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Iceland

Iceland: Climate, Conservation & Adventure — Custom School Trips

Groups of 8+ | Custom Dates | 12 Service Hours | Fully Supported | 4.9 on GoOverseas

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Adventure across the stunning landscapes of Iceland in a weeklong expedition that is steeped in the environmental implications of a changing climate. From Whale Watching to the Golden Circle, you’ll see Iceland’s beauty. You’ll also see how the people on this island do their part to secure their future, from the large efforts at one of the largest geothermal power plants on the planet, to the small efforts at a family-run farm. Give back with volunteer projects to preserve Iceland, before returning home.

What Stays With You

Steam rising from bubbling hot springs. Crystal-clear lakes. Contributing to beach clean-ups and climate change research. Seeing whales in their natural habitat.

Custom School Trip

Contact us for a custom quote

Custom dates & duration. Groups of 8+.

Response within 1 business day

Anna Beckerman

Anna Beckerman

Head of School Group Travel

Dartmouth · 15 years at Rustic

321+ school partners since 2010

Not sure yet?

Email Rustic Pathways

Talk to a personal travel advisor: +1 (440) 975-9691

Schedule a call

View program itinerary

What Does a 7-Day Program Include?

A typical program. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

1

Welcome to Iceland and Whale Watching

Arrive at Reykjavík Airport (RKV), where you’ll be greeted by your Rustic Pathways Program Leaders. Explore Reykjavík with a sightseeing city tour. See Harpa concert hall, Hallgrímskirkja church, sun voyager, and more. In the afternoon, head out onto the sea for epic Whale Watching. In the evening, have an orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations for your adventure, and an introduction to the local culture.
2

The Golden Circle

Enjoy the well-known Golden Circle tour. Visit Strokkur and Iceland’s legendary geyser. Near Geysir (or The Great Geyser) is the beautiful Gullfoss Waterfall. Enjoy the view from above and walk down the path to walk close to the powerful waterfall. Head over to Thingvellir National Park, which is characterized by a tectonic rift valley and marks the rifting of the Eurasian and North American plates from each other. Afterward, visit the wonderful Efstidalur ice cream farm, where you get a chance to taste organic and home-made ice cream. Made from the farm’s own cows, the ice cream is as fresh as it gets. The farm is run by four siblings and their families who recently took over from their parents, and it has been in the same family for 7 generations. Return to Reykjavík in the evening for a well-deserved rest.
3

Geothermal Exhibition

Experience first-hand how green, sustainable energy is produced at one of the largest single-site geothermal power plants on the planet, Hellisheiði power plant, located in a stunning setting surrounded by lava and moss. You will experience first-hand how they produce electricity for the national grid and hot water for the capital region. Afterward, visit Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, two of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland. Complete your afternoon with a visit to Eyjafjallajökull – now famous for its 2010 volcanic eruption that disrupted air traffic in Europe – and the Black Sand beach near Vík village. Overnight in Vík.
4

Glacier Lagoons

This day will be spent in the National Park of Vatnajökull, with Skaftafell National Park situated near the largest glacier in Iceland and Europe, Vatnajökull. Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon is a beautiful lagoon in front of a calving glacier. Enjoy amazing views of floating icebergs in the lagoon and walk between them at the black beach, which is sometimes referred to as Diamond Beach.
5-6

Environmental Service

Spend two days contributing to organized volunteer activities in Icelandic protected areas. You will be involved in various activities and tasks that will be determined closer to the trip date, but are likely to include things like more beach cleanups, workshops on climate change, research, and innovation, volunteering in Húsdýragarðurinn Reykjavík park and zoo, trail maintenance, and contributing at local farms.
7

Departure

Pack your bags and say farewell to this incredible place. Your Program Leaders will take you to the airport for your departure as you say goodbyes and reflect on your adventure.

Total: 7 calendar days. International flights are not included.

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

Trained Program Leaders

Background-checked, first-aid certified, deep local knowledge

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Customizable Itinerary

Custom dates and duration

Learn more about Rustic Pathways safety protocols.

Iceland

What Do School Organizers Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup and handles all in-country logistics.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

Supervision & Safety

Who supervises the students?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a 7:1 student-to-staff ratio. All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and most have led multiple Rustic Pathways programs. Leaders range from 25 to 35 years old.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.

What about medical emergencies?

All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.

Communication

Can students contact home?

Yes. Rustic Pathways’ policy is that students can call, text, or WhatsApp anytime. Rustic Pathways is happy to defer to established school policies instead.

How do families stay informed?

Rustic Pathways sends daily photo updates throughout the program.

Group & Logistics

How big is the group?

Group size varies based on the school’s needs. Contact Rustic Pathways for a custom quote.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Rustic Pathways provides a room list prior to travel. Schools can assign rooming allocations or allow students to choose their roommates.

Program Details

Will students have unsupervised time?

Structured independence with staff nearby. No unsupervised time in public areas.

Can Rustic Pathways accommodate food allergies? 

Yes. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment and shared with all meal providers.

How much spending money should students have?

$150–200 recommended. Tipping is included, no extra cash needed.

Support

What if a student gets homesick?

Homesickness can be common during the first few days; Rustic Pathways is well-prepared. See how staff support students through homesickness

Does Rustic Pathways support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students. Read how Rustic Pathways supports neurodiverse students.

What Should Teachers Know?

Which students thrive on this program?
Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required.
What will students do each day?
Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.
Iceland offers a unique combination of cultural richness, safety, and meaningful engagement opportunities for student groups. Rustic Pathways has operated programs here for years and maintains strong local partnerships.
How Do Flights Work?
School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways program leaders meet the group at the arrival airport and manage all in-country logistics from there.
What Meals Are Included?
All meals included. Dietary needs accommodated.
Included:
  • All lodging
  • All meals
  • In-country transport
  • All activities and excursions
  • 24/7 staff support
Not Included:
  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal spending money

What Other Program Types Are Available?

Iceland Europe Conservation
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