Iceland Discovery Tour
- DayTour of the Golden Circle
- 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
- 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
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 is unlike any place we’ve ever been in the world. The clustered geology, geography, and natural environments bring natural sciences to life, what could be straight out of a fairy tale!
Student trip itineraries are completely customizable for your group, desires, and needs.
Day 1 - Travel to Reykjavik, Iceland
Take an overnight flight to Reykjavik, Iceland.
Day 2 - 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. Our first stop will be at Gullfoss waterfall. We will explore the powerful, multi-tiered falls up close. 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. 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 have a chance to take a light hike to visit Lake Þingvallavatn, the largest natural lake in Iceland with a very unique biosphere.
Day 3 - Geothermal Power Plant, Reykjardalur, Leidarendi Cave Tour
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. Then do the Leidarendi Cave Tour, we will enter through narrow cave entrances and find they open out to reveal extraordinary scenery of lava formations and unexpected colours. We will see natural stalactites and different rock formations in this guided Lava Tube tour, making this an experience of majestic and indescribable beauty.
Day 4 - 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. 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. After lunch, visit Dyrholaey, a small but majestic 120-metre-high promontory home to many breeds of seabirds. In the evening, we will check into our new accommodation in Kirkjubæjarklaustur and enjoy dinner this evening. Let’s all hope for clear skies and good weather this day, because if conditions are right, we will head out after nightfall to hunt for the incredible Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) (time of year pending).
Day 5 - Glacier Lagoon & Hike
Depart for the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. If weather conditions cooperate and the lagoon is not frozen, embark on a 40-minute Boat Tour where we can sail amongst icebergs in the water. 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. 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.
Day 6 - Activities on route back to Reykjavik
On our drive back towards Selfoss, we will embark on a Super jeep tour to Thorsmörk. Students will explore the aftermath of the immense fast flowing flood, caused by the eruption of Eyjafjallajokull, while enjoying the off-road ride in super jeeps. We will end our day tour 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. Transfer to Reykjavik for dinner and overnight.
Day 7 - Travel Home
Transfer to the airport to catch our flight home after an amazing trip to Iceland together!
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AirfareRoundtrip group airfare to Iceland
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Private TransportPrivate vehicle transportation in Iceland as needed
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Eco LodgeEvolve works with eco-lodges and promtoes sustainable living practices
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HostelsCentrally located, student friendly hostels
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HotelsCentrally located, student friendly, 3 * minimum, acclaimed hotels
Daily breakfast and dinner included in tour. Meals at locally owned and run restaurants and accommodations serving authentic cuisine sufficient for teenage appetites.
Roughly 85 percent of Iceland’s energy is from renewable resources, and well over half of that is geothermal alone.
Places You’ll Visit
Þingvellir National Park
Gullfoss waterfall
A magical waterfall to visit!
Haukadalur
Skaftafell National Park
Used to be a manor farm and a national park.
Jokulsarlon
A large glacial lake!
Blue Lagoon
Soothe our muscles and mind in Blue Lagoon’s warm & healing waters.
Eyjafjallajokull
Learn about the 2010 eruptions of Eyjafjallajokull volcano up close.
Reykjavik
The capital of Iceland.
