Upon arrival you will be welcomed by our expert Icelandic guide who will discuss the content of our Iceland Adventure on our way towards the site known as the 'backbone of Icelandic geology - the Mid Atlantic Ridge'. At the nearby ‘bridge between the continents ´ we can literally walk amongst the zone and realise that the landscape shows us something quite remarkable making this place an ideal first stop to give an introduction into Icelandic geology and plate tectonics. The next stop will be at the hot spring area of Gunnuhver in the heart of this active volcanic zone. Here we can take further steps into discovering the geology, the existence of geothermal heat and its use for Icelandic society. Continuing along the rugged south coast we make our way to our first accommodation 20 km (12 mi) northeast of Selfoss. Depending on time a stop can be made to watch the solfataras and mud springs near Krýsuvík. Overnight at Minniborgir cabins, Laugarvatn in group dorms or similar in the area depending on availability.

Meals:  D

Today we cross an ancient volcanic zone where we will make a stop at one of the the quarries in an old crater and examine the structures and different types of lava. From this site we will drive for approximately 30 minutes towards Thingvellir, the National Park that offers the best of both worlds in geological terms as it shows the rift zone that cuts Iceland in two. This is also the historical cradle of Icelandic democracy as this is the site of the first parliament ever gathered in the year 930 AD! Continuing towards Geysir it will become obvious that we now entering the high temperature area again as clouds of steam will billow around us rising out of the ground at multiple places. The Geysir area is a must-see when in Iceland a geological highlight where our geology expert will give the group extensive knowledge and detail about the area which most tourists miss. In search of cooler temperatures and more water we will arrive at the Gullfoss waterfall where we will find the answers to the questions that surround Iceland's geology. At Gullfoss we are at the edge of the inhabited highlands, and as we explore this landscape, we can study the effects of intensive land erosion. Overnight at Minniborgir cabins, Laugarvatn in group dorms or similar in the area depending on availability.

Meals:  B,L,D

Continuing our journey east we further discover and investigate into what makes Iceland such a phenomenal place for geography students. Our first stop will be made at the Thjorsá River. The main course of the river heads southwest, following the main tectonic fissure system of the country giving us clues about its importance to the landscape of Iceland and the change in sea-level due to Isostasy. When the mighty Eyjafjallajökull comes in sight the focus will be on the 2010 eruption and its effects on landscape and the whole of the nation. Today we will view and learn about the glaciers flowing from one of the smaller ice caps of Iceland, situated to the north of Skógar and to the west of Mýrdalsjökull. This ice cap covers the caldera of a volcano with a summit elevation of 1,651 metres (4953 ft). Upon entering the outwash plains of the Markárfljót it will be evident that we are talking large scale impact. Another must see is the Seljalandsfoss, a unique waterfall about 30 km (19 mi) west from Skógar. It is 60 meters (180 ft) high with a foot path behind it at the bottom of the cliff. It is one of the only known waterfalls of its kind, where it is possible to walk behind it. Here, many years ago, Irish monks used to live at the waterfall. Further East we make a stop at the Skogafoss waterfall which is an impressive curtain of glacier melt water. Skogafoss is unique because the waterfall comes directly from two glaciers (an optional stop at the museum can be arranged) Advancing onto Vík, the southernmost village in Iceland, there are opportunities to explore the unusual hexagonal basalt columns which look like huge pencils at the sea cliffs in Reynarfjara. Return to our accommodation in Minniborgir or similar in area depending on availability.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast we will cross over the plateau Hellisheiði and ride into Reykjavik, the most northern capital in the world where we will explore the city with our local geography and geology expert. We will visit the notable sights like the Hallgrimsirkja church which is both a parish church and a national sanctuary in Iceland. It is named after the poet and pastor Hallgrímur Pétursson and is one of the most visited places in Iceland. Afterwards we head to the Seismologic Institute for a tour and an engaging lecture (this activity depends on availability). In the afternoon we will head over to the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa and there will be an optional opportunity to take a dip in the opaque milky blue waters. If we have not managed to visit the solfataras and mud springs near Krýsuvík on day 1, we will do it today. We will stay overnight in a hostel in Reykjavik.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning you will say farewell to Iceland and transfer to the airport for your flight back home.

Meals:  B,L,D