Day 1 - Travel to Reykjavik, Iceland

Morning

Participants will arrive in beautiful Reykjavik, the country´s capital city.

This is where you will be greeted by your energetic and enthusiastic Evolve Tour guide and begin your adventure.

The tour begins by traveling a few hours to the magnificent landscapes of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, where you will embark on an magical tour around Snaefellsjokull National Park. The National Park is the westernmost part of the peninsula and is bursting with breathtaking landscape, geology, flora & fauna!  You will become mesmerized by the sparkling ice cap of the volcano, impressed by the rock formations from all periods in the geological history of Iceland, marvel at its steep cliffs, mountains, waterfalls and lava fields and bask in the glory of the sea. The diversity of the park’s landscape is truly spectacular.

Afternoon

The awe and wonder of the Snaefellsjokull National Park will surely stimulate an appetite. We will make a stop for lunch and get satiated before continuing our travels to the towns of Arnastapi and Hellnar. Arnastapi is home to some of the most extraordinary cliff formations. We will walk the seaside passage to see the famous Gatklettur “Arch Rock” and the Londrangar Basalt Cliffs. At the completion of our hike, we will take a much needed rest in a lovely seaside café called Fjöruhúsið in Hellnar.

Evening

Before the sun sets, we will stop at Kirkjuffell for a chance to see the “most photographed” mountain in the country and its waterfall vista. From there, we will head to our accommodation, where participants will have time to get settled in before heading out for dinner as a group.

Day 2 - Vatnshellir Cave, Gerðuberg Cliffs and Eldborg Crater, Back to Reykjavik

Morning

We will begin our day inside Vatnshellir Cave, an 8,000 year old lava tube created by volcanic eruption. How is a lava tube formed? On this tour, you’ll be amazed! 

Afternoon

Tour the Eldborg Crater, which stands 100 meters above sea level and 60 meters above the surrounding lava field. It last erupted approximately 5000-6000 years ago!

Next we will visit the impressive Gerðuberg Cliffs with their stunning basalt columns. They are 12-14 meters high and approximately 1.5 meters in diameter!

Evening

We will make our way back to Reykjavik. We will take some time to settle into our new accommodation before an evening exploration of the capital city of Iceland!

We will enjoy dinner together as a group before retiring for the night.

Day 3 - Travel to Skaftafell National Park

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.

Morning

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.

We will also visit Skógarfoss, 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.

Afternoon

After lunch, visit Reynisfjara beach, widely regarded as the most impressive black-sand beach in Iceland. The beach features an amazing cliff and spectaculary shaped basalt sea stacks. The area is rich birdlife, including puffins, fulmars  and guillemots.

Evening

We will check into our new accommodation in Horgsland and enjoy dinner this evening.

Day 4 - Skaftafell National Park – Glacier Hike, Glacier Lagoon

Morning

After breakfast we will 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. The view we will see is of majestic mountains surrounding the glaciers and the ever reshaping formations of Ice. This tour will provide you with plenty of photo opportunities and the chance to gain an understanding of this magnificent glacier its formations and constant change.

Afternoon

We will visit Jokulsarlon, the most famous glacier lagoon in Iceland. We spend some time exploring Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. 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.

Evening

Return to our accommodation in Horgsland after a long day.

Day 5 - Vestmannaeyjar and Eldfell Hike

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

Morning

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

Afternoon

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.

Evening Check into our accommodation in Hella.

Day 6 - Gjáin canyon, Þjórsárdalur valley, the Stöng Viking farm & the Stöng Replica Manor Farm

Morning

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.

Afternoon

We will 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!

Evening

Return to our accommodation in Hella

Day 7 - Golden Circle

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.

Morning

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.

Afternoon

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.

Evening

Overnight accommodation in Reykjavik

Day 8 - Renewable Energy Tour, Leidarendi Cave Tour, Live Music in Reykjavik

Morning

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.

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!

Afternoon

Enjoy time to explore the Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, and all the city has to offer.

Evening

After dinner tonight, we will head to a live musical performance! Attend a classical music concert at the Icelandic National Concert and Conference Centre, pending availability, or similar event and venue on our final night in Iceland! Return to our accommodation to pack up, debrief, and prepare for departure tomorrow.

Day 9 - Return Home

Morning

After one last breakfast in the city, we’ll depart and head towards Viking World, where we will learn about the fascinating history of the early settlement of Iceland.

Afternoon

Then, 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.

Evening

Transfer to the Reykajavik International airport and check-in to travel home, after an amazing trip to Iceland!