2nd October 2015 Dear Parents and Students, Final Arrangements for Trip to Iceland – 25th / 29th October 2015 All arrangements are now in place for the Geography trip to Iceland to depart on Sunday 25th October and return on Thursday the 29th. We shall be meeting at school at 7.45am on Sunday in the school’s bottom car park to travel by coach to Gatwick and students will be returned to school at approximately 8.30pm on Thursday. Students should bring with them a packed lunch to eat on the aeroplane and are allowed one piece of hand luggage (including passport) and one piece of luggage for the hold (not above 15kg in weight). They should also pack their swimming gear and a towel in their hand luggage as we shall be visiting the geothermal ‘Blue Lagoon’ baths prior to driving onward to Reykjavik and arriving at our hotel. The emergency contact details of our hotels can be found upon the itinerary attached. These will be the best way to get in touch with the group should your son or daughter not have a mobile phone. Please only use these for any matters of utmost urgency. Can I also take this opportunity to remind you of the packing list and that students should have sturdy boots for walking and a waterproof jacket along with plenty of layers, gloves and a warm hat. Any travel adaptors for charging appliances in Iceland should be ‘type F’ two pin adaptors. Should you want to give your son or daughter any money for souvenirs, the currency in Iceland is the Króna and they will need to buy some lunch or snacks on one of the day’s long drives. However, they shan’t need much extra money and certainly no one should bring more than £50 in Króna. Can I also ask that you do not give your son or daughter pound Sterling to convert at the airport as there may not be time and exchange rates will be poor. There will be a short information evening at 5.30pm on Thursday 8th October in the LRC which I would encourage you to attend where any further questions can be discussed. Yours sincerely,
Alex Coulter Geography Subject Leader
Group name: Vyners School Booking Reference: A037384
5-DAY GEOGRAPHY & GEOLOGY EXPLORER REVISED ITINERARY
Day 1 Sunday 25th October 2015 Flight Information
Please note that your itinerary may be subject to change according to weather conditions and other time constraints. Please take time to check and read through your itinerary carefully 08:45 Check in at London Gatwick Airport, South Terminal 11:15 Depart on WOW Air flight WW811 14:25 Arrive Keflavik International Wow Air Please ensure your group checks in a minimum of two and a half hours before departure. Please note: seat numbers will be allocated at check-in. Snacks and drinks are not provided but are available to purchase on the flight.
Transfer
After clearing customs and immigration, please proceed to the exit of the terminal building where your coach driver (who will be holding up a sign with your group name) will be waiting for you. Grayline coach department: +354 540 1311
Reykjanes Peninsula
Walk amongst solfataras (boiling mud pools) and hot springs. Drive through lava deserts to Leif the Lucky Bridge - Bridge between continents and span the fissure said to be the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and see the effects of Continental drift.
Perlan
A Reykjavik landmark – this futuristic building is composed of large circular tanks which hold the city’s naturally heated water reserves, above which sits a glass dome (containing a revolving restaurant) and an outdoor viewing platform.
Accommodation Supper Evening
Hotel Cabin, Borgartun 32, Reykjavik Tel: + 354 511 6030 At hotel Own Arrangements
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Group name: Vyners School Booking Reference: A037384 Day 2 Monday 26th October 2015 Breakfast
To be taken from 08:00 (purchase lunch en-route) then depart at 09:00.
08:30 guide consultation
The group leaders should aim to meet the guide in the hotel lobby 30 minutes prior to departure. This is an excellent opportunity for you to speak with the guide, so to ensure a full understanding of your specific requirements and expectations, allowing them to tailor their presentation and tour to meet your needs.
Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Station
A free external viewing.
Eyjafjallajokull flood plain
Drive past an area affected by a jokulhlaup (glacier burst) from the recent Eyjafjallajokull volcanic eruption, here students will see evidence from where glacial flood water has washed down the valley.
Seljalandsfoss
This waterfall spills 60 meters over a basalt cliff, as a result of isostatic rebound of the land and its lava flow. Subject to weather conditions it is possible to walk behind the waterfall.
Skogafoss
Another of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls – with a wide, thundering curtain of water 60m high.
14:00 Glacier Walk
This very popular trip takes you on an exploration of the frozen glacier tongue of Solheimajokull. A wonderland of ice sculptures, ridges and deep crevasses await your discovery. The experienced glacier guide will teach you how to use basic ice equipment, crampons and ice axes. Sturdy comfortable walking boots are required and they should be firm at the front to ensure the crampons fit securely. Please make sure you have energy bars or chocolate and a drink with you. You will have approximately 1-1.5 hours on the ice, depending on the group size and ability. Operated by Arctic Adventures - +354 562-7000 *Please note, depending on the route used it can now take up to approximately 30-45 minutes to walk to the glacier.
Important note for visits to beaches
Please ensure you keep well away from the sea; the local recommendation is at least 20 metres, but we suggest you err on the side of caution. Freak waves can occur with very little warning and potentially fatal consequences.
Reynishverfi
Walk along the black volcanic beach to see magnificent basalt cliffs and caves. Take photos standing and sitting on the basalt columns! -2-
Group name: Vyners School Booking Reference: A037384 Accommodation Supper
Hotel Dyrholaey, Brekkur, Myrdalur, Tel: +354 487 1333 At hotel - your guide should call the hotel 2-3 hours before arrival to confirm the time for supper. Please check with reception whether your group will be making up their own packed lunches or having them prepared by the hotel. Discuss with your guide and the hotel a suitable time for dinner tomorrow evening.
Evening
Own Arrangements
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Group name: Vyners School Booking Reference: A037384 Day 3 Tuesday 27th October 2015 Breakfast
To be taken from 08:00 (collect packed lunch) then depart at 09:00.
Mýrdalssandur
An area of 700 sq km of sand flats created by volcanic eruptions and jokulhlaup (or glacier burst). With some eruptions under icecaps, large areas of ice melts and a glacial outburst flood occurs, bringing a rush of sediment and ice-laden flood water.
Laufskalavarda
Former farm site demolished by eruptions.
Eldhraun
The 560 sq km lava flow, believed to be the largest ever worldwide from a single eruption (Laki 1783), is covered in moss, in places 30cm deep.
Fjadrargljufur
An impressive canyon around 100m deep and 2km long, running through hyaloclastite (soft, granular rock) with lava intrusions, the entire formation dating from the Ice Age 2 million years ago.
Jokulsárlon
Iceland’s most famous and photographed glacial lagoon and also one of its deepest lakes. Enormous icebergs, some the size of houses, calve off the Breidamerkjokurjokull glacier tongue as it retreats and drop into the lagoon, creating a spectacular sight. As they drift slowly towards the ocean, they occasionally break up in the process, and some become washed ashore on the black sand beach nearby.
Kviarjokull
A valley glacier with impressive arcuate moraines.
Svinafellsjokull
Another outlet glacier from Vatnajokull. The ice here comes spilling down from the highlands and is known for its spectacular crevasses. Take a walk to the snout of the glacier.
Skaftafell National Park
The island’s most popular wilderness area, very popular with walkers and hikers – 1600sq km of stunning natural beauty. Go to the Visitor Centre and learn about the park, its glaciers and many natural features.
Skeidararjokull
One of the main outlet glaciers that feed off Vatnajokull. This area is prone to glacier bursts or jokulhlaup and is therefore an ideal place to study sandur (glacial silt and sediment deposits).
Dverghamrar
Translated as ‘Dwarf Cliffs’ this small gorge has interesting columnar basalt formations.
Kirkjugolf
Glacially polished basalt column floor.
Accommodation Supper Evening
Hotel Dyrholaey, Brekkur, Myrdalur, Tel: +354 487 1333 At hotel Own Arrangements
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Group name: Vyners School Booking Reference: A037384 Day 4 Wednesday 28th October 2015 Breakfast
To be taken from 07:30 (collect packed lunch) then depart at 08:30.
Kerid
A dramatic volcanic crater lake, originally believed to be formed by a huge volcanic explosion. Yet more thorough studies show that Kerid was a cone volcano which erupted and emptied its magma reserve. Please note: There is now a charge of approximately £2 to visit Kerid. Although many groups enjoy this site, Kerid is an optional stop and is not a main highlight. To be paid locally.
Gullfoss
These double falls drop around 33m then plunge into a mile-long gorge – one of Iceland’s most photographed waterfalls.
Geysir
Visit spouting geysers and hot springs – here ‘Strokkur’ erupts every 5-7 minutes reaching a height of around 30m. One of the trio of natural wonders on the Golden Circle route.
Efsti-Dalur dairy farm (Optional stop for home made icecream).
Visit a working dairy farm where the barn has been converted into a restaurant, with windows into the cow shed, where you can watch the cows and calf’s in their daily environment. The farm makes its own milk products such as ice-cream, skyr, feta cheese and more. (Small home made soft ice – ISK 350 payable locally). Tel:00354 4861186 or 00354 8621626
Thingvellir
This national park is where Iceland’s parliament was established in 930AD – it is also scoured by the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and rift valleys are clearly visible where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates pull apart at around 2cm a year.
17:30 Blue Lagoon
Coach to drive via Reykjavik to drop off guide One of Iceland’s most popular visitor attractions. Set amongst a landscape of black lava, the water temperature averages between 3040˚C. The water is drawn from a depth of around 2000m and is rich in unique natural minerals such as silica and blue green algae, especially beneficial for those with skin complaints. Tel +3544208825
Accommodation 21:00 Supper
Hotel Cabin, Borgartun 32, Reykjavik Tel: + 354 511 6030 The Hamburger Factory, 105 Reykjavik, Tel: +354 5757575 Group making own way to the restaurant – approx. 15 minutes walk Menu choices to be made on arrival.
Evening
Own Arrangements
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Group name: Vyners School Booking Reference: A037384 Day 5 Thursday 29th October 2015 Breakfast Reykjavik
To be taken from 08:00 (collect packed lunch) then depart at 09:00. Free time in Reykjavik for sightseeing or urban studies in the historic centre of Iceland’s compact capital, population 120,000 – visit the old port, central lake (Tjörnin), Hallgrímskirkja Church (small fee, payable locally, to visit the top of the observation tower). Shops open at 10am or 11 and some are open on Sundays. A few souvenir shops open at 9am. Please discuss your pick-up point from Reykjavik with your driver.
Flight Information
13:25 Check in at Keflavik Airport 15:25 Depart on WOW Air flight WW-205 18:40 Arrive at London Gatwick Airport, South Terminal Wow Air Please ensure your group checks in a minimum of two hours before departure. Please note: seat numbers will be allocated at check-in. Snacks and drinks are not provided but are available to purchase on the flight.
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Group name: Vyners School Booking Reference: A037384
Additional Information 1.
A guide will accompany the group on all but the first and last day in Iceland. (A guide can be provided on the other days if required at extra cost)
2.
Your breakfast and evening meal are provided every day.
3.
Packed lunches are provided every day. Please remember to pick up all of the packed lunches including vegetarian options from your accommodation.
4.
Dietary requirements, as listed on your confirmation, will be passed to our suppliers. However we do recommend that you check with the hotels or restaurants on arrival to make sure that appropriate arrangements have been made.
5.
Any extras ordered at restaurants not on your agreed menu must be paid for locally. Please note that desserts are not included unless specified on the meal option form.
6.
Please arrive for your meals by the times stated on the itinerary, as we cannot guarantee the booking if you are late.
7.
Liaise with your driver and guide on a daily basis to arrange lunch stops
8.
Once out of Reykjavík evening options are more limited. Some accommodation has DVD facilities; in general, after a long day out in fresh air, most groups are simply glad to relax or write up/prepare for the next day. Some groups compile quizzes as the days go by. Some bring their own DVDs or devise their own evening activities. Occasionally other groups may be staying at your accommodation, especially during school holidays.
9.
WCs - Restaurants and service stations are still free. Some WCs in the countryside e.g. waterfalls have a donation box. Thingvellir currently charges 200 ISK and has a turnstile. Payment in coins or by credit/debit card.
10. ICELANDIC BEACHES - Please ensure you keep well away from the water’s edge; the local recommendation is at least 20 meters, but we suggest you err on the side of caution. Freak waves can occur with very little warning and potentially fatal consequences. Your invoice is based upon the itinerary included in this document. Should any of the following circumstances change, the costing would have to be recalculated.
Changes in dates, student or staff numbers Change to the itinerary content and route Whilst in Iceland, should you request a visit to an additional site, which extends your journey, you must arrange to pay for this directly to the bus company before leaving Iceland. We are unable to invoice you for this upon your return to the UK. Thank you for your cooperation.
Emergency contacts will be advised at a later date. Discover the World contact number: +44 1737 218 800.
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Group name: Vyners School Booking Reference: A037384
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