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, Monday June 24: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Tuesday June 25: 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 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, Wednesday June 26: 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 as well as Vik village, famous for its starkly beautiful black basalt-sand beach and the dramatic, sea-sculpted Reynisdrangar rock pillars nearby. Later take a guided hike on the Sólheimajökull glacier Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike with Guide Natural landscapes combine with the thrill of adventure as you get your crampons on and hike on the Sólheimajökull Glacier. Explore its many crevasses, ridges and ice sculptures with a local guide who will also teach you about its formation. Students will enjoy the spectacular views as well as gain a first-hand perspective of the effects of global warming.

Close , exploring the crevasses, ridges and ice sculptures of this other-worldly terrain. After, visit the state-of-the-art Lava Centre Interactive Lava Centre See why Iceland is known as the land of ice and fire when you visit the recently opened Lava Center. This interactive, high-tech educational exhibition helps students understand the unique volcanic landscape of Iceland. They will discover how the country and culture have been shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity and earthquakes.

Included on your tour — no additional cost

Close . 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, Thursday June 27: Hvolsvollur Area

Today, we revel in jaw-dropping natural scenery that includes both highs and lows. First, the highs at Thórsmörk Nature Reserve (a mountain ridge named after the Norse god Thor and a popular destination for hikers). Then, the lows—Stakkholtsgjá gorge is nearly 300 feet deep and over a mile long. (B,D)

Day 5, Friday June 28: Hvolsvollur Area

Today is spent visiting the Westman Islands. A guided sightseeing tour of Heimaey will introduce us to the Eldfell crater, created by an unexpected eruption in 1973, and many local puffins and birdlife. (B,D)

Day 6, Saturday June 29: 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. Arrive in Reykjavík this evening. (B,D)

Day 7, Sunday June 30: 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 Reykjavík for the evening. (B,L,D)

Day 8, Monday July 1: Departure

This morning is free for you to explore more of Reykjavík at your own pace. Perhaps pick up some souvenirs or arrange for a visit to the unique Perlan Museum Observation Deck and Planetarium.Then your Iceland adventure ends 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 head for the airport, where you'll bid Iceland a fond farewell.



Optional Extensions and Extra Nights:

Add three days of additional STEM activities in London to this itinerary. Contact your ACIS International Program Consultant to get started.

Discover more of the wonders of the Hvolsvöllur Area with a two-night extension during your tour, including the Thórsmörk Nature Reserve, Stakkholtsgjá gorge and the Westman Islands. Stay in the Hvolsvöllur Area after day three of your tour for two additional nights, and then resume the original itinerary.(B)