This is an active, adventure-based journey designed to experience Iceland through movement and exploration. Rather than staying close to Reykjavík, this program travels farther than most student tours, giving students a broader and more meaningful connection to the country’s landscapes and natural forces.

The journey begins on the Reykjanes Peninsula, where students witness the raw, ever-changing geology of Iceland, including areas shaped by some of the country’s most recent volcanic activity. From there, traveling west to east, the route follows a dramatic and ancient coastline—passing towering waterfalls, volcanoes, powerful black sand beaches, and vast glacial outwash plains formed by centuries of glacier runoff. This ever-changing landscape highlights the dynamic forces that continue to shape Iceland today.

Continuing into the southeast, massive glaciers and iceberg-filled lagoons reveal the scale and power of Iceland’s ice. Throughout the program, students actively engage with the environment by hiking through volcanic terrain, exploring geothermal landscapes, walking on ancient glaciers, and experiencing some of Iceland’s most spectacular natural wonders firsthand. These immersive experiences create a deeper understanding of Iceland’s geology, ecology, and natural history while fostering confidence, curiosity, and a sense of adventure.

If you have questions please contact your group leader:

Mr. Ben Gnacik

bgnacik@gmail.com

Flights arrive early morning. Your guide will be at the airport to greet you.

Visit an area that is often overlooked by travelers. Spend the early afternoon exploring the Reykjanes Peninsula, known for its lava fields, continental rifting, geothermal activity, and rugged coastline.

3-4 students per room, en-suite bathroom.

Today marks your introduction to Iceland—a young island where geology, history, culture, and sustainability are woven together in remarkable ways. As we leave Reykjavík and travel through the countryside, you'll begin to see how Iceland's location in the middle of the North Atlantic has shaped both its landscapes and its people. Volcanoes, glaciers, geothermal energy, and powerful natural forces influence nearly every aspect of life here, from how homes are heated to how food is grown.

Throughout the day, we'll explore the connections between Iceland's natural environment and its human history. You'll learn how Icelanders have adapted to living on a dynamic island, harnessing renewable energy resources and building resilient communities in a land continually shaped by volcanic and tectonic activity. This journey through the countryside provides an ideal introduction to the stories, traditions, and natural processes that make Iceland one of the most fascinating places on Earth.

• Þingvellir National Park, where students can observe the rift between tectonic plates and viking history.

• Visit Gullfoss Waterfall

• See Geysir Geothermal Area

• Eat lunch at Friðheimar Green House and learn how the this family farm now produces 20 percent of Iceland's tomatoes with renewable energy .

• Geysir-baked rye bread baking experience and admission at Fontana Spa

Discover Héraðsskólinn Historic Guesthouse, set in the picturesque Laugarvatn area, where history meets nature. Once a school, this unique accommodation features charming vintage décor. Students stay in 2-4 person rooms. Shared bathrooms.

Toilets are located on both upper floors as well as in the basement, while showers are primarily situated in the basement and on the second floor.

Today we journey from Laugarvatn into Iceland’s spectacular South Coast, a region shaped by powerful forces of fire, ice, water, and time. As we travel eastward, the landscape transforms from rolling farmland and geothermal valleys to dramatic cliffs, glacier-capped volcanoes, black sand plains, and thundering waterfalls. This stretch of Iceland is one of the country's most iconic regions, where tectonic activity, volcanic eruptions, and massive glaciers have worked together to create some of the most striking scenery in the North Atlantic.

Throughout the day, we'll explore how Iceland harnesses its abundant geothermal energy, venture beneath the surface of ancient lava flows, and witness the dynamic forces that continue to shape the island today. Along the way, you'll encounter landscapes that feel both prehistoric and timeless—places where stories of volcanoes, glaciers, and the sea are written across every horizon. By evening, we'll arrive in Vík, a charming coastal village surrounded by black sand beaches, towering sea cliffs, and some of Iceland's most dramatic scenery.

• Visit the geothermal power plant to learn about the technology being used to power homes with renewable energy.

• Experience a guided walk through an ancient lava tube.

• Walk behind Seljalandsfoss, an iconic 60-meter (197-foot) waterfall in South Iceland.

• Skogarfoss waterfall & hike along the path by Skogá River

• See the basalt columns at Reynisfjara Beach.

The Barn Hostel is located near Reynisfjara, a few minutes from Vík. Student stay in 6-bed dorm rooms with members of their group, only.

Bathroom facilities are shared.

• Layout & Features: You will find shared bathroom facilities located down the corridor, including toilets and separate shower stalls with overhead rain-shower heads.

• Extras: The facilities include a dedicated makeup room equipped with hairdryers, and extra sinks are available in the hallways for quick teeth-brushing or washing

The drive from Vík í Mýrdal to Skaftafell is one of Iceland’s most dramatic journeys, unfolding across a landscape that feels almost otherworldly. Jet-black volcanic sands stretch for miles, creating a stark contrast against bright green moss-covered hills and lava fields. Braided silver rivers weave across vast floodplains, constantly reshaping the landscape as glacial meltwater flows toward the sea. In the distance, brilliant white glacier tongues spill down from the immense ice caps of Vatnajökull, their icy forms standing out against dark volcanic terrain. To the south, the North Atlantic surf creates a pale ribbon along the horizon, where ocean meets land. Above it all, immense open skies dominate the scene, with shifting clouds, sunlight, rain showers, and rainbows transforming the view from one minute to the next. It’s a drive where every turn reveals a new combination of fire, ice, water, and sky.

• Cross the vast black sand deserts unique to Iceland's geology.

• Hike through a birch forest within Skaftafell National Park. Visit the Black Waterfall & see historic farmhouses.

• See the largest glacier in Iceland, and the second largest in Europe.

Experience the charm of Skyrhúsið Guesthouse, set in the breathtaking Icelandic countryside near Vatnajökull National Park and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

Students stay in 2-4 person rooms with shared bathrooms.

There are 11 rooms at this guesthouse. All bathrooms and showers are shared facilities located in the hallways, rather than en-suite.

• In-Room Conveniences: Every guest room includes its own small washbasin. This allows you to easily brush your teeth or wash your face without needing to step out into the hallway.

• Layout and Ratio: There are typically a couple of bathrooms per floor, which usually include a toilet and a shower stall.

Today’s journey takes you deeper into the icy heart of southeast Iceland, a landscape shaped by some of the largest glaciers in Europe. As you travel beneath towering ice caps and past vast glacial outwash plains, you'll witness the powerful forces that continue to sculpt Iceland's ever-changing terrain. Here, fire and ice coexist in dramatic fashion, creating a world of shimmering blue ice, braided rivers, and stark volcanic sands. Throughout the day, you'll gain a firsthand appreciation for the immense scale of these frozen giants and the role they play in Iceland's geology, ecosystems, and future as a nation on the front lines of climate change. Every turn reveals a new perspective on one of the planet’s most dynamic and breathtaking glacial environments.

• Explore Vatnajökull glacier on a guided glacier hike.

• Walk along path of Jökulsárlón Glacier lagoon and down to Diamond Beach to search for icebergs on the black sand.

Skyrhúsið Guesthouse

As your Iceland adventure begins to wind down, today’s journey returns you to Reykjavík along the spectacular South Coast. While it is a longer travel day, the route offers a chance to revisit Iceland’s dramatic landscapes from a new perspective and discover hidden gems that may have been missed on the drive east. Vast lava fields, black sand plains, glacial rivers, and distant volcanoes provide a constantly changing backdrop as you travel westward.

A highlight of the day is a visit to the charming coastal town of Hveragerði, often called Iceland’s geothermal capital. Nestled among steaming hillsides and bubbling hot springs, the town sits within one of the country’s most active geothermal regions. Here you'll set out on a scenic hike into the Reykjadalur Valley, where steam rises from the earth and colorful mineral deposits paint the surrounding hills. The approximately 5-mile (8-kilometer) roundtrip hike includes a steady uphill climb and a few challenging sections, but rewards hikers with sweeping views and the opportunity to experience one of Iceland’s most unique geothermal landscapes. Along the way, you'll encounter steaming vents, bubbling hot springs, and the raw geothermal energy that powers much of the country.

As you continue toward Reykjavík, take in the final views of Iceland’s remarkable landscapes and reflect on a journey shaped by glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, and the powerful natural forces that make this island unlike anywhere else on Earth.

Hotel Cabin

The final day offers a chance to slow down, reflect, and enjoy one last Icelandic experience before departing. After days spent exploring glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and geothermal landscapes, the morning provides time to gather memories and take in the final views of Iceland’s dramatic scenery.

Before heading to the airport, the group will visit the renowned Sky Lagoon, a modern geothermal spa overlooking the North Atlantic Ocean. Here, students will experience Iceland’s long-standing bathing culture through the signature seven-step ritual, which combines warm geothermal waters, cold therapy, steam, sauna, cleansing, and relaxation. The experience offers an opportunity to unwind after an active week of adventure while reflecting on the landscapes, challenges, and discoveries encountered throughout the journey.

Following the visit, the group will transfer to Keflavík International Airport for departure, bringing an unforgettable exploration of Iceland’s geology, natural history, and outdoor adventures to a close.

2-hour admission with 7-Steps Ritual.

The group will be dropped off at the airport at 1:00/1:30 PM. Schedule flights to depart after 4:45 PM/