We began planning for this trip over a year before departure...and we quickly realized that we needed help. Kimkim to the rescue! We had never used a travel service like this before, and I was a little hesitant at first, but SPOILER ALERT...We will 100% be using Kimkim going forward! It is SO worth it to have a local guide help you with the logistics. We could not have planned the trip to this level without Gummi's help, and he truly made the process so easy. We are a family of 6 (4 kids including 2 teenagers) and we skew more towards the budget side of things than luxury when it comes to travel. Gummi took all of our preferences into consideration, plus all of our unique family needs (a large rental van that would fit us and all of our luggage, accommodations for 6 people to sleep on real beds, varying interests and ability levels) and he planned the PERFECT trip for us. Every single day, we told ourselves that it really couldn't get any better...and then IT DID! Gummi took care of everything...our locations for the places we stayed were perfect for our family, the excursions he planned for us were superb, and his detailed recommendations for where to eat and what to see were essential. We really could NOT have done this trip without him. Possibly the most valuable part of this service was Gummi's insider knowledge and tips on the timeline for each day...he outlined when to leave each morning and approximately how long to spend at each location. We would have been lost without him.
Here are some of the highlights of the trip...although really, we loved it ALLLL!
Foss Hotel Raodara' was a great location...easy to walk to everything in Reykjavik and they had triple rooms to accommodate our family (2 rooms for 6 people). The breakfast here (included) was SO filling and had a huge variety.
Perlan Museum in Reykjavik (outstanding way to start the trip to get familiar with the country and the unique features we were about to explore)
Puffin Tour with Elding--we saw tons of Puffins and the boat ride was beautiful!
Every single spot along the Golden Circle was more stunning than the last! And again, we loved having Gummi's timeline to follow as well as his recommendations for food!
We stopped at Efstidalur for lunch and ice cream and it was SO GOOD! Perfect location and timing for a stop for the hungry crew!
Secret Lagoon was so relaxing and unique for us. We loved it!
Bakki Apartments was perfect for our family! Plenty of space and such a great location. We stopped at GK Bakari for breakfast and those pastries will live on in my brain forever. We even tried to stop back in on our way back to Keflavik but it was closed...heartbreaking!
Glacier Ice Cave experience with Southcoast Adventure really was a thrill for the kids! (I *might* have been a little scared on this, but I tried to be the coolest mom!) Peter, our guide, was so great at explaining the history and the geology while also taking us on a true adventure!
The Vik Apartments were another perfect location and space for our family. So clean, and beautiful, and spacious!
Black Crust Pizza was definitely a favorite and they deserve all the respect for being the best pizza in Iceland...as fas as we know!
Again...the trip plan, including specific timing and food recommendations, came in clutch for the trip from Vik up the coast to Jokulsarlon Glacier. We loved every single stop! The amphibian boat tour by Glacier Lagoon was incredible.
Of course, our finale was a visit to the Blue Lagoon. AMAZING! The comfort entrance package was perfect for us.
I could go on and on, but I've probably already said too much. We cannot thank Gummi enough for sharing his expertise, his love of Iceland, and his time and energy with us! THANK YOU, GUMMI!
Hotel Reviews
Vík Apartments
Vik I Myrdal
This place is BEAUTIFUL! So perfect for our family. We loved walking around the area and eating some crepes in the evening! The fact that there was laundry available was so helpful!
Bakki Apartments & Hostel
Eyrarbakki
This was a big WIN for our big family. We loved being able to stay all together after two nights spent in two separate hotel rooms. This space was perfect for us and so cute! We loved the location right along the ocean. So beautiful and perfect for an evening walk.
Fosshótel Rauðará
Reykjavík
Such a great breakfast! Loved that they had an early check in option. Totally worth the $40 for us to get a little organzied after an overnight flight.
Authenticity & Character
The hotel looks a little tired, but it has everything you need! Don't sleep on this budget friendly option.
Location
We walked everywhere and there was free street parking.
Staff
The team was so accommodating!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beds were super comfortable!
Activity Reviews
Glacier Ice Cave Experience
Iceland
Peter was a SUPER guide! He really showed us a great time...we loved every minute of this! (Even if some of us were scared!)
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Explore Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon by Amphibian Boat
Iceland
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Reykjavík Puffin Watching
Reykjavík
Guides, Drivers and Staff