Greenland and Iceland Discover the Majesty

It is likely you will need to depart home today on an overnight flight to Keflavik International Airport (KEF) outside Reykjavik, Iceland. (Meals on plane)

*Note: If you wish to arrive in Iceland earlier than the 6^th, there may be various arrival times on the 5^th. There is now an airport hotel within easy walking distance (approximately 5 minutes). https://hotelairport.is

Flights are NOT included, the recommended flight to travel with Ron to Greenland and return to Iceland will be sent in your first packet. Please note flights are very limited to Greenland and tickets should be issued ASAP, to assure being part of the tour.

Depart after breakfast with photography stops along the way to the Ice Lagoon. One of which will be The Skaftafell National Park. It is located by the roots of the Vatnajökull glacier. Europe’s largest icecap – larger than all other glaciers in Europe combined. A natural wonderland of powerful glaciers, turbulent waterfalls, lush birch woodlands, and vibrant wildflowers. There is also Iceland’s highest mountain, Hvannadalshnukur. Skaftafell offers short hikes with fantastic views of the mountain and its sliding glaciers. Given time or on our return from the Ice Lagoon there is an extended hike taking us to a tremendous basalt waterfall known as Svartifoss, or the Black Falls.

Your accommodations for the next two evenings are as close as you can be to the fantastic glacial lagoon, Jökulsárlón, where floating icebergs, all sizes, and shapes, will blow you away. You can also reach the Vestrahorn Mountain region from your location. Vestrahorn Mountain region. Vestrahorn is a photographer’s paradise for the dramatic landscape and vast beauty. The shore features stunning lava dunes, that are constantly being shaped by the natural forces of water and wind. It is possible to get perfect reflections in the wet sand. Seals also tend to hang out on the stretch of sand as well. OVERNIGHT ICE LAGOON (B; B)

Today there will be additional photography stops as you return west to Vik. One of the locations may include returning to the Skaftafell Park. Near Kirkjubæjarklaustur (Klaustur) is the village of Kirkjugólf (Church Floor), a natural pavement of basalt. These are basalt columns down in the earth, eroded and shaped by wind and waves, but only the top can be seen, and they, as the name suggests, have the appearance of a paved church floor. It is a protected natural monument.

Vik is famous for amazing coastal features of black sand beaches and picturesque rocks that line the seashore including columnar basalt grottoes, sea stacks, and bird cliffs. Reynisfjara, the famous black sand beach is all about the light, water, motion, and reflections. If the group has enough energy your guides will lead you on a walk to a quaint Icelandic Church. You will also visit the Dyrholaey headland where thousands of birds’ nest during the summer including puffins, guillemots and fulmars. Finally you will reach your accommodation. OVERNIGHT VIK (B; B, D)

The flight to Nuuk, Greenland is expected to be early evening today. Therefore, the group will have time for additional photography traveling west back to Keflavik Airport.

You will arrive late this evening in Nuuk, where there will be transportation to the hotel. Get settled in and prepare for your first glimpse of Greenland. OVERNIGHT NUUK (B)

The next morning you travel via the sea to your Glamping location. There will be plenty to photograph along the way, fjords, icebergs, landscape, and more. Arrive to your remote destination and get settled into your environs for the afternoon and evening. The terrain consists of a pathway to the tent site, and an ATV is available. There are uneven rocks all over the island, therefore if you wish obtain different vantage points we suggest packing a collapsible walking stick. The destination is deep in the Nuuk fjord, with fantastic hiking opportunities, large tents with comfortable beds and a view you can enjoy. The place is completely out of internet range, so be prepared to be disconnected while enjoying nature and its silence. If you’d like, there will be an opportunity to get into a dry suit and go on a paddleboard or kayak in the fjord that often times has icebergs. The evening may be the best chance for Northern Lights as you will be far away from the city lights. There is a mess tent and bathroom tent close by.

There will be a transfer back to the airport this afternoon., where you will take your return flight to Keflavik Iceland, and connect home. Currently the flight arrives in Iceland at approximately 3:45 PM (Iceland time). If you are unable to connect home, we suggest overnighting at the Aurora Airport hotel and fly home tomorrow, or there are several hotels near Keflavik harbor if you prefer to photograph this evening &/or in the morning. (B)