Compare Iceland Discovery by Intrepid Travel vs Iceland in Autumn Photography Workshop by Iceland Photo Tours

Day 1 Reykjavik

Hallo! Welcome to Reykjavik, which lies just below the Arctic Circle. The city sees around four hours of sunlight a day in winter and 22 hours or more in summer. Surrounded by volcanic peaks and crystalline ocean and boasting a vibrant arts and nightlife scene, Reykjavik's contrasts are utterly beguiling. Your adventure kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm at your accommodation. If you arrive early, why not head to the National Museum, which depicts the history of Iceland from the ninth century – when the first Vikings from mainland Scandinavia arrived and settled – to the present day. Or perhaps join locals who gossip and chatter in the Laugardalslaug Geothermal Pool.

Day 2 Golden Circle / Hvolsvollur Valley

Make an early start to beat the crowds on the Golden Circle route. Head to Thingvellir National Park, home to the Parliament Plains and location of Iceland’s first parliament. Thingvellir also contains the Silfra fissure, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart. The resulting gap is partly filled with fresh water and is clearly visible. From here head to the Geysir geothermal area, checking out Strokkur and watching as the geyser swells with blue water before erupting and shooting some 20-30 metres in the air. Be spellbound by the immense beauty and sheer power of the Gullfoss (Golden) double waterfall on the Hvita River, before proceeding to a remote farm in the Hvolsvollur region, our overnight stop for the night.

Day 3 South Coast / Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Begin the day with a visit to breathtaking Seljalandsfoss waterfall, followed by Skogafoss waterfall. At 25-metres wide with a 60-metre drop, this waterfall roars. You can feel its power up close with a strenuous walk up a windy set of stairs up to a stunning viewpoint. The black sands and bizarre, rectangular rock formations of Reynisfjara are up next. The last stop of the day is the famous Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Make sure you head down to Diamond Beach, where some of the icebergs are washed onto the black sand. Your leader can help you book an optional walk on the mottled blue, grey and black face of one of the tongues of Europe's largest glaciers, the epic ice cap of Vatnajokull. From Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon it is not far to our overnight stay, located on another lagoon that is sheltered by a black sandbar.

Day 4 East Fjords / Modrudalur Valley

Start the day by returning to the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Cruise between jagged icebergs in an included boat tour. Then take a scenic drive along the rugged coast of the East Fjords. Enjoy spectacular views of high mountains, deep fjords, spectacular waterfalls, glaciers and quaint fishing villages. Make stops along the way at small but notable towns like Djupivogur, which became a member of the cittaslow movement in 2013 and is aiming to be the Happiest Town in Iceland, and drop by Egilsstadir, home to the mythic Lagarfljot Wyrm. Continue along mountain roads into the highland to the farm village of Modrudalur. At 469 metres (1539 feet) above sea level, Modrudalur is the highest inhabited place in Iceland, and snow can be seen almost year-round. Stretch your legs with a walk to the farm's church, built in 1949 by farmer Jon Adalsteinn Stefansson in memory of his wife. Spend the evening on this unique farm, which is small but rich in history.

Day 5 Lake Myvatn / Akureyri

Set off for magnificent Dettifoss, Europe's mightiest waterfall at 100-metres wide and with a 45-metre drop into the craggy shores of Jokulsargljufur canyon below. It’s so powerful that it’s vibrations can be felt underfoot. Continue to volcanic Lake Myvatn. Next is Namaskard, where steam rises from the sulphuric terrain and it’s hard to believe you’re on Earth and not Mars. Take a walk around the lava stacks and caves of Dimmuborgir and then observe the massive pseudo craters of Skutustadir. Continue to the crescent shaped Godafoss waterfall, where legend says a lawmaker priest threw the idols of the Norse gods when Christianity became Iceland’s official religion in AD1000. Travel on to Akureyri and settle into your accommodation for the evening.

Day 6 Akureyri / Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Situated at the head of Iceland's longest fjord, Akureyri is the nation's second-largest city. Embark on a short walking tour of the town, taking in the striking church and other local sights. Later, continue to Snaefellsnes Peninsula, home to the magnificent Snaefellsjokull Glacier, which played a starring role in Jules Verne's 1864 novel Journey to the Centre of the Earth. Next up is Lysuholslaug, where you can bathe in thermal pools (depending on the season) or check out the Icelandic horses grazing in the fields. Look forward to an included home-cooked dinner this evening.

Day 7 Snaefellsnes Peninsula / Reykjavik

Continue exploring the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, beginning with the white beach at Budir, then go on to Arnarstapi, where a short stroll along the coastal cliffs exposes you to rich bird life and other wonders of nature. Continue on to the basaltic pebble beach Djupalonssandur. In the afternoon head back to Reykjavik to complete your circuit of Iceland. You may wish to book an optional whale watching tour for late afternoon if you are here between May and December. The rest of the evening is yours for the taking. Perhaps head out for dinner with your fellow travellers and toast with a glass of Brennivin, a savoury schnapps.

Day 8 Reykjavik

Today is departure day and time to say sjaumst (see you soon)! Check out time is at midday. If you are departing later, you can arrange with reception to store your luggage at the hotel. If you wish to spend more time in Reykjavik, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). Please speak to your booking agent at the time of booking. Perhaps browse some of the city's great art galleries. If you feel like something more active, book yourself on a Silfra Fissure snorkelling adventure, where you’ll discover this underwater ridge with water visibility of up to 120 metres. Alternatively, while away the hours with a soak in the geothermal waters of the famous Blue Lagoon.

Day 1 - Arrival

On day one you will land at Keflavik international airport, before catching the comfortable FlyBus to your hotel in central Reykjavík. You’ll meet you in the evening in the lobby of your hotel, and head out for dinner as a group. It’s a great opportunity to get to know each other, and you’ll take some time to discuss your itinerary and the adventure to come.

Accommodation: Reykjavik

Day 2 - Snæfellsnes peninsula

On the morning of the second day the group will head north to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in the west of Iceland. On the southern part of Snæfellsnes you will photograph the rugged wilderness of the coastline, where jagged cliffs and unusual rock formations act as spectacular foregrounds for potential shots of the northern lights. Even if the Aurora Borealis don’t show themselves on this day, the sights of Arnarstapi and the bewitching black church near Budir will definitely be enough to keep us occupied.

Next up, you will explore the peninsula a little more with a trip to the rocks of Londrangar, a collection of volcanic basalt rising dramatically from the ocean. After just a day here, you’ll begin to understand why Snæfellsnes is often described as “Iceland in miniature” - so many incredible natural spectacles can be found, and there are endless opportunities for patient photographers. Accommodation: Snæfellsnes

Day 3 - Snæfellsnes peninsula

On day three our adventures on the peninsula of Snæfellsnes continue. The aim will be to cover the sights and locations that we didn’t manage to fit in yesterday, skirting along the quaint coastal villages and taking in the mighty Snæfellsjökull glacier.

As we head to the northern end of the peninsula, one of the highlights of the entire trip will come into view. With its almost-perfect cone shape, the mountain of Kirkjufell is a fairytale sight in a fairytale location. We will shoot it with the charming Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall in the foreground, and Grundarfjordur Bay right behind. If we’re lucky enough that our visit coincides with the northern lights, the whole group will get shots that will last a lifetime. Accommodation: Snæfellsnes

Day 4 - Hraunfossar – Golden circle

On day four our journey continues, as we head back inland toward Iceland’s famous Golden Circle. First up, a stop at the blue waterfall of Hraunfossar. It’s not so much a single waterfall as a series of cascading falls, which during the autumn months are surrounded by the many shades and tones on the season.

Next we will explore the Golden Circle. Oddly for a circle, it has three points. The first is Thingvellir National Park, an area of incredible historical and geographical significance. The park marks the spot where the original Icelandic parliament was founded, and its giant fissures signal the meeting point of two continental plates. We will then take a drive up to the mighty Gullfoss, a spectacular waterfall that offers plenty of vantage points, a picturesque setting and fine mist to add some texture to proceedings. The final point of the Golden Circle is the Geysir geothermal area. Here there are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for photographers patient enough to capture Strokkur, which shoots steam high into the air every ten minutes or so. Accommodation: Geysir area

Day 5 - Vik

Day five marks a change of direction for the group, as we head south toward some of Iceland’s lesser known, but arguably more impressive, natural scenes. The scenic south coast is home to dramatic black sand beaches, amazing rock formations and a number of mighty waterfalls. We will photograph the stunning Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which has an opening behind the water to allow for some extraordinary shots from the stony recess at its back. Another waterfall, Skogafoss, is nearby too. The group will also explore some of Iceland’s finest coastline, taking in the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, the magnificent views from the stone walkway of Dyrholaey, and the breathtaking stretches of black sand beach as we head for Vik. Accommodation: Vik

Day 6 - Vatnajokull National Park

When many people think if Iceland, they will probably picture scenes that can be found within the Vatnajokull National Park: Fire and ice. That’s where we will head on day six. The group will spend three days in the area, which gives you a good idea of just how many sights and scenes there are to capture and enjoy. The Vatnajokull National Park is most famous for its combination of volcanoes, glaciers and icy lagoons. Vatnajokull is actually Europe’s largest glacier, and Iceland’s highest summit, Hvannadalshnjukur, can also be seen in the area. It’s a place of magnitude and pure natural theatre - In honesty, three days probably isn’t enough.

Aside from the glacial lagoons, mountains and extremes of ice and fire, there are waterfalls too! Skaftafell and Svartifoss will both be on our list to shoot. Accommodation: Glacier Lagoon

Day 7 - Vatnajökull National park

Picture the scene: Glistening, miniature ice sculptures wash up on a black sand beach as the sun begins to rise. You’re probably starting to understand why the Vatnajokull National Park is a photographer’s dream, full of different lights, contrasting textures and an array of natural wonders. On day seven the group will concentrate on the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. There we will observe as enormous icebergs break free from Europe’s largest ice cap and float silently out to sea. We will visit the volcanic, black sand beaches and marvel at the crystal clear ice washed ashore, and hopefully the elusive aurora borealis will come out to meet us. Accommodation: Glacier Lagoon

Day 8 - Vatnajökull National park

As you’ve probably guessed by now, there is so much to explore in the area that we will largely spend our time moving from one incredible sight to another. The exact itinerary will be flexible, depending on the group’s preferences, the light and the weather conditions. One thing’s for sure; few places in the world exhibit such a wide range of natural phenomena as Vatnajokull National Park,so you can be assured that your expert guides will be constantly on the hunt for the best possible photographic opportunities.

Eventually though, all good things must come to an end. We will drive further east to Stokksnes Beach, where we will capture the dramatic peaks of Mt. Vestrahorn alongside the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. If the northern lights make an appearance, this could be the photo opportunity of a lifetime. Accommodation: Glacier Lagoon

Day 9 - Vik

On day nine we will be turn back to Vik and drive along the south coast. There are plenty of sights still to see along the shoreline, from mountain peaks, glacial outlets and mossy lava fields to wild Icelandic horses. Again, we will choose our locations accordingly, depending on conditions and timings. Accommodation: Vik

Day 10 - Heading back

On the tenth day of this photography workshop we will head back to Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik. There are plenty of sights on the way, and there will be one final chance to pick the brains of our expert guides as we capture the sunrise on Reynisfjara beach, with the Reynisdrangar sea stacks in the background.

Day 11 - Departure

After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, you will head back to Keflavik International Airport, carrying with you a load of unforgettable memories and a bunch of fully loaded memory cards.