ICELAND - Geological Society of America

ICELAND
Photo by Dee Ann Pederson
ICELAND
with The Geological Society of America
July 29 - August 5, 2013 / 8 days
This program includes carbon offsetting
with ClimateSafe. Learn more at
holbrooktravel.com/ClimateSafe.
Join the Geological Society of
America on an 8-day exploration
of fascinating Iceland. This small
country’s rich geologic history
and northern latitude is an earth
scientist’s dream - a land of arctic
desert, towering mountains, hot
springs, erupting volcanoes, and
midnight sun. Explore volcanic
processes, icecaps, glaciers, and the
interaction of active earth systems
science and human culture. No
previous knowledge of geoscience
is required.
GEOVENTURES
GeoVentures are special geoscience field trip experiences created for the
members and friends of the Geological Society of America. These trips provide
participants with opportunities to visit some of the most spectacular geological
sites on the planet with guides who are experts in their field. Participants not only
enjoy seeing some wonderful geology, but they also enjoy the fellowship and
companionship of people who all share a common interest.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
• Plate Tectonics
• Volcanic Systems
• Geologic History
• Rock Formation
• Glaciation
• Deposition
• Geothermal Power
• Hydrology
• Natural History
• Marine Systems
• Viking History
• Human Geography
• Environmental Science
• Conservation
www.holbrooktravel.com | 800-451-7111

PROPOSED ITINERARY
JULY 29 - DEPARTURE
Depart on your overnight flight to Iceland.
JULY 30 - REYKJAVIK
Morning arrival at the international airport.
Meet the local guide and begin the journey to
the capital city of Reykjavik to enjoy coffee
and bakery items. Later visit the Icelandic
Energy Research Institute for a comprehensive
introductory geology lecture by Dr. Hjalti
Franzson. Next traverse through volcanic areas
to the base in Nesbud, located at the base of
Hengill, a volcano that last erupted 200 years
ago. Hike through the interesting inter and
post glacial ridges around the impressive valley
of Dyradalur. Lastly, view the splitting of the
continental plates at Thingvellir National Park,
the first place in Iceland bestowed UNESCO’s
Cultural World Heritage nomination. Overnight
at Hotel Hengill. (BD)
JULY 31 - RANGA
This morning travel along the shore of Lake
Thingvallavatn and over to Laugarvatn Village
to visit the unique geothermal steam bath and
explore Geysir and Gullfoss Falls. Continue
along the southern coast via the volcanic crater
Kerið, visiting one of the real geothermally
heated greenhouses en route to Ranga. Overnight
at Hotel Highland. (BD)
AUGUST 1 - KIRKJUBÆJARKLAUSTUR
Journey to the area of Mt. Hekla volcano, which
last erupted in 2000. Explore the natural and
geological gem Landmannalaugar, renowned for
its natural hot pool. Continue to the waterfall at
the Fire Gorge, Eldgjá, before arriving in the
village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Overnight at
Hotel Geirland. (BD)
AUGUST 2 - KIRKJUBÆJARKLAUSTUR
Spend the day in the surroundings of Europe’s
biggest glacier, Vatnajökull. Walk in National
Park Skaftafell and observe the famous
Svartifoss (Black Fall) and its hexagonal basaltic
columns. Later stop by the Glacier Information
Center at the park to view the changes in glacial
development over the past 1100 years. This
afternoon drive to the glacier lagoon Jökulsárlón
for a boat tour and opportunity to study the
floating icebergs. Overnight at Hotel Geirland.
(BD)
AUGUST 3 - KIRKJUBÆJARKLAUSTUR
Journey to the magnificent Laki Crater area
where there are over 100 craters on a 20 mile
long crater row. In 1783, the largest amount
of lava in historical time was produced here.
Overnight at Hotel Geirland. (BD)
AUGUST 4 - REYKJAVIK
Drive west along the southern shore to the
Reynisfjara black basalt sand beach to observe
caves and many beautiful hexagonal basalt
columns. Next visit the famous Skógafoss
waterfall. Travel along the highly volcanic,
cliffy coast of the Reykjanes peninsula to the
steam vents of Kleifarvatn and the geothermal
power plant at the Blue Lagoon. Enjoy a lecture
by Albert Albertsson, the vice manager of
the plant, and soak in the mineral waters of
the beautiful blue lagoon. Overnight at Hotel
Reykjavik Marina. (B)
AUGUST 5 - FAREWELL!
Take a city tour of Reykjavik before the transfer
to the airport for your departure flight.
PROGRAM PRICING
$3,897 (based on 15 participants)
Cost does not include international airfare.
CONTACT INFORMATION
For more information please contact:
Lisa Palmese-Graubard at Holbrook Travel
Phone: 800-451-7111 x 339
Email: lisa@holbrooktravel.com
or
Gary Lewis at GSA
Phone: 303-357-1043
Email: glewis@geosociety.org
THE FINE PRINT
A $200 deposit and enrollment form are due by March 31, 2013
to hold your space on the trip. Final payments are due no later
than April 25, 2013. Cancellations received less than 95 days
prior to departure are non-refundable. Travel/trip cancellation
insurance is strongly recommended. For more information call
Travel Insured at 800-243-3174 or visit travelinsured.com.
Holbrook Travel’s agency number is 15849.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact Lisa Palmese-Graubard at 800-451-7111 x 339 or email lisa@holbrooktravel.com