After an early breakfast, we checkout and depart Reykjavik for our drive along Iceland’s southern coast. The contrasts are breathtaking, with spectacular black sand beaches, a dominating white glacier, spectacular waterfalls, volcanic lava fields, and lush green meadows (during the summer months), all in the same region. Serenity, energy, and forces of nature combine to make the region of Vatnajökull a never-to-be-forgotten experience. We will spend the entire day driving, exploring, and photographing.

Our first stop will be Reynisfjara (Black Sand Beach), with its enormous basalt stacks, roaring waves, and a dramatic view of Dyrhólaey. Reynisfjara is widely considered to be the most beautiful black sand beach in Iceland. In 1991, National Geographic voted Reynisfjara as one of the top 10 non-tropical beaches to visit on the planet.

After a box-lunch break, we’ll take an easy hike to Svínafellsjökull Glacier for a spectacular view of this stunning view of nature. After driving through the vast black lava sand plains, we’ll come to Skaftafell Waterfall, a true oasis. We’ll hike the 1-mile trail to Svartifoss, one of Iceland’s most unique waterfalls. This elegant waterfall is framed by black columnar basalt formations measuring 65 feet tall. (Optional hike)

By mid-afternoon, we will have reached Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon for an unforgettable Zodiac boat ride through a sea of icebergs, each with a unique shape, color, transparency, and personality. This experience may very well be your most memorable moment in Iceland. The glacial scenery continues with a visit to the stunning Skaftafell, Iceland’s second-largest National Park, where the landscape has been formed over thousands of years from the influences of fire and ice.

Afterward, we’ll check into our hotel near the village of Höfn. Dinner will be at our hotel or in the small town of Höfn, where fishing trawlers depart to fish the Atlantic Ocean. (B) (L)

Just before sunrise, we’ll drive to Vestrahorn for a breathtaking early morning of stunning landscape photography. After, we’ll return to our hotel for breakfast and checkout. Our morning will be focused on horse photography and sparkling beached icebergs at Diamond Beach. Imagine crystalized blue ice formations washed up along a beautiful black sand beach. And if we’re lucky enough to have fog, our photos will take on a completely different feel.

As we head back west, we’ll visit Fjarðarárgljúfur, one of the most spectacular canyons in southern Iceland. The Fjaðrá river flows through Fjarðarárgljúfur. The steep canyon walls are over 300 feet (100 m) deep and about 1.25 miles (2 km) long. There are several vantage points to photograph this beautiful gift from Mother Nature.

Later in the afternoon, we’ll check into our next hotel, enjoy dinner, review images, and hope for a possible nighttime viewing of the northern lights. Many think that a northern lights show is only for the winter months, but with luck, late August and early September can be surprisingly colorful and plentiful. (B)

Today, we’ll explore the lesser-visited interior highlands of Iceland, including Fjallabak Nature Reserve. Located in the central Highlands of Iceland, this captivating reserve boasts rugged landscapes, colorful rhyolite mountains, volcanic formations, geothermal hot springs, and an untouched wilderness. The area paints a vivid picture of Iceland’s volcanic past, blending red, orange, yellow, and green mountains combined with snow patches and rugged, mossy lava fields. The warm and earthy landscape makes Fjallabak Nature Reserve the perfect photographic complement to the lush and green landscape along the southern coast. The colors are especially evident during the summer when much of the snow has melted.

We’ll spend the day exploring the region and enjoying a picnic lunch. We’ll return for another fabulous dinner at our lodge in the evening. (B) (L)

After breakfast, we’ll check out and head northwest, beginning with Skógafoss Waterfall. This massive waterfall can be shot from a distance, above or right under it. It’s easily accessible. One of the best things about Iceland in the summer is the roaring waterfalls caused by the melting glaciers. Next, we drive to the small but high waterfall Seljalandsfoss, where we can walk a path behind it. But the best vantage point is from high up to the right side. Be sure to bring protection for your gear and plenty of lens wipes to help clean off your lens from the constant water spray. We’ll have lunch by the falls.

Our next destination is Gullfoss, also known as the Golden Waterfall. Gullfoss is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Europe. You will see thousands of tons of water thunder majestically down in a double-fall into a deep gorge. Along the way, we will photograph Icelandic horses, for which we are always on the lookout.

Nearby is Strokkur Geysir, which spouts up to 100 ft high. Welcome to the world-famous Geysir region, where hot springs are abundant, including the famous Great Geysir, which has given name to hot springs worldwide.

We’ll check into our hotel in Geysir in the evening, followed by dinner. (B)

After checkout, we’ll leave the Geysir area and drive to Þingvellir National Park. Þingvellir is a remarkable geological site and the most historic place on the island, where the world’s oldest democratic parliament was founded in 930.

We continue to the Nesjavellir geothermal area and the striking lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula. More than half of the peninsula is covered with lava flows, and you will see lava cones and craters of different sizes and shapes. We’ll arrive in the small fishing village of Grindavík, where we will have lunch, followed by an exploration of the peninsula.

By late afternoon, we arrive at the Blue Lagoon* for an optional, relaxing (2-hour) dip in 101°F / 38°C therapeutic geothermal water. The Blue Lagoon is surrounded by a moss-covered lava field dating back to 1226. Be sure to bring your bathing suit. You’ll have access to a locker, showers, a restaurant, and a lagoon bar for drinks. It’s a beautiful way to end our adventure.

In the evening, we enjoy an incredible “Farewell Dinner” with great fun and laughter as we discuss our adventure’s highlights. (B) (D)

*Due to volcanic activity in the area, the Blue Lagoon’s re-opening date is unknown. If closed, we’ll replace with an alternate hot-springs option.

During breakfast, we’ll review our past week’s photos and trade contact information and bid you farewell before heading to the airport for your return home. (B)