ICELAND: LAND OF FIRE, ICE & ICELANDIC HORSES
September 15-23, 2027
6 Spaces Available!
September 15-23, 2027
Reykjavík, Iceland
Details
Experience the raw beauty of Iceland on an unforgettable journey through a land shaped by fire, ice, wind, and water.
From thundering waterfalls and black-sand beaches to ancient glaciers, volcanic landscapes, Icelandic horses, and steaming geothermal lagoons, this immersive adventure has been designed to showcase the extraordinary diversity of one of the world’s most photogenic destinations.
Our journey begins with a relaxing soak in the legendary Blue Lagoon before we set out to explore Iceland’s iconic Golden Circle and spectacular South Coast. Along the way, we’ll photograph powerful waterfalls, moss-covered canyons, dramatic sea cliffs, sweeping volcanic landscapes, floating icebergs, and glittering fragments of glacial ice scattered across Diamond Beach.
Wildlife and animal lovers will have the opportunity to spend time at a small family-run farm photographing Iceland’s beloved horses, known for their beautiful flowing manes, gentle personalities, and distinctive character. We’ll also visit the renowned Friðheimar farm to experience another side of Icelandic life and learn how geothermal energy makes agriculture possible in this remarkable environment.
As we travel deeper into southern Iceland, the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic. We’ll explore Skaftafell Nature Reserve, cruise among floating ice on Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon, photograph the otherworldly beauty of Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach, and spend time along the wild coastline surrounding Vík.
One of the highlights of our adventure will take us beneath the surface of a glacier as we venture into the extraordinary Katla Ice Cave with an experienced local glacier guide. Layers of black volcanic ash and sculpted ice create patterns found nowhere else, revealing the powerful relationship between Iceland’s glaciers and volcanoes.
And because adventure should include time to simply enjoy being somewhere extraordinary, we’ve woven moments of relaxation into the journey as well. In addition to the Blue Lagoon, we’ll visit the beautiful Laugarás Lagoon, where we can soak in warm geothermal waters surrounded by Icelandic nature.
September brings another special possibility: the return of the northern lights. While the aurora can never be guaranteed, Iceland’s increasingly dark September nights give us the opportunity to watch the skies and, when conditions cooperate, photograph one of nature’s most spectacular displays.
Our final journey takes us across the Reykjanes Peninsula, through stark lava fields created by Iceland’s recent volcanic activity and along its rugged Atlantic coastline, before returning to Reykjavík for our final evening together.
Throughout the tour, we’ll travel privately with our own guide and vehicle, giving us the flexibility to linger when the light is beautiful, explore at a comfortable pace, and experience Iceland without the rushed feeling of a traditional sightseeing tour.
This adventure is about more than photographing Iceland’s famous landmarks. It’s about experiencing the textures, light, landscapes, animals, and elemental forces that make this island unlike anywhere else on Earth — while sharing the journey with a small group of women who love nature, photography, travel, and adventure.
Tour Highlights
- Iceland’s spectacular Golden Circle and South Coast
- Private time photographing Icelandic horses at a family-run farm
- Blue Lagoon Premium experience
- Laugarás Lagoon geothermal bathing
- Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon and Iceland’s dramatic waterfalls
- Skaftafell Nature Reserve and Svartifoss
- Jökulsárlón and Fjallsárlón glacier lagoons
- Zodiac excursion among floating glacial ice
- Diamond Beach and its striking black volcanic shoreline
- Vík, Dyrhólaey, and Iceland’s famous black-sand beaches
- Guided adventure into the extraordinary Katla Ice Cave
- Reykjanes Peninsula and Iceland’s newest volcanic landscapes
- Opportunities to photograph the northern lights when conditions allow
- Private transportation and guide throughout the journey
- A relaxed, photography-friendly pace with time to truly experience each location
About your tour leaders…..
Sarah E. Devlin is an award-winning wildlife and nature photographer and the founder of Women In Wildlife Photography LLC, an organization dedicated to empowering and uplifting women in the field of wildlife photography. Her journey began with a deeply personal discovery—the profound therapeutic connection between photography and mental well-being. Since then, she has cultivated a powerful bond with the natural world, using her lens not only as a creative outlet but as a tool for transformation and healing.
Today, Sarah leads international photography expeditions exclusively for women, fostering community, confidence, and creative growth in some of the most stunning natural environments on earth. Her unique photographic style—recognized for its emotional depth and artistic vision—has earned her numerous accolades, including placement in the prestigious Audubon and NANPA (North American Nature Photography Association) Top 100 competitions.
Her work has been featured in acclaimed publications such as Nature’s Best Photography and continues to inspire audiences around the world. Based in the northeastern United States, Sarah remains deeply committed to her mission: helping women discover the restorative power of nature through the art of photography.
Growing up in Alberta, Jordan Blackstone was surrounded by the wild beauty of the prairies and the ruggedness of the Rockies. With these as her backyard, they have influenced her style and given her a strong appreciation for the raw beauty of the life around her. Jordan is a Photographer who loves to paint and a painter who loves photography. Do not try to fit Jordan into a particular genre for she is constantly growing and learning. While wildlife and nature are her main focal points, she also enjoys working on portraits and graphic design. Each one presents its own unique challenges. Jordan is a member of Federation of Canadian Artists and Society of Canadian Artists.
10 Participants
$10,495
$1,600 single supplement*
*If you would like a roommate, we will make every effort to pair you with someone. However, if we are unable to find an available match , the single supplement will apply.
ITINERARY
September 15-23, 2027
Day 1 – Arrival in Reykjavík
Your journey begins as you touch down at Keflavík International Airport, where a private driver will be waiting to welcome you to Iceland. Rather than heading straight into the city, you will make your way to the Blue Lagoon, where a premium entrance awaits for a warm, healing dip in the milky mineral waters, the perfect way to ease into Icelandic time after your flight. Once refreshed, you will continue on to your hotel in downtown Reykjavík to settle in. In the evening, your guide will join you for a welcome dinner in the heart of the city, a warm and relaxed introduction to the days of exploration ahead.
Day 2 – The Golden Circle
We set off to explore the Golden Circle, Iceland’s most iconic touring route and a rich starting point for landscape photography. The day unfolds across dramatic geological wonders, from steaming geothermal fields to thundering waterfalls and the rift valley where two continents visibly pull apart, each stop offering its own distinct light and composition. As the afternoon light softens, you will continue east toward the South Coast, arriving in the Hvolsvöllur area where you will spend the night, ready to continue deeper into the region the following day.
Day 3 – Horses and Farm Life
Your day begins at a small, family-run horse farm, home to the beloved Icelandic horse with its gentle nature and famous fifth gait. Over roughly two hours, you are free to choose your own pace, whether that means joining a private horseback ride through the surrounding countryside or simply spending unhurried time getting to know the horses up close, camera in hand, capturing their thick manes and curious expressions. From there, you will travel to Friðheimar, the renowned tomato farm and horse stables, where you will receive private guidance through their geothermal greenhouses and learn how green energy powers their farming, along with a visit to their charming stables. The day offers a wonderful blend of landscape, agriculture, and Iceland’s cherished horses, all in one relaxed setting. End the day in Laugarás Lagoon for a relaxing dip surrounded by tranquil nature before heading back to your hotel on South coast.
Day 4 – Canyons and Waterfalls
Today you continue east toward Kirkjubæjarklaustur, stopping along the way at some of South Iceland’s most photogenic natural formations. Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, with its winding, moss-covered walls, offers sweeping views perfect for capturing scale and texture, while Systrafoss and the striking basalt columns of Kirkjugólfur provide further variety for your lenses. Each stop gives you time to walk, observe, and photograph without feeling rushed. As the day winds down, you will settle into your accommodation in the Kirkjubæjarklaustur area, surrounded by the quiet beauty of this volcanic region.
Day 5 – Glaciers and Glacial Lagoons
This is a day rich with variety, beginning in Skaftafell Nature Reserve, where a short and rewarding hike leads to the striking basalt-framed waterfall of Svartifoss, one of the most photographed spots in the region. From there, you continue to the glacial lagoons of Jökulsárlón and Fjallsárlón, where icebergs drift quietly toward the sea. Included in your tour is a zodiac boat tour on Fjallsárlón, bringing you close among the floating ice for a truly immersive experience, though those who wish to go further can upgrade to a float excursion directly in the lagoon. Before heading back, you will stop at Diamond Beach, where chunks of glacial ice rest scattered across the black volcanic sand, glittering against the dark shoreline. The day concludes with a return to your accommodation in the Kirkjubæjarklaustur area.
Day 6 – Vík and the South Coast
Today is dedicated to the extraordinary scenery around Vík, one of the most visually striking stretches of Iceland’s southern coastline. You will spend the day fully exploring the area’s black sand beaches, dramatic sea cliffs, and the iconic promontory of Dyrhólaey, along with other nearby highlights that make this region a favorite among photographers. The interplay of dark volcanic sand, crashing Atlantic waves, and sculpted rock formations offers endless compositions throughout the day. You will spend the night in Vík itself, ideally positioned for tomorrow’s glacier adventure.
Day 7 – Katla Ice Cave
Joined by a local glacier guide, you will head out to explore the Katla Ice Cave, a striking black ice cave formed within the Katla volcanic system. The contrast of deep black ice against the surrounding glacier and nearby black sands creates a truly memorable and visually striking experience, unlike anything else on the trip. This is a highlight day for photography, offering a rare glimpse into the hidden world beneath the glacier’s surface. You will return to Vík for a second night, allowing time to rest after the adventure.
Day 8 – The Reykjanes Peninsula
Today you begin the journey back toward Reykjavík, taking the scenic route through the Reykjanes Peninsula. Along the way, you will pass through striking new lava fields formed by recent volcanic activity, a raw and otherworldly landscape unlike anywhere else visited so far on the tour. A stop at the Reykjanesviti lighthouse, Iceland’s oldest, offers dramatic coastal views and yet another distinct photographic setting, along with other notable stops in the area. The day concludes back in Reykjavík, where you will spend your final night before departure.
Day 9 – Departure
Your Icelandic journey comes to a close today with a private driver transfer from your Reykjavík hotel to Keflavík International Airport, timed to suit your departing flight.
RESERVE SPACE
INCLUDED
- Private driver transfer from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík hotel, via the Blue Lagoon
- Blue Lagoon premium entrance
- Welcome dinner in downtown Reykjavík with your guide (drinks not included)
- Private guide and vehicle for the duration of the tour (Days 2–8)
- All accommodation as per itinerary (8 nights)
- Visit to a family-run horse farm, with time to photograph and get to know the horses (2 hours)
- Private guided tour of Friðheimar’s geothermal greenhouses and stables
- Laugarás Lagoon entrance
- Zodiac boat tour on Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon
- Katla Ice Cave tour with local glacier guide
- Private driver transfer from Reykjavík hotel to Keflavík Airport
- Pre-trip zoom meeting
EXCLUDED
- Airfare
- Lunch and dinners (except welcome dinner on day 1)
- Trip insurance (required)
Photography Guidance
Light
This tour is designed as a nature-focused experience for women who enjoy photography. The emphasis is on time in the field observing the natural surroundings and enjoying the experience together. Guidance and tips are always available if you’d like them, but there are no formal lessons or structured instruction. All skill levels are welcome.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate
Participants should be comfortable walking up to 2–3 miles over uneven, rocky, sandy, or potentially slippery terrain, with some inclines. The hike to Svartifoss includes a steady uphill climb, and the Katla Ice Cave excursion requires walking over uneven glacial and volcanic terrain. Participants should also be able to get in and out of a Zodiac boat with assistance and be comfortable spending time outdoors in Iceland’s variable weather.
Horseback riding is optional, and no previous riding experience is required. This tour does not require advanced hiking ability, but participants should have good general mobility and be comfortable with an active itinerary.