Discovering STEM in Iceland

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Thursday June 11: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Friday June 12: Hvolsvollur Area

Velkominn to Iceland, the land of fire and ice! Upon arrival, meet your local guide and head to Viking World for breakfast and the chance to explore this five-exhibition museum that vividly brings to life the history of these fierce, sea-going marauders. Then your Iceland adventure begins 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. Towel off and set out on a guided sightseeing tour of Reykjanes Peninsula during which you'll view the Bridge between Continents, spanning a fissure between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates; the Reykjanesviti lighthouse, Iceland's oldest such beacon; and the beautifully eerie Gunnuhver mud pools, a highly active geothermal area filled with steam vents and boiling mud. Then visit the technologically advanced Hellisheidi Power Station, the world's third-largest geothermal power plant. Afterward it's on to the area around Hvolsvöllur, a charming small town nestled between mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. (B,D)

Day 3, Saturday June 13: Hvolsvollur Area

Your camera gets a workout this morning as you head for Iceland's amazing southern shore, home to some of its most stunning natural geologic attractions. A sightseeing tour will include the spectacular Seljalandsfoss and Skógarfoss waterfalls and Vik village, famous for its starkly beautiful black basalt-sand beach as well as the dramatic, sea-sculpted Reynisdrangar rock pillars nearby. Later take a guided hike on the Sólheimajökull glacier, exploring the crevasses, ridges and ice sculptures of this other-worldly terrain. After, visit the state-of-the-art Lava Centre. This interactive, high-tech educational exhibition depicting volcanic activity, earthquakes and the creation of Iceland over millions of years immerses you in an engaging overview of the activity and volcanic system in Iceland. (B,D)

Day 4, Sunday June 14: Reykjavik

A full-day of guided sightseeing begins with a tour of the Golden Circle, which highlights more of the country’s unique geological and geothermal features. You’ll start with a visit to the Friðheimar tomato greenhouse, where you’ll taste fresh tomatoes grown year-round using advanced geothermal technologies, followed by the chance to pet the Icelandic horses in their stable as you learn about this unique equine breed. Further awe-inspiring experiences await you—the Geysir Geothermal Area, with numerous hot springs, fumeroles and geysers, including the 30 meter spouting world-known 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. Switch gears to a culinary state of mind as you travel to Laugarvatn to witness and taste something truly unique: bread made underground using geothermal heat. Finally, you'll head to Þingvellir, the site of the world's oldest democratic parliament, established in 930, and the dividing fault line between two of the earth’s tectonic plates. Stop at the unique Perlan Museum Observation Deck and Planetarium if time permits.Arrive in Reykjavik this evening. (B,D)

Day 5, Monday June 15: Reykjavik

Even more natural wonders await this morning as you embark on a scenic drive to view the gorgeous Hraunfossar and Barnafossar waterfalls and the fascinating Deildartunguhver hot spring, which produces 100-degree water that's piped to local towns where residents use it to heat their homes. Later get set for adventure as you explore the Langjökull glacier via an 8-wheel glacier truck. The trek features a tour of a majestic, man-made ice cave, carved from breathtakingly blue ice in the heart of the glacier, and discussion on climate change, the information we can glean from different layers of ice and the engineering efforts required to make this glacier accessible. A packed lunch is included today so that you don't miss a minute of your adventure. Return to Reykjavik for the evening. (B,L,D)

Day 6, Tuesday June 16: Departure

This morning you'll bid Iceland a fond farewell and head to the airport for your flight back to the USA. (B)