Active Exploration with Enthusiastic Geologists
Group geology tours that make learning fun!
Join us and we will take you to all the famous “selfie spots” that you’ve seen on social media, but unlike your friends who visited, you will walk away with a deeper appreciation of nature through the geologically-focused lectures and daily interpretation.
Our Locations
August 29 – September 10, 2023
May 21-28, 2023 FULL
Trip 1: July 6 – July 18, 2023
Trip 2: July 25 – August 6, 2023
Why Choose Adventure Geology Tours?
Travel with a geologist!
Dr. Tamie J. Jovanelly and her husband, Joe Cook, founded Adventure Geology Tours to share their love of geology and travel with you.
As guides, Dr. Jovanelly and Joe wanted to build trips that focus on the geological landscapes that are inescapable, breathtaking, and even more fascinating when their origin is explained. Additionally, our tour offers many more active experiences than the big-box competition with visits to museums, geothermal power plants, lava caves, boat tours, glacial hikes, and geothermal spas, and more. Plus, as an added bonus, the charismatic company owners are a heck of a lot of fun! “Active exploration with enthusiastic geologists” is our company mantra. Consider joining a trip as a solo-traveler, couple, family, or group and let’s learn some geology!
Bring your curiosity, sense of adventure, and eagerness to learn.
What makes our tours so unique?
As a geologist, professor, author, and international researcher, Dr. Tamie J. Jovanelly, has been exploring the geological complexities of our tour locations for almost two decades. Her research includes plate tectonics, volcanics, climate change, and hydrology. The recently published monograph, “Iceland: Tectonics, Volcanics, and Glacial Features” (Wiley, 2020) is an example of her commitment to research. The award-winning and best-selling book covers advanced geological concepts. Through her field work and extensive knowledge, she has collected data that has helped government officials understand issues such as the importance of biodiversity and clean water and how to safeguard crucial environments.
Dr. Tamie J. Jovanelly is a Geological Society of America Fellow (2021)
Why Choose Adventure Geology Tours?
Travel with a geologist!
Dr. Tamie J. Jovanelly and her husband, Joe Cook, founded Adventure Geology Tours to share their love of geology and travel with you.
As guides, Dr. Jovanelly and Joe wanted to build trips that focus on the geological landscapes that are inescapable, breathtaking, and even more fascinating when their origin is explained. Additionally, our tour offers many more active experiences than the big-box competition with visits to museums, geothermal power plants, lava caves, boat tours, glacial hikes, and geothermal spas, and more. Plus, as an added bonus, the charismatic company owners are a heck of a lot of fun! “Active exploration with enthusiastic geologists” is our company mantra. Consider joining a trip as a solo-traveler, couple, family, or group and let’s learn some geology!
Bring your curiosity, sense of adventure, and eagerness to learn.
What makes our tours so unique?
As a geologist, professor, author, and international researcher, Dr. Tamie J. Jovanelly, has been exploring the geological complexities of our tour locations for almost two decades. Her research includes plate tectonics, volcanics, climate change, and hydrology. The recently published monograph, “Iceland: Tectonics, Volcanics, and Glacial Features” (Wiley, 2020) is an example of her commitment to research. The award-winning and best-selling book covers advanced geological concepts. Through her field work and extensive knowledge, she has collected data that has helped government officials understand issues such as the importance of biodiversity and clean water and how to safeguard crucial environments.
Dr. Tamie J. Jovanelly is a Geological Society of America Fellow (2021)
Join us for a 13-day tour where for 11 days we will be on a barquentine sailing ship touring Svalbard, Norway, and exploring the expansive geologic history the arctic circle has to offer.
Join us for an 8-day tour around the country and the infamous Gold Coast. We’ll visit volcanoes, waterfalls, beaches, caves, and more!
Join us for an 13-day tour circumnavigating the island of fire & ice – Iceland! We’ll visit some of the most recent volcanic activity on the planet, soak in hot springs, learn about geothermal energy, and walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
FAQ
What are the trips like?
In general, most days will start with breakfast around 8:00 a.m. and will be followed by a 50-minute lecture relating to the daily itinerary with additional interpretation provided in route. Each day will include a variety of stops that are either geological or culturally important. Although variable, the hiking usually totals 5 miles per day, but can be up to 10 miles per day if you choose to take advantage of longer paths and/or optional hikes after dinner. Typically, we arrive at our accommodations around 6:30 p.m. with dinner immediately following check-in. Some of the dinners will be included in the cost and are usually plated meals of lamb or fish, potatoes, and soup. For those participants that have food sensitivities or are vegetarian/vegan we can plan ahead for substitutions at most locations. The cost of alcoholic beverages will not be included in the cost of the meal, but can be purchased at most locations.
As a tour company we value offering a full agenda and we will try our very best to stick to the timeline provided to you at the start of the trip. However, weather can be variable in Iceland causing road closures, high wind delays, etc. that may cause us to reroute or change the schedule completely. Additionally, we want to cater to the experiences of our participants as best we can! So, this might mean shifting around a field experience so that we can watch the Icelandic soccer team play in the World Cup at a local pub. Just know that Adventure Geology Tours is 100% committed to providing you with a great experience wherever we are!
How much does it cost?
Our trips are either fully or mostly inclusive, but prices do fluctuate yearly. Contact us for the latest price.
Are there additional costs we should anticipate?
The airfare to and from our locations is not included.
Some trips have free time for you to dine on your own at your expense. Check the itinerary for each location.
Also, additional excursions and souvenir shoping in your free time will be at your expense.
Is college credit available?
The content of the trip can be altered for school or university groups who are interested in learning advanced concepts. Contact us for other educational opportunities.
Do I need to have knowledge of geology?
Nope. These tours are intended for people who are interested in learning about the formation of the many unique landscapes we will explore. A background in geology is not necessary to participate.
What is the required activity level for this trip?
To enjoy our trips, we recommend that you be in good physical condition. Ideally, you should be able to walk 100 yards on uneven surfaces and have the ability to move your own luggage if needed.
Do you accommodate dietary needs and/or restrictions?
Yes, we pride ourselves on being a service-based company and we strive to accommodate all needs with advanced notice.
Is there an age minimum?
Due to the rigor of the hiking we do not recommend that children under the age of 12 participate on our tours. Our day tours may be a better alternative for young children.
What is the bathroom availability?
Typically, there is not a bathroom on the buses used for land tours. However, we plan for a bathroom break at least every three hours.
What is your refund policy?
If you cancel within a month of your trip departure date we are only able to return 25% of your total booking cost. If you cancel within 6-weeks we are able to return 50% of your total booking cost.
What to pack?
Upon trip payment we will send a detailed itinerary and a recommended packing list.
Adventure Geology Tours supports diversity in the outdoors, international travel, and in the sciences. Unique life experiences and perspectives have a positive impact on our group travels. We do not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia, or xenophobia of any kind. We strive to foster inclusive and welcoming environments on all of our trips. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns as unlearning privilege and learning equity is a lifelong journey.
About The Tours
These tours are intended for people who are interested in learning about the formation of the many unique landscapes found at our locations. Please note that a background in geology is not necessary to be a trip participant. Instead, prior to trip departure Dr. Jovanelly will provide you with introductory-level reading materials that will highlight relevant geological concepts (e.g. plate tectonics, rock cycle, glacial dynamics, volcanics). This background material will build your foundational knowledge in geology so that you will be prepared to engage in more advanced content as presented during the trip.
Also, please know that the content of the trip can be altered for school or university groups who are interested in learning advanced concepts.
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Contact Us
Inquire to join one of our trips or create a custom study abroad trip for your students.
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