Iceland’s Story: Geological Marvels

Jul 01-10, 2026

10 days | Iceland | alumni UBC Travel Club

Study Leader and Professor Lee Groat hosted a webinar about "How Iceland is Forever Shaped by Forces of Nature". Click here to watch it! (40 min. + Q&A)

Discover Iceland’s magnificent geological features, connecting the land with its distinctive culture.

The Snaefellsnes Peninsula offers dramatic landscapes and examples of the natural wonders - lava, basalt cliffs, valleys, and fjords.

The magical Westfjords is the epicenter of Iceland’s dramatic landscapes. Isolation and sparse population have preserved the unspoiled nature of the area at the centre of Icelandic folklore.

And in between, spend a night on secluded, enchanting Flatey Island amidst houses built over a century ago and the noises of waves crashing on the shore, sheep bleating, and Artic terns squawking.

On this tour we’ll be connecting with the geology of this land of fire and ice. If you seek epic landscapes, wild nature, and mystical stories, this trip is for you.

For travellers residing outside of Ontario, Manulife Travel Insurance is now available through alumni UBC. Please click here for more information and to protect your travel investment.

Tour Cost (per person):

US$8995 includes taxes & gratuities

Group Size:

14 - 20 participants

What’s included: Single group airport transfer on both tour start and end date accommodations based on double occupancy in hotels listed or similar; ground transportation; all activities as described in the detailed itinerary; entrance fees; meals as specified in the detailed itinerary; one-Way Ferry Ride Stykkisholmur – Brjaenslaekur; water, tea, and coffee at included meals; gratuities for guides, driver, and included meals; all taxes; services of your alumni UBC Study Leader and English-speaking Icelandic driver-guide

"Lee was very knowledgeable and forthcoming with information, and has an engaging personality". - Past UBC traveller

"Hanna [local guide] had boundless energy and enthusiasm and was a great guide to the country she loves". - Glen P.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day	Activity
1	Arrive in Keflavík / To Reykjavík
2	Reykjavík
3	Golden Circle: Geysir, Gullfoss, Thingvellir
4	Snaefellsnes Peninsula
5	Stykkishólmur / Ferry to Westfjords
6	Westfjords: Rauðisandur Beach, Látrabjarg Cliffs
7	Westfjords: To Ísafjörður
8	Westfjords: To Hólmavík via Ísafjarðardjúp
9	Borgarfjörður / Continue south
10	Continue south / Depart

Download Itinerary

Your Tour Leader

Lee Groat is a Professor in UBC’s Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences department. Since 2012 Prof. Groat has led an annual 17-day course in Iceland for senior undergraduates covering the geology, climate, flora, fauna, and human settlement of Iceland, and factors that are impacting them today. Lee is a keen student of the Iceland sagas and is in the process of learning Icelandic. Past travellers have enjoyed stories of his geologic adventures in both Canada and Iceland.

Book now