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Iceland

Investigate synergistic relationships between people and the world around us, and learn how we can be more effective stewards of our planet and its resources

The tiny island country of Iceland is quickly growing into a favourite tourist destination, while the natural beauty and incredible architecture have yet to be tainted by the influx of outsiders. Witness the most reliable geyser – Strokkur – spew lava one day, then take a bike tour through stunning valleys and small cities the next.

Iceland
Intro
Program Highlights
Sample Itineraries
Learning Objectives
Photo Gallery
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Program Highlights
- Day Tour of the Golden Circle
- Explore the dramatic and stunning landscape at Þingvellir National Park
- Up close with Gullfoss waterfall
- Geothermal active valley of Haukadalur, including active geysers!
- Explore Snaefellsjokull National Park
- Head underground on a Lava Cave Tour
- Soothe our muscles and mind in Blue Lagoon’s warm & healing waters
Program Highlights
- Full Day exploring and hiking on Vestmannaeyjar
- Classical music concert at the Icelandic National Concert and Conference Centre or similar
- Multi-day trip to Skaftafell National Park
- Visit Jokulsarlon, the most famous glacier lagoon in Iceland
- Strap on some crampons on a glacier hike
- Learn about the 2010 eruptions of Eyjafjallajokull volcano up close
- Embark on a full day Renewable Energy Tour
Program Highlights
- Visit Viking World to learn about the fascinating history of the early settlement of Iceland
- Tour the Hellisheidarvirkjun Geothermal Power Plant
- Hike in Reykjardalur (the Smokey Valley), a geothermal hotbed featuring hot rivers
- Head underground on a Lava Cave Tour
- Trip to Skaftafell National Park with waterfalls & stops en route
- Spend a night ‘hunting’ for Aurora Borealis (time of year pending)
- Strap on crampons for a glacier hike
Program Highlights
- Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon boat ride & tour
- Embark on a Super Jeep off road tour
- Enjoy the warm natural waters of Secret Lagoon
- Explore downtown Reykjavik
- Take a dip in the Blue Lagoon

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Travel to Reykjavik, Iceland

Take an overnight flight to Reykjavik, Iceland.

Day 2: Snaefellsjokull National Park, Arnastapi & Helnar, Kirkjuffell

Tour around Snaefellsjokull National Park, offering a variety of landscape, geology, flora & fauna that will serve as a nice introduction to the trip. Get a good nights’ sleep for big days ahead. Travel to the towns of Arnastapi and Hellnar. Here we will walk the seaside the passage where we will have the opportunity to see the beautiful and the infamous Gatklettur “Arch Rock”, and the Londrangar Basalt Cliffs. Stop at Kirkjuffell where we will have a chance to photograph Iceland’s iconic mountain and waterfall vista.

Day 3: Vatnshellir Cave, Gerðuberg Cliffs and Eldborg Crater, Reykjavik

Tour inside Vatnshellir Cave, an 8,000 year old lava tube created by volcanic eruption. Then, tour to Eldborg Crater and Gerðuberg Cliffs . Eldborg Crater is a volcano crater rising 60 meters above the surrounding lava field! The last eruption was about 5000-6000 years ago. Next we will visit the impressive Gerðuberg Cliffs which are one of the most stunning basalt columns in all of Iceland. They are mostly twelve to fourteen meters high and about one and a half meters in diameter! We will head to Reykjavik. Have time to settle into our accommodation.

Day 4: Travel to Skaftafell National Park

We will pass over the Thjorsa River which is one of the longest of all rivers in Iceland. We will then move on to Seljalandsfoss; a unique waterfall where the water pours 65 m down over a former sea cliff that we’ll be able to walk behind to get a new perspective on the falls. Pass by Eyjafjallajokull. We will also explore the area affected by a Jokulhlaup (glacier burst) from this recent volcano eruption. Here the students will see some of the damages and evidence of the glacial floodwater that washed down the valley. We will also visit Skógarfoss, one of Iceland’s most magnificent and famous waterfalls. Visit Reynisfjara beach, widely regarded as the most impressive black-sand beach in Iceland. Check into our new accommodation in Horgsland and enjoy dinner this evening.

Day 5: Skaftafell National Park – Glacier Hike, Glacier Lagoon

Participate in a glacier hike: strap on some crampons (provided) as we hike over glacier ice surrounded by beautiful scenery all the while. We will participate in a half day hike to explore this beautiful National Park. Then, visit Jokulsarlon, the most famous glacier lagoon in Iceland. Return to our accommodation in Horgsland after a long day.

Day 6: Vestmannaeyjar and Eldfell Hike

Take the ferry to Vestmannaeyjar. Have time to see the many birds and beautiful features on the island on a walking tour. After lunch, we will take a hike up Eldfell. Eldfell is a mountain that was created during a volcanic eruption in 1973. The top of the mountain is full of colourful lava formations, and offers stunning views of the town below and volcanos in the distance. Check into our accommodation in Hella.

Day 7: Gjáin canyon, Þjórsárdalur valley, the Stöng Viking farm excavation site and the Stöng Replica Manor Farm

After breakfast we will head to Þjórsárdalur valley, one of the most scenic areas in Iceland formed by the volcanic eruptions. We will visit Gjáin canyon, a hidden gem with waterfalls and lava caves to explore. Visit the the Stöng Viking farm excavation site and the Stöng Replica Manor Farm. The excavated farm Stöng is believed to have been destroyed in the Hekla eruption in the year 1104! Return to our accommodation in Hella.

Day 8: Golden Circle

Our first stop will be at Gullfoss waterfall. We will explore the powerful, multi-tiered falls up close. Learn about the plans to use the falls to generate electricity, and the ultimate demise of the plan. Next we will visit the geothermal active valley of Haukadalur. Great Geysir shoots boiling water up to 70 metres in the air, and was the original geyser which led to naming all future geysers. After lunch, visit Þingvellir National Park. We will have a chance to take a light hike to visit Lake Þingvallavatn, the largest natural lake in Iceland with a very unique biosphere. Overnight accommodation in Reykjavik.

Day 9: Renewable Energy Tour, Leidarendi Cave Tour, Live Music in Reykjavik

Today we will have many stops with the total focus being on renewable energy. Students will have guided visits, tours, and inside access to the Hellisheidarvirkjun Geothermal Power Plant and participate in a guided exploration of the plant.We will also visit the Reykjardalur (the Smokey Valley), a geothermal valley perfect for bathing in the hot rivers. A 45 minute hike on trails into a magnificent nature filled with canyons, waterfalls and geothermal excitement! Enjoy time to explore the Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, and all the city has to offer. After dinner tonight, we will head to a live musical performance!

Day 10: Blue Lagoon, Homeward Bound

Soothe our sore muscles in the warm waters of Blue Lagoon. Rich in minerals like silica and sulphur, the water is supposed to have various healing qualities, and with average temperatures of 37–39 °C, it sure feels great! The lagoon also offers showers and change rooms to utilize after our swim to change and dress for our flight home. Board our flight home, after an amazing trip to Iceland.

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Learning Objectives

Integrate

The interconnection and relationships between local people, natural sites and academia provide the framework for an immersive experience in Iceland unlike any other. By learning from each other, students will work together to create a healthy world for future generations.

Design from pattern to detail

From coastline to ice-capped volcanoes, students will develop an awareness of how synergistic relationships work in nature and between people when the right things are in the right place.

Use and value renewables

By letting nature take its course, students will investigate consumptive behaviors and their detriment to our bodies and our environment. They will learn about geothermal energy – the heat within the earth – while bringing to light the well of resources living within each of us.

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