Highlights of Southern Iceland Family Adventure
Regions
West, Southwest
Starting Point
Reykjavik
Best time to travel
May - Sept
Recommended Length
8 - 10 days
Best for
from 6 years
Activity Level **
3/5
This classic tour takes you to some of the most breath-taking places in the south and southwest of Iceland and is packed with exciting activities for the full family. Chase beautiful waterfalls and water-spitting geysirs, joyride a snow mobile on the ice-cap of an ancient glacier and descent into the inside of a volcano to find out more about Iceland's fascinating ongoing volcanic activity before relaxing in the soothing thermal waters of the famous Blue Lagoon. All while being surrounded by some of the most fascinating landscapes made of towering volcanoes, glittering glaciers and a beautiful coastline shaped by fire and ice.
Family Adventure Holidays
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
✓ snorkel between continents in Thingvellir National Park
✓ kayak among blue icebergs in the beautiful Jökulsárlón lagoon
✓ snow mobile adventure on Europe's largest ice cap Vatnajökull
✓ witness volcanic and geothermal activity at Geysir, Hvolsvöllur and the Reykjanes peninsula
✓ relax in the hot thermal waters of the Blue Lagoon
Family Adventure Holidays
TOUR OVERVIEW
Day 1 - arrival and free time in Reykjavik - overnight in Reykjavik
Day 2 - visit a chocolate factory - whale watching - overnight in Reykjavik
Day 3 - snorkeling between continents - Golden Circle with Geysir, Gulfoss waterfall - overnight in Hella (200km)
Day 4 - Hvolsvöllur Volcanic Centre - Seljalandfoss - Skogafoss - overnight in Southern coast/Hof area (250km)
Day 5 - sea kayaking at Jökulsárlón - snow mobile tour from Hoefn afternoon - overnight Southern coast / Hof area (170km)
Day 6 - Katla ice cave tour from Vik - Reynisfjara Beach - overnight Vik (160km)
Day 7 - Ferry to Westman Islands - Cycling tour Westman Islands - overnight Selfoss (140km)
Day 8 - horseback riding tour (2 - 3 hrs) - overnight Selfoss (70km)
Day 9 - tour Reykjanes peninsula - Blue Lagoon - overnight Reykjanes (150km)
Day 10 - departure
DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 1 - WELCOME TO ICELAND
Welcome to Iceland, the island of fire and ice. Transfer to Reykjavik, where you will enjoy some free time to explore the lively capital city.
Overnight in Reykjavik.
DAY 2 - CHOCOLATE FACTORY VISIT - WHALE WATCHING
What can be a better start to a great family holiday than a visit to a real chocolate factory? Look behind the scenes and learn about the magic world of chocolate - from the cocoa pot to roasting the beans and crafting the bars - your journey through the chocolate factory will not be short of tastings and you might be lucky to get the chance to see and taste what is happening in the taste lab.
The afternoon promises to be just as exciting as you will embark on a whale watching cruise in Faxaflói bay outside Reykjavik. Minke and humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises are common sights in the waters around Reykjavik and, depending on the season and a bit of luck, you might also spot some less common killer whales, fin whales or sei whales. The waters and shores around Reykjavik are also home to varied birdlife, including puffins, gannets, guillemots and many more.
Overnight in Reykjavik.
DAY 3 - SNORKELING BETWEEN CONTINENTS - GOLDEN CIRCLE WITH GEYSIR, AND GULLFOSS WATERFALLS
The Golden Circle route takes you along some of the most spectacular natural highlights in southwest Iceland. Experience the water-spitting geysers at the geothermal area of Geysir, home to the always active Strokkur geysir, admire the thundering waters at Gulfoss waterfall plunging into the canyon and visit the beautiful UNESCO listed Þingvellir National Park, home to Iceland’s first parliament and praised for its outstanding natural and geological beauty.
A truly exciting family adventure awaits you at Silfra in Þingvellir, where you will dive into the crystal clear waters of the geological rift that divides the American and Eurasian plates. Enjoy fantastic underwater views of up to 100m with bizarre rock formations and structures as you snorkel between two continents!
Overnight in the Hella area.
DAY 4 - HVOLSVÖLLUR LAVA CENTRE - SELJALANDVOSS - SKOGAFOSS
A short drive from Hella brings you to the Hvolsvöllur Lava centre, a fantastic interactive exhibition centered around volcanic and tectonic activity on Iceland. The exhibition is very interactive and fun for the whole family, where you will learn about the ongoing volcanic activity on the island made from fire and ice, the geological heritage and the impressive monitoring system for eruptions and earthquakes all over Iceland.
Continue along the ring-road with stops at the beautiful Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, set against the beautiful backdrop of the mountains and canyons of southern Iceland.
Overnight along the Southern Coast.
DAY 5 - SEA KAYAKING AT JÖKULSÁRLÓN - SNOWMOBILE TOUR ON VATNAJÖKULL
The day will start with a family sea kayaking tour in the beautiful Jökulsárlón Lagoon. The glacial lake at one of the outwashes of the Vatnajökull glacier is characterized by blue shimmering icebergs breaking off the glacier and gently floating across the lagoon to the sea. To paddle among these quiet elegant giants is a truly unforgettable experience and you might also encounter some of the local seals on your adventure.
In the afternoon, you will experience the ancient ice of the Vatnajökull glacier in a truly Icelandic and fun way as a thrilling snow mobile tour will take you over Europe’s biggest glacier. Power over the massive ice cap as you power along the majestic mountains and glacial structures along the way.
Overnight along the Southern Coast.
DAY 6 - KATLA ICE CAVE TOUR FROM VIK - REYNISFJARA BEACH (160KM)
While you experienced Iceland’s impressive ice on the surface the day before, you will today look beyond and descend into the ancient ice cap. Travel back to Vik, set at the foot of the always active Katla Volcano, from where you will venture into the icy wilderness of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier. Enjoy the stunning scenery on a short walk over the ice equipped with crampons and helmets before exploring one of the many ice caves that have been created by the enormous ice mass slowly crawling down the mountain. You will learn about the history of the glacier and the formation of ice caves and admire the beautiful colourful layers of ice and volcanic ash.
The rest of the day is free to spend around Vik or to take a family stroll along the Reynisfjara black sand beach, famous for its kilometers long black sands, basalt sea stacks and eye-catching rock formations. Overnight in Vik.
DAY 7 - HERITAGE OF THE WESTMAN ISLANDS
The small archipelago of the Westman Islands off Iceland’s southern coast is characterized by volcanic activity, eruptions and abundant wildlife. You will take the ferry to Heimaey, the largest and only inhabited island of the islands, where you will have the day to explore the stunning volcanic landscape by bike. The islands are home to the largest Atlantic puffin colony and you might also spot seals and whales while exploring the island and surrounding waters. If you are visiting over the summer months, a visit to the beluga whale and puffin sanctuary is a very special experience for the whole family, where you can visit the aquarium and learn about the white whales and the work of the local puffin patrol caring for baby and injured puffins.
Overnight in Selfoss.
DAY 8 - HORSEBACK RIDING TOUR
Iceland is often famed for its friendly horses and a horseback tour over rugged lava tours is something that should not be missing on a family tour to Iceland. Enjoy the unique gait of the Icelandic horse as you ride through lava fields and along beautiful green hillsides in a for once peaceful Icelandic countryside.
The afternoon is free to enjoy in the thermal waters of the Selfoss swimming pool or explore the cute fishing villages Eyrarbakki and Stokkseyri, where you can visit the Icelandic ghost and witchcraft center!
Overnight in Selfoss.
DAY 9 - REYKJANES - BLUE LAGOON
Jump into the volcanic wonderland of the Reykjanes peninsula today, an always active area where you will find steaming holes, bubbling mud pods, endless lava fields and bizarre rock formations. It is here where the American plate rises over the Eurasian plate and Reykjanes is also home to Iceland’s latest eruption site, Mt Fagradalsfjall, and you can admire the volcanic wonder after a short hike.
You will finish your tour with a visit to the soothing thermal waters of the Blu Lagoon, where you can enjoy the beautiful volcanic scenery while relaxing with the family in the warm waters.
Overnight on Reykjanes.
DAY 10 - DEPARTURE
Transfer to the airport and departure.
Family Adventure Holidays
SERVICES INCLUDED
Family Adventure Holidays
- accommodation in hotels, farms & guesthouses
- private car hire for the entire trip
- 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
Family Adventure Holidays
TIMES & RATES
Family Adventure Holidays
Description
Family Adventure Holidays
GALLERY
Family Adventure Holidays
Family Adventure Holidays
Contact us for a quote
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.
