Iceland • 8 Day • Exclusive Expedition

Icelandic Odyssey

8 Day Iceland Expedition

An immersive photography journey through Iceland's extraordinary landscapes.

Iceland is a land of dramatic contrasts, where glaciers meet volcanoes, black sand beaches stretch beneath towering sea cliffs, and powerful waterfalls carve through ancient lava fields. Under the endless light of the Icelandic summer, it becomes one of the world's most rewarding photography destinations.

Join internationally award-winning wildlife photographer Scott Portelli as we explore Iceland's iconic South Coast, glacier lagoons, volcanic landscapes and the famous Golden Circle. Timed around the midnight sun, we'll photograph during the best light while avoiding the crowds.

Designed for photographers of all experience levels, this small group expedition combines expert guidance, spectacular locations and plenty of time in the field to capture Iceland at its very best.

This is more than a photography workshop. It's an opportunity to experience one of the world's most remarkable landscapes and return home with unforgettable memories and an incredible collection of images.

Expedition Details

 

  • 2027
    July

    • Day 1 – Arrive in Reykjavík, welcome dinner and expedition briefing

    • Day 2 – Photograph the South Coast, including Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss and Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

    • Days 3–4 – Explore Vatnajökull National Park, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach

    • Day 5 – Sunrise at Diamond Beach followed by Vestrahorn Mountain and the Stokksnes Peninsula

    • Day 6 – Discover Skaftafell Nature Reserve before returning to Vík for an evening photography session

    • Day 7 – Photograph the iconic Golden Circle, including Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area and Gullfoss Waterfall, before returning to Reykjavík

    • Day 8 – Departure from Reykjavík and transfer to Keflavík International Airport

  • 8 Day

  • Reykjavik, Iceland

    • Twin Share: USD $15,700 per person

    • Single Supplement: Available on request (subject to availability)

  • USD $1,000 (non refundable)

Pre-register 2027 Expedition
INQUIRY / DOWNLOAD BROCHURE
  • Steam rising from geothermal vents in the volcanic landscapes of Iceland.
  • Aerial view of a volcanic crater surrounded by lava fields in Iceland.
  • Molten lava flowing across a volcanic landscape during an eruption in Iceland.
  • Aerial view of braided glacial rivers flowing across Iceland's volcanic landscape.
  • Abstract aerial view of braided glacial rivers and volcanic sediments in Iceland.

Expedition Highlights

  • Explore the spectacular landscapes of Vatnajökull National Park, home to Europe's largest glacier.

  • Photograph the iconic Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the icebergs scattered along Diamond Beach.

  • Capture Iceland's dramatic black sand beaches, sea stacks and rugged South Coast.

  • Experience the power of Iceland's famous waterfalls, including Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss and Gullfoss.

  • Discover volcanic landscapes, geothermal features and the remnants of Iceland's recent volcanic activity.

  • Photograph the striking peaks of Vestrahorn Mountain during the golden light of the midnight sun.

  • Visit the cliffs of Dyrhólaey to photograph puffins and spectacular coastal scenery (season permitting).

  • Receive personalised photography guidance from internationally award-winning wildlife photographer Scott Portelli throughout the expedition.

Abstract aerial view of braided glacial rivers flowing across Iceland's volcanic landscape.

What’s Included

  • Comprehensive pre-departure information

  • Shared airport transfer from Keflavík International Airport to your hotel on arrival day

  • One night's accommodation with breakfast in Reykjavík

  • Accommodation throughout the expedition

  • All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during the expedition

  • Expert guidance and photography tuition from Scott Portelli and the expedition team

  • All permits and entry fees required for the itinerary

What’s Not Included

  • International or domestic flights unless specified

  • Transfers not outlined in the itinerary

  • Airport taxes and airline-imposed fees

  • Passport, visa and vaccination costs

  • Comprehensive travel insurance and emergency evacuation cover

  • Accommodation and meals not included in the itinerary

  • Optional activities or excursions

  • Personal expenses, including alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, laundry, Wi-Fi, phone charges and medical expenses

  • Personal photography equipment and clothing

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive in Reykjavík

Arrive at Keflavík International Airport and make your way to your hotel in Reykjavík. Meet Scott and the group during a welcome dinner, where we'll discuss the itinerary, photography opportunities and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Day 2 – Iceland's South Coast

Our journey begins along Iceland's spectacular South Coast, visiting the iconic waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss before photographing the dramatic black sands and basalt sea stacks of Reynisfjara Beach. Overnight in Vík.

Days 3 & 4 – Vatnajökull National Park & Jökulsárlón

Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Vatnajökull National Park, photographing glacier tongues, lava fields, waterfalls and Iceland's famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Spend time at Diamond Beach, where crystal-blue icebergs wash ashore, with opportunities to photograph seals and stunning glacial scenery.

Day 5 – Diamond Beach & Vestrahorn

Begin the day with sunrise at Diamond Beach before travelling east to the spectacular Vestrahorn Mountain on the Stokksnes Peninsula. Photograph one of Iceland's most iconic landscapes during the beautiful light of the midnight sun.

Day 6 – Skaftafell Nature Reserve

Spend the day exploring Skaftafell Nature Reserve, home to glaciers, waterfalls, volcanic landscapes and braided rivers. In the evening, return to the South Coast for another golden hour photography session.

Day 7 – The Golden Circle

Visit three of Iceland's most famous natural attractions: Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area and the powerful Gullfoss Waterfall. Capture geothermal landscapes, erupting geysers and dramatic waterfalls before returning to Reykjavík for our final evening.

Day 8 – Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Keflavík International Airport for your onward journey.

Please note: We recommend booking flights departing after 12:00 pm on the final day to allow for any unforeseen delays.

Abstract aerial view of glacial ice formations in Iceland.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Cancellation Period

    Cancellation of a booking or part thereof will incur the following fees based on the notice period prior to any tour. Once travel has commenced, no refunds will be made for any unused services and clients will be responsible for their travel arrangements and insurance.

    A deposit for any tour is made upon booking to secure your place on the tour, this is non-refundable. By paying the invoice for deposit you accept these terms and conditions.

    If a cancellation is made less than 1 month (30 Days) prior to the tour date, we will not reimburse the cost of the tour.

    If a cancellation is made within 1-2 months (60 Days) prior to the tour date, we will reimburse the cost of the tour up to 10% minus the deposit which is non refundable upon booking the tour and any admin fees incurred.

    If a cancellation is made within 3 months (90 Days) prior to the tour date we will reimburse the cost of the tour up to 15% minus the deposit which is non refundable upon booking the tour and any admin fees incurred.

    If a cancellation is made within 3 – 6 months (180 Days) prior to the tour date we will reimburse the cost of the tour up to 20% minus the deposit which is non refundable upon booking the tour and any admin fees incurred.

    Cancellations made by the organiser to a tour will be reimbursed in full (Not including the deposit which is Non-refundable).

    Note: If the booking has been rescheduled and the cancellation is requested, this will be considered a new booking and subject to our standard terms and conditions.If for any reason weather or operational cancellation of a single day occurs during the tour, there is no refund provided if the circumstances are out of the control of the organiser.

    Itinerary Disclaimer

    The itineraries on our websites are correct at time of publishing and may differ slightly depending on changes to local operations, foreign policy and laws, availability of resources, flight schedules, and supplier cost. In the case of any changes, the organiser will endeavour to provide an alternative option to continue your itinerary.

    Insurance Policy

    Travel insurance is NOT included in the cost of your tour. We strongly recommend that passengers arrange their own travel insurance. Insurance is required before arriving at your destination to ensure you are covered for unforeseen situations that may arise to cause loss of luggage, cancellation of flights and tours or medical emergencies.

    Scott Portelli and affiliates are not responsible for loss or damage of any equipment whilst participating in these activities. Appropriate travel insurance should be arranged prior to visiting your destination.

    Release Forms/Waivers

    While the organiser makes every effort to safeguard our clients, we cannot be held responsible for personal injury or loss due to events beyond our control.  Wildlife tourism carries inherent risk as you are interacting with wild animals and a signed release form is required from all participants before tour departure. This is signed on the first day of departure or prior to arriving at your destination on each separate tour. Guests are encourage to download this liability waiver and return back to us prior to your tour.

    Foreign Currency

    As of October 2023, all general tour costs are quoted in $USD as suppliers and operations in the region move to a more stable currency for services rendered. Current exemptions are Norway (quoted in Euros), Falkland Islands (quoted in GBP Pounds), and Australia (Australian Dollars).

    For local currency, please notice that Tongan Pa’anga is still the currency used while visiting the Tongan islands and will be the only accepted form of currency for tourist in Tonga.  For other destinations, please check which local currency will be required. NOTE: Tour prices are subject to change year on year and will be reflected in the tour itinerary prior to each season.

    Visas for Tonga

    Please review the visa requirements for your country here

    Visas for Norway

    Norway’s visa requirements vary according to the traveller’s country of origin, the purpose of traveling and the period of stay. Please review the visa requirements for your country here

    Visas for Australia

    Please review the visa requirements for your country here

Designed by Scott Portelli

Scott Portelli Iceland

Every expedition reflects more than three decades of experience exploring and photographing some of the world's most remote environments.

Internationally recognised wildlife photographer, filmmaker and expedition specialist Scott Portelli has spent more than a decade working throughout Antarctica and the Sub-Antarctic, developing an intimate understanding of the region's wildlife, landscapes and seasonal conditions.

His experience has shaped every aspect of this journey, from the itinerary and timing to the wildlife encounters and photographic opportunities, creating an experience that goes beyond simply visiting these extraordinary places.

Whether Scott is leading the expedition himself or working alongside a trusted expedition team, guests can expect the same commitment to immersive wildlife experiences, responsible travel and exceptional photographic opportunities that define the Scott Portelli brand.