ICELAND
Saturday 15th to Wednesday 26th June AA2212
Ice
and fire are the elements which rule Iceland‘s spectacular volcanic
landscape. Dramatic landforms, combined with some birds that are found
nowhere else in Europe, are enough to ensure a unique birdwatching
experience. The chance to see breeding Gyr Falcons should be enough to
whet any birder‘s appetite, and these, along with White-tailed Eagle,
Slavonian Grebe, Barrow‘s Goldeneye, Harlequin Duck, Greenland Wheatear,
Snow Bunting and a wealth of seabirds in vast colonies on the sheer cliffs
will keep our adrenalin flowing as we travel through Iceland‘s stunning
and dramatic scenery of fjords, thundering waterfalls, hot springs and
geysers.
Flight from London to Keflavik and then transfer to our hotel.
Overnight - Reykjavik.
On Day 3 as we drive to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula through the rugged
landscape near Hvalfjordur and Medalfellsvatn, we may encounter our first
Great Northern Diver and on the river Bugda our first gorgeous Harlequin
Ducks. We then travel on to Gardar. The Snaefellsnes Peninsula has
fabulous seabird cliffs, volcanic cones and a diversity of habitats,
including small pools that support Red-throated Divers and Red-necked
Phalaropes. This peninsula will present us with marvellous opportunities
for viewing seabirds at close quarters, particularly Fulmars, Kittiwakes,
Glaucous Gulls, Razorbills and Common, Black & Brünnich‘s
Guillemots. Overnights - Gardar & Stykkisholmur.
On Day 4 we take the ferry to Breidafjördur, stopping on the Island of
Flatey in the middle of the fjord. Flatey is the principal breeding ground
for Great Cormorant and Shag, but there are also many other seabirds as
well as White-tailed Eagles and confiding Snow Buntings. On Day 5 we visit
Latrabjarg bird cliff, one of the highlights of the tour. 440 metres high
and 14 kilometres long, this cliff is simply teeming with Razorbills, Brünnich‘s
Guillemots and very tame Atlantic Puffins. Overnights - Breidavik.
Continuing eastwards along the northern coast of Breidafjördur on our
way to Saelingsdalur, we have a chance to see Harlequin Duck, White-tailed
Eagle and, if we are lucky, King Eider. Overnight - Laugar.
Today we travel through the rural farmlands of north-western Iceland,
hoping for our first sightings of family parties of Pink-footed Geese.
Overnight - Skagafjordur.
On Day 8 we head for the bird-rich Lake Mývatn, Iceland‘s premier
birding hotspot, passing through Akureyri en route and perhaps visiting
the Botanical Gardens. Our days at Mývatn will enable us to observe an
abundance of birds: Eurasian Wigeon, Scaup, Tufted Duck and Long-tailed
Duck are abundant and we may see Smew and American Wigeon. Many Red-necked
Phalaropes, Great Northern Diver, Slavonian Grebe, Barrow‘s Goldeneye
and Harlequin Duck breed here, and Ptarmigan and Greenland Wheatear occur
nearby. A visit to the Asbyrgi Canyon could reveal Gyr Falcon and we will
make a stop at Dettifoss, Europe‘s most powerful waterfall, and Husavik
Harbour for skuas and possibly Iceland Gull. At Húsavík we may have the
option of a whale-watching boat trip. Overnights - Adaldalur Valley.
We drive south, stopping at Hveravellir geo-thermal area, Gullfoss
Waterfall and Geysir and travelling on through the highland region,
reaching Reykjavik in late afternoon. Overnight - Reykjavik.
We catch our return flight from Keflavik Airport to London.
Leaders: Ralph & Brenda Todd and Jon Baldur
Maxmimum Group: 14 plus Leaders
Cost: £2,460
Deposit: £200
Single Room Supp: £330
Includes: Icelandair tourist class scheduled return flight
(London-Keflavik-London), accommodation based on twin occupancy with
private facilities, all meals (inc. picnic lunches), transfers and
transportation in Iceland by private vehicle and services of Leaders.
Excludes: Travel Insurance, drinks and items of a personal
nature.
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