Explore Iceland – Photography Tour
An exclusive opportunity to explore Iceland and be immersed in the natural beauty of this
fascinating and unique island, on this 13-day stunning landscape photography tour and
workshop with renowned landscape photographer and teacher, Glenn Guy.
Hosted and photography instruction by Glenn Guy. MA (Photography). Accompanied by
experienced local tour leader.
DEPARTURE DATE: August 12 – 24, 2016
TRIP LENGTH: 13 Days/12 Nights
GROUP SIZE: 12 people
MEALS: 12 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners
ENTRANCE FEES: Included
PRICES FROM: US $6,290 per person, twin share
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: US $1,895 for preferred single
supplement and if no gender share option is available
DEPOSIT: AU $1,000
Brief history of Iceland
The island of Iceland was settled by the Norse seafarers in the ninth century. Around AD 930 they
established the world's first republic and parliament. The original seat of this democratic system
may be found at Thingvellir, an hour's drive from Reykjavík, where the original Viking settlers used a
natural amphitheatre, formed by a cliff wall, as an assembly. In the mid-13th century the islanders
submitted to the authority of the King of Norway, and when Norway came under the control of
Denmark in 1380, so did Iceland. In 1814 Norway became independent, but Iceland remained a
Danish territory until 1874 when it was granted its own constitution, allowing for self-government.
Full independence was granted in 1918, although it was not until 1944 that Iceland became a fully
independent nation with its own head of state. Contemporary Icelandic politics display the
customary Western European spectrum of political parties, although a notable feature has been
the influence of women within the main parties (Independents, Progressives and Social Democrats).
Iceland's most famous political figure of recent times is also a woman, Vigdis Finnbogadottir, who
served four consecutive terms as President between 1980 and her resignation in 1996. She was
replaced by Olafur Grimsson, who began a fourth term as President in 2008. The Parliament (Alþing)
has generally been dominated by coalition governments. These were of a broadly centre-right
persuasion until the mid-1970s, since then the left has dominated.
The great economic collapse of 2008 caused Icelanders to rise up against what they viewed as a
corrupt government. After highly visible protests, the then Prime Minister stepped down and the
government collapsed. A new coalition government was created and the country’s economic
and political situation stabilised. This was the first left wing government ever to sit a full term.
Strangely they are now governed by the same parties that led them into the collapse in 2008.
Icelandic foreign policy is dominated by fishing and relations with Atlantic powers. Iceland is a
member of NATO, the Nordic Council and the Council of Europe. Ties with NATO have loosened
since before the end of the Cold War – in May 1985, the Alþing declared Iceland a 'nuclear-free
zone' – and this process has accelerated with the reduction of the large NATO base at Reykjavik.
Iceland has historically eschewed membership of the European Union largely due to issues about
fishing quotas, but, in July 2009, it applied for membership. While many Icelanders have mixed
feelings about it, the move has stabilised the country financially and strengthened its banking
sector. Today, Iceland is growing in popularity with visitors from all over the globe. Its varied scenery,
coastal beauty and remarkable waterfalls and lava spills have appealed to people’s curiosity.
ABOUT GLENN GUY
Glenn Guy is a photographer and educator with over 35 years’
industry experience. He is the primary author and publisher of
the Travel Photography Guru website and blog, a site
dedicated to sharing the beauty of the world and it’s people
with an ever-larger audience.
Glenn’s diverse career includes wedding/portrait, publishing,
film stills and 8 years at Kodak, including technical specialist and
product management roles. He obtained a Master of Arts
(Photography) at RMIT University in Melbourne and has lectured
extensively at short course and tertiary level.
Glenn is an experienced workshop leader and tutor.
A traveller since 1988, Glenn has undertaken photography
expeditions to 6 continents.
More information on Glenn
ACCOMMODATION
12 Nights comfortable hotel accommodation on a twin share basis with private facilities.
DAY BY AY HIGHLIGHTS
ARRIVE REYKJAVIK - Day 1/Night 1 – August 12, 2016
Welcome to Reykjavik, the largest city of Iceland with a population of approximately 120,000.
Reykjavik is the world’s northernmost capital of a sovereign state. Over 60% of the populations live
in Reykjavik greater area consisting of six towns, which border with Reykjavik.
Transfer to hotel (transfers can be arranged upon your request).
To foster a quick recovery from your flight and stimulate your creative vision, Glenn Guy, your
expert photography guide, will be undertaking an afternoon Reykjavik City Photo Walk for all those
able to attend.
We’ll all meet in the evening for a tour introduction and briefing after which there are many dining
options available in the capital to avail yourself of.
REYKJANES PENINSULA - Day 2/Night 2 – August 13, 2016
Situated on an active volcanic ridge the Mountain Hengill Geothermal Area is one of the largest
high-temperature fields in Iceland. Our visit will include either the Nesjavellir geothermal Power Plant
or the Hellisheidi geothermal power plant and its surroundings. Close to the capital these rugged
and colorful areas provide lots of opportunities for great photos.
Cross a footbridge between two continents on the lava scarred Reykjanes peninsula, situated on
the Mid-Atlantic ridge. Craters and an old lighthouse are two possible sites to explore and
photograph.
Krysuvik is a striking landscape where we’ll view dramatic red, green and yellow colored hills
framing an expanse of steaming volcanic vents and hot springs. Just a few minutes drive away are
the stunning Krÿsuvíkurberg Cliffs, home to thousands of seabirds.
THE GOLDEN CIRCLE - THINGVELLIR - GEYERS - GULLFOSS Day 3/Night 3 - August 14, 2016
Today we drive inland to the Thingvellir World Heritage Area, where the world's first democratic
parliament meeting took place in 930 AD. The area became Iceland's first National Park in 1928
and a World Heritage area in 2004.
Sitting right on top of the continental divide, between the North American and Eurasian Plates, this
is the best place in Iceland to see the continental drift. The floor of the rift valley has sunken some
60-70 metres with the fissures and fault lines very clear in the landscape on either side of the valley.
The area abounds with immense fissures and the largest lake in the country.
We then carry on to the geothermal active area of Haukadalur, containing the area’s world
famous geysers. The most reliable one, Strokkur (the butter churn), spurts a jet of water and steam
up to 25 metres in height around every 5-10 minutes. Close by is the one and only Geysir, which has
almost stopped erupting. However, every now and again, Geysir spouts water up into the air. The
area became active more than 1,000 years ago.
Gullfoss (Golden Falls), a huge and dramatic waterfall located in a 70 metre deep canyon of the
River Hvita (White River), is only a short drive away. A spectacular sight to behold and great fun to
photograph., you can photograph the waterfalls from a variety of spots along the short walk that
takes us to the very top of the falls.
LANDMANNALAUGAR - Day 4/Night 4 - August 15, 2016
Landmannalaugar is located in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, in the highlands of Iceland. It’s a
huge mountainous wilderness that is built up by ongoing volcanic activity and eroded by glaciers,
rivers and wind. Known for its natural geothermal hot springs and surrounding landscape,
Landmannalaugar is close to Hekla volcano and at the edge of Laugahraun lava field that was
formed in an eruption around the year 1477.
We travel to the Fjallabak area and Landmannalaugar. We explore this colourful area on foot, and
may even climb Blátind (blue peak) for a panoramic view of this highland oasis. And exploration of
Grænagil (green gully) and a look at some hot springs follow, before we head for a (noncompulsory) refreshing dip in the famous naturally hot geothermal pools in Landmannalaugar,
which translates as people’s pools. The mountains in this area showcase a myriad of colors
including pink, brown, yellow, purple, blue and white.
FJALLABAK, ELDGJA FISSURE, HOLASKJOL WATERFALL– Day 5/Night 5 – August 16, 2016
Today we drive across lunar-like landscape of Fjallabak nature reserve to the south coast stopping
at explosive craters and waterfalls. We drive between the giant ice-caps of Vatnajokull and
Myrdalsjokull, en route to the gorge of Eldgja (Fire Fissure), the largest volcanic canyon in the world.
Another of Iceland’s incredible natural attractions, Eldgja is a 25-mile-long volcanic rift formed
during a violent 10th-century eruption, which produced one of the greatest amount of lava ever
recorded. We take some time to hike into the rift and visit Ofaerufoss waterfall. We stop at Holaskjol
hut and go for a walk to see a beautiful lava flow and waterfall above the hut.
At 270 metres deep and up to 600 metres wide Eldgja is a 25-mile-long volcanic rift. Discovered by
Þorvaldur Thoroddsen in 1893 it’s one of Iceland’s incredible natural attractions. The first
documented eruption in 934 AD is the largest known basalt flood with an area of lava covering
around 800 kilometres and an estimated 18 kilometres of magma having poured out of the earth.
LAKAGIGAR FISSURE – Kirkjubæjarklaustur – Day 6/Night 6 – August 17, 2016
We make our way to the Eyafjallajokull Volcano via the 60-metre-high Seljalandsfoss Waterfall.
On our journey we also see the Falljokull outlet glacier that bore the brunt of the flood caused by
the eruption. As testament to the changes caused in the area, the lagoon that once sat below the
glacier was filled with ash and gravel carried down by the melting ice and is now a gravel slope.
Today we visit the site of Lakagígar, a 25 kilometre row of craters and a volcanic fissure, which is
also believed to be one of the larger eruptions in recorded history. An eruption between 1783 and
1784 from the Laki fissure and the adjoining Grimsvotn volcano, poured out an estimated 14
kilometres of basalt lava and clouds of poisonous hydrofluoric acid and sulphur dioxide
compounds that killed over 50% of Iceland’s livestock population. This led to famine that killed
approximately 25% of Iceland’s human population and the aftermath caused a drop in global
temperatures, causing crop failures in Europe and reaching as far as India. It has been estimated
that the eruption killed over six million people globally, making it the deadliest eruption in history.
Situated deep within Vatnajökull National Park we may walk in the area of Mt. Laki, with a very
good view of the crater row. We head for Tjarnargígur crater and walk along the Eldborg lava
channel. The Lakagigar craters are regarded as a globally unique phenomenon and are a
protected natural monument. In 1783, a huge lava flow streamed from the Lakagígar fissure in
what became known as the "Skaftá Fires." This is believed to have been one of the greatest lava
flows in a single eruption in the history of the world. For residents of the region and Iceland as a
whole, the results of this eruption were catastrophic: this time is known as the Haze Famine.
We’ll visit Kirkjubaejarklaustur Village on our way to this evening’s accommodation.
THE GLACIER LAGOON AND THE SOUTH COAST, HOFN – Day 7/Night 7 – August 18, 2016
Today we spend time in Vatnajokull National Park. Vatnajokull National Park is immense, covering
over 13,500 square kilometres. The Glacier Lagoon is an incredible sight; it developed into a lake
after the glacier started receding from the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. It recently became the
deepest lake in Iceland, at over 248 metres. The size of the lake has increased fourfold since the
1970s and is considered one of the natural wonders of Iceland. The lake can be seen from the
highway between Hofn and Skaftafell. We may walk to the lagoon, avoiding the crowds of people
that visit this well-known spot each summer.
We visit many of Vatnajökull's outlets and outwash areas and Jökulsárlón, a famous glacial lagoon
full of icebergs. The river running out of the lagoon is the shortest glacial river in Iceland and the
lagoon itself is almost 300m deep, covering an area of over 20 square kilometres. We also go down
to the beach where we often find large chunks of blue ice washed up on the black volcanic sand.
There are some wonderful opportunities here with the waves breaking on the blue ice.
Photographing icebergs on the beach near Jökulsárlón could be the experience of a lifetime.
HOFN AND THE SOUTH COAST, HOFN – Day 8/Night 8 – August 19, 2016
We include a stop at Svartifoss Waterfall, an unusual waterfall even by Icelandic standards as it is
produced by water cascading over basalt columns.
Hoffell farm is about 19 kilometers form Höfn and surrounded by spectacular nature in great
diversity from a huge flat open space to steep mountains, and from ice cold glacier water to
applied geothermal heat.
We spend our second night in Hofn, an Icelandic fishing town in the south-eastern part of the
country. It lies near a fjord, and this harbour town is the second largest in the region and gives
scenic views of Vatnajokull, the largest ice cap in Europe by volume.
VATNAJÖKULL NATIONAL PARK – NEARBY SVINAFELLJOKULL GLACIER – Day 9/Night 9 – August 20,
2016 - Skaftafell
We may return to the sublime Jökulsárlon lagoon - a famous glacial lagoon full of spectacular
icebergs that make there way to the sea nearby. There is also an option of a 40-minute zodiac
cruise that will give you great access to photographing the icebergs up close.
The glacial scenery continues with a visit to the stunning Skaftafell the country’s second largest
national park where the landscape has been formed over thousands of years by volcanic
eruptions and glacial flows.
We also visit Stokksnes, east of Höfn village, Vestrahorn and an amazing beach where black sand
dunes contrast with yellow grasses. It’s an amazing location.
VIK, REYNISFJARA, DYRHOLAEY – NUPSSTADUR – Day 10/Night 10 – August 21, 2016
This morning we drive from Vatnajokull NP across the Skeydarársandur and Myrdalssandur
floodplains, created by numerous glacial rivers running down from the Vatnajokull and the
Myrdalsjokull glaciers. After the flood plains we arrive at the village of Vik í Mÿrdal.
Vik sits right on a 350-kilometre-long black beach and is the only town on the south coast without a
harbour. Only a short distance away is the famous black beach at Reynisfjara with its beautifully
columnar-shaped basalt sea stacks and small caves. The needles, as they are called, are up to 66
meters above sea level.
Next we head to the spectacular Dyrhólaey a 120-meter high promontory and the southernmost
part of the country. It’s a small peninsula, formerly known as Cape Portland by English seafarers,
that provides a wonderful view from the top.
Interesting views from here to the north are Myrdalsjokull, a grand glacier to the east; the black
lava columns of the Reynisdrangar; and, to the west, the beautiful coastline stretching as far as
Selfoss.
Directly in front is a gigantic black arch of lava standing in the sea. In the summertime it is home to
many puffins nesting on the cliff faces of Dyrhólaeyising 120 metres above the sea with its beautiful
rock arches.
We stop off at Nupasstadur Farm and explore the church and cemetery associated with this
interesting historical site.
SELJALANDSFOSS – SKOGAFOSS – KIRKJUBAEJARKLAUSTUR - VIK – Day 11/Night 11 – August 22, 2016
Today we drive the main road near Hekla mountain area and the Fljótshliò valley. From there we
continue onto the wonderful Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls.
Skógafoss is one of the biggest waterfalls in the country. With a width of 25 metres and a drop of 60
metres the amount of spray the waterfall produces is significant. A single or double rainbow is
normally visible on sunny days.
We can climb to the top of Skogafoss for some incredible views of this monstrous waterfall.
According to legend, the first Viking settler in the area buried a treasure in a cave behind the
waterfall. The legend continues that locals found the chest, years later, but were only able to grasp
the ring on the side of the chest before it disappeared again. The ring was allegedly given to the
local church. The old church door ring is now in a museum, though whether it gives any credence
to the folklore is debatable.
From the top of Skogafoss it’s possible to continue on a hike along the Skoa River passing one
gorgeous waterfall after another.
Seljalandsfoss is another spectacular waterfall and very picturesque. It’s possible to walk behind
and photograph through the waterfall back towards the light. If the light is shining directly onto the
waterfall, it will be a wondrous experience and a great opportunity for some amazing
photography.
THORSMORK - REYKJAVIK - Day 12/Night 12 – August 23, 2016
Today we drive to the spectacular Thorsmork region. Named after Thor, the God of Thunder, the
area is dominated by mountains and glaciers. A stunning, rugged and breathtaking part of the
country.
The Thorsmork Valley offers a fantastic chance to see the effects of the volcanic eruption from
2010 first-hand. We head out through the changing landscape, which alters the closer we get to
the volcano itself. The dramatic views are topped by the new craters and lava fields that were
created by the famous eruption.
Thorsmork Valley is a nature reserve shielded on three sides by glaciers and mountains. We cross
rivers formed by glacial melt-off and then reach our destination. Gullies resplendent with birch-trees
provide plenty of interesting photographic opportunities.
REYKJAVIK - Day 13 – August 24, 2016
Although the trip finishes after breakfast today, the memories of this unique Iceland Exploration will
live on.
Wandering the World hope you have had a journey of a lifetime and welcome your choice to
wander with us again.
NOT INCLUDED: International flights; travel insurance; optional tours; items of a personal nature; tour
leader tips.
Please email your enquiry to either: Glenyce Johnson at [email protected] or
Jane Reed at [email protected] or call Glenyce on +61 402 910 552
Full booking conditions and payment details are available on request.
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