Essential Iceland School Trip
Iceland
4 days from £650pp
based on 36 students and 4 free teacher places, Sep-Dec 2023
excluding key school holiday peak dates
Iceland isn't just a geographers' playground, it's a place that inspires artists, photographers and historians from all over the world. With a trip to Iceland, students can experience natural wonders like sprawling lava fields, and stunning waterfalls and you might catch a glimpse of the northern lights!
As the world's leading tour operator to Iceland, we've built great relationships with the Icelandic tourism community and the locals meaning we can offer activities you won't find anywhere else.
No matter your budget, we'll work with you to create an itinerary for an unforgettable visit. Below is an example of what you could see and do in Iceland and our Travel Specialists work with you every step of the way to tailor your activities to your school’s needs.
Reykjanes Peninsula and Hveragerdi
Touch down in Keflavik on the South West Reykjanes Peninsula of Iceland.
You’ll spend your first hours in Iceland exploring this extremely active geothermal area – an ideal introduction to this unique land of ice and fire!
Bring to life your students’ knowledge of tectonic plates on the Bridge Between Continents before witnessing the dramatic landscapes of the Stampar Craters and bubbling mud pools at Gunnuhver.
You’ll visit the iconic lighthouse at Reykjanesviti before stopping for lunch.
In the afternoon you will head to the colourful geothermal area of Seltun where geography students will marvel at the sights (and smells) of the fumaroles around the walking paths.
Next, your group will head to the town of Hveragerdi, a perfect case study of how Icelandic people use all this geothermal energy to their advantage and how it shapes their community.
Your day concludes at a countryside retreat, exclusive to Discover the World Education, where your group will be treated to a hot meal and plenty of space to spend some free time.
Waterfalls, Solheimajokull glacier and black beaches
If day 1’s focus was geothermal energy day 2 is all about the power of water!
Zip up your waterproofs and brave the cold spray of Seljalandsfoss from behind the waterfall itself. On sunny days your students will see many rainbows formed in the spray.
A short walk from Seljalandsfoss is one of Iceland’s hidden gems, Gljiufrabui, a waterfall which cascades into an otherworldly cavern!
Next tick on the waterfall bucket list is Skogafoss, one of Iceland’s most iconic sites! For your more energetic pupils, there is a staircase to the right of the falls where you can watch the water rush over the Cliffside.
Witness the power of water in a totally different way when you discover the enormous glacier, Solheimajokull. This glacier has been retreating due to climate change and the glacial lagoon formed at the mouth of the glacier is a sobering reminder of the dramatic changes it has experienced in the last few years.
Geography trips aren’t complete without studying the famous Icelandic coastline between Reynishverfi and Dyrholaey, which is home to a Iceland’s answer to Durdle Door, and the black sands which featured in Game of Thrones.
Golden Circle
Your last full day in Iceland will focus on the classic Golden Circle sights.
Starting with Iceland’s most reliable geyser Strokkur which spouts every 6 minutes or so.
A short journey away is the tiered waterfall, Gullfoss, whose size and volume is a guaranteed trip highlight!
Your group will then discover the rift valley at Thingvellir national park – the divergent zone between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Thingvellir translates to ‘the fields of parliament’ as it was home to Iceland’s first parliament.
No trip to Iceland would be complete without a chance to sightsee in the capital of Reykjavik with your guide. This small city has a unique culture and students will enjoy exploring the quirky shops, cosy cafes and colourful street art on their last afternoon.
You will stay in the heart of the city overnight.
Home
Wave goodbye to your new favourite place as you have one last chance to see the beautiful landscapes through the coach window on your way back to Keflavik airport for your flight home.
Check out our Covid Money-Back Assurance to discover the changes we have made moving forward. Discover the World Education adheres to travel advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. As a member of ABTA and STF, we follow the codes of practice of these organisations.
Trip Notes:
School Trip Planning Hub
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.
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.
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.
