Iceland: Nordic Elements

Trip Name
Iceland: Nordic Elements

Who It’s For
High school students (grades 8–11)

2026 Sessions
Session 2: July 2 – July 15, 2026
Session 3: July 19 – August 1, 2026

Note: These dates reflect your teen’s departure and return. Exact flight times and meeting details will be shared after enrollment.

Location
Southern Iceland

Trip Length
14 Days

Tuition
$6,595

This is the plan—but plans can shift. Weather, group energy, and new opportunities sometimes lead us to make changes. No two trips are exactly the same, and that’s part of what makes the experience so memorable.

Days 1–2: Arrival in Iceland
We fly from the U.S. (optional escorted flight available) and land in Keflavik, Iceland. After the group has arrived, we travel to our campsite in Reykjavik, where we settle in, go over gear, and get to know each other.

Day 3: Trek Prep Day
We spend the day preparing for our multi-day hike—shopping for groceries, reviewing backpacking techniques, repacking our bags, and making sure everyone feels ready for the trail ahead.

Days 4–9: Trek the Laugavegur Trail
We transfer to Landmannalaugar to begin our 4-day journey along the Laugavegur Trail—one of Iceland’s most iconic hikes. Along the way, we pass geothermal springs, colorful mountains, glacier-fed rivers, and wide mossy valleys.

Day 10: Explore Reykjavik
Back in the capital, we explore highlights like Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral, the Sun Voyager sculpture, the Reykjavik harbor, and the lively city center.

Day 11: Golden Circle Adventure
We travel Iceland’s famed Golden Circle, visiting Þingvellir National Park, the geysers of Geysir, and the thundering Gullfoss waterfall before heading toward Vik on the south coast.

Days 12–13: Skaftafell National Park & Glacier Lagoon
We explore the dramatic landscapes of Skaftafell National Park—hiking beside glaciers, volcanic cliffs, and basalt waterfalls. We then travel east for a boat tour through the surreal Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where icebergs drift alongside curious seals.

Day 14: Selfoss & Geothermal Farming
We visit Friðheimar Farm for warm tomato soup and homemade bread, and learn how Icelanders harness geothermal energy to grow fresh produce. Then we stop by Selfoss and meet Icelandic horses—known for their unique gait and gentle nature.

Day 15: Whale Watching & Blue Lagoon
We take to the water on a whale-watching excursion from Reykjavik, and end the day with a relaxing soak in the famous Blue Lagoon—a perfect wrap-up to our time together.

Day 16: Homeward Bound
After one final banquet and celebration, we head to the airport and begin our journey home.

We’ll be tent camping throughout the trip in a mix of established campgrounds and hike-in backcountry sites.

Group Tents
Teens sleep in shared tents (2–3 per tent), organized by gender identity.

Mix of Rustic & Remote
Some sites have basic facilities like toilets and running water. Others are remote with no amenities—just us and the mountains.

Group Responsibility
Everyone helps set up camp, prep meals, and keep shared spaces clean. Camping together builds trust and teamwork.

What to Expect
Changing weather, long daylight hours, and unforgettable views just outside your tent door.

Most meals are cooked as a group at the campsite, with a few local meals along the way.

Cook Crew
Teens rotate through daily roles—planning, prepping, cooking, and cleaning alongside leaders.

Simple + Filling
Meals are hearty and easy to make in the outdoors—think pasta, soups, rice bowls, pancakes, sandwiches.

All Diets Welcome
We accommodate all allergies and dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, etc.).

Snacks + Hydration
We build in snack breaks and water refills throughout each day—especially on hikes.

Flights
Families book flights to and from Reykjavík, Iceland (KEF).
Do not book your flight until you receive the required travel windows from our team.

Escorted Flight Option
An optional group flight with an RLT leader is available from the New York area.

Unaccompanied Minor Info
If your teen is flying as an unaccompanied minor, we’ll provide all necessary check-in and pick-up details.

Packing
We’ll send a full packing list after enrollment. Everything fits in a duffel or backpack.
Key items include:

Sleeping bag + sleeping pad

Waterproof layers

Sturdy hiking boots

Swimsuit + towel

Warm layers for cold nights

Luggage Note
We recommend one checked bag and one small carry-on backpack.

Forms & Waivers
After enrolling, you'll access your RLT portal with required forms:
Health history, medical info, emergency contacts, and participant waivers. These must be completed before your trip.

Medical Clearance
No doctor’s appointment is needed unless a new or complex medical condition has developed. We review all forms to ensure we’re prepared to support your teen.

Medications
All medications—prescription or over-the-counter—must be listed on your teen’s medical form. Leaders manage and dispense medications during the trip.

Behavioral Expectations
We’ll send you a Code of Conduct to review with your teen. It helps set clear expectations and ensures a safe, respectful group environment.

Trip Insurance
Required for international travel. You’re welcome to use any provider. For recommendations, visit our FAQ page or contact our team directly.

Vaccinations
Please ensure your teen is up to date on routine vaccinations per CDC guidelines. No additional vaccines are currently required for travel to Iceland.

Passport
A valid passport is required. It must be valid for at least six months beyond the end of the trip.

Device-Free Philosophy
Phones and personal electronics are collected on Day 1 and returned at the end of the trip. This helps teens fully engage with their surroundings and each other.

Disconnect Helps Teens:
Build deeper relationships
Be present in their surroundings
Gain confidence without constant tech

Cameras Welcome
Digital cameras and GoPros are allowed—anything that doesn’t connect to the internet. Trip leaders also take photos and share an online gallery with families after the trip.

Communication
We send regular updates to families while the trip is underway. In case of emergency, you can reach our on-call team 24/7.