Location: Iceland

Duration: 5 nights / 6 days

Group Size: Max 12

Level of fitness required: Easy

The Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis are discharged particles from the sun that pass through the magnetic shield of earth and create light when they mix with atoms and molecules such as nitrogen and oxygen gases on entering into the earth’s atmosphere. These particles travel 152 million kms or 96 million miles through space towards planet earth being drawn towards the earth’s magnetic north and south polar regions.

The earth has cycles which changes on roughly a 12-year basis. We call these changes the solar cycle. We are now four years into a new solar cylcle and fast approaching in 2013 is the solar maximum.

During periods of strong solar flares the light becomes extremely dynamic producing swirls and flash patterns throughout the sky. The colours merge and flash from greens, reds, yellows and violets. The sight is awe inspiring. The Aurora Borealis is one of the most incredible natural phenomenon’s you will ever witness and we will be with you every step of the way to capture it all.

On this Northern Lights Iceland special you will receive a masterclass in Aurora techniques from our professional photographer, we will be based in the Pingvallavatn area of Iceland far away from the light pollution of the capital. This area is renowned for the amazing views of the Northern Lights which will be enhanced by the Solar Maximum in 2013. The Pingvallavatn area is surrounded by mountains, volcanoes, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, forests and churches which will be perfect for our Aurora photography.

We also encourage participants to bring a selection of their work for a review and critique, where our professional tutor will discuss the art of landscape photography composition, how to use the camera to create wow-factor images and how to approach landscape photography with the eye of a pro.

The landscape workshops with Tatra Photography are sponsored by Lee Filters and Robert White Camera Suppliers.

Lee Filters have kindly donated a landscape filter set including various grads, ND filters and the BIG 10 Stopper, Lee have also provided a range of holders and rings, all of which will be available to use to participants on the workshops and will be demonstrated by the Tatra photography award winning tutors.

Any customers wanting to purchase their products can then buy from Robert White cameras or direct from Lee filters.

Accommodation

Hotel Hveragerdi is located by bubbling geothermal springs located only 30 minutes from our Aurora base for the first 3 nights Thingvellir national park. All rooms include bathrobes, slippers and DVD players with Wi-Fi. All rooms have wooden floors, large beds and a private bathroom. Our breakfast will be provided from the local organic farms with Cereals, honey, marmalade and smoked trout.

Our second base is Hotel Klauster situated in the southern Icelandic village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur, a 1-hour drive from Skaftafell National Park and Vatnajokull glacier. This location provides us with the possibility to capture the northern lights at the glacier lagoon, one of the most magical places on earth

All rooms include a flat-screen TV. Simple, yet modern décor is featured in each guest room. Rooms are en-suite and have coffee/tea making facilities and a hairdryer.

Klaustur’s in-house restaurant offers a breakfast buffet and a dinner menu. The restaurant features spectacular mountain views. In the evening, guests can relax with a drink in the bar’s cosy arm chairs, hot tubs or Jacuzzi.

All monies paid by you for the air holiday package shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 6404. For more information see our booking terms and conditions.

Click for full booking terms and conditions