PHOTO TOUR PLAN
ICELAND: THE MAGIC LIGHTS OF WINTER
9-18 February 2024
last spots
For info and booking: info@alegruzza.com
Discover the magic of the Icelandic winter with its always low lights and the wonder of the aurora borealis.
A special journey to explore unique landscapes, in a land where Nature still reigns supreme.
Exclusive tour for 5/6 participants with a driver-guide and a professional photographer.
Presentation
At the edge of the Arctic Circle, Iceland is a photographic paradise where Nature fully displays its wild and primordial spirit. A richness made up of lagoons and waterfalls, mountains and glaciers, volcanoes and geysers, which in winter is even more embellished by the spectacle of the aurora borealis.
The photographic journey is aimed at a small group of 5/6 participants, accompanied by two guides and photographers, which make this tour special and exclusive. In addition to the undersigned Alessandro Gruzza as a professional photographer specialized in landscape photography (at this link my complete profile with biography), you will be accompanied by Mirko Sotgiu, an Italian guide of the College of Alpine Guides with in-depth knowledge of the Icelandic territory, filmmaker and photographer.
The program (see “Photography Tour Plan“, here below) includes the exploration of some of the most fascinating places of the southern part of the island, which have been chosen so to experience and photograph their extraordinary natural beauty in the winter season:
• the unique landscapes of the Snæfellsness peninsula, with the conical shape of Kirkjufell mountain and the arched cliffs of Arnarnstapi;
• the wonderful Jökulsárlón moraine lagoon, glacial lakes and mountains surrounded by glaciers;
• majestic waterfalls, including the spectacular Gullfoss, Bruarfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls;
• black beaches, cliffs and sea stacks, including the Reynisdrangar e Reykianes rock formations;
• the geothermal areas of Geysir and the Vestrahorn massif.
The program has been specially designed for photography but it is also suitable for those who love to visit a special place where the elements of water, air, earth and fire manifest themselves in their maximum expression.
In the high latitudes of the far north (Iceland is between 63 and 66 degrees north), the transition from day to night is much more gradual, sunrises and sunsets last more and photographic opportunities with magical lights potentially multiply.
In mid-February the sun rises after 10am and sets around 7pm and the lights are potentially wonderful most of the day. The often magical moments of dawn and dusk, before sunrise and after sunset, last around two hours each. twice as much as in our latitudes.
In addition, the night hours offer the possibility of admiring the truly unique phenomenon of the aurora borealis, with the new moon falling on February 10th. This is usually one of the best periods and we will check the solar activity day by day, so to choose the most favorable moments.
Overnight stays are chosen in places as strategic as possible and close to the shooting locations, in good quality hotels among those available. However, participants are required to be flexible and adaptable: the unfolding of the days depends a lot on the weather conditions, in order to make the most of the moments of better light.
Iceland is a wonderful land where Nature is still untouched and wild. We will find it out together, in connection with these places and with the camera in our hands.
Philosophy
This journey is an exploration to be shared together, organized with the spirit of experiencing a full immersion in contact with Nature in one of the most beautiful scenic places in the world, to translate one's creative vision into spectacular photographs.
Your photographic eye will be the "notebook" on which to record moments and emotions, with the certainty that these magnificent scenarios will be able to give moments of pure contemplation, a source of energy for the body, peace for the mind, inspiration for the soul.
Photo equipment
To fully exploit the photographic opportunities, a digital SLR or mirrorless camera with interchangeable wide-angle to medium-telephoto lenses and a solid tripod are highly recommended.
Photo filters (especially polarizing, graduated filters and ND filters) can be very useful in these conditions, with lots of water, ice and often wind.
In any case, what should be definitely brought is your passion for photography and love for Nature!
Clothing
In February in southern Iceland temperatures "normally" fluctuate around zero degrees Celsius. However, the presence of wind, often of strong intensity, increases the perception of cold, especially early in the morning and late in the evening.
The recommended clothing is the typical one for high mountain excursions in our latitudes, with several layers that allow perspiration, insulation from the cold and protection from the wind. In particular, a breathable inner layer to maintain body heat without sweating (e.g. in merino wool, perfect for these conditions), one or more intermediate layers that provide insulation and retain body heat without restricting movement, an outer layer windproof (e.g. down jacket) with possibly a waterproof shell.
A warm cap, scarf/neck warmer, thick socks and gloves are also essential, as most of the body heat is lost from the head and the parts of the body most vulnerable to the cold are hands and feet. As a material, wool is also recommended here.
For footwear, waterproof mountain boots already worn and well soled, with crampons to be able to move safely even in the presence of icy sections. Plus, flashlight and water bottle.
Weather
The program of each day depends on Nature and, as a result, can be subject to changes due to the variability of the weather conditions, especially at these latitudes where the conditions can be very dynamic and extreme.
The program will be optimized depending on the weather and therefore a certain flexibility is required from the participants.
Having said that, overcast conditions or marked variability often display moments of rare photographic opportunity that a totally blue sky can never give.
Many spectacular images have been just taken in seemingly bad days, when a sudden blade of light filters through the clouds or a rainbow shows up in the rain.
One of the goals of the tour is to learn to observe and appreciate what Nature gives us in every moment, in its countless manifestations.
Photographic Tour Plan
Detailed itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Reykjavík and transfer to the hotel
Meeting with the group in the afternoon/evening at the hotel in Keflavík (town that gives its name to Reykjavík airport), dinner and overnight stay.
Overnight stay: Keflavík
Day 2 - Snaefellsness peninsula
Transfer of approximately 3 hours to the Snaefellsness peninsula with a short stop in Reykjavík. Arrival in Grundarfjörður, stop for lunch and check-in at the hotel.
In the afternoon, first visit to the nearby area of Mount Kirkjufell, an iconic and spectacular landscape with the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall in the foreground flowing into the lagoon and the suggestive conical shape of the mountain in the background.
Search for the best sunset spot and, weather permitting, for admiring the aurora borealis.
Overnight stay: Grundarfjörður
Day 3 - Snaefellsness peninsula
In the morning, sunrise over the cliffs of Arnarnstapi, a splendid marine landscape with the waves of the sea breaking on the rocks with varied shapes, as a result of the incessant erosive action of the water. Among these, the majestic rocky arch of Gatklettur, embellished by a large circle-shaped hole in the rock.
Stop for lunch and subsequent exploration of the peninsula, looking for photo opportunities along the road that follows the coast. We will drive all around the Snæfellsjökull glacier of the homonymous Snæfells mountain (1,446 mt. high) and famous starting point in the "Journey to the center of the Earth" by Jules Verne.
In the afternoon, hike along the stream in winter dress that descends from the Bjarnarfoss waterfall, and exploration of rest of the peninsula.
Search for the best sunset spot and, weather permitting, for admiring the aurora borealis.
Overnight stay: Grundarfjörður
Day 4 - Waterfalls and Thingvellir Natural Park
In the morning, sunrise again in the spectacular area of Mount Kirkjufell, so to visit the place with different lights and conditions and look for new photographic opportunities.
Transfer of about 3 hours to the Thingvellir National Park, an area of particular geological and volcanic importance created by the incessant action of the mid-Atlantic ridge, which reaches the surface here in Iceland.
Stop for lunch and transfer to the hotel near the village of Geysir.
In the afternoon, visit to the small and little-known Bruarfoss waterfall, formed by a turquoise river that flows among small jumps on the black volcanic rock, creating a spectacular contrast.
Following exploration of the majestic Gullfoss waterfall, the golden waterfall, with staggered fall levels and a large front, which flows into a narrow canyon of black rock.
The location is particularly interesting in winter with very low lights and snow, plus the possibility of capturing the aurora borealis.
Overnight stay: Geysir
Day 5 - Geyser and waterfalls
In the morning, sunrise in the Geysir area, a geothermal area where geysers erupt regularly, creating columns of hot water and steam that reach heights of up to 50 meters. Later, further visit to the nearby Gullfoss waterfall, to search for new photographic opportunities with different lights.
Transfer of about 2 hours to the south coast and stop for lunch.
Following visit to the Skógafoss waterfall, one of the most fascinating of the island with its large front and frequent rainbows, and transfer to the hotel in the town of Vik.
In the second part of the afternoon, exploration of the Dyrhólaey promontory overlooking the sea, with breathtaking panoramic views of the underlying black beach of volcanic rock, along which rock stacks rise including a gigantic arch sculpted by water and wind.
Search for the best location to wait for the sunset and, weather permitting, for admiring the aurora borealis.
Overnight stay: Vik
Day 6 - Volcanic beaches, lagoons and glaciers
In the morning, sunrise at the black beach of Reynisfjara, another fascinating place thanks to the strong chromatic contrasts and the particular rock formations of Reynisdrangar which rise like pinnacles from the sea.
Following transfer eastbound (about 2 hours) with crossing of the great expanse of volcanic sand and first exploratory visit to the wonderful Jökulsárlón moraine lake.
Stop for lunch and following transfer (about 1 hour) to the hotel in Hofn.
In the afternoon, visit to the spectacular black beach of Stokksnes, with its gigantic lagoon and the Vestrahorn cliffs, which are reflected in the calm waters of the bay. Exploration of the area and search for the best sunset spot and, weather permitting, for admiring the aurora borealis.
Overnight stay: Hofn
Day 7 - More volcanic beaches, lagoons and glaciers
In the morning, sunrise in the Eystrahorn area, located close to the Vestrahorn and characterized by a tongue of black sand that crosses the lagoon, offering interesting photographic opportunities for reflections and seascapes.
Stop for lunch and following exploration of the stunning area around Hofn, searching for photographic opportunities among enchanting views characterized by lagoons, mountains and glaciers.
In the afternoon, depending on the current conditions, choice of the best location to wait for the best lights with the possibility of exploring locations already visited in the previous days in a different light and, weather permitting, for admiring the aurora borealis.
Overnight stay: Hofn
Day 8 - Glacier lagoon, canyon and seascapes
In the morning, transfer westbound (about 45 min) and sunrise visit to the Jökulsárlón moraine lake and Diamond Beach, characterized by numerous icebergs that often stop on the black beach, forming unique color contrasts.
The lagoon is also home to colonies of seals, often visible on the icebergs with the splendid glacier behind.
Following transfer westbound (about 1.5 hours) up to Fjaðrárgljúfur, an ancient canyon dug by the erosion of the water descending from the glaciers.
Following transfer (about 1 hour) and return to Vik with a stop for lunch.
In the afternoon, depending on the current conditions, choice of the best location to wait for the best lights with the possibility of exploring locations already visited in the previous days in a different light, such as the black beach of Reynisfjara or the promontory of Dyrhólaey and, weather permitting, search for the aurora borealis on the sea and on the rocks.
Overnight stay: Vik
Day 9 - Reykianes peninsula
In the morning, the sunrise location will be chosen according to the weather conditions and photographic opportunities, with the possibility of exploring places already visited in the previous days in a different light, such as the Skógafoss waterfall or the black beach of Reynisfjara.
Transfer westbound of approximately 2.5 hours with a stop for lunch.
In the afternoon, exploration of the Reykjanes peninsula with a stop at the geothermal area of Seltún, characterized by solfataras and hot water thermal springs due to the volcanic activity of the earth's crust, which also here blends together fire and ice in a highly fascinating way.
For sunset, visit to the spectacular cliffs of Reykjanes where the ocean waves crash on high stacks of black rock, with basalt columns in the foreground, again created by the intense volcanic history of the island.
Overnight stay: Grindavik
Day 10 - Departure from Iceland
Transfer to Keflavík airport depending on your flight schedule and departure from Iceland.
Please note: the program and the activities here indicated could be modified depending on weather conditions, road conditions and organizational or group needs.
Participation fee
The tour is organized by Summit-8/Equipage Tour.
The participation fee is € 3.900,00, with 30% deposit upon booking, and balance 30 days before departure.
The fee includes:
• Photographic coaching by Alessandro Gruzza, professional nature photographer;
• Assistance, guide and driving by Mirko Sotgiu, professional photographer and mountain guide with in-depth knowledge of the area;
• Overnight stays for 9 nights in a double room in hotel with private bathroom and bed & breakfast. Possibility of accommodation in a single room on request, with a supplement of € 600,00.
• Transfers by 9-seater minivan for the entire duration of the trip (fuel included);
• Entrance fees to sites, parking fees for the activities indicated in the itinerary;
• Safety and first aid equipment;
• Assistance throughout the program.
The fee does not include:
• Return flight to Reykjavík Keflavík (participants can choose whether to purchase the flights independently or to contact the Tour Operator for schedules, quoting and purchase. The flights can be planned departing from various cities and with various airlines prior evaluation of schedules and costs);
• Optional excursions;
• Lunches, dinners and drinks;
• Travel insurance and trip cancellation insurance (purchasable upon booking);
• Extras and anything not expressly mentioned under "The fee includes”.
How to subscribe
For info and booking, please send an email to info@alegruzza.com or contact me at +39.347.0900228.
If you also want to book the return flight to Reykjavík, you will be contacted immediately by the Tour Operator for schedules, quoting and purchase.
Subscriptions are accepted in order of receipt, subject to availability (min 5 max 6 participants).
TOUR ORGANIZED BY TOUR OPERATOR
Equipage Srl - P. IVA 03404090106
Via Brigata Liguria, 63 R - 16121, Genova - Italy
Email: info@equipagetour.com - Telephone: 010 5701151