Adventure in Iceland

Day 1

Board an overnight flight to Iceland. 

Day 2

After flying through the night, we land at Keflavik – Iceland’s international airport – and get our first glimpse of the island’s legendary lava fields on the way to the hotel in Reykjavik. After dropping off our bags, we’ll head out for a refreshing morning walk along the waterfront and through the city center. Our guide will provide insight into Reykjavik’s fascinating history and unique Nordic vibe, with a few fun facts along the way. We’ll make time for a tasty lunch to experience authentic Icelandic cuisine as well as a little souvenir shopping.  

The day wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a local geothermal pool – Iceland’s favourite pastime!  Lounging and luxuriating in the warm outdoor pools, we’ll allow the healing thermal waters to soak away any post-flight tension. Thoroughly warmed up and relaxed, we’re ready to head back for dinner and a good night’s sleep at our downtown hotel.

Day 3

Refreshed after an uninterrupted night of sleep, we’ll dive right into Iceland’s hidden treasures. The day begins with a visit to Perlan (“the Pearl”) – a nature exploratorium complete with an artificial ice cave and a brand-new interactive exhibit on Iceland’s volcanos, glaciers and more. A walk on the 360° viewing platform gives us a glimpse of the capitol and where the wilderness begins right at the city’s edge.  

In the afternoon we head back to the old harbor in downtown Reykjavik. Perlan showed us the island’s character, now it’s time to learn about the characters that first settled this rock in the North Atlantic. At the Saga museum, we’ll meet life-sized representations of the early settlers and hear their deeply personal stories. Are you ready to look them in the eye?

In true Icelandic fashion, we’ll top off the afternoon with a visit to another geothermal pool before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Reykjavik.

Day 4

Today, we’ll leave the comforts of the capital – where two-thirds of Icelanders reside – behind. Venturing into the interior, we’ll explore a wilderness that could be mistaken for another planet, characterized by steaming volcanos, spectacular waterfalls, and the surreal sounds of nature. We’ll make our way along the south coast, dotted with tiny rural communities, to experience these wild wonders firsthand. 

After crossing the otherworldly Hellisheidi pass, we descend into the town of Hveraverdi, known for the geothermal energy bubbling up from below its foundations. From here, we’ll hike up Reykjadalur – “the smoky valley” – to see and smell the sulfuric steam rising out of the ground. Those brave enough are welcome to take some time to sit and relax in the warm river!

The hike will make us hungry enough for a Viking lunch – and that’s exactly what we’ll be served at the Ingólfsskáli Viking Restaurant (at own expense). After our traditional meal, descend into one of the many lava tubes hidden under Iceland’s surface. A trained guide will take us down into the darkness where we’ll see unique lava formations and learn about the cave’s origins. Lava caves are helping us better understand the landscape of other planets – in fact, they are key to preparing us for the exploration of Mars! After an afternoon of unparalleled adventure, we’ll head into one of the larger south coast communities where we’ll spend the night at a local hotel on the banks of the Olfusa river. 

Day 5

In the morning, we’ll continue our journey east, stopping to visit the brand-new Lava Center at Hvolsvöllir. Here, we’ll be treated to a cinematic interpretation of Iceland’s many recent volcanic eruptions. We’ll learn more about the island’s explosive geography at an interactive exhibit about active and dormant volcanos. 

In the afternoon we’ll see icebergs float out to sea from the infamous Jokulsárlon glacier lagoon, and walk on Diamond Beach where we can touch man-sized chunks of glass-like glacial ice with our bare hands. 

On the way we’ll pass through the lava fields created by the Laki eruptions, and cross the desert and wild glacial rivers over the Skeidarársandur – a natural obstacle that prevented Iceland’s ring road from being completed until the 1970’s. Views of the massive glaciers are truly stunning, and too numerous to count.  

Dinner and overnight at a hotel positioned to provide stunning views of Iceland’s highest mountain, and the largest glacier in Europe.

Day 6

It’s time to experience a glacier up close! Specialist glacier guides will gear us up with safety equipment before we hike one of the many outlet glaciers around Skaftafell National Park. Don’t worry – we’re in safe hands!

After lunch at the visitor center, return back towards the city. We’ll make a stop in Vik to meet a local man who melts down basalt rocks into live lava using a high temperature smelter! With our safety goggles on and a layer of clothing off, we’ll listen to his first-hand account of what it’s like to live through a volcanic eruption. 

Time permitting, we’ll make a stop at Reynisfjara – “the black sand beach” to take a close look at the hexagonal basalt columns. In Iceland you don’t just see nature in action, you also understand how the island’s residents are inspired by their environment. On the way back, we’ll get a look at the famous Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls.

Dinner will be served in a hotel known for its spectacular views of the Northern Lights. 

Day 7

It’s time to go home, but we’re going out with a bang! Before catching our flight back, we’ll make one final stop at the famous Blue Lagoon. Lounge in the milky waters while the natural minerals work their magic on your skin. After one visit, you’ll be longing to return. 

• Round trip airfare on Iceland Air and all departure taxes
• 1 checked piece of luggage
• Accommodation as per itinerary in shared occupancy (individual beds)
• Breakfast and dinner daily
• Private modern coach for all transfers 
• Licensed guide managing logistics 24/7 while on the ground in Iceland 
• Entrances for all sites and excursions (including the Blue Lagoon) 
• Pre-departure briefing and material
• Single room accommodation for trip chaperones 

• Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
• Lunches, including Viking lunch on Day 4 
• All-inclusive travel insurance ($125.00 for students) 
• Beverages
• Snacks
• Tips and gratuities (suggested $70.00 per person) 

• Deposit at time of booking and registration
• Second payment due three months after registration 
• Final payment due no later than 90 days before departure