Iceland 8-day Adventure

Take an overnight flight from to Reykjavik, Iceland from Minneapolis

Today we will be travelling what us known as the Golden Circle: a loop from Reykjavík into central Iceland and back providing an introduction to some of Iceland’s most interesting and unique locations. We will be travelling and visiting all locations as a whole group.

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. Here geology truly comes to life, as we witness the geysers Strokkur and Geysir erupt before our eyes! Great Geysir shoots boiling water up to 70 metres in the air, and was the original geyser which led to naming all future geysers. Our guide will teach us about the geothermal history and activity that makes this a truly incredible visit. We will visit a number of hot pools and springs in the Geyser geothermal area.

After lunch, visit Þingvellir National Park. The park lies on the border between the North American and European tectonic plates, causing dramatic and stunning landscape in what was one of the primary settlements in early Icelandic history. We will explore the park’s visitor Centre, offering an interactive, multimedia introduction to the park. “Dive into” the habitat of lake Þingvallavatn and view unique close-up footage of fish in the lake, such as the brown trout or the four separate species of arctic charr. 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.

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. Here students will participate in a guided exploration of the plant which includes an information session and interactive displays detailing this revolutionary power source.

After, we will drive to visit the Reykjardalur (the Smokey Valley), a geothermal valley perfect for bathing in the hot rivers. A three hour hike on trails into a magnificent nature filled with canyons, waterfalls and geothermal excitement!

In the afternoon, explore the magnificent lava tunnel Raufarhólshellir, one of the longest and best-known lava tubes in Iceland. Witness the inner workings of a volcanic eruption as you walk in the path of lava that flowed during the Leitahraun eruption, which occurred east of the Bláfjöll mountains about 5200 years ago.

For the next few days we will make our way to Skaftafell National Park in Southeast Iceland. We will have many stops on our drive to the park today. We will be travelling and visiting all locations as a whole group.

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. The 2010 eruptions of Eyjafjallajokull caused enormous disruption to air travel across western and northern Europe over an initial period of six days in April. 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.

Visit Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s most magnificent and famous waterfalls. Here we will have the opportunity to take a staircase up alongside the waterfall for an aerial view of the falls.

After lunch, visit Dyrholaey, a small but majestic 120-metre-high promontory home to many breeds of seabirds. Dyrholaey was formed in a sub-aquatic eruption thousands of years ago, creating a very unique niche environment.

In the evening, we will check into our new accommodation in Kirkjubæjarklaustur and enjoy dinner this evening.

Depart for the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.  From the shore, experience an up-close look at these incredible ice formations as our guide teaches us about the lagoon, glacier and surrounding area. We will also take a walk alongside the lake, on the black sand shores. Keep a lookout for seals which are often spotted in the lagoon.

Participate in a boat trip in Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Cruise between magnificent towering icebergs that fill the lagoon.

Hike to Svartifoss, On this 1.5 kilometer hike to Svartifoss we will come across three other waterfalls; Þjofafoss (Thieves’ Fall), Hundafoss (Dogs’ Fall) and Magnusarfoss (the Falls of Magnus).

In the afternoon, participate in a glacier hike: strap on some crampons (provided) as we hike over glacier ice surrounded by beautiful scenery all the while. The view we will see is of majestic mountains surrounding the glaciers and the ever reshaping formations of Ice.

On our drive back towards Selfoss, we will head to to the area of Thorsmork. Here we will find Bright green mountains, volcanic glaciers, raw rugged nature, and glacier rivers. We will head out on the 5-6 hours loop hike known as the Tindfjöll circle. The path will bring us further into the valley and up close and personal to the glaciers for unbelievable views!

Transfer to our accommodation in Hella for dinner and overnight.

Today we will be travelling to Vestmannaeyjar, an archipelago off the south coast of Iceland known for its volcanic activity, bird watching, and biodiversity.

Take the ferry to Vestmannaeyjar. Have time to see the many birds and beautiful features on the island on a walking tour. Tour of the Eldheimar Museum.

After lunch, we’re off on a boat: Explore the numerous colourful ocean caves, uncountable seabirds and maybe even a few whales. Good chance we might even catch a live musician playing in the natural echo at cave Klettshellir.

Transfer into our accommodation in Reykjavik

This morning; short hike to the toe of the lava field from Fagradalsfjall. This hike is a 4-hour round trip for one of the shorter paths – Path C Natthagi.

We will end our trip with a dip in the warm natural waters of the Blue Lagoon. The pool’s natural surroundings and steam rising into the air gives the place a magical feeling. The warm water stays at 38-40 Celsius (approx. 100 Fahrenheit) all year. In the whole area there are several geothermal spots and a little Geysir which erupts every 5 minutes.

Transfer to the airport to catch our flight home after an amazing trip to Iceland together!