Welcome to Iceland!
Embark on an unforgettable Icelandic adventure, where students will explore stunning natural wonders and rich cultural experiences. Begin at the famous Blue Lagoon hot springs, snorkel between tectonic plates at Silfra, and witness geological marvels like Gullfoss Falls and the geysers of Geysir Hot Springs. Enjoy glacier hikes, black sand beaches, breathtaking canyons, waterfalls, and lava tunnel caves. This trip promises a thrilling blend of discovery, education, and adventure.
First among the country’s many simmering geothermal pools is the Blue Lagoon, a turquoise vision in a black basaltic moonscape. The geothermal spa is fed by seawater 6,500 feet (1,981 m) beneath the surface, where it reaches a searing 464⁰F (240⁰C). Capturing silica and other minerals on its way to the surface, it emerges from the ground at a balmy 100⁰F (38⁰C), just right for pampering visitors.
Enjoy a stay at this centrally located boutique hotel on Laugavegur, Reykjavik's main shopping street. Just a 15-minute walk from the city center, close to shops, cafés, and restaurants.
The Perlan Museum in Reykjavik offers a unique experience with interactive exhibits on Iceland's natural wonders, including glaciers, volcanoes, and the northern lights. Visitors can walk through a real ice cave, enjoy stunning views from the glass dome.
Hallgrimskirkja Church is Iceland’s largest church and home to the country’s largest organ. Built between 1945 and 1986, it serves as both a national monument dedicated to the poet Hallgrímur Pétursson and an active Lutheran parish. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Reykjavik and its surroundings from the 73-meter-high tower.
Dinner recommendations will be provided.
Iceland sits between two tectonic plates, and at Silfra Fissure, you can snorkel right between them. With crystal-clear glacier water and over 100 meters of visibility, it’s a surreal mix of science and beauty you won’t forget.
Kerið, a volcanic crater lake located in the Grímsnes area in south Iceland, is one of the most visually stunning geological wonders in the country. This vibrant blue gem is one of the three most recognizable volcanic craters in Iceland.
Gullfoss is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland and part of the Golden Circle. Many people consider the waterfall one of the most beautiful in Iceland. The water cascades down in two stages, one 11 m (36 ft) high, and the other 21 m (69 ft), into the 2,5 km (1.6 mi) long crevasse below.
Check in to this family-owned establishment, where you can relax and enjoy Icelandic nature. With a focus on personal service and attention to detail, the hotel offers spacious and comfortable rooms.
A list of recommendations will be provided.
A must-visit along the Golden Circle, the Geysir Hot Spring Area boasts boiling mud pits and erupting geysers, with the famous Strokkur geyser shooting water up to 30 meters (100 feet) into the air every few minutes.
Hike a glacier at Sólheimajökull that is known as the Glacier of Fire and Ice. Sólheimajökull is characterized by a mix of ash and ice from past volcanic eruptions. Beneath it lies the active Katla volcano, which last erupted in 1918, and is expected to erupt again in the coming decades, potentially melting the glacier. Fortunately, Iceland closely monitors its volcanoes, ensuring that hiking on the glacier and exploring the stunning wild ice caves remains safe and enjoyable.
A list of recommendations will be provided.
Visit Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, a stunning geological formation located in southeast Iceland, near the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. This canyon, up to 100 meters deep and 2 kilometers long, was formed by the progressive erosion of rocks by flowing glacier water.
Reynisfjara is a stunning black sand beach on Iceland's South Coast, near the town of Vík. Surrounded by dramatic sea stacks, columnar basalt formations, and glaciers, it’s one of Iceland's most popular tourist destinations.
Visit Skógafoss Falls, one of Iceland's most beloved waterfalls. Skógafoss boasts a spectacular drop of 60 meters and a width of 25 meters, making it one of the largest waterfalls in the country. Visitors can get close to the waterfall, but be prepared to get wet from the spray!
Visit Skógafoss Falls, one of Iceland's most beloved waterfalls. Skógafoss boasts a spectacular drop of 60 meters and a width of 25 meters, making it one of the largest waterfalls in the country. Visitors can get close to the waterfall, but be prepared to get wet from the spray!
Tucked away in the scenic countryside, this cozy guesthouse offers a warm and welcoming retreat, perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure.
Restaurant recommendations will be provided.
A journey into Raufarhólshellir is a unique experience and a great opportunity to witness the inner workings of a volcanic eruption as one walks in the path of lava that flowed during the Leitahraun eruption, which occurred east of the Bláfjöll mountains.
Experience the rich marine wildlife off Reykjavík's shores, including majestic whales, dolphins, and porpoises. This intimate whale-watching adventure offers stunning views of Reykjavík's coastline and the surrounding islands in Faxaflói Bay. Passengers may spot minke and humpback whales, along with orcas, while enjoying the yacht's three panoramic decks that provide excellent photo opportunities and protection from the elements. The experienced crew is dedicated to ensuring a memorable and enjoyable outing for everyone.
Enjoy a stay at this centrally located hotel, near Austurvollur. Reykjavik Cathedral, Harpa concert hall, and city hall are within a five-minute walk.
Restaurant recommendations will be provided.
Please Note:
The sample itinerary and budget provided are based on a specific number of participants and chaperones. Final pricing per person will vary depending on your group size and any adjustments made to the itinerary. Please keep in mind that prices may fluctuate depending on travel dates, seasonality, and other factors.
Please email us at [email protected] or call us at 512.596.1642 for more information.
All of our trips are fully customizable—this sample itinerary is simply a starting point to give you a sense of what is possible! We are happy to tailor every detail to fit your group’s unique needs, interests, and preferences.
Group travel can be a difficult and frustrating experience. The group is only as fast as the slowest participant, and that is why our clients spend most of their time in Chaperone Groups. These small groups consist of roughly 4-5 students and 2-3 adults, and move much more efficiently (and happily!) through the cities, allowing students to focus on their unique interests. Keeping entire groups together while following a yellow umbrella around cities (‘amoeba style’) creates missed opportunities and makes unfortunate use of valuable time.
The beauty of any school trip is the opportunity for the student to build self-confidence, problem solve, and learn how to navigate in a new environment. The adults are present to help keep students safe, but otherwise should ‘lead from behind’. At Kairos Tours we focus heavily on student leadership and responsibility for their trip experience.
Is there a minimum number of guests required for this trip?
There’s no minimum number of participants required, but please note that the fewer people in the group, the higher the price per person. Larger groups help keep individual costs lower by sharing fixed expenses like transportation and guides.
What information will be provided before the trip?
Each traveler will receive a complete, dynamic itinerary that includes travel logistics, hotel details, tours, entrance information, meeting points, and more—everything you need to feel fully prepared.
Will there be a group meeting before departure?
Yes! We’ll schedule a pre-trip meeting (either in person or via Google Meet) to go over final details, answer questions, and ensure everyone is ready and excited.
Does Kairos Tours provide a Tour Director?
A Tour Director can be arranged to accompany your group upon request. Please note this may affect the overall cost of the trip.
Will the itinerary change from what’s currently listed?
Kairos Tours will make every reasonable effort to provide this trip in accordance with the descriptions provided. Although it is unlikely that we will have to make any changes to your reservation or cancel confirmed reservations, we reserve the right to do so should it become necessary or advisable, in our sole discretion. We’ll always prioritize the best possible experience for your group!
Are trip prices guaranteed?
All pricing is based on current estimates and subject to change due to factors like group size, travel dates, currency exchange rates, and seasonal variations.
Are meals included in the trip price?
Lunches and dinners are typically not included in the trip price, allowing for flexibility and the opportunity to explore local dining options. Personal incidentals, such as snacks, souvenirs, and optional activities, are also the responsibility of each traveler.
What if there are unexpected delays or issues?
Kairos Tours is not responsible for costs or disruptions resulting from circumstances beyond our control, such as flight delays, changes or cancellations, injuries, weather, war, natural disasters, strikes, social discourse, pandemics, etc., and/or other unforeseeable matters.
My name is David Mebane and I am a lifelong traveler that experienced my first international trip as a 2nd grader, and I haven’t stopped since. I founded Fat Tire Tours in Paris, France in 1999 and love showing people around the City of Light. That passion has grown to include other incredible destinations around the globe, and is the genesis for Kairos Tours. I don't know every destination on the globe, but I do know several well, and I love to take people with me to create experiences and memories that last a lifetime.
I live in Austin, Texas with my wife Kelly and our son Weston and daughter Caroline. However, we spend as much time as we can elsewhere since there is nothing better than an adventure with family and friends.
Iceland's story begins with an epic birth, forged in the fiery heart of the Earth along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, emerging from the ocean a raw, untamed land. It lay untouched by human footsteps for millions of years until the late 9th century, when bold Norse explorers set sail across treacherous seas, seeking new horizons. These intrepid pioneers, along with hardy Celtic people, bravely settled this wild frontier. Imagine the courage it took for Ingólfr Arnarson to establish the first permanent home in what became Reykjavik in 874 AD, laying the cornerstone of a vibrant new society. This astonishing wave of settlement wasn't just about land; it was about forging a new destiny in a pristine, powerful landscape.
By 930 AD, these determined settlers achieved something truly revolutionary: they established the Alþingi at Þingvellir, a parliament often hailed as the oldest in the world. This wasn't a monarchy, but a collective body where disputes were resolved and laws were made, demonstrating an incredible spirit of community and self-governance. This remarkable era, known as the Icelandic Commonwealth, was a golden age for storytelling, giving birth to the legendary Icelandic Sagas. These aren't just ancient tales; they're thrilling narratives of Viking adventures, family sagas, and epic journeys that continue to captivate readers today. Even the peaceful embrace of Christianity around 1000 AD showcases the wisdom and unity of a people capable of profound, collective decisions.
Yet, even a golden age can face shadows. Internal strife eventually led Iceland to fall under foreign rule, first to Norway and then to Denmark. This long period brought hardships and challenges, but the unbreakable spirit of the Icelandic people refused to yield. Through centuries of struggle, they fiercely guarded their unique language and the precious literary heritage of their Sagas, keeping the flame of independence alive. The longing for self-determination grew stronger with each generation, culminating in a triumphant moment in history. On June 17, 1944, amidst the chaos of World War II, Iceland finally reclaimed its destiny, proudly declaring itself an independent republic. From its fiery origins to its inspiring journey to sovereignty, Iceland's history is a powerful testament to courage, resilience, and the enduring power of a people united by their extraordinary land and unbreakable spirit.