ICELANDIC HIGHLANDS - 4x4 LAND ROVER DEFENDER EXPEDITION
Prepare yourself for the adventure of a lifetime!
Iceland - a land of untamed beauty, where dramatic landscapes meet ancient legends and raw, volcanic power. It would seem that everyone has already heard about Highlands of Iceland, yet still only few actually made it to the wildest and most beautiful places of the Land of Ice and Fire.
It’s an every photographers dream offering opportunities to capture the jaw-dropping pictures for your portfolio. Summer in Iceland transforms the Highlands into a world of contrasts. Endless daylight bathes the land in golden hues, moss-covered lava fields glow in vibrant greens, and glacial rivers carve through the dramatic terrain.
From its moon-like black sand deserts and towering glaciers to steaming hot springs and colourful mountain peaks or hidden waterfalls, the Highlands offer an unparalleled journey through some of the world’s most breathtaking and remote wilderness. It’s an adventure like no other. This dramatic interior is among the largest uninhabited wilderness regions in Europe. The few roads that do lead into this region are dirt tracks, bumpy and often with multiple river crossings, which can only be taken in a sturdy 4x4. No worries - with 9 years of experience in exploring this untouched landscape, with got you there! And we’ll be fording these glacial rivers in style in Land Rover Defenders!
Sounds like an epic adventure?
Are you ready for an exclusive opportunity to explore the heart of Iceland’s rugged interior, reaching places few travellers ever see. Join us this summer for the journey of a lifetime with a group of like-minded adventurers!
Limited spots available. Reserve your place to witness and capture Scotland’s spring magic!
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DATES
23.07-30.07.2025
PRICE
2300 €
GROUP SIZE
Max. 6 participants
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy/Moderate
Trip description
We invite you to an unforgettable and unique 4x4 trip to the heart of Iceland. Prepare yourself for the adventure of a lifetime and discover the pristine nature in the best possible way. This carefully crafted adventure will take you far beyond the beaten path, allowing you to experience Iceland’s raw beauty in its most authentic form.
During our 8 day long 4x4 expedition, you will have the opportunity to see enchanting geysers, mysterious glacial lakes, vast lava fields, volcanic craters, and mystical areas with high geothermal activity, including hot springs where we can immerse ourselves! We will venture into the lesser-known but spectacular mountain range of Kerlingarfjöll, where colorful rhyolite peaks and steaming geothermal fields create an otherworldly scene. We will stand in awe before Haifoss, one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls, and explore the mystical Valley of Tears, where countless cascades tumble down rugged cliffs. From there, we will spend several days navigating the vast wilderness of the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, discovering much more than just the famous Landmannalaugar mountains. If conditions allow, we will also venture into the legendary Valley of Thor (Þórsmörk) or striking volcanic landscapes of Laki with unbelievable green colour of moss. In addition to these highland wonders, we will experience some of Iceland’s most iconic landmarks. We will witness the powerful eruptions of Strokkur in the Geysir geothermal area, feel the mist of Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, and walk along the famous black sand beach of Reynisfjara, where basalt columns rise dramatically from the shore. At Dyrhólaey, we will have the chance to observe puffins nesting along the cliffs, adding a touch of wildlife magic to our journey.
Don’t worry, you don’t need to have any knowledge of photography or own specialised equipment – even a phone will do! Also, we will spend the time giving you each direct guidance, so our personal gear will be available for you to try and see if you’ll like it. All you need is enthusiasm! Together, we’ll practice landscape photography, explain the basics of good composition, and share our experiences. And if you won’t be interested in learning photography, you’ll still return from the trip with an incredible souvenirs in the form of photographs we’ll take of you.
Participants will receive access to the workshop group on Facebook, where we share tips and advices about trip to Iceland and also conduct casual discussions - we want our trip to be completely friendly and without formal barriers.
The detailed program and mini-guide with full packing list, that only participants will receive is filled with stunning locations and landscapes. We will visit them depending on weather conditions and the level of security.
Some more details
TRANSPORT: We will safely venture into the Icelandic Interior with one of the most famous off-road vehicles, an icon of off-road capability and style - the Land Rover Defender!
These exceptional off-road vehicles will provide us with the freedom to navigate through the incredibly diverse terrain of Iceland. We will effortlessly conquer rough roads and river fords to show you the most spectacular and lesser-known places, only accessible for a few months each year and difficult to reach by other means of transportation.
There will be max 3 participants + group leader in each vehicle, which gives us plenty of space!
ACCOMMODATION: This trip, unlike our second Comfort one, is in “Survival” form, so all 3 nights we will be spending under the roof in warm beds and the rest on camping sites in the heart of Highlands itself. We will provide tents and sleeping mattresses for you - you only need to bring sleeping bag with you!
PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY: This trip is suitable for anyone with a moderate fitness level who enjoys exploring the outdoors. No advanced hiking experience is necessary! The pace of exploration will be relaxed, and the itinerary allows for plenty of breaks. For those who prefer less walking, scenic views are often accessible from nearby car parks or short walks. Some locations however, offer more challenging hikes with steeper inclines, rocky sections and longer distances (up to 5-6 hours). Comfortable and waterproof hiking shoes will be important on this trip.
Coverage.
What's included:
3 nights of accommodations in guesthouses/hotels (possible accommodation in mixed-gender rooms) and 4 nights of camping in tents provided by the Organizer (wild camping in Iceland is prohibited!);
Elements of an outdoor landscape photography workshop: day and night sessions, as well as individual consultation, including post-processing session in the form of a remote individual workshop upon return;
Professional photographic tuition and guidance of 2 photographers/leaders - that will take care of you during the trip and will capture your most beautiful moments for you (in case you’re not interested to learn photography and just want to have fun);
Necessary camping equipment: tents, mattrasses, gas stoves, gas canisters, cookware etc -so we can prepare the food even in the most remote locations;
All costs of 2 classic Land Rover Defender modified specifically for Highlands of Iceland, including fuel and all parking and road fees.
Travel insurance - Signal Iduna EUROPA: Medical costs EUR 60.000, Accident insurance PLN 15.000, luggage PLN 1000;
What’s NOT included:
Flights to/from Iceland
Meals
Other costs not mentioned in the previous point - like an alternative trip to Blue Lagoon/Sky Lagoon on our last day
Last words.
The expedition to the Icelandic Highlands is a photographic journey like no other. We want to take you to some of the most magnificent and remote locations, giving you the opportunity to capture truly jaw-dropping shots. Depending on the weather, we will wake up early and stay out late to make the most of the golden light, as July offers long and breathtaking golden-hour moments. It is also a fantastic moment to observe puffins! Over these eight days, we will uncover the secrets of Iceland’s dramatic landscapes, venturing to places few travelers ever see - hidden trails, untouched wilderness, and awe-inspiring locations that don’t appear in typical tourist guides. Together, we will refine our photography skills in the field, exchanging experiences, practical tips, and technical insights.
But this journey is about more than just photography—it’s about adventure and discovery. We have been exploring Iceland for almost a decade, and in that time, we have come to know every little corner of this incredible country. Our extensive experience navigating Iceland’s rugged terrain and driving these vehicles in extreme conditions means you can focus on the experience while we ensure your safety every step of the way.
We want to share our passion with you—not only for photography but for extraordinary destinations. And most importantly, we want you to feel like you’re traveling with a group of friends. This trip is about creating unforgettable memories, capturing epic landscapes, and sharing the adventure with like-minded explorers who share the same passion. Get ready for an experience you’ll never forget!
THE HOSTS
Julia Pylak and Patryk Biegański are experienced photographers who capture unique moments and landscapes as they travel to various corners of the world. It's hard for us to sit still in one place, and our passion and love for travel and creating have taken us to many unexpected locations. We have decided to showcase the most beautiful areas of the world and share the photographic knowledge we have acquired over the years. Our efforts have been recognized by Sony, Nikon, Sigma, Marumi, Switzerland Tourism, Front Runner Europe, Smyril Line, Nomadict, GoVilnius, National Geographic, and many others.
We are organising this photo expedition together with our friends - Ola and Bartek from legal and certified travel agency "Warsztat Przygód" and the authors of the travel blog "The Vagabong."
