Iceland: A Volcanic Introduction
September 13-18, 2012

 

With Iceland's volcanoes featuring in the news in both 2011 and 2012, we though it was time to base a tour around Iceland's amazing geology.

Iceland's recent volcanic events have also caused an 'eruption' in interest about geology and why landscapes look the way they do. We've persuaded Iceland expert Andy Jones to lead these autumn volcano introduction trips for us and participants will get a great introduction to the dynamic geology of this fascinating country. We'll visit many volcanic landforms, including the areas affected by the eruptions of Eyjafjallajökull and the Westman Islands, and spend time exploring the areas around some glaciers as well. Of course, other aspects of natural history are not neglected and we expect to see the Icelandic bird specialities of Harlequin Duck, Barrow's Goldeneye and Gyrfalcon, too. Migration will be well underway and we'll see the gatherings of Pink-footed Geese and Whooper Swans as they prepare to fly to warmer climes against the background of wonderful autumn colours of the Icelandic countryside. Oh, and there's a chance of cetaceans offshore too!

Geysers, volcanoes, thermal springs, glaciers and Viking history are all included on this trip - with, as always, any wildlife we see on our travels!

Groups are limited to just eight participants, and are all guided by expert naturalist and geologist Andy Jones, who lives in Iceland and also guides our popular summer and winter trips there.

 

ITINERARY

Day 1 Afternoon arrival in Iceland then transfer to hotel at Skálholt visiting a volcanic crater on the way. Overnight Skálholt - B,L,D

Day 2 We'll visit the geothermal area of Geysir and see the geysers before exploring the area of Hekla, arguably Iceland's best known volcano. Overnight Skálholt - B,L,D

Day 3 We travel via the rift valley of Thingvellir which allows us to see the tectonic processes at work here. Later we travel to the south coast to see the eroded edge of the enormous lava flow of _j—rsárhraun. Overnight Skálholt - B,L,D

Day 4 We visit the areas affected by the recent eruption of Eyjafjallajökull and see at first hand the changes wrought by this volcano. We'll finish the day exploring the coastal landscapes of southern Iceland. Overnight Skálholt - B,L,D

Day 5 We visit the Westman Islands, a volcanic archipelago. A submarine eruption in 1963 created the island of Surtsey and in 1973 an eruption on the inhabited island of Heimaey resulted in the temporary evacuation of the island. Overnight Skálholt - B,L,D

Day 6 We'll explore the geology of the Reykjanes peninsula by visiting some powerful hot springs and climbing a small crater before visiting the geothermal spa at the Blue Lagoon to have a chance to relax in the warm, mineral rich waters! We depart on a late afternoon flight from Iceland. Three nights near Akureyri

 

PLAN AHEAD! Protect yourself with Allianz Travel Insurance (formerly Access America). Offset your Carbon Footprint. Show us the receipt and we'll take 50% - up to $50.00 - of your carbon offset fee off your final payment! COST OF THE JOURNEY/TRAVEL INFORMATION Cost of the journey is: $1766.00 USD* This tour is priced by our partner UK company at £ 1,495 per person, less £195 for North American travelers meeting the group in Iceland (others have flight from UK included) Single supp: £ 130 Deposit: £ 400 per person Naturalist Journeys will help you coordinate payment to Travelling Naturalists. *as per the exchange rate of October, 2011 The price per person includes airport taxes, accommodation as outlined, all meals, incidental tips, transport and the services of the leaders. The price excludes holiday insurance, drinks, and other personal expenses. Accommodation: Comfortable hotel with all rooms en suite. Transport: Will be in small minibus or four wheel drive vehicle driven by the leader. Walking: Walks are no more than three miles in total on any one day and never more than two miles at one time. The terrain is mostly level but may be rough underfoot with sharp lava. Stout walking boots are recommended. Leader: Andy Jones Numbers: max. 8 clients Naturalist Journeys, LLC is an equal opportunity service provider and committed to the goal of ensuring equal opportunity for all in employment and program delivery. Photo Credits: All images courtesy of The Travelling Naturalist - Wildlife Holidays.

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