GPP Photo Tour - Iceland & The Northern Lights | October 1 - 9, 2015
As we all know Iceland is a photographer’s dream come true! With it’s amazing variety in scenery and landscapes, relatively short distances between points of interest, 24 hour daylight in summer, Northern Lights in winter and wonderful variety in light and weather conditions it’s fast establishing itself as a ‘must-do’ on any photo enthusiast (and professional’s) bucket list.
GPP Photo Tour - Iceland is a unique opportunity to explore Iceland in all it’s glory with expert guidance and photographic instruction.
We’ll get a chance to explore the capital Reykjavik and do some street photography as well as sample the great food, we’ll then spend a few days exploring the fjords and landscapes of Ísafjörður by day and chasing the Northern Lights by night before returning to Reykjavik. We’ve chosen October as the best time of year to give us a chance to experience all Iceland has to offer.
The intent of the tour is to take care of all of the organizational aspects of your trip, leaving you free to maximize your shooting time and make the most of tour leader Catalin Marin’s valuable instruction. Drawing on Catalin’s understanding of the culture and the local experience he’s has gained from previous photographic trips to the area, students won’t have to worry about anything except taking great pictures! This Photo Tour promises unique shooting locations, photographic instruction including image review and feedback by Catalin, and an Icelandic guide to answer any cultural questions and steer us toward the best views (and restaurants!).
Summary of relevant Information
Dates: October 1-9, 2015 ( 7 nights, 9 days)
Hotels: 3* equivalent in Reykjavik, our hotel is ideally located for dining, shopping and exploring the city. We will be staying at the beautiful Heydalur Guesthouse while on location.
Maximum number of participants: 10
Who should attend: You have a sense of adventure, and are confident using your camera in Aperture/Shutter Priority or Manual Mode. If you would really like to join the tour but don’t have such experience, consider taking one of our Level 1 courses (here) to bring you up to speed.
Cost per person: USD 3,950 for single occupancy (Approximately AED 14,500 depending on your bank's exchange rates). Contact us if you are planning to travel with a companion and would like to share a room, so we can make the necessary arrangements for you. (There will be no change in the rate per person for sharing accomodation)
Included:
• Accommodation (comfort) for 7 nights, includes breakfast
• 5 day/4 night northern lights program in the West Fjords, includes English-speaking local guide and nightly aurora excursions
• Accommodation and full board for 4 nights at Heydalur Guesthouse in the West Fjords
• All transportation by bus from morning of Day 3 to afternoon of Day 7
• A visit to the Blue Lagoon on departure, which is a geothermal spa and one of the most visited attractions in Iceland. The spa is located in a lava field in Grindavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula, southwestern Iceland
• Keflavik Airport bus transfer on departure, includes entrance fee to BLue Lagoon.
• 24-hour emergency service
• Taxes and service fee
Not Included:
Flights to Reykjavik, visas, alcoholic beverages, incidentals
Day-by-day Itinerary
October 1 - Arrival Day:
Arrival in Iceland and welcome dinner - meet at our hotel in the afternoon followed by welcome dinner so we can finally get to know each other. (Dinner inlcuded)
Day 2, October 2 – Reykjavik:
After spending the night in Reykjavik, we explore the city where there are plenty of opportunities for photography and for sampling some of the local food. (Breakfast included)
Day 3 to Day 7, October 3 - 8 – Ísafjörður:
After driving towards the Westfjords we base ourselves in Heydalur to explore this part of Iceland with its stunning fjords. The landscapes here are breathtaking and we’ll be exploring and photographing the region for the next few days, while evenings will be spent chasing the Northern Lights with our English-speaking local guide (Heydalur Guesthouse) (Full board included)
Day 7, October 8– Return to Reykjavik:
We drive back to Reykjavik and we spend one more night in the capital giving enough time for us to catch our flights back. (Breakfast included)
Day 8, October 9 - Departure Day:
Tour Concludes and we will depart, stopping at the famous Blue Lagoon on our way to the airport.
* Tour timings and locations may be adjusted according to weather or other unforeseen events.
Cancellation Policy:
Before July 10: Full refund less 10% admin charge
Between August 10 and September 10: 50% refund
Later than September 10: No refund
Travel information:
** We will be holding a meet-up in September for all those already booked, as well as those who would like to come to ask questions and meet the instructor (Catalin) and the group. If you would like to be informed, please email us on info@gulfphotoplus.com with the title “Inform me re: Iceland Tour Meet-Up”
Arrival/Departure:
The airport in Iceland, Keflavik International (KEF) is approximately 1hr from Reykjavik City Centre. Airport transfers are included, you will be met upon arrival. Look for someone holding a GPP sign-board. There is a lot to see in Iceland, so if you want to add a couple of days before or after your tour, please inform us of your arrival/departure plans so we can know when to expect you.
Flights: There are no direct flights between the UAE and Iceland. Emirates, Etihad and major airlines all offer routings via Europe or similar. You can expect your flight to cost approximately AED 4,000 depending on time of booking and airline. Of course your choice of travel is up to you, but please plan to land no later than 18:00 on Oct 1 and depart no earlier than 13:00 on Oct 9. Otherwise you will be responsible for your own airport transfers.
Visas:
Iceland is a member of the Schengen States - for detailed visa requirements please click here.
Should you require a visa for this Tour you can apply through:
- Abu Dhabi - Royal Norwegian Embassy
- Dubai - Royal Danish Consulate General
Currency:
The Kronur is the official local currency. It is easy to exchange US dollars and Euro in Reykjavik. ATMs are available. Local shop merchants only accept local currency and may have trouble exchanging larger notes.
General Information:
* English is widely spoken.
*Iceland is a fairly well developed country and all amenities should be easily accessible and of good quality.
* Electrical Current is 230V, most plugs are round 2-pin European type. Adapters are widely available.
*Tap water is considered drinkable
*Iceland has a sub-artic climate, with temperatures in October averaging 3 to 8 C with daily lows rarely exceeding -2 C. You should bring reasonable cold weather clothing and boots.