fbpx
Select Page

ICELAND

Vatnajökull, Jökulsárlón, Svartifoss, Gullfoss, Þingvellir and more

DOLOMITES

ICELAND

NORWAY

SCOTLAND

IRELAND

SARDINIA

Like being on another planet, experience Iceland’s surreal beauty.

The summer sun never sets on this breathtakingly lush land of verdant hills, active volcanoes, fumaroles and mud-pots. Experience this land of surreal beauty on our 6-day Iceland Photo Tour and Cultural Adventure. From Þingvellir National Park to nearby world-famous Golden Falls, you’ll journey to Vík, whose huge black sea columns are said to be trolls turned to stone. Beneath the sea cliffs of Skógar, you’ll tour Iceland’s finest folk museum before exploring the glaciers, lava fields and black-sand desert at Skaftafell National Park. Boat through Jökulsárlón Lagoon’s massive blue-tinted ice forms. You’ll photograph at least 5 magnificent waterfalls. Even the cuisine will surprise you, whether it’s butter-grilled langoustine tails or Icelandic delicacies like arctic char, trout, free-range lamb and reindeer. It’s as if this land was created for the photographer, to embrace and capture it’s never ending beauty.

West Iceland – Snæfellsnes Peninsula Extension

Join us as we head west on a mystical tour to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and surroundings on our 3-day extension to West Iceland. Kirkjufell Mountain was a filming location for Game of Thrones (season 7), that included Eldborg, Berserk lava, Grundarfjordur, Djupalonssandur black beach, Arnarstapi fishing village, Londrangar and Snæfellsjökull Glacier. These locations are a testament to the magical beauty of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Join us as we head west on a magical mystical tour to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and surroundings. Countless lunar landscapes and volcanic vistas lie in store for us as we drive west out of Reykjavik and head towards the magnificent Snæfellsjökull glacier.

This adventure is designed not only to guide you to the most photogenic locations carefully planned for the best light, but to aid you in mentally visualizing a scene before capturing the decisive moment. Our aim is to raise your awareness and spark your creativity so that you not only go home with images to be proud of, but use your new found skills to improve and expand your photographic technique in general. Apart from the technical aspect of learning your camera settings and capabilities, you will learn how to turn an ordinary image into an extraordinary image by using your own creativity.

In addition, you will become knowledgeable on how to survey the landscape, utilize and approach your environment, photograph people indigenous to the region and the cultural considerations and challenges of photographing in a foreign country. Our time together will include individual and group discussions, inspiring ideas and great fun. We cannot think of a better location to express your creativity than the unique landscape of Iceland.

West Iceland – Snæfellsnes Peninsula Extension

Join us as we head west on a mystical tour to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and surroundings on our 3-day extension to West Iceland. Kirkjufell Mountain was a filming location for Game of Thrones (season 7), that included Eldborg, Berserk lava, Grundarfjordur, Djupalonssandur black beach, Arnarstapi fishing village, Londrangar and Snæfellsjökull Glacier. These locations are a testament to the magical beauty of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Join us as we head west on a magical mystical tour to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and surroundings. Countless lunar landscapes and volcanic vistas lie in store for us as we drive west out of Reykjavik and head towards the magnificent Snæfellsjökull glacier.

This adventure is designed not only to guide you to the most photogenic locations carefully planned for the best light, but to aid you in mentally visualizing a scene before capturing the decisive moment. Our aim is to raise your awareness and spark your creativity so that you not only go home with images to be proud of, but use your new found skills to improve and expand your photographic technique in general. Apart from the technical aspect of learning your camera settings and capabilities, you will learn how to turn an ordinary image into an extraordinary image by using your own creativity.

In addition, you will become knowledgeable on how to survey the landscape, utilize and approach your environment, photograph people indigenous to the region and the cultural considerations and challenges of photographing in a foreign country. Our time together will include individual and group discussions, inspiring ideas and great fun. We cannot think of a better location to express your creativity than the unique landscape of Iceland.

Group Size

4-8 Guests

Experience | Difficulty

  • Beginner, amateur, enthusiast and semi-pro photographers
  • DSLR, mirrorless, compact or iPhone cameras
  • Busy schedule
  • Travel by minibus
  • Moderate elevation changes and moderate walking
  • (non-photographers also welcome)

Weather | Sun

April – Temps 41/33 F 5/0 C Sunrise 6:29 | Sunset 20:31
June/July – Temps 57/48 F 13/8 C Sunrise 3:02 | Sunset 00:00
October – Temps 44/36 F 6/2 C Sunrise 8:29 | Sunset 17:57

Includes

  • 6 Days
  • Travel, landscape, seascape, architecture, and people photography
  • Professional photographer | guide
  • Photo walks & discussions
  • Small group size (4-8 guests)
  • 4 or 5-star hotels
  • Breakfasts
  • 2 Dinners
  • Local transportation

Travel Information

Arrival & Departure Airport: Keflavik International Airport (KEF) – Transfer time to Reykjavik: 45min.
Our adventure begins at 11 AM on the first day and ends at noon on the last day.
Travel Visa: A visa may be required depending on your nationality. Go to Visa Map to find out.

Accommodations

Reykjavik – Fosshotel Reykjavík, ION City Hotel, Kvosin Hotel, Icelandair Hotel Natura or similar
Höfn – Fosshotel Vatnajokull or similar
Skaftafell – Fosshotel Vatnajökul, Hotel Skaftafell, Icelandair Hotel Klaustur or similar
Gullfoss or Geysir – Icelandair Hotel Flúðir, Geysir Hotel or similar
Snæfellsnes – Hotel Fransiskus or similar

Pre or Post-Adventure Excursions

Super Jeep Off-Roading
Volcano Hike and Descent
Helicopter Glacier & Volcano Tour
Icelandic Horse Experience

Helpful Links

> Iceland + Cuba – 14 Days of Discovery – by Michael Chinnici
> Icelandic Cuisine – by Kelly Marley

Iceland Prices & Dates


AdventurePriceREGISTER
From: $8,995
From: $9,495

Iceland & West Iceland Prices & Dates

Photographer Leader

Photographer Leader

Attilio Di Giangiacomo

June 23-28/30, 2024
June 22-27/29, 2025

*All prices are per person and based on double occupancy. Please select single occupancy for a private room. For your convenience, we offer optional early arrival and late departure accommodations so you can extend your stay before or after the trip. We typically stay in upscale boutique hotels in the 4 and 5-star category. Not all destinations offer these types of properties. We look for unique hotels that offer cultural, historic, and/or authentic features. Depending on the size of the group, smaller boutique hotels may have limited room inventory. In some countries or in remote locations, we may be limited to lodges or branded chain hotels. In Cuba, we stay in upscale family-owned Casas (bread & breakfasts). On all of our tours, breakfast is almost always included, but not guaranteed. Meal categories listed include (B) for breakfast, (L) for lunch, and (D) for dinner.

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

ICELAND 6 DAYS

Day 1 | Reykjavík

We meet in the morning at our hotel in Reykjavik where we will discuss PWA’s “10 Guiding Principles to Great Photography” as well as our “THE ART OF SEEING” photographic technique. During a group lunch, we will have informal discussions on what our guests are trying to achieve in their photography, subject matters, styles and techniques.

From here we set out for an amazing afternoon exploring and photographing the quaint yet sophisticated city of Reykjavik. As the capital of Iceland, and home to more than 80% of the population, Reykjavik is really quite impressive and a wonderful photographic opportunity.

In the evening we celebrate with our “Welcome Dinner” at one of our favorite restaurants in Reykjavik. (D)

Day 2 | Solheimasandur - Reynisfjara - Dyrhólaey - Höfn

After an early morning breakfast, we 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. (In October and April, if we are fortunate, we will see the northern lights dancing above the glacier.)

Our first stop will be the epic Solheimasandur Plane Wreck on a desolate stretch of black beach. In 1973 a United States Navy DC-3 plane ran out of fuel and crashed here. The abandoned and weathered fuselage can make for some very dramatic images. Next we will explore Reynisfjara 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.

We’ll have lunch in the small fishing village of Vik. Afterwards we will continue our drive, stopping every so often for a breathtaking panoramic shot as well as Icelandic horses. In the late afternoon we arrive at our hotel in the small fishing village of Höfn. (B)

NOTE: During April and October we may choose to fly from Reykjavik to Höfn on the morning of day two, and then continue on our drive west slightly altering the schedules for days two and three. No locations will be missed, just the schedules adjusted. Weather and the amount of light will play a role in this decision.

Day 3 | Vatnajökull Glacier - Jökulsárlón Lagoon - Svartifoss

After an early breakfast we check out and visit the small village of Höfn, where fishing trawlers depart to fish the Atlantic Ocean. Next we set out to visit many of Vatnajökull’s outlets and outwash areas. We’ll begin by photographing the black sand beach around the inlet to Jökulsárlón. Here we will capture the melting clear icebergs as they lay stranded on the black beach, battered by the force of the ocean’s waves.

After lunch on the beach we make our way to Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon for an unforgettable Zodiac boat ride through a sea of icebergs, each with its own unique shape, color, transparency and personality. This 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. Skaftafell is a true oasis, after driving through the vast black lava sand plains. We’ll hike the 1 mile trail down to Svartifoss Waterfall, one of Iceland’s most unique waterfalls. This elegant waterfall is framed by black columnar basalt formations measuring 65 feet tall. (B)

Day 4 | Skógafoss - Seljalandsfoss - Gullfoss - Geysir

We are up early for a day of waterfalls. After breakfast, we depart for Skógafoss, but not before stopping at the cliffs at Dyrhólaey, where we will venture out and try to get a glimpse of puffins.

Skógafoss Waterfall is next on our hit list. This massive waterfall can be shot from a distance, from above or right under it. It’s easily accessible. One of the best things about Iceland in the summer are 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, off 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 spray of water. We’ll have lunch by the falls.

After a two hour drive we arrive at our final waterfall destination. Gullfoss, the Golden waterfall, is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Europe. Here 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, which we are always on the lookout for. By the early evening we check into our hotel in Geysir, followed by dinner. (B)

Day 5 | Þingvellir - Reykjanes Peninsula - Blue Lagoon

After breakfast we view Strokkur Geysir, which spouts up to 100 ft high. Welcome to the world famous Geysir region, where hot springs are in abundance, such as the famous great Geysir which has given name to hot springs all over the world. After checkout we will leave the Geysir area and drive to Þingvellir National Park. Þingvellir is truly 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 on to the Nesjavellir geothermal area and on to the striking lava fields of 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 a 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 wonderful way to end our adventure. In the evening we enjoy a wonderful “Farewell Dinner” with great fun and laughter as we discuss all the highlights of our adventure. (B) (D)

Day 6 | Reykjavík

During breakfast, we review our past week’s photos, trade contact information and bid you farewell before heading to the airport for our return home. For guests who are staying on for our 3-day extension to West Iceland’s Snæfellsnes Peninsula, we will depart our hotel at 11 AM. See below for extension details. (B)

WEST ICELAND 3-DAY EXTENSION

Day 1 | Snæfellsnes Peninsula - Kirkjufell Mountain - Stykkisholmur

We depart Reykjavik for our adventure to Snæfellsnes Peninsula located in West Iceland. Our journey will take us through the town of Borgarnes and the beach in Ytri Tunga, which is a well known seal colony. The seals are friendly and curious and will climb up on the rocks near the sandy beach. We’ll stop at the fishing hamlets of Arnarstapi and Hellnar, and then walk along the cliffs where the view of the sea is breathtaking. In Djúpalónssandur you will discover incredible rock formations. The beaches are covered with small black stones, which are unique to Iceland. If you like, we will hike to one of the most impressive formations called Lóndrangar, which are a pair of rock pinnacles made of basalt (approx. 230 ft high). We’ll also stop in Saxhóll, which is a 330 ft high volcanic crater. From the top of the crater you can enjoy one of the most spectacular panoramic views in the area.

At the end of the day we will drive through three small fishing villages on the way to the atmospheric village of Stykkisholmur. But not before ending on a high with a sunset shoot of the majestic Kirkjufell Mountain, which is one of the most popular photo stops in Iceland. In Stykkisholmur we’ll be staying at the unique Hotel Fransiskus, a beautiful hotel located in a former monastery. (B)

Day 2 | Kirkjufell Mountain - Gerðuberg - Hraunfossar

After breakfast we return to Kirkjufell Mountain for shots using the morning light. Later we’ll visit the Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum, where you can taste some traditional Icelandic shark with local schnapps while viewing hundreds of fishing and boating artifacts. Driving across the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, our next stop is at Gerðuberg, a big wall of huge Basalt columns. The cliff is 1650 ft long and 40 to 50 ft high, one of the highest in Iceland. This is one of the marvels of nature that just makes you stop and wonder about the architectural brilliance of mother earth.

Next we depart Snæfellsnes Peninsula and head east to the historic Borgarfjordur area where you will see the great Hraunfossar, a series of waterfalls formed by rivulets streaming over a distance of about 300 ft across the Hallmundarhraun lava field. Another treat is the waterfall called Barnafoss. Its name, “the waterfall of the children,” comes from an accident which is said to have taken place here in a previous century. After exploring the wild west of Iceland for two unforgettable days, we return to Reykjavík, settle in, and enjoy a late-night dinner. (B)

Day 3 | Reykjavík

While enjoying an early breakfast we conduct our final group discussion, review our past week’s photos, trade contact information and sadly bid you farewell before checking out of our hotel. (B)

(B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner, (E) Excursion

 

May all who come as guests... leave as friends®

 

OPTIONS AND BENEFITS

Pricing

All prices are per person and based on double occupancy. Please select single occupancy for a private room. For your convenience, we offer optional early arrival and late departure accommodations so you can extend your stay before or after the trip. We typically stay in boutique hotels in the 4-star category. Not all destinations offer these types of properties. We look for unique hotels which offer cultural, historic and/or authentic features. Depending on the size of the group, smaller boutique hotels may have limited room inventory. In some countries or in remote locations, we may be limited to lodges or branded chain hotels. Breakfast is included only if included in our room rates.

Private Guided Adventures

We offer amazing private guided photo adventures, cultural tours and vacations for individuals, couples, families and groups. We can customize any of our published adventures, as well as others, to meet your individual needs, schedule, budget and interests. This may include the finest 5-star accommodations, business-class travel, and private guides and fixers who are able to make the impossible possible. If you are not interested in a photo-centric vacation, but you love our approach to private travel, we will be happy to design and deliver an amazing adventure focused on travel, culture and cuisine. Click here to request a quote. Feel free to call us at 1-888-834-0288 or contact us for more information.

Travel Insurance

We offer travel insurance through the internationally recognized Travelex Travel Insurance Company, as well as evacuation and medical transportation insurance through MedJet, one of the best in the industry.

The cost for travel insurance can be as low as 4% of the total trip cost, depending upon age and other factors. Knowing you have trip cancellation coverage can make a big difference should you have to cancel for some unforeseen reason. Travelex Insurance Services is a BBB Accredited business with an A+ rating. Click here to learn more about why you should consider travel insurance.

Rewards Program

Start earning points today and SAVE $200 - $900 off future trips!
Simply register for one of our amazing photo adventures and begin earning points today!

How The Program Works
For every adventure reservation you make with Photo Workshop Adventures, you earn valuable points which you can redeem on your next trip. This is a great way to save up to 8% off future trips. Our Rewards Program is designed with three tiers: Orange, Gold and VIP Members. Points may be applied towards balance payments on your next trip, or you may choose to accumulate points for a free trip in the future.

ORANGE REWARDS
All guests begin with our Orange Rewards Program (Level 1), which earns 4 points for every dollar you spend. You begin earning points immediately after your first trip. A $5,900 spend earns 23,600 points with a value of $236 USD.

GOLD REWARDS
With our Gold Rewards Program (Level 2), you earn 6 points for every dollar you spend. Orange Members who reach 120,000 accumulated lifetime* points (approx. 4-6 trips), automatically move up to Gold Rewards. A $5,900 spend earns 35,400 points with a value of $354 USD.

Additional Gold Benefits:

  • Earn up to double points during promotional events
  • Advance notifications for upcoming adventures and special offers

VIP REWARDS
With our VIP Rewards Program (Level 3), you earn 8 points for every dollar you spend. Gold Members who reach 350,000 accumulated lifetime* points (approx. 8-12 trips) move up to VIP Rewards. A $5,900 spend earns 47,200 points with a value of $472 USD, (8+/-% discount).

Additional VIP Benefits:

  • Earn up to double points during promotional events
  • Advance notifications for upcoming adventures and special offers
  • Ability to Gift or Transfer points to others
  • Receive complimentary airport transfers at the destination location*

Redeeming Your Points
Redeeming your points couldn’t be easier. You can always log in to your account to check your points balance. When you are ready to book your next trip, register and pay your deposit. When you go to pay your balance you will be given the option to apply your points and receive a discount.

THINK ORANGE Magazine

Subscribe to our Think Orange Magazine and eNews. THINK ORANGE is a wonderful mix of stories and tips related to travel, photography, adventure, culture, art, technology, cuisine, lifestyle, people and more. Our objective is to immerse you in a world you may only fantasize about. Raise your awareness and inspire your creativity. Perhaps even help make you a better photographer. We deliver similar experiential experiences that our guests enjoy on our photo adventures. Like all of our adventures, our blog is “photo-centric”, while also allowing you to experience all the nuances and cultural aspects of travel and adventure. Welcome to our world. We hope you enjoy. Our eNews is a great way to receive information about upcoming photo adventures, exciting new destinations, photography tips, special offers and more. Subscribe today!

Gift Cards

Give someone you know a Gift Card, good toward any of our Photo  Adventures, Photo Tours, Private Guided Tours, Online Courses, Prints or Merchandize. Our beautifully personalized eGift Cards and Certificates are delivered to you electronically. They are fully transferable and have a 2 year expiration date. They are available in any amount from $100 to $5000. It makes a great gift for anyone who loves photography, travel or adventure. Order now, or email for more information.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This