Join the September 2020 or March 2020 programs

Chase and photograph aurora borealis at one of the best times at one of the world’s best destinations for the northern lights. Aurora activity on Earth increases near both equinoxes (autumnal equinox is on Sep 20-21). September also brings back the night hours to Iceland, dark enough to capture even faint aurora and the Milky Way. Also the temperature is mild for the near Arctic latitude which still shows its green summer beauty and emerging fall colors on a few locations of the tour.

The photo workshop is led by the National Geographic night sky photographer who takes you to some of his favorite location, fills you with practical information on when to expect to aurora, what to see in the night sky, and guides you in both aurora and general nightscape imaging, while also sharing tips on day-time photography. The Iceland partner company which locally coordinates the trip also contributes with a tour leader who is both an astronomy expert and a knowledgeable person about nature and history of the country.

Iceland has much more to offer than only aurora. It’s a country like no others. Based on our successful Sep2017 and 2018 programs this day and night adventure tour takes you along the Ring Road to both iconic and less seen parts of the country but also crosses the inland from north to south through rivers and highlands (most bizarre and colorful landscapes) with our off-road bus. We will do aurora chasing and outdoor workshop sessions through the trip on every clear night.

Iceland’s attractions are on our way includes unearthly landscapes, massive waterfalls, volcanoes, glaciers, wildlife and coastal beauties, and cultural landmarks. We begin from the capital in the southwest and end in Keflavik near the airport. Iceland weather is challenging but we depend on our mobility and excellent access to local weather information.

You may cancel with full refund until 2019 March 31. After this date the deposit won’t be returned.

11-day/10-night program $4500 +$1000 single occupancy
Day 1 Fri Sep 20: arrival, Reykjavik sightseeing, Aurora chasing near Grotta lighthouse (weather depending)
Day 2 Sat Sep 21: To the north, (Varmahlið). Night imaging near Grafarkirkja or Hvítserkur
Day 3 Sun Sep 22: Daytime activity in Skagafjordur, Hofsós swimming pool, tour around Glaumbær the old turf house, horse farms
Day 4 Mon Sep 23: Drive early to Húsavík with a visit to Goðafoss waterfall. Multiple night time locations available at Dimmuborgir and Mývatn volcanic area
Day 5 Tue Sep 24: Daytime activity around Húsavik, to choose from whale-watching and visiting Ásbyrgi.
Day 6 Wed Sep 25: Daytime activity around Húsavík, drive to Dettifoss waterfall with a daytime visit to Dimmuborgir lava area. 

Day 7 Thu Sep 26: Drive early from Húsavík to Hotel Highland through the wilderness of the famous “Sprengisandsleið” which is the longest gravel highland road in Iceland (200km), between the two glaciers, Hofssjökull and Vatnajökull. Nigh-time imaging on the highlands. 
The Quick Tour group join the rest.
Day 8 Fri Sep 27: Visiting the most touristic icons of Iceland, the Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir geothermal area, the famous tomato greenhouse for launch at Friðheimar.
Day 9 Sat Sep 28: Visit to the Thingvellir National Park on the way back to Keflavik in the southwest corner of Iceland.
Day 10 Sun Sep 29: Touring the Reykjanes Peninsula in the southeast and aurora chasing from a lighthouse and a scenic coastal area. Accommodation near the Airport in Keflavik (10-15 minutes drive away).
Day 11 Mon Sep 30: departures. Babak will do a class between 10:00 to 13:00 on photo-

editing tips for those with late departures. You also have the option to arrange your own visit to the nearby Blue Lagoon (for bathing) or consider staying an extra day for this popular tourist activity.Quick Tour Sep 26-30

5 day/4 night Golden Circle & Southern Shore $1950 +$500 single occupancy
Arrive before noon for direct transfer to the highlands to join the main tour (3-4hr from the airport). See the itinerary above for the rest.

Please note the itinerary details might slightly change with the aurora and weather forecast.

All inclusive

Both programs include not only the workshop lessons and night outs, also private bus (from Reykjavik), all accommodation, main meals (breakfast & dinner), as well as side programs such as museum visits or the whale-watching tour. Lunch and alcoholic drinks are not included but we will make noon-time stops for the group to purchase food when needed.

On the arrivals, airport transfer to Reykjavik is easy and affordable by flybus, every half an hour from the airport.

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Reservation (fully booked)

Email to be on the waiting list in case of cancellation and to be updated with March & September 2020 programs.