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Iceland in Winter
ICELAND
Snaefellsness
Orcas and Auroras Special
REYKJAVIK
ICELAND
Hveragerði
celand’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 as well as making a special journey to the Snæfellsnes peninsula, which in recent years has seen magnificent Orcas coming close inshore. We’ll look for them from the land, and, if weather permits, take a boat trip to see them close up. The tour is led by Andy Jones.
Thursday 6 March – Tuesday 11 March 2014
(6 days)
A great winter break searching for birds and whales in south and west Iceland. You’ll travel in a small group in a specially prepared winterised 4x4 vehicle which allows us to reach some out-of-the-way places.
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Day 2 : We’ll explore the valleys and rivers of southern Iceland searching for Barrow’s goldeneye which we hope to find on ice-free pools and lakes. We’ll also visit the hot springs at Geysir and see the glacial falls of Gullfoss. Wherever we travel there’s a chance of encountering gyrfalcon and ptarmigan as well. We’ll learn about the dynamic geology of Iceland and if conditions allow hope to see the Eyjafjallajökull volcano. Overnight near Hveragerði Day 3 : We’ll travel along the south coast of Iceland and search for the different species of gulls that
Day 4 : We travel to Þingvellir, a national park which is historically important as the site of the old Viking parliament. Ecologically and geologically it’s impressive and scenically outstanding. We continue our journey along the shores of Hvalfjörður looking for long-tailed ducks and overwintering waders before heading for our next guesthouse on the south coast of the magnificent Snæfellsnes peninsula where we’ll stay for two nights. Overnight Snæfellsnes Day 5 : A full day exploring Snæfellsnes where we’ll search for white-tailed eagles and Orcas. At this time of year the whales often come close inshore and we
TRIP DETAILS
ACCOMMODATION : Small but comfortable hotels with all rooms en suite. 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
PRICES : Single supp. : Deposit :
£ 1,775 £ 170 £ 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).
EUROPE, NORTH AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST
Itinerary Day 1 : Arrive in Iceland and transfer to our south Iceland guesthouse. Later on this, and all other evenings, if conditions allow, we’ll hope for a sighting of the northern lights. Overnight near Hveragerði
overwinter here. We expect to find both glaucous and Iceland gulls. We’ll explore the rocky coasts looking for harlequin ducks and we should also be able to record both Atlantic grey and common seals, too. We’ll also look for cetaceans offshore and on past trips have recorded both minke and humpback whales at this time of year. Overnight near Hveragerði
The price excludes holiday insurance, optional boat trip (cost around £45), drinks, and other personal expenses. For an ex-international flight cost (starting and finishing in Keflavik) please deduct £ 225 from the tour cost. This tour will be operated in conjunction with Limosa Holidays.
hope for some good land based views. Depending on the weather it may be possible to take a boat trip as well (weather dependent and payable locally, cost around £45). Snæfellsnes in winter is a delight and our guesthouse is in a dark area to maximise the chance of auroras. Overnight Snæfellsnes Day 6 : We leave Snæfellsnes and travel via Borgarnes to Iceland’s capital Reykjavík before heading for the airport and our afternoon return flight.
For any queries, or to make a reservation, please contact us on 01305-267994
Orcas (Photos: Andy Jones)
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