Highlights
- Whizz across the Langjökull Glacier on a snowmobile
- Discover the world's largest puffin colony on Heimaey Island
- Sail among icebergs on the stunning Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
- Explore inside the 5,000-year-old lava tunnel of Raufarhólshellir
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Keflavík, Blue Lagoon Spa, Drive the Golden Circle | Golden Circle |
| Day 2 | The Golden Circle, Langjökull Glacier Snowmobiling | Golden Circle |
| Day 3 | Vestmannaeyjar (Westman) Islands, RIB Boat Adventure | Westman Islands |
| Day 4 | Explore the South Coast, Zip Line Adventure, Drive to Kirkjubæjarklaustur | Kirkjubæjarklaustur |
| Day 5 | Skaftafell National Park, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Boat Tour | Kirkjubæjarklaustur |
| Day 6 | Thakgil Valley, Sólheimasandur Beach, Lava Tunnel Tour, Drive to Reykjavík | Reykjavík |
| Day 7 | Explore Reykjavík, ATV Tour, Drive to Keflavík & Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Keflavík, Blue Lagoon Spa, Drive the Golden Circle
Velkominn til íslands (welcome to Iceland)! Arrive at Keflavík airport and pick up your 4WD. Your Iceland journey begins in the Reykjanes Peninsula. Positioned between Keflavík and Reykjavík, the peninsula's lunar-like lava landscape is home to geological wonders such as the green-hued volcanic crater lake of Grænavatn and the colorful geothermal areas of Gunnuhver and Krýsuvík.
Start your family adventure in style with a trip to the world-famous and family-friendly Blue Lagoon Spa. Soak in the mineral-rich geothermal seawater and drift away in contemplation as the turquoise silica and algae-rich waters work their rejuvenating magic. Take a dip with the kids under the lagoon's waterfall and enjoy the in-water bar before seeking refreshments at the on-site café and restaurant.
Day 2: The Golden Circle, Langjökull Glacier Snowmobiling
Today it's time to get in the car and explore the world-famous Golden Circle at your own pace. Discover landscapes woven with dramatic cliffs, mysterious legends, and ancient folklore as you make your way to the first stop on the circle— the Þingvellir National Park. Located 31 miles (50 km) east of Reykjavík, the entrance to the park is reached through the Almannagjá Gorge. Kids will be amazed to be able to walk the path between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates and discover the geological wonders created along the spectacular Mid-Atlantic Rift.
Hike along the rift and marvel at the fissures and rock formations as you head toward the beautiful waterfall of Öxarárfoss. Hop back in the car and adventure toward the impressive hot springs and geysers, stopping to admire the regular eruptions of the Strokkur Geyser, which blasts warm water to heights of up to 130 feet (40 m). Continue on another 10 minutes and arrive at the majestic Gullfoss, Iceland's "Golden Falls" that cascades 105 feet (32 m) over two dramatic tiers into the glacial waters of the Hvítá River below.
Your day concludes with an exhilarating excursion at the nearby Langjökull Glacier for a family snowmobile adventure. Join your guide for the ride of a lifetime as you whizz across the icy plateau, enjoy a thrilling ride traversing the rugged landscapes, and make memories as you marvel together at the magnificent winter wonderland. Afterward, carry on exploring along the Golden Circle or return to your hotel for some rest.
Day 3: Vestmannaeyjar (Westman) Islands, RIB Boat Adventure
After a warming breakfast, it's back in the car for the next installment of your Iceland adventure. It's a straightforward drive from the Golden Circle to the Landeyjahöfn Ferry Terminal on the southern coast and under two hours from Þingvellir National Park and Gullfoss. Board a thirty-minute ferry ride from the harbor to the archipelago of the Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands). Your destination is Heimaey, the largest and only inhabited island in the archipelago; it's an off-the-beaten-path gem with colorful lava landscapes and the world's largest puffin colony.
Once on the island, you have several family-friendly options. Take the kids to Stórhöfði to see the puffins, learn about the 1973 Eldfell eruption at the Eldheimar Museum or visit the incredible Norwegian stave church at Stafkirkjan. If energy levels are high, there are numerous hiking trails to volcanoes, cliffs, and lava fields, all graced with awe-inspiring views. Don't miss a walk up to the top of the 720-foot (219 m) high crater of Eldfell—a volcano formed in the eruption that forever changed the island's landscape.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Explore the South Coast, Zip Line Adventure, Drive to Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Bid an early farewell to Heimaey and journey back to Iceland's South Coast, where you'll head west along the famous Ring Road to two of the country's most celebrated waterfalls. First up is Seljalandsfoss—button up your raincoats as you witness the water roaring 30 feet (9 m) in front of you from the safety of a cave under the cliff. Another 30 minutes in the car, and you'll reach the immense Skógafoss—with a drop of 196 feet (59 m) and a width of 82 feet (25 m), it's one of the largest and most breathtaking falls in Iceland. Climb the 527 steps to the viewing platform above for a family photo to remember.
Continue your journey and take a short diversion via Route 218 to the Dyrhólaey Peninsula—where a nearly 400-foot (120 m) promenade showcases some of the most amazing views of the southern coast. After leaving Dyrhólaey, it's a quick 12-mile (20-km) drive to the striking black sands of Reynisfjara Beach. Wander the vast basalt hexagonal columns rising out of the sand and explore the beach's large caves. Fire the kids' imagination as you play trolls in homage to local folklore and the origins of the 216-foot (65-m) Reynisdrangar rock pillars that jut out from the ocean's depths.
Day 5: Skaftafell National Park, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Boat Tour
This morning you'll journey east from Kirkjubæjarklaustur to the Skaftafall National Park in the southeast of Iceland. With an enchanting glacial landscape and surroundings reminiscent of fairy tales, even the world-weariest of kids will be captivated by the various family-friendly activities. Make the 3-mile (5 km) hike to the picturesque cascades of Svartifoss, which rewards you with scenic views of the river and glacier. For landscape straight out of "The Lord of the Rings," head to the magnificent Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon and its steep jagged walls, believed to be two million years old.
Day 6: Þakgil Canyon, Sólheimasandur Beach, Lava Tunnel Tour, Drive to Reykjavík
Today marks the last full day of your Icelandic road trip. Hop back in the car and venture west along the coast, where you can stop at some lesser-visited gems, including the beautiful Þakgil Canyon (an otherworldly hiking expanse) and the Sólheimasandur black sand beach. Take a tour to discover the wreckage of the US Navy DC plane that crashed, with no casualties, on the beach in 1973.
Day 7: Explore Reykjavík, ATV Tour, Drive to Keflavík & Depart
It's your last morning in Iceland and the world's northernmost capital. Make your way to the main street of Laugavegur and discover the town square before heading to the charming old harbor for a coffee and a second breakfast. Check out the Harpa Concert Hall, an architectural masterpiece, before a last look at the towering Hallgrímskirkja Church.
If your flight time from Keflavík allows, squeeze in one more excursion with a family-friendly ATV tour. Spend an exhilarating hour saying goodbye to this magical country as you venture across historic lava fields, abandoned shipwrecks, and to the summit of Mount Hagafell, where you look out over the Blue Lagoon, the volcanic crater formations of Svartsengi, Mount Fagradalsfjall, and Eldey Island. With hearts full of adventure and plotting your return visit, make your way to Keflavík airport, drop off your rental car and board your flight home. Until the next time Iceland!
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