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Iceland: Vikings & Volcanoes!

Overview

There’s nowhere on earth quite like Iceland! On this cross-curricular Humanities trip, you’ll discover what makes it unique: from its turbulent geography to its Viking legacy; from ancient superstition to cutting-edge green energy.

Reykjavik is an ideal place to immerse yourself in Icelandic culture and history, and to understand how Viking beliefs are intertwined with modern life.  It’s also a great starting point for an excursion to some of Iceland’s natural wonders, including geysers, tectonic boundaries, and waterfalls.

Many schools like to take a dip in the world-famous Blue Lagoon and if you're lucky, nature's fireworks - the Northern Lights - can put on quite a show!

Our Suggested Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Morning flight from the UK to Reykjavik (Keflavik Airport).

    Optional activity: On your way to your accommodation, stop for a swim in the Blue Lagoon!  Blue-green algae and white silica mud give the water its milky, aquamarine colour.

    Board your coach and make your way to your accommodation.

    Spend some free time exploring Reykjavik, the world's northernmost capital!  Don't miss Hallgrímskirkja Church, one of the city's most famous landmarks.

  2. Day 2

    This morning, head to the National Museum of Iceland which provides an excellent overview of Iceland’s history, religion and culture from the settlement era to the modern day.

    In the afternoon, enjoy a Sagas and Folk Tales Walking Tour!  A local storyteller will introduce you to Elves, Trolls, and Ghosts, bringing these epic tales to life and demonstrating the blurred lines between oral history and mythology.

    Finally, take a guided tour of Reykjavik 871±2, a high-tech archaeological museum built on top of a Viking longhouse!

    Optional evening activity: Discover the awe-inspiring natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights with a local guide (from October to mid-April).

  3. Day 3

    Golden Circle daytrip
    With a local guide, set off for Þingvellir National Park where the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates is clearly visible.

    Follow this up with a visit to Strokkur geyser, a very active fountain geyser that shoots boiling water up to 40 metres into the air every 5 minutes!

    Finish the day admiring Gullfoss Waterfall.  On a sunny day, the glacial meltwater tumbling down the 32m chasm looks golden!

    Optional extra: Explore the magnificent lava tunnel Raufarhólshellir, one of the longest and best-known lava tubes in Iceland.

    Optional extra: Head to an Icelandic restaurant for dinner!

  4. Day 4

    On your final morning, visit Perlan Exhibition. You can see, hear and feel the power of volcanoes, earthquakes and geothermal energy! Plus, there's a planetarium where you can spot the northern lights! Then, climb up to the viewing deck of Perlan, an iconic domed building, for spectacular views over Reykjavik!

    Board your coach and catch your afternoon flight back to the UK.

School Trip Accommodation

Accommodation

We've got lots of excellent options in Iceland, within Reykjavik itself or some even 'in the middle of nowhere!'.

We always use safe and secure accommodation especially suited to schools and the Hotels and Youth Hostels in Iceland are excellent.

We've visited and audited all the accommodation we use in Iceland, and our auditing regime is verified annually by independent experts.