In this study tour learn first-hand why Iceland is one of the world’s leaders in green energy and sustainable development including an exciting expedition to the world famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano. Our guides provide scientific expertise and thorough local knowledge. Evening lectures with volcanologists and green energy experts can also be arranged. Volcanoes and geothermal energy – an explosive combination!

DAY 1  Airport transfer via Blue Lagoon
Geothermal Lagoon - Viking Ship Replica - Smithsonian Exhibition
After a welcome greet at Keflavík Airport we then begin our educational journey with a visit to the Blue Lagoon, which is 100% powered  by Iceland's clean geothermal energy. Enjoy bathing and relaxing in Blue Lagoon geothermal seawater, known for its positive effects on the skin. Blue Lagoon’s guests actually bathe between two continents as the Eur-Asian and American tectonic plates meet at the Blue Lagoon. We stop there for approximately one hour for a relaxing dip like no other. We also visit Vikingaheimar Museum which is the home of the Viking Ship Íslendingur (The Icelander). Built in 1996, The Icelander is an exact replica of the famous Gokstad ship, a remarkable archaeological find of an almost completely intact Viking ship, excavated in Norway in 1882. Vikingaheimar is also home to the Viking Millennium Exhibition from by the Smithsonian Institution.
Continue to Reykjavík, check in at the hotel.
Overnight in Reykjavík.

DAY 2  Þingvellir - Gullfoss - Geysir - Fljótshlíð
National Park of Geological Wonders (UNESCO) - Geothermal Area - Exploding Geysers
Iceland is a country of enormous geological interest because it straddles the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where the European and North American continental plates meet. We begin our day at Þingvellir National Park where we can see the rift caused by the meeting of these two tectonic plates. We walk through the Almannagjá fault to the site of Alþingi, the world’s oldest parliament that was established in 930. We walk through a canyon to a waterfall and a beautiful rift in the lava filled with crystal clear water.  After our geology walk in Þingvellir we visit one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls, Gullfoss (Golden Falls) as well as the Geysir Geothermal Area teeming with hot springs, exploding geysers and bubbling pools of mud. Geysir is Iceland’s largest geyser and lends its name to all others. Although Geysir is less active these days, Strokkur spouts water high into the air every few minutes. A truly unique experience occurs up in the geothermal fields, where we sample rye bread, baked underground by hot springs. We also visit a greenhouse powered by geothermal and hydroelectric energy to sample organically grown fruits and vegetables. Heading east through small villages and farmlands to the majestic mountains towering over the coast, we see the snow shrouded volcano mt.Hekla.  Onwards to the Hvolsvöllur area where we have a great view of the world famous volcano mt. Eyjafjallajökull glacier. Dinner and overnight in the Hvolsvöllur area.

Option: “Gufan”, a natural steam bath at Laugarvatn set to open in June 2011.

DAY 3  South Shore - Eyjafjallajökull Volcano
Volcanic Aftermath - Sea Cliffs with Puffin Colony - Black Sand Beaches
We will spend this morning exploring the area close to the towering strata volcano Eyjafjallajökull, which is probably the most famous volcano in the world today. On March 20, 2010, after being dormant for more than 180 years, Eyjafjallajökull began spewing molten lava in an uninhabited area in southwest Iceland. On April 14, 2010, after a brief intermission, the volcano resumed erupting from the top crater in the center of the glacier causing flooding which required an evacuation of 800 people. Today the aftermath of the volcanic eruption can be clearly seen in Thorsmork Glacier Valley, the natural oasis that lies just behind the volcano. What was once a white glittering glacial cap is now covered by black ash and the breathtaking glacial lagoon that was once there now has completely washed away. The sight of what the unbridled power of an erupting volcano can do in a short time to its surroundings is breathtaking and leaves visitors awestricken.
We drive past Dyrhólaey, a magnificent rocky headland with sheer cliffs before stopping for lunch in the charming village of Vík famous for its volcanic black sand beaches. After the break we head for the sea shore which is flanked by steep bird cliffs rising above the black, wave pounded sands. In the sea just outside the village of Vík are Reynisdrangar rocks - 66 meters (215 feet) above sea level. 
Dinner and overnight in the Hvolsvöllur area.

Optional: Þorvaldseyri Farm, located beneath Eyjafjallajökull volcano. Meet with this local farmer and learn about the devastation and aftereffects the March 2010 eruption had on his cattle and wheat farm. Peruse his portoflio of spectacular before and after photographs during an open Q & A session.

DAY 4  Westman Islands.
Pompeii of the North - The Youngest Place on Earth (UNESCO) - Geothermal Power Plant
We ride by ferry (35 minutes) to the Westman Islands which are a group of 15 islands, situated off the south coast of Iceland. On the main island of Heimaey we explore exhibits from the “Pompeii of the North” excavation site aimed at restoring this tiny fishing village buried in lava and ash from a massive 5-month eruption in 1973. We also venture out to the magnificent ocean cliffs, home to 10 million puffins. Other sites include volcano mt. Eldborg, still scolding warm from its latest eruption almost 40 years ago.
Iceland is very young, geologically speaking and is still being created before your eyes with volcanic eruptions still going on today. On a boat ride around the island we are treated with a view of the newest land, Surtsey Island, also known as “The Youngest Place on Earth.” Surtsey Island burst from the North Atlantic in a dramatic ocean floor eruption in 1963. In 2008 it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Iceland is the only Western country that produces all its electricity from emission-free and sustainable natural resources in the form of geothermal and hydro-electric power. After returning to the mainland we get an in-depth enlightenment on how geothermal energy is processed from hot water at the Hellisheiði Power Station, located on an active volcanic ridge.  Our private, guided tour through the plant also includes various multi-media presentations.
Return to Reykjavík for dinner and overnight.

DAY 5  Departure 
Transfer to Keflavík Airport for the return flight.

Includes

• Guided arrival and departure transfer
• Accommodation for 2 nights in the countryside including breakfast, rooms with private facilities
• Accommodation in Reykjavík for 2 nights including breakfast, rooms with private facilities.
• Coach tour with guide as per itinerary
• 2 x dinner in the countryside, 3 course with coffee/tea
• 1 x lunchbox
• Entry and towel at the Blue Lagoon
• Entry to Víkingaheimar museum
• Visit to a greenhouse
• Bread-tasting in Geysir hot spring area
• Ferry to Heimaey
• Sightseeing tour by boat around Heimey island

Excludes

• Dinners in Reykjavík
• Beverages
• Free pax
• All services not mentioned above

Includes

• Guided arrival and departure transfer
• Accommodation for 2 nights in the countryside including breakfast, rooms with private facilities
• Accommodation in Reykjavík for 2 nights including breakfast, rooms with private facilities.
• Coach tour with guide as per itinerary
• 2 x dinner in the countryside, 3 course with coffee/tea
• 1 x lunchbox
• Entry and towel at the Blue Lagoon
• Entry to Víkingaheimar museum
• Visit to a greenhouse
• Bread-tasting in Geysir hot spring area
• Ferry to Heimaey
• Sightseeing tour by boat around Heimey island

Excludes

• Dinners in Reykjavík
• Beverages
• Free pax
• All services not mentioned above