Monday - May 12, 2025 | Program Begins

Meals Included
Per Airline

• Flight departs for Reykjavik – Arranged by WorldStrides 

Departure Flights 

  Date      Flight #        Origin              Destination    Departure   Arrival
5/12/25   FI236   Chicago(ORD)   Reykjavik(KEF)   7:25pm   6:40am + 1

Tuesday - May 13, 2025 | Welcome to Reykjavik! 

Meals Included
Per Airline
Dinner

Reykjavik Accommodations
Kex Hostel or similar (1 of 6)

Welcome to Reykjavik! The Icelandic capital is also the world's most northern, and full of innovative wonders that rival the striking landscape all around it. Perhaps it is the natural splendor of the land that inspires a creative culture rich in literary legacy, scientific invention, and incredible design. Breathe in the famously clean air and take its inspiration home.

• At the most common arrival time of all participants, transfer to your accommodations – Local guide and private transportation included.
• Check-in to your accommodations or store luggage if check-in is unavailable.
• Take a break for lunch on own.
• In the afternoon, enjoy a city tour. – Local guide included. Transfer on foot. 

Walking Tour of Reykjavik (guided) 
Begin by walking to the artsy street of Skólavörðustígur, featuring fashion stores and little galleries. At the top of the street is Hallgrímskirkja Church, Reykjavik’s most dramatic building. The elevator takes us up to the tower for a perfect view of the city. On Skólavörðustígur there are plenty of art galleries to view en route to the old city center, seeing Parliament, the Cathedral and City Hall by Tjörnin. Continue to the harbor area and view Harpa, the new concert hall. (guide included; entrance to elevator at Hallgrímskirkja included; no other entrances included, exterior views only)

• In the evening, taste the local cuisine with a group Welcome Dinner – Local guide included; transfer on foot. 2-course meal; 1 non-alcoholic beverage, and gratuities included.

Optional Afternoon Add On: The National Museum of Iceland 

The National Museum of Iceland in Reykjavík offers an insightful and comprehensive journey through Iceland’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Located in a modernist building near the heart of the city, the museum presents an extensive collection that spans from the Viking Age to contemporary times, showcasing the evolution of Icelandic society and identity. (priced separately; not included in package pricing)

Wednesday - May 14, 2025 | Golden Circle Day Trip 

Meals Included
Breakfast

Reykjavik Accommodations
Kex Hostel or similar (2 of 6)

• Make your way to today’s engagements –Full day local guide and private transportation included. 

Golden Circle Tour (guided)

View the Langjökull Glacier from a distance. Next continue to Thingvellir National Park where long deep cracks running from the northeast to the southwest give the landscape the appearance of a crevassed glacier. The canyon running through the park is the dividing fault line between two of the earth’s tectonic plates. Thingvellir is also the historic site of the world’s oldest democratic parliament, founded in 930. See the Gullfoss (“Golden”) Waterfall, perhaps the most famous place to visit in Iceland. Its waters rush down a "staircase" and into a crevice from the wide Hvítá River. In the geyser area, the Great Geysir, perhaps the first-ever discovered by Europeans, is now inactive, but the surrounding area is geothermally very active with many smaller hot springs. The main attraction now is Strokkur (“The Churn”), which erupts regularly every 10 minutes or so. Its white column of hot water can reach as high as 30 meters up in the air (guide included; entrances free of charge) 

• Take a break for lunch on own between activities.
• Enjoy the remainder of the day free with dinner on own. 

Thursday - May 15 | Frioheimar Greenhouse, Sesseljuhus Environmental Center & Hellisheiði Powerplant

Meals Included
Breakfast
Lunch

Reykjavik Accommodations
Kex Hostel or similar (3 of 6)

• Make your way to today’s engagements – Full day local guide and private transportation included.

Freioheimar (guided)

Stop at this family-owned greenhouse farm to see how they grow vegetables with the help of pollution-free geothermal heat. Enjoy the chance to sample some delicious tomatoes. You will also have an opportunity to meet some of the farm’s friendly Icelandic horses. Afterwards, enjoy a lunch of homemade tomato soup and bread. (entrances, stable visit, and lunch included)

• Continue to next visit

Sesseljuhus Environmental Center (guided)

Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland, the Sesseljuhus Environmental Center stands as a beacon of sustainability and environmental education. Located near the serene Sesseljuhus Lake, the center is dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding of Iceland’s unique ecosystems and promoting ecological stewardship. (guide and entrances included)

• Continue to next visit

Hellisheiði Powerplant (guided) 

You will be received by a host where you can learn about sustainable geothermal energy and carbon sequestration / geo-engineering processes to address climate change. (entrances included)

• Return to Reykjavik.
• Enjoy the remainder of the day free with dinner on own. 

Friday - May 16 | Day Trip to Vik

Meals Included
Breakfast
Boxed Lunch

Reykjavik Accommodations
Kex Hostel or similar (4 of 6)

• Board your private coach for today’s activities. – Full day local guide and private transportation included.

Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss Waterfalls (self-guided)

Skógafoss is one of Iceland's most majestic and powerful waterfalls, captivating visitors with its sheer size and striking beauty. Seljalandsfoss waterfall is one of Iceland's most iconic natural wonders, captivating visitors with its breathtaking beauty and unique features. (entrances free of charge)

• Take a break for lunch. – boxed lunch included. 

OPTIONAL: Glacier Walk in Sólheimajökull (guided)

Take a guided walk on Sólheimajökull glacier tongue, where you’ll see unique ice features and learn how glaciers are formed. No previous knowledge of ice hiking is needed. The tour includes an expert glacier guide and all your safety equipment: ice axes, crampons and safety lines. (guide and activity fees priced separately as optional/not included)

• Make your way to Vik.

Reynisfjara Beach (self-guided)

Take a walk on the black sand, admiring the extraordinary rock formations and thundering waves of the Atlantic Ocean. (entrances free of charge)

Dyrholaey (self-guided)

Dyrhólaey is a striking promontory located on Iceland’s southern coast, near the town of Vík í Mýrdal. Known for its dramatic coastal scenery, Dyrhólaey is characterized by a massive arch-shaped rock formation that towers over the surrounding landscape. The name "Dyrhólaey" translates to "door hole island," referring to the natural arch that ships once used as a navigational marker. (entrances free of charge)

• Return to Reykjavik. 
• Enjoy the remainder of the day free with dinner on own. 

Saturday - May 17 | Lava Center and Reykjadalur Valley Hike 

Meals Included
Breakfast

Reykjavik Accommodations
Kex Hostel or similar (5 of 6)

• Board your private coach for today’s activities. – Full day local guide and private transportation included.

Earthquake and Lava Center (self-guided)

The Earthquake and Lava Center in Iceland offers an immersive and educational experience that brings the dynamic power of the Earth’s natural forces to life. Situated in a region renowned for its seismic activity and volcanic eruptions, this center is a fascinating hub for understanding the geological phenomena that shape Iceland’s dramatic landscape. (entrances included)

• Take a break for lunch on own.  

Reykjadalur Hot Springs Hike (self-guided)

The Reykjadalur Hot Springs Hike, located in the stunning Reykjadalur Valley in Iceland, is an unforgettable outdoor adventure that combines breathtaking landscapes with natural geothermal wonders. As you embark on this scenic trail, you'll traverse a diverse terrain that includes lush green valleys, bubbling hot springs, and dramatic volcanic landscapes. (no guide included; entrances free of charge). 

• Return to Reykjavik.
• Enjoy the remainder of the evening free with dinner on own.

Sunday - May 18 | Reykjavik

Meals Included
Breakfast
Dinner

Reykjavik Accommodations
Kex Hostel or similar (6 of 6)

•  Board your private coach for today’s activities. – Full day local guide and private transportation included.

Krýsuvík Geothermal Field (self-guided)

The Krýsuvík Geothermal Field, nestled in the rugged terrain of Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula, is a captivating geothermal area renowned for its dynamic and colorful geothermal features. This geothermal field is characterized by a landscape of boiling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and vibrant mineral deposits that create a strikingly alien panorama. (entrances free of charge).

• Take a break for lunch on own.  

Secret Lagoon (self-guided)

Nestled amidst the rugged beauty of Iceland’s diverse landscape, the Secret Lagoon, or "Gamla Laugin" in Icelandic, is a serene geothermal hot spring that offers a tranquil escape from the ordinary. Located in the small village of Flúðir, this natural wonder is one of the country’s oldest swimming pools, dating back to 1891. Unlike its more touristy counterparts, the Secret Lagoon maintains an untouched, authentic charm. (entrances and towel rental included)

• Return to Reykjavik.
• In the evening, reflect on your experiences with a group Farewell Dinner. – Local staff included; transfer on foot. 2-course meal; 1 non-alcoholic beverage, and gratuities included.

Monday - May 19 | Program Ends

Meals Included
Breakfast
Per Airline

• Check out of your accommodations.
• At the most common departure time of all participants, transfer to the airport – No local staff included; private transportation included. 
•  Flights return home – Arranged by WorldStrides.

Return Flights   

     Date           Flight #           Origin                  Destination     Departure    Arrival
5/19/2025     FI237     Reykjavik(KEF)     Chicago(ORD)     7:35pm     9:15pm

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