School Geography Trips to West Iceland
Landscape that’s the stuff of legends
Grab your hiking boots, strap on your headlamp and gear up for an adventure that’ll take you off the beaten track and into the rocky retreat of West Iceland. A fusion of hidden lava tubes, glittering glaciers and gushing waterfalls, the rugged yet beautiful wilderness of West Iceland draws you in with little effort.
Where mighty forces shape the earth, your young geographers and geologists will get their fix of all things volcanic and experience the sheer power of nature; seeking out tucked-away fishing villages, strolling along black sand beaches and getting up close to majestic Kirkjufell.
Our Recommended Itinerary
Here’s what your trip could look like
Day 1
Flight to West Iceland and meet FST
Spend the afternoon exploring Reykjavik
Day 2
Deildartunguhver, Gerduberg basalt cliffs and Raudamelskolda
Swim at Lysuholslaug, visit Bjarnarfoss and Raudfeldsgja gorge and coastal walk in Arnastapi
Evening meal at accommodation and study time or quiz
Day 3
Visit Londrangar and Snaefellsjokull Visitors Centre
Vatnshellir lava tube, Djupalonssandur and Saxholl Crater. Finish with Baerjarfoss, Kirkjufellsfoss and Kirkufell
Evening meal at accommodation and study time or quiz
Day 4
Visit Secret Lagoon and Gullfoss
Geysir, Efstidalur Ice Cream & Farm visit and Thingvellir National Park
Evening meal at accommodation and Fun Files activities
Day 5
Visit the Reykjanes Peninsula
Airport transfer
Flight home
Based on 5 day, 4 night tour for 36 members (+4 free places +1 Field Study Tutor) travelling May 2019. Subject to availability.
- Return flights from UK to Iceland
- Return airport transfers in resort
- Coaching for the duration of your tour
- Full board accommodation
- Travel insurance
- Free staff place ratio 1:10
- 24/7 support
- Vamoos travel app & info pack
- Tailor-made itinerary
- Field Study Tutor
- Excursions:
- Downtown Reykjavik
- Deildartunguhver Geothermal Area
- Gerduberg Basalt Columns
- Raudamelskolda Lava Flow
- Bjarnafoss Waterfall
- Raudfeldsgja Gorge
- Arnarstapi Coastal Walk
- Londrangar
- Snaefellsjokull Visitor Centre
- Vatnshellir Lava Tube
- Djupalonssandur Black Sand Beach
- Saxholl Crater
- Kirkjufellsfoss & Kirkjufell
- Secret Lagoon
- Efstidalur Ice Cream & Farm Visit
Optional Extras
- Dedicated Tour Manager
- Hoodies and Polo Shirts
Accommodation
Popular places to stay in West Iceland
- Boutique hostel in beautiful, rural surroundings
- Based in the heart of the Golden Circle
- Ideal for stargazing and spotting the Northern Lights
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Situated by Laugarvatn Lake and Geothermal Baths
- Wi-Fi
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Restaurant
- Library
- Shared dorms and double and single private rooms
- Wi-Fi
- Unwind with a book in the library
- Tuck into a delicious meal at the restaurant
- Explore the surrounding area or go for a hike
- Set in beautiful, rural surroundings
- Multiple accommodation options (hotel, guesthouse, cottages)
- Nearby recreational activities and hikes
- Wi-Fi
- Restaurant
- Cooking facilities
- Nearby hiking routes
- Multiple accommodation options (hotel, guesthouse, cottages)
- Shared and private bathrooms
- Drive to the nearby swimming pools
- Explore the beautiful surroundings of Arnarstapi
- Go for a hike along one of the nearby routes
- Enjoy a meal with local ingredients in the restaurant
- Visit the closest village of Olafsvik (37km)
- Short stroll from the centre of Reykjavik
- 5 minutes from Laugardalslaug swimming pool
- Within walking distance of cafes and restaurants
- Triple, twin and single rooms
- Wi-Fi
- Buffet breakfast
- Restaurant and bar
- Wi-Fi
- Tuck into the delicious buffet breakfast
- Relax with a drink in the bar
- Go for a swim at the nearby Laugardalslaug pool
- Explore the city centre by foot and grab a bite to eat
Excursions in West Iceland
Explore the unique and rugged landscapes
Our popular excursions
Bjarnafoss Waterfall
Londrangar
Raudamelskolda Lava Flow
Deildartunguhver
There’s so much more to explore…
Thingvellir National P...
Ice Cream Farm
Whale Watching
Reykjanes Geopark
Geysir Geothermal Area
Secret Lagoon
Gullfoss Waterfall
Blue Lagoon
Snaefellsjokull Visito...
Reykjavik
Kirkjufellsfoss & Kirk...
Saxholl Crater
Djupalonssandur Black ...
Vatnshellir Lava Tube
Arnarstapi Coastal Walk
Raudfeldsgja Gorge
Gerduberg Basalt Columns
Curriculum Information
Perfect for all ages and stages of secondary education
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Curricular Links
- Changing Places
- Climate Change
- Coastal Systems & Landscapes
- Cold Environments
- Geographical Skills
- Glacial Systems & Landscapes
- Globalisation & Global Systems
- Natural Hazards
- Plate Tectonics
- Population
- Resource Management
- Rocks, Weathering & Soil
- Tourism
- Rural Environments
- Urban Environments
- Weather & Climate
Additional Information
Your journey doesn’t have to end here! See what else we can offer to help you get the most out of your tour. From expert Field Study Tutors to our award-winning study resources, we’ll go above and beyond to support you and your students.
Discover more about this tour
What our customers say
FAQs about this tour
Find the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
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What help do you have in Iceland to assist us in the event of future disruption?
Our main accommodation centres are contracted solely to us and are able to offer substantial support in terms of advice, accommodation extension and local safety issues. One of the centres is earmarked as a rescue centre for the community should there be an eruption event. Alternatively, we work with hotels in other locations, such as Reykjavik, which we could utilise. Our Icelandic coach operator has robust transport resources to quickly implement changes.
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What happens if we are unable to complete our planned excursions whilst in Iceland?
We have numerous, well researched alternative excursions which can be implemented if needed whilst in Iceland. Additionally, we have produced a new study unit relating to the volcanic eruption in 2010. Experience has shown us that with some minor changes we are able to carry out the majority of our itineraries.
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What happens if there is a further volcanic eruption whilst we are in Iceland?
In Iceland every community, by law, has a set of very rigid logistical procedures in place to deal with natural disasters and these have proven to be effective. The whole of Iceland is hazard aware. There are systems in place and sequences of events all worked out. Systems are robust and vigorous. Safety procedures are only stepped down after a full assessment is carried out by the experts.
In addition, we have local knowledge and direct communication to the safety authorities to ensure a calm, efficient evacuation to safety, if required. We also have access to accommodation in different locations. We have 24-hour contact available to both Icelandic airlines and we have experienced the high level of support they offer during the repatriation process.
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Can I talk to Rayburn Tours whilst out on tour?
Yes, a 24-hour emergency phone number will be provided in your final documents pack and one of our experienced members of staff will be happy to help with any problems you have whilst out on tour.
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Do you provide risk assessments for this trip?
Yes, we do. We’ll provide you with our country specific risk assessment handbook, which acts as a practical guide to help you manage risk and hazards on tour. The handbook takes many of the component parts of this trip, identifies potential risks and suggests control measures to manage them. Download your Iceland Risk Assessment Handbook here.
Travel in safe hands
Your safety is of the utmost importance to us and we monitor the safety aspects of all of our tours to ensure you have a memorable experience for all the right reasons.
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