Iceland

Experience first hand the reason why Iceland is a world renowned paradise for landscape photographers!

Iceland is a unique jewel thanks to the variety of its landscape heritage. Majestic waterfalls, geysers, floating icebergs, surreal blue ice sculptures, epic seascapes and picturesque coastal roads with stunning views onto the deep blue ocean. From sunrise to sunset you will not miss a chance to capture the unique magic of the fascinating winter light at the edge of the Arctic Circle.

This tour offers the ultimate chance to improve your photographic skills and expand your portfolio with unique landscape shots.

Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Reykjavik

The journey to Reykjavik is individual. We greet you at 2pm at Keflavík International Airport before we make our way to our first accommodation in Snæfellsnes National Park, which we will reach in the late afternoon. With an introduction to landscape photography and a short get-to-know-you round, we prepare for the next few days. If the weather conditions allow it, after dinner together we will focus on the first spots near our hotel and practice taking night shots.

Day 2 : Snaefellsness National Par

Our photographic journey of discovery begins in a comfortable minibus from Reykjavik to the beautiful Snæfellsnes peninsula. The sparsely populated peninsula reproduces all the charms of the big island in a very small area, which is why it has been called “Island in Miniature”, Snaefellsness is known for its rugged basaltic south coast with sea stacks that rise from the waves of the Atlantic Ocean, but on top of it it’s known for one of the most epic landmarks of the entire island, the Mount Kirkufell with its iconic waterfalls.
“A mountain shaped like an arrowhead”, that’s how it was described in the world famous TV series “Game of Thrones”. We will look for the best angles to frame the Mountain according to the conditions of the winter landscape, and hopefully enjoy the northern lights dancing above us at night. 

Day 3 :The Golden Circle route

We leave the Snaefellsness peninsula for the famous “Golden Circle” route, winding through three equally breathtaking locations in southwest Iceland: the Þingvellir National Park, the Geyser Geothermal Area and the Gullfoss Waterfall. We’ll dwell on the classic views of the partly frozen waterfall, which in winter it has something magical due to the contrasty bluish water with the pale tones of the snowy surrounding landscape. 
At sunrise we’ll walk around the vapours rising from the surreal vivid coloured ground made of hot pools, mud pots and fumaroles, where we will have the chance to photograph the famous geyser Strokkur, which “erupts” about every ten minutes and sprays vapor and hot water as high as 20m towards the sky.

Day 4 : Southern waterfalls and Vik ì Myrdal

We make out drive to famous waterfalls that make Iceland one of the world’s most popular destinations for landscape photography: Seljalandfoss, Skógafoss and the hidden waterfall of Gljufrabui.

Although they’re far from having the maximum water flow in winter, the surrounding Christmassy landscape, with snow-covered frozen ground and crystalline icicles, makes the waterfalls a true winter highlight.

We reach Vík í Mýrdal in time to catch the best light from the cliffs above the black beach of Reynisfjara. With fantastic surf at sunset, we let ourselves be inspired by the beautiful view of the Reynisdrangar basalt columns. These iconic rocks are of volcanic origin and are said to be petrified trolls.

Day 5 : Vatnajökull National Park

We catch the sunrise vibe of the coastal landscape of Vík before enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel and leave to one of the most idyllic locations of the trip: the glacier lagoon Jökulsárlón. Due to its breathtaking beauty it has become one of the country’s most popular attractions and is one of Iceland’s natural crown jewels. Huge icebergs break off the glacier and lie scattered in the bay, while tiny blocks of ice glisten in the sun like diamonds along the black sand beach. This is how the beach got its nickname: Diamond Beach. The glacier is the Breiðamerkurjökull at the foot of the Vatnajökull, the biggest glacier in Iceland. The area itself – together with the other smaller glacier bays nearby – offers endless creative possibilities for photography at any time of day, with long and short shutter speeds. 

Next day we will enjoy a private tour to explore a true Icelandic winter highlight, the bluish ice caves that form along the southern front of the Vatnajökull glacier. 

Day 6 : Vestrahorn and Stokksnes bay

After the last sunrise in the idyllic bay of Jökulsárlón, we now drive to the easternmost point of our journey, to the lively small town of Höfn on the edge of the East Fjords. Höfn lies at the foot of Vatnajökull next to a harbour which once gave the idyllic place its importance as a fishing village. Late afternoon and sunset are spent in the bay of Stokksnes in front of the mighty mountain Vestrahorn, which is considered another absolute top address and one of the most beautiful mountains in Iceland. Vestrahorn is one of the numerous rocky peaks of the extinct volcano Klifatindur on the Stokksnes headland, which protrudes particularly strikingly from the mountain massif. There are great motives in this dreamlike scenery – especially in winter when the Vestrahorn rises majestically from the pitch-black dune plain. The headland itself is littered with small and large sand dunes, which together with the pitch-black sand and withered blades of grass form an intense contrast to the snow-covered mountain slopes. We will explore the most beautiful views around the bay of Skokksnes, playing with reflections in front of the panorama of the 756 meters high Vestrahorn, which is reflected in the calm sea water. If conditions are favourable we will return here at night to capture the northern lights.

Day 7 : RETURN TO REYKJAVÍK

Unfortunately, our photo tour is already coming to an end – so this morning we have to make our way back towards Reykjavík. Along our route we will take photos at lesser-known, epic locations close to our route and maybe we’ll have another chance to see dancing Northern Lights – in a wonderful place – far away from the annoying artificial lights of the city, before we finish the last one Spend the night in our comfortable hotel near Keflavik Airport. At the end of our photo tour, we enjoy Iceland over dinner and review our photographic experiences.

Day 8 : Vestrahorn and Stokksnes bay8

Unforgettable mornings, evenings and nights let us tell stories that will remain in our memories for a long time to come. With a lot of impressions and photos in the camera, we start our journey home today.

Iceland

Days: 9
Dates: 21.09.2024
Price € : 3930
Single Room Surcharge: 990 €
Language: English
Tour Leader: Marco Bottigelli

To book this tour send an email to mail@marcobottigelli.com or fill the form below

Included in the price
  • Constant assistance and tutoring by professional photographer
  • Comfortable accommodations in hotels and guesthouses in double room shared
  • Cars and fuel
  • Basic travel insurance
Excluded from the price
  • International flights
  • Visa (if requested)
  • Meals not included in the itinerary
  • Optional excursions and activities
  • Single room occupancy
  • Personal expenses 
  • Optional insurances 
  • Whatever not listed in “Included in the price”
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