6-day Ultimate Iceland Tour: Photography and Northern Lights

This tour covers a remarkable range of Iceland in six days: steaming Reykjanes mud pools, the Golden Circle, Snæfellsnes, black-sand beaches, and the icebergs of Jökulsárlón. I like that the group is private and capped at eight, and that photography is included, so you can be in some of your own trip pictures instead of always holding the camera.

I also like the flexibility that Luke and his team have shown on past trips, including adjusting plans for family interests and making room for less-visited stops. One important caveat: despite the title, the schedule does not spell out dedicated Northern Lights outings, and the price excludes accommodation and meals.

At a glance

• Fresh lava and geothermal ground: Day one crosses Reykjanes, with volcanic terrain, sea cliffs, hot springs, and fishing-town stops.
• A private group of up to eight: You travel with your own party in private transport, rather than joining a large coach group.
• Photography comes with the tour: A useful extra for couples and families who want pictures together, though the details of photo delivery are not specified.
• Six days span several regions: The route includes the Golden Circle, Snæfellsnes, and major South Coast sights, with plenty of variety and potentially long days.
• The price is $9,299 per group: Accommodation and meals are extra, so budget for those costs as well as the tour.
• Northern Lights plans need checking: The title mentions them, but the day-by-day schedule does not identify an aurora outing or promise a sighting.

Reykjanes begins with tectonic drama and hot ground

Day one introduces Iceland through the raw, volcanic Reykjanes Peninsula. At the Bridge Between Continents, a simple footbridge marks the rift between the North American and Eurasian plates. It is a modest stop, but a good one for understanding the geology beneath your feet before you see it expressed in lava fields, cliffs, and steaming ground.

The peninsula’s coast is just as compelling. Reykjanes Lighthouse stands above the ocean near rugged cliffs, while Valahnúkamöl’s weathered rock formations have taken repeated punishment from the sea. At Brimketill, waves surge around a naturally eroded pool at the lava shore. These are places to look, photograph, and keep a safe distance from the water.

The geothermal stops give the day another mood. Gunnuhver has colorful mud pools and fumaroles, with local folklore adding a human story to the hissing ground. At Krýsuvík, mineral colors ring hot springs and steam rises from the earth. Kleifarvatn offers a quieter contrast: a large lake set between ridges on the peninsula.

Fagradalsfjall brings the more recent volcanic story into view, with fresh, dried lava from an eruption. The final stops include Grindavík, a fishing town with a coffee-house break, and Hafnaberg’s long line of sheer sea cliffs. The day combines many short visits, which is a strength if you like variety. If you prefer long hikes or hours at a single site, the pace may feel brisk.

The Golden Circle adds history, geysers, and a soak

Day two moves inland to Þingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian plates meet. The setting is striking, but the human story matters just as much: Iceland’s parliament was founded here in 930. The name Þingvellir means assembly fields, and walking through the area connects the country’s political beginnings with its physical geography.

At Geysir, the original Great Geysir is no longer active, but Strokkur still erupts every five to ten minutes, sending water high into the air. That regular show makes this an easy stop to enjoy without waiting around for hours. Nearby Gullfoss is a powerful two-stage waterfall, fed by the Langjökull glacier. Mist and rainbows are possible when the light cooperates, but waterproof layers are sensible near the falls.

Kerið Crater adds a compact geological stop, with red mineral soil, dark rock, and a blue-green lake. The route also includes Friðheimar, where the tomato soup is served with bread, sour cream, cucumber salsa, butter, and herbs. It is a welcome change from the usual roadside snack, though meals are not included in the tour price, so confirm what you will pay for lunch.

The day ends at the Secret Lagoon, also known as Gamla Laugin. Built in 1891, it is Iceland’s oldest swimming pool, set in a geothermal area near Flúðir. Admission is included. Bring swimwear and a towel plan, and check with the operator about what you need to bring, since those details are not specified here.

Snæfellsnes trades big sights for variety

Day three explores the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, a region where a single drive can bring you from a mineral spring to a seal-viewing beach, a black church, caves, cliffs, and a famous mountain. At Ölkelda, a public tap gives access to mineral water rich in iron. The surrounding ground is stained red, a small detail that makes this quick stop more memorable than a plain roadside pullout.

Ytri Tunga is known for its seal colony and ocean views. Wildlife sightings are never something to count on, but the beach offers a good reason to pause and watch the water. Búðakirkja, a small black wooden church rebuilt in 1987 on the site of an earlier church, is particularly striking against its open surroundings. A nearby restaurant may be an option for lunch, though meals remain your responsibility.

Sönghellir means singing cave, a name inspired by its echoing acoustics. It also holds old graffiti, including names left by two 18th-century visitors. The stop is a reminder that Iceland’s attractions are not all grand panoramas; some are small places with stories attached.

At the Londrangar basalt cliffs, sea erosion has left two tall rock pillars, 75 and 61 metres high. Local folklore says the hill belongs to elves, a tale that gives the cliffs a touch of Icelandic character. Djúpalónssandur follows with dark pebbles, unusual coastal rocks, and a powerful Atlantic setting. The itinerary also includes Saxhóll Crater, where a staircase leads to views into the crater and across lava fields, mountains, and sea.

Kirkjufellsfoss and nearby Kirkjufell close the day with one of Iceland’s most recognizable photo compositions. The waterfall is not especially large, but the mountain behind it makes the scene distinctive. If photography matters to you, this is a natural place to slow down and take your time.

The South Coast brings waterfalls and black sand

Day four is waterfall country. Seljalandsfoss drops about 60 metres, and a path lets you walk behind the falling water when conditions allow. Expect spray and wet footing. Nearby Gljúfrabúi is partly tucked into a narrow gorge, so getting a view may mean stepping carefully near water and rock.

Skógafoss is wider and forceful, with a drop of about 60 metres. You can approach its base, but the mist can soak you. Gluggafoss, also called Merkjarfoss, offers a different shape, dropping in stages through openings and channels in the rock. Together, the falls show how varied Iceland’s water can look even within one day.

Reynisfjara is famed for its black sand, sea stacks, and strong Atlantic surf. It is beautiful, but this is a place for caution, not a stroll close to the water. Dyrhólaey’s volcanic arch and coastal cliffs provide a wider view, and the area attracts nesting birds. In summer, puffins may be seen, though sightings depend on season and conditions.

The day includes a stop in Vík, the southernmost village in Iceland, and Sólheimajökull, an outlet of the larger Mýrdalsjökull glacier. You overnight in Vík, but accommodation is not included in the tour price. That distinction matters: ask Luke whether he can suggest places to stay, as his team has helped past clients with lodging recommendations, but arrange and pay for your own room.

Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón make a long day worthwhile

Day five heads east past Kirkjubæjarklaustur and across Skeiðarársandur, a vast black-sand plain shaped by glacial rivers. The route reaches Skaftafell, part of Vatnajökull National Park, where ice and volcanic activity have shaped the scenery. The visitor centre and hiking trails give you a chance to stretch your legs beyond the roadside stops.

A walk to Svartifoss is listed, a waterfall framed by dark basalt columns. It is a good example of how Iceland’s geology can create a natural architectural effect. The time allocated is about an hour, so ask about the walking distance and pace if you have mobility concerns or prefer a more relaxed hike.

Fjaðrárgljúfur is also on the route, but the available description does not clearly explain the planned visit. Ask how much time is set aside and whether the stop involves a walk. That is especially useful on a day that already includes Skaftafell and the glacier lagoon.

At Jökulsárlón, icebergs break away from Breiðamerkurjökull and drift through the lagoon. Seals are often seen, and boat or kayak trips are possible as optional activities. Those outings are not included in the stated tour inclusions, so check availability and cost if you want to get among the ice. Across the road, Diamond Beach offers a striking contrast: chunks of ice against black sand. You finish in Höfn, a harbor town known for its food, with lodging and dinner at your own expense.

The final day needs a route check

Day six lists Vestrahorn, a dramatic mountain above black sand and the sea, then a viewpoint of the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago. The wording describes a viewpoint, not a visit to Heimaey island itself, and no ferry is specified. If seeing the island is important to you, ask exactly where the stop takes place.

The remaining stops include Kvernufoss, a 30-metre waterfall in a gorge, the Eldhraun lava field, and Sólheimasandur, where a US Navy DC plane crashed in 1973. Svínafellsjökull is another glacier stop, with glacier hiking popular in the area, but admission is not included. The route description ranges across widely separated parts of the South Coast, so confirm the day’s order, driving plan, and end point before you book.

This is also the point to discuss the Northern Lights. The tour’s name includes them, but the six-day schedule lists daytime sightseeing and does not specify evening aurora outings. Northern Lights depend on darkness and conditions, so ask Luke how the tour handles nighttime viewing, where you will be staying, and whether the six-day dates make sense for your priorities.

Private transport and photography shape the value

At $9,299 per group of up to eight, the price is easiest to assess as a private-tour cost rather than a per-person package. If all eight places are filled, that works out to about $1,162 per person; for a smaller party, each person’s share rises. Private transport, guidance, Icelandic snacks, bottled water, and photography are included, while accommodation and meals are not.

The private format is a real advantage for families or small groups with mixed interests. Luke and his team have adjusted plans for children, different activity levels, and last-minute preferences, and have included less-visited places alongside major sights. That flexibility can be worth paying for if you value personal pacing and do not want to coordinate a rental car, route, and photography on your own.

The photography service is a useful extra, especially for families who want pictures with everyone in them. The exact arrangement is not stated, including how many images you receive or how they are delivered, so ask before booking. The same goes for the degree of itinerary flexibility: positive past experiences are encouraging, but weather, road conditions, and the distances covered can limit changes.

The tour starts at 9:00 am, offers pickup, and is conducted in English. It is private, with only your group participating. The average booking lead time is about 103 days, a helpful clue if you are planning a particular travel period. Confirmation is provided at booking. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start for a full refund; poor-weather cancellations offer a different date or a full refund.

Who should book this Iceland tour?

I would consider this tour if you want a broad introduction to Iceland in six days and value a private guide, transport, and professional photography. It suits couples, families, and small groups who want to combine famous sights with flexible stops, and who are comfortable paying separately for lodging and food.

I would pause if your main goal is Northern Lights photography, because the schedule does not explain how aurora viewing is arranged. I would also ask for clarification on the final day’s route, the time at Fjaðrárgljúfur, and photo delivery. If the answers fit your plans and the group price works for your party, this is a compelling way to cover a lot of Iceland without having to drive it yourself.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts approximately six days and begins at 9:00 am.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $9,299 per group, with up to eight people in the group.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates, with a maximum group size of eight.

Is pickup offered?

Yes, pickup is offered. The exact pickup location should be confirmed with the provider.

What is included in the price?

Private transportation, guidance, photography services, bottled water, and Icelandic snacks are included.

Are accommodation and meals included?

No. Accommodation and meals are not included in the tour price.

Are Northern Lights outings included?

The title mentions the Northern Lights, but the schedule does not specify a dedicated aurora outing. Ask the provider how Northern Lights viewing is handled.

Are admission tickets included?

Admission is listed as included at Þingvellir National Park, Kerið Crater, and the Secret Lagoon. Most other listed stops are free to enter.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather leads to cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund.