Day 1: Arrive at Keflavik
On arrival pick up your rental car and transfer to your choice of accommodation in the area. Visit the pretty harbour at KEFLAVÍK, often teeming with bird life, and its historic buildings, where there are a cluster of craft shops and exhibitions. Further along, you will find the Viking ship 'Icelander', a replica of the vessels that sailed the North Atlantic 1000 years ago. In the surrounds of this fascinating exhibition are ponds and marshland, where whooper swans can be seen.
DAY 2: The Reykjanes Peninsula
Head first to GRINDAVÍK and check the harbour and surrounds for gulls and eider and other ducks. Drive west, following the coast and stopping at the curious Brimketill, a natural lava cauldron on the shore. Past the geothermal springs at Gunnuhver, reach the Reykjanes lighthouse and a colony of arctic terns. Huge breakers pound the cliffs here and offshore sea stack Karlinn, where gannets can be seen. Climb the hill for a great view of the coast and in the distance the volcanic island of Eldey, Iceland's largest gannet colony. It is worth stopping at the geothermal power plant, whose 50 MW turbine generates enough electricity to power the capital.
Now head north to the Bridge between Continents, where the process of continental drift can be witnessed. Walk to the HAFNARBERG bird cliff where Brünnich's guillemot, common guillemot and razorbill breed, keeping an eye out for whales and dolphins as well. The HAFNIR bay is another good place to observe birds en route to SANDGERÐI, where a visit to the Nature Centre is recommended. The shore and ponds here are good for waders, sea birds and ducks. End the day at GARÐSKAGI, an important staging post for migrant birds but teeming with bird life throughout the season. The restaurant is a great place to watch for passing whales or enjoy the sunset.
Day 3: The Golden Circle
Start with a spectacular drive along the south coast of Reykjanes. Take a detour to Selatangar, where seals can often be spotted to a backdrop of bizarre lava formations. At Seltún, near Krísuvík, stroll among colourful geothermal pools and steam vents then continue the drive east through a beautiful moss-clad lava field. Explore the coastal estuaries, marshland and ponds around Stokkseyri, an important breeding ground for many wildlfowl and waders, including black-tailed godwit. In spring many migratory birds gather on the shore here.
Now make your way inland to the lake-filled crater Kerið and two of Iceland's best known attractions, the two-tiered waterfall Gullfoss and the Geysir geothermal area with its spouting geyser and many hot springs. Snipe, oyster catcher, whimbrel and golden plover are readily observed in the surrounding farmland. Continue to Þingvellir National Park and lake for key species such as great northern and red-throated divers, goosander, long-tailed duck, Barrow's goldeneye, harlequin duck and greylag geese and wren, redwing and ptarmigan in the birch scrub surrounds.
En route back to the Reykjanes Peninsula, pass the capital Reykjavík. A visit to the Blue Lagoon and a relaxing bathe in its geothermal waters is recommended.
DAY 4: Return Flight home
