Sunday, August 17th through Sunday, August 24th, 2025
7 Night/ 8 Day Option | 4 Night/ 5 Day option
7 Rooms Remaining: New Deadline - April 10, 2025
If you have any questions please contact Andrew McPheeters, Associate Vice President, Community Education & Travel Programs at: mcpheete@lclark.edu
Overview
This Icelandic adventure combines the breathtaking scenery of Iceland’s natural beauty with the sophisticated urban center of Reykjavik. It has been designed for supporters of the Lewis & Clark Soccer program - Parents, Alumni, and friends. The 7 night/ 8 day itinerary below serves as an example of the experience you will have. Some elements are still in development.
Our journey allows for some time with the women’s and men’s soccer teams either watching training or matches, and some limited social time together. Sightseeing will typically be done as a group without our student-athletes. There will be additional opportunities for social time with the coaches, College staff, local leaders, and our local hosts.
Due to our contract with Iceland Soccer Travel and since this is a trip designed to support the team financially and allow for supporters to build relationships with the College and each other, Program Participants will have exclusive entry to the games, social activities, and site-seeing arranged for this itinerray.
Highlights:
Watch our teams compete, opportunities to meet fellow supporters, spend time with coaches, and meet local leaders. LC President Robin Holmes-Sullivan will be joining this adventure.
Visit the beautiful Westman Islands
Explore Thingvellir National park on the Golden Circle Tour
Witness the powerful waves and amazing basalt column features and walk the black sands of Reynisfjara beach.
View countless geologic formations and amazing waterfalls.
Guided hike on the Sólheimajökull glacier.
Visit the famous Blue Lagoon for a relaxing soak and spa experience.
ITINERARY (Draft)
Participants should book flights from their local city for independent travel arriving the morning of 8/17. Flights that arrive between 5:45 am and 8:00 am are best to be included in days sightseeing, but we will arrange a transfer at anytime.
Note: Student-athletes are required to attend on-campus pre-season training and will depart as a team directly from PDX.
Most flights arrive early morning. Transfers will take participants straight to Museum for breakfast, and hold luggage. After breakfast you will have time to explore the museum. The length of time will depend on your arrival time. Late morning our group will depart for Reykjanes Peninsula. The Group will check into our hotel in early afternoon.
Arrival to Iceland
Breakfast in Reykjanesbær at Museum
Reykjanes Peninsula tour
Lunch in Reykjavík
Hotel check in
Free-time
Welcome Reception gathering in Hotel Bar
Dinner On Your own. College staff will organize a group dinner at the hotel for anyone interested.
We will take you around the Reykjanes peninsula and see the geological wonders of what is considered to be the youngest part of Iceland. We´ll visit the Bridge Between Continents and the geothermal area of Seltún. On our way to Reykjavik we drive past the Kleifarvatn Lake.
Breakfast at hotel
Free Time (see some options)
Lunch on your own
Group Excursion to “FlyOver Iceland”
Welcome Dinner, The College will organize a hosted dinner excursion in Reykjavik for those interested.
Free Time to rest or explore
Guided time in Reykjavik City or
Check-out the famous swimming culture of Iceland at Laugardalslaug.
Swimming pools are an important part of Icelandic culture and social life. Iceland has a high number of geothermal hot springs, so it is not surprising that swimming is a popular activity in the country. There are over 120 public swimming pools in Iceland, many of which are outdoors and heated year-round. Laugardalslaug is one of the most popular and largest swimming pools in Iceland. It is located in the capital city of Reykjavik and covers an area of approximately 10,000 square meters. The pool has both indoor and outdoor swimming areas, as well as several hot tubs, a sauna, a steam room, and a cold tub. The outdoor area also has several water slides, including a 50-meter slide.
FlyOver Iceland
FlyOver Iceland is Reykjavík newest attraction. Located in the exciting Grandi harbour district, this all season attraction takes you on a breathtaking journey across Iceland. Soar over land, sea and ice. Move with the arctic winds. Experience unique pre-ride events. The main show takes place on a 20 meter wraparound screen that fully immerses you in the experience.
Welcome Dinner at local Brewery.
Breakfast at hotel
Herjolfur ferry to Westman Islands 30 minutes
Training or game with local team IBV
Introduction to the Sporting History of Westman Islands
Home of National Hero and former Icelandic National Team Coach Heimir Hallgrímsson that coached Iceland both at the Euros and the World Cup
Eldheimar Volcanic eruption Museum
Beluga Whales Sea Life Sanctuary (time permitting)
Herjolfur ferry back to Mainland
Dinner
Vestmannaeyjar
Vestmannaeyjar, also known as the Westman Islands, is a hidden gem located off the southern coast of Iceland. This archipelago consists of 15 volcanic islands, with only one inhabited island, Heimaey. Vestmannaeyjar is a nature lover’s paradise, with stunning landscapes, birdlife, and unique wildlife. Visitors can explore Stórhöfði, a birdwatching paradise, where puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes can be spotted. Additionally, there are stunning cliffs, such as Surtsey and Eldfell, created by past volcanic eruptions.
The history of Vestmannaeyjar is both fascinating and tragic. In 1973, a massive volcanic eruption on the island of Heimaey destroyed much of the town and forced the evacuation of its residents. The eruption continued for months, and eventually, the town was saved by pumping seawater onto the lava flow to divert its path. Today, visitors can explore the town and learn about the incredible story of survival and resilience of the island’s inhabitants. The Eldheimar museum is a must-see, which provides an excellent insight into the eruption and its aftermath.
IBV is an Icelandic Premier League team located in Vestmann Islands, an island to the south of Iceland. It is a beautiful place known for boasting one of the most spectacular views while playing at their stadium “Hasteinsvollur”. IBV is an historic club that was successful around the 2000s and is known for passionate players and supporters. It is also one of the most difficult away games as IBV rarely lose many points at home.
Breakfast at hotel
Free Time - The College will organize some optional excursions.
Lunch on your own.
Watch Soccer Match
BBQ Dinner with Team, Supporters and local Alumni. (This might be moved to one of the other evenings).
Breakfast at hotel
Golden Circle tour
Þingvellir
Fontana bread
Friðheimar Lunch
Geysir
Gullfoss
Dinner at the Old Dairy Food Hall in Selfos
Your Golden Circle journey will begin or end by treading in the footsteps of the Vikings at Thingvellir National park. You’ll walk through the gorges that are being torn apart as the tectonic plates rip away from each other… and if you listen closely, you just might hear the echos of the vikings deliberating at this UNESCO world heritage site of the first parliament in the world.
The renowned Geysir geothermal area is not to be missed as you’ll walk the path through boiling ground, but be on your guard as the geyser Strokkur will erupt when you least expect it. Be careful, this place is hot hot hot!
The majestic waterfall Gullfoss is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world. It was so cherished by the locals in the countryside that the local woman Sigríður Tómasdóttir often walked all the way to Reykjavik to try and prevent it from being harnessed for electricity. This was in the early 20th century, before they had built roads in the area.
A walk to our geothermal bakery goes off every day at 11.30 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. from our reception at Laugarvatn Fontana. Guests can experience the geothermal bakery first hand and see as we dig out a pot of fresh bread from the hot black sand. Guests are offered to taste the bread, served hot from the ground with some butter. This is something you should not miss!
At Friðheimar, we grow tomatoes all year round, despite Iceland’s long, dark winters, under artificial lighting in greenhouses. We welcome visitors to see our greenhouses, and then enjoy a taste of the crop. And now they can take delicious food souvenirs away with them, made of our tomatoes and cucumbers. We also breed horses, and put on a horse show – in fourteen different languages.
The Old Dairy Food Hall is a popular food market and restaurant located in Selfoss, a town in southwestern Iceland. The building that now houses the Old Dairy Food Hall was originally a dairy processing plant that was built in the early 20th century.Today, the Old Dairy Food Hall is a bustling food hall that showcases local Icelandic cuisine and artisanal food products. The market features a variety of food vendors, offering everything from fresh seafood and locally-raised meats to artisanal bread, cheese, and chocolate. Visitors can sample and purchase these products, and the vendors are always happy to share their knowledge about the ingredients and preparation techniques used in Icelandic cuisine.
In addition to the food market, the Old Dairy Food Hall is also home to a popular restaurant called Kaffi Krús. The restaurant features a farm-to-table menu that highlights the best of Icelandic cuisine, using local ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. Diners can enjoy a variety of dishes, including fresh seafood, lamb, and vegetarian options.
The Old Dairy Food Hall is a must-visit destination for foodies visiting Iceland. It offers a unique glimpse into the country’s culinary heritage, and provides visitors with the opportunity to taste some of the best local ingredients and products available in Iceland.
Breakfast at hotel
Free-Time
Explore Perlan Nature museum
Lunch at Perlan
Gameday
Perlan Nature Museum is a must-visit for any tourist, not only for the world-class museum but also for its incredible architecture, and amazing panoramic views of ReykjavÍk. Visit exhibits that actually take you into an Ice cave, experience in-house Northern Lights Show, learn about the 2021 Geldingadalir volcanic eruption, and more.
Rest and Relax this afternoon. Dinner on own.
Cheer the Pio’s on to victory at late night games. You can play a midnight soccer game in Iceland during the summer because of the natural phenomenon known as the “Midnight Sun.” During the summer months, Iceland experiences almost 24 hours of daylight due to its location close to the Arctic Circle.
Breakfast at hotel
South Shore tour Including Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Skógafoss waterfall, and Reynisfjara.
Glacier Walk (weather dependent back-up plan is the Lava Centre Museum).
Dinner at Greenhouse Food Hall
South Shore Safari
The South Shore Safari will take you through the breadbasket of Iceland on your way to the gems of the south. You’ll see the villages and farms of the southern flat lands before we arrive at the mountain ranges.
In clear weather you can see volcanos and glaciers that have erupted 9 times in the last 50 years, the latest of which was the infamous Eyjafjallajökull eruption of 2010 that stranded millions of travelers all around the world.
Reynisfjara beach, with its basalt column cliffs, is a particular favorite of the south. The crashing waves of the open Atlantic break on the black sandy beach of Reynisfjara which is quite picturesque with its mountainous backdrop. Remember to be extra careful at this powerful beach as the waves are unpredictable and powerful.
We’ll visit the hidden waterfall Gljúfrabúi, the waterfall you can walk behind Seljalandsfoss and the magnificent Skógafoss. These are amongst the numerous characterful waterfalls that we will see from the road on our drive along the old sea cliffs and if it’s very windy you’ll even see a few of them flow upward.
The South Coast of Iceland has everything you want to see in Iceland.
Along the way to the glacier, we will have a good view of the glacier lagoon and the area around the glacier. We start with a safety briefing and a short lesson how to use the crampons and the ice pick on the glacier walk.
The glacial landscape is amazing and dynamic, including crevices, sinkholes and small black volcanic sandhills. Sometimes it’s possible to take a look at the small holes or enter the caves.
In winter the ice is blue and clear, the surface mostly covered by snow. During the summertime, the ice becomes more white and the volcanic ash which forms various patterns in the landscape is more visible.
As previously mentioned the glacial landscape changes day by day which while concerning, makes it even more interesting to see and explore. With the glacier melting very rapidly in recent years the landscape has become more exciting. Sólheimajökull glacier is the ideal place to view geomorphology in formation and the effects of global warming on glaciers.
If weather does not allow for the Glacier walk, we will visit the Lava Center.
Lava is dedicated to Iceland‘s riveting volcanic activity and its frequent earthquakes.The centre features an interactive educational exhibition revealing the science and aesthetics of Iceland‘s spectacular geological features. In the learning center our experts will excite and educate its guests with earth-shattering tales of “Iceland on the Move.” The interactive exhibition will display a collection of artifacts, films and graphics from various volcanic eruptions that have occurred in the past century.
The Greenhouse Food Hall is a unique food market and restaurant located in Hveragerði, a town in southern Iceland. The food hall is situated inside a greenhouse, which allows visitors to dine surrounded by lush plants and fresh produce. The Greenhouse Food Hall features a variety of food vendors, each offering a different type of cuisine. Visitors can sample and purchase everything from freshly-baked bread and pastries to Icelandic lamb, seafood, and vegetarian dishes. The vendors use locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible, and visitors can learn about the unique flavors and cooking techniques that make Icelandic cuisine so special.
Breakfast at Hotel
Visit to Blue Lagoon
Transfer to Airport,
At the Blue Lagoon you will be able to experience a couple of hours of relaxation at one of the most unique places on earth.
Discover the waters of the Blue Lagoon. Journey through a spa of the volcanic earth. Harmonise with nature.
Summary of what is included:
Bus travel to and from airport
Bus travel for tours & activities
Tour manager and Guide
Breakfast all 8 mornings at Museum and at Hotel Keflavik; 6 lunches; 4 Dinners.
Hotel stay for 7 nights
Tours & activities including Reykjanes Peninsula tour; Entrance to FlyOver Iceland; Entrance to Perlan; Golden Circle tour Including Fontana earth baked bread and Geothermal Greenhouse; Ferry to Westman Islands Including entry to activities/exhibitions in Westman Islands; South Shore tour Including Glacier Walk and Entrance to Lava Centre Exhibit; Entry into Blue Lagoon,
What is not included:
International Airfare
Travel Insurance
2 Lunch and 3 Dinners are on your own, with departure after breakfast on 8/24.
Alcoholic drinks unless otherwise noted,
Deadline: Wednesday, April 10, 2025
We will endeavor to secure room on our program for anyone who deposits by Wednesday, April 10, 2025. Rooms will be filled in order of depoit.
Cost:
Non-refundable Deposit $1,000 per person. Due now to hold your room. Subtracted from Program Fee.
Program Fee in a Double: $3,995 USD per person in a double ($1,000 USD deposit + $2,995 USD balance payment). Balance payment will be invoiced March 15th with payment due by April 1st, 2025.
Program Fee in a Triple: $3,760 USD per person - one regular Queen or two single twins plus an additional roll-away bed ($1,000 USD deposit + $2,760 USD balance payment). There are a limited number of triples. Balance payment will be invoiced March 15th with payment due by April 1st, 2025.
Program Fee in a Single: $5,095 USD. ($1,000 USD deposit + $4,095 USD balance payment). Balance payment will be invoiced March 15th with payment due by April 1st, 2025. Note: if you are a solo traveler that would like to share a room contact Andrew McPheeters at: mcpheete@lclark.edu If you are prepared to travel paying the solo fee but would prefer a roommate, you should deposit now and we will assist you in hopefully finding a match.
Note: Shorter Program Option: 4 Night/ 5 Day Program $2,595 USD per person in a double, and $3,225 in a Single. Select any four sequential nights. A handful of folks have inquired about a shorter option. It is important to note that the draft itinerary can serve as a guide when selecting your dates but it remains in flux and we can not guarantee that specific site-seeing, activities, or games will be held on specific days. If you are interested please make your deposit and email Andrew McPheeters at: mcpheete@lclark.edu indicating your requested dates. He will inquire about availability for your dates as these rooms are outside our current room block. If for any reason we can not accommodate your dates the “non-refundable deposit” would be returned to you. There are no 5 night or 6 night options you would just need to select the full program.
Tipping is always optional. We recommend you put aside $20 to $40 USD per person for the main guide, and $15 to $30 USD per person for the driver. Please tip house keepers at the hotel as you are accustomed to.
A portion of your Program Fee will be used to support the LC Soccer Program’s Iceland travel expenses. We are looking for additional support for the teams in general, and to specifically cover flight costs and other travel expenses. If you would like to discuss a donation to the LC Soccer Program please contact:
Douglas C. Lennox II, OLY
Athletics Advancement Officer | Lewis & Clark College
Because insurance policies are highly individualized Lewis & Clark does not make any recommendation but you can find additional providers on our main travel site on the right navigator under Travel Insurance.
If you have any Questions or have problems registering please contact Andrew McPheeters, Associate Vice President, Community Education & Travel Programs at: mcpheete@lclark.edu or text him at: (503) 841-7657
Please Note: If you have any questions about the Iceland trip Andrew is your best contact. Our coaches are not prepared to answer your individual questions.
Local Hosts Ready to Welcome you!
Anna Ingadottir ’26 and Sigrún Lilja Gudbjartsdottir P’26 will welcome you to their home country of Iceland. We appreciate their hospitality!
To help make the Soccer Program trips successful, Sigrún Lilja has been an important contact with Iceland Soccer Travel.
In our down time we will look to set up opportunities to meet with local alumni and friends to share a more personal side of Iceland.
Downtown Accommodation - Center Hotels: Hotel Midgardur & Hotel Laugavegur
(please note hotel was updated to downtown location on 2/16/25. Midgardour was added on 2/10)
Center Hotels Midgardur and Laugavegur reflect the spirit of Reykjavik with a quirky, urban vibe. These 4 -star hotels offer exceptional amenities including room service and concierge services. Internet access and a scrumptious breakfast are included in our program accommodation package. Hotel Midgardur has a Spa on site. Hotel Laugavegur offers an option to add a roll-away bed to make a double room a triple.
You can literally walk outside these hotels and enjoy downtown sites, shopping, restaurants, coffee shops, and bars. Taxis are available for easy exploration beyond downtown. The program does include transportation for all included site seeing and other activities.
