$6,595 | Grades 8-11
Iceland: Nordic Elements
JULY 9 – JULY 22, 2026
JULY 26 – AUGUST 8, 2026
JULY 9 – JULY 22, 2026 JULY 26 – AUGUST 8, 2026
JULY 9 – JULY 22, 2026
JULY 26 – AUGUST 8, 2026
JULY 9 – JULY 22, 2026 JULY 26 – AUGUST 8, 2026
Photos and stories that capture what makes this trip so special.
Climbing snow-covered mountain peaks with your new friends.
Taking a photo with friends in Þingvellir National Park.
Walking up to the base of roaring waterfalls.
Exploring a volcanic cave by the sea.
Hiking behind the mist of Seljalandsfoss.
Cruising between glaciers in an inflatable boat.
Crossing volcanic fields on foot.
Climbing a ridge for a 360° view of Iceland’s volcanic highlands.
Want to hear what this trip is really like? One of our OG trip leaders—who’s led RLT trips for the past three summers—walks you through the journey from start to finish and shares what it’s like to be out there.
An at-a-glance look at the trip
Want the full breakdown? You’ll find it at the bottom of the page.
Our daughter had the best summer of her life—she’s already signed up for two more. She came back more confident, more connected, and more excited than ever to keep exploring the world.
Our sons came back with a new sense of self—more independent, more open, and deeply proud of what they’d done. They had fun, made friends, and grew in all the right ways.
We were blown away by how much he grew—he came back more mature, proud of what he accomplished, and full of stories about the friends he made and the challenges he tackled.
From lodging to logistics — here’s everything you’ll want to know before heading to Iceland.
Trip Name
Iceland: Nordic Elements
Who It’s For
High school students (grades 9–12)
2026 Sessions
Session 1: July 9 – July 22, 2026
Session 2: July 26 – August 8, 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
Fly overnight and meet the group at Keflavik airport. Camp in Reykjavik, prep gear, and get to know the team.
Day 3 – Trek Prep Day
Grocery shopping, pack checks, and a full rundown of the upcoming Laugavegur Trek.
Days 4–9 – Laugavegur Trail Trek
Begin the four-day trek through mountains, rivers, and geothermal valleys. Camp in the backcountry. Return to Reykjavik after.
Day 10 – Explore Reykjavik
Visit landmarks like Hallgrimskirkja, Sun Voyager, and the harbor.
Day 11 – Golden Circle
Sightsee through Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss on the way to Vik.
Days 12–13 – Skaftafell & Glacier Lagoon
Hike in Skaftafell National Park, then take a boat tour through floating icebergs in Jökulsárlón.
Day 14 – Whale Watching & Blue Lagoon
Wrap up the adventure with a whale-watching tour and a final soak in the Blue Lagoon’s geothermal waters. Fly home that evening or next morning depending on flight schedules
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.
Travel Days
Your teen will fly on the first and last day of the program.
These are travel days only—activities begin once the full group is together.
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.
Spots will go fast. Reserve yours now and get ready to dive in.