Iceland Adventure: Circling the Land of Fire & Ice

Explore Iceland’s south coast en route to Vik, an area known for its volcanic black sand beaches and countless waterfalls. This is the region affected by the powerful 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajokull volcano, an event brought to life at the Lava Center, which features interactive exhibits depicting the colossal natural forces that have created Iceland over tens of millions of years. Learn about Iceland’s dynamic geology: the volcanic eruptions and lava flows, rift systems, faults and glacial floods that have forged the island. The center introduces us to the UNESCO Katla Global Geopark plus Iceland’s elaborate monitoring system for surveying volcanos and earthquake zones.

Continuing along the south coast, stop at several thundering waterfalls, including powerful Skogafoss and Kvernufoss. Another famous highlight is Reynisdrangar Rocks, a trio of columnar basalt sea stacks. Legend holds that they were formed after two trolls were out fishing in a three-masted ship. When the trolls did not return to their cave before sunrise, they and their vessel turned into needles of stone, since trolls cannot tolerate daylight. Here, have a chance to walk on the famous black sand beach before continuing to the exciting Lava Show in Vik, followed by dinner at the restaurant on site. The Lava Show, renowned for its educational value, recreates a volcanic eruption by superheating real lava up to 2000°F, then pouring the molten rock into a room at close range where you can watch it flow, hear it sizzle and feel the incredible heat. After dinner, continue to a nearby hotel to spend the night.

The focus today is Skaftafell, a national park now absorbed inside the larger Vatnajokull National Park established in 2008. Known for its rugged landscapes, mountains and glaciers, Skaftafell contains about half of the Vatnajokull Glacier, Europe’s largest ice cap. No roads penetrate the park’s wild recesses, but two options offer a chance to explore a slice of it: Choose between a walk atop a glacier or an easy hike.

Then board a private Zodiac to explore Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon, a less-touristed opportunity to get close to giant floating icebergs. The lake is the meltwater from Fjallsarlon Glacier, a tongue of the massive Vatnajokull Glacier, which has calved the huge chunks of blue ice that drift on the surface.

Enjoy a day of cultural connections by entering the East Fjords, a little-visited region of forests, farms and picturesque fishing villages. In the town of Djupivogur, admire the Eggs of Merry Bay, one of Iceland’s most unusual sculptures. Created in 2009 by Icelandic artist Sigurdur Gudmundsson, the 34 large-scale egg replicas represent 34 bird species found in the area, each one mounted on a platform along the harbor. Take a scenic walk along the coast near Alftafjordur, then join a local resident for a stroll around a historic fishing town, learning about daily life where traditions and livelihoods center on the sea.

Heading inland, follow a remote road to Vallanes Farm to stop for hot drinks and snacks at this organic farm and cafe crafted of sustainably harvested wood. Continue to Modrudalur, one of the oldest farms in Iceland, with evidence of its presence since the original settlement by the Vikings. The site was an important crossroads where two historic cross-country trails intersected, and its location is referenced in the famous Sagas that date to the 10th and 11th centuries. Modrudalur is also the highest inhabited place in Iceland, at 1,539 feet above sea level. Spend the next 2 nights here at Fjalladyrd, a hospitable family-run farm and guesthouse.

Set out this morning in Super Jeeps—kitted-out high-clearance 4x4s—to explore the hidden wonders of eastern Iceland’s highlands. These large SUVs have been modified with big tires and extra shock absorption to provide a more comfortable ride over off-road terrain, allowing deeper access into this remote region. Journey through the lunar-like landscape, making multiple stops that may include Troll Rocks, a mysterious and extensive stack of massive boulders with no known origin, and tea at a traditional turf house. Marvel at Hafrahvammagljufur canyon, a 650-foot-deep gorge, from high grassy slopes overlooking the chasm. Ultimately, make your way to Laugarvalladalur, a verdant valley warmed by a geothermal creek and known for its hot springs waterfall that doubles as a natural shower. Return to Modrudalur for a second night at Fjalladyrd.

Witness the power of Dettifoss, Europe’s largest waterfall by volume and the most powerful cataract in Iceland. This thundering curtain of water, 330 feet wide and 150 high, is fed by the giant Vatnajokull Glacier. It is common to see rainbows, which make for dramatic photos. Next, explore the Hverarond geothermal area, an otherworldly setting of hissing steam vents, bubbling mud pots, cracked earth and pungent sulphur, then continue to Lake Myvatn.

Formed during a massive eruption 2,300 years ago, the Myvatn region is still a site of geothermal activity, with lava flows coming most recently from the 1984 eruption of Krafla volcano. Numerous lava formations are found in and around the shallow lake, and it’s worth exploring the pseudocraters of Skutustadir on a short hike. These phenomena are formed when lava flows over wet ground, pushing it down and trapping steam. As pressure mounts, steam explosions create these fascinating “false craters.”

Later today, enjoy a quintessentially Icelandic experience with a soak in a nearby thermal bath. At Myvatn Nature Baths, amid clouds of steam rising from a fissure deep in the Earth, immerse yourself in soothing, milky-turquoise water that’s naturally heated by geothermal forces. Drawn from depths of up to a mile and a half below the surface, temperatures in the lagoon pools range from 98°F to 103°F.

This morning, explore the fascinating lava formations around Lake Myvatn on horseback. This optional 1-hour private ride offers a striking vantage point on the region’s wondrous geological features, including whimsically shaped pillars and a close-up look at a false crater. Afterward, a stop at Dimmuorgir, a dramatic lava field formed by a volcanic eruption some 2,300 years ago. Distinguished by towering rock pillars, caves and unusual lava formations, Dimmuborgir is especially spectacular in the fall when the rich fall foliage is at its peak.

In the afternoon, get a close-up view on Leirhnjukur, one of Iceland’s active volcanoes. Although it last erupted in 1984, Leirhnjukur’s crater, steaming, bubbling mud pools and stark landscape are a living laboratory offering insight into the endless churn of underground geothermal activity. Against autumn’s warm red, orange and golden palette, learn about plants and microbes that exist in extreme temperatures. Return to Myvatn for a second night.

This morning, witness Godafoss, one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls originating deep in the highlands. Shaped like a crescent, it drops 40 feet over a sheer volcanic cliff. Then it’s on to Akureyri, Iceland’s second largest city. Nestled at the base of a fjord and surrounded by mountains, Iceland’s Capital of the North is a cultural outpost, and you’ll have time to explore downtown galleries and the scenic waterfront, as well as the renowned Akureyri Botanical Gardens, before connecting with a late-afternoon chartered flight to Isafjordur. Originally settled in the 9th century, Isafjordur became a trading post for foreign merchants in the 16th century and today is the main town in the remote Westfjords in far-northwest Iceland, with an economy long focused on fishing.

This morning, explore part of the vast Hornstrandir Nature Reserve that can only be reached by boat. A wild, untouched realm of tundra, sea cliffs, flowering fields and glacier-carved fjords, this 220-square-mile landscape in the most remote corner of Iceland has been protected since 1974. Humans inhabited scattered settlements along Hornstrandir’s bays and coves in recent centuries, although they were abandoned in the 1950s as residents sought growing job opportunities and an escape from harsh living conditions, leaving for surrounding towns. No roads, power lines or other manmade structures remain except for a few summerhouses that dot parts of the area.

You may see whales as you cross the bay of Isafjardardjup, approaching the sheer cliffs on Bjarnarnupur before slowly passing a dramatic rock arch (a seasonal home to cormorants and other seabirds), as Kviar comes inyo view. A large farm until 1948, when the family that lived here joined their neighbors in search of an easier life elsewhere, the property is now a welcoming lodge where you’ll stop for lunch in the cozy guesthouse. Look for protected arctic foxes that roam freely on the land, and admire the colorful fall foliage on a short walk.

This afternoon, a private whale-watching excursion offers a high likelihood of seeing humpback whales, as you scan the waters with expert guides in search of additional marine life, like minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises and seals. Return to Isafjordur for a dinner of freshly caught seafood at Tjoruhusid (Tar House). This famous restaurant inhabits one of Isafjordur’s oldest buildings, dating to 1781. Rather than a set menu, the focus is on the day’s catch prepared in uniquely Icelandic recipes like monkfish in creamy blue cheese sauce and a renowned hearty fish chowder.

Experience the thrill of a Super Jeep tour to Thingeyri/Sandafell, over rugged terrain amid astonishing landscapes. Pass snowy peaks en route to canyons and waterfalls as you traverse volcanic craters and lava fields that illustrate Iceland’s dynamic geological activity.

After lunch in another cozy guesthouse, cross the mountains to reach Dynjandi, the largest waterfall in the Westfjords. This magnificent fall cascades 330 feet down in a lacy apron-like flow over terraced basalt boulders. Considered one of the country’s most beautiful waterfalls, Dynjandi is a favorite of nature photographers. “Dynjandi” means “thundering” in Icelandic, an apt description of the sound and sight you encounter.

Returning to Isafjordur, have an early farewell dinner and then head to the airport for your evening flight to Reykjavik.

Please note: Activities in the Westfjords may take place on days or times that are different from what is shown on this itinerary, depending on local schedules, weather conditions, etc.

After breakfast, a transfer to Keflavik International Airport is included to meet departing flights.

Your adventure begins in Thingvellir National Park for an on-the-ground perspective on Iceland’s geological origins. Here on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the epicenter of where the Icelandic landscape is forming, you can actually see fissures where Earth’s crust is separating. Thingvellir is also the site of Iceland’s political founding, when Norse settlers formed the world’s first parliament in 930. On this site, 30 ruling chiefs met to discuss law and order on the island and to create a government.

Later today, after most day trippers have left, you’ll photograph waterfalls in the evening light. Bruarfoss is one of Iceland’s most beautiful, where dozens of cascading streams from the Bruara River fall in a semi-circular pattern, converging again in the rushing blue river below. After dinner, visit Strokkur, Iceland’s most active geyser, erupting about every 10 minutes. Then, in the golden-hour light, photograph powerful Gulfoss—”Golden Falls”—one of Iceland’s most dramatic waterfalls. It was formed during the last ice age when glacial runoff carved out a deep canyon, creating a series of drops over which the Hvita River plunges. Late this evening, arrive at your hotel on the South Coast to spend the next 2 nights.

Today holds a full-day Super Jeep exploration of Iceland’s remote highlands. Moving inland from the lush coast, witness a rapid change in vegetation as you enter the mountains. Here in the southern sector of Fjallabak Nature Reserve, find a stunning landscape to entrance photographers. Rugged peaks in an array of shapes, forms and colors flank the 4×4 track you follow, the rock palette tinted by rhyolite and obsidian. A vivid blanket of green alpine moss and lichen adds a bright accent, while black sand expanses lend contrast, filling the gaps between jagged ridges, volcanic summits and dramatic canyons and valleys. At times, the setting is evocative of a moonscape, stark and breathtaking. The region is laced with braided riverbeds, which you’ll cross multiple times. A view of Myrdalsjokull glacier—one of Iceland’s largest, which conceals Katla, one of its most active volcanoes—is a highlight. While Fjallabak is a popular hiking destination, you’re still mostly alone here, rarely encountering other people or vehicles.

The South Coast is known for some of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls, and this morning offers a chance to photograph three of the largest and most famous: Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss and Kvernufoss. You’ll spend the next 3 nights in the area around Vik, known for its volcanic black-sand beaches and dramatic rock formations. Other subjects include the Dyrholaey Peninsula, with its picturesque lighthouse on the most southerly point of mainland Iceland, and Reynisdrangar Rocks. Legend holds that this trio of columnar basalt sea stacks was formed after two trolls were out fishing in a three-masted ship. When the trolls did not return to their cave before sunrise, they and their vessel turned into needles of stone, since trolls cannot tolerate daylight.

Continuing your encounters with the fascinating geological features on Iceland’s south coast, investigate the dynamic relationship between fire and ice, examining the largest glacial outwash plane in the world. Katla UNESCO Global Geopark contains roughly 9% of Iceland’s total landmass, encompassing massive glaciers and active volcanoes that have shaped the land for millennia, including the powerful eruptions of Eyjafjallajokull in 2010 and Grimsvotn in 2011. The geopark also holds glacial rivers, lakes, meadows of purple lupine, black-sand beaches, vast lava fields and caverns, including Hjorleifshofdi Cave, also known as the “Yoda Cave” after it was featured in the Star Wars film Rogue One. Lomagnupur Mountain is an impressive subject, with steep cliffs and a flat top that you may find reflected in nearby ponds.

After dinner, head to Diamond Beach, where icebergs wash up on shore to create a sparkling contrast with the volcanic black sand. The late evening light offers excellent photography conditions, with the sun’s sinking rays gleaming on the scattered icebergs. Seals also frequent the beach, and orcas are sometimes seen offshore.

Get an aerial perspective on some of Iceland’s most dramatic scenery from a private fixed-wing plane flight over the Skaftafell region of Vatnajokull National Park. Known for its rugged landscapes, mountains and glaciers, Skaftafell contains about half of the Vatnajokull Glacier, Europe’s largest ice cap. No roads penetrate the park’s wild recesses, but your one-hour low-altitude flight reveals an artistic landscape, with intriguing patterns, contrasts and colors for creative imagery. Photograph the plain of Skeidararsandur, an expanse of black sand and ash sliced by braided glacial rivers that resemble an intricate network of veins. Capture striking shots of the jagged expanse of Skeidararjokull Glacier, draining off Vatnajokull, Iceland’s largest ice cap.

Also spend time on the ground, walking among the scenic outflow of Svinasfell Glacier, a large outlet glacier that flows down from the Vatnajokull ice field. Its surface is especially jagged, with many sharp ridges that lend drama to images, as well as its varied coloration—deep blue ice, white snow and veins of black ash left over from volcanic eruptions in centuries past. The ash patterns create remarkable abstract designs in the ice, a phenomenon not readily found anywhere else in the world.

On a private Zodiac cruise at Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon, you have extended time to photograph the glittering icebergs floating atop the meltwater lakes. The lagoons are fed by the massive Vatnajokull glacier, the largest in Europe. The ice cap covers more than 3,100 square miles—8% of Iceland—and the glacial tongues that flow from it calve the huge chunks of blue ice that drift on the surface of the lagoons. With your expedition leader, go ashore for short hikes in the area that overlook the floating ice sculptures from shore.

This afternoon, hike into the otherworldly Mulagljufur Canyon, one of Iceland’s most scenic yet still relatively little-known destinations. Evocative of the Grand Canyon’s layered walls yet covered entirely in green vegetation, it’s more reminiscent of Kauai, with tall waterfalls plummeting down its verdant sides. As you ascend the side of the mountain, gain views into the canyon’s depths and the broad expanse of the south coast. On your last night in the area, venture out in the evening for more coastal photography in the golden light.

Today marks a transition in your itinerary, moving from Iceland’s youngest and most dynamic landscapes along the active rift zone toward older regions along the east coast. Along your eastward route, seek out Icelandic horses, intricate riverbeds and more rugged landscapes to photograph. The Stokksnes Peninsula is full of enticing subjects, from beaches of jet-black sand to 10-foot-high sand dunes covered in bright green beach grass, and the ragged profile of Vestrahorn, one of Iceland’s most stark and stunning mountains. The sheer-sided massif is comprised mostly of rare gabbro rock, a plutonic magma nearly 11 million years old. Near Hofn, where you’ll spend the night, shoot striking coastal rock formations and bucolic scenes of sheep grazing in lush pastures, adjusting to changing light and weather conditions to take advantage of the best photography opportunities.

Begin the day with another chance to shoot the iconic profile of Vestrahorn in the morning light. Also photograph the jagged range of Eystrahorn, a lesser-known set of peaks surveying a wild black-sand beach on the southeast corner of Iceland. Then follow the coast into the little-visited East Fjords, which has some of the oldest rock in Iceland, with layer upon layer of basalt from ancient eruptions slowly carved away by 2.5 million years of successive ice ages. The expansive coastal plain transitions to classic U-shaped glacial valleys flanked by weathered basalt mountains. The ocean is always close as the road winds along the fjord-riven coast, unveiling rocky coves and picturesque fishing villages. The tiny town of Djupivogur hugs the mouth of narrow Berufjordur Fjord, where you may see whales, seals and dolphins.

After dinner in Breiddalsvik, capitalize on the evening light as you meander your way through the peaceful, less-traveled Breiddalur Valley, with stops along the way to photograph burbling creeks, lakes and striking mountains. A short walk leads to Flogufoss, a hidden waterfall deep in the valley. Then, drive across a mountain pass and drop into the glacial valley of Lagarfljot, continuing to Egilstaddir, East Iceland’s largest town, where you check in to your hotel for 2 nights.

Your focus for the first half of the day is one of the most photogenic of the East Fjords, the slender finger of Mjoifjordur, which means “narrow fjord.” Carved out by successive ice ages and protected from the elements along the outer coast, the water is often calm as glass, making for beautiful reflection photography. You can occasionally spot whales in the fjord as well. This is one of the most remote destinations in Iceland, accessed by a road that is open for only about four months a year, when it is snow-free. The steep, winding gravel road that descends to the sea extends to the end of the 11-mile fjord. Mjoifjordur’s setting at the head of the fjord is stunning, surrounded by an amphitheater of waterfalls. A highlight is Klifbrekkufossar, a seven-step cascade that terraces down through a rugged chasm carpeted with green vegetation. A trail hugs the side of the waterfall, allowing access to varied angles and closer views.

Continue to Borgarfjordur Eystri, a fjord that is reputedly home to one of numerous “elfin communities” that thrive in Icelandic mythology. The fjord takes its name from the Icelandic elf-queen, Alfaborg, who is said to live nearby. Here you’ll find one of Iceland’s largest Atlantic puffin colonies, and you can spend several hours among them this afternoon on a puffin photography intensive. A boardwalk weaving through the colony allows easy access, and since the puffins are accustomed to human presence, you are able to get exceptionally close shots. Then, gain another angle on puffins as you head to sea on a private two-hour RIB safari, exploring the coastline from a rigid inflatable boat. Capture shots of puffins in their cliffside dens, plus many other seabirds, seals, dolphins and possibly whales. Return to Egilsstadir for a second night.

Travel inland today from Egilsstadir for an in-depth exploration of scenic Lagarflojt Valley. Stop for photos of Lagarflojt Lake, where local lore holds that a sea monster inhabits its waters. You are surrounded by an evocative wild, rural landscape, offering opportunities to photograph Icelandic horses, rarely seen waterfalls and impressive canyons. Climbing into the highlands, follow Iceland’s original Highway 1 over two remote passes and through a rare tract of Icelandic forest to reach Modrudalur. This is one of the oldest farms in Iceland, with evidence of its presence since the original settlement by the Vikings. The site was an important crossroads where two historic cross-country trails intersected, and its location is referenced in the famous Sagas that date to the 10th and 11th centuries. Modrudalur is also the highest inhabited place in Iceland, at 1,539 feet above sea level. Spend the next two nights here at Fjalladyrd, a hospitable family-run farm.

Set out in Super Jeeps this morning to explore the hidden wonders of Iceland’s little-visited highlands. These large SUVs have been modified with big tires and extra shock absorption to provide a more comfortable ride over off-road terrain, allowing deeper access into this remote region. On your adventurous journey through the lunar-like landscape, make multiple stops that may include Villi’s secret waterfall and the 5,501-foot Herdubrid, a peak known as the “Queen of Iceland.” Marvel at Hafrahvammagljufur Canyon, a dramatic gorge more than 650 feet deep, from high grassy slopes overlooking the abrupt chasm. You’ll also visit one of Iceland’s traditional turf houses—historic dwellings constructed from earth, stone and timber. Return to Modrudalur for a second night at Fjalladyrd. The stark landscape is iconic to Iceland’s highlands. Slivers of life grow where water flows, crater rows line the horizon, and old lava flows from the active Askja volcanic system create an extraordinary landscape.

Photograph mighty Dettifoss, Europe’s largest waterfall by volume and the most powerful in Iceland. This thundering curtain of water, churning spray into the sky, is 330 feet wide and 150 high, fed by the giant Vatnajokull Glacier, which spawns the Jokulsa a Fjollum River. Dettifoss is contained inside a massive canyon carved out by ancient glacial outwash floods, where four times the volume of the Amazon River once tore through this landscape. Visitors frequently see rainbows over the falls, which make for dramatic photos. You also stop at Selfoss, a striking U-shaped wall of rushing cataracts fed by the same river originating in Vatnajokull.

Continue to Lake Myvatn, located in the rift zone of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The lake was formed during a massive eruption 2,300 years ago and is still a site of geothermal activity, with lava flows coming most recently from the 1984 eruption of Krafla volcano. Numerous lava formations are found in and around the shallow lake, and you’ll photograph the pseudocraters of Skutustadir on a short hike. These phenomena are formed when lava flows over wet ground, pushing it down and trapping steam. As pressure mounts, steam explosions create these fascinating “false craters.” One of the premier birdwatching areas in the world, Lake Myvatn’s marshes provide habitat for huge numbers of migratory birds in summer. More than 115 species have been seen at the lake, including 15 species of nesting ducks, horned grebe, great northern diver, common loon, red-throated loon, whooper swan, Barrow’s goldeneye, and many more seasonal visitors.

Nearby, photograph the striking turquoise lake filling Krafla Viti Crater and explore the Leirnjukur Lava field–colorful rock, moss and lichen, and a striking crater from the 1970’s eruptions in the region. More of Iceland’s simmering subterranean energy is on display at Hverarond, hissing with steam vents, bubbling mud pots and pungent sulphur. Driving west, stop to photograph Godafoss, one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls, which originates deep in the highlands. Shaped like a crescent, it drops 40 feet over a sheer volcanic cliff.

After an hour drive along Eyjafjordur, one of the longest fjords in Iceland, arrive in Akureyri for a celebratory farewell dinner before your flight to Reykjavik.

A transfer from the hotel to Keflavik International Airport is included to meet departing flights.

Fly this morning to Egilsstadir, the largest town on the little-visited east side of Iceland where you’ll spend the next 3 nights. Your first destination is one of the most photogenic of the East Fjords, the slender finger of Mjoifjordur, which means “narrow fjord.” Carved out by successive ice ages and protected from the elements along the outer coast, the water is often calm as glass, making for beautiful reflection photography. You occasionally spot whales in the fjord as well. This is one of the most remote destinations in Iceland, accessed by a road that is open for only about four months a year, when it is snow-free. The steep, winding gravel road that descends to the sea extends to the end of the 11-mile fjord. Mjoifjordur’s setting at the head of the fjord is stunning, surrounded by an amphitheater of waterfalls. A highlight is Klifbrekkufossar, a seven-step cascade that terraces down through a rugged chasm carpeted with green vegetation. A trail hugs the side of the waterfall, allowing access to varied angles and closer views.

Please note: The Eclipse Specialty departure in August 2026 will stay one more night in Reykjavik to view the eclipse. Travelers will fly to Egilsstadir on Day 3.

Travel inland today for an in-depth exploration of scenic Lagarflojt Valley. Stop for photos of Lagarflojt Lake, where local lore holds that a sea monster inhabits its waters. You are surrounded by an evocative wild, rural landscape, offering opportunities to photograph Icelandic horses, rarely seen waterfalls and impressive canyons.

On a scenic drive through a massive valley and over a mountain pass, continue to Borgarfjordur Eystri. a fjord that is reputedly home to one of numerous “elfin communities” that thrive in Icelandic mythology. The fjord takes its name from the Icelandic elf-queen, Alfaborg, who is said to live nearby. But it is the fjord’s puffin residents that capture your attention for the bulk of the day: Here you’ll find one of Iceland’s largest Atlantic puffin colonies, and we spend a full afternoon among them on a puffin photography intensive. A boardwalk weaving through the colony allows easy access, and since the puffins are accustomed to human presence, you are able to get exceptionally close shots. Then, gain another angle on puffins as you head to sea on a private two-hour RIB safari, exploring the coastline from a rigid inflatable boat. Capture shots of puffins in their cliffside dens, plus many other seabirds, seals, dolphins and possibly whales. Return to Egilsstadir for a second night.

Today, head into a remote and little-traveled region of Iceland that’s huge on scenic drama and very low on other visitors. Traveling by 4×4 Super Jeep, you are able to get far into the interior of the East Highlands, a desolate landscape of austere beauty. Lying in the rain shadow of Vatnajokull, this region’s dry terrain is evocative of being on another planet, in stark contrast to the vibrant green expanse of the southwest highlands. Photography subjects include imposing peaks, glaciers, canyons and braided rivers spreading like veins across broad gravel plains.

Your first destination is Hafrahvammagljufur Canyon, a deep gorge with 650-foot walls that stretches almost 5 miles from the Vatnajokull ice cap toward the sprawling Jokuldalur Valley. Stop to get photos from various vantage points along the rim. Powerful rivers originate in this region, and you’ll view the upper reaches of Lagarfljot as well as Jokulsa a Bru, the longest river in East Iceland, which has a vast and dynamic effect on a broad swath of the landscape including the coastline, being reshaped by the river’s massive volume of silt. Eroding one of the wildest and deepest canyons in the country, the river deposits about 120 tons of silt in the delta area per hour, fed by Bruarjokull, the largest glacier tongue of the Vatnajokull ice cap.

Departing Egilsstadir, pass through the glacial valley of Lagarfljot, then cross a mountain pass to drop into the peaceful Breiddalur Valley, with stops along the way to photograph burbling creeks, lakes and striking mountains. Continuing south, traverse classic U-shaped glacial valleys to reach the coastline of the little-visited East Fjords, which has some of the oldest rock in Iceland, with layer upon layer of basalt from ancient eruptions slowly carved away by 2.5 million years of successive ice ages. The ocean is always close as the road winds along the fjord-riven coast, unveiling rocky coves and picturesque fishing villages. Soon, reach the Stokksnes Peninsula on the southeast corner of Iceland, where you have a chance to shoot the iconic profile of Vestrahorn. Also photograph the jagged range of Eystrahorn, a lesser-known set of peaks surveying a wild black-sand beach. Spend the next 3 nights at a hotel near Jokulsarlon with a stunning setting on a vast coastal plain backdropped by rugged mountains.

Get an aerial perspective on some of Iceland’s most dramatic scenery from a private fixed-wing plane flight over the Skaftafell region of Vatnajokull National Park. Known for its rugged landscapes, mountains and glaciers, Skaftafell contains about half of the Vatnajokull Glacier, Europe’s largest ice cap. No roads penetrate the park’s wild recesses, but your one-hour low-altitude flight reveals an artistic landscape, with intriguing patterns, contrasts and colors for creative imagery. Photograph the plain of Skeidararsandur, an expanse of black sand and ash sliced by braided glacial rivers that resemble an intricate network of veins. Capture striking shots of the jagged expanse of Skeidararjokull Glacier, draining off Vatnajokull, Iceland’s largest ice cap.

Also spend time on the ground, walking among the scenic outflow of Svinasfell Glacier, a large outlet glacier that flows down from the Vatnajokull ice field. Its surface is especially jagged, with many sharp ridges that lend drama to images, as well as its varied coloration—deep blue ice, white snow and veins of black ash left over from volcanic eruptions in centuries past. The ash patterns create remarkable abstract designs in the ice, a phenomenon not readily found anywhere else in the world.

After dinner, head to Diamond Beach, where icebergs wash up on shore to create a sparkling contrast with the volcanic black sand. The late evening light offers excellent photography conditions, with the sun’s sinking rays gleaming on the scattered icebergs. Seals also frequent the beach, and orcas are sometimes seen offshore.

On a private Zodiac cruise at Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon, you have extended time to photograph the glittering icebergs floating atop the meltwater lakes. The lagoons are fed by the massive Vatnajokull glacier, the largest in Europe. The ice cap covers more than 3,100 square miles—8% of Iceland—and the glacial tongues that flow from it calve the huge chunks of blue ice that drift on the surface of the lagoons. With your expedition leader, go ashore for short hikes in the area that overlook the floating ice sculptures from shore.

This afternoon, hike into the otherworldly Mulagljufur Canyon, one of Iceland’s most scenic yet still relatively little-known destinations. Evocative of the Grand Canyon’s layered walls yet covered entirely in green vegetation, it’s more reminiscent of Kauai, with tall waterfalls plummeting down its verdant sides. As you ascend the side of the mountain, gain views into the canyon’s depths and the broad expanse of the south coast. On your last night in the area, venture out in the evening for more coastal photography in the golden light, likely returning for a second shoot at Diamond Beach.

Continuing your encounters with the fascinating geological features on Iceland’s south coast, investigate the dynamic relationship between fire and ice, examining the largest glacial outwash plane in the world. Katla UNESCO Global Geopark contains roughly 9% of Iceland’s total landmass, encompassing massive glaciers and active volcanoes that have shaped the land for millennia, including the powerful eruptions of Eyjafjallajokull in 2010 and Grimsvotn in 2011. The geopark also holds glacial rivers, lakes, meadows of purple lupine, black-sand beaches, vast lava fields and caverns. Lomagnupur Mountain is an impressive subject, with steep cliffs and a flat top that you may find reflected in nearby ponds.

Other subjects include the Dyrholaey Peninsula, with its picturesque lighthouse on the most southerly point of mainland Iceland, and Reynisdrangar Rocks. Legend holds that this trio of columnar basalt sea stacks was formed after two trolls were out fishing in a three-masted ship. When the trolls did not return to their cave before sunrise, they and their vessel turned into needles of stone, since trolls cannot tolerate daylight. The South Coast is also known for some of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls, and today holds an opportunity to photograph three of the largest and most famous: Kvernyufoss, Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss. Continue to your hotel outside Hella in southwest Iceland where you’ll spend the next 3 nights.

Today, return to the remote highlands of central Iceland with a full day of exploring by Super Jeep. Moving inland from the lush coast, witness a rapid change in vegetation as you enter the mountains. Here in the southern sector of Fjallabak Nature Reserve, find a stunning landscape to entrance photographers. Rugged peaks in an array of shapes, forms and colors flank the 4×4 track you follow, the rock palette tinted by rhyolite and obsidian. A vivid blanket of green alpine moss and lichen adds a bright accent, while black-sand expanses lend contrast, filling the gaps between jagged ridges, volcanic summits and dramatic canyons and valleys. At times, the setting is evocative of a moonscape, stark and breathtaking. The region is laced with braided riverbeds, which you’ll cross multiple times. A view of Myrdalsjokull Glacier—one of Iceland’s largest, which conceals Katla, one of its most active volcanoes—is a highlight. While Fjallabak is a popular hiking destination, you’re still mostly alone here, rarely encountering other people or vehicles.

Return today to the Highlands, this time to photograph the Landmannalaugur region via 4×4 Super Jeep. Located on the edge of the Laugahraun lava field formed by an eruption in the late 15th century, the area is renowned for its unique geology, including vibrant, multicolored rhyolite mountains, obsidian caves and geothermal hot springs. The scale of the landscape is astounding, with stark ranges rising high above glacier-carved river valleys, volcanic craters and fields of lava covered in lime-green moss. Sigoldugljufur Canyon, also known as the Valley of Tears, is a highlight. Like a scene from a fantasy, the winding canyon is fed by spring-sourced streams that pour off its vertical walls in crystalline waterfalls, filling the turquoise river below. Previously very difficult to access, a new road constructed in 2021 now allows most 4×4 vehicles to reach this impossibly picturesque spot. Stop at various vantage points to photograph the canyon and waterfalls, as well as at other vistas of the colorful mountains and steaming geothermal features. Also visit the lush green Gjain Valley, filled with entrancing natural features including lava caves, basalt columns, waterfalls and the Rauda River. The landscape has an aura of magic about it, and Icelandic folklore holds that the valley is home to fairies and elves. Nearby Haifoss is Iceland’s third-tallest waterfall and one of its most spectacular, pouring in a thundering column off a vertical basalt cliff.

More of Iceland’s grandest waterfalls await this morning as you make your way back to Reykjavik. Bruarfoss is one of the most beautiful, where dozens of cascading streams from the Bruara River fall in a semi-circular pattern, converging again in the rushing blue river below. Your next stop is Strokkur, Iceland’s most active geyser, erupting about every 10 minutes. Then, photograph powerful Gulfoss—”Golden Falls”—one of Iceland’s most dramatic cataracts. It was formed during the last ice age when glacial runoff carved out a deep canyon, creating a series of drops over which the Hvita River plunges. Your final stop, Thingvellir National Park, offers an on-the-ground perspective on Iceland’s geological origins. Here on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the epicenter of where the Icelandic landscape is forming, you can actually photograph fissures where Earth’s crust is separating. Thingvellir is also the site of Iceland’s political founding, when Norse settlers formed the world’s first parliament in 930. On this site, 30 ruling chiefs met to discuss law and order on the island and to create a government. Reykjavik is just a short drive away, and you’ll return for a final night, including your farewell dinner.

Depart Reykjavik this morning for the 45-minute transfer to Keflavik Airport to meet departing flights.