September 19th - 29th, 2016
2016 Iceland Landscape Photography Tour – Join Dan and Tanya as they venture to Iceland, The Land of Fire and Ice! Volcanoes, glaciers, and towering mountains give shape to the rugged, spectacular landscape of this largely uninhabited and mystical country. Stunning Icelandic nature including black sand beaches, cascading waterfalls, rocky cliffs, and dreamlike lagoons appear around every corner. And let’s not forget the stunning Aurora Borealis! A land of contrast and sights to behold, join us in this amazing country to experience and photograph its alluring scenes for yourself!
Meet Daniel and Tanya Cox
2016 Iceland Landscape Photography Tour II Travel Plans
lease note that the itinerary may change, as locations we will visit depend on the weather.
Monday, September 19
Depart US/Canada
Tuesday, September 20 (D)
Arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland. Transfers provided by FlyBus+. Group meet-up and welcome dinner this evening. Overnight Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina
Wednesday, September 21 (B, L, D)
Depart Reykjavik early morning. Today’s locations will likely include cascading waterfalls along with a visit to the wreckage of a US Navy airplane on the Sólheimasandur black sandy beach near the town of Vik. On Saturday, November 24, 1973, ‘Dakota’, the DC 3 World War II Navy airplane was forced to land. Fortunately, all crew members survived the crash. Unmoved to this day, the remains of the airplane at the crash site in the black sand create one of Iceland’s most dramatic photography spots. Overnight Icelandair Hotel Vik
Thursday, September 22 – Saturday, September 24 (B, L, D)
For three days, we’ll explore the breathtaking Vatnajökull National Park to experience the interaction of glacier and volcano and effects created by these contrasting natural wonders of fire and ice. We’ll take in and photograph the park’s pristine glaciers and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, a glacial lake famous for its icebergs and shores of black sand. Vatnajökull National Park itself consists of Vatnajökull glacier, one of the largest glaciers in Europe, and some of its surrounding areas. Overnight Hali Country Hotel or similar
Sunday, September 25 (B, L, D)
Today we’ll depart Vatnajökull National Park and head back toward Vik. We’ll have many photography opportunities along the way while in the Skaftafell preservation area of Vatnajökull, including the mysterious Svínafellsjökull glacier, said to be one of seven great energy centers of the earth. Overnight Icelandair Hotel Vik
Monday, September 26 and Tuesday, September 27 (B, L, D)
Today we’ll wake up early for a sunrise shoot followed by a hearty breakfast, and then we’ll depart and head west to the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Rugged coastline, basalt cliffs, and picturesque fishing villages make up this ‘Iceland in Miniature.’ While on the peninsula, we can look forward to encountering the picture-perfect Mt. Kirkjufell with gorgeous Kirkjufellsfoss waterfalls in the foreground and the peaceful Grundarfjordur bay as the backdrop. Overnight Hotel Framnes
Wednesday, September 28 (B, L, D)
On our final day as a group, we’ll continue exploring the Snæfellsnes peninsula as we work our way back in the direction of Reykjavik. Overnight Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina
Thursday, September 29 (B)
Depart Reykjavik at your leisure.
Guest Limits
Maximum 12 Guests
Trip Cost
EXPLORER’S RATE
5911 pp, based on double occupancyNON-EXPLORER RATE: ADD 400
Single Supplement: 550
Pricing in US dollars
Deposit
$500.00 Per person due at time of booking
Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Discover, or check acceptedDeposits are non-refundable. If cancellations are necessary, we require this request in writing. We will do our best to resell your space. Only if we can resell your space, we will refund (minus deposit and discounts given to sell your space). No partial refunds are possible for unused services.
Installments
October 30, 2015: $3000 First Installment
April 1, 2016: Final InstallmentCheck only for first installment and final payment. Please make check payable to Natural Exposures and mail to:
Natural Exposures
810 N. Wallace, Suite E
Bozeman, MT 59715Included
- Private small group travel with professional photography Daniel J. Cox
- Entrance fees for national parks and other locations in itinerary
- Private 32-passenger 4×4 coach travel with extra space for camera gear
- Local guide/driver
- Meals where indicated (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
- Wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee & tea with meals
- Transfers by FlyBus+ on scheduled arrival/departure days
- 9 nights accommodations
Not Included
- International flights
- Pre/post tour transfers
- Miscellaneous personal expenses, Internet charges, etc.
- Travel/emergency evacuation insurance
- Passport/visa fees, if applicable
- Excess baggage charges
- Gratuities
Flights to Book
September 20, 2016
Arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland (KEF) any time of day. Welcome dinner this evening.September 29, 2016
Depart Reykjavik, Iceland (KEF) any time of day.Travel Insurance
Travel/emergency medical evacuation insurance is not required for this photo tour, but we always recommend purchasing it for any trip. We recommend one or more of the following, depending on your needs:
Global Rescue
(use code natexp)Allianz Global Assistance
(use travel agency ID F203564)Terms & Conditions
Natural Exposures cannot control nor is responsible for abnormal weather, natural disasters, or any other disaster that might affect the trip. Travel insurance should be purchased to cover any missed flights or medical problems that may affect/delay your travel. National Parks have the right to change our itinerary.
By booking a trip with Natural Exposures, you agree to the following CANCELLATION AND LIABILITY POLICY
Accommodations for 2016 Iceland Landscape Photography Tour II
September 20 and 28, 2 Nights
Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina
In the heart of the city buzz in the old downtown harbor district, Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina has a fun and funky atmosphere with unique Icelandic design. Inspired by maritime, rooms feature plush furnishings, colorful patterns, and quirky fixtures. WiFi and hairdryer are available in all rooms.September 21 and 25, 2 Nights
Icelandair Hotel Vik
Icelandair Hotel Vik is a new hotel in a wonderful setting in the village of Vik in Myrdalur Valley. It is nestled under sandstone hills and is embraced by magnificent natural surroundings. The views are stunning as you look out over the beach, to the sea and the Reynisdrangar Pillars, and experience the spectacular cliffs and birdlife where the puffins in Mt. Reynisfjall are only a stone’s throw away. Myrdalsjokull Glacier stands guard over the region in all its splendor and there are adventures to be had all around. Free Internet in hotel’s public areas.
September 22 – 24, 3 Nights
Hali Country Hotel or similar
Experience Icelandic nature and the nearby Jökulsárlón, Glacier Lagoon. Rooms are bright with large windows with views of either the Atlantic Ocean to the south, the great mountains to the north, or the Vatnajökull glacier to the west. Free WiFi access.September 26 – 27, 2 Nights
Hotel Framnes
Hotel Framnes is a waterfront hotel originally built as a fishermen´s hostel in 1954. It is situated in the small fishing village of Grundarfjörður, which is the central point of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Just a short distance from all the main attractions on the peninsula, the hotel is an ideal base and perfectly located for northern lights sightings. Wireless Internet is available throughout the hotel for guests.Helpful Information for 2016 Iceland Landscape Photography Tour II
ITINERARY – BE FLEXIBLE!
Please note that the itinerary may change and should be considered flexible, as locations visited will depend on the weather. Locations may include, but are not limited to, what is stated in the itinerary.
AURORA – THE ADDED BONUS
The Aurora Borealis are unpredictable, but it is said that September through April are the best months to view this extraordinary phenomenon in Iceland.
Iceland is unique in the fact that the Aurora can be seen in every part of the country! Our goal is to get you to the best possible locations at the right times to be able to capture the northern lights. As with any occurrence of nature, the aurora cannot be guaranteed or accurately predicted, but it is unlikely that you will not see it. We must keep in mind that Iceland is a wonderful country with so much natural beauty to offer, and seeing the Aurora will be an added bonus to experiencing what this magical country has to offer.
On a final note, the Aurora may occur at any hour of the night, so have your cameras packed and be ready to get out and shoot on a moment’s notice!
VISA/PASSPORT
Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your date of departure; six months validity remaining is recommended. Two pages are required for the entry stamp into Iceland. A visa is not required for US citizens for tourist stays of less than 90 days.
VACCINATIONS
No vaccinations are required to enter Iceland. It is best to be up to date with your routine vaccinations and visit with your doctor before the trip to discuss your personal needs.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
There will be a few short hikes, around 20 to 30 minutes, in which you will have to carry your camera equipment. You may need to climb a hill for the best vantage point. Walking surfaces may include snow, sand, ice, or rocky terrain, so a small level of fitness is highly recommended.
WEATHER
Weather conditions in Iceland can change from sunshine to rainstorm in a matter of minutes. September is late summer in Iceland and should be fairly mild with temperatures ranging from 45°F to 54°F over the course of the month. It can be very windy in areas which can make it feel much colder than the actual temps outside. Rain is also possible. It is best to dress in layers here, as the weather can change quickly.
CAMERA GEAR
Bring your favorite landscape lenses! A wide angle is useful for the northern lights and waterfalls, and a telephoto is recommended too for abstracts or a faraway subject.
A sturdy tripod is vital, since Iceland is one of the windiest places on Earth and you’ll likely be making some long exposures.
It is a really good idea to bring spare batteries; you don’t want your camera to die if the Aurora makes an appearance! A circular polarizing filter can help protect your lens and is nice to have for photographing lakes, rivers, glaciers, waterfalls, and rainbows. A remote cable release for northern lights and longer exposures may be helpful.
Be sure to protect your gear from wind and rain with ziplock plastic bags, rain sleeves, a protective pack, and lens cleaning tissues.
Dan will send you his list of the camera gear he will be bringing along with call guests to discuss camera needs.
FOOD
Fish and other seafood are important elements of Icelandic cuisine due to its proximity to the ocean. There is also an abundance of lamb and dairy. Produce is usually local and very high quality. Vegetarians can usually be catered to but cuisine may be limited outside of the city.
Have a question?
Have a question about this tour? We're happy to answer any queries you may have.
Testimonials from Natural Exposures' Explorers
"If you ever want to travel to another country and you want to go first class, travel with Natural Exposures. They are number one in showing their guests the best time ever in the classiest way. I would recommend Natural Exposures Tours to everyone. If you want to go in style, go with NE!"
Michelle Duggan, Massachusetts
"Tanya and Dan’s logistic skills provide a seamless photo tour where one can truly enjoy the experience. With unlimited photographic opportunities Dan’s instruction has taken my photography to a higher level."
Linda Henry, Oregon
"I just wanted to again thank you for a wonderful week of photography and relaxation away from the office. It was a really a good group."
Sue Wolfe, Texas
"What a trip
What a group
What a fabulous everything
To our next encounters with nature"Maud and Leon Soriano, Florida
