Sunday 8 May to Thursday 19 May 2011. Hotel based, 11 nights. (8 places)

Iceland is a highlight in the Quest programme, with an amazing landscape full of unique and often bizarre features, including magnificent waterfalls, black sand beaches, lava fields, glaciers, icebergs, active volcanoes, mud pools, hot springs, geysers, and more. The weather can be exciting too, with everything from sunshine to snow storms. The tour will take in much of the island, with the exception of the interior, which is not accessible at this time of the year, or the remote north west, which would require an extra few days. We will, therefore, travel round the island, staying for one, or sometimes two, nights at hotels en route. The itinerary has been arranged to allow ample time for in depth photography in selected areas, as well as plenty of impromptu stops.

With a population of a mere 300,000 the island is never crowded, even in the capital, Reykjavik. At this time of the year, the climate will be similar to March in the UK, and is unlikely to be excessively cold – however, temperatures can drop to below zero, so you need to be prepared.

The schedule is to fly to Keflavik, near Reykjavik, Iceland’s international airport, and then to drive east via Thingvelllir, to Geysir, then to Gullfoss, along the south coast via Skaftafell and the astonishing glacial lagoon at Jokulsarlon, where we spend two nights. We will then head north, through the mountains before diverting to one of the east coast fiords. We will then continue through the eastern highlands to Myvatn, where there are thermal springs. From there, we will head west and then south, ending in the Reykjavik area. The hotels are clean and comfortable, and particularly if you like lamb or fish, you will enjoy the food!

Flights are currently available from Gatwick (Iceland Express), Heathrow (Icelandair), Manchester and Glasgow.

Price £1695* (deposit £400). Single supplement £425. (8 places).

Price is for accommodation (B&B) in shared twin room and travel in Iceland. Single occupation is expensive in Iceland, hence a supplement of £425 is payable. Flights and cost of meals (except breakfast) not included. NB Prices are based on an exchange rate of 185 Icelandic kronur per GB£1.*Quest reserves the right to request a premium of not more than 10% should the exchange rate move adversely by a significant amount. Travel insurance essential.