Iceland | Learning Adventure

Depart the US for your overnight flight to Iceland.

Upon arrival into Reykjavík, you will be met at the airport by your guide. After breakfast and a program orientation at Viking World, learn about Iceland's early settlers as you explore the museum with your guide. Next, drive to the southernmost tip of the Reykjanes Peninsula to visit Iceland's oldest lighthouse and the Gunnuhver geothermal mud pools before continuing to the Bridge Between Continents. The Reykjanes Peninsula is an area of volcanic rock and lava with numerous clefts and gorges. It lies on the margin of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates and is directly connected to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Along the shore, low cliffs alternate with sandy beaches where ocean waves sweep unhindered onto the coast. Stop at the Krýsuvík Geothermal Area to witness raw natural power in a moonscape of bubbling sulfuric mud pools and steam vents, then drive along the shores of Lake Kleifarvatn, which is reputedly home to a monster recorded in folk tales throughout the centuries. Throughout the trip, your guide will share traditional Icelandic folklore and explain Iceland's unique geology and environments. Before checking in at your hotel, you will visit the new Lava Centre in Hvolsvöllur to explore the largest interactive and high-tech educational exhibition of volcanic activity in Europe. This is an impressive center offering ample opportunities to delve into a variety of volcanic topics and interpretation.

Head east and start the day with an adventurous glacier walk on the Sólheimajökull Glacier with professional guides to discuss the glacial ice and peer into a world not often seen. (All gear is provided.) During this easy-to-moderate glacier walk, you will explore the wonderland of ice sculptures, water cauldrons, ridges, and deep crevasses. Next, visit the Dyrhólaey Reserve for a hike with views of the black sand beaches, basalt needles, and hexagonal basalt columns. If weather permits, continue down to Reynisfjara Beach for a closer look. Your next stop is at Skógafoss Waterfall, one of the country's largest waterfalls.

Today explore what is known as the Golden Circle, starting with a visit to Gullfoss. Translated as Golden Falls, it is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Europe, with thousands of tons of icy water thundering majestically into a deep canyon. Complete your Golden Circle exploration with visits to the Geysir area, with its numerous hot springs, fumaroles and geysers, and Þingvellir, site of the world's oldest democratic parliament and the dividing fault line between two of the earth's tectonic plates. Here is one of the few places on earth where you may physically witness a plate tectonic boundary showcasing the separation of plates. During your explorations, visit Friðheimar farm, where you will learn how geothermal energy is used for greenhouse heating, while enjoying an amazing lunch followed by a visit to their horse stable with a demonstration of the 5 gaits of the Icelandic horse. Throughout the day, enjoy field talks on the unique phenomena of this region of Iceland.

Head back to Reykjavík this morning with a chance to explore the Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel en route. The cave formed as a lava tube during the Leitahraun eruption, which occurred about 5,200 years ago. The total length of the tunnel is an impressive 4,500 ft., with the main tunnel being 3,000 ft. long. The tunnel is up to 100 ft. wide with headroom up to 33 ft. high, making it one of the most expansive lava tunnels in Iceland. We will also visit the Hellisheidi Power Plant for an interesting introduction to a geothermal power plant. Arrive in Reykjavík and check in at your hotel.

Start the day with a whale and dolphin watching boat tour. In the afternoon visit the Árbær Open Air Museum for a glimpse into Reykjavík's past, and stop to see Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavík's famous church, whose architecture was inspired by the fascinating shapes and forms created when lava cools into basalt rock.

After breakfast, explore Perlan, the rotating-glass-dome museum known as one of Reykjavík’s most famous landmarks. After lunch, visit the Blue Lagoon for an afternoon of relaxation. The lagoon is man-made and uses heated water that is fed in by the Svartsengi Power Station. After spending time enjoying the thermal waters, return to Reykjavík and have time to explore the city on your own.

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.