and photographer who took one look at Iceland and got hooked on its endless beauty. “The scenery is spectacularly dramatic in its own right. The changing weather patterns and play of light can change the mood of any vista in a matter of minutes. The challenge for the photographer is to decide whether to wait it out, or make the best of the moment.” Together, Oli and Marilyn offer an interesting and informative tour, coupled with opportunities to enhance your photographic skills. Oli will impart his vast knowledge of his home country. Marilyn will show participants how to use their gear more effectively and provide instruction on composition, framing, exposure and “seeing” the world in different ways. Day 1. Arrival (18/06) Arrival to Keflavik Airport, transfer by Reykjavik Excursions to your accommodation in Reykjavik. Evening free. Day 2 ( 19/06 ) – City sights and an historic whaling station We start our tour with a visit to the City Hall in Reykjavik to view the large, three-dimensional map of Iceland to familiarise ourselves with the proposed route and get a sense of the terrain. A few relaxed hours to enjoy (and photograph) the city’s scenery, buildings, monuments or landscapes. Leaving Reykjavik mid-afternoon, we aim to arrive at Hvalfjodur fjord and the abandoned NATO whaling station in time to catch it in evening light. Gravel roads take us up to waterfalls Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. We will also visit Europe’s most effective hot spring at Deildartunga. Overnight at Hotel Hamar, near Borgarnes. Day 3 ( 20/06 ) – On the Ring Road We hit the number one road in Iceland, the Ring Road, which one could follow to make a full circle around the island country. However, to allow participants to enjoy and photograph – up close and personal – a variety of sites, we shall take a slower pace and focus on the country’s northern beauties. Questions about Iceland’s history, culture and current affairs will be answered while en route. Late afternoon, we arrive in Akureyri, the Capital of the North, where we stay overnight. Day 4 ( 21/06 ) – Water falls and lava flows Leaving Akureyri, we drive just one hour to Lake Myvatn, with an en-route stop at the Godafoss – the “waterfall of the gods”. Oli will reveal the meanings of these strange names and also explore their connections. Myvatn´s birdlife will be at its peak in June, with more than 10 different species of duck, an interesting task for every photographer. The region is dotted with other photo opportunities in the form of lava formations, hot springs and false craters. Accommodation will be near Husavik village, in cottages, which will be shared by two persons each. This will be our “home base” for three nights while we do a variety of day trips in the region. Optional whale-watching tours (3 hours) will be on offer in the evenings. Remember on June 12th, daylight lasts almost 23 hours! Day 5 ( 22/06 ) Today we concentrate on the northeast coast of Iceland, driving via Tjörnes peninsula and stopping at Mánarbakki cattle farm, made infamous by its owner who has a passion for collecting. Then we head for the churning North Sea. Travelling via Axarfjord and north to Melrakkaslétta, our aim is to walk to Raudinúpur, exploring both the beach and the cliff tops, observing the full power of Nordic nature. Driftwood, numerous birds and even scarecrows will grab your attention, as will canyons, lakes and desert landscapes. (Overnight at Husavik village; whale-watching optional.) Day 6 ( 23/06 ) Today we head for our easternmost destinations, starting with Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. Next is Ásbyrgi, a legendary horseshoe-shaped canyon and the nearby Hafragilsfoss and Selfoss waterfalls. We end the day in the new lava field of the active Krafla volcano and visit hot springs at Námaskard. (Overnight at Husavik village; whale-watching optional.) Day 7 ( 24/06 ) The morning is free time; participants can explore Husavik – known as the “prettiest fishing village on the northeast coast.” Wander through downtown, admire the church, or visit two unusual museums. The Whale Museum, housed in an old slaughterhouse, covers the ecology and habitat of whales and other marine animals. The Icelandic Philological Museum “uncovers” the mysteries of the crown jewels of living creatures great (blue whale) and small (hamster). From flowers to fishing boats, Husavik offers a wide range of attractions. Early afternoon begin our drive back west, going through Skagafjordur and Akureyri again. We will have the option of stopping to photograph places not previously seen, or those we had to pass up because of poor lighting conditions or unfavourable weather. Overnight in Skagafjordur. Day 8 ( 25/06 ) – The Central Deserts Today’s route takes us through the Iceland’s interior, following the Kjölur Route. Legendary for having been infested by a band of outlaws, route 35 will takes us through glaciers and ice-berg dotted glacial lakes at Hvítárnes, geothermal fields fumaroles and multi-coloured hot springs at Hveravellir, a barren but beautiful lava field at Kjalhraun, and finally Geysir hot springs and Gullfoss. After a long day of driving and many stops, we will check in at hour hotel in Fludir for a dinner and overnight. Day 9 ( 26/06 ) – Independence Day The Republic of Iceland celebrates its 64th birthday! After a short drive through Skalholt Bishopery and Hveragerdi town, we will reach the capital in good time to celebrate with the locals. Reykjavik will be “dressed up” for the occasion, and will play host to parades with traditional costumes, music and dancing. As night forgets to fall, the revellers will help keep the streets alive until the early hours of the morning! Day 10 ( 27/06 ) – Last Day in Iceland Today you can wrap up your Icelandic adventure with shopping, a visit to the Blue Lagoon or take the Reykjavik Excursion bus directly to Keflavik Airport, with plenty of time to catch your departure flight back home. Included: Transfer Keflavík Reykjavik and Reykjavik Keflavík 2 nights in a hotel in Reykjavik 7 nights in a hotel/guesthouse with shower and WC 9 breakfasts, 7 dinners (except day 1 and 9) Departure date from Reykjavik June 10th Photographic Mentoring: by Marilyn Smith Price USD 4.662, GBP 2.890, € 3.211 per person in a double room. 15% extra for single. This tour is geared toward advanced amateur photographers. Individuals should be familiar with the basic operations of an SLR camera and should bring their own equipment. Digital format is ideal for creating opportunities to review and critique work, both individually with Marilyn and in group sessions. |
