13-Day Iceland Geology Adventure Guided Tour from Reykjavík

These tours are intended for people who are interested in learning about the formation of the many unique landscapes found on the island. This tour is unique because Dr. Jovanelly leads the tours with her husband, Joe Cook. Dr. Jovanelly wrote Iceland: Tectonics, Volcanics, and Glacial Features for a major publisher (Wiley) in 2020. Since, it has gone on to their best-selling book in natural sciences for the past 3 years. She uses this book as your field guide. Dr. Jovanelly has been leading trips and researching Iceland since 2006 so she knows the island like the back of her hand. Additionally, this tour offers many more active experiences than our big-box competitors and all the excursion fees are included in our price. Plus, as an added bonus, Dr. Jo and Joey are a heck of a lot of fun! "Active exploration with enthusiastic geologists"! Plus, "Dr. Jo" and "Joey" are a heck of a lot of fun! Please note that a background in geology is not necessary to be a trip participant.

Itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — Arrival day. You will have free time in Reykjavik until late afternoon when we convene for a group dinner.

   • Explore the city before our first Meet & Greet. Then we will walk to our group dinner together.
2. 2

   Day 2 — Start the day with a morning lecture before we head to a NEW lava field. The afternoon is spent at the Blue Lagoon.

   • You will have the afternoon to relax and get adjusted from jet lag.
   • Wow! Let me show you some of iceland's most recent volcanic activity!
3. 3

   Day 3 — We will visit the Mid Ocean Ridge, Kleifarvatn, Stampar Crater Row, Seltun Geothermal area, and Hellishedi Power Plant

   • In the afternoon we will visit the Hellisheidi Power Plant to learn about geothermal energy and carbon capture projects.
   • A visual seperation of the two plates: North America and Eurasian.
   • This scoria crater field will be unlike any others we see on the trip!
   • Take a look at one of iceland's largest and deepest lakes. It sits along a fissure.
4. 4

   Day 4 — Visit the popular "Golden Triangle"-- Thingvillir National Park, Geysir, and Gulfoss waterfall

   • Wow! One of my favorite tectonic spots. Learn about how the plates are spreading apart and how this affected Viking Settlements.
   • Experience one of Europe's largest waterfalls.
   • Where there is geothermal energy there is usually a geysir! Experience the heat from the boiling hot spots at Geysir.
5. 5

   Day 5 — The morning will include a lecture about "The Queen"- the Hekla volcano, before we visit the Lava Center

   • Learn about volcanology at this new and interactive museum.
   • While sitting in her shadows, learn about this amazing volcano that has been active in recent time.
6. 6

   Day 6 — Our first day among the glaciers! A visit to Skaftafell National park and a guided glacial walk

   • We will be hiking on top of a glacier in a guided tour that is 3-hours long.
   • After your tour your guides will have a wine and cheese reception waiting for you! Let's celebrate your hike!
7. 7

   Day 7 — Another day spent with the glaciers, but this time by boat!

   • Take a look at the glacier from a different view- the water!
   • See where the icebergs land before being carried out to sea!
   • Visit this lagoon that has stunning icebergs, seal viewing, and is a great place for birders. There are food vendors here so try a hot dog!
8. 8

   Day 8 — Today we will be in the North! We will visit the famous Detifoss waterfall, raujolar craters, and other stops

   • A massive waterfall exposing columnar basalt.
9. 9

   Day 9 — The wonder of Lake Myvtan! Many of the stops aren't listed in this App so you'll just have to trust me here!

   • A massive and impressive explosion crater
   • Learn about pseudo craters and how they impacted the Vikings!
   • Take a guided tour among these geologic features that have a debated origin....
10. 10

    Day 10 — FREE DAY in the charming town of Akureyri

    • A free day in this charming town. Feel free to rest, shop, go whale watching, birding, or more!
11. 11

    Day 11 — Enjoy the scenery of the northern coast as we drive to Stykkisholmur with stops along the way that aren't listed

    • Visit to an art installation at the "Water Museum" that pays respect to glaciers-- past and present.
12. 12

    Day 12 — Hike along the beautiful coast of Snaefellsness Peninsula. The afternoon will be underground in a lava cave.

    • Clear skies will bring views of this stratovolcano!
    • Explore a lava tube and learn about their formation
    • A visit to this beautiful National Park.
13. 13

    Day 13 — Morning wrap up session and departure

    • Explore the city before your departure

What's included

• ✓Lunch
• ✓Dinner
• ✓Breakfast

What to expect

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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