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Trips to Iceland for Geography, Geology and Environmental Science Students

A college trip to Iceland offers students one of the most memorable, educational trips possible. It is an oasis of ice, fire, glaciers, hot springs, boiling mud pools, waterfalls, lava flows, and even active volcanoes, providing a wealth of educational opportunities for students studying Geography, Geology and Environmental Science. Students will have the chance to see real life examples of what they have been studying in their university or college courses.

Reykjavík is the capital of Iceland which lends itself to a modern and cosmopolitan experience. Outside of Reykjavik, towns are small and many exist as fishing villages, farms and hamlets. They all offer similar, distinctive scenery, rolling ice fields, dormant lava and ash deserts and the Vatnajökull backdrop which is Europe’s largest glacier.

Iceland combines adventure, culture, history and learning into the perfect student tour.

Prices start from£679pp

Sample itinerary

Our sample itinerary provides you with an idea of the visits you can cover during your trip. We can tailor-make an itinerary to support your specific learning outcomes.

Morning Afternoon Evening
1 Daytime flight from a London airport & transfer with assistance to accommodation with en route visit to the Blue Lagoon (depending on flight time) Evening meal. Overnight at Reykjavik
2 South Shore Adventure: Skogarfoss & Seljalandsfoss (Fluvial Systems), Reynishverfi, Dyrolaey coast (Coastal Systems), Sólheimajökull (Glaciation) Evening meal. Overnight at Reykjavik
3 The Golden Circle: Hveragerdi (Geothermal Power), Gullfoss (Fluvial Systems) Geysir Center, Thingvellir (Tectonics) Nesjavellir (Energy) Evening meal. Opportunity to explore local area
4 Free time in Reykjavik or half day coach excursion including visit to the Perlan Centre (depending on flight time) Transfer to airport for return flight to the UK
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
Morning Daytime flight from a London airport & transfer with assistance to accommodation with en route visit to the Blue Lagoon (depending on flight time)
Afternoon Evening meal. Overnight at Reykjavik
Evening
Morning South Shore Adventure: Skogarfoss & Seljalandsfoss (Fluvial Systems), Reynishverfi, Dyrolaey coast (Coastal Systems), Sólheimajökull (Glaciation)
Afternoon Evening meal. Overnight at Reykjavik
Evening
Morning The Golden Circle: Hveragerdi (Geothermal Power), Gullfoss (Fluvial Systems) Geysir Center, Thingvellir (Tectonics) Nesjavellir (Energy)
Afternoon Evening meal. Opportunity to explore local area
Evening
Morning Free time in Reykjavik or half day coach excursion including visit to the Perlan Centre (depending on flight time)
Afternoon Transfer to airport for return flight to the UK
Evening

Price Shown includes

  • 3 nights’ bed & breakfast accommodation
  • Return flights, all taxes & charges included
  • Airport transfers to & from accommodation
  • Extensive group travel insurance
  • 1 in 10 free place ratio

The visits shown in the sample itinerary above are not included in your quoted price unless indicated. If you would like to add any of these activities to your quote price, please get in touch.

Price shown is based on 30 paying passengers departing from selected depature points, on selected dates and is subject to availability.


On tour support

On-tour support includes...

  • Airport assistance when you arrive back at your UK airport when you book a coach transfer to take you home

Additional on-tour support available...

  • Airport assistance during check-in, security and gate checks on your outbound flight from the UK
  • A choice of packed lunches for your group throughout your stay
  • Pre-booked meals at great group prices
  • Services of a Local Guide

Top visits for college groups in Iceland

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 day activity.

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 see Sólheimajökull, a glacier tongue extending south from the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier, study the outwash plain, and witness glacial processes in action. A walk on the glacier with an expert guide is available at an extra charge.

Golden Circle Adventure Day

Study geothermal activity at truly spectacular locations! Visit the Hellisheidi geothermal power plant or the Ljosafoss hydroelectric power plant for a guided tour. Appreciate the interaction between tectonic and glacial influences at the spectacular Gullfoss waterfall, which greatly contrasts those waterfalls seen on our South Shore Adventure. Witness Strokkur (the most famous and active geyser in Iceland) in action, before a visit to Thingvellir National Park to walk through its dramatic canyon. This is the only place in the world where the Mid Atlantic Ridge can be observed above sea level.

 

Reykjavik

Explore the city centre and harbour area. Visit the Perlan Centre, a striking visitor centre which holds the city’s geothermal heated water supply in six huge tanks and offers excellent views over Reykjavik itself.

Westman Islands

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 and causing the island’s 5,000 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. We also provide a coach on Heimaey for you to explore the island. (May to September only)

Thórsmörk Valley

At Thórsmörk, 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 where you will see the infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano that erupted in 2010. Visits will include a stop at Gigjokull to view the outlet glacier, the spectacular ribbon Seljalandsfoss waterfall and the rift canyon at Stakkholtsgja. (April to September only)

Thjorsa Valley

The beautiful Thjorsa Valley is in the shadow of Mount 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. (June and July only)

Skaftafell, Jökulsárlón & South Shore

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 proglacial lagoon clustered with ice flows. You’ll stay overnight in a popular Skaftafell hotel and 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. Overnight stay in Skaftafell required.

Reykjavik Boat Tours

Whale Watching
Catch sight of whales, dolphins, porpoises and seabirds from the fantastic viewing areas aboard your luxury ship during this 3 hour tour (April to October only)

Northern Lights  
Sail away from the coastline of Reykjavik and see the Aurora Borealis out on the North Atlantic Ocean with beautiful mountains and the city lights in the background. A truly memorable experience (September to March only) 

 

Aurora Borealis by Coach

For groups visiting during September through to February, you may be lucky enough to see this wondrous phenomenon. We can provide coaching in the evening to take you to the best sites to observe this.

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.

 

Glacier walk

What better way to learn about glaciers than to walk on one! This once in a lifetime visit provides groups with an utterly memorable and exhilarating experience, with spectacular views and learning opportunities.

Ice Caves

Visit the Ice Caves and walk INSIDE a glacier! Exploring the inside of a glacier is an incredible experience and offers a unique perspective to study glacial landscapes and processes, as well as witnessing first-hand the effects and consequences of global warming. 

Secret Lagoon

Experience the steamy hot waters of the Secret Lagoon. These natural hot springs provide a traditional and unique Icelandic experience that will leave you relaxed and rejuvenated, and ready to continue your Icelandic adventure!

 

Lava Tubing

This is a walking cave trip inside the lava tube system at Leidarendi - the ‘cave of the lamb’ named after the dead sheep found in it! It is a short walk of approximately 400 metres across an old lava field to the entrance to the cave. Groups will then descend underground and begin the experience. During this visit, groups will witness the effects of volcanic action and lava flows, and will see interesting forms of lava stalactites and different rock formations. This unique underground caving experience is one your students will never forget!

Perlan Planetarium

This world-class Planetarium is the first one of its kind in Iceland, built inside one of the Perlan’s hot water tanks. You will virtually travel around Iceland and discover the magic of Icelandic nature. Áróra is the first ever 8K northern lights Planetarium show. A piece of art that brought together Iceland’s best known writers, musician, and photographers. It’s a journey, through the unique landscape of Iceland, to observe Northern lights as you’ve never seen them. Taking you across time and space, to understand the science behind the mystery, and the stories we believed for millenniums. Way beyond the traditional planetarium experience.

FlyOver Iceland

FlyOver Iceland uses state-of-the-art technology to reveal some of Iceland’s most awe-inspiring and picturesque landscapes and destinations. Guests will hang suspended, feet dangling, while the ride film whisks them away on an exhilarating journey across Iceland! Special effects, including wind, mist and scents combine with the ride’s motion to create a unique and memorable experience.

Perlan - Wonders of Iceland

Volcanoes, glaciers, geothermal marvels and more come alive through cutting-edge technology and ground-breaking science. Students can see, feel, and live Iceland’s many natural wonders all in one place. The Glaciers and Ice Cave exhibition is included in this unique nature exhibition. Also, on the fourth floor of Perlan is the large observation deck, on the top of the hot water tanks, encircling the entire dome giving amazing 360° views of Reykjavík and the surrounding area.

Lava Centre

An interactive, high-tech educational exhibition depicting volcanic activity, earthquakes and the creation of Iceland over millions of years.

Lava Show

The Lava Show is a new and exciting visit, completely different from everything you will have ever experienced! It is the only show in the world where you can feel the heat from actual flowing lava in a safe environment. The show recreates a volcano eruption, similar to what Eyjafjallajökull and Katla volcanoes are famous for, by pouring molten lava into a room full of people. It is a unique opportunity to safely experience red-hot lava in close proximity, see it flowing, hear it sizzling, and feel the heat that radiates from it!


Evening activites

  • Bowling 
  • Ice Skating 

Study themes

  • Tourism Impacts & Sustainability
  • Rural Environmental Geography