Icelandic Lunar Landscapes
Over six days of exhilaration, Mission05 offer you, your family and your friends a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore Iceland’s lunar landscapes by superjeep, snowmobile, and helicopter, navigated by the most experienced guides and educated by leading photographers. Think of a unique landscape canvas in an expedition that epitomises every photographer’s dream. To what can only be described as the end of the earth, chase the Northern Lights, guide inside lava tubes, wine and dine by candlelight in a restored cave, take in the breath-taking views by day, and relax in nature’s geothermal spas by night.
Climax your experience on the penultimate day, as we helicopter you up high into an Icelandic glacier, and take a step away from your camera. Embrace these moments as you celebrate your final day with a gourmet banquet, a world-leading DJ performance and a party in the most private glacial festival on the planet. Basked in a glittery starry night, your evening and the fast-paced expedition shall be one you truly, never forget.
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DepartureIceland
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Departure TimeSeptember - April 2019
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IncludedIcelandic Lunar Landscapes
Day One - Private Jet, Helicopters & Eldar Lodge
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Depart your UK home, and start your luxury expedition straight away. Your private transfer shall escort you to meet your private jet at Luton Airport. A short flight to Reykjavik, Iceland shall offer calm before you prepare you for the exhilaration and excitement of discovery. Upon arrival, four Bell 407 helicopters meet you and your peers, before taking-off overland. Embrace the moody-lit landscapes below as you arrive at Eldar Lodge, your home for the next few days.
Your guides will be on hand to overview your equipment and the plan for the week. You shall be safety briefed, and introduced to your photography apparatus amounting to a value of £50,000 per person. You will be taught how to capture the best Northern Lights images before your private chef prepares your evening meal, served by your in-house butler. Your photography preparation hopes to be put to immediate use as you chase the Northern Lights in darkness, should they arrive.
Day Two - UNESCO Sites & Safaris
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After a leisurely breakfast provided by your chef, you will endure a day of thrilling adventure and jaw-dropping landscapes. Driven to Thingvellir National Park, your morning shall soak in UNESCO Heritage, a mid-Atlantic marvel that homes where North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Feature black and white photography with natures volcanic lava fields have been formed over hundreds of years, juxtaposed with the shimmering lake beyond. Here you have time to absorb the lunar landscapes of Iceland and all of nature's beauty with your PhaseOne photographic equipment. The calm before the storm, as you jump onboard your designated buggy for an overland safari that speeds over the humps and bumps. In your winter 4x4, race over mountain tracks to Langjokull Glacier, before ducking inside a 550-metre long glacial tunnel as you crunch over the thick ice. You shall be met with a delicious lunch, served deep within the renovated cave house, once home to indigenous Icelandic cave people.
Your snow safari continues over lunch to meet your aperitif - Bloody Mary making in the Fridheimar Greenhouses where vines and vines of tomatoes grow despite its cool climate.
Your afternoon at leisure before your five star meal at Eldar Lodge, and download of creative imagery that you have witnessed over the last two days.
Day Three - Lobster & Lava Tunnels
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Your day of adventure has arrived. A morning on horseback shall enable you to see this world in a different pace. Your route shall either explore a smooth path along the Ingolfsfjall Mountain, or side by side to the River Gljufura depending on your experience. From here you will be guided to a photogenic fishing village on the south coast of Iceland, away from tourists. Embrace the locals way as you wander the brightly coloured houses and chat to locals to learn their way of life. Lunch will be served by your private chef, who will prepare a delicious locally caught lobster feast.
From here, an underwater workshop will take place, taking you through the Silfra Fissure by snorkel to explore a natural phenomenon - a crack in the earth where the continental plates meet. Follow your guide to the famed Silfra Hall, a colourful spectrum that is a photographer's delight. Continue to the "Cathedral", the crescendo of your activity where the water is crystal clear and you will feel like you are flying in the purest water on our planet.
Your day continues to burst with excitement. A change of landscape takes you from water to rock, exploring the marvel of Raufarholshellir lava tunnel - a strange red rock and icy tube that was formed 5,200 years ago. Follow the path where the lava once flowed, and capture its unique setting that features ice crystals and earthly pink hues that light your path along the way. A dramatic setting that illuminates throughout, you will follow the rainbow of rich reds, purples and green moss deep inside, before meeting the end. your chauffeur will await your exit before driving you back to base, before a final supper, download and debrief.
Day Four - Black Beaches, Waterfalls & An Epic Party
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Your glacial festival day has arrived. Soar to the skies onboard four Bell 403 helicopters, and enjoy an aerial photographic lesson over every-changing Icelandic landscapes. Glacial flood plains, dramatic black beaches and powerful waterfalls form below, leaning into the Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull glaciers which dominate the slopes beyond Mt Katla. Your snowmobiles await your landing before exploring Eyjafjallajokull in more depth - a scenic, fast-paced ride that enables you to take in the wild breaths of Iceland.
Collection awaits via helicopter, as you are transported next to Myrdalsjokull, where your Arctic Camp sits. Completely custom built for your group, you are isolated from the world in your very own festival setting. Cosy en-suite tents sit next to a Dinner Tent, and Finnish Sauna, to relax and reflect on your expedition so far. Choose to rest in your unique environment or take the superjeep 4x4's out for tutorial in driving in arid conditions. Then return to camp, where a gourmet banquet meets you with wine pairing, cooked by your private chef. As the stars light up the sky, enjoy cocktails prepared by your personal bartender, before the live band set begins followed by a DJ to end this perfect day.
Day Five - Geothermal Pools & Relaxation
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A leisurely yet hearty breakfast is required on the day after the night before. Indulge in the facilities and take in your breathtaking surroundings before a day of pamper and detox begins. Met by your helicopters, you and your party will be whisked away and transported to Iceland's legendary Blue Lagoon. Detox and unwind as you soak in its natural chalky blue waters, transforming yourself to recovery.
Refreshed and rejuvenated, your chauffeur shall transfer you from nature and transfer you to a juxtaposing environment, Iceland's capital city. Take the top floor of the Tower Suites for the best views in the city, you will have a chance to fully explore Reykjavik and all of its quirks, art galleries, shops and eateries. Your choice of restaurant is completely on the cards, with recommendations such as Fiskmarkadurrinn or Dill.
Enjoy your final evening at leisure!
Day Six - Departure Day
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With a final morning to take in your surroundings, explore the expansive cool of Reykjavik, museums, galleries and eclectic design. Lunch in the city will be your final meal before you and your party are transported back to Reykjavik Airport in time for your private jet home, to Luton Airport, London. Your drivers shall escort you home in no time, leaving you with an incredible image bank of photographs, and indulgent memories of what was the most epic expedition you will ever experience.
TOUR LOCATION
Thingvellir National Park, Iceland
Thingvellir National Park, Iceland
Eldar Lodge
Exclusive Private Luxury Lodge
Yours for exclusive hire is the 6-bedroom luxury escape, Eldar Lodge. Situated on a private estate in the South of Iceland, you are hidden away from the regular tourist route, submerged within untouched landscapes and beautiful woodlands. Inaccessible to tourists, the private property acts as a haven for the elite, offering privacy, tranquility, safety, whilst embracing natural beauty.
Boasting six en-suite rooms, each with their own private terrace, the property homes two geothermal baths, a helipad, private chef and butler.
Exclusive Glacier Camp
Glacial Festival Awaits
Collection awaits via helicopter, as you are transported next to Myrdalsjokull, where your Arctic Camp sits. Completely custom built for your group, you are isolated from the world in your very own festival setting. Cosy en-suite tents sit next to a Dinner Tent, and Finnish Sauna, to relax and reflect on your expedition so far. Choose to rest in your unique environment or take the superjeep 4x4's out for tutorial in driving in arid conditions. Then return to camp, where a gourmet banquet meets you with wine pairing, cooked by your private chef. As the stars light up the sky, enjoy cocktails prepared by your personal bartender, before the live band set begins followed by a DJ to end this perfect day.
Tower Suites, Reykjavik
Luxury City Retreat
Taking over the entire top floor of the highest property in Reykjavik, your stay epitomises Nordic-cool. Towering over the city, this 5* property takes on a chic, contemporary design offering freestanding baths and floor-to-ceiling windows to ensure you enjoy the best views. Make the most of its unique features including the telescope and binoculars, and immerse yourself in 360 degree views.
In the heart of the city, you are steps away from it all. Trendy galleries, museums, cafes and restaurants will keep you entertained from start to finish. And if you are exhausted by the time you reach your final night of your photographic expedition, relax with access to the nearby wellness spa and luxury fitness centre instead!
Pete Webb
Founder and creator of Mission05 is awe-inspiring photographer, intrepid traveler and marketer of 30 years, PETE WEBB, Merci Visual. Named one of Europe’s leading lifestyle & adventure artists, Pete‘s style originally emerged from surf and mountain, and now boasts some of the most prestigious clients and brands in a multitude of sectors. Capturing the perfect shot in challenging environments, Pete holds an innate ability to tell a story through his images. Through Mission05, he now creates the opportunity to educate and explore the world through a lens, with the most discerning of clients.
Rebecca Puttock
Head of our travel and VIP services, meet REBECCA PUTTOCK - with a world of experience in the travel and concierge sectors, Rebecca boasts 13 years as a luxury travel planner to the top 1% wealthiest in the world, celebrities and royalty, and has visited over 65 countries across 05 continents. Specialising in superyacht, private jet and bespoke tailor-made, she designs, curates and manages every bespoke itinerary from scratch to ensure Mission05's experiences are not only educational, but life-changing for our clients.
Steve Watkins
The key-holder to the unimaginable limits clients experience on their Mission05 adventures, Steve boasts over 20 years as an adventurer, professional photographer, editor and author, including three international bestsellers. Highly regarded in his field, Steve's industry knowledge is showcased across all media platforms, leading him to become one of the best spokespersons, educators and judges in the photographic field. Steve shall be leading our missions for the ultimate next generation photography experiences.