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The Epic All Around Iceland Road Trip

Regions

South, East, North, West

Starting Point

Kevlavik

Best time to travel

Late May - early Sept

Recommended Length

20 - 23 days

Minimum Age*

Road Trip Adventure

Activity Level **

4/5

This impressive road trip takes you all around Iceland! Many iconic scenic highlights will wait for you on the way, but you will also get to venture off the beaten track and unlock some hidden places in Northern Iceland and in the Westfjords. From beautiful waterfalls and scenic coastlines, bizarre volcanic landscapes and geothermal activity to glittering glaciers and beautiful ice lagoons, you will discover the spectacular scenery around Iceland in all its glory and experience once in a lifetime outdoor adventures that will let you get close to the powers of nature.

Family Adventure Holidays

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

✓ breath-taking Icelandic scenery and volcanic wonders all around Iceland
✓ explore Iceland's ancient ice caps on snow mobile and ice climbing adventures
✓ highlights of Iceland's Golden Circle and Diamond Circle scenic routes
✓ wilderness hiking tours in unspoiled nature all across Iceland
✓ authentic coastal culture and Norse mythology along Iceland's Northern coast
✓ relax and unwind in Iceland's natural hot thermal pools all along the way

Tour highlights

Family Adventure Holidays

TOUR OVERVIEW

Day 1 - arrival - relax at the Blue Lagoon - overnight on the Reykjanes peninsula
Day 2 - Reykjanes peninsula - overnight in Selfoss (150km)
Day 3 - Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls - Hiking at Þórsmörk - overnight Vik (200km)
Day 4 - Sólheimajökull glacier hiking tour - Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon - overnight on the south coast (180km)
Day 5 - kayaking in Jökulsárlón - waterfalls and coastal villages along the eastern coast - overnight Egilsstaðir (235km)
Day 6 - wilderness hike in eastern Iceland - natural hot springs - overnight Egilsstaðir (80km)
Day 7 - Arctic Coast Way - sheep farm visit- overnight along the arctic coast (180km)
Day 8 - Arctic Coast Way - Heimskautsgerðið - Asbyrgi - Tjoernes - whale watching tour - overnight in Husavik (240km)
Day 9 - Diamond Circle route - Dettifoss waterfall - Krafla Lava field - Hverir Hot Springs - fat biking at Myvatn - Grenjaðarstaður Turf houses - overnight in Akureyri (140km)
Day 10 - wild river rafting - overnight in Brimslóð (160km)
Day 11 - a day of Icelandic wild food, foraging and cooking - overnight in Brimslóð
Day 12 - hot pool hopping along Iceland's West Fjords - overnight in Holmavik (250km)
Day 13 - Iceland's West Fjords - arctic fox center - mountain biking - overnight in Ísafjörður (250km)
Day 14 - hiking and waterfalls in the West Fjords - overnight in the Western fjords (220km)
Day 15 - bird watching at Látrabjarg - Laugarnes - overnight Snæfellsnes (200km)
Day 16 - Snæfellsjökull National Park - overnight Snæfellsnes (160km)
Day 17 - Barnafoss and Hraunfossar waterfalls - Víðgelmir volcanic cave - Krauma thermal bath - overnight Hvalfjörður area (200km)
Day 18 - Glymur Valley Hike - snorkeling between continents - Geysir - overnight along the Golden Circle (150km)
Day 19 - Gulfoss waterfall - Reykjavik - (130km)
Day 20 - departure

Tour overview

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1 - WELCOME TO ICELAND
After arrival, pick up your rental car and head towards the Blue Lagoon, where you will have the rest of the day to relax in the wonderfully naturally warm waters while enjoying the spectacular surrounding scenery in the southwest of Iceland.
Overnight Reykjanes peninsula.

DAY 2 - EXPLORING THE REYKJANES UNESCO GEOPARK (120km)
Due to its location on the Mid-Atlantic Rift, the Reykjanes peninsula is characterized by ongoing volcanic and geothermal activity, giving the region its unique outfit with immense lava fields, volcanoes and bubbling hot springs. The area in southeast Iceland is classified as a UNESCO Geopark and you will discover some of the natural wonders on a guided discovery and hiking tour, taking you along the latest eruptions at Gelingadalir, Kleifarvatn Lake and the geothermal area at Seltún.
Overnight in Selfoss.

DAY 3 - ALONG ICELAND'S SOUTHERN COAST - HIKING AT ÞÓRSMÖRK (300km)_
You will follow along Iceland's famous ring-road taking you along between the beautiful coastline and towering volcanoes in the back. Park your car and hop on the 4x4 bus at Hvolsvöllur, bringing you into the stunning valley of Þórsmörk, where you can take in the beautiful panoramic views of the Húsadalur Valley and the Tindfjöll Mountains on a self guided hiking tour. Stop at the beautiful Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls on your way to Vik and take a stroll at the Reynisfjara black sand beach before settling for the night.
Overnight at Vik.

DAY 4 - SÓLHEIMAJÖKULL GLACIER HIKING AND ICE CLIMBING
Today you will have the opportunity to hike and climb on Iceland's impressive Sólheimajökull glacier. Explore the surface of the ancient ice cap with its amazing ice formations, sinkholes and ridges on a guided tour, where you will learn more about the formation of the glacier and also get to challenge your ice climbing skills equipped with crampons and axes. Continue along Iceland's Southern coast and stop at the beautiful Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, where water carved its way into the volcanic rock over thousands of years. Today, you can follow the small stream 2km into the beautiful canyon and take in the stunning views.
Overnight on the southern coast.

DAY 5 - KAYAKING IN JÖKURSÁRLÓN GLACIAL LAGOON - EASTERN COASTAL VILLAGES
Visit the beautiful Jökursárlón glacier lagoon in the morning, where beautiful blue shimmering icebergs break off the glacier and gently float into the North-Atlantic ocean. A kayaking tour will take you around the icebergs and you might encounter seals in beautiful places that cannot be seen from the shore. Continue along Iceland's Eastern coast with its picturesque little villages, fantastic fjord scenery and impressive volcanic formations in the back.
Overnight in Egilsstaðir.

DAY 6 - HIKING AT HENGIFOSS - LAUGARFELL HOT SPRINGS
Today’s adventure will take you into the vast wilderness of eastern Iceland where you will venture off the beaten track along a beautiful glacial valley with waterfalls, cliffs and magical landscapes. The hiking tour ends in Laugarfell, where you can relax in the small cozy geothermal pools.
Overnight in Egilsstaðir.

DAY 7 - NORTHERN COAST - SHEEP FARM VISIT
Take your time and travel along the rough and quiet coast of northern Iceland today, which will enchant you with its wild beauty. After a dip in the small Selársdalslaug hot pot along the Selá river, continue to Þórshöfn, where you will visit an Icelandic sheep farm to learn more about traditional and sustainable sheep farming. Depending on the season of your visit, you will visit the sheep with their lambs, may have the chance to bottle-feed one of the lambs or observe the training of the sheep dog before helping to prepare a traditional meal with products from the farm.
Overnight in along the northern coast.

DAY 8 - ARCTIC COAST WAY - ASBYRGI CANYON - WHALE WATCHING TOUR
You will continue along the Arctic Coastway taking you along fascinating, lonely landscapes and a beautiful rugged coastline. A small detour will bring you to one of the most remote and northernmost villages in Iceland just underneath the Arctic circle, where you can visit Heimskautsgerðið, home of the Arctic Henge, whose construction was inspired by Stonehenge, the solstice and Nordic mythology. Continue to the beautiful horseshoe shaped canyon of Asbyrgi and the stubby peninsula of Tjörnes before reaching Húsavik, the whaling capital of Iceland and one of the best spots in the world to see the gentle giants in wild nature.
Overnight in Húsavik.

DAY 9 - DIAMOND CIRCLE - KRAFLA - HVERIR - FAT BIKING AT MYVATN LAKE
Follow along the Diamond Circle route, taking you to the thundering Dettifoss waterfall, the Krafla Lava field created by the long lasting Krafla Fires, the Hverir hot springs with bubbling mud pools, steaming fumaroles and water-spitting geysers, and the wonderful Myvatn lake area shaped by geothermal and volcanic activity. Explore the moon-like area around Myvatn covered with bubbling muddy holes, steaming fumaroles and stunning lava formations on a fat-bike tour before soaking up the wonderful Icelandic scenery from the thermal waters of the lake. Pay a visit to the picturesque Grenjaðarstaður Turf houses, which will give you a glimpse into traditional rural life in Iceland.
Overnight in Akureyri.

DAY 10 - WILD RIVER RAFTING
A fantastic wild water adventure is waiting for you in the morning as you will join a rafting tour on a scenic river making its way down from the glacier. Work as a team as you make your way through ravines and small waterfalls while you enjoy the fantastic Icelandic scenery from the water. Continue to Brimslóð, where you will spend the night in the cozy farmhouse atelier after a sumptuous traditional dinner. Overnight in Brimslóð.

DAY 11 - WILD ICELANDIC FORAGING AND COOKING EXPERIENCE
Join your hosts on a tour through the nature of northern Iceland where you will learn about the secrets and traditions of Icelandic cooking. Depending on the season, you will learn about using natural and wild food and the raw ingredients that can be found in northern climes. You will then get a hands-on experience of preparing ingredients and cooking a meal, which you will then enjoy for dinner.
Overnight in Brimslóð.

DAY 12 - HOT POOL HOPPING IN THE WESTFJORDS
The quiet east coast area of Iceland's Westfjords is dominated by massive fjords, vast landscapes and high mountains. The coastal drive takes you to the little village of Drangsnes, where you can relax and take in the dramatic views of the North Atlantic in the three small public whirlpools overlooking the coastline and the stunning Steingrímsfjörður fjord. Take in the fabulous views and a feeling of wilderness as you head further north along the coastal road before returning to Hólmavik for the night.
Overnight in Hólmavik.

DAY 13 - THROUGH THE WESTFJORDS - MOUNTAIN BIKING ALONG THE FJORD
Cross over to Iceland's northwestern fjords and follow the winding road along Ísafjörður, the biggest fjord in the region. Pass through the small fishing village of Sudavik, from where you can enjoy amazing views across the fjord to Hornstrandir and stop for a visit at the arctic fox museum. Once arrived to Ísafjörður, you will be taken on a mountain biking tour around the area to enjoy the beautiful unspoiled fjord landscape.
Overnight in the Ísafjörður area.

DAY 14 - HIKING AND BIRD WATCHING IN THE WESTFJORDS
You will continue along Iceland's vast western coast with its beautiful valleys and fjords. Stop in the small town of Flateyri to visit the local nonsense museum and take a tour to the beautiful peaks on the Þingeyri peninsula, which are a paradise for hikers. Stop at the scenic Dynjandi waterfall before checking in for the night.
Overnight in the western Fjords.

DAY 15 - BIRD WATCHING AT LATRABJARG - LAUGARNES - SNÆFELLSNES
The Látrabjarg peninsula is known for its stunning sea cliffs, which are stretching over 12km along the coast and are home to millions of seabirds. You will also find lonely beaches in the area, offering plenty of opportunities for long walks, like the beach outside Breiðavík or the stunning red and golden sand beach Rauðasandur. Before you take the ferry over the Vatnsfjördur, you can once again take a dip in the natural hot pool at Laugarnes and enjoy the stunning views over Breiðafjörður Bay.
Overnight on the Snæfellsnes peninsula.

DAY 16 - SNÆFELLSNES PENINSULA - NORTH ATLANTIC SEA KAYAKING
The fascinating Snæfellsnes peninsula in west Iceland is characterized by lush green fjords, volcanic hills and dramatic sea cliffs and is often refered to as Iceland in a nutshell. Discover the diverse beauty of the peninsula today, passing golden beaches and craggy lava fields, picturesque villages and stunning bays. The highlight is the spectacular Snæfellsjökull glacier, which featured in Jules Vernes classic novel “Journey to the center of the Earth”. You will finish the day kayaking on the calm waters of the Breiðafjörður Bay known for its uncountable islands and diverse wildlife.
Overnight on the Snæfellsnes peninsula.

DAY 17 - GLACIAL AND VOLCANIC HERITAGE IN WEST ICELAND
Today you will explore the hinterland of western Iceland, leading you into a spectacular vast landscape characterized by water, ice and fire. Take in the magical views of the dramatic Hraunafossar and Barnafossar waterfalls before heading to the Víðgelmir volcanic cave, one of the longest lava tubes in Iceland. The fascinating journey into the tube will give you a first hand impression on the volcanic powers that shaped so much of Iceland’s landscape. Relax at the beautiful Krauma thermal baths before settling for the night.
Overnight in the Hvalfjörður area.

DAY 18 - VALLEY OF GLYMUR HIKE - SNORKELING AT SILFRA
Start the day with an energizing hike to the beautiful Glymur waterfall, said to be the second-highest waterfall in Iceland. The exciting route takes you along a beautiful canyon with the waterfall dropping into the canyon at the end of it and the whole route will reward you with majestic views across the wonderful scenery. You will then continue to the Þingvellir National Park, where you will embark on a truly unique Icelandic adventure as you will go snorkeling between continents in the continental rift running through Silfra! The waters are among the clearest in the world, offering views up to 100m to admire the fascinating structures shaped by the ongoing activity.
Overnight along the Golden Circle.

DAY 19 - GEYSISR - GULFOSS - REYKJAVIK
Your last touring day starts with a visit to the fascinating hot thermal area of Geysir, shaped by permanent geothermal activity and home to the always active hot water spitting Strokkur geysir. Continue to Gulfoss to visit the majestic waterfall plunging over the cliffs before making your way to Reykjavik. You will have the afternoon to explore the lively, cosmopolitan capital of Iceland before joining a truly Icelandic food tour bringing you to some special places to sample delicious local food all across town.
Overnight in Reykjavik.

DAY 20 - DEPARTURE
Transfer to the airport and departure.

This is our standard itinerary, which can be tailored to your specific wishes and needs. Just talk to us if you wish to add extra nights, adventures or special requests!

Detailed Itinerary

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SERVICES INCLUDED

Family Adventure Holidays

Services included

- accommodation in good standard middle-class hotels, farm stays, 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

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TIMES & RATES

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Description

Family Adventure Holidays

GALLERY

Family Adventure Holidays

Family Adventure Holidays

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Talk to us to get a quote for this tour or let us design a tour just for you. 

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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.

Travel Tips

For more practical travel advise and general information on visiting Iceland, please follow the link below.

Destination info

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.

Image by Sander Lenaerts

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From our own experience, no two holidays are the same. Talk to us and we will create your own individual holiday just for you.

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