2026 Fordham Iceland Explorers Program
| Travel Dates: | June 5, 2026 - June 12, 2026 |
| Group Organizer(s): |
|
| WTT Contact: |
|
| Program Tuition: | $5,982 USD |
Important Reminders
Passport check
Insurance Reminder
Fundraiser
Review all materials
What to Expect
Please read through all of the information below. More details will be added as your departure draws closer.
Itinerary
We do everything possible to abide by itineraries as originally planned, but decades of experience teaches that we must be flexible in our planning. Changes to a trip’s schedule are uncommon, but Walking Tree reserves the right to make adjustments to programming in the best interest of the group.
| Day | Location | Description | Lodging |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 5 | USA - Iceland | Today, we depart the USA on an overnight flight to Iceland! | Airplane |
| June 6 | Reykjavík - Reykjanes Peninsula | After arriving in Keflavik early in the morning, we will explore the Reykjanes Peninsula, a region known for its otherworldly geothermal features and rugged coastline. We will visit Gunnuhver, a powerful geothermal area with steaming vents and bubbling mud pools steeped in folklore. Later, we will unwind at the world-renowned Blue Lagoon, soaking in its warm, milky-blue waters while surrounded by lava fields. In the evening, we will travel to Reykjavik area, where we will spend our first night in Iceland. | Hotel Cabin |
| June 7 | Silver Circle | We will begin this day with a visit to explore Perlan, an innovative museum that features a real ice cave and an observation deck with sweeping views of the city and surrounding nature. Leaving town we are headed along the Silver Circle to Hraunfossar, a series of gentle waterfalls that emerge from beneath a lava field, creating a stunning cascade, and Deildartunguhver, to witness the power of Europe’s most forceful hot spring, with steaming water pouring from the ground.The day ends checking-in Borganes. | Hotel Borganes |
| June 8 | Snæfellsnes Peninsula | We will spend the day exploring the diverse and breathtaking Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called "Iceland in Miniature" due to its wide variety of landscapes. We will stop at Kirkjufell, a stunningly symmetrical mountain frequently featured in films and photographs. At Djúpalónssandur, we will walk along the black pebble beach, surrounded by dramatic lava formations and remnants of shipwrecks. We will taste the traditional delicacy of fermented shark at the Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum, learning about Icelandic culinary customs. Our scenic drive will conclude with a walk along the sea cliffs of Arnarstapi, where we will admire basalt formations and ocean views. We will end the day in Hveragerdi area and check-in at Hotel Örk. | Örk Hotel |
| June 9 | Golden Circle | From Boragnes we start. At Thingvellir National Park, we will walk between two tectonic plates and learn about Iceland’s early parliament. We will continue to Gullfoss, a stunning two-tiered waterfall that thunders into a canyon, followed by the erupting geysers of the geothermal area. At Fridheimar Greenhouse, we will learn about sustainable Icelandic agriculture. Our final stop will be Kerid Crater, where we will gaze into a vibrant volcanic caldera filled with a blue lake. Tonight we will return to our accommodations at Hotel Örk. | Örk Hotel |
| June 10 | South Coast | Today, we will travel along Iceland’s dramatic South Coast, filled with waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanic beaches. We will visit Reynisfjara, the striking black sand beach with powerful waves and basalt sea stacks that rise from the ocean. Our adventure will continue with an exhilarating glacier hike, where professional guides will lead us across ancient ice, through crevasses and breathtaking frozen landscapes. As we trek across the glacier, we will learn about the ever-changing nature of these icy giants. In the evening, we will settle into our hotel in the Hvolsvöllur area, surrounded by peaceful countryside. | Hellishollar Hotel |
| June 11 | Reykjavík | We will begin the day with a visit to the Lava Centre, where interactive exhibits and dynamic displays will help us understand Iceland's volcanic and seismic activity. Next, we will venture into the Lava Tunnel, a fascinating underground journey through a real lava tube formed during a volcanic eruption over 5,000 years ago. Our final stop will be the Hellisheidi Power Plant, one of the largest geothermal power stations in the world, where we will learn how Iceland harnesses its natural energy sources for sustainable living. In the afternoon, we will head to Reykjavik for a sightseeing tour of the capital, visiting landmarks such as Hallgrímskirkja Church and the Harpa Concert Hall. We will spend our final night in Reykjavik, reflecting on the amazing memories we've made. | Hotel Cabin |
| June 12 | Reykjavík - USA | After our final breakfast in Iceland, we will head to Laugadalslaug Pool to enjoy our last swim in Iceland. Later this afternoon we will haed to the airport to begin our journey back to the USA. With unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for Iceland’s natural beauty, we will bid farewell to this extraordinary land. | Your own bed, eventually |
Accommodations
In order to provide a safe and memorable experience, we follow strict guidelines when choosing group accommodations. Walking Tree partners with hotels and guest houses which are centrally located, locally operated, clean and safe. We inspect each partner hotel to ensure they meet these standards.
Hotel Borgarnes
Located in Southwest Iceland, Hotel Borgarnes will be the perfect retreat after a long day of exploring. This three star hotel has central heat and air conditioning, as well as high speed wifi throughout the property.
Hellisholar Hotel
Located in a quiet location in the countryside about 15 minutes from Hella Village, Hellisholar Gotel offers a rural escape for our group. Rooms come complete with central heat and air conditioning, and Wifi will be available in common areas.
Hotel Örk
Hotel Örk is located in the charming town of Hveragerdi, about 45 miles outside of Reykjavík. This newly designed hotel is the perfect place to relax after a long day. All rooms have central heat, air conditioning and high speed wifi.
Hotel Cabin Reykjavík
Located in downtown Reykjavík, Hotel Cabin is the perfect location for us to discover the city on foot. The hotel is newly designed and offers central heat, air conditioning and high speed wifi throughout the property.
Group Flight
| Type | Carrier Name | Carrier Code | Flight Number | Departure Airport & City | Departure Date and Time | Arrival Airport & City | Arrival Date and Time |
| Outbound | Icelandair | FI | 618 | JFK – John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, United States | June 5, 2026 at 11:10 PM | KEF – Keflavík International Airport, Keflavík, Iceland | June 6, 2026 at 8:55 AM |
| Inbound | Icelandair | FI | 649 | KEF – Keflavík International Airport, Keflavík, Iceland | June 12, 2026 at 7:50 PM | IAD – Washington Dulles, Washington DC United States | June 12, 2026 at 10:08 PM |
Once your flight schedule has been confirmed, the itinerary will appear here.
Walking Tree will secure a seat on the group flight for each participant unless otherwise instructed.
Travelers are responsible for checked baggage fees. Please visit the airline’s baggage webpage to learn if you should expect to pay anything.
We will provide a group manifest – complete with reservation codes and ticket numbers – to the Group Organizer/s before departure, and travelers will need to check in at the airport in order to receive their boarding pass and have documents verified. We recommend arriving no later than three hours prior to the scheduled departure, but contact your Group Organizer for specific details on exactly where and when to meet on the day of departure.
FLIGHT INTERRUPTION, DELAY OR CANCELLATION
Air travel can be unpredictable. Regardless of proper planning, there may still be instances when a flight is delayed or cancelled due to staffing shortages, weather, mechanical problems, etc. Please note that in such an event, Walking Tree Travel (WTT) is not financially responsible for unanticipated costs incurred by travelers en route. Our programs officially begin and end in the destination country, and because our staff doesn’t fly with the group, Group Organizers (the traveling faculty member/s) become the front-line advocate for the group in the event of a delay. In most cases of cancellations or delays, the airline will be the one who re-books travel or possibly arranges a hotel and food the night. Our primary role will be to keep families updated and provide support to the Group Organizer to reach a quick and effective resolution.
Host Community and Project Details
Packing List
What follows is a sample packing list but you know yourself better than we do so please adjust accordingly. We recommend you bring a larger piece of luggage like a roller, duffel bag, or backpack, as well as a smaller backpack that you can bring on daily outings, weekend excursions and shorter activities.
“Less is more” is a packing tip we encourage for all our travelers. The list below should cover everything you would need, but know yourself and what you are comfortable traveling with. We suggest bringing only as much as you would be able to carry on your own.
Finally, we recommend consulting a weather forecast for your destination. Weather in Iceland is famously unpredictable, year round, so we recommend to be prepared for cold weather.
CLOTHES
- Underwear
- Socks (a mixture of good hiking socks and casual socks)
- T-shirts
- Thermal base layers
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Insulated jacket (down or synthetic)
- Comfortable hiking/casual pants
- Durable athletic/walking shoes to use in town
- Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots to use in nature
- Warm hat and gloves
- Neck gaiter or scarf
- Hat with good sun protection
- Swimsuit
TOILETRIES
- Your basics
- High SPF sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Chapstick and moisturizer
- Basic 1st aid kit
- Hand Sanitizer
- Medications in original packaging. Prescription meds should show patients name
MISCELLANEOUS
- Passport
- Student ID
- Sunglasses
- Sleeping mask (24h of sunlight in Iceland this time of year)
- Journal and pen
- Debit card/US Dollars (we recommend about $100-$200, depending on amount of desired souvenirs, extra items etc.)
- Durable, reusable water bottle
- Deck of cards or other portable games
- Portable power bank (optional)
- Type C/F adapter
Support Team
At a minimum, one experienced Program Leader will travel on every trip. In addition to this full time leadership presence, Walking Tree has additional staff in all destinations and 24/7 support from our headquarters in Denver, Colorado. Below you’ll find the the team members involved in the preparation, planning and execution of your program.
University of Kansas – B.A. Latin American Studies; Global and International Studies, Minor in Brazilian Studies
Jordan hails from Kansas City where he spent his entire childhood. Although he didn’t realize it at the time, his first international experience would set the course for the rest of his life. After high school, he traveled to Guatemala where he began learning Spanish and cultivated a deep interest in everything Latin America. In college, Jordan spent almost half of his university career studying abroad in both Costa Rica and Brazil. In 2010, Jordan moved to Costa Rica for six years where he began his professional career teaching Portuguese to Costa Ricans and working with Walking Tree Travel. From Costa Rica he moved to Denver, Colorado and spent seven years traveling the USA and experiencing life as an adult in America for the first time. Jordan is trilingual and has traveled to more than 30 countries around the world. He currently lives in Lisbon, Portugal and enjoys practicing yoga, hiking, biking, spending time at the beach and cooking Middle Eastern food.
Emory University – B.A. Sociology and minor in Latin American History
Luke’s path to student travel began in Mexico, during a year abroad in Mexico and Central America. This formative time led him to join an international volunteer program which, after graduating from college, sent him to the small village of San Gerardo de Rivas in south-central Costa Rica. Welcomed by the loveliest of host families, his experience in this tiny town is directly connected to the beginnings of Walking Tree five years later. His love for travel still burns bright, and today he’s lucky to have a wife and daughter who are equally passionate about exploring the world. Settled in Denver, he adores his family and colleagues, skies whenever possible, and is a devoted fan of all Colorado sports teams.
Shani Azoulay Grinspan
Program Leader
Earlham College – B.A. Psychology, Minor in Global Management
Growing up in multiple countries abroad, Shani was exposed to many different cultures and communities and developed a passion for travel. She is fluent in English, Spanish, and Icelandic and attributes her leadership skills to her many travel experiences, as well as her current work. Traveling is Shani’s favorite classroom, it has taught her many things about the world and herself. Shani is currently a global citizen, facilitating transformational workshops and leading women’s retreats around the world.
Erica Martins Carneiro
Program Leader
Erika majored in Literature and Linguistics at Unicamp, Brazil, and earned a master’s degree at Freie Universität Berlin in Germany. She also graduated as a tour guide from Menntaskólinn í Kópavogi. She lived in Germany for 15 years, where she worked in cultural management, language education, and translation, alongside various activities as a student. In 2006, she moved to Reykjavik, where she lives with her Icelandic husband and their two teenage daughters. She guides visitors from around the world, sharing the beauty and culture of Iceland through memorable experiences.
Group Roster
Below is a list of the travelers enrolled on the program.
- 1 Aaron Doley
- 2 Brandon Baez
- 3 Christopher Matos
- 4 Diego Huitzil
- 5 Ethan Figueroa
- 6 Gavin Reidy
- 7 Gjon Koleci
- 8 Jack Rooney
- 9 Jackson Stevens
- 10 Jonathan Chrostowski
- 11 Lauren Zefran
- 12 Leonardo Resendiz-Ruiz
- 13 Luca Ravalico
- 14 Luca Rivera
- 15 Matteo Polizzi
- 16 Matthew Waters
- 17 Pablo Nehme
- 18 Rafael Tsuji Giralt
- 19 Ryan Galvin
- 20 Ryan Martyn
- 21 Shane Spence
- 22 Soren Sanchez
- 23 Steven Pettus
- 24 Thomas Mullen
- 25 Tristan Diamond
Blog and Communication
During travel we work hard to keep families updated as frequently as possible with blog posts and photos, giving you peace of mind that your traveler is safe and thriving on their program. Students regularly contribute to these posts, providing families back home a great way to vicariously track the progress of the trip. You will be notified when the first update is posted, after which we recommend checking in regularly via the black “Program Blog” button at the top of this webpage.
Assuming your school allows the use of cell phones, most destinations are wired enough to allow participants access WiFi at different moments in the program, allowing them to communicate directly with home. Ask your Walking Tree representative about the degree of connectivity on your program.
GLC Curriculum
Walking Tree has developed a curriculum of activities meant to help travelers get the most out of their trip before departure, during travel and after they return home. These simple and engaging activities are meant to spark discussion, frame experiences, and prepare participants to travel ethically and effectively both on this trip and on future adventures.For more information about student learning objectives and the format of the curriculum, click on the ‘learn more’ button below.
To view and complete the Pre-Program Activities, visit our online portal at the button below.
Standards of Behavior
In order to run a safe and successful program, it is vital that travelers are prepared to be on their best behavior and bring enthusiasm and interest to each and every day. A communal atmosphere of trust and mutual respect is the foundational. As such, all individuals participating on a Walking Tree program are required to take responsibility for their actions and adhere to a high standard of personal conduct.
IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL
- Possessing, consuming or distributing alcohol or illegal drugs.
- Associating with participants while they are in possession of alcohol or illegal drugs.
- Behaving in a way that consistently damages the group dynamic or jeopardizes personal or group safety. This includes consistently displaying a negative attitude, intimidating or excluding other participants, sneaking out, disobeying group leaders, and any other behavior that is not conducive to an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect.
GROUNDS FOR DISMISSAL OR IN-COUNTRY CONSEQUENCE
- Getting a piercing or tattoo.
- Stealing, or deliberately damaging or defacing any personal property, buildings or materials.
- Threatening physical or emotional harm, or brandishing a weapon.
- Possessing, consuming, or distributing tobacco or nicotine, including vape pens.
- Riding mopeds, motorcycles, or any other type of unauthorized vehicle.
- Being out of designated area or accommodations after curfew.
- Breaking group rules.
These standards of behavior are essential for the successful completion of your program. Please take the time to review these as a family and make sure everyone understands and agrees to them.
Health and Safety
We strongly recommend visiting the CDC Iceland website to get the most updated information on health and vaccination considerations in your destination country. In addition, we encourage you to consult your personal family physician so you can be as informed as possible when making important decisions about vaccinations and other necessary health-related preparations before traveling.
Our in-country staff meticulously prepare for all programs. Walking Tree receives regular updates from the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to proactively stay ahead of any potential security concerns. Our in-country staff also verify the safety records of our partner organizations, vendors, and transportation providers, thoroughly vet homestay families through in-depth interviews and visits, and stay informed about important current events in the region.
Program Leaders are seasoned travelers who are CPR and First Aid certified, undergo thorough training in crisis management, and participate in comprehensive leadership training. We do our best to prepare for any eventuality and have detailed emergency protocols for our leaders, in-country staff, and U.S.-based staff.
We collect medical disclosures from all participants to ensure we can meet every student’s needs during the program. Please inform us immediately of any additional health issues not listed during your initial registration process. Leaders and in-country staff are prepared to respond promptly to any mental, physical, or emotional health concerns and follow comprehensive emergency protocols.
Insurance
While we work hard to ensure the safest experience possible for our travelers on program, experience teaches that travel can be unpredictable. For this reason, we recommend that all travelers consider a travel insurance policy with a Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) provision. Detailed explanations of plan options can be found via the link below.
To provide travelers and families with a quality option, Walking Tree has partnered with Travel Insured International, one of the most respected providers in the industry. Begin by getting a quote here.
IMPORTANT NOTE: in order to secure coverage that includes CFAR, you must purchase the plan within 14-21 days of your first payment to Walking Tree. Be careful when you read the tenets of the policy to ensure you understand the required timeframe for purchase. You must also insure 100% of your trip cost, so program tuition + flight. Please reach out to us with questions.