Itinerary

Where Will We Go? 

Students can expect full days. There is little downtime in this retreat. We will be photographing the sunset some nights which is late (starts around 11PM) due to the Midnight Sun. We will sleep in and get a late start to our days after 10 AM most days. 

Day 1: Arrival + Ármót Guesthouse

• Pick students up at bus terminal or hotel if you came in the night before

• Stop at local bakery for lunch

• Photograph Urriðafoss 

• Photograph Gluggafoss

• Random stops along the way for churches, lupines, horses, etc.

• Stop to get some groceries and supplies
• Check into Armot Guest House

Meeting to go over questions and itinerary 

Day 2: Skógar Area + Iconic Waterfalls

• Morning visit to Skógar Museum – explore Icelandic history and turf houses, a great storytelling and photography opportunity

• Short walk to Kvernufoss, a hidden gem waterfall tucked in a gorge

• Photograph the powerful Skógafoss, with optional short hike to the top for a different perspective

• Lunch at a local café or bistro near Skógar

• Stop at Seljalandsfoss and nearby Gljúfrabúi, a magical waterfall partially hidden in a cave

Return to Ármót Guesthouse

Day 3: Vík Views + Coastal Drama

• Photograph Vík Church – capture the iconic red-roof church with sweeping views over the village and coast

• Head to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach – photograph the basalt columns, Reynisdrangar sea stacks, and crashing Atlantic waves (watch for sneaker waves!)

• Drive to Dyrhólaey Viewpoint – panoramic views of the black coastline, sea arches, and puffins (in season)

• Stop to shop for wool goods, handmade souvenirs, or Icelandic snacks at the Krónan shopping center or Icewear/Vík Wool Factory Outlet
• Dinner in Vik
• Return to accommodation in Vík and relax or edit images

Day 4: Canyons, Caves & Mossy Magic

• Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon  – Explore multiple viewpoints along the cliffside trail, capturing the winding river and dramatic cliffs. Great for wide-angle shots and drone photos (if permitted).

• Mossy Lava Fields (Eldhraun) – Photograph the expansive moss-covered lava fields, offering surreal and otherworldly landscapes. Focus on textures, scale, and creative compositions.

• Yoda Cave (Hjörleifshöfði) – Visit the cave that resembles Yoda’s face for unique photo opportunities. Option to hike or drive to the summit of Hjörleifshöfði for panoramic views of the surrounding area.

• Black Beach from the Vík Side – Photograph the beach from a different perspective, with dramatic views of Reynisdrangar sea stacks and the coastline. Great spot for long exposure shots and capturing the waves crashing on the black sand.

• Dinner in Vik

Day 5: Waterfalls, Beaches & Glacial Wonders

• Stjórnarfoss – Photograph this beautiful, hidden waterfall, which is often overlooked by many tourists. Capture the falls surrounded by green cliffs, creating a peaceful and dramatic scene.

• Fossállor Waterfall – Another stunning waterfall to explore. The falls are less crowded and provide an excellent opportunity for detailed shots and wide-angle landscapes.

• Diamond Beach – Capture the stunning contrast of crystal-clear ice chunks scattered across the black sand beach. Great for sunrise or sunset shots with the ice sparkling in the light.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon – Photograph the serene, surreal glacial lagoon filled with floating icebergs. The soft, reflective water creates beautiful compositions, perfect for capturing the tranquil atmosphere.

Day 6: Puffins, Glaciers & Turf Churches

• Puffin Tour – Head out on a guided puffin tour to photograph these adorable birds in their natural habitat. Capture them nesting on cliffs and flying around the coastline.
• Diamond Beach – revisit Diamond Beach 
• Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon – Visit this stunning, less crowded glacier lagoon, with icebergs floating in the glacial waters. A perfect spot for serene landscape photos, especially with the backdrop of the glacier.
• Hofskirkja Turf Church – Capture the charming turf church at Hof, one of the few remaining traditional turf-roofed churches in Iceland, offering a unique architectural and cultural photo opportunity.
  
  

Day 7: Golden Circle Highlights

• Kerið Crater – Photograph the vibrant volcanic crater with its striking red rock and aquamarine water. Walk the rim or descend to the crater lake for different perspectives.

• Geysir Geothermal Area – Capture the iconic Strokkur geyser erupting every few minutes, along with bubbling mud pots and steaming vents throughout the geothermal field.

• Gullfoss Waterfall – One of Iceland’s most powerful and photogenic waterfalls. Photograph it from multiple viewpoints to capture its scale and dramatic double drop.

• Check into Hotel Skálholt – Settle into your final stay, with time to relax or explore the peaceful surroundings before dinner.

Day 8: National Parks, Waterfalls & Fresh Tomatoes

• Þingvellir National Park – Explore Iceland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Photograph the rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, the Öxarárfoss waterfall, and the historic Alþingi site.

• Friðheimar Tomato Greenhouse – Enjoy a unique lunch experience in a working greenhouse where tomatoes are grown year-round using geothermal energy. Great spot for detail shots and a relaxing mid-day break.

• Brúarfoss – Capture this stunning, bright blue waterfall, often called Iceland’s “bluest” due to its glacial color. It’s a favorite for long exposures and tucked-away beauty.

• Optional hot springs visit

Day 9: Farewell, Iceland

• Sleep in and enjoy a slow breakfast – Take time to relax, reflect, and connect with the group one last time before departing.
• Scenic drive back to the airport – Enjoy the final views of Iceland’s landscapes as you make your way toward Keflavík.
• Arrive at the airport by 1:00 PM – Students should plan flights accordingly and be at the airport by early afternoon for check-in and security.

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Please Note: This itinerary is a general guide to the locations we hope to explore, but it’s likely to shift based on weather, road conditions, group energy, or unexpected opportunities that pop up along the way. Iceland is unpredictable—and that’s part of the adventure! Thanks for rolling with the flow and trusting the journey.