Workshops & Tours

Iceland: Winter Landscapes and Fire in the Sky

If the tour you are interested in is full - please contact us to be put on a waiting list. There is no cost or commitment to do so.

Iceland: Winter Landscapes and Fire in the Sky

12 days / 11 nights
6 participants
February 23 - March 5, 2016 - Full!
March 7 - 18, 2016 - Full!

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Download Brochure: Word Doc (March 7 - 18, 2016)

For the last several years, Rod has conducted Iceland ~ Winter Landscapes and Fire in the Sky Tours. Each one was loaded with its own unique variety of photographic opportunities: northern lights, Icelandic horses in winter coat, frozen waterfalls, wind-blown winter scenes, icebergs stranded in lagoons and diamond shaped chunks of blue ice on black sand beaches. Most groups also got to experience the photographic bounty that only a blizzard in Iceland can provide!

Join Rod and Hawk, our Icelandic guide, for what will be a trip of a lifetime for you and 5 other participants. You'll experience 10 solid days of photography and a diverse assortment of photographic subjects - this will be another fantastic and memorable trip for winter 2016. Don't miss your opportunity to share this wonderful trip - register soon by calling our office (906) 293-3339.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Flight Arrival - Explore Reykjavik - Capital of Iceland

Overnight Flights which departed US (day before) arrive in Keflavik. Transport by taxi or bus to City Center of Reykjavik. Check-in to hotel and meet Rod at 4:30 PM for orientation and meet other participants.

(Accommodation: Reykjavik Hotel included in tour) (B/L/D - on own)

Day 2: West Iceland, Borgarfjordurand and the Lava Waterfall

Hawk will pick us up from the hotel at 9 am and drive to Hvalfjördur-fjord and from there towards Borgarfjördur-fjord. Here we will photograph the lovely cascading Hraunfossar (Lava Waterfalls) and thundering Barnafoss (named Children's Waterfalls from Icelandic folklore.) We will continue north stopping along the way to take advantage of photographic opportunities as they are revealed. This area is known for having a high density of the Icelandic horse - we'll be staying at a location that will provide opportunities to photograph these splendid animals.

Accommodation: Hvammstangi (B/L/D)

Day 3: Skagafjördur Fjord and Akureyri

After a hearty breakfast, we will travel north towards Skagafjördur fjord stopping along the way to photograph the Reykjafoss waterfall in the Kolugljúfur canyon. We will take time visit the small pictorial seaside village of Blönduós. Continuing our journey, we'll pass through northern Iceland's largest town, Akureyri, stopping at Godafoss waterfall (Waterfall of the Gods).

Accommodation: Near Myvatn (B/L/D)

Day 4: Lake Mývatn and Hverarond

Around the Lake Myvatn region are many things to photograph including the Kálfastrandavogar lava rocks jutting out of the lake. The rest of the day will be spent photographing around the Lake Myvatn area and the multi-colored geothermal areas at Hverarond.

Accommodation: Near Myvatn (B/L/D)

Day 5: East Fjords

We will travel from the Lake Myvatn area over the highland road of Mödrudalur to the East fjords of Iceland. The east coast features long, narrow fjords with steep sides and jagged mountain peaks as well as picturesque fishing villages.

Accommodation: Egilsstadir (B/L/D)

Day 6: Southeast Fjords

We will continue south and make stops both at several locations along the east coast until we get to our overnight location near the hamlet of Breiddalsvik. Here we will be situated well away from city lights and will take advantage of opportunities to photograph northern lights if presented.

Accommodation: Breiddalsvik (B/L/D)

Day 7: Icescapes, Waterfalls, Glacier Lagoon and Northern Lights

In the morning, we will drive south towards our next location stopping along the way to photograph icescapes, snow covered landscapes and whatever presents itself. After checking in to our next location we'll drive to the Jokulsarlon Lagoon and spend plenty of time there. We'll also take advantage of this time to photograph parts of icebergs, ranging in size from a basketball to a truck, which has washed up on the black sand beach nearby. In the evening, we'll most likely return to the glacier lagoon or go to another "secret" place that Rod knows about to photograph ice held captive in a lagoon and hopefully northern lights glowing in the background.

Accommodation: Guesthouse Hali (B/L/D)

Day 8: Skaftafell National Park, Ice Caves, Glacier Lagoon and Northern Lights

The southeast is overshadowed by the vast Vatnajokull icecap, whose enormous glaciers creep down through every crack in the coastal mountains. The highlights of the region are the areas in and around the Skaftafell National Park. Today we will meet a local guide who will take us to the glacier tongue where ice caves can often be found. After photographing ice caves and glaciers, we will drive back to our guesthouse and prepare for the possibility to photograph northern lights. If conditions warrant - we may change the date for this tour.

Accommodation: Guesthouse Hali (B/L/D)

Day 9: Undulating Landscapes, Bucolic Farm Settings and Icelandic Horses

In the morning, we'll drive west along the coast stopping to photograph sections of the Fallsjokull, Svinafellsjokull, and Kviarjokull glaciers. One place you won't want to miss is the undulating moss-covered lava fields which may be blanketed in fresh snow. There will be plenty of old farmhouses and churches isolated in stark surroundings and Icelandic horses with luxurious manes wafting over their full winter coats. In the evening, after a delicious home cooked meal prepared by Hadda, Hawk's wife, you can step out the backdoor of the guesthouse to photograph sunset or northern lights.

Accommodation: Hrifunes Guesthouse (B/L/D)

Day 10: Black Sand Beach, Icelandic Horses and Churches

Today you'll discover why we have chosen to linger longer in this location. Early risers will be greeted with the possibility of stepping out the back door to photograph spectacular sunrise and early morning light beaming across braids of streams in the coastal flats in the valley below. During the remaining daylight hours we'll explore the surrounding countryside and photograph a variety of landscapes, beautiful streams and waterfalls, churches, Icelandic horses and a wild and graphic stretch of ocean beach. In addition, we will photograph the remote black sand beach beneath the Álftaver farm. In the evening, after another wonderful dinner, if we are lucky, we'll be able to once again step out the backdoor and photograph sunset and possibly northern lights.

Accommodation: Hrífunes Guesthouse (B/L/D)

Day 11: Columnar Basalt Formations, Dryholaey Cape and Skogafoss

We will take full advantage of our last day by driving over the sands of Mýdalssandur towards the Hjörleifshöfdi cape. He we will see the large rock outcroppings that stand alone in middle of the sand desert. We'll continue towards the village of Vík with the Reynisdrangar rock outcroppings in the sea, and also take a look at the columnar basalt formations at Reynisfjara beach. If possible, we will drive on top of cape Dyrhólaey, the southernmost point of Iceland. As we make our way back towards Reykjavik, if time allows our last day of photography will include a stop at the impressive Skogafoss.

Accommodation: Reykjavik Hotel (B/L) (Dinner on Own)

Day 12: Sightsee, Shop and Prepare for Flights

You can sleep in! Then prepare for the journey home. If time allows you can explore the museums, sightsee or check out one of Europe's famous shopping districts in downtown Reykjavik. Allow enough time to take a bus or taxi to the airport.

(B) (Lunch and Dinner on own)

Tour Cost

$7450 (Single Occupancy) (Deduct $200 p/p for double occupancy - we can not guarantee availability of another participant who is willing to share a room). Please budget for single occupancy.

Price Includes

Tour Leader: Rod Planck ~ English Speaking Guide and Professional Photographer will act as the tour leader. You'll photograph alongside Rod who Nikon USA designated as a "Legend Behind the Lens" and in 2002, was heralded by Outdoor Photographer as one of the top five "Master's of the Landscape." Through numerous tours around the world and Iceland Rod's knowledge of the area and instincts as a photographer will assure the trip will be a photographic success.

Icelandic Guide: "Hawk", born and raised in Iceland, will act as our driver/guide. He is one of the most respected photographers in Iceland who also owns one of the largest stock photo agencies in Iceland. His intimate knowledge of Iceland, passion for the land, and knowledge of photography makes him an excellent choice for the tour. He understands the vagaries of light and its impact on photography, our need to keep unusual hours, and most importantly, he knows what makes photographers tick.

Ice cave Tour: 2-3 Hours Duration includes crampons and helmet.

Northern Lights: As with all things in nature, there can be no guarantees. This time of year is known for the occurrence of the natural phenomena known as northern lights (aurora borealis) but we cannot guarantee that this will happen during the tour.

Accommodations: All accommodations are hotels or guesthouses with "best available" within reason selected. In all instances, with few exceptions, rooms will have private baths and single occupancy. Please refer to itinerary to see what is included each day. When comparing our tour to others please take into consideration that rooms are single occupancy, private bath (when available) and also includes the first and last night of the tour while in Reykjavik. Most tours do not.

Meals: With few exceptions, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (B/L/D) are included in the cost of the tour (see daily itinerary above for details). Typically, we will eat breakfast at our host hotel / guesthouse. Most days a packed lunch will be provided in the field and only occasionally indoors at a location and place as deemed prudent and necessary by the guides. We have found that utilizing box lunches allows us to spend more time in the field. Please bear in mind that when you factor in the drive time associated with remote shooting locations, time to order, eating and then driving back to the field - having lunch in a restaurant is not practical. Since this tour is about making beautiful images and not spending time in a restaurant we won't be scheduling photography around meal times. On a normal day we will eat dinner (2-3 course meals) in a restaurant or at the guesthouse (beverage not included.)

Vehicle: We'll get around in 4x4 designed for just the type of travel we will be doing. This mode of travel also allows us the flexibility of crossing rivers in the back country and comes highly recommended by Hawk, who is experienced with photographic tours.

Payments & Cancellations

Initial deposit: $1000. Second deposit: $3225 is due on August 1, 2015. Final payment: $3225 is due January 1, 2016. After August 1, 2015 and until 120 days or more prior to departure, payments are refundable except for $1900. Refunds given 119-80 days prior to departure will be subjected to a charge of 40% of the tour price, 79-60 days prior to departure, a charge of 60%, and 60 days or less prior to departure. No refund will be paid unless we can fill your space. Cancellation insurance is highly recommended. In the event that we cancel the trip, all monies paid to us will be refunded. However, we will not reimburse for unused airline tickets. Please purchase trip insurance.

Not included in base price

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (BLD) are included most days - some days not - please see above daily listings. This will permit you to make your own selection of the restaurants in Reykjavik. Tour cost does not include air transportation, airport departure taxes, airport transfers, personal items such as laundry, wine, liquor, meals not included in itinerary, beverages not included with meals, medical expenses, faxes/telephone/email charges and insurance. Nor activities listed as optional, or those taken on your own; passport/visa expenses; personal medical or travel insurance. Estimated flight cost from US (JFK or BOSTON) to Keflavik, Iceland $1000 (coach). At this time, only Icelandair has flights to and from Iceland in the winter.

Responsibility

Rod Planck Photography, McMillan, Michigan act only as agents and shall not be responsible or become liable for any delay incurred by any person in connection with any means of transportation, nor for the loss, damage, or injury to person or property by reason of any event beyond the control of the agency or default of such agency suppliers. We reserve the right to cancel the tour prior to departure in which case full refund will constitute full settlement to the passenger. No refund will be made for any unused portion of the tour unless arrangements are made at the time of booking. All rates are based on current tariffs, exchange rates and fuel costs and are subject to adjustment in the event of any change therein. We reserve the right to change the itinerary if we deem by doing so we provide a better experience for participants. You will be notified in advance if a change is made. By sending your initial deposit, you agree to accept our payment schedule as a contract. If payments are still outstanding two weeks after the due date, your space may be forfeited. Baggage is at the owner's risk.

Conditions

Travel to remote places like Iceland is exciting, but understanding and accepting the risks, both medical and logistical, are important. There are clinics where minor medical problems can be treated, but due to the remoteness of most of our itinerary, there can be no expectation for immediate medical attention. If this fact concerns you too much, do not choose this trip for your vacation. Anyone with health problems needing close medical supervision should not consider going on this trip. Bring enough medication for the duration of the trip for any chronic medical needs. When you send your tour deposit and signed reservation form, you certify to us that you do not knowingly have any physical or other conditions that would create a risk for yourself or for other trip participants.

Travel Insurance

Trip insurance information is available from us and will be sent with in-depth trip information and your deposit receipt at the time of making your reservation. It is your responsibility to obtain trip insurance and is strongly advised due the changing nature of the location and cost of the trip. Please understand that we are not an insurance company, please protect your travel investment and buy travel insurance.

Registration Information

Cost of the Tour: $7450 * includes accommodations (single occupancy), land transportation (except individual transfers), entrance fees and meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner - except where noted). (Deduct $200 for double occupancy - we can not guarantee availability of another participant who is willing to share a room). Please budget for single occupancy.

Payments & Cancellations

Initial deposit: $1000. Second deposit: $3225 is due on August 1, 2015. Final payment: $3225 is due January 1, 2016. After August 1, 2015 and until 120 days or more prior to departure, payments are refundable except for $1900. Refunds given 119-80 days prior to departure will be subjected to a charge of 40% of the tour price, 79-60 days prior to departure, a charge of 60%, and 60 days or less prior to departure. No refund will be paid unless we can fill your space. Cancellation insurance is highly recommended. In the event that we cancel the trip, all monies paid to us will be refunded. However, we will not reimburse for unused airline tickets. Please purchase trip insurance.

You can register online using PayPal by clicking the "Add to Cart" button below. You do not need a PayPal account to pay by credit card.

You can also register by downloading and completing a registration form and mailing with payment to:

Rod Planck Photography
PO Box 100
McMillan, MI 49853

By Phone: Call (906) 293-3339. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9a.m. to 5p.m. EST. For reservations made by phone, we accept credit cards (for deposits only), or we'll hold your space for 7 days, while awaiting your check.

2018 Workshops & Tours

2019 Workshops & Tours