Photo Workshop Adventures

Photo Workshop Adventures

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ICELAND

The Southern Coast & Central Highlands

DOLOMITES
ICELAND
NORWAY
SCOTLAND
IRELAND
SARDINIA
Discover the land of fire and ice, alive with light, color, and raw 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 7-day Iceland Photo Tour and Cultural Adventure. Our summer photo adventure to Iceland spans from the southern coast to the central highlands and is a journey through some of our planet’s most extraordinary and diverse landscapes.

Our tour begins along the dramatic southern coast, where towering waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss cascade down rugged cliffs, offering perfect opportunities for capturing the power and beauty of nature. Further along the coast, the black sand beaches of Vik, with their striking basalt columns and sea stacks, provide a stark, surreal contrast to the azure waves of the Atlantic Ocean. The ethereal Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, with its floating icebergs and nearby Diamond Beach, glitters with photographic potential, especially under the soft, golden light of the midnight sun.

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.

The central highlands, accessible only in summer, unfold a different kind of beauty. The highlands are a tapestry of vivid rhyolite mountains, steaming geothermal areas, and vast, barren deserts. Landmannalaugar, with its multicolored peaks and natural hot springs, stands out as a highlight. This region is a paradise for landscape photographers, offering a palette of colors and textures that seem almost otherworldly. The serene highland lakes, often reflecting the surrounding mountains and sky, provide perfect mirror-like scenes, especially at dawn and dusk.

Throughout the tour, the extended daylight hours of the Icelandic summer provide ample time for capturing the perfect shot. The ever-changing weather, with its dramatic clouds and sudden bursts of sunlight, adds a dynamic element to the landscapes, ensuring that no two photos are ever quite the same. This photo tour not only allows photographers to capture Iceland’s stunning natural beauty, but also offers an immersive experience in the country’s unique and varied environments and culture.

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 newfound 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 one by using your own creativity.

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.

Our tour begins along the dramatic southern coast, where towering waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss cascade down rugged cliffs, offering perfect opportunities for capturing the power and beauty of nature. Further along the coast, the black sand beaches of Vik, with their striking basalt columns and sea stacks, provide a stark, surreal contrast to the azure waves of the Atlantic Ocean. The ethereal Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, with its floating icebergs and nearby Diamond Beach, glitters with photographic potential, especially under the soft, golden light of the midnight sun.

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.

The central highlands, accessible only in summer, unfold a different kind of beauty. The highlands are a tapestry of vivid rhyolite mountains, steaming geothermal areas, and vast, barren deserts. Landmannalaugar, with its multicolored peaks and natural hot springs, stands out as a highlight. This region is a paradise for landscape photographers, offering a palette of colors and textures that seem almost otherworldly. The serene highland lakes, often reflecting the surrounding mountains and sky, provide perfect mirror-like scenes, especially at dawn and dusk.

Throughout the tour, the extended daylight hours of the Icelandic summer provide ample time for capturing the perfect shot. The ever-changing weather, with its dramatic clouds and sudden bursts of sunlight, adds a dynamic element to the landscapes, ensuring that no two photos are ever quite the same. This photo tour not only allows photographers to capture Iceland’s stunning natural beauty, but also offers an immersive experience in the country’s unique and varied environments and culture.

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 newfound 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 one by using your own creativity.

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

4-6 Guests

Experience | Difficulty

  • Beginner, amateur, enthusiast, and semi-pro photographers
  • All cameras and camera phones are welcome
  • Busy schedule
  • Travel by van
  • Moderate elevation changes and moderate walking
  • Non-photographers are also welcome

Weather | Sun

August – Temps 57/48 F | 13/8 C  Sunrise 5:46 | Sunset 9:14 (21:14)

Includes

  • 7 Days
  • Travel, landscape, nature, wildlife, horse, and people photography
  • Professional photographer | Guide
  • Photo walks & discussions
  • Small group size (4-6 guests)
  • Premium hotels
  • Breakfasts
  • Iceberg lagoon by boat
  • Blue lagoon*
  • 4 Meals
  • Local transportation
*Extra Fee. Due to volcanic activity in the area, the Blue Lagoon may not be open.

Travel Information

Arrival & Departure Airport: Keflavik International Airport (KEF) – Transfer time: 50 minutes.
Our adventure begins at 11 AM on the first day and ends at noon on the last day.

Travel Visa: A few visas may be required depending on your nationality. We suggest you use iVisa.com. They are excellent at providing quick service for obtaining travel visas.

Accommodations

Reykjavik – Fosshotel Reykjavík, Iceland Parliament Hotel Curio Collection Hilton, Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel, Exeter Hotel, or similar
Höfn – Hotel Jokulsarlon Galcier Lagoon Hotel, Fosshotel Vatnajokull, Haukaberg House, or similar
Hvolsvöllur – Hotel Ranga, Stracta Hotel, Skalakot Manor House, or similar
Gullfoss or Geysir – Icelandair Hotel Flúðir, Geysir Hotel, or similar

Helpful Links

> Iceland + Cuba – 14 Days of Discovery
> Icelandic Cuisine

Iceland Prices & Dates

Photographer Leader

Photographer Leader

Roman Martin

August 23-29, 2026

Photographer Leader

Photographer Leader

Michael Chinnici

August 22-28, 2027

*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.

ITINERARY

ICELAND PHOTO TOUR – 7 DAYS

Day 1 | Reykjavík

We’ll meet in the morning at our hotel in Reykjavik where we will discuss PWA’s “10 Guiding Principles to Great Photography” and 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 will set out for an amazing afternoon to explore and photograph the quaint yet sophisticated city of Reykjavik. As the capital of Iceland and home to more than 80% of the population, Reykjavik is quite impressive. It has beautiful photographic opportunities, including Hallgrímskirkja (the iconic church and the tallest building in the city), Harpa Concert Hall, the Sun Voyager, a sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason, and Reykjavik Harbor.

In the evening, we will mark the beginning of our journey with a memorable “Welcome Dinner” at one of our handpicked, top-rated restaurants in Reykjavik. This is not just a meal, but a special moment for us to bond and share our excitement for the days that lie ahead. (D)

Day 2 | Reynisfjara - Vic - Fjaðrárgljúfur - Svartifoss

After an early breakfast, we will check out from our hotel 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. This area is also home to a large colony of nesting puffin. We’ll likely see them as they begin their migration to the open sea the last week of August or the first week of September.

We’ll then make our way to the nearby town of Vic, where we’ll have lunch. Next, we’ll head to Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon for some stunning photography of this breathtaking canyon and river. Next, we’ll explore Svínafellsjökull Glacier or Svartifoss Waterfall. The Hof church and graveyard is nearby as well.

After an afternoon drive with stops along the way, we’ll arrive at Diamond Beach (at Glacier Lagoon) before checking into our hotel. The beach is often filled with large pieces of ice. The icebergs that break away from the glacier and fall into the lagoon slowly melt and drift out to sea, where the North Atlantic waves polish them before being washed ashore on the jet-black beach called Breidamerkursandur. As a result, this black stretch of sand is usually covered in translucent, compact ice sculptures glisten in the sun, much like diamonds. Finally, we’ll end our day just east of Glacier Lagoon where we’ll settle into our hotel and enjoy dinner. (B)

Day 3 | Vestrahorn - Jökulsárlón - Lava - Skógafoss

Just before sunrise, we’ll drive to Vestrahorn for a breathtaking early morning of stunning landscape photography. Vestrahorn Mountain and Mirror Beach, also known as Stokksnes, is a stunning landscape in Iceland known for its dramatic, jagged peaks reflected in the black sand beach below. Nearby is a Viking Village. This replica village was created for a film that was never shot. After that, we’ll return to our hotel for breakfast, take a quick shower, and then check out of the hotel before heading to Glacier Lagoon.

Next up, we’ll head for the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Zodiac boat tour. This may be one of the highlights of your trip. It often is for us. We’ll be dressed in safety suits while exploring the lagoon. Be prepared with extra wide and normal to long lenses to capture both seascapes and details of floating ice sculptures. If time permits, we’ll visit Diamond Beach afterwards.

We will continue our photo tour, heading back west to explore several highlights we missed on day two. These include the majestic Icelandic horses, the serene Fossálar Waterfall, and the surreal moss-covered lava fields of Eldhraun. One of the day’s highlights will be the spectacular Skógafoss Waterfall, a favorite among many photographers. As the evening approaches we’ll have dinner at a lovely hotel restaurant that we discovered a few years ago.

An added bonus… 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) (L)

Day 4 | Fjallabak Nature Preserve - Central Highlands

Today, we will 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 in the evening. (B) (L)

Day 5 | Seljalandsfoss - Friðheimar - Gullfoss - Geysir

We’ll depart in the morning to photograph the iconic Seljalandsfoss Waterfall before the day-tour crowds arrive from Reykjavik. The waterfall drops 197 feet (60 meters) and is part of the Seljalands River that has its origin in the volcano glacier Eyjafjallajökull. After that, we’ll return to our hotel for a late breakfast and then check out.

After our late breakfast, we’ll set out on a leisurely drive northwest, searching for Icelandic horses and picturesque rural scenes. Lunch will be a special treat at Friðheimar, a family-run tomato farm that operates year-round. Here, you can enjoy fresh tomato soup with homemade bread, salad, ravioli in their signature tomato sauce, or other delicious dishes from their menu. If we’re fortunate, we’ll also get a guided tour of their lush greenhouses and visit the horse stables.

Our next destination will be Gullfoss, also known as the Golden Waterfall. It is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Europe, with water thundering down two tiers that drop a total of 105 feet (32 meters) into a deep gorge. Thousands of tons of glacial water surge over the falls every second, creating a breathtaking and powerful spectacle.

Lastly, we’ll visit Strokkur Geysir, which spouts up to 100 feet 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. In the evening, we’ll check into our hotel in Geysir, followed by dinner. (B)

Day 6 | Þingvellir - Öxarárfoss - Blue Lagoon

In the morning, we’ll leave the Geysir area and drive to Þingvellir National Park, a remarkable geological site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are visibly drifting apart. Þingvellir is also the most historic site in Iceland, home to the world’s oldest democratic parliament, established in 930. We’ll have the opportunity to photograph the beautiful Öxarárfoss waterfall before enjoying lunch at a nearby restaurant.

We will continue to the Nesjavellir geothermal area and the striking lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula. Over half of the peninsula is covered with lava flows, featuring a variety of lava cones and craters in different shapes and sizes, creating a dramatic and otherworldly landscape.

By late afternoon, we will arrive at the Blue Lagoon* for an optional, relaxing dip in therapeutic geothermal waters heated to approximately 101°F (38°C). The lagoon is surrounded by a moss-covered lava field dating back to 1226. Be sure to bring your swimsuit. Facilities include lockers, showers, a restaurant, and a lagoon bar where you can enjoy refreshing drinks. It’s a perfect and soothing way to unwind and end our adventure.

The Sundhnukur volcano, located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, has erupted 11 times since becoming active again in 2021. If the volcano is active during our visit, we may have a unique opportunity for spectacular volcanic photography.

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

*Due to volcanic activity in the area, the Blue Lagoon may not be open. We’re always monitoring the situation.

Day 7 | Reykjavík

During breakfast, we’ll review photos from the past week, exchange contact information, and say our goodbyes before heading to the airport for departure. (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.