Iceland

"Total Eclipse" Photo Tour
August 2026

Join Jeff Hirsch Photography for a very special 10 day, 9 night photographer's tour of Iceland and all of its amazing, otherworldly splendor.

We have partnered with an Icelandic tour company to create a unique photographic experience that is sure to take your breath away.

From waterfalls and geothermal pools to black sand beaches and glacial lagoons, you will have an opportunity to make photographs and lasting memories.

We will stay in three and four star hotels, enjoy first class local meals, and travel the rugged countryside in style with our own vehicle, driver, and professional guide.

Our trip will culminate with an opportunity to photograph the next total eclipse as it passes over the western part of Iceland. We will be stationed on the Snaefellsness Peninsula in a breathtaking and photogenic location for totality.

It's going to be a very special expedition.
 

We are anticipating high demand for this trip and have a short turn around time, so please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. immediately to secure your place with a deposit.

Trip Itinerary

Our day-by day itinerary outlines do not list all that you will see and discover. Under the expert guidance of your dedicated guide you will explore the rugged and beautiful nature from a unique vantage point and enjoy chance encounters with locals, animals and the elements.
 

Day 1: Aug 4, Welcome to Iceland!

• The group arrives in the morning. Your expert driver guide will pick you up at the airport. Drive in a comfortable Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
• Continue to Reykjavik for breakfast and some sightseeing. The exploration will be a mix of driving and walking with focus on main landmarks such as the Parliament, Austurvollur main square, Hallgrimskirkja church, the Pearl, Harpa concert hall, the old harbor, and more.
• Enjoy a free afternoon resting and exploring on your own.
• At dinner time, the group will gather for a short walk to a nearby restaurant for a Welcome dinner.

Accommodations: Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
 

Day 2: Aug 5, Golden Circle Highlights

• Today we explore the popular sights of the Golden Circle which include Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Geysir hot springs area and Gullfoss waterfall. Highlights:
  • Thingvellir is located in the dramatic rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates pull apart, clearly visible at the great Almannagjá or Everyman’s Gorge. There are many easy hiking possibilities at Thingvellir.
  • Geysir, the place giving its name to the phenomenon worldwide. There you will find Strokkur, the tireless erupting hot spring.
  • Gullfoss, or Gold Falls, Iceland’s most famous waterfall.
  • Lunch today will be at Fridheimar Farm, a family-run geothermally heated greenhouse farm. Enjoy the unique setting and the locally grown produce. Learn how Icelanders grow produce year-round with the help of geothermal energy.
• Dinner tonight is in the hotel restaurant.

Accommodations: Landhotel

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
 

Day 3, Aug 6, The Westman Islands

• Today we take the short ferry ride to the Westman Islands just off the south coast of Iceland.
• The Westman Islands were the site of a massive volcanic eruption in 1973 that buried almost a third of the town under lava and the rest under ash and pumice. It has since recovered and is now one of Iceland’s most successful fishing ports.
• Go on a sailing tour that circumnavigates the island. This is a great way to experience the island´s nature, wildlife and sea caves.
• On the island itself explore the area where the eruption took place including the mountain born in the 1973 eruption and visit a fascinating exhibit that includes houses that we buried in the lava and ash.
• Return to the mainland in the late afternoon.
• Dinner tonight is in the hotel restaurant.

Accommodations: Landhotel

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4, Aug 7, Landmannalaugar Highlands

• Today, we head to the highland nature reserve of Landmannalaugar, one of Iceland´s most beautiful areas. Landmannalaugar features the largest geothermal field in Iceland and the area derives its magnificence and diverse nature from Iceland’s active volcanic zone.
• Landmannalaugar´s spectacular landscape features stupendous ravines, steep rhyolite screes, rocky slopes, mountains with boiling hot springs, cold and clear springs, lush valleys with delicate wildflowers, light-colored alluvial plains and sculptural peaks sporting all the colors of the rainbow.
• Bring your bathing suit if you want to soak in the natural hot spring formed by a mixture of hot and cold water streaming in from the edge of Laugahraun lava field.
• In the late afternoon we´ll traverse the Laki lava field, one of the world’s largest lava fields. Arrive in the small town of Kirkjubæjarklaustur by dinner time.

Accommodations: Hotel Klaustur

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
 

Day 5, Aug 8, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Skaftafell National Park

• We start the day with a visit to the spectacular Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, where icebergs drift out to sea. Two James Bond movies were filmed in this fantastic location and floating among the ice you may spot seals, eider ducks, and, even witness the glacier calving into the crystal turquoise waters. Go on an zodiac boat tour on the lagoon.
• Explore the nearby black sand beach, nicknamed the diamond beach, where large chunks of ice cover the sands for a dramatic contrast.
• Dinner is on your own tonight.

Accommodations: Hotel Klaustur

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch
 

Day 6, Aug 9, South Coast

• Today we travel along the south coast. Enjoy the dramatic landscape with glacier-tipped volcanoes and cascading waterfalls on one side and the black-sanded beaches on the other. Highlights today include:
  • The impressive Eldhraun lava field – from the 1783 eruption in Laki.
  • The black sand beaches around Vik and Reynisfjara.
  • Skogafoss waterfall. Legend has it that a chest of gold is buried behind the falls.
  • The beautiful Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk behind the waterfall.
• Arrive at your hotel in the village of Fludir.

Accommodations: Hill Hotel at Fludir

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
 

Day 7, Aug 10, Thjorsardalur Valley and Secret Lagoon

Today explore a wilderness area close to Hekla volcano, called Thjorsardalur. Located at the edge of the highlands, the area is varied and stunning.

• Explore an oasis of waterfalls, lush vegetation and striking lava formations. Famous waterfalls include Haifoss and Hjalparfoss.
• The small Gjain canyon is lush with vegetation and very picturesque.
• Visit Thjodveldisbærinn (the commonwealth farm), a replica of a Viking era farmstead. The medieval farm is a reconstruction of the type of farms found in the area before the devastating Hekla volcanic eruption of 1104.
• Visit the Secret Lagoon for a swim in the warm geothermal waters. The pool is fed by water coming from nearby hot springs. The water flows continuously, offering clean warm water perfect for relaxing in no matter the weather (water temperature: 38-40 C).
• Dinner is on your own tonight.

Accommodations: Hill Hotel at Fludir

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch

Day 8, Aug 11, Borgarfjord Region

• Today we explore the natural wonders and historic sites of the Borgarfjord region. The area is the setting of one of Iceland´s most beloved sagas, the Saga of Egill. Your guide will tell you stories of this Viking poet and other famous characters from the Viking age. Highlights today include:
  • The Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls
  • Deildartunguhver, the most voluminous hot spring in Europe.
  • Grabrok crater – hike to the top for breathtaking views.
  • Visit Glanni waterfall and the nearby aptly named Paradise cove.

Accommodations: Hotel Varmaland

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 9, Aug 12, Total Eclipse!

• The total eclipse will occur today between 4:45 PM and 6:45 PM.
• We will head to the Snæfellsnes peninsula where there is much to see and explore before we find a good spot to experience the eclipse.
• Snæfellsnes is sometimes called Iceland in a Nutshell due to its diversity. At the end of the peninsula sits the majestic Snæfellsjokull volcano, famous from the Jules Verne novel, Journey to the Center of the Earth.
• Explore golden sand and pebbled beaches of the south, some favored by seals and explore fishing villages of the north as well as the iconic Kirkjufell mountain.

Accommodations: Hotel Varmaland

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 10, Aug 13, Departure

• Transfer to Keflavik International Airport in time for your afternoon departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast

Package Price: approx. $8,700 per person (estimate based on current exchange rate)

(NOTE: Because of the exorbitant cost of any and all food in Iceland, we have included almost every single meal as part of the package in an effort to keep your total trip costs manageable. Once in country, you will have very few out-of-pocket expenses other than souvenirs you may wish to bring home. Trip pricing is based on double occupancy.)

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

DEPOSITS: If booking within 90 days of arrival, the full price of your trip needs to be paid to validate a booking. Otherwise, a deposit is required within 7 days of confirmation and the remaining balance 90 days prior to the date of your arrival in Iceland.

PAYMENT METHODS: We accept bank transfers and credit cards. We charge a 4% service fee for use of American Express. 2% service fee for Visa or MasterCard. No fee for wire transfers.

CANCELLATION: More than 60 days prior to arrival will result in loss of 10% of trip price. Between 60 and 30 days prior to arrival will result in the loss of 50% of trip price. Within 30 days prior to arrival will result in the loss of 100% of trip price.

Please feel free to contact me at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions you may have.