SIGNATURE MOMENT

Photographing shorebirds and seabirds at close range

SIGNATURE MOMENT

Spotting whales in Iceland's longest fjord

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Discovering which plants colonize a lava flow first

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Watching a geyser erupt

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Hiking the fault line between two continental tectonic plates

Natural Iceland: More Than Fire and Ice

Jun 20-29, 2025

10 days | Iceland | Quest Nature Tours

This young country, still being shaped by the forces of nature, has many fascinating features that make it strangely beautiful and unfamiliar. As we travel around the island, marvel at the unspoiled wilderness, jagged coastlines, vast rugged mountains, and hot spring areas with spouting geysers and towering glaciers.

Everywhere, the primeval fire and lava of foreboding black volcanoes contrast with the freezing white ice-glare of Europe’s greatest glaciers. While the moniker “land of fire and ice” is apt, it doesn’t begin to cover Iceland’s spectacular natural attractions, from sparkling waterfalls to the reforested woodland of Kjarnaskógur. There are unequalled opportunities to view and photograph ice-capped mountains, barren lava fields, montane rivers, steaming geothermal springs, and spouting geyser.

Our tour is also designed to let us view the vast numbers of raucous seabirds nesting on high rocky cliffs. Observe the largest concentrations of breeding ducks in Europe at Lake Mývatn and scan rocky coastlines for shorebirds. We also have a boat trip to the scenic Flatey Island, with colourful clapboard houses as well as abundant bird life, and a day trip to the enchanting Hrísey Island in the middle of the majestic Eyjafjörður. This tour coincides with the peak of Arctic and European boreal wildflowers blooming. During whale-watching excursion, there are opportunities to see various species at close range.

A warm niche in a cold corner of the planet, Iceland embodies the quintessential natural history experience.

We are also offering a two-day option post-trip extension to the Reykjanes Peninsula to explore world-famous Blue Lagoon spa and the city of Reykjavík itself. Learn more about this extension in the detailed itinerary or call us.

Tour Cost (per person):

US$8845 including taxes and gratuities

Group Size:

10 – 14 participants

What’s included: Accommodations based on double occupancy; gratuities for services provided by Quest; all activities as described in the detailed itinerary; domestic flight from Akureyri to Reykjavík; ground transportation / park entrance fees; airport transfers on tour start and end dates; meals as described in the itinerary; services of Quest Leader Sherry Kirkvold; Services of a local Icelandic naturalist

FEATURED ON THE BLOG

What to Expect in Iceland: Geysers, Godwits, and more!

By: Jean Iron

"A young country in the midst of its own creation." - Quest Traveller

"The itinerary and local connections/experience that make Quest the best there is for those who want a nature focused tour. Bravo." - Cheryl. M

Itinerary at a Glance

Day	Activity
1	Arrive in Reykjavík and drive east across the Reykjanes peninsula
2	Commonwealth farm in Þjórsárdalur and natural and cultural history along the south coast
3	Geysir, Þingvellir, and Deildartunguhver Hot Spring
4	Exploring the Snæfellsnes peninsula and encircling the famous glacier of Snaefellsjökull
5	Boat trip to Flatey Island
6	Wildlife-viewing and an Icelandic horse show en route to Eyjafjörður
7	Hauganes, Kjarnaskógur, and Akureyri
8	Waterfowl and geological marvels at Lake Mývatn
9	Birds and blooming wildflowers on Hrísey Island
10	Fly to Reykjavík / Departure
Optional: Two-day post-trip extension to Blue Lagoon spa and the city of Reykjavík

Download Itinerary

Your Tour Leader

Sherry Kirkvold brings a deep love of nature along with her more than 30 years of experience as a naturalist, geographer and expedition leader. She has worked in the national, provincial and regional park systems as well as museums in British Columbia.

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