Northern Iceland

This itinerary is the starting point for your tour, but it’s not set in stone. If there are days you would like to change, or specific places you’d like to go, we can work with you to create a personalized program that fits the needs of you and your students.

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2: Reykjavik

Welcome to enchanting Iceland, known as the Land of Fire and Ice! Upon arrival, you'll meet your local guide and head to Viking World for breakfast and the chance to explore this museum, which vividly brings to life the history of these fierce ocean-going marauders. Then set out on a tour of Reykjanes Peninsula, during which you'll take in spectacular sights such as the Bridge between Continents, Reykjanesviti lighthouse, the Gunnuhver mud pools, the Krysuvik Geothermal Fields and Kleifarvatn Lake. Then travel to Reykjavík, Iceland's capital city. Before checking into your hotel, stop at the unique Perlan Museum Observation Deck and Planetarium to marvel at the wonders of Iceland and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Day 3: Reykjavik

A full day of guided sightseeing starts with a tour of the Golden Circle, which highlights more of the country's unique geological and geothermal features. Your trek begins with a visit to the Geothermal Energy Exhibition at Hellisheidi Power Plant. Then it's on to Friðheimar tomato greenhouse, where you'll taste fresh tomatoes grown year-round using advanced geothermal technologies. You'll next get the chance to pet friendly Icelandic horses in their stable as you learn about this unique equine breed. Further awe-inspiring experiences await: the Geysir Geothermal Area, with numerous hot springs, fumeroles (steam-emitting vents near volcanoes) and geysers, including the 30-meter-tall (98 feet), world-famous Strokkur; and Gullfoss (the Golden Waterfall) one of the most impressive waterfalls in Europe, with thousands of tons of icy water thundering majestically into a deep canyon. Then switch into culinary mode as you travel to Laugarvatn to witness and taste something truly unique: bread baked underground via geothermal heat at the Geothermal Bakery. Finally, you'll head to Þingvellir, home of the world's oldest democratic parliament, established in 930. It’s also the site of the dividing fault line between two of earth’s tectonic plates. Then return to Reykjavík.

Day 4: Akureyri

Leave the city lights behind as you drive toward Akureyri, a quaint, bustling port town known as the Capital of the North Iceland. En route, stop for a short hike to the top of the 557-foot-tall Grábrók crater. Then stop for a visit at the historic Glaumbær Turf Farm and Museum to discover its traditional turf houses—some dating back to the 1700s—and savor a tasty treat of Icelandic pancakes and cocoa. Admire the beautiful mountain scenery as you arrive in Akureyri.

Day 5: Akureyri

Enjoy a full day of viewing more of Iceland's natural spectacles in the area around volcanic Lake Mývatn. Start with Námaskarð Pass, noted for its other-worldly geothermal and geological wonders. You'll feel like you're walking on another planet when you visit this surreal place, filled with boiling mud pools, hot springs and fumeroles. Then visit the peculiar Dimmuborgir lava rock formations, the Skútustaðagígar pseudo-craters, and the River Stora Laxa, a famous fly-fishing and salmon river. Next it's time for a dip in the warm, mineral-filled waters of the Mývatn Nature Baths. Later, as you travel back to Akureyri, stop to marvel at the magnificent horseshoe-shaped Goðafoss (Waterfall of the Gods), a 39-foot-tall, nearly 100-foot-wide cascade.

Day 6: Akureyri

Today you'll learn about the area's primary industry: fishing. Your mostly outdoor tutorial begins with a drive to the pretty fishing village of Siglufjörður and a visit to the award-winning Herring Era Museum. The country's largest maritime museum, it pays homage to the industry that was a staple of Iceland's economy for a century. Then it's on to the village of Hauganes for a visit to the Ektafiskur salted cod factory. You'll get a chance to taste some cod while enjoying a light lunch. Later, get your sea legs on as you move further up the maritime food chain for a whale watch and sea angling boat cruise in the Eyjafjörður. One of the longest fjords in Iceland, it's an excellent location to learn about the Humpbacks that are most commonly seen here, as well as to look for other species of whales, porpoises, and many seabirds. You'll also have the chance to put your new fishing industry knowledge to the test with a hands-on attempt at sea angling.

Day 7: Reykjavik

Head back toward Reykjavík today for your final night in Iceland. You'll take the scenic route along the Skagafjörður, a gorgeous fjord, and stop in the town of Sauðárkrókur to visit 1238: The Battle of Iceland, a groundbreaking, modern, interactive museum. Be prepared to participate in part of Iceland's history: Enhanced by their advanced virtual and augmented reality exhibits, you'll experience first-hand one of the country's most decisive medieval battles, a clash of family clans leading to civil war that effectively ended Iceland's independence. Then you'll head for the Borgarfjörður, a stunning waterfall-filled fjord, before arriving in Reykjavík and checking in to your hotel.

Day 8: Departure

Depending on the time of your flight, explore more of Reykjavík at your own pace. Perhaps do some last-minute shopping or pay a visit to interesting attractions such as the striking Hallgrimskirkja Church, the gleaming Sun Voyager seaside sculpture or the fascinating Saga Museum. Or you may opt to end your Iceland adventure in the most soothing way possible: A relaxing swim in the warm, mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, whose striking blue waters (created by high levels of naturally occurring minerals) are sharply juxtaposed against the black lava fields that surround them. Depart for the USA.