Iceland Summer Photo Workshop: Highlands & Ice Beach

This 10-day summer photography workshop around Iceland is for photographers. It follows a route from Reykjavík to Vík í Mýrdal, Jökulsárlón, Mývatn and The Highlands.

Overview

This ten-day summer photo workshop around Iceland follows a steady road rhythm, with time in Reykjavík, the south coast, Vatnajökull, the Mývatn region and the Highlands. We begin with a transfer from Keflavík into Reykjavík and dinner, then head south to Vík í Mýrdal. Along the way we photograph Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara black sand beach, Dyrhólaey and the lupine fields around Vík.

We continue east to Jökulsárlón and Vatnajökull National Park, working in Skaftafell, at the glacier lagoon and ice beach, at Vestrahorn from Stokksnes, and in the quieter interior of the park. A long drive through the Eastfjords brings us north to Lake Mývatn, where we photograph the lake, Dimmuborgir, Grjótagjá and the Námaskarð geothermal area.

Around Mývatn we also visit Goðafoss and Dettifoss, then transfer south down the Kjölur Highland Road to Kerlingarfjöll, crossing between Langjökull and Hofsjökull. We return to Reykjavík for a final dinner before departure from Keflavík. Breakfasts are included on all but the first morning, with dinners on arrival and Day 9.

Iceland Country
10 days Duration
Easy Walking grade
Relax Schedule

Why This Tour

This seven-day journey follows North Iceland from Reykjavík into the landscapes around Akureyri, Goðafoss and Mývatn, combining long northern light, volcanic country and carefully chosen photography stops.

The route suits photographers who enjoy full days, road travel, walking and time to look closely at places such as Hvítserkur, Glaumbær, Húsavík and the eastern shore of Lake Mývatn.

Suitability & conditions

A practical overview of the pace, comfort, and conditions to expect on this journey.


Seasonality

JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC

The journey at a glance

Following the route

The journey moves gradually through 4 chapters.

Route shown schematically for orientation.

Detailed itinerary

Day 1

Arrival — Reykjavík and the South Coast

  • Transfer Keflavík International Airport –> Reykjavík
Meals · D
Day 2

South Coast

  • Transfer Reykjavík –> Vík í Mýrdal
  • Seljalandsfoss
  • Skógafoss
  • Reynisfjara black sand beach
Meals · B
Day 3

South Coast

  • Dyrhólaey
  • Lupine fields at Vík
Meals · B
Day 4

Vatnajökull National Park — Vatnajökull and the East

  • Transfer Vík í Mýrdal –> Jökulsárlón
  • Skaftafell Nature Reserve
  • Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
  • Ice beach at Jökulsárlón
Meals · B
Day 5

Vatnajökull National Park

  • Vestrahorn from Stokksnes
Meals · B
Day 6

Vatnajökull National Park

  • Vatnajökull National Park interior
Meals · B
Day 7

Mývatn Region — Mývatn and the Highlands

  • Drive through the Eastfjords
  • Lake Mývatn
Meals · B
Day 8

Mývatn Region

  • Dimmuborgir
  • Grjótagjá
  • Námaskarð geothermal area
  • Goðafoss waterfall
  • Dettifoss waterfall
Meals · B
Day 9

Reykjavík

  • Transfer Mývatn –> The Highlands
  • Kjölur Highland Road and Kerlingarfjöll
  • Transfer The Highlands –> Reykjavík
Meals · B · D
Day 10

Departure

  • Transfer Reykjavík –> Keflavík International Airport
Meals · B

Price Details

Our tour prices are based on a tiered pricing model. more guests = lower price, per person. That means the prices go down on a per-person basis as more people book onto a specific tour departure.


Price Base

  • Price for 2 people: 6.695 USD (670 USD / day)
  • Price for 3 to 4 people: 5.795 USD (580 USD / day)
  • Price for 5 to 6 people: 4.695 USD (470 USD / day)
  • Price for 7 to 8 people: 3.995 USD (400 USD / day)
* Price is indicated per person
** Prices are based on double occupancy / twin share basis.

Included

  • Meals indicated in the program: 9 breakfasts, 2 dinners
  • 1 cocktail before dinner
  • Water is included
  • Professional photographic guidance & instruction by Tristan Quevilly
  • Transportation in comfortable vehicles
  • Preparation Meeting (Pre-trip briefing and final Q&A session held via Zoom)
  • 1h skype session of photo editing in Lightroom or Photoshop
  • Restaurant gratuities / tips
  • Pre-trip planning assistance
  • Detailed trip notes with practical information and cultural insights
  • Access to Remote Expeditions custom travel app

Not Included

  • Lunch on Arrival day, day 2, day 3, day 4, day 5, day 6, day 7, day 8, day 9 and Departure day, Dinner on day 2, day 3, day 4, day 5, day 6, day 7 and day 8
  • Tips
  • International flights
  • Travel, Medical & Cancellation insurance
  • Additional drinks and meals
  • Expenses not specified in the program
  • Camera Equipment

Deposit

  • 30% (1.409 USD approx)

Payment Options

  • Bank Transfer (Recommended): Free
  • Credit / Debit Card: Secure payment via Revolut. A 3% processing fee applies.

Booking Conditions

  • Deposit: 30% to secure your booking
  • Final payment: Due 90 days before departure
  • Cancellation more than 90 days before departure: Deposit retained as a 4-year travel credit
  • Read the full Terms & Conditions ↗

Services to Expect

Meals on the Tour

Meals are planned around the route and the day’s early departures. The published programme includes five breakfasts, five lunches and six dinners, with dinner included on the first evening and meals included from day two through day six.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are not included on day seven. Please share dietary requirements before the trip so they can be discussed in advance.

Photography Guidance and Image Reviews

Photography is woven into the journey through planned stops, a group briefing and reviews of images already taken. Sessions consider difficult exposures, depth of field and high-contrast scenes.

The emphasis is on observing the landscape, responding to the available light and making thoughtful images at a comfortable pace. Professional photographic guidance by Tristan Quevilly is included.

Practical Information

Route, Early Starts and Walking

The journey travels north and south along Route 1, with early departures, photography stops and time on foot. Some days combine several places, while the road itself is part of the experience.

Please come prepared for full days, minibus travel and walks at sites including Hverfell, Dimmuborgir and the Krafla volcanic zone. The pace is designed around photography rather than rushing between viewpoints.

Light, Landscapes and Conditions

Photography is shaped by changing northern light, open volcanic landscapes and the weather encountered on the day. Around Mývatn, the route moves between lake shores, lava formations, craters, geothermal ground and broad horizons.

Conditions may alter the timing of stops, so flexibility is important. The itinerary leaves room for observation and image-making rather than treating each location as a fixed checklist.

Optional Whale-Watching from Húsavík

From Húsavík, an optional boat outing in search of whales is offered at a supplement. It is an additional experience within the day’s circuit from Akureyri.

Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. The outing is best approached as time on the water and an opportunity to experience the north Icelandic coast, with any sightings depending on natural conditions.

Clothing and Day-Pack Essentials

Pack for full days that combine road travel, photography stops and walking in open volcanic and coastal landscapes. Layers are useful when the temperature and wind change, and comfortable walking shoes are important for the sites explored on foot.

Keep a small day pack with the personal items, water and extra layer you may need during the day. Your walking shoes should already be broken in before departure.

Camera Gear for Iceland

Bring the camera setup you are comfortable carrying for a full day, with spare batteries and enough memory for repeated photography stops. A wide or standard lens suits the scale of Iceland’s landscapes, while a telephoto can help with distant subjects and details.

Protect your equipment from wind, rain and changing conditions, and keep a lens cloth accessible. The most useful kit is the one you can carry easily while walking and working at the available light.

Detailed Trip Notes, including practical tips, cultural insights, and a complete packing list will be sent to you 60 days before departure.

Booking this tour means you agree to our full Terms and Conditions. Below is a summary of the key points. As life is unpredictable, we strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance.

  • Deposit: A 30% deposit is required to secure your booking. This deposit is refundable for 7 days (less transaction fees), after which it becomes a non-refundable credit, transferable to a future tour offered by Remote Expeditions within 4 years of the cancellation date, less any non-recoverable costs already paid on your behalf.
  • Final Payment: The remaining balance is due 90 days before the tour begins.
  • Cancellation more than 90 days before departure: You will receive a full refund of any payments made, except for the 30% deposit. Your deposit will be converted into a travel credit valid for 4 years on a future tour Remote Expeditions.
  • Cancellation within 90 days of departure: 100% of the tour price is forfeited. There are no refunds or credits.

* This is a summary only. Please read our complete Terms and Conditions for full details before booking.
** We strongly recommend all travelers purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unforeseen events.

Travel at a human pace

The difference is in the details

Journeys shaped by experience

Every route is built from time spent in the field: knowing when to linger, when to move on, and which small details are worth noticing.

Room for the unexpected

The best moments are not always on the itinerary. We leave enough flexibility to follow a good conversation, an unusual sighting, or a changing landscape.

Local relationships that open doors

Our journeys are grounded in long-term relationships with people who know their home intimately and are proud to share it in their own way.

A small group, properly looked after

With only a few travellers, decisions remain personal. We can adapt the pace, answer questions, and make sure everyone feels part of the journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most Remote Expeditions journeys are arranged privately, so the pace and rhythm can be shaped around the people travelling together. When a scheduled group departure is offered, it is typically limited to four or five travellers.

No. Photography is one of the ways we observe and connect with a place, but it is not a requirement. Our journeys also welcome travellers drawn to slow travel, wildlife, culture, trekking, landscapes, and genuine encounters. You can join with professional equipment, a simple camera, or just your curiosity.

Every itinerary has its own rhythm. Some journeys are gently paced, while others include long walks, trekking, uneven terrain, altitude, or substantial travel days. The practical details on each tour page explain the expected walking, terrain, altitude, distances, and overall physical level so you can decide whether the journey suits you.

Tristan designs the itineraries and personally leads many Remote Expeditions journeys. Depending on the destination and the character of the trip, trusted local guides, drivers, cultural hosts, or specialist leaders may also join part of the route. This combination gives you direct personal support alongside local knowledge.

Often, yes. Private journeys can usually be shaped around your interests, pace, and available time. Fixed group departures have a defined route and dates, but it may still be possible to arrange additional nights, private extensions, or other travel before or after the main journey. Tell us what you have in mind and we will explain what is practical.

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