Iceland
A Volcanic Introduction

Thursday 13 - Tuesday 18 September 2012 (6 days)

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.
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.





Price: £ 1,495
Single supp.: £ 130
Deposit: £ 400 per person

The price per person includes return scheduled flight from London - Keflavik, 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.

For an ex-international flight cost (starting and finishing in Keflavik) please deduct £195 from the tour cost.

Leader: Andy Jones

Numbers: Max. 8 clients

Iceland map


Outline Itinerary
Day 1 Afternoon arrival in Iceland then transfer to hotel at Skálholt visiting a volcanic crater on the way. Overnight Skálholt
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
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
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
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
Day 6We'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

Click here for a full, printable itinerary