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Description: Please read all of the following before registering for the tour.

Join Nikhil Bahl along with world-renowned ornithologist and Icelandic photographer, Jóhann Óli Hilmarsson, on what we feel to be THE ultimate Iceland adventure!

Not only is Iceland one of the best places on Earth to photograph cliff dwelling birds such as the colorful and comedic Atlantic Puffins, Razorbills, Murres and many, many other sea birds and Arctic species, it is also one of the most spectacular landscape spectacles on the planet. And this workshop and tour offers the best of everything and at an incredible value!

With Nikhil's bird and landscape photography experience, including Iceland, and Jóhann Óli Hilmarsson's extensive knowledge of the area and its birds and wildlife, you can be certain of being presented with quite simply THE best opportunities to bring home beautiful photos of all the incredible birds, the breathtaking landscapes and even some of the local culture.

Our journey starts in the capital city of Reykjavik and takes us north to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and its fantastic sea-scapes. We then progress further North by ferry to the small island of Flatey and what many call the best seabird cliffs on earth at Latrabjarg. Our trip takes us to many of Iceland's most spectacular waterfalls including the Barnafoss area where the water pours out of a kilometer long cliff into glacial blue waters. We then head south to photograph Red-throated Loon in breeding colors as well as Black-tailed Godwit at the Floi Preserve. Next we go to one of the most spectacular waterfalls in all of Europe and photograph the Geysir area of natural geysers as well as a string of other beautiful waterfalls. From here we make our way across the south part of the island stopping at many locations including the world famous Laki Craters and both an evening and morning shoot at the beautiful Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon!

With ALL expenses covered, and 2 great guides, with decades of experience between them, you can ease the worry of travel from your mind and partake in this adventure without stress.

Each day will bring us a new adventure and new opportunities as we explore and photograph this truly magical place!

Itinerary

Day 1 - June 26, 2017

Depart for Iceland

Day 2 - June 27, 2017

Arrive Keflavik airport and transfer to hotel in Reykjavik. After getting settled in we will start immediately by going to the town lake called Tjörnin in Reykjavik where we will photograph numerous waterfowl species.

Day 3 - June 28, 2017

We will depart in the morning for Snæfellsjökull National Park on Snæfellsnes Peninsula arriving in time for an evening shoot of this amazing coastal landscape. We will of course stop for any targets of opportunity along the way.

Day 4 - June 29, 2017

We will board the first ferry in the morning crossing Breiðafjörður bay. We will hit the northern coast at noon and then keep on north to the magnificent Dynjandi river, with 6 waterfalls, one of them the great Fjallfoss, on of the most beautiful in all Iceland. After zik zaking some pretty fjords, we will end up at the Látrabjarg bird cliffs at the westernmost point in Europe. This is widely known as one of the very best bird photography locations in the world. Here we will spend two and a half days photographing cliff birds such as Atlantic Puffins, Razorbills, Murres, Black-legged Kittiwakes and Northern Fulmar.

Day 5 - June 30, 2017

We continue shooting at Látrabjarg. The tiny village of Breiðavík, where we will be staying, also provides some excellent scenic opportunities.

Day 6 - July 1, 2017

Our final day at Látrabjarg will allow us to continue to explore the incredible bird photography opportunities in this area.

Day 7 - July 2, 2017

We will board the first ferry at noon to Flatey Island on our journey southward. Flatey is a small island that boasts a wide array of photographable birds including Arctic Tern, Eurasian Oystercatchers, Redshank, Black Guillemot, and many more. - Overnight in Flatey.

Day 8 - July 3, 2017

This morning we will have a few more hours to wrap up our photography around the island of Flatey and then we will have an afternoon ferry ride back to Stykkishólmur.

We will depart Stykkishólmur and work our way inland stopping along the way for any targets of opportunity and end up at Hotel Hlíð in Ölfus for the night.

Day 9 - July 4, 2017

We depart Hlíð early and head into higher ground to one of Iceland's most spectacular waterfalls - Gullfoss. This area is also known for its thermal activity and we will stop in appropriately named Geysir to photograph this area before the tourists arrive. After lunch we drive a bit into the central highlands and shoot two stunning waterfalls, Háifoss (High fall) and Granni (Neighbour). Háifoss is Iceland second highest waterfall. After dinner we spend some hours in the Floi Bird Reserve. This sanctuary has numerous small lakes, many of which have a breeding Red-throated Loon pair. Other species include breeding plumage Dunlin and Black-tailed Godwit.

Day 10 - July 5, 2017

This morning we will drive early to the southern waterfall area as we begin to cross the southern part of Iceland. First we visit Seljalandsfoss, which you can walk behind and then the great Skógafoss. If times allow, we will visit the beautiful coastal landscape area of Dyrhólaey and Reynir. We head for the easternmost destination point, Hali, were we stay for two nights. After dinner we visit the unique Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon and the black beach with icebergs.

Day 11 - July 6, 2017

In the morning we visit the Jökulsárlón again and then head for the Svínafellsjökull glacial tounge and then a short hike to the Basalt lined Svartifoss. After dinner we explore the Jökulsárlón lagoon for the last time.

Day 12 - July 7, 2017

If conditions permit, we will visit the very scenic Fjalsarlon for an early morning shoot at this most beautiful spot. After this we will embark on our long journey back to Reykjavík where we will host a farewell dinner and spend the night before flying home the next day. Some landscape stops on the way and we will for sure find some beautiful Icelandic horses.

Day 13 - July 8, 2017

Airport transfers and flights home.

*Itinerary may be modified based on weather and local conditions.

This Itinerary Includes:

• Lodging throughout (double occupancy)
• All meals as specified
• All transfers to and from airport and hotels
• Professional driver/photo/nature guide and private transportation in spacious tour bus
• Entrance fees for all described activities
• Taxes on all services listed above

The Itinerary Does Not Include:

• Airfare to/from KEF (Keflavík)
• Airport departure tax or fees if applicable
• Alcoholic drinks
• Gratuities
• Non-meal time snacks and soft drinks

Rates:

Rates are net, per person, in USD, double occupancy.

• July 5–17, 2016 - $6,995 (double occupancy)
• Non-photographers: $400 discount
• Single Supplement: $750 additional
• Limit 12 photographers

A single room supplement at an additional cost of $750 is available on a first-request first-served basis. Due to the limited number of spaces available if we are unable to match a solo guest with another guest of the same gender in a “double” room, then the single supplement charge will be required.

*Some lodging requires shared bathroom facilities, for instance we are renting a farmhouse on the island of Flatey and some rooms share baths, but the remainder of lodging venues feature private facilities for each room unless noted.

Due to the confidentiality of the itinerary the specific lodging venues will be shared only upon request, or upon receipt of registration.

Registration through NatureScapes

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