Iceland



	Iceland ... The Trip of a Lifetime *from GALAPAGOS TRAVEL*

		We offered group expeditions circumnavigating Iceland in 2004, 2005 & 2007. We'll do it again, although no dates are set at this time. If you'd rather not wait for one of our group departures, we can also book you on a very similar program now...

Expedition Cruise Around Iceland

with

Mark Grantham and Oceanwide Expeditions

May 27 - June 4, 2007

The Arctic and North Atlantic islands, including Iceland, offer some of the finest scenery and wildlife experiences in the world. Visitors to the region can witness enormous colonies of sea birds thronging the cliffs and shores, and enjoy the thrilling antics of whales and dolphins at sea, and seals and walrus hauled out on the rocks and ice floes. In Spitsbergen you may even encounter the very symbol of the Arctic - the Polar Bear. Though remote and sparsely populated today, many of the places we explore have been inhabited in the last 5000 years, and thousands of unique prehistoric and historic sites are a testimony to the thriving cultures of the past.

In the summer of 2004 GALAPAGOS TRAVEL began introducing travelers to the wonders of the Arctic, with several voyages to Iceland, Spitsbergen, and east Greenland.

For 2007 GALAPAGOS TRAVEL'S Mark Grantham will again be joining an early season OCEANWIDE EXPEDITIONS circumnavigation if Iceland. A veteran traveler to not only the 7 continents, but also some of the most remote corners of the globe, this will be Mark's fourth season in the Arctic. Drawn by both the rugged natural beauty of the country, plus the amazing bird life, he looks forward to sharing the experience with you!

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Arctic

Iceland

Experience the majesty of Iceland with a full circumnavigation of the island. Over 9 days, between the numerous shore visits, hikes, and zodiac excursions you will be able to view and experience the volcanoes, icecaps, fjords, coastal cliffs, bays and beaches of Iceland. Get close to guillemots, puffins, eiders, shags, fulmars, Arctic terns, razorbills, kittiwakes, skuas, swans and ducks, to name just a few. Explore deserted fjords, once farmed, and now the realm of the Arctic Fox. Call on remote fishing villages. Watch for orca, humpback, minke and blue whales, plus harp seals, grey seals, harbor seals and hooded seals. Learn about the history and amazing geology of a country, where in 1973 everyone was caught by surprise by a volcanic eruption. Photographic opportunities will abound.

Day 1
Late in the afternoon we will board our ship in the Keflavik port, located just a short distance from the international airport, to begin our expedition cruise around Iceland. The largest of the North Atlantic islands, Iceland's volcanoes, icecaps, rugged glaciated mountains, fjords, coastal cliffs and beaches together form one of the most inspiring landscapes on earth. We sail north to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, which is crowned by a beautiful snow-capped volcanic cone; 1442m high Snaefellsjokull. In the mellow evening light (at this time of year it is light all night) it is worth staying on deck to watch for whales in this often very productive location.

Day 2
This morning we arrive in the broad and shallow bay of Breidafjordur, which is peppered with thousands of islands and skerries. With luck, we may glimpse the White-tailed Eagle among these historic islands, from where Erik the Red set sail to discover Greenland in 982. We land on Flatey and explore its delightful fishing village, strolling among the many well-preserved traditional timber buildings and visiting the church, with its paintings by the Spanish-Icelandic artist Baltasar Samper, and restored library. On and around Flatey, Black Guillemots, Puffins, Common Eiders and Red-necked Phalaropes can be seen. Later we land on Klofningur, a basalt island with breeding Shags, Fulmars and Great Black-backed Gulls. Sailing to the north side of the bay, we use the Zodiacs to cruise the cliffs and sea caves of Látrabjarg, at the westernmost point of Iceland. Home to the world's largest Razorbill colony, Iceland's most extensive bird cliffs are 14km long and rise to over 400m in height. Our expedition naturalists will point out the other bird species that nest on the cliffs and also the seals on the rocks.

Day 3
Today we explore the Isafjordur Peninsula, geologically the oldest region in Iceland, its imposing basalt mountains scoured out by Ice Age glaciers. We sail into Adalvik in the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. Once farmed, this beautiful, sheltered fjord has been deserted for 50 years. As sheep no longer graze here and the human impacts are minimal, fauna and flora thrive on a scale unknown in other parts of Iceland. We continue our voyage by sailing along the Hornstrandir Peninsula, spotting the remains of other farmsteads along the coastline of golden sand beaches set between sheer basalt cliffs. We aim to land at Hornvik, where we can follow an old path, used by fowlers, to reach the top of 300m high Hornbjarg. From the dizzy heights of this cliff we can marvel at one of the biggest seabird colonies in Iceland, with tens of thousands of Brünnich's Guillemots and Kittiwakes.

Day 4
If the East Greenland pack- ice is currently less than 100 nautical miles north of Iceland, and the weather looks good, we will sail towards the edge and spend some time in and near the ice. During our 24 hours at sea, there will be plenty of time to watch for the spout of large whales, and to observe the northern migration of skuas and other Arctic birds. Humpback, Fin, Minke and Blue Whale, in addition to Orca, may be found in the waters north of Iceland. When we sail along the pack ice edge, we may also see Harp Seals.

If the pack-ice will be more than 100 nautical miles north of Iceland we will land at the east side of the Isafjordur Peninsula in Furufjördur, Tharalátursfjördur and Reykjafjördur, from where we will have close views of the northern side of the glacier Drangajökull. Walkers can make a hike of a few hours from one fjord to the next on an old trail with cairns. In Furufjördur we will find bogs and lakes, and in Reykjafjördur hot pools, in which we can take a bath. Harbor Seals and Grey Seals are common in this fjord.

Day 5
In the early morning we sail past Kolbeinsey, a tiny island north of Grimsey, formed from a sub-marine eruption. Later we land on Grimsey, an island off the north coast and the only part of Iceland which lies within the Arctic Circle (the Circle crosses the island). The island is home to huge colonies of Kittiwakes, Razorbills, Puffins, Fulmars and Arctic Terns, who far outnumber the human inhabitants, numbering just 100. A zodiac cruise along the western cliffs will afford us the opportunity to also admire the seabirds from the water. Later we may sail along the bird cliffs of Raudinupur.

Day 6
If weather allows, we go ashore on the wild and windswept volcanic sands of Heradssandur, formed from debris washed down by mighty glacier rivers. On the marshlands of its braided channels, Whooper Swans, Greylag Geese, and several species of ducks and skuas breed. The sea near the mouth of the river is teeming with Harbor Seals. In the afternoon we call at Borgarfjördur; a friendly small village, where people work on Jasper, a precious stone found in this part of Iceland. We will try to visit a farm with a Common Eider breeding colony, where the birds are protected for down collection in this time of the year.

Day 7
Heading down Iceland's east coast we reach Skrudur, a bird island (Gannets) of 160 m high, where we will explore the coastline (including a rather large cave) by zodiac. Later we sail to Papey, where industrious Irish monks made a living in the 9th century. This beautiful, now uninhabited island, is home to thousands of Puffins and other seabirds.

Day 8
Today we use the Zodiacs to cruise along the south coast of Iceland and visit the Westman Islands. The 13 small islands and numerous rock stacks of the Westmans, lying just a few kilometers offshore, are one of the world's youngest archipelagos, formed from repeated sub-marine eruptions. We will circumnavigate Surtsey, an island born in 1964 from volcanic activity, and Sulnasker and Hellisey, which have large breeding populations of Northern Gannets. We land on Heimaey (pop 5000), an important fishing port and the Westman's only permanent community. A short walk through this colorful village allows us to see the results of the surprise 1973 eruption, which destroyed one third of the town and almost sealed off its vital harbor. A highlight of our time ashore will be the multitude of Puffins that breed along the grassy cliff tops and are still harvested annually by the locals.

Day 9
After breakfast we disembark in Keflavik.

All itineraries are for guidance only. We anticipate having exact tour dates in late 2005. Programs may vary depending on local ice and weather conditions and in order to take advantage of opportunities to see wildlife. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises.

The interior of Iceland, as well as Reykjavik, is well worth a visit.

In June you can expect the sunset in Reykjavík to be around 11:30pm, with sunrise quickly following at about 3:15am! In reality it never gets truly dark. Despite these long hours of daylight the average temperatures this time of year are still in the mid-50's. The weather is highly changeable.

Out of an Icelandic population numbering slightly less than 300,000, more than half live in the capital, Reykjavík, and its neighboring towns in the southwest (including the port city of Keflavik). The highland interior is uninhabited, and largely comprised of uninhabitable lava fields. The coasts are marked by fjords, marshes, pasturelands and boreal (sub-Arctic) forests. The highest peak, Hvannadalshnjúkur, rises to 2,119 meters above sea level, although the average altitude of Iceland is just 500 meters. Over 11 percent of the country is covered by glaciers, including the largest in Europe, Vatnajökull.

Situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Iceland is a hot spot of volcanic and geothermal activity: 30 post-glacial volcanoes have erupted in the past two centuries, and natural hot water supplies much of the population with cheap, pollution-free, heating. Rivers, too, are harnessed to provide inexpensive hydroelectric power. Hot springs, including the world famous Blue Lagoon, proliferate.

The Vessel...

This voyage will be aboard OCEANWIDE EXPEDITIONS' 236 ft long polar oceanographic research vessel Profesor Multanovskiy.

The ship, built in 1983 and recently refurbished in the Netherlands, carries a maximum of 52 passengers. Constructed with an ice-strengthened hull; her smaller size allows us to navigate scenic waterways with ease, venturing into areas closed to larger vessels. Powerful twin engines provide the speed capabilities to maintain our full itinerary. Designed to explore remote corners of the world, she is equipped with sophisticated navigation equipment and stabilizers for smoother cruising. The ship meets all international environmental and safety standards. A western physician trained in emergency medicine is on-board. She has a crew of 20, largely Russian, all highly experienced in polar / ice navigation.

Our shore excursions and zodiac cruises will be led by a team of expert naturalist guides, who will also offer Natural History lectures to round out the experience.

Passenger accommodations are in exterior cabins, each with a desk/study area and ample storage space.

There are 9 twin cabins, and 2 triple cabins, with shared bath ("down the hall") on Deck 3; these cabins have two lower twin berths (triple cabins have an additional upper berth) and wash basins. There are 12 twin cabins with private facilities (located on Decks 4 and 5), most with upper and lower berths. There are also 2 superior cabins with private facilities located on Deck 5; each has a double bed plus a separate double sofa-bed. The deck 5 suite has a double sofa-bed and a separate bedroom with a double bed.

Common areas include a lounge/library, infirmary, sauna, and dining room/lecture hall. In addition to the bridge, which is typically open to us, viewing is excellent from the large, open decks. Superb, varied, and abundant international cuisine is prepared by European chefs.

OCEANWIDE EXPEDITIONS has over 15 years experience designing and operating specialist wildlife voyages to the arctic and sub-arctic region. Their enthusiasm for the wildlife and wild places shines through as their dedicated expedition leaders, lecturers and crew share the expedition with you.

Each cruise offers a full program of shore excursions, using Zodiacs to search out the best wildlife encounters and photographic opportunities available. The itineraries have been meticulously researched to offer exciting, rewarding and incredibly varied experiences, but above all else the crew and expedition staff believe that flexibility is the key to a successful voyage. By constantly assessing and responding to environmental conditions at the time, they are confident of fulfilling visitors' well-deserved expectations of an experience of a lifetime!

LAND COST AND CABIN SELECTION

Triple cabin: shared bath $2,321 per person

Double cabin: shared bath $2,750 per person

Double cabin: private bath $3,245 per person

Superior: $3,641 per person

Suite: $4,092 per person

All prices are per person, based on double/triple occupancy. All ship cabins must be shared, except by special arrangement. We will attempt to arrange a roommate for you if traveling alone. Single Supplement for a guaranteed single = 1.7X the per person price.

DEPOSITS

A deposit of $500 per person is required to reserve space. The balance of the Land Cost is due 60 days prior to departure.

CANCELLATIONS

All cancellations shall be in writing (FAX and E-mail are acceptable). A comprehensive International Travel Protection Insurance package is available through GALAPAGOS TRAVEL, and is strongly recommended. You will receive a policy application along with your deposit receipt. For cancellations received:

· up to 45 days prior to departure, the cancellation fee is your full $500 deposit per person;

· 31-44 days prior to departure, the cancellation fee is 50% of the Land Cost.

· 1-30 days prior to departure, on the departure date, or "no show," no refunds will be made.

The Boat Operator imposes these terms, based on the short season, the small number of departures, and the expense of operating in the High Arctic.

GENERAL NOTES

Expedition includes:

· Accommodations and all meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship.

· All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.

· Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.

· All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.

· Comprehensive pre-departure materials.

Not included:

Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; pre- and post land arrangements; airport transfers;

passport and visa expenses; Government arrival and departure taxes; meals ashore;

baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended);

excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as

laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges;

gratuities to the crew and service personnel (current recommendation is $10 per day, per passenger);

Any extension trips (optional) or hotel accommodations in Iceland.

Please note that all dates & rates are subject to change.

All voyages will operate subject to a minimum of 30 participants.


	About Our: Trips \| Yachts \| Itineraries \| Departure Dates and Prices \| Guidebook About: Natural History of the Galápagos \| Conservation in the Galápagos \| Visiting Mainland Ecuador Special Stuff: Photo Gallery \| Digital Photography? \| Frequently Asked Questions Special Trips: Polar Destinations \| Antarctica \| Arctic \| Iceland



			GALAPAGOS TRAVEL 783 Rio Del Mar Boulevard, Suite 49 Aptos, CA 95003 U.S.A. Toll free from the US and Canada: 800-969-9014 Voice: 831-689-9192 Fax: 831-689-9195 Email: info@galapagostravel.com

Photography by Mark Grantham