An introduction to Iceland
Regions
West, South, Southeast
Starting Point
Kevlavik
Best time to travel
May - Sept
Recommended Length
7 - 10 days
Minimum Age*
Outdoor Adventure
Activity Level **
4/5
Travel between the Snæfellsnes peninsula in Western Iceland and the Skaftafell National Park in the South on this ten days adventure tour. Hike in beautiful national park, around magical waterfalls and feel the power of nature on thrilling snow-mobile and glacier hiking adventures on ancient ice. Explore Iceland's longest lava tube, admire the stunning beauty of a deep blue ice cave and witness the power of the water-spitting Strokkur geyser while touring the golden circle route and experiencing the beautiful and unique Icelandic landscape made from fire and ice all along the way.
Family Adventure Holidays
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
✓ explore Snæfellsnes peninsula and Snæfellsjökull National Park
✓ snorkel between continents on the mid-Atlantic ridge at Thingvellir National Park
✓ witness the power of fire and ice while visiting a lava tube and an ice cave
✓ thrilling snow-mobile and ice climbing adventure on an ancient glacier
✓ scenic Golden Circle route, beautiful waterfalls and stunning volcanic heritage all along the way
Family Adventure Holidays
TOUR OVERVIEW
Day 1 - arrival - overnight Snæfellsnes peninsula (180km)
Day 2 - Snaefellsnes peninsula and National Park - overnight Snæfellsnes peninsula (140km)
Day 3 - Breiðafjörður Bay sea adventure - Hraunafoss & Bornafoss Waterfalls - Krauma bath overnight Hvalfjordur fjord area (250km)
Day 4 - Glymur Waterfall hike - Geysir - Gulfoss - overnight Golden Circle (180km)
Day 5 - Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls - Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach - overnight Vik (190km)
Day 6 - Katla Blue Ice Cave on Mýrdalsjökull from Vik - overnight Vik (140km)
Day 7 - Þórsmörk Valley hiking - overnight in Hella/Selfoss (170km)
Day 8 - Reykjanes peninsula - Blu Lagoon - overnight Reykjanes peninsula (130km)
Day 9 - departure
DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 1 WELCOME TO ICELAND
Welcome to Iceland. You will pick up your rental car after arrival and head for the western peninsula of Snæfellsnes, a beautiful landscape made of green hills, black lava fields, golden beaches and the impressive Snæfellsjökull National Park.
Overnight on the Snæfellsnes peninsula
DAY 2 - SNÆFELLSNES PENINSULA
Toda, you will have time to explore the Snæfellsnes peninsula in all its natural beauty. Drive along golden beaches, green hillsides, black rock formations, beautiful waterfalls and colourful fishing villages. Your tour will take you to the Snæfellsjökull National Park, set around the impressive Snæfellsjökull, the iconic mountain referenced in Jules Verne’s bestseller Journey to the Center of the Earth. The impressive Snæfellsjökull glacier is said to have mysterious powers and the national park is the starting point for many walking and hiking trails following along western Iceland's dramatic coastline or over the glacial ice.
Overnight on the Snæfellsnes peninsula.
DAY 3 - SHELLFISH FISHING ADVENTURE IN BREIDAFJORDUR BAY
You will embark on a culinary sea adventure this morning as you will sail between the uncountable islands of Breiðafjörður Bay. The tour is taking you along the wonderful fairytale-like scenery of the Snæfellsnes coastline and if you are travelling over the summer months, you will be able to admire the abundant birdlife all across the bay. Learn about traditional and modern fishing techniques in Iceland and experience how fishermen dredge the ocean floor for scallops, crabs, sea urchins and other shellfish, some of which will be prepared freshly for you to enjoy on the trip! Stop at the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfall and the dramatic Barnafoss ravines before taking time to relax in the soothing thermal waters at Krauma.
Overnight in the Hvalfjordur fjord area.
DAY 4 - GLYMUR WATERFALL HIKE - GEYSIR - GULFOSS
The area around the long Hvalfjordur fjord is characterized by dramatic mountains, a lush vegetation, black sand beaches and beautiful waterfalls. Discover Iceland’s second highest waterfall Glymur this morning by taking the scenic route along a deep canyon all the way up to the waterfall. Continue along the famous golden circle ring route in the afternoon, taking you through the beautiful Thingvellir National Park and to the geothermal area of Geysir, home to some of the most impressive and always active geysers in Iceland. Finish the day with visiting another iconic waterfall of Iceland - the impressive Gulfoss waterfall, where the waters from the Olfusa river plunge into a scenic canyon over two stages.
Overnight along the Golden Circle.
DAY 5 - ALONG THE SOUTHERN COAST
Iceland’s famous ring-road will take you along between the dramatic volcanic peaks of the highlands and the scenic coastline. Stop at the beautiful waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss and take a stroll on the Reynisfjara black sand beach overlooking the bizarre sea stacks and rock formations.
Overnight in Vik.
DAY 6 - KATLA BLUE ICE CAVE ON MÝRDALSJÖKULL FROM VIK
The small seaside town of Vik is located in the shadow of the rumbling Katla mountain, one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes. A guided tour will take you on to the ancient ice of the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier set on the foot of the dramatic mountain, where you will descend into the ice to discover a beautiful ice cave formed by the continuous movement of the glacier. You will learn about the formation and dynamic of the cave while admiring the beautiful colours created by the ice and volcanic dust.
Overnight in Vik.
DAY 7 - THÓRSMÖRK VALLEY HIKING
The valley of Þórsmörk is among the most beautiful valleys in Iceland and offers a wide range of versatile walking and hiking routes in the dramatic volcanic landscape. Explore the stunning scenery of the Húsadalur Valley and the Tindfjöll Mountains on a self guided hiking tour taking you along some of the best views of Þórsmörk.
Overnight in Hellas/Selfoss.
DAY 8 - REYKJANES PENINSULA - BLUE LAGOON
You will have the last day to explore the stunning volcanic wonders of the Reykjanes peninsula in the southwest of Iceland. Explore the unrivalled scenery of the landscape made from lava fields, volcanic craters, bubbling mud pods and the erupting volcano of Mt Fagradalsfjall. Finish your journey with a relaxing bath in the soothing hot waters of the Blu Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most iconic thermal pools.
Overnight on the Reykjanes peninsula
DAY 9 - DEPARTURE
Transfer to the airport and departure.
Family Adventure Holidays
SERVICES INCLUDED
Family Adventure Holidays
- accommodation in good standard middle-class hotels, farms, guesthouses and self-catering
- activities, visits and tours as outlined, with a certified, English speaking guide where desired/required
- all taxes and insurances for the activities
- expert travel planning, trip preparation and 24/7 on-tour support
OPTIONAL:
- private car hire for the entire trip
Family Adventure Holidays
TIMES & RATES
Family Adventure Holidays
Description
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GALLERY
Family Adventure Holidays
Family Adventure Holidays
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Family Adventure Holidays
TRAVEL TIPS
When to travel
The main season and most popular time for visitors to come to Iceland is between June and August when the days are long and large parts of the country are free from ice and easily accessible. The hinterland offers great hiking conditions during this period as most of the terrain is now fairly dry.
May and September also allow travelers to get to most places in Iceland, but some of the higher areas and the heartland might be restricted because of snow. The weather is colder, wetter and breezier than over the summer months, but you will be rewarded with less crowded landscapes and viewpoints.
Even though most of the side roads are closed and the days are shorter, October to April is a rewarding time to visit Iceland. This is the perfect time to experience the Northern lights flickering on the dark sky and to venture off on a real snow and ice adventure.
How to travel
Keflavik, Iceland’s international airport, is located around 50km southwest of Reykjavik. Icelandair and many other international airlines offer frequent connections to Keflavik usually a few times a week. There are many direct flights from the European continent and it’s also possible to connect through major European hubs. You will also find frequent connections to North America due to the fact that Iceland had recently become a popular stopover destination between North America and Europe and the flights take only a couple of hours.
It is easiest to rent a car upon arrival and discover the island in your own time. Alternatively, if you prefer not to drive, there is a wide range of organized tours starting from Reykjavik nearly every day, bringing you to many exciting places in Iceland.
Traveling with children
Travelling with kids in Iceland is easy. Even though there are not many activities only for kids, the overwhelming landscape, the many swimming pools and the friendly hospitality of the Icelandic people make a trip to Iceland with kids very enjoyable. Curious children will be eager to find out more about the volcanoes, waterfalls and glaciers and will be delighted by the sheer amount of seabirds. Adventure activities are available for kids from 8 years (sometimes older) and the easy hikes, horse riding adventures, speedboat or whale watching tours will keep them easily entertained. The route should be planned carefully as some of the distances between the attractions can be quite far. Reykjavik has the biggest choice for kids. Kids pay half price (or often nothing) in museums and pools. Most of the accommodations offer family rooms and cater for smaller children.
What to bring
Regardless of the time of the year that you are travelling, you should come prepared for all kind of weather in Iceland and plan a lot of layers. Make sure to pack smart and to stay warm and dry. So your luggage should always contain the following items:
- fleece jacket or wooly sweater/jumper
- rain and windproof jacket
- rain pants
- sturdy walking shoes with good grip
- proper waterproof hiking boots
- gloves and a scarf
- hat (sun hat also)
- swimsuit
- thermal underwear
- warm socks
- quick dry towel
As you will encounter the midnight sun over summer, it can also be helpful to bring some eye shades for sleeping. Sunglasses and sunscreen are highly recommended. Midgets are common over the summer months, so bring an insect repellent.
A very warm, ideally insulated jacket should always be packed if travelling over the winter months.
Remember that you will most likely also hit town in Reykjavik, so make sure to pack a nice outfit and shoes.
For more practical travel advise and general information on visiting Iceland, please follow the link below.
Family Adventure Holidays
* The minimum age is based on the overall tour, some activities can require a higher minimum age, this will be advised at proposal stage. While not all activities are suitable for very small children, we are happy to tailor the tour to meet your specific wishes and needs.
** The activity level is based on the amount of tours and activities included (1 - few tours and activities with a lot of free time, 5 - a lot of tours and activities with little free time). The activity level does not reflect the difficulty of the activities or tours included. Itineraries can be tailored to match the preferred level of activity.
