Day 1: Keflavik – Reykjavik

A late morning arrival to Keflavík. In the afternoon we will take a whalewatching tour from Keflavík. This start should produce a few cetaceans as well as seabirds of which we can expect Manx Shearwaters, Northern Gannets, Arctic and Great Skuas and numerous gulls and Arctic Terns. The occasional European Storm-petrel might also be encountered. Depending on how much time we have after the whalewatching we might have a look at local ponds for breeding waders, e.g. Golden Plovers, Common Snipes and Common Redshanks. If we are in luck we might encounter the long-staying drake American Black Duck that has been in the area since 1993. Night in Reykjavík.

Day 2: Reykjavik – Þingvellir – Skogar

Day 2 will take us through the lowlands of southern Iceland with a first stop at Þingvellir National Park. This is where the Atlantic Rift separates the European and American continents and the site at which the Icelandic parliament was founded in the year 930. A few pairs of Great Northern Divers breed here. In the lavafields we can expect to hear a singing Winter Wren while the occasional Merlin patrols the area for food. We will then head to Geysir and Gullfoss and after these stops we will concentrate once more on the birds! On the way to Skógar we can expect to see most of the Icelandic waders: Eurasian Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Whimbrel as well as the Icelandic race of Black-tailed Godwit. A walk in the tree plantation at Skógar could produce breeding Common Redpoll and possibly vagrant passerines. Night at Skógar.

Day 3: Skogar – Freysnes

We will now drive without much stopping to our next destination, Freysnes, which lies at the foot of Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull. In the early afternoon we will explore the beautiful Skaftafell National Park which holds healthy populations of Winter Wren and Redwing. Nearby we will go to an isolated sea-cliff which is home to dozens of pairs of Great Skua that won’t hesitate to attack anyone straying off the path! These cliffs hold breeding Brünnich’s Guillemot, Common Guillemot, Razorbill and Kittiwake. Night at Freysnes.

Day 4: Freysnes – Djupivogur

Today we will drive east alongside the glacier through the kingdom of the Great Skua. The first stop will be a small farm which holds the only breeding House Sparrows in Iceland! Next is the immensely spectacular glacial lagoon Jökulsarlon which is used a feeding place by thousands of Arctic Terns that breed close by. Red-throated Divers are common on local ponds as well as offshore. At Höfn we will visit the local bird observatory and seek out the local Common Shelducks amongst other birds. On the way to our next destination, Djúpivogur, we will drive past a moulting site for Whooper Swans where they gather by the thousands as well as a site for moulting Common Scoter (which regularly has vagrant Surf, Velvet and White-winged Scoters). Our last bit of birding today will be at the marshy area near our hotel at Djúpivogur where Horned Grebe breeds and Red-necked Phalarope is numerous.

Day 5: Djupavogur – Borgarfjordur Eystri

Before leaving Djupivogur we will have a second look at the wetland nearby before moving on towards Borgarfjordur. On the way we will visit Iceland's largest forest which holds Winter Wrens, Goldcrests, Common Redpolls and occasionally vagrant passerines. Borgarfjörður eystri is one of the most magical places in Iceland, a small fishing village situated beneath magnificent mountains. Harlequin Ducks often sit on rocks near the harbour and in recent years a drake Steller's Eider has joined the local Harlequin flock. Time will be spent looking for this bird (if still in the area) before looking at a small Puffin colony where visitors can walk in the middle of the colony without scaring away the birds. The shores at Borgarfjordur eystri often have Purple Sandpipers and Dunlins. Night in a guesthouse at Borgarfjordur eystri.

Day 6: Borgarfjordur Eystri – Myvatn

After enjoying a relaxing morning at Borgarfjordur we will drive onwards to Mývatn (the lake of midges in Icelandic). Driving across the highlands on the way will produce breeding Pink-footed Geese, Whooper Swans and the occasional Golden Plover watching its territory as we drive by. We arrive at Lake Myvatn around mid-afternoon which leaves us a little bit of time to look for ducks on the River Laxá, including Harlequin Duck and Barrow’s Goldeneye. Night at Myvatn.

Day 7: Mývatn

The whole day will be used to explore the lake’s wildlife and landscape. Around 14 species of ducks breed around the lake of which Barrow’s Goldeneye, Harlequin Duck, Long-tailed Duck and Common Scoter are the most sought-after species. By scanning through the flocks we might stumble on a Ring-necked Duck or American Wigeon which are seen annually in the area. This is also one of the most reliable places for Gyr Falcon that come to the lake’s shore in search of food. In between all those birds we will have a look at hot sulphur springs, lava fields, pseudo-craters and many other interesting geological features. Night at Myvatn.

Day 8: Myvatn – Husavik 

We will have an early start and drive north-east from Myvatn towards Europe's largest waterfall Dettifoss. From there we’ll head towards Husavik where a whalewatching trip will be taken in the afternoon. On the way, Arctic Skuas, Great Skuas and Puffins will be seen in good numbers while the occasional Rock Ptarmigan might cross the road. Night at Husavik.

Day 9: Husavik – Gauksmyri

Driving today to Gauksmyri, we will look out for birds at the best locations en route. Possibilities for today include Pink-footed Goose, Goosander, Merlin, Black-tailed Godwit and many more. One of our stops will be Blonduos which occasionally holds summering Iceland Gulls. Horned Grebes breed outside our next hotel’s window, Gauksmyri.

Day 10: Gauksmyri – Grundarfjordur

Several hours drive from Gauksmyri will lead us to the Snæfellsnes peninsula. The outermost part of the peninsula is well known for birding and the flock of gulls on the coastline contain good numbers of Glaucous Gull and the occasional Iceland Gull. At the western tip of the peninsula we will visit seabird colonies, packed with Kittiwakes, both species of Guillemots, Razorbills and the occasional European Shag. This area also offers good opportunities for seawatching - for both birds and cetaceans! Night at Grundafjordur.

Day 11: Grundarfjordur - Reykjavik

Following a morning session of whalewatching from Olafsvik, best known as the most reliable place in Iceland for Blue Whale, we will head south to Reykjavik. On the way we will keep our eyes open for White-tailed Eagle and the numerous Red-throated Divers. Night in Reykjavik with free time to walk around the centre of the city after dinner.

Day 12: Reykjavik – Keflavik

A midday flight from Keflavik gives us the morning to do some birding. We will concentrate on good birding spots near the airport which should produce the trip's only Manx Shearwaters and possibly European Storm-petrels and we might even see Minke Whale and White-beaked Dolphins from land.