The Photo Enthusiast's Tour of Iceland: 12-Day Ring Road Adventure
Round Trip from Reykjavik, Iceland
Tuesday Sept. 9- Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025
Minimum Group: 8
Maximum Group: 12
What to Expect
This tour is designed to offer photography enthusiasts and their companions a complete tour of Iceland with a mix of cultural, architectural, and landscape photo opportunities. From Reykjavik to the eastern fjords, we will explore the best of Iceland, experience the local culture and food, and return with stunning photographs you can be proud of. Along the way, I will be working with each participant to make sure you’re getting the best possible shots based on the conditions. Photographers of all levels are welcome, including non-photographer companions/spouses.
Weather: September in Iceland is usually mild, temperature-wise but we can expect some rain and wind (as is the norm there). Rain gear and waterproof boots are a must.
Tour Style: Photo Tour | Maximize photographic opportunities while providing time to enjoy all that Iceland has to offer, including museums and cultural heritage locations. This trip will include a mix of landscape, architectural and cultural stops ideal for photography enthusiasts and their companions. You will also have independent exploration time during the tour to explore our stops depending on your desired activity level.
Experience Level: Open to all levels*
*You are expected to understand the basic operation of your camera and gear, especially exposure and autofocus settings. I will be teaching more advanced techniques during the tour!
Tour Price: $6875.00 per person (double occupancy)
Solo supplement: $1500.00
Smartphone/Companion Discount: Non-photographers (smartphones only) receive a $250 discount on this tour. You can still experience the wonders of Iceland with your smartphone camera, and I’ll give you lots of tips and tricks for taking great photos with your phone!
Activity Level: Mild to Moderate
There are no strenuous hikes planned for this tour, but you will need to be able to carry your camera gear modest distances over uneven and sometimes hilly terrain. Most of the shooting locations will be close to our parking area.
What’s Included
- 11 nights hotel accommodation in Iceland
- Private driver & minibus (19-seat vehicle with plenty of space to spread out)
- Breakfasts at hotels
- Photography instruction with Jason Odell
- Image review and critique; post-processing help (Lightroom)
Not Included
- International airfare to Reykjavik (KEF)
- Airport transfers
- Entrance fees to museums or other cultural sites
- Gratuities
- Travel Insurance (required): You are required to carry at least $50,000 in medical travel insurance on this trip. You can also choose to insure your tour fee (optional). Contact me for a no-obligation quote!
Payment Schedule
- A $750 deposit reserves your space on this tour (non-refundable unless the tour is canceled by the host).
- An interim payment of $1500 is due on February 1, 2025
- Final payment of the remaining balance is due May 1, 2025
Core Itinerary
Please note that the itinerary is flexible, and subject to modification based on conditions each day. We will have a fair amount of custom exploration time each day to make sure we get good photographs and experience the best of Iceland!
Click here to see some of our locations on a map!
Day 1: Welcome to Reykjavik!
Welcome to Iceland! Transfer to your hotel and then take your time to settle in, explore the surroundings on your own and meet your travel companions in the evening.
Overnight in Reykjavik
Day 2: Reykjavik
Today we will enjoy the city of Reykjavik. We’ll take a photo walk through the downtown and explore the unique street art on the way. Photograph the Sun Voyager Sculpture and Harpa Concert Hall with its cool glass architecture. Enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the surroundings from the top of the hill - Hallgrimskirkja church. You’ll also have personal exploration time to explore the history and local culture, including many museums in Reykjavik.
Overnight in Reykjavik
Day 3: Glymur Falls, Borgarnes & Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Today we start the the by driving towards Borgarnes. We will learn about Iceland's ‘’old days’’ at the Settlement Center. Other stops will include Hraunfossar ("Lava Falls") and Barnafoss (children's waterfall); amazing waterfalls where clear water comes out from under the rocks in the lava fields. The last stop is the Gerðuberg Basalt Cliffs. These cliffs have unique columns made of basalt that come out of the ground. Take a stroll around to explore the area up close. Then, walk through the beginning of the Budhahraun lava fields by the coast.
Overnight in Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Day 4: Exploring the Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Today we start early, with a stop in Arnarstapi. There are trails by the cliffs where you can see amazing views, lava shapes, and rock arches up close. You can walk from Hellnar to Arnarstapi or the other way around on this trail. The next stop is in Londrangar to see the lava formations. You can see them from far away or take a short 15-minute walk to get closer. Walk along Djúpalónssandur black sand beach. There are parts of a shipwreck you can photograph on the black sand. You'll find four stones of different sizes used by sea captains to test people who wanted to join their crew. Look for a small trail on the cliffs to see where there used to be a big fishing place. Another place for wonderful views at the Saxholl Crater. Climb the stairs to the top for nice views of the area. Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall is one of the last stops for today with Kirkjufell mountain behind it (a very famous spot to take pictures in Iceland).
Overnight in Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Day 5: Snaefellsnes Peninsula to Akureyri
Today we’ll have a scenic ride, which takes about 5.5h, with stops for amazing scenery along the way from Snaefellsnes Peninsula to Akureyri. Iceland’s North coast has fewer tourists as compared to the South coast, so this will make your trip even more enjoyable. We’ll stop to explore Iceland’s cultural heritage, starting with the Icelandic Seal Center in Hvammstangi. We will look for good spots to watch the largest seal colonies in Iceland. Hvítserkur will be an additional hour's drive for this trip but well worth seeing. It is known as a basalt rock formation which reminds a '’white shirt’’ troll. Legend has it that this formation represents a troll who was petrified by the sun's rays. Although it's a striking sight from a higher vantage point, there's also a pathway from the parking area that leads down closer to the formation for a better view. Varmahlíð is a small town just before our destination. Here we can visit the Glaumber Farm and Víðimýrarkirkja Turf Church. This is a great way to experience the turf houses and see how Icelanders used to live. The turf church, built in 1834, is one of the only remaining preserved turf churches in Iceland.
Overnight in Akureyri
Day 6: Godafoss, Whale Watching & Big Waterfalls
Today we make our way to Godafoss. This place is known for the ‘’Waterfall of the Gods’’. Its name dates back to Iceland's adoption of Christianity in 1000. Then we move on to Husavik, the whale-watching capital of Iceland. In Husavik you can often see whales, porpoises, and seabirds close to the harbor.
Overnight in Lake Myvatn
Day 7: Geological Wonders of Lake Myvatn
We’ll explore various natural wonders around Lake Myvatn in a day packed with incredible sights. Start with Skutustadir pseudocraters formed by steam explosions from hot lava over marshy land. Take an easy stroll among these craters, enjoy lake views with rising steam from geothermal areas, and spot distant volcanic craters. Move to Dimmuborgir lava formations; walk among contorted lava shapes, including "the Church," resembling a vaulted church arch. Nearby, visit Hofdi for unique rock formations. Don't miss climbing the Hverfjall cinder cone for stunning panoramic views. Explore Hverarond's mud pits and steam vents showcasing vibrant colors. Further along, reach Krafla's Viti crater with a striking blue lake, followed by Leirhnjúkur's surreal lava fields and geothermal zones, resembling an otherworldly landscape.
Overnight in Lake Myvatn
Day 8: Myvatn to the Eastern Fjords
Today we head out to explore the often-overlooked East Fjords of Iceland, a hidden gem bypassed by many travelers heading from Myvatn to the south coast. In this breathtaking region, we’ll see serene fjords, charming towns nestled amid towering mountains, and the idyllic Scandinavian town of Seydisfjordur.
Overnight in Egilsstaðir
Day 9: Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach & Skaftafell
Embark on a scenic southwest journey along Route 1, the Ring Road, from Seydisfjordur to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, approximately a 4-4.5-hour drive. En route, we’ll encounter stunning attractions. At Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, witness mesmerizing icebergs on Diamond Beach and take in panoramic views from a hilltop or explore the shoreline for smaller icebergs meeting crashing waves. Look out for seals, porpoises, and occasional small whales. Discover the extraordinary rock formations of Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, offering breathtaking viewpoints along its ridge trail, showcasing the river's meandering path around unique cliffs. Explore Skaftafell and Svartifoss for diverse hiking trails, including a three-mile trek to Svartifoss, a slender waterfall encircled by basalt columns, with options for ice cave tours and glacier walks. Before reaching Jokulsarlon, visit Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon for a closer view of the glacier's intricate features. Stop at Hof to observe a turf church, exhibiting a historic European architectural technique using turf for weather protection.
Overnight in Vik
Day 10: Waterfalls, Black Sand Beaches & the Golden Circle
Our first stop today is Reynisfjara Beach. This renowned black rock beach boasts the striking Reynisdrangar Columns—imposing basalt hexagonal formations emerging from the sands. Explore the cliffs to the left of the ocean-facing side to discover intriguing caves. Continuing along Route 1, encounter the powerful Skogafoss Waterfall marking the start of the Fimmvörðuháls Trail. Marvel at the waterfall's magnificence from below or ascend the stairs to witness it from above, if the weather is permitting. Proceeding west, arrive at Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, inviting adventurers to walk behind the cascade and witness the dramatic display of water.
Overnight in Selfoss
Day 11: Golden Circle to Reykjavik
Today we’ll plan on visiting Gullfoss and Geysir before the arrival of crowds and buses, granting you exclusive access to these magnificent sites. At Gullfoss ("Golden Falls"), explore various paths offering diverse angles and views of the impressive waterfall, marveling at the sheer volume of water cascading over the edge. Continuing your journey, reach the Geysir geothermal area where the Strokkur geyser erupts every 5-10 minutes, providing a mesmerizing spectacle. Take time between eruptions to wander among hot pools, and steam vents, or climb a small hill for a panoramic view. Complete your Golden Circle Route exploration at Thingvellir National Park, delving into the history of the ancient Icelandic Parliament that convened at Law Rock. Traverse the rift between tectonic plates and learn more about the area's geology and heritage at the visitor center. As the day winds down, we return to Reykjavik for another night, offering a chance to catch up on any missed opportunities at the trip's onset.
Overnight in Reykjavik
Day 12: Reykjavik and surrounding areas (TBD)
Today is a free day to explore Reykjavik and the surrounding areas, depending on your flight schedule.
