Iceland trip for Loreto

Four teachers and 38 students will take part in the trip, which will give the GCSE and A Level students a chance to put their studies in context and explore the unique landscapes and features of a country which they know to be situated at a latitude of 66°north.

During their five-day trip, the students will tour Iceland’s capital city, Reyjavik, as well as spending a day touring the world-famous Golden Circle and Reykjanes Peninsula.

They will encounter features such as the Kerið Crater, the Skalket Church, the Gullfoss, the Geysir and the Þingvellir national park , declared as a UNESCO world heritage site for its wonderful geological aspect and for its historical importance for the Icelandic nation.

The group will visit Bessastadir, the residence of Iceland’s President, as well as the fascinating, stark, moon-like surroundings of Lake Kleifarvatn. For many, the highlight will be the opportunity to swim in the world-famous Blue Lagoon, a man-made oasis in the lava fields of the Reykjanes peninsula, which owes its existence to a nearby geothermal power plant, which is renowned for its warm, mineral rich waters.

The party will also have the opportunity to enjoy some leisure activities such as ice-skating, bowling, shopping and a visit to the Saga Viking Museum, as well as a day of exploration of Reyjavik to absorb some local culture.

School principal, Michael James, paid tribute to Liam Shaw of the Geography Department who has organised the trip, and wished the students and staff an enjoyable, stimulating and educational voyage of discovery further north.