Iceland Highlands photo travel

Photographic Journey in Iceland: Highlands, glaciers and volcanism

Located at the edge of the Arctic Circle, Iceland is a photographer’s and nature lovers heaven

With its breathtaking landscapes, glaciers, and active volcanoes, Iceland offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

Day by Day

Day 1 – Arrival, transfer to Hella, Geysir and Gullfoss waterfall
Arrival by 12pm and group meeting at Keflavík airport. Transfer to the town of Hella, located near the entrance to the Landmannalaugar road, and check-in at the hotel.
In the afternoon, first contact with the Icelandic Nature in Geysir, a geothermal area where geysers erupt regularly, creating columns of hot water and steam that reach heights of up to 60 meters. Short transfer and exploration of the majestic Gullfoss waterfall, the golden waterfall, with staggered fall levels and a large front, which flows into a narrow canyon of black rock.

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Overnight stay: Hella

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Day 2 – Icelandic Highlands: Landmannalaugar
Whole day dedicated to the discovery of the interior of the island and its wild spirit. Transfer of about 2.5 hours on dirt road through the area of the Hekla volcano, among lunar landscapes created as a result of volcanic eruptions that occurred in the recent past, until reaching the colorful landscape of Landmannalaugar.
These spectacular multicolored mountains are composed of rhyolite, interspersed with black lava sediments, and are the result of the slow cooling of mineral-rich lava flows that have given rise to extraordinary shades of colour.
Photographic excursion on easy paths to discover the hot springs and the most fascinating landscapes where to wait for the sunset lights.
In the evening, return to Hella.

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Overnight stay: Hella

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Day 3 – Waterfalls, glaciers and seascapes
In the morning, transfer to Vik with a visit to the Skogafoss waterfall, one of the most fascinating of the island with its large front and frequent rainbows, and the lesser known Fosstorfufoss waterfall, a waterfall that flows into a suggestive canyon formed by the Skógá river.
The first waterfall can be reached in a few minutes from the nearby car park, while the second with a short hike following the path along the river.
Check-in at the hotel, lunch and break. In the afternoon, visit to the Sólheimajökull glacier moraine, which flows into the lagoon. Then, exploration until sunset of the black beach of Reynisfjara, another fascinating place thanks to the strong chromatic contrasts and the particular rock formations of Reynisdrangar which rise like pinnacles from the sea.

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Overnight stay: Vik

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Day 4 – Volcanic beaches and Vatnajökull National Park

Early morning excursion to visit again the black beach of Reynisfjara in other light conditions and take advantage of possible new photographic opportunities.
Following transfer eastbound to the Skaftafell Nature Reserve, within the Vatnajökull National Park, with a first exploratory visit to the wonderful Jökulsárlón moraine lake.
Check-in at the hotel, lunch and break. In the afternoon, depending on the conditions of the moment, it will then be possible to take a walk to reach the Svartifoss waterfall with basalt columns or the terminal tongue of the Skaftafellsjökull glacier.
For the second part of the afternoon, exploration of Skeiðarársandur and Lómagnúpur areas and search for the best sunset spot.

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Overnight stay: Hof

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Day 5 – Jökulsárlón lagoon, seascapes and glaciers
Early in the morning, sunrise visit to the Jökulsárlón moraine lake and Diamond Beach, characterized by numerous icebergs that often stop on the black beach, forming unique color contrasts.
Following transfer eastbound to Hofn, check-in at the hotel, lunch and break.In the afternoon, visit to the spectacular black beach of Stokksnes, with its gigantic lagoon and the Vestrahorn cliffs, which are reflected in the calm waters of the bay. Exploration the area and search of the best spot for sunset.

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Overnight stay: Hofn

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Day 6 – Transfer northbound, fjords and lake Myvatn
Long transfer to the north (about 6 hours drive) through fjords and less known areas that present numerous photographic opportunities along the way.
Arrival in the afternoon in the Lake Myvatn area, a volcanic lake in northern Iceland located in an area characterized by incessant volcanic activity, with a view of Mount Krafla, the main active volcano in the region. The lake is in fact located a short distance from the mid-Atlantic ridge, the fault that divides the continental plates of Europe and America. Here in Iceland, it reaches the surface and then it continues along the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.
After a break in the hotel, late afternoon visit to Hverir, a geothermal area rich in sulphate lakes and famous for the ocher color of its landscapes, where we will wait for sunset.

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Overnight stay: Myvatn

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Day 7 – Icelandic Highlands: calderas, volcanoes, lakes, waterfalls, geothermal areas

First full day in the Northern Icelandic Highlands.
Short transfer by car and excursion to the Krafla volcano, a volcanic and steaming area full of colors and shades. Short ascent to the top of the crater from which it is possible to admire the wonderful deep blue lake inside. Exploration of the area with all the necessary time looking for the best compositions and dedicating moments to pure contemplation.
Return to the hotel and break. In the afternoon, visit for sunset to the beautiful waterfalls of Aldeyjarfoss, where the lush water cascades into a natural pool set between basalt columns, and Hrafnabjargafoss, a double horseshoe-shaped waterfall.

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Overnight stay: Myvatn

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Day 8 – Icelandic Highlands: calderas, volcanoes, lakes, waterfalls, geothermal areas
Whole day entirely dedicated to the exploration of the volcanic area of Askja.
Long transfer of about 2.5 hours on dirt road to Askja, a huge stratovolcano in the Dyngjufjöll mountains in the heart of the Highlands, among lunar landscapes, lava fields, steaming pools and ancient craters.
An easy hike of about half an hour leads to the edge of the crater from which a unique and spectacular scenery opens up: the largest volcanic caldera in Iceland with turquoise geothermal waters, set in a surreal landscape of calderas and lakes located at the center of a volcanic system 150 km long.

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Overnight stay: Myvatn

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Day 9 – Goðafoss waterfall, transfer westbound and Hvítserkur cliff
Early in the morning, visit to the majestic Godafoss waterfall, the waterfall of the Gods, with a front of about fifty meters from which two different waterfalls descend in a suggestive surrounding volcanic landscape.
Next transfer westbound of about 3 hours to Blönduós through the northern Highlands.
Arrival at the hotel, lunch and break.
In the afternoon, transfer to the Hvítserkur cliff, on the west coast, a spectacular geological formation formed by volcanic magma that rises from the waters, where we will wait for the best lights of the evening.

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Overnight stay: Blönduós

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Day 10 – Seascapes, lesser-known inland highlands and return to Reykjavík

In the early morning, possibility to return to Hvítserkur cliff for new photo opportunities in different light conditions, depending on the weather conditions.
Following transfer of approximately 3.5 hours to Reykjavik with possible photo stops along the way.
Arrival at the hotel and evening in Reykjavik.

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Overnight stay: Reykjavik

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Day 11 – Departure from Iceland
Transfer to Keflavík airport depending on your flight schedule and departure from Iceland.

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Please note: the program and the activities here indicated could be modified depending on weather conditions, road conditions and organizational or group needs.

Highlights

This journey is an exploration to be shared together, organized with the spirit of experiencing a full immersion in contact with Nature in one of the most beautiful scenic places in the world, to translate one’s creative vision into spectacular photographs

Your photographic eye will be the “notebook” on which to record moments and emotions, with the certainty that these magnificent scenarios will be able to give moments of pure contemplation, a source of energy for the body, peace for the mind, inspiration for the soul.

• Photographic coaching by Alessandro Gruzza, professional nature photographer;
• Assistance, guide and driving by Mirko Sotgiu, professional photographer and mountain guide with in-depth knowledge of the area;
• Overnight stays for 10 nights in a double room in hotel (3* or 4*) with private bathroom and bed & breakfast;
• Transfers by Toyota Highlander 4×4 7-seater jeep for the entire duration of the trip (fuel included);
• Entrance fees to sites, parking fees for the activities indicated in the itinerary;

• Safety and first aid equipment;
• Assistance throughout the program.

Return flight to Reykjavík Keflavík (participants can choose whether to purchase the flights independently or to contact the Tour Operator for schedules, quoting and purchase. The flights can be planned departing from various cities and with various airlines prior evaluation of schedules and costs);
•  Optional excursions;
•  Lunches, dinners and drinks;

•  Travel insurance and trip cancellation insurance (purchasable upon booking);
•  Extras and anything not expressly mentioned under “The fee includes”.