June 4th - 15th, 2021
2021 Iceland Landscape Photography Tour – Join Dan and Tanya as they venture to Iceland, The Land of Fire and Ice! Volcanoes, glaciers, and towering mountains give shape to the rugged, spectacular landscape of this largely uninhabited and mystical country. Stunning Icelandic nature including black sand beaches, cascading waterfalls, rocky cliffs, and dreamlike lagoons appear around every corner—a land of contrast and sights to behold. Late spring/early summer is a time when flowers start to bloom, puffins return to the coast, and baby lambs roam the countryside in abundance. And let us not forget the amazing photo opportunity that has erupted, Mount Fagradalsfjall! Join us in this amazing country to experience and photograph its alluring scenes for yourself.
Meet Daniel and Tanya Cox
2021 Iceland Landscape Photography Tour II Travel Plans
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Please note the Iceland Landscape Photography Tour itinerary is subject to change. Images courtesy of Thor Photography.
Friday, June 4
Depart US/Canada
Saturday, June 5 (D)
Arrive in Iceland’s capital city Reykjavik any time of day to begin the Iceland Landscape Photography Tour. Group meet-up and welcome dinner this evening. Overnight Grand Hotel Reykjavik
Sunday, June 6 (B)
Following breakfast, we hope to start our journey with a visit to Iceland’s erupting Mount Fagradalsfjall.
Mount Fagradalsfjall erupted on March 19, 2021, the first time in nearly 800 years! It’s unknown how long the volcano will erupt, and access (by foot or helicopter) will depend on weather and the volcano’s lava flow. The hike is about eight kilometers, or five miles, with one steep hill to pass. If helicopter access is the best option, we’ll be dropped off at a safe location for a one-hour photo shoot (optional – additional fee applies).
Fagradalsfjall, translated roughly to “beautiful mountain valley,” is a shield volcano located just 25 miles from Reykjavik. Its dark, shapely sides, comprised of molten rock and ash from previous eruptions, are a sharp contrast to the vibrant orange lava that spews from its vents and flows down its slopes. We hope for the chance to marvel and capture its breathtaking beauty, a once in a lifetime opportunity!
If volcano-hopping is not an option, there is plenty more to do in the area! One option is explore Reykjanes Peninsula, a geological wonder and part of the UNESCO Global Geopark. Locals have dubbed the road around the peninsula The Blue Diamond Circle. Lighthouses outnumber villages. Volcanic craters and endless lava fields covered with green-grey blankets of moss create a serene, moon-like landscape. Often overlooked by tourists, Reykjanes offers an awe-inspiring introduction to this volcanic island.
The Golden Circle is yet another option. Though more touristy, it contains a number of great attractions including Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Geysir Hot Spring Area, a geothermal area with steaming pools and hot spring eruptions every ten minutes!
Lunch and dinner on your own today in Reykjavik. Explore the international cuisine available around the city this evening or take some time to relax and recover from jet lag.
Overnight Grand Hotel Reykjavik
Monday, June 7 and Tuesday, June 8 (B, D)
Today we’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast before we depart and head west to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Rugged coastline, basalt cliffs, and picturesque fishing villages make up this ‘Iceland in Miniature.’ While on the peninsula, we can look forward to encountering the picture-perfect Mt. Kirkjufell with gorgeous Kirkjufellsfoss waterfalls in the foreground and the peaceful Grundarfjordur bay as the backdrop.
Snæfellsnes also hosts one of three black churches in Iceland. Isolated and remote, the stark black church named Búðakirkja allows us to capture an iconic Icelandic scene.
We’ll spend two days on Snæfellsnes breathing the fresh seaside air while capturing the region’s spectacular landscapes.
Overnight Fosshotel Stykkisholmur
Wednesday, June 9 (B, D)
Rise and shine, it’s time for a sunrise shoot! Today we’ll make our way to Iceland’s southern coast, and if the weather is favorable, we have the option to explore Snæfellsnes for a few more hours first.
The south coast is most famous for its black sandy beaches and magical waterfalls, including Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. Foss is the Icelandic term for waterfall, and this time of year they are at their best, roaring with life as the days get longer and warmer.
Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s largest waterfalls at a width of 25 meters (82 feet) and height of 60 meters (200 feet). The heavy vail of water is impressive, and under sunny skies, its mist often refracts the sunlight, creating brilliant single and double rainbows.
Seljalandsfoss is just as impressive, an iconic waterfall dropping 60 meters (200 feet). Most notably, you can photograph it from every angle imaginable and witness its power firsthand by taking the footpath that circles behind it.
Overnight Hotel Dyrholaey
Thursday, June 10 – Saturday, June 12 (B, D)
For three full days, we’ll explore the breathtaking Vatnajökull National Park to experience the interaction of glacier and volcano and effects created by these contrasting natural wonders of fire and ice. We’ll take in and photograph the park’s pristine glaciers and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, a glacial lake famous for its icebergs and shores of black sand. Vatnajökull National Park itself consists of Vatnajökull glacier, one of the largest glaciers in Europe and some of its surrounding areas.
Our time in this area will also give us the opportunity to visit the photogenic Vestrahorn. Unlike most Icelandic mountains, the Vestrahorn is made of iron- and magnesium-rich gabbro rock, which results in a dark and jagged appearance. Its two distinctive peaks stretch into the mighty Atlantic. A good photograph is almost guaranteed here. Storm clouds and massive waves hitting the rocky shores or peaceful waters creating a naturally mirrored reflection are both enjoyable scenarios.
Reynisdrangar is another site in the South that commands attention. Here we find a dramatic beach scene composed of large basalt rock formations rising from the sea and black sand beaches that are the most fascinating and treacherous in all of Iceland. Throughout time, these beaches have been included in the top 10 most beautiful non-tropical beaches in the world! A bonus, the sea stacks are teeming with nesting puffins, arctic terns, and fulmars.
Overnight Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon
Sunday, June 13 (B, D)
Today we’ll depart Vatnajökull National Park and head toward Vik. We’ll have many photography opportunities along the way, including the stunning seascapes of Dyrhólaey and Reynisdrangar.
Dyrhólaey Peninsula presents incredible views from above and below. The most prominent attraction is a massive rock arch that extends into the sea. This arch’s hole is so big that large boats can sail through it during calm seas, and daring pilots even fly through it in small aircraft! Dyrhólaey also hosts a historic lighthouse and serves as a sanctuary to a plethora of birdlife, including puffins and arctic terns.
Overnight Hotel Dyrholaey
Monday, June 14 (B, D)
We’ll take advantage of our last day as a group and wake up early to photograph the sunrise near Vik. We’ll likely have a few more photography stops along the Golden Circle / Reykjanes Peninsula as we work our way back in the direction of Reykjavik. Group farewell dinner this evening. Overnight Grand Hotel Reykjavik
Tuesday, June 15 (B)
Depart Reykjavik at your leisure. If time allows, take a side trip and enjoy a dip at the Blue Lagoon before you head to Keflavik International Airport for your flight home.
Guest Limits
12 Guests Maximum
Trip Cost
EXPLORER RATE:
6880 pp, DBL occupancyNON EXPLORER: Add 200
ADD 250 pp if 10 guests or less
Single sup: 850
Pricing in US dollars
Deposit
$500 Per person due at time of booking
Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Discover, or check acceptedDeposits are non-refundable. If cancellations are necessary, we require this request in writing. We will do our best to resell your space. Only if we can resell your space, we will refund (minus deposit and discounts given to sell your space). No partial refunds are possible for unused services.
Installments
April 15, 2021: Final payment
Check only for final installment. Please make check payable to Natural Exposures and mail to:
Natural Exposures
810 N. Wallace, Suite E
Bozeman, MT 59715Included
- Private small group travel with professional photographer Daniel J. Cox
- Entrance fees for national parks and other locations in itinerary
- Private 30-passenger coach travel with extra space for camera gear
- Local photo guide and bus driver
- Meals where indicated (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
- 10 nights accommodations
Not Included
- International flights
- Arrival/departure transfers in Reykjavik (visit www.re.is/flybus)
- COVID-19 related vaccinations, testing, quarantine, if applicable
- Extra hotel nights/accommodations
- Miscellaneous personal expenses, Internet charges, etc.
- Travel/emergency medical evacuation insurance
- Passport/visa fees, if applicable
- Excess baggage charges
- Gratuities
- Optional helicopter ride over volcano
Flights to Book
June 5, 2021
Arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland (KEF) any time of day. Group welcome dinner this evening.June 15, 2021
Depart Reykjavik, Iceland (KEF) any time of day.Travel Insurance
Travel/emergency medical evacuation insurance is not required for this photo tour, but we always recommend purchasing it for any trip. We recommend one or more of the following, depending on your needs:
Global Rescue
(use code natexp)Allianz Global Assistance
(use travel agency ID F203564)Terms & Conditions
Natural Exposures cannot control nor is responsible for abnormal weather, natural disasters, or any other disaster that might affect the trip. Travel insurance should be purchased to cover any missed flights or medical problems that may affect/delay your travel. National Parks have the right to change our itinerary.
By booking a trip with Natural Exposures, you agree to the following CANCELLATION AND LIABILITY POLICY
Accommodations for 2021 Iceland Landscape Photography Tour II
See Travel Plan for accommodation information
Helpful Information for 2021 Iceland Landscape Photography Tour II
ITINERARY – BE FLEXIBLE!
Please note that the Iceland Landscape Photography Tour itinerary may change and should be considered flexible, as locations visited will depend on the weather. Locations may include, but are not limited to, what is stated in the itinerary.
We hope to photograph the eruption on Mount Fagradalsfjall, but this is not guaranteed. If the eruption is a shield volcano eruption as thought, lava will continue to flow for many years to come. Our ability to visit and photograph the volcano will depend on the weather, lava flow path, and gas pollution levels.
VISA/PASSPORT
Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your date of departure; six months validity remaining is recommended. Two pages are required for the entry stamp into Iceland. A visa is not required for US citizens for tourist stays of less than 90 days. Please visit the US Bureau of Consular Affairs for the most up to date entry requirements.
VACCINATIONS / COVID-19 REQUIREMENTS
Iceland is open! There are regulations in place to avoid PCR testing, screening, and quarantine upon arrival in Iceland. Please visit Iceland’s Directorate of Health and also this website for full details regarding these requirements. It is up to you to make sure you’re prepared!
No other vaccinations are required to enter Iceland. It is best to be up to date with your routine vaccinations and to visit with your doctor before the trip to discuss your personal needs.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Most hikes will be short, around 20 to 30 minutes, and you may need to climb a hill for the best vantage point. The hike for Mount Fagradalsfjall is about seven kilometers, or just under five miles roundtrip, with one steep hill to pass. You will have to carry your own camera gear. Walking surfaces may include snow, sand, ice, or rocky terrain, so an adequate level of fitness is highly recommended.
GEOTHERMAL FEATURES
Iceland is a hotbed for geothermal activity. Areas with active volcanoes, hot springs, and geysers produce gases. The smell from these gases may be strong and unpleasant, similar to rotten eggs. Some people have greater sensitivities than others when exposed to these gases. Please consult your physician if this is a concern.
WEATHER
June is a nice time to visit Iceland. The temperatures are rising, and the days are growing longer. Flora and fauna start to flourish!
Average daytime temperatures this time of year are 40-50°F. Keep in mind, weather conditions in Iceland can change from sunshine to rainstorm in a matter of minutes. It can be very windy in areas, which makes it feel much colder than the actual temperature. Rain is also possible. Early mornings and late evenings may be chilly. It is best to dress in layers for the Iceland Landscape Photography Tour, since the weather can change quickly.
CAMERA GEAR
Bring your favorite landscape lenses! A wide angle is useful for waterfalls, and a telephoto is also recommended for abstracts or faraway subjects.
A sturdy tripod is vital, since Iceland is one of the windiest places on Earth, and you’ll likely be making some long exposures.
It is a really good idea to bring spare batteries. A circular polarizing filter can help protect your lens and is nice to have for photographing lakes, rivers, glaciers, waterfalls, and rainbows. A remote cable release for longer exposures may be helpful.
Be sure to protect your gear from wind and rain with Ziploc plastic bags, rainsleeves, a protective pack, and lens cleaning tissues.
Prior to the Iceland Landscape Photography Tour, we will send you a list of camera gear Dan will bring on the trip. He will also call each guest to discuss personal camera equipment selection.
FOOD
Fish and other seafood are important elements of Icelandic cuisine due to its proximity to the ocean. There is also an abundance of lamb and dairy. Produce is usually local and very high quality. Vegetarians can usually be accommodated, but cuisine may be limited outside of the city.
Have a question?
Have a question about this tour? We're happy to answer any queries you may have.
Testimonials from Natural Exposures' Explorers
"If you ever want to travel to another country and you want to go first class, travel with Natural Exposures. They are number one in showing their guests the best time ever in the classiest way. I would recommend Natural Exposures Tours to everyone. If you want to go in style, go with NE!"
Michelle Duggan, Massachusetts
"Tanya and Dan’s logistic skills provide a seamless photo tour where one can truly enjoy the experience. With unlimited photographic opportunities Dan’s instruction has taken my photography to a higher level."
Linda Henry, Oregon
"I just wanted to again thank you for a wonderful week of photography and relaxation away from the office. It was a really a good group."
Sue Wolfe, Texas
"What a trip
What a group
What a fabulous everything
To our next encounters with nature"Maud and Leon Soriano, Florida
