Take your
once-in-a-lifetime
trip with us
Active Exploration with Enthusiastic Geologists.
Join us and we will take you to all the famous “selfie spots” that you’ve seen on Facebook, but unlike your friends who visited, you will walk away with a deeper appreciation of nature through the geologically-focused lectures and daily interpretation.
Iceland can be comfortably circled in 13-days and has become a literal “hot-spot” for tourism because few places in the world provide the opportunity to see classic examples of plate tectonics, volcanoes, glaciers, geothermal energy, and hydroelectricity in one pristine (and unassuming) environment.
Trip Dates
May 31-June 12, 2020
Open to anyone
June 19-July 1, 2020
Preference given to universities
and geology organizations
July 6-July 18, 2020
Preference given to universities
and geology organizations
Contact to Join
Cost
Our mostly-inclusive 13 day excursion is $5800 USD*
This Includes:
- 12-night accommodation w/breakfast
- All in-country transportation
- Seven lectures on Iceland Geology by a professional geologist
- Geology interpretation at field-sites
- Signed copy of “Iceland: Tectonics, Volcanics, and Glacial Features”
- Three group dinners
- Daily snack and lunch items provided
- Two social receptions with beverages and hors d’oeuvres
- Paid admission to: Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa, 3-hour guided hike on Vatnajökull glacier (includes crampon & ice axe rental), Hellisheidi Power Plant, Fjallsarlon glacial lagoon boat tour, Lofthellir Lava cave tour, Stykkisholmur Volcano Museum
*per double occupancy; airfare not included
Recruit 12 participants and get a free trip!
Take advantage of this offer as a trip leader for your organization.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Keflavik International Airport. You will have free time in Reykjavik until late afternoon when we convene for a group dinner.
Day 2: Start the day with an exciting morning lecture that provides an introduction to the geology of Iceland. An interpretive drive to the popular Blue Lagoon geothermal spa.
Day 3: The day will consist of a series of short hikes (1 mile or less) with stops along the Reykjanes Peninsula to include the Mid Ocean Ridge, Kleifarvatn (Reykjanes Peninsulas largest lake), Graenvatn crater lake, Seltun geothermal area, and Hellisheidi Power Station tour.
Day 4: Visit “The Golden Triangle” which highlights three of Iceland’s most popular destinations:
Day 5: Morning will bring a lecture about “The Queen” volcano, Hekla, which will be the focus of the day.
Day 6: We will begin to learn about Iceland’s glaciers through our morning talk. We will visit Skaftafell National Park before departing on a 3-hour guided glacial walk using crampons and ice axes.
Day 7: Another visit to Skaftafell National Park looking at glacial moraines, etc. In the afternoon we will take a boat tour on Fjallsarlon Glacial Lagoon and visit Jokulsarlon Glacial
Day 8: This morning’s lecture will be on the geology of the Northern Volcanic Zone. We will depart for Detifoss waterfall, Raujolar craters, and other stops.
Day 9: Leisurely morning. Stop at Myvtan craters as we drive around the lake. Short, hikes at Hverfell and Dimmubugir. We will also stop at the impressive Godafoss waterfall on the way to Akureyri.
Day 10: FREE DAY in the charming town of Akureyri. Relax, shop, or book one of the many excursions offered in the city (e.g. whale and puffin watching, kayaking, and more).
Day 11: Early morning departure for the Snaesfellsnes Peninsula with stops at the Volcano Museum (included) in Stykkisholmur.
Day 12: Lecture on the geology of the Snaefellsness Peninsula. We will hike along the beautiful coastline in the national park. In the late
Day 13: Morning wrap up session. Afternoon departures.
Take a deep dive
What makes our tours so unique? Learn more about Iceland and your tour guide, Dr. Tamie Jovanelly, through her book:
ICELAND: TECTONICS, VOLCANICS, AND GLACIAL FEATURES
An in-depth study on the geologic features of Iceland and a look at the natural mysteries that this remote island has to offer
The book will act as a guide for the trip following activities and scenery. Participants will receive a complimentary book in Iceland.
The Land of
Fire & Ice
No doubt, Iceland is a country rooted in geologic wonder. As an example, this island that is about the size of Virginia currently has 32 active volcanoes, hosts the largest glacier in Europe, and is currently spreading apart at about 2 cm/year. Taking a guided tour of the country with a geologist will not only help you to capture the islands natural beauty, but increasingly enhance it through detailed descriptions linking the relationships between structure, process, and time to the island’s evolution.
The island of Iceland is positioned halfway between Greenland and Europe and sits near the Arctic Circle whereby providing tourists with approximately 22 hours of daylight from mid-May to August. Remarkably, the island is considered geologically young as the oldest basement rocks began to solidify as the separation of tectonic plates allowed for a magma hot spot to form at 60 Mya. Today, the hot spot resides under Iceland’s largest glacier, Vatnajokull, and continues to be the heartbeat of volcanic activity on the island. In areas of the country nearest to the hot spot, the intense geothermal heat is harnessed to provide Icelander’s with a sustainable energy source. Culturally, having year-round access to ample hot water provides the country with the ability to leisurely soak in natural or man-made hot-pots, to enjoy the steam in the form of saunas, or to create community-centers based around swimming pools. This rare country, where fire and ice truly meet, provides pristine and stunning tectonic, volcanic, and glacial landscapes with such great diversity that it is awe-inspiring.
Sights You’ll See
Aukeyri
Blue Lagoon
Iceland’s most visited attraction is the Blue Lagoon in the Reykjanes Peninsula. This geothermal hot spring is a great place to relax, cleanse, and refresh for the rest of your tour. Fun fact, the water is blue due to the high silica content of the surrounding rocks, which forms a mud-like paste guests use to scrub their face!
Dettifoss Waterfall
This stunning waterfall, Dettifoss, is in northern Iceland. By volume, this is the largest waterfall in all of Europe!
Snaesfellsjokull Volcano
About The Tours
Also, please know that the content of the trip can be altered for school or university groups who are interested in learning advanced concepts.
About Us
It was their love for the country that motivated Dr. Tamie Jovanelly, a geologist, professor, and author, along with her husband, Joe Cook, an adventurist, to build a trip that focused on the geological landscapes that are inescapable, breath taking, and even more fascinating when their origin is explained. Additionally, our tour offers many more active experiences than the big-box competition with visits to museums, geothermal power plants, lava caves, boat tours, glacial hikes, and geothermal spas, like the popular Blue Lagoon. Plus, as an added bonus, the charismatic company owners are a heck of a lot of fun! “Active exploration with enthusiastic geologists” is our company mantra. Consider joining a trip as a solo-traveler, couple, family, or group and let’s learn some geology!
Bring your curiosity, sense of adventure, and eagerness to learn.
FAQ
What are the trips like?
In general, most days will start with breakfast at 8:00 a.m. and will be followed by a 50-minute lecture relating to the daily itinerary with additional interpretation provided in route. Each day will include a variety of stops that are either geological or culturally important. Although variable, the hiking usually totals 5 miles per day, but can be up to 10 miles per day if you choose to take advantage of longer paths and/or optional hikes after dinner. Typically, we arrive at our accommodations around 6:30 p.m. with dinner immediately following check-in. Some of the dinners will be included in the cost and are usually plated meals of lamb or fish, potatoes, and soup. For those participants that have food sensitivities or are vegetarian/vegan we can plan ahead for substitutions at most locations. The cost of alcoholic beverages will not be included in the cost of the meal, but can be purchased at most locations.
As a tour company we value offering a full agenda and we will try our very best to stick to the timeline provided to you at the start of the trip. However, weather can be variable in Iceland causing road closures, high wind delays, etc. that may cause us to reroute or change the schedule completely. Additionally, we want to cater to the experiences of our participants as best we can! So, this might mean shifting around a field experience so that we can watch the Icelandic soccer team play in the World Cup at a local pub. Just know that Iceland Geology Tours is 100% committed to providing you with a great experience.
How much does it cost?
Our partially-inclusive 13 day excursion is $5800 USD*
This Includes:
•12-night accommodation w/breakfast
• All in-country transportation
• Seven lectures on Iceland Geology by a professional geologist
• Geology interpretation at field-sites
• Signed copy of “Iceland: Tectonics, Volcanics, and Glacial Features”
• Three group dinners
• Daily snack and lunch items provided
• Two social receptions with beverages and hors d’oeuvres
• Paid admission to: Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa, 3-hour guided hike on Vatnajökull glacier (includes crampon & ice axe rental), Hellisheidi Power Plant, Fjallsarlon glacial lagoon boat tour, Lofthellir Lava cave tour, Stykkisholmur Volcano Museum
*per double occupancy; airfare not included
Are there additional costs we should anticipate?
The airfare to and from Keflavik airport is not included. If we know your arrival time we will meet you at the airport.
As you will see from the itinerary, we allow you some space to dine on your own. These meals are not included in the price. Although we will provide you with some snack/lunch options you may also want to plan to supplement with items purchased at grocery stores, gas stations, etc.
Also, additional excursions in your free time will be at your expense. You will have time to shop in Reykjavik, Myvtan, Aukeryi where you can buy souvenirs.
Is college credit available?
The content of the trip can be altered for school or university groups who are interested in learning advanced concepts. Contact us for other educational opportunities.
Do I need to have knowledge of geology?
Nope. These tours are intended for people who are interested in learning about the formation of the many unique landscapes found on the island. A background in geology is not necessary to participate.
What is the required activity level for this trip?
To enjoy the trip we recommend that you be in good physical condition. Ideally, you should be able to walk 100 yards on uneven surfaces and have the ability to move your own luggage if needed.
Is there a discount for 3 or more people?
Discounts may apply according to group size and needs. We can accommodate groups of 13 easily, but can alter our transport (and schedule in some cases) to meet the needs of a larger group.
Do you accommodate dietary needs and/or restrictions?
Yes, we pride ourselves on being a service-based company and we strive to accommodate all needs with advanced notice.
Is there an age minimum?
Due to the rigor of the hiking we do not recommend that children under the age of 12 participate in this tour. Our day tours may be a better alternative for young children.
What is the bathroom availability?
Typically, there is not a bathroom on the bus. However, we plan for a bathroom break at least every three hours.
What is your refund policy?
If you cancel within a month of your trip departure date we are only able to return 25% of your total booking cost. If you cancel within 6-weeks we are able to return 50% of your total booking cost.
What to pack?
Upon trip payment we will send a detailed itinerary and a recommended packing list.
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