Adventure School Trip to Iceland
Iceland
6 days from £1355pp
based on a group of 40 students and 4 teachers (free places)
There is a reason Iceland was one of the main filming locations for Game of Thrones and many blockbuster movies. It’s unique and dramatic landscapes provides an otherworldly backdrop for action and adventure.
Whether you visit in the wild snowy wilderness of winter or the endless days in summer there are some photogenic rugged scenes begging to be explored.
Students will have the chance to embrace an Icelandic attitude by connecting with nature by heading into a dark and enchanting lava cave or hiking onto a glacier. Then, what better way of unwinding after an action filled day then a soak in the naturally warm waters of the blue lagoon?
This is our ultimate adventure itinerary but we have plenty of other options to cater to all budgets and abilities. With the largest range of activities to enjoy, no one does action and adventure in Iceland quite like Discover the World Education.
Speak to a travel specialist today to kick-start the planning of your adventure school trip to Iceland.
Arrive, Thorbjorn Hill, Reykjanes Peninsula, Blue Lagoon, Lava Tube Caving
As you fly over Iceland on your approach to Keflavik you will begin to understand what all the fuss is about. The snowy capped mountains, deep valleys and dramatic coastlines are just a glimpse of your adventurous trip that lies ahead.
Your first stop is in the Reykjanes peninsula, the stretch of land that reaches into the Atlantic from the south west of Iceland. This particular area is known for geothermal activity and a rugged landscape.
You will start with a hike up Thorbjorn Hill. From the top of the hill you will see the steam pillowing from the nearby Blue Lagoon which is coincidentally your next stop.
The famous Blue Lagoon has attracted celebrities and tourists for a number of years and it is easy to see why. The milky blue waters have a variety of health benefits and are always heated at around 37° and 40°C no matter the temperature outside, due to the geothermal power beneath the ground.
After you have had a chance to unwind, it is time to continue your adventure as your lace up your hiking boots, put on your helmet and stride into Raufarholshellir lava tube. Your guides will explain how the tunnels have been formed and you will even see evidence of where the ancient lava flows carved through the rock, cooling in interesting shapes. There are also otherworldly ice stalactites which grow and shrink with the seasons.
You will then reach your overnight accommodation in the countryside, the best place to spot the northern lights if you are travelling outside of the summer months.
Golden Circle and Snorkelling at Silfra
On day 2 you will get to see some of Iceland’s most famous landmarks during your golden circle tour, starting with the area known as Geysir.
Geysir contains many geysers and in fact gave all geysers their name! There is even a geyser called The Great Geysir in this area, but it erupts very infrequently. For a more regular show we recommend Strokkur, the most recognisable geyser which erupts every 6 minutes or so.
Only a few minutes from Geysir is Gullfoss, a powerful two tiered waterfall which carved through a large valley. There are some excellent viewing points around the waterfall where your school group will be able to capture some stunning photographs.
After a busy morning it is time to refuel. Head to Efsti Dalur farm to sample their incredible homemade ice cream and look around their quintessentially Icelandic farm.
The final stop in the classic golden circle itinerary is Thingvellir. A favourite with geographers and historians, Thingvellir is a national park scarred by a dramatic valley caused by the Mid-Atlantic ridge which is the boundary between two tectonic plates. The landscape here is stunning and it has great significance with the Icelandic people as it is where their first parliament was founded in the year 930. You will also find some stunning waterfalls and incredible panoramas around the park.
Once you have seen Thingvellir and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge from the surface it is time to zip up your wet suits and see it from a new angle. You’ll spot some lunar rock formations in the clear water and by snorkelling in the Silfra area you will be swimming between continents!
Waterfalls, Glacier Walk and Ice-Climb
First up on day 3 are two of the most remarkably beautiful waterfalls in Iceland.
Seljalandsfoss hangs over a cliff edge and tumbles into a pool of water, forming rainbows in the sunshine. The water has eroded the cliff face to form enough room to walk behind the waterfall and not only hear the roar of the falls but also feel the refreshing spray!
A short walk from Seljalandsfoss is its shy sibling Gljufrabui which is partially hidden by rocks. Upon closer inspection, you will see the entrance to the cavern and when inside you’ll be blown away by this waterfall as it cascades down the mossy rock walls.
Your fantasy storybook trip continues in the style of Game of Thrones as you approach the wall of ice that is Solheimajokull.
Solheimajokull glacier is best viewed close up so you will strap on your crampons and with ice pick in hand climb the glacier under the watch of your experienced guide. You will also try your hand at ice-climbing the vertical ice walls of the glacier!
Finally you will journey towards the coastline to marvel at the rock formations formed by the force of the Atlantic at Dyrholaey.
Lava Field, Jokulsarlon, Skaftafellsjokull and Kirkjugolf
On day 4 you can begin your day on the hunt for hidden people at Laufskalavarda. Students will also notice cairns built all over this lava field – cairns were originally built by the Vikings to help them find their way in Iceland.
Your school trip continues at the canyon which many people credit Justin Bieber for putting on the map, Fjadargljufur. In addition to starring in a music video, this canyon has millions of years of history as it was slowly carved by water flows from glaciers.
On the border of Vatnajokull National Park, your group will find the still blue waters of Jokulsarlon. This glacial lagoon is characterised by its floating icebergs which twinkle in the sunlight. This is one of Iceland’s most photogenic locations and a true bucket list stop.
Those students and teachers who are into hiking will be pleased to get off the bus for the next stop at Skaftafell which is very popular with hikers. Your group will embark on the hike to Svartifoss, the black waterfall, so called for its signature balsalt columns which line the walls surrounding the waterfall.
Of course, when visiting Skaftafell, you should also visit the glacier Skaftafellsjokull. This magnificent glacier spurts out from Iceland’s largest icecap Vatnajokull.
You last stop on day 4 is at Kirkjugolf, which literally translates as Church Floor and it will be easy to see why. This 80 square metre area is carpeted with what appear to be hexagonal shapes but are actually the tops of basalt columns formed in volcanic eruptions, similar to that in Northern Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway.
Black Beaches. Horse Riding, Valley Hike and Reykjavik Escape Room
Your first stop on your last full day in Iceland will be to one of the most iconic Icelandic landscapes, the black beaches.
The black beaches at Reynishfjara are ideal for any students interested in geology as not only are their fascinating rock formations in the choppy sea but also the cliffs are lined with unusual basalt columns.
Your school group will then reach Skogafoss, another Icelandic must-see stop. This 60m waterfall can be viewed from the ground or for the energetic amongst your group, from above, via the stairs to the right of the falls.
Your students are then off to meet some of Iceland’s most unique inhabitants, Icelandic Horses!
These hardy but small horses have a unique fifth gait which you will find out all about during your horse riding activity.
In the town of Hveragerdi you will discover a geothermal river at the end of the Reykjadular Valley Hike. The hike wil take you past bubbling hot springs and over green (or snow covered) banks to reach the river where many local people come to warm up!
After burning off all those calories your group will have earned their last meal at Hamburger Factory, one of our favourite places to eat.
As a final team building activity your group will attempt to break out of the escape room at Reykjavik Escape.
Flight home
After your final night in Iceland’s capital it will be time to say ‘bless!’ to your new home away from home.
Trip Notes:
This trip has been priced for June 2020 for a group of 40 students and 4 teachers. This trip includes busy days of once in a lifetime activities but if there are aspects that you’d like to swap, simply speak to our travel specialists to find out more about our range of activities and excursions to suit all budgets.
Note: Blue Lagoon has a minimum age requirement of 14 years. The Blue Lagoon ratios require that for students between 14-17 years at least 1 adult must accompany every 10 children into the water.
What to pack for Iceland
Are you taking a trip to Iceland? Read our list of the things you should be taking with you.
School Trip Launch Pad
We know that the real job of selling a school trip is down to you and your colleagues so we've collated some helpful resources for you to use to make sure you not only get the buy in from your students and their parents, but also that you have all the details you need to ensure a simple planning process.
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Links to resources
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Eyjafjallajokull: A Geography Case Study
The aim of this 15-minute video is to reflect on the eruption of Eyjafjallajokull in 2010 and to look forward to possible future volcanic eruptions in Iceland.
Thinking Skills Resource: Perspectives on Sustainability in Iceland
We asked four people with unique experiences of the changes in Icelandic tourism and sustainable development to answer questions about the effects that the tourism boom has had on the environment, local people and visitors.
Changing Places: Hveragerdi, Iceland
Changing Places: Hveragerdi uses amazing aerial footage together with interviews to give the viewer an introduction into the development of Hveragerdi.
