January 9th to January 18th, 2027

  9 nights/10 inclusive days  |  Maximum of 8 participants, and a minimum of 4 participants

Photography Tour Overview: Iceland hit the headlines in 2010 when the eruption of Mount Eyjafjallajökull caused major aviation disruption - the itinerary takes us right past that peak by the way - but this remote northern European country sandwiched between the north Atlantic and Norwegian seas, is a land of rock, rainbows, waterfalls, ice, unpronounceable names, glaciers, icebergs, geysers, thermal springs, black sand beaches, red-roofed churches, towering cliffs, sea-birds, Icelandic horses, and ever-changing terrain from volcanoes to snow-laden tundra. The waterfalls in winter are a mix of water and ice, and uniquely ethereal. Besides pretty snow scenes you'll photograph ice crystals in macro, Jökulsárlón Lagoon, the spectacular Vatnajökull Ice Caves, plus the nightly drama provided by the Aurora Borealis [northern lights] when conditions permit. The temperatures aren't frigid, just generally cold but you'll be prepared for it. As with all of our photography tours, early and late shooting is scheduled for each day.

Volcanic Activity: It could be that there will be zero events during our photography tour of Iceland, but should there be . . . A: Our itinerary could be disrupted . . . B: New photography opportunities might be created!

Day 1  |  Thingvellir National Park and Geysir
Our Iceland winter photography tour kicks off at 9 a.m. when we'll head out for our first Icelandic sunrise. We then skirt Reykjavik as we head for Thingvellir National Park where we'll indulge in a 'walkabout' for pictures such as rock, water, mountain views, quaint white church and your first waterfall . . . 'foss' being the Icelandic word for waterfall. Remote Thingvellir [Þingvellir] was actually the Icelandic seat of government from 930 to 1798, and sits directly on a volcanic fissure that also divides the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. On eastwards via a photogenically placed red-roofed church to southern Iceland's frequently erupting Strokkur geyser. Nearby is the fairly dormant 'Geysir' which gave its name to all geysers. The Strokkur geyser erupts every 1 to 8 minutes and projects up to 60 feet high. If weather and cloud cover permit, we shall photograph the northern lights/Aurora Borealis after dark this and every night, but fret ye not as sunset is over by 6 pm. :-)
Geysir, 1 night

Days 2 + 3  |  A Trio of Classic Waterfalls and Vik
Following breakfast we'll head to the Gullfoss waterfall - the 'golden falls' - and hopefully capture 'golden light' on the falls as the sun rises. Long tripod exposures are recommended as the waters of the vast River Hvítá roar over its' volcanic precipices. After hotel check-out we're on our way to Vik via Iceland's southern coastal road. Along the way we pause for images of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls and various winter scenes topped by glaciers and volcanoes.
On day 3 we'll explore the Vik region with our photography including coastal cliffs, a lighthouse, basalt columns and sea stacks et cetera that all cluster around the photogenic Reynisfjara peninsula.
Near Vik, 2 nights

Days 4 + 5  |  Vik to Jökulsárlón Lagoon, plus the spectacular Vatnajökull Ice Caves
As always, we'll shoot early and after check-out head north making multiple stops for photography as we go. Included will be a 'cairn city', a volcanic plateau covered snow-laden moss, and various waterfalls, and a unique canyon. Approaching Skaftafell National Park we see the first of many glaciers, then make a detour for the first of a pair of glacier lagoons, the Fjallsárlón Lagoon. Further east on the edge of Vatnajökull National Park there sits the intriguing iceberg-laden Jökulsárlón Lagoon. Seal sightings are possible here. Lake and ocean shoreline photography is also scheduled, but more importantly, should mostly clear skies and the Aurora Borealis rendezvous after dark, Jökulsárlón is the place to be.
Day 4 will include a side trip to the the spectacular Vatnajökull Ice Caves for a photography session under the Vatnajökull glacier. Memorable!
Near Jökulsárlón Lagoon, 2 nights

Day 6  |  Jökulsárlón to Reykjavik
Breakfast, then back to Jökulsárlón Lagoon one last time before backtracking along Iceland's southern coast via Vik. Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls will be re-visited if there is different or better light on this particular day. Then comes stops for red-roofed churches, turf houses, Selfoss, and winter views of the Mount Eyjafjallajökull volcano which erupted in February 2010. On to Reykjavik for our first photography session at the 'Sun Voyager' sculpture on the water's edge. It will give you a good grasp of how much Iceland values its Viking heritage, and wherever you are in the city you cannot miss the massive Hallgrimskirkja church.
Reykjavik, 1 night

Day 7 + 8  |  Snæfellsness Peninsula
After additional Reykjavik stops we head north today to the quaint, rugged and photogenic Snæfellsness peninsula . . . a personal favorite. The many classic shots will include waterfalls, mountains, cliff and ocean scenes, harbours, lone churches in all shapes, sizes and color, Icelandic horses, plus the Snæfellsjökull glacier . . . think Jules Verne's classic, Journey to the Center of the Earth. If weather and cloud permit, we shall photograph the northern lights/Aurora Borealis after dark on both nights.
Snæfellsness peninsula, 2 nights

Day 9  |  Return to Keflavik
As usual, we'll be out early in search of good light, then after breakfast we'll check out and skirt Haffjörður Bay, shooting as we go and pausing for a pair of churches, farm scenes and more. This is our 'mop-up' day, meaning that we can re-shoot locations that might have been previously hampered by the weather or light, prior to heading back to the Reykjanes peninsula for our last night. If weather and cloud permit, we shall photograph the northern lights/Aurora Borealis after dark tonight . . . again. The included dinner on the last night of our photography tour will feature an 'It's You!' presentation of clients in action on this tour by John.
Near Keflavik airport, 1 night

Day 10  |  Departure day
Morning flights are available, but for those of you taking late afternoon flights you'll have the option of an approximately four hour photography extension on the Reykjanes peninsula. Subjects typically are lighthouses, coastal sea-stacks, churches and more. For those of you joining us for this option, fear ye not as you will be returned to the airport at least two hours before your scheduled flight. A flight departure after 4 pm is recommended if taking the photography extension.

Photo Tour Photographer/Leader: John Baker, Travel Images Photography Tours
The preceding itinerary is a copyrighted work by John Baker Photographer LLC, and Travel Images Photography Tours

Enhancing Your Photography Skills
Describing the assistance you'll receive on one of our photography tours takes more than a few words, so for greater detail please go here.

Exertion level: This photography tour is classified as 'non strenuous' to 'moderately strenuous'
A majority of images are found in close proximity to our vehicle
Footpaths to/around waterfalls, thermal and volcanic areas are mildly to moderately strenuous
Portions of the viewpoint at Gullfoss waterfall are rugged
The Vatnajökull Ice Caves entails walking 5 to 15 minutes to the caves from the tundra vehicle, and walking on snow and ice. Crampons are provided!
Slush, snow and/or ice may be present on footpaths to waterfalls and suchlike
In every other respect this photography tour is considered non-strenuous to mildly strenuous

Do you need a Visa for travel to Iceland?
Travelers from all countries can do a quick check of visa requirements here or here
Our international clients may need to contact the embassy of their intended destination in their own country for a visa. Go here or here

Photography Tour Cost, Deposit, Cancellation Policy and Enrollment Guidance

Trip Cost: $4,590 USD per person not including airfare. A 5% discount is applied to all double occupancies. A single room supplement is required for single occupancy
All of our hotels have private/en-suite bathrooms

Single Supplement: 14% of the base cost of the trip

The deposit for this photography tour is $500. Make a deposit, or pay your tour balance here

Cancellation policy: Go here

Enrollment guidance: Go here

Included in the Trip Cost: The following items are included in the trip cost . . .

• Photography instruction throughout the trip by John

• All accommodations with private facilities [en-suite]

• All breakfasts

• Lunch on day one of the trip

• Dinner on the last night of the trip

• On-vehicle snacks and bottled water

• All ground transportation

• Airport pick-up on day 1, and drop-off on departure day. Arrival prior to day 1 is not included

• Entrance fees for sites and activities listed below under ‘Admissions Included’

• Following the trip you'll receive detailed field notes describing the time, place and subject of each photo stop, plus image uploads to a private web page of clients 'in action' on the trip

Not Included in the Trip Cost: The costs for these items are the responsibility of each participant . . .

• Airfare

• Travel costs between your home and the gateway airport and return

• Any transportation or travel costs incurred prior to or after the tour’s inclusive dates

• Pre-tour and/or post-tour accommodation

• Lunches and dinners except for lunch on day one of the trip, and dinner on the last night of the trip

• Alcoholic beverages

• Entrance fees or costs related to optional sites or activities not included in the itinerary

• Baggage fees

• Medical expenses

• Personal items such as the hotel mini-bar, laundry et cetera

• Incidental charges incurred at our accommodations such as movie rentals, internet and phone

• Travel insurance

• Passport or visa expenses

• Airport departure taxes, if applicable

Admissions Included in the Trip Cost:

• A trip to the Vatnajökull Ice Caves, thermal areas, and entry to all National Parks is include in your trip cost

• Any other admissions such as museums are optional and not included