Azores - leading the world in sustainable tourism

The Azores have become the first ever destination to be awarded the Quality Coast Platinum Award, retaining their title as the world’s number 1 sustainable tourism destination.

Since joining the largest international certification programme for sustainable tourism destinations, Quality Coast, in 2009 the Azores had received four consecutive Gold Awards, thrusting it to the forefront of the sustainable tourism field and culminating in being named the world’s No.1 sustainable tourism destination for 2013-2014. However, the islands have gone one better for 2014-15 in becoming the first recipients of Quality Coast’s highest possible honour, the Platinum Award.

An international panel of coastal and marine management experts examined the islands across a wide range of criteria including nature, marine life and coastal areas, landscape, clean water, blue flags, culture, hotels, environment, socio-economic factors and identity/ community in reaching a unanimous decision to recognise the islands with the Platinum Award. 

The archipelago of the Azores is composed of nine volcanic islands situated in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean and is renowned for its volcanic features including craters, beautiful lakes, mountain vistas, cones and domes, caverns, grottoes and thermal springs plus its stunning sea, phenomenal biodiversity and huge variety of marine life.

Less than 5% of the islands' landmass is taken by urban areas and such low levels of development help define the Azores. Its main industries include agriculture, dairy farming, livestock ranching, fishing and tourism, which is becoming a major service activity, whilst around 28% of the islands’ energy currently comes from renewable sources (the target is 75% by 2018).

The islands are autonomous and the local government has been proactive in promoting the sustainability of the islands via a strong focus on the environment throughout the educational system and by introducing a number of regulations and protected areas within the region, including an ’eco school’, and a variety of natural heritage sites and protected marine life, some of which are UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. 

The Azores were certified as a UNESCO European Geopark in 2013.

To find out more about the study, visit www.qualitycoast.info

To find out more about educational programmes in the Azores, visit www.discover-education.co.uk/study-trips/azores 

What's happening with Hekla?

With speculation that an eruption of Mt Hekla could be imminent, Discover the World asked expert volcanologist and geophysicist Ari Trausti Guðmundsson to explain further.

In 2010, an old and not very active Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull became a (somewhat unpronounceable) household name in the UK. There are, however, much more active and infamous volcanoes in the country. One of the most studied, and most prolific ones, is Hekla. The somewhat ridge-shaped mountain stands northeast of the flat, southern lowlands, at almost 1,500m above sea level. It is made of andesitic lava flows and airborne volcanic material (tephra), and the crest is lined with large and small craters of different ages.

History

Hekla's history stretches back thousands of years with over 20 eruptions since 1104 when the volcano woke up after a rather long repose and caused substantial damage. Hekla is an activity centre of a volcanic system which is 40-50km long and about 7km wide, and has a number of volcanic fissures. Underneath Hekla and its volcanic system, an elongated magma chamber resides about 7-8km down. Hekla has so far been the most productive volcano in Iceland during the Holocene (the current geological epoch) with some 33km3 of eruptives added to its bulk. There are at least 27 basalt volcanic units outside of Hekla and a further 70-100 units if intermediate and acid tephra layers (and associated lava flows) from Hekla are included.

It is a well-known fact that Hekla’s eruptions tend to be more explosive the longer the dormant period gets to be. The eruption in 1104 mainly produced widespread ash and pumice. During the period from the 12th century to 1947, the norm became one or two eruptions every century and their effects were quite heavy at times. The eruption in 1947-1948 spread ash to Northern Europe and would have had substantial effects on modern air traffic in the region.

After a rather small lava and tephra eruption in 1970, Hekla changed her mood (the name ‘Hekla’ is female and so is the mountain in the eyes of Icelanders) and erupted once every decade, in 1980/81, 1991 and 2000. These eruptions were also of this mixed type, strong for one or two days but rapidly declining and lasted only a few weeks each with small or moderate effects on the surroundings. The lava flows hardly reached the base of the mountain and the tephra did not cover large areas with tick deposits. International flight traffic was not affected and many people were able to observe the development close up to the mountain.

How is Hekla monitored? 

Various processes and parameters at Hekla are being studied. The seismic activity is monitored and bedrock strain in boreholes measured, a number of GPS-stations show inflation of the mountain and volcanic gasses are monitored, just to mention the main fields of research, besides basic geological and geophysical studies.

At present, the inflation overrides the values prior to the eruption in 2000 and small scale earthquake activity has slightly increased. Nothing indicates an imminent eruption; however, clear preludes to the latest Hekla eruptions are very short, in the order of only 1-2 hours.

There are at least three different scenarios to consider. Hekla could erupt in the same manner as, for example, in 2000 within a timespan of weeks, some months or a few years. In that case, the effects on mainland Europe through the ash plume would almost certainly be negligible. A longer dormant period, with more magma influx, might delay an eruption for a few decades and this could produce a more powerful eruption with effects hard to forecast. So whilst it’s impossible to predict when exactly the eruption will occur, volcanologists will probably agree that you can never trust a dormant volcano and certainly can never foresee its activity with too much accuracy.

About the expert

Ari Trausti Guðmundsson is a lecturer and writer in the fields of geology, volcanology, astronomy, environmental science and mountaineering, with close to 40 published book titles. Educated as a geophysicist in Norway and Iceland, Ari Trausti works as a freelance consultant in the fields of geoscience, tourism and environmental issues as well as writing and hosting numerous radio and television programs and documentaries. Ari Trausti is also noted as an avid mountaineer, Arctic traveller and is an international member of the Explorers Club. He contributes to scientific exhibitions, visitors' centers and museums in Iceland and abroad and received prizes for communication in science in 2007 and 2010.

Discover the World's Travel Disruption Charter

We have been operating educational trips for almost 30 years and are proud of our excellent reputation for looking after our clients, without question, should the unexpected occur. Please read our Travel Disruption Charter to find out more about our emergency procedures.

BBC2 Volcano LIVE visits Iceland's Westman Islands

Wow - another fantastic BBC2 Volcano LIVE programme last night!  The Beeb have hit on another winning combination with Kate Humble and Prof Iain Stewart reporting from Hawaii. We've all been really enjoying the series so far - what a great (and accessible) way to fire up people's imagination and interest in volcanoes.  The images of the lava lake in the Congo on last night's programme were particularly impressive...

 

It was great to see Iceland's Heimaey featured.  The archipelago of islands, of which Heimaey is the largest, is just a half hour ferry ride from the mainland.  It's a popular destination for our school trips visiting South Iceland, although we usually have a Plan B in place, as the operation of the ferry is subject to weather and sea bed conditions.   However, for those who do visit Heimaey, it's a fascinating place for students to discover for themselves the landscape that was so dramatically changed in 1973.

 

Students can walk through the area which shows why this island is called the 'Pompeii of the North', which Kate Humble also walked through on last night's programme.

 

 

Watch a video from the Visit Westman Islands Tourist Board here:

 

Photographs featured on this blog are of Lady Eleanor Holles School's visit to Heimaey in April 2012 with Discover the World. We hope that the students are enjoying reliving their Iceland adventures via Volcano LIVE!  If you're interested in including the Westman Islands on a study trip itinerary to Iceland, please do get in touch with our specialist schools team.

 

BBC2 Volcano LIVE with Kate Humble and Prof Iain Stewart

We're over the moon that the BBC has chosen to take its format for the ever-popular Spring and Autumn Watch programmes, and apply it to the intriguing subject of volcanoes!   We all thoroughly enjoyed last night's BBC Volcano LIVE programme (all this week, BBC2 at 8pm, to Thurs 12 July 2012).  If you missed it, you can play catch-up for a limited time on BBC iPlayer. For a preview of forthcoming programmes (as of today, Tues 10 July), click here.

Don't miss out on the added bonuses that are available on the programme's website, including photographs, volcano webcams and interviews.  You and your students might like to visit the Volcano LIVE chat webpage, where you can take a sneak peek at behind the scenes photography, email questions to the experts and take part in live chat.  The Volcano Live Extras page is a treasure-trove for Geographers, including a Producer's blog, experts explaining what it's like to be a volcanologist, a guide to volcano themed walks in the British Isles, and animated guides about how volcanoes work.

If you and your students have been inspired by the Beeb's latest offering, then you'll want to take a look at the Eyjafjallajokull Study Aid, which is a free online classroom resource, focusing on Iceland's infamous volcano, as featured in Volcano LIVE.  You'll find material for use in your lessons, with an educational focus, directly related to the KS3, GCSE and A-Level syllabus, including Powerpoints, an extensive image and video library, lesson plans, worksheets, maps and diagrams. 

The Schools Team is rushing home to watch the second programme - we can't wait!  Pop quiz tomorrow over a morning coffee...

Iceland Teachers' Inspection Visit, June 2012 - Trip Report and Feedback

Q: Where was the sun over the Jubilee Bank Holiday Weekend? 
A: In Iceland!

Headcount: 23 teachers, 2 members of the Schools Discover the World team (Addy and Trudi), 1 driver (Torfi), 1 guide (Asdis). We were delighted to have Torfi and Asdis assist us with the trip; Torfi co-owns a very successful adventure activities company in Iceland, so decided to jump behind the wheel ‘just for fun’ on his days off, whilst Asdis is a fantastic guide and geologist (and as a result is much requested by schools).  The Icelandic culture means that you work hard and play hard in the summer months, with many people having several jobs on the go (a very good work ethic)!   Sound familiar to you teachers out there?!

Aim of the Trip:  To explore and find out more about Iceland – some teachers had visited in the past (sometimes many moons ago!) whilst for others it was their first taster of the country.  Whilst hotels and excursions featured on the itinerary, the key aim of the Teacher Inspection Visit was to give participants a real idea of what is possible for the students to experience during a study trip, rather than just a long list of accommodation inspections (Discover the World takes care of the latter!).

DAY 1: Sunday 3 June 2012
The Icelandair flight from Heathrow was on time as usual!  After a comfortable journey to Keflavik International Airport and a quick call in at Duty Free to buy a bottle or two for a night time beverage (suggested by Addy – an economical option!) it was off to the Blue Lagoon.  Trudi had prepared some name tags but these proved superfluous as the group gathered together with beers in hands, half submerged in the steaming water, and informal introductions began. With bright sunshine and 70 degrees of heat, the weather boded well for the next few days.  Then it was the short drive to Reykjavik and a check-in at the Youth Hostel there (accommodation for tonight was in quad rooms with private facs) and then off to Hotel Cabin for an evening meal and a short welcome meeting.  A few of the group wandered into town to look at the sunset (this time of year it’s the midnight sun!) and despite the day's travelling some were still awake past midnight, enjoying the dusky twilight!

DAY 2: Monday 4 June 2012
Following breakfast it was an 08:20 arrival at a working Hydrogen Filling Station.  In Reykjavik they are trialing a few hydrogen-fuelled buses.  Just outside of Reykjavik is Hellisheidi, a Geothermal Power Station which supplies all of the capital’s hot water.  Here the group enjoyed an hour’s guided tour of the plant (a popular option with school groups) and walked up to the bore hole – the station is of particular interest to science students too.  Continuing over the ‘heathland’ of Hellisheidi, the itinerary continued through the greenhouse village of Hveragerdi and past Irafoss Hydro-electric Station (which is available for tours), enjoying fantastic views of Mount Hekla, a much talked-about volcano.  The sunshine lit up the beautiful blue lupins, which are an invasive species and now very much part of the Icelandic landscape.   At a pit stop Addy took out the phone book and explained that in Iceland, people are listed by their first names, which is always a curiosity!  Upon reaching the UNESCO World Heritage site of Thingvellir National Park,  Asdis explained about the history of the site; it was here that Iceland’s first parliament was established in 930AD, and rift valleys are clearly visible between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates; which pull apart at around 2cm every year.  Everyone enjoyed views of the lake and exploring the beautiful waterfall of Oxarafoss.  Torfi and Asdis then explained how the snorkeling excursion is conducted, as another group were donning dry suits and stepping down into the shimmering waters of Silfra.  Packed lunch (usually the order of the day on school trips in Iceland!) was at a small café with an outside eating area, before the group put on hard hats, head lights and gloves for an adventure beneath the surface, in a lava cave.  Feedback confirmed that the experience was not at all claustrophobic, as many had expected, and that it provided a very enjoyable and different perspective.  As well as explaining about the geology of the landscape, Torfi encouraged everyone to turn off their lamps, and in the pitch black told a haunting Icelandic story. Great fun and everyone agreed the excursion would be a brilliant addition to any school trip.  

It was time to leave Thingvellir National Park, and head towards the gushing hot springs and bubbling pools at Geysir, which never fail to impress.  Close by is the two-tiered waterfall of Gullfoss, which is another ‘must-see’ on the Golden Circle trail (which encompasses Thingvellir, Gullfoss and Geysir).  A rainbow through the mist made for terrific photographic opportunities.  Torfi pointed out where the Drumbo Base Camp is located; the centre for the rafting (which is how Torfi started out in the adventure activities business), and the coach headed south east, towards the coast.  At Seljalandsfoss waterfall it was possible to walk behind the cascading torrent of water, which tumbles down over a former sea cliff – a very unique and slightly damp experience!  Then it was on to Hotel Hofdabrekka, just outside the village of Vik, for an overnight stay (accommodation in twin and single rooms).  Hosts Bjorgvin, Halla and their family had prepared a sumptuous buffet dinner, including salmon, salad, lasagna, chicken, lamb, white fish and even sushi!  Despite a long and fulfilling day, some of the group stretched it out even further, with a dip in the hotel’s hot tubs until the wee small hours!

DAY 3: Tuesday 5 June 2012
Overcast skies greeted the group this morning (rain clearly moving northwards from the UK!) and a photogenic start to the day at the basalt columns at the sea cliffs of Reynishverfi – a popular spot for the obligatory school group photo, and a great place to learn about geology.  At the glacier Solheimajokull Torfi and Asdis helped everyone put on their crampons, and distributed harnesses, hard hats and ice picks, together with a clear and detailed review of the safety briefing and procedures for school groups.  This was just a 45 minute taster, as more time is usually spent observing the moulins and crevasses of the glacier; one of the most popular activities for study trips.   Following the descent from the ice it was on to another waterfall at Skogafoss, for a short walk up to the falls and Asdis pointed out the possible walks from here.  The Eyjafjallajokull Visitors’ Centre on the south coast is the brain-child of the people at Thorvaldseyri; a farm that was covered in ash following the eruption of April/May 2010.  In typical resourceful Icelandic fashion, the farmers have turned the situation around, and created a wonderful exhibition to the eruption, offering a poignant insight into their experiences living in such a potentially hostile environment. It was great for the group to pay a visit here; a highlight of any study trip itinerary.  Another ‘must’ for non-vegetarians, is a taste of Icelandic hot dog, which is a surprising culinary delight! Addy obliged in making this possible with brief drive-by at the tiny village of Hvolsvollur (home of the best Icelandic hot dog factory), where a stop was made in one of the many garage kiosks.  Duly fuelled, it was on to the foot of Mount Hekla; the top of the volcano now visible after the clouds had lifted.  Trudi and Addy had planned for horse riding at Eldhestar, and an early evening ride allowed everyone to experience the unique ‘tolt’ gait unique to the pure-bred Icelandic horse.   Addy herself is quite a horsewoman and explained about the culture of horses in Icelandic society, and how the breed is kept pure by allowing export but no import of equine animals.  Trudi is definitely not a horsewoman but was given a very patient old horse and really enjoyed it! 

Then it was on to the lovely Vatnsholt for the last night's stay (again, in twin and single rooms). The group was greeted by hosts Johann and Margret, as well as several dogs, and a pig-that-thinks-it’s-a-dog called ‘Ham’ – all part of the charm of such a wonderfully friendly and slightly eccentric Icelandic accommodation!  Speaking of which (!), host Johann gave a delightful insight via a slideshow over dinner, of how the farm has developed over the years, including a slight diversion onto pictures of his beloved pet raven and fox cub!  The slideshow was accompanied by yet more fantastic food in the form of a 3-course meal to end an action-packed day.

DAY 4: Wednesday 6 June 2012
The last day of the Iceland Teacher’s Inspection Visit already!  Heading west from Vatnsholt and it was time to stop at Hveragerdi for a snack of a boiled egg and rye bread cooked in the geothermal hot springs.   Things were shaken up a bit at the earthquake simulator, which gives a tremor of around 6.6 on the Richter scale!  It’s great fun for the students, and there is also a model kitchen and videos showing footage of an earthquake, which really helps to bring home Iceland’s position on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.   Back into the capital area the opportunity to enjoy the view from Perlan; an ingenious building which houses hot water tanks supplying Reykjavik.  The large 3-D relief of the whole island which is on display at City Hall would be a great spot for students to discuss their itinerary either at the start or end of a trip.  Lunch was at the Backpackers Hostel just off the main Laugavegur shopping street, where Addy and Trudi produced a ‘treat’ of fermented shark, dried fish and the Icelandic schnapps, Brennivin (known as ‘Black Death’)!   A short walk up to the iconic church Hallgrimskirkja to meet the coach, and it was time to depart Reykjavik.  Hafnarfjordur is a lovely town located between the capital and Keflavik International, and is a friendly and picturesque alternative for groups, so a drive-through on the way to the airport allowed teachers to get an overview of the possibilities of accommodation here.   Arriving at Keflavik at 14:00, it was time to check-in for the as-ever punctual Icelandair flight home. 

Feedback from teachers on this trip shows that it was a very worthwhile, rewarding and informative visit, as well as being rather enjoyable!  If you’re thinking about a study trip to Iceland, or indeed any of our destinations, please get in touch with us to find out about a possible place on a Teachers’ Inspection Visit. 

Read on to find out what the group said about their time in Iceland:

What a shock to the system coming back to persistent rain and flooding! I had a fantastic time with you and the rest of the gang.  A wonderful insight into the wonderful world that is Iceland. Getting through so much in such a short period of time was very helpful and I was amazed at the depth of the experience too. The guides were brilliant! Nothing I would change apart from maybe a few more hours on the day to get a little more in :-)
Phil, Dulwich Prep London

Hi Addy - the trip was absolutely fantastic and really valuable for me to have first-hand experience of much of what we are all going to do in July. I do want to make 2 small changes to our itinerary as a result of it. One is for us all to go to the cinema in Reykjavik to see the Iceland film on the 2nd night and the other is to build in a short visit to the volcano museum by the Farm (near Skogar) where we saw the short film about the 2010 eruption which was great. Apart from that I really think you did a fantastic job giving us experiences and a taste of many different options and accommodation levels that you offer and for that I can't thank you all enough. I am still tired out and recovering after nearly a week!! But I can’t wait to be back in Iceland in a month!! Many Thanks.
Frazer, John Kyrle School, Hereford

THANKS SO MUCH! Brilliant time and we both really appreciated your kindness to us both. It was also so useful to see the accommodation and the equipment/activities etc. The egg boiling was great fun and I think the kids might enjoy that! We'll fill out the activities sheet as soon as possible.
Once again, thanks for such a great trip. Felt I achieved something!! Thanks for the photo too!
Best  wishes,
Trish and Nick, The Red Maids’ School, Bristol

Dear Addy
Thank you so much for all you work organising and running the trip last week.  I had always wanted to visit Iceland but could never convince my non-geographer husband to come with me! I did so many things that I have always wanted to do! Thank you.
Alex, Invicta School, Kent

Hi Addy and Trudi,
Thanks again for an excellent inspection visit. I felt the balance of seeing the sites and experiencing the activities was spot on and that  the itinerary achieved all that could be reasonably expected, compressed into a 4 day /3 night trip. Kind regards,
David, Churchers College, Hampshire

Addy,
Just a brief note to say a big thank you for your help/guidance on the inspection trip. It was really useful to finalise thoughts/ideas of what we can and cannot do. I had a very enjoyable time, as i think most people did. I know there are lots of people who want to keep in touch and exchange photos etc. Thanks again.
Gary, Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, West Yorkshire

Hi Addy,
I hope you had a nice stay after we all came back to rainy England!! Myself and Helen had the most amazing time and cannot wait for our pupils to experience it too. The trip was perfect! Everything was organised so well and it was great to see the range of add ons that we can do. Hopefully we may try and fundraise for the caving! It was very hectic but totally worth it. Wouldn't change anything :) Will be in contact soon! Thanks for the pic :)
Marie, St Edmund's School, Hampshire

Hi Beverley,
Oh my goodness, I cannot speak highly enough of the guides and experience that I had in Iceland! I am absolutely blown away and cannot wait to take the kids back next Easter!Thanks,
Amy, Pontarddulais Comprehensive, Swansea

If you've been inspired by the kind words of the group above, we'd be happy to talk to you about a study trip to Iceland, or about a place on a Teacher's Inspection Visit. Do get in touch with our specialist Schools Team!  

Free resource for Geography Teachers wins Silver at GA Conference

We were delighted to receive a silver award for our Eyjafjallajokull Study Aid at the GA Conference in Manchester last week, and felt it only fitting that David Rogers collect it! (co-author Simon Ross had the very good excuse of being in Iceland at the time!). Photo credit (left): Bryan Ledgard/Geographical Association.

We have a limited number of free Volcano Study Aid posters, so order yours asap! And don't forget you can request a free sample of volcanic ash from the infamous Eyjafjallajokull, which is bound to inspire your students.  Register online for the FREE Eyjafjallajokull Study Aid.  If you want to find out more, check out a video of David Rogers' session on this invaluable resource at the GA Conference on Saturday.  

If you have any feedback on the Study Aid, or would like to contribute to it, we'd be delighted to hear from you. Just give us a call or drop us a line.

 

Sorrento Teacher Study May Half Term 2011

Over the May half term Darren and Trudi from Discover the World paid a visit to the stunning Bay of Naples and  Amalfi Coast with a small group of teachers previewing the regions geographic highlights as well as accommodation bases…..and a few 4 course meals on the way!

Day One - Solfatara / The Milky Mountains / Amalfi evening walk

On arrival in Naples we met our local partners Salvo and Rosy who stayed with us for the duration of the tour, along with our flamboyant and informative guide Michael. After a short drive we took a walking tour of the Phlegaean Fields / Solfatara. A shallow Volcano complete with sulphur gasses rising through vents and bubbling mud pools which made for a good start to the tour.

 

Back on board our bus we drove eastwards past Mount Vesuvius and on to the Amalfi Coast. This trip involved driving up the mountain road to the peaks of the Monti Lattari – the Milky Mountains to a height of 1131m. The view at the top back to Vesuvius and was breathtaking. We passed many slopes covered with terraced lemon tree groves. Everywhere you look agriculture is abundant in the soil rich land.

On arrival at Maiori we checked into our hotel the Reggina Palace where we enjoyed our first ‘huge’ meal of the trip. Following an impressive dinner we drove the short distance to the coastal town of Amalfi, where the streets brim with restaurants and niche shopping.

Day Two - Amalfi Coastal Road / Hotel Visits / Pizza / Sorrento / Teatro Tasso Show

Following breakfast we headed west along the famous Amalfi Coastal Road, considered by many as one of the World’s greatest drives. The engineering involved in constructing the road is more than impressive, as are the small villages perched high on the slopes of the steep coastal mountains. The tiny village of Furore is of particular interest, comprising of just 12 or so small fishermen cottages, it remains the same today as it did a hundred years ago.

 

On arrival on the north side of the Sorrento Peninsula we visited a few of the hotels groups are able to stay at during their trips. The views from the hotels across the Bay of Naples towards Vesuvius were stunning.

 

Lunch time at Vico Equense – which we were told was the home of pizza, and where today they sell pizza not by the slice but by the metre! 4 metres of pizza later we felt we had had enough and it was onwards to Sorrento via the last hotel visit of the tour.

The Teatro Tasso Sorrento Musical show with an excellent dinner included – a light operatic singing and dancing show which featured superb musicianship and dancing – I think we were all surprised at how many songs we recognized. Also we felt that school groups would enjoy the show and it did represent good value and a memorable evening excursion option.

Day Three - Pompeii/ Vesuvius

Following breakfast we travelled back over The Milky Mountains towards Pompeii.

Here we met our guide for the day Leilo who led us on a trip around Pompeii, this was clearly his specialized subject and his tour was both enjoyable and informative. One can clearly see and understand why Pompeii is one of the worlds most important historical sites. Towards the end of the visit, dark clouds had begun to gather and we were hit by heavy rain showers which continued as we drove up the lower slopes of Vesuvius.

As we arrived at the base station of Vesuvius the rain fell harder and we made a decision to visit a restaurant to see if the clouds would lift. The skies did clear slightly, but the rain soon returned and we all felt disappointment when the Vesuvius guides closed the steep path to the summit of the volcano. The rain we were told were freak conditions for that time of time.

With the regions harsh terrain and the potential catastrophic danger of living in the shadow of one of the World’s most dangerous Volcanoes the achievement of populating and engineering the land is more than impressive. Clearly the benefits of living in such a soil rich and fertile land far out way the difficult terrain and significant potential for a natural disaster.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meet us at the SSAT Conference 24-26 Nov

We are delighted once again to be at the Annual Conference of the Specialist School and Academies Trust.  I look forward to meeting you next week to discuss your next inspiring educational visit.  We are on stand D44 - near the coffee so grab one and come and have a chat.

With geography and geology trips to Iceland, Morocco, Oman, New Zealand  and Antarctica and Science trips to Iceland - we have a range of experiences to suit your exact requirements.  Also, come along for ideas on how inclusive a school trip can be. 

As members of the School Travel Forum and holders of the Quality Badge Learning Outside the Clasroom you can be assured your trip is in safe hands.

I look forward to meeting you.

Lorraine

 

Eyjafjalljokull volcano - then and now!

You might be interested to know that Eyjafjalljokull has quietened down tremendously since its rather spectacular eruption in April. Follow the latest updates on the Iceland meteorological website the crater is beginning to fill with water and it is just steam now which is filling the air. The ash has also provided some extra nutrients and the grass and crops are seemingly thriving. Scientists are watching this carefully.

If you would like to see what is happening and to monitor the earthquakes in Iceland the meteorological office has a fantastic website where you can see the earthquake activity.

Take a look now at the latest picture of this sleeping volcano.

If you haven't been to Iceland before and would like to see for yourself how inspiring a trip might be we are offering two teacher inspection trips  - October 2010 and May 2011 register for details now to check if you qualify for a free place.

We also are delighted to welcome back schools who travel with us regularly and will be announcing our new loyalty programme shortly.

Iceland Video - now is the best time to travel!

Here at Discover the World we all LOVE the recent video just posted on Inspired By Iceland!  Take a look below - very reminiscent of Bjork's video - fantastic to see some of that stunning Icelandic scenery and everyone having fun! Spread the word that now is a fantastic time to visit Iceland!

Inspired by Iceland Video from Inspired by Iceland on Vimeo.