ICELAND 14 DAYS
Iceland represents nature at its most fearsome and beautiful. Tales of Viking Sagas loom large in this remote, snow-blasted wilderness of spectacular geysers, ash cones, noisy steam vents and Europe s greatest waterfalls and ice caps. Trekking here is wild, off-track and will take you through hidden green valleys and fairytale icy landscapes, while black lava fields hide the dens of trolls! Embark on the famous Golden Circle Tour and reinvigorate in the natural steaming waters of the Blue Lagoon. HIGHLIGHTS The purpose of this brief is to introduce your expedition opportunity. It will give you a feel for the destination and the type of activities that you will be involved in. We hope this brief snapshot will leave you feeling inspired and wanting more! Iceland Expedition Guide Trek through dynamic volcanic landscapes Explore Reykjavik, the world s northernmost capital city Soak in the natural warm waters of the Blue Lagoon
ICELAND PHYSICAL RATING: Very demanding expedition. CULTURE SHOCK: Similar to what you are used to. ALTITUDE: The expedition will not exceed 3500m. VISA: Not required for British nationals. DESTINATION FACTS RELIGION/S: Christian. CULTURAL OR HISTORICAL INTEREST: Over 50 per cent of Icelanders today believe in the existence of elves, or the hidden people. LANGUAGES: Icelandic, Danish and English widely spoken. GEOGRAPHY: Lava fields, mountains, volcanoes, hot springs and glaciers. Lowlands are treeless but green, with grazing animals. CLIMATE: Mild, changeable summers. A single day can include warm sun, rain, wind, hail and snow! ICELAND 3 outlookexpeditions.com
YOUR EXPEDITION EXPERIENCE These are the key things around which your expedition will be built. ADVENTURE The Landmannalaugar Trail is considered the greatest trek in Iceland and takes in a huge variety of amazing landscapes. This trek is truly unique to Iceland, one moment you will be surrounded by rainbow coloured hills, the next you will be passing between glaciers. There are ancient lava fields and not-so-ancient lava fields (the Eyjafjallajökull volcano sits just off the southern end of the trail), green valleys, pure glacial rivers and ever changing skies. This is a very wild landscape where off the trail you are unlikely to see any human traces for miles around. From Reykjavik, set out on a tour of Iceland s Golden Circle, a loop tour of some of the country s greatest natural wonders. Stop at Gullfoss, Geysir and Thingvellir to experience Europe s largest waterfalls, canyons, spouting hot springs and see up close the collision between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates! Take a trip to the glacial tongue of Sólheimajökull, a rugged, raw and ever changing hub of ancient frozen water. You will explore the crevasse-riddled glacier, its amazing ice formations, sink holes and jagged ridges, accompanied by an experienced glacier guide. Spend one of your final days relaxing in the soothing hot waters of the Blue Lagoon. A natural pool of volcanically heated seawater; the lagoon is turned its distinctive blue by natural silica a mineral known to provide many health benefits. The perfect way to unwind after all your adventures! Iceland Expedition Guide
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EXAMPLE ITINERARY The below itinerary has been created by our Expedition Planner as a guide. DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4-9 DAY 10 DAY 11 DAY 12-13 Fly to Reykjavik, the world s northernmost capital city. Transfer to your campsite, ideally located to explore this small and friendly city. Spend a day discovering Reykjavik as well as buying supplies for your trek. Travel to Landmannalaugar, ready to start your trek the following day. Set up camp and perhaps visit the natural hot springs! The famous and beautiful trek from Landmannalaugar to Skogar (also known as Hot Spring Road) takes in an incredible variety of landscapes. You ll cross multi-coloured mountains, soothing hot springs, black lava fields and extensive views across the stunning landscape. Camp along the route close to the refuges. The Golden Circle tour is a loop taking in Europe s biggest waterfall, Gullfoss, the erupting Geysir and the visible crest of the Atlantic ridge - Thingvellir. Travel to the beautiful Sólheimajökull Glacier. You will be assisted by a guide, who will take you onto the glacier to explore and explain the different features. You will also visit a stepper section of glacier, where you can try your hand at ice climbing! Back in Reykjavik, visit one of the many museums and galleries. Completely relax and unwind on your last day by visiting the incredible Blue Lagoon, where you can soak in the hot waters after an action packed expedition. DAY 14 Bid Iceland a fond farewell and fly back to the UK for your homecoming. Due to the changing nature of the world over the build up period, Outlook may be required to change aspects of, or the order of the itinerary. Outlook will consult with the Link Teacher/Group Leader and all participants if this is the case. Iceland Expedition Guide
WHAT S INCLUDED UK BUILD UP* Itinerary Development Day Expedition Development Day Final Preparation Day TRAINING Expedition Training weekend in the UK with your Expedition Leader. LINK TEACHER TRAINING* Leader Team Training event including first aid. LEADER TEAM COMPOSITION At least 1 Link Teacher and an Outlook Expedition Leader. FLIGHTS International flights. INSURANCE Comprehensive overseas insurance. TRANSPORT All overseas transport. IN DESTINATION All food and accommodation. All group activities including any entrance fees. All R&R activity. WHAT S NOT INCLUDED Spending money for gifts / souvenirs whilst on expedition. Inoculations, prophylaxis and personal medicine. (All participants based in England and Wales receive 10% discount at Nomad Travel). Visas and passports please see page 3 to see which visas are required. Personal belongings insurance (this may be covered by your household / contents insurance). Cancellation insurance. Personal equipment (e.g. rucksack, sleeping bag, waterproof clothing); all participants receive 15% discount at Cotswold Outdoor. Transport to and from UK-based training courses, to the Final Preparation Day venue and from the airport. Food and accommodation in the UK, unless specified. * Please see brochure for more information. outlookexpeditions.com7
HOW TO LAUNCH YOUR EXPEDITION We hope you have decided that this is the expedition for your school or group. To launch all you need to do is follow these steps: CONTACT YOUR REGIONAL MANAGER Discuss convenient dates for us to come and run an assembly and information evening. Once these dates have been agreed you will be assigned a School Account Manager. They will become your point of contact at Outlook from now until after your return from the expedition. PRESENTATION AT YOUR SCHOOL We will run an assembly presentation for your students and an information evening for students and parents at your school or venue. APPLY ONLINE Students will apply online to join the expedition and pay a deposit. phone 01248 672 760 email INFO@OUTLOOKEXPEDITIONS.COM online WWW.OUTLOOKEXPEDITIONS.COM