Wednesday
Travelers from North America leave for Iceland on an overnight flight with an early morning arrival at Keflavik Airport in Iceland. We can send European travelers on later flights.
Thursday, Day 1
Welcome to Iceland!
After an early arrival in Iceland, you’ll hop on the Flybus shuttle that will take you from the airport to your hotel in Reykjavik. Then you’ll have the day to rest and explore Reykjavik, the world’s most northerly capital. We’ll provide lots of ideas for what to see and places to eat - meals are on your own today.
Friday, Day 2:
Keflavik - Reykjanes Peninsula - Blue Lagoon - Reykjavik
You’ll be picked up at your hotel and the day starts by exploring the Reykjanes Peninsula. Reykjanes Peninsula is an exciting area on the margin of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, directly located on the Mid-Atlantic ridge. It’s a mysterious and breathtaking area of volcanic rock, lava, fissures and gorges, and along the shore ocean waves crash onto the coast.
You’ll have a look at a few wetlands on the Reykjanes peninsula, which should yield the first Red-necked Phalaropes of the trip. Other migrants, such as the Ringed Plover, European Golden Plover and drumming Common Snipe, will be conspicuous, while the shoreline will hold some visiting Red Knot and Sanderling. Dunlin and Purple Sandpiper will also be around and all will, of course, be in splendid summer plumage. Other species such as Harlequin Duck, Great Northern Diver, Northern Gannet, Great Cormorant, Black-legged Kittiwake, Arctic Tern, Razorbill, Redwing, Meadow Pipit and many more should also be seen in the spectacular moonlike landscape during the day. Your day ends around the Reykjanes Peninsula by going for a swim and relaxing at the Blue Lagoon.
In the early afternoon you be taken to Reykjavik where you stay for the night.
Saturday, Day 3:
Reykjavik - Thingvellir - Gullfoss Waterfall - Geysir Area - Seljalandsfoss Waterfall - Eyjafjallajokull Glacier - Vik - Myrdalsjokull Glacier - Myrdalssandur - Eldhraun
You’ll start the day by traveling east towards Thingvellir National Park. A beautiful area which, (like the Reykjanes Peninsula), shows the meeting point of two tectonic plates in a dramatic way. Thingvellir National Park is not only a geological wonder but also one of the most important places in Icelandic history. A few pair of Great Northern Diver breed in the area and if you are lucky you might see a hunting Merlin fly by. Thingvellir National Park was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2004.
After visiting the National Park continue to the majestic and beautiful waterfall Gullfoss and from there towards the geothermal area around the incredible spouting hot springs in the Geysir area. As you continue on your way you’ll see many of Iceland’s main attractions, among them Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Eyjafjallajokull glacier, Myrdalsjokull glacier, Skogafoss waterfall, Dyrholaey and the town of Vik. On the way you’ll drive through some of Iceland’s most vegetated areas, through farmland in valleys between high mountains with glaciers on top, through small villages, huge open areas with nothing but black sand as far as your eyes can see and big fields of young lava before reaching your destination at Hotel Laki where you will spend the night. On the way you’ll have a look at some hot spots for Nature and Wildlife viewing which should produce among other species the Icelandic race of Black-tailed Godwit, Great Skua, Redwing, Common Redpoll and possibly the Winter Wren.
Sunday, Day 4:
Hotel Laki - Lakagigar Craters - Skogafoss - Reykjavik - Keflavik airport
Most of day three will be devoted to the phenomenal Lakagigar craters. The craters were formed in 1783 when the earth literally ripped open in 10 parallel fissures 1.5 – 3 miles each (2-5km) forming a crater row. The lava that these craters formed came extremely fast flowing down the hills (as much as 6000m3 per second!) creating the largest lava field on earth (580km2). The following winter was disastrous, with poisonous ash covering the ground in most parts of the country and polluting gases in the air. It is estimated that in the following two years the cattle stock halved, the number of horses was reduced by two-thirds, and only one-fifth of the sheep flock survived. This in turn resulted in a 20% loss of human population.
As one can imagine this surreal natural disaster did of course not only affect people in Iceland. The mist that followed reached Europe the same summer. The European press portrayed the sun as a blood-red disk at sunrise and sunset. The mist caused a 2°F drop in overall temperature causing climate changes that lasted for three years, causing disasters for human populations all over the world. It is only in recent years that the area has been opened for public visits. Because of better roads and walking paths the area is becoming more accessible. To visit the area is an extremely unique experience. Some describe it as a real life Jurassic Park.
After visiting Lakagigar Craters you’ll head back to Reykjavik. On the way you’ll be visiting (among other things) Skogafoss Waterfall, and possibly see if you can find breeding Atlantic Puffins, Great Skua or Short-eared Owls.
Monday, Day 5:
Reykjavik - Keflavik airport and home
You’ll be taken to the airport. Depending on when your departure is you might have some free time in the morning to look around the capital before heading to the airport. You’ll leave the hotel shortly after lunch and if time allows you can visit some interesting areas before reaching Keflavik airport at around 2:00pm
We often extend travelers' stays and arrange other tours and activities after or before their primary tour - You don't have to go home!
Price for the South Coast and Laki tour is $3166 per person double occupancy. Single accommodations is $3494.
Travel dates: The South Coast and Laki Tour starts every Friday in Iceland from June 18 through August 13. You’ll need to leave the US no later than Wednesday, and can return return home the next Monday.
Price includes round trip airfare, including fuel surcharge and US departure taxes from Boston, New York, or Minneapolis. Add $110 per person from Seattle. (ask for other gateways). The price also includes all airport transfers,and transportation, a night before the tour in a Reykjavik hotel with breakfast and all other accommodations. During the 4 days of the birding tour accommodations, all meals except dinners when in Reykjavik, all transportation and expert guiding are included.
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