Welcome to Iceland. Your expedition begins as you touch down on this volcanic island, greeted by crisp Arctic air.You will be met and transferred to Reykjavík, for an introductory gathering with your fellow travellers, National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert. From here, venture into the landscapes of Þingvellir National Park to walk between the towering tectonic plates of North America and Eurasia. Next, visit an innovative geothermal greenhouse farm. Learn about zero-waste, earth-powered agriculture before sitting down to a fresh farm-to-table lunch. Settle into your countryside lodging this afternoon. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner highlighting sustainable local flavours.
Under the soft mantle of Nordic winter darkness, visit Sólheimar Ecovillage to learn about this pioneering community's self-sufficiency. From there, head into the volatile heart of the Golden Circle. Witness the Geysir geothermal field, where the restless Strokkur geyser violently ejects boiling columns into the crisp air. Nearby, watch the thundering Gullfoss waterfall plunge dramatically into an icy canyon. Conclude at Laugarvatn Fontana, baking traditional rye bread in the geothermally heated earth before a relaxing soak in lakeside thermal baths. In the evening, venture into the dark with your Expedition Leader to scan the skies for the dancing green ribbons of the elusive aurora borealis.
Feel the ground hum as you plunge into the restless forces shaping Iceland's volatile crust. Descend into a pioneering geothermal power plant to examine the brilliant innovations and cutting-edge technology shaping the future of green energy.Transition from modern technology to raw geology as you step into the cool, silent sanctuary of a subterranean volcanic lava tube. Follow your Expedition Leader along the ancient pathways of underground fire, where specialised illumination reveals spectacular frozen rivers of multi-hued basaltic rock. Afterward, travel to the steaming geothermal valley of Hveragerði, where you have free time for lunch on your own before returning to your hotel to enjoy dinner.
Travel along the dramatic southern coast, where the raw power of ice and rock takes centre stage. Stand before Seljalandsfoss waterfall as glacial meltwaters from Eyjafjallajökull glacier cascade down an ancient, moss-draped cliffside. Continue to the thunderous torrent of Skógafoss, feeling the cool mist from its immense hydraulic power. Following a lunch of local seasonal flavours, step through a living portal of Icelandic resilience at the Skógar Museum. Explore historic turf houses and delicate artefacts that reveal how early settlers survived this unforgiving landscape. After a rest at the hotel, join your Expedition Leader for a nocturnal search for the shifting colours of the aurora borealis.
Uncover the fiery heart of the island at an interactive lava centre. Alongside a volcanologist, analyse the powerful seismic forces that drive iconic peaks like Hekla, Katla, and Eyjafjallajökull. Head to a heritage horse farm for a private session that illuminates living history. Meet purebred Icelandic horses, learning how their unique genetics have been intertwined with the human saga since the days of early settlement. Return to the hotel for some downtime before gathering for a farewell dinner and presentation decoding the science of the aurora borealis and celebrating an amazing time in Iceland.
Savour a final breakfast as the frost-dusted countryside catches the soft morning light, then transfer to the airport for your onward travel.
