Since 1967 we've been creating expertly planned school tours - helping groups get more from their time away...

Geography school trips to Iceland

4 days from £525pp

Iceland, the Geographer’s and Geologist’s ultimate playground, offers unique opportunities for students. Your group will bear witness to rare phenomena, from dramatic volcanic lunar landscapes and spouting geysers, to diverging plates, glaciers, and outwash plains! The landscape of Iceland is rich in opportunities and challenges which will perfectly complement your group’s studies at both GCSE and A-level.

Below, you’ll find an example of one of our most popular itinerary choices, but we can tailor-make yours from scratch to meet your exact requirements...

Iceland - 4 day inclusive itinerary package with National Guide from only £525pp*

Travelling in October 2012
    Daytime Evening
Day 1 Daytime flight & transfer with assistance to accommodation with en route visit to the Blue Lagoon. Evening meal. Overnight at Reykjavik/Hveragerdi.
Day 2 South Shore Adventure: Skógafoss & Seljalandsfoss (Fluvial Systems), Reynishverfi, Dyrólaey coast (Coastal Systems), Sólheimajökull (Glaciation). Evening meal. Overnight at Reykjavik/Hveragerdi.
Day 3 The Golden Circle: Hveragerdi (Geothermal Power), Gullfoss (Fluvial Systems) Geysir Center, Thingvellir (Tectonics) Nesjavellir (Energy). Opportunity to explore the local area. Overnight at Reykjavik.
Day 4 Free time in Reykjavik or half day coach exploration including visit to the Perlan Centre. Transfer to airport for return flight to UK.
recommended ADD AN EXTRA DAY - from £54
Extra Day Thorsmork Valley (including packed lunch) or thjorsa Valley full day coach excursion. Evening meal. Overnight: Reykjavik/Hveragerdi
recommended 6 DAY TOUR INCLUDING SKAFTAFELL REGION (days 1-3 as above) - Add-on price from £164pp*
Day 4 Skaftafell National Park & Jökulsárlon: Skaftafell National Park & Vatnojokll (Europe's largest glacier), Skeidarárjökull, Morsarjokull & Skaftafellsjökull valley glaciers, Svartifoss black waterfall, Jökulsárlon glacier lagoon (Glaciation & Processes). Evening meal. Overnight: Skaftafell
Day 5 The South Coast: Seljalandsfoss†(Fluvial Systems), Mydralsjökull glacier & Sólheimajökull glacier tongue (Glaciation).  instead of day 2 Evening meal. Overnight: Hveragerdi
Day 6 Free time in Reykjavik or half day coach exploration including visit to the Perlan Centre. Transfer to airport for return flight to UK.  
Package includes:
  • Return flights, all taxes & charges included
  • Airport transfers to & from accommodation
  • Coach transportation for the visits shown
  • 3 nights half-board accommodation at Hotel Ork
  • Visits shown
  • Services of a local Guide throughout your visit
  • Extensive group travel insurance
  • Generous free place ratio of 1 in 10

 

*Price shown based on 35 paying passengers departing in October 2012 from a London airport & is subject to availablility. Flight supplements may apply. Entrance fees for some of the visits featured may be payable locally, but are included in the price shown. 

Our most popular visits in Iceland for Geography school trips

Here are some of our most popular visits in Iceland for Geography groups. We can tailor-make an itinerary to your exact needs. Call 0845 688 8988 to create your itinerary from scratch today.

Key Visits

South Shore Adventure Day

Visit the 200ft high Skógafoss waterfall then continue on to Seljalandsfoss waterfall to compare differing formations. Study coastal processes and wave characteristics along the black volcanic beaches and basalt-columned cliffs of the Dyrhólaey coast. Then take the rare opportunity to walk on Sólheimajökull, a glacier tongue extending south from the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier, study the outwash plain, and witness glacial processes in action.

The Golden Circle Adventure Day

Study geothermal activity at truly spectacular locations! Visit the geothermal environment of Hveragerdi’s Eden Center, then appreciate the interaction between tectonic and glacial influences at the spectacular Gullfoss waterfall, which greatly contrasts those waterfalls seen on NST’s South Shore Adventure. Witness Strokkur (the most famous and active geysers in Iceland) in action at the Geysir Center. Finally, visit Þingvellir National Park and walk through its dramatic canyon. This is the only place in the world where the Mid Atlantic Ridge can be observed above sea level.

Blue Lagoon

Witness and experience the effects of geothermal activity! Take a soak in the steamy 40°C waters of the Blue Lagoon which are fed from a nearby geothermal power plant, rich in minerals such as silica and sulphur, and renowned for their healing properties. An ideal first or final evening activity.

Whale Watching Tour - available during April to October only

Catch sight of whales, dolphins, porpoises and seabirds from the fantastic internal and external viewing areas, aboard your luxury ship during this 3 hour tour.

Volcano House

Watch two excellent 20-minute documentaries shown in an in-house cinema in Reykjavik, featuring two of Iceland's most well known eruptions: the 1973 eruption in the Westman Islands and the very recent 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull. Hands-on geology displays of various types of volcanic rock can be seen, as well as a large collection of beautiful semi-precious stones from all over Iceland.

Westman Islands

30 minute ferry option now available.

The Westman Islands were formed by submarine volcanic eruptions and remain a very volcanically active area. Volcano Eldfell erupted in January 1973 creating a 700-foot-high mountain, causing the island’s 5000 inhabitants to be temporarily evacuated. Groups can now take a 30 minute ferry from the brand new harbour to the largest island (Heimaey) to explore the features and perhaps see the puffins in their habitat. You can also choose to hire a coach on Heimaey to explore the island.

Reykjavik

Experience a different culture in beautiful surroundings! Explore the city’s centre and harbour area. Visit Óskjuhlid to observe the Perlan Centre, a striking visitor centre which holds the city’s geothermally heated water supply in 6 huge tanks and offers excellent views over Reykjavik itself.

Thorsmork Valley

April to September only.

At Þórsmörk, students will witness glacial landforms of varying scales, on which glacial retreat and environmental change are strongly evident. You will be transported across the rugged valley and proglacial streams in a purpose built off-road bus. Visits will include a stop at Gigujokull to view the outlet glacier calving into a pro-glacial lake, the spectacular ribbon Seljalandsfoss waterfall (instead of on day one) and the rift canyon at Stakkholtsgja.

Thjorsa Valley

The beautiful Thjorsa Valley is in the shadow of Mt. Hekla, one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes. Visit the reconstructed Saga Age Farm and excavations at Stong, and some delightful waterfalls and gorges in the area. You will head east of Hekla and drive through the lava fields, pseudo craters and agricultural areas, following Thjorsa - Iceland’s longest river.

Skaftafell, Jökulsárlón & South Shore

2-day overnight stay in Skaftafell required.

An ideal extension to your itinerary, this remote area showcases some fantastically preserved fragile features. Take a walking tour in Skaftafell National Park which lies below Europe’s largest glacier, culminating at the impressive Svartifoss black waterfall and its basalt formations. Then on to the truly spectacular Jökulsárlón, a pro-glacial lagoon clustered with ice flows. Return the next day along the south coast to see the Mýrdalsjökull, Iceland’s fourth largest glacier. Then stop off at Sólheimajökull, an 8km long 2km wide glacier tongue.

Evening Activities

Dependent upon your hotel location, you could choose to:

Explore Reykjavik
Visit Selfoss Thermal Baths
Observe the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)
Enjoy Hotel Ork’s outdoor pool
Go bowling or ice skating

Below, you'll find some of our most popular accommodation options for school groups.

This is just a sample of our full range, so for full details of all properties available, please call 0845 688 8988 to speak to one of our Educational Travel Advisors today.

AD-HotelCabin-MainHotel Cabin

First opened in 1997 and renovated in 2007 the hotel offers rooms over 7 floors. The hotel works extensively with school groups.

Hotel Cabin

A bright modern hotel offering good facilities and comfortable accommodation.

Address

Borgartuni 32
105 Reykjavik
Iceland

Local Rating

3 star hotel

Capacity

500 guests in 252 rooms.

Location Information

The hotel is located approximately 30 minutes from Keflavik airport near ‘Laugardalur’, the recreational area of the city which is home to the best thermally-heated outdoor swimming pool in the city and the zoo. It is an approximate 30 minute walk to the downtown area and not far from the famous Hofdi house, the venue for the 1986 summit meeting of Presidents Reagan and Gorbachev that marked the end of the Cold War.

Hotel Image Strip

Accommodation Facilities

  • 24-hour reception
  • Dining room
  • Meeting room with projector
  • Bar
  • Large screen TV
  • Internet access
  • 2 Lifts
  • Disabled facilities: This property has no specific facilities or adapted rooms for disabled clients.

 Student Rooms

  • 2-3 bedded rooms (2 large 6 bedded rooms)
  • En-suite facilities
  • TV
  • Telephone

 Staff Rooms

  • Twins/singles
  • En-suite facilities
  • TV
  • Telephone

 Safety Guidance

The hotel conforms to all local standards, which does not require windows to have restricted opening.  Group leaders are advised to consider this in their risk assessments/group management plan and ensure appropriate control measures are put in place.

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AD-HotelSelfoss-MainHotel Selfoss

An elegant and modern hotel with accommodation over 3 floors.

Hotel Selfoss

Located in the centre of south Iceland, this hotel offers an excellent base for visiting famous Icelandic landmarks such as Gullfoss, Geysir, Pingvellir and the Westman Islands.

Address

Eyrarvegur 2
Selfoss
Iceland

Local Rating

4 star hotel

Capacity

200 guests in 99 rooms (10 of which have been adapted for disabled use).

Location Information

Hotel Selfoss is located on the banks of the Ölfusá River in a quiet area of Selfoss.

Hotel Image Strip

Accommodation Facilities

  • Reception
  • Restaurant
  • Bar
  • 5 state-of-the-art conference rooms (for meetings and functions of all sizes) & projectors
  • Shopping mall and hairdressers are located inside the hotel itself
  • Spa and health area
  • Disabled facilities: All areas are wheelchair accessible.  10 rooms have been adapted for disabled use with grab bars fitted in bathrooms.  Medicines can be stored in a fridge.

 Student Rooms

  • 2-4 bedded rooms  (pull out beds are often used)
  • En-suite facilities
  • Satellite TV/radio
  • Internet facilities
  • Hairdryer
  • Telephone
  • Safety deposit box
  • Locked mini bar

 Staff Rooms

  • Twins/singles
  • En-suite facilities
  • Satellite TV/radio
  • Internet facilities
  • Hairdryer
  • Telephone
  • Safety deposit box
  • Locked mini bar

 Safety Guidance

The hotel conforms to all local standards. As the hotel is situated on the banks of the river, which at times is particularly fast flowing, Group Leaders should take this into consideration when carrying out  risk assessments.

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AD-HotelSkaftafell-MainHotel Skaftafell

The Hotel Skaftafell is a low rise, modern building with traditional Icelandic decoration. Simply and tastefully furnished throughout, the hotel is an ideal base for visiting the local area which is Iceland’s second largest National Park. Rooms are divided between the main hotel and a further block located just behind the main hotel.

Hotel Skaftafell

The Hotel Skaftafell is a perfect base for various activities whilst staying in the National Park and for days studying the glacier and glacial outwash plain.

Address

Freysnesi
785 Oraefasveit
Iceland

Local Rating

2 star hotel

Capacity

110 guests in 53 rooms.

Location Information

The hotel is located 330 kilometres from Reykjavík next to the beautiful Skaftafell National Park and sheltered by the vegetated glacial moraines of the Svínafellsjökull Glacier. Behind the hotel there are many of the highest and most impressive glaciers and in the front a vast glacial outwash plain which stretches into the sea some 20 kilometres away. The location is fairly isolated, apart from the petrol station over the road.

Hotel Image Strip

Accommodation Facilities

  • 24-hour reception
  • Lounge
  • Bar
  • Dining room
  • Disabled facilities: This property has no specific facilities or adapted rooms for disabled clients.

 Student Rooms

  • Twin bedded rooms
  • En-suite facilities
  • TV
  • Telephone

 Staff Rooms

  • Twins/Singles
  • En-suite facilities
  • TV
  • Telephone
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AD-BaronHotel-MainBaron Hotel

The hotel was built in 1960 (and was previously a chocolate factory) and is of a modern design that has recently been renovated to a high standard. The main entrance leads to a large marbled reception area that leads through to the breakfast room and bar area and access to the lift. The hotel provides a buffet style continental breakfast (served between 07:00-10:00am) with evening meals arranged in a local restaurant, a short walk away. The majority of the guest rooms in the hotel offer views over the sea and the Esja Mountain.

Baron Hotel

The Hotel Baron is comfortable hotel based in a quiet location where historical sites of interest and the harbour areas are all within walking distance.

Address

Baronsstigur 2-4, IS
101 Reykjavik
Iceland

Local Rating

3* Tourist Class

Capacity

121 rooms, including studios over 6 floors.

Location Information

The Fosshotel Baron is located in downtown Reyjavik and only a few minutes away from Reykjavik's most famous shopping street, Laugavegur (Note many of the shops do not open until 09:30-10:00am), and within walking distance of the famous Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral. (Reykjavik is 50km from Keflavik airport).

Hotel Image Strip

Accommodation Facilities

  • 24 hour Reception
  • Breakfast room
  • Disabled facilities: There are 2 or 3 rooms that have been adapted for disabled visitors. The doors have been made wider for wheelchair access, there is a tray-less shower, however the toilets do not have any grab bars.

 Student Rooms

  • Multi bedded rooms
  • En suite facilities
  • Television
  • Telephone

 Staff Rooms

  • Twins/Singles
  • En suite facilities
  • Television
  • Telephone
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AD-LakiHotel-MainLaki Hotel

Have an unforgettable experience between glaciers and volcanoes. Centrally located, modern hotel.

Laki Hotel

Centrally located hotel that offers comfortable accommodation in a modern style.

Address

Kirkjubæjarklaustri
Iceland 880

Local Rating

Capacity

40 rooms, 110 beds.

Location Information

Hotel Laki is located 5 km south of Kirkjubæjarklaustur.

Hotel Image Strip

Accommodation Facilities

  • Reception
  • Dining room
  • Bar
  • Fishing lake
  • 9 Hole golf course
  • Walking course
  • Gymnasium & swimming pool in village
  • Disabled facilities: This property has no specific facilities or adapted rooms for disabled clients.

 Student Rooms

  • Multi bedded rooms
  • En suite facilities

 Staff Rooms

  • Twins/Singles
  • En suite facilities
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For your convenience, we are able to pre-book and pay for popular key lunch stops in ideal locations, including Vikursal Restaurant on your South Shore day, Gullfoss Café situated at the Gullfoss waterfall site, the famous Hamburger Factory in Reykjavik. Pre-payment for your meals will make planning your budget easier too.

Guides and Field Studies Advisors

We highly recommend the services of either a National Icelandic Guide or our own Field Studies Advisors. They will accompany your group throughout your stay and enhance your trip and student learning.

Icelandic National Guides

Your group will be met on arrival by a National Guide. Being a native of Iceland, they will provide useful information at each site as well as providing a fascinating commentary on your surroundings and Icelandic culture during your coach journeys.  You will also receive assistance en route and with check-in and rooming lists at your accommodation.

NST Field Studies Advisor

Alternatively, you can choose to take an NST Field Studies Advisor to help bring your group’s studies to life whilst on the island.  With excellent local knowledge of destinations, culture, history and climate, together with extensive subject knowledge of geography, geology and environmental science, your Field Studies Advisor will lead the group and assist with teaching during your trip, so that you can focus more on providing individual support to your students, and possible resource pack use.

In addition to this, your Field Studies Advisor will assist with logistics and planning during your tour and offer safety advice to your group, including advice on clothing and kit – allowing you to get even more from your time outside the classroom.

FREE Educational Resource Pack

Suitable for GCSE, AS & A2

We understand that you want a study visit that delivers the curriculum. To help you achieve this, our FREE Iceland Educational Resource Pack – developed by experienced Geography teachers - contains a wealth of highly relevant information for you to use before, during and after your tour.

Now available online, you will be able to use its contents as a pre-visit planning aid, print off full-colour student activity sheets for your group to use at each site whilst away, or even refer to its contents post-visit to assist with case study completion.

What’s included?

  • A PowerPoint presentation detailing all locations, with relevant quality full-colour images and maps, for promoting the tour to parents and students
  • Summary table of Geography study themes and investigations
  • Risk assessment guidance information
  • Teacher information sheet on each site
  • Student activity sheets
  • Fieldwork equipment list
  • Student kit list

Click here to download a sample of our Iceland Educational Resource Pack for Geography groups.