Geography School Trip to Iceland Iceland

5 Days from £1035pp

based on 36 students and 4 free teacher places, Sep-Dec 2023 excluding key school holiday peak dates

A geography school trip to Iceland will bring textbook concepts to life and spark a deeper understanding of these processes.

When it comes to raw physical geography, no other destination can match the diversity of Iceland. You’ll discover geothermal and tectonic activity, powerful waterfalls, rugged coastlines, glaciers and volcanoes. Iceland is truly a geographer’s paradise.

The following example itinerary is jam-packed with activities including the Flyover Iceland ride, a spa visit to Krauma, and the opportunity to see the solidified lava flow at the Fagradalsfjall 2021 eruption site. We offer the largest range of optional activities than any other provider and our internal Travel Specialists will tailor-make your trip to suit your needs.

What's included

  • Return flights from LON. Regional departures also available.
  • Hold luggage
  • 4 nights' accommodation
  • Full board
  • Teacher Tour Leader
  • Flyover Iceland, Fagradalsfjall Eruption Site, Glacier Walk, Krauma Geothermal Spa
  • Our Covid Money-Back Assurance

Ask about our approach to Responsible Travel

We believe the benefits of travel should not be lost for the next generation. In order to protect this world we live in and also inspire a new group of young people to fight for our planet, we are developing an approach to Responsible Travel that is founded in facts, empowers young people to take action and involves suppliers at all levels in minimising negative impacts of travel.

We are committed to finding and implementing maintainable strategies which include developing teaching resources, offsetting carbon emissions, benefitting local economies, protecting local cultures and becoming ‘Plastic Clever’ travellers.

We can’t do it alone. Will you join us?

Responsible School Travel

“As always, Discover the World Education provided an excellent experience for our students. I have travelled with them 4 times and would absolutely recommend them to others looking to book a trip. The ability to tailor your trip makes a real difference. Students loved the glacier walk and the knowledge of the guide added new experiences for staff as well. ”

Day

1

Fagradalsfjall Eruption Site, Flyover Iceland and Reykjavik City

You waste no time once you land in Keflavik by heading straight over to the Natthagi Valley for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The eyes of the world have been on the Reykjanes peninsular in the last couple of years with lots of eruptive and earthquake swarm activity taking place. Savour a close encounter with a solidified lava flow from the Fagradalsfjall eruption in the summer of 2021 in the Natthagi Valley.

The next stop is Iceland’s newest attraction Flyover Iceland. This innovative ride simulates the experience of flying over all corners of Iceland. Students will learn about the history and creation of Iceland in this ideal introduction to the country.

Following this is an exciting Reykjavik City Tour. Bursting with culture, your students will have the opportunity to explore the characteristic streets, visit the iconic Hallgrimskirkja and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.

Day

2

Reykjadalur Valley, Glacier Walk and Black Beaches

Your second day starts with a beautiful walk through the Reykjadalur valley amongst the hot springs and mud pools. Here your students will learn about the geothermal activity underneath the ground causing these fascinating geographical features above the surface.

Next stop, Selfoss Town which has a new urban centre. Uniquely created to combine the look of the past with a forward-thinking approach to sustainability and environmental awareness. Your group will discover the story and the people behind this regeneration.

After lunch at the Old Diary, you will visit the first and arguably the most exciting waterfall, Seljalandsfoss. Students can follow the pathway behind the curtain of water (warning: you will get wet!) and have the opportunity to take some photos.

One of the trip’s most memorable activities will be the glacier walk at Solheimajokull. You and your students will strap on your helmets and crampons and take to the ice to see the giant glacier up close as your experienced guides explain how the glacier is changing.

Next is a visit to Dyrholaey, which is thought to have been created in a submarine eruption. Here you will find fascinating dramatic coastal scenery such as high cliffs, rock arches and stacks.

Your next stop on this busy day is a visit to the black beaches of Reynishfjara where geology and geography students can marvel at the tall basalt columns formed after volcanic eruptions.

Day

3

Golden Circle tour

Day three starts with a visit to beautiful Skogafoss – one of the most photographed waterfalls in Iceland. For your most energetic students, there is a staircase to the right of the falls where you can watch the water rush over the Cliffside.

You will then begin your Golden Circle Tour at Geysir, the area that gave geysers their name. The most reliable of the geysers here is Strokkur, which erupts every 6 minutes, so have your cameras ready.

You will move on to visit Gullfoss waterfall, where the Hvita River falls 32 metres over two drops, following lunch at the popular and unique Efsti-Dalur farm.

The next stop is the greenhouse town of Hveragerdi which is a great location to understand changing places and how the local population have adapted to living in tectonically active areas. Also a place of geothermal activity with its surrounding hills, hot springs and greenhouses lit by renewable energy, students will develop a deeper understanding of the Icelandic way of life.

The last stop on your Golden Circle Tour is Thingvellir. This national park is carved down the middle by the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and students can walk the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

Day

4

Sights of West Iceland including Krauma Geothermal Pools

For your last full day in Iceland, we’d recommend getting off the beaten track with a day in the West.

Start off in the old fishing town of Borgarnes, the gateway to Snaefellsness. It is a majestic setting and it will be evident why many Icelandic sagas were set here.

Journey to the geothermally active area of Deilartunguhver, Europe’s largest and most powerful hot spring. Enjoy the benefits of this activity in the most relaxing way possible, by soaking in the waters of Krauma Baths (West Iceland’s answer to the Blue Lagoon) where you can also indulge in the sauna and hot tubs.

Of course, a day in Iceland is not complete without seeing some beautiful waterfalls. One of our favourites is Hraunfossar where the ribbons of water cascade over the lava formations into the Hvita River.

You will also see Barnafoss, a tumbling, white water-flowing river that offers a very different scenery and landscape to Hraunafossar.

Your journey through dramatic landscapes continues with a stop at Grabrok Crater. The crater rises 170m above the ground and from the footpath, you will be able to gaze into what is left of the volcano

Day

5

Reykjavik or Reykjanes Peninsula, then home.

Time to make your way to Keflavik airport for your flight home.

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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.

Launching Your School Trip

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Resources

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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.

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Solheimajokull: A Geography Case Study

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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.

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iceland hveragerdi

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.

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