Iceland Family Journey: Geysers, Glaciers, and Fjords
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable Iceland Family Journey, exploring the land of geysers, glaciers, and fjords. This adventure tour offers a perfect blend of natural wonders and cultural experiences. Walk through glacial landscapes, soak in steaming hot springs, and step into Viking realms with a visit to a traditional turf house. Set out on a thrilling whale-watching excursion to spot minke and humpback whales, and savor traditional Icelandic bread fresh from a geothermal bakery. Highlights include the Golden Circle tour, a visit to the Blue Lagoon, and an exploration of the Westman Islands. Travel in comfort with private transport and enjoy stays in charming hotels, making this an ideal family getaway. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Reykjavík
Location: Reykjavík
Accommodation: Hotel Reykjavik Grand
Accommodation Name: Hotel Reykjavik Grand
Welcome to Reykjavik–your arrival transfer to the hotel is included. Check in and get excited to meet your fellow travelers during a welcome meeting this evening where all families can bond before the Journey ahead.
Hotel accommodation in Iceland is very limited and rooms/facilities can be fairly simple with few amenities. Hotels are chosen for their location and access to the wondrous landscapes and natural wonders of Iceland. Hotels are often remote, all the better to enjoy the beautiful natural setting.
Additional Information: During winter months (generally November through early March) the itinerary and inclusions are highly subject to change based on weather conditions and less "daylight "hours. Your CEO will go over the schedule and advise you of any alterations on a daily basis. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding.
Please note that due to high demand there may be limited availability when booking optional activities during the tour. Many of these can be pre-booked and we recommend that they are purchased in advance in order to secure space as they are quite popular. See the Available Extras below for details and add them in the Tour Extras section when confirming your trip.
ACTIVITY: The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.
Day 2: Reykjavík
Location: Reykjavík
Accommodation Name: Hotel Reykjavik Grand
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Start the morning at the Perlan museum, which showcases Iceland’s geological forces through exhibits on volcanic eruptions, explosive geysers, and more. After a classic Icelandic hot dog lunch, hop aboard a ship for a whale-watching expedition on Faxaflói Bay. Search for minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises diving through the waves, and learn about the incredible diversity of sea life in Iceland’s waters. The rest of the day is free for relaxing at your hotel or exploring Reykjavík.
Our travel time today includes our many stops along the way.
ACTIVITY: Visit the Wonders of Iceland exhibit at the Perlan museum, where you can see and feel all of Iceland's natural wonders under one roof. Walk through a 100m long man-made ice cave to experience what glacial environments are like, and how global warming affects this part of the world. Top your visit off with an unparalleled 360° view of Reykjavik and surrounding areas from the observation deck.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy a traditional Icelandic hot dog for lunch. Typically made with lamb, and a bit of pork and beef, these hot dogs have a natural casing that give a satisfying snap when you bite into it. They're often topped with raw white onions, crispy fried onions, capers, mustard, ketchup, herbs, a sweet brown mustard called pylsusinnep and remoulade, a sauce made with mayo. Walk up to the stand and order "one with everything"!
ACTIVITY: Take a boat ride into Faxaflói bay to try and spot minke and humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Each tour has an expert guide to maintain safety at sea and answer any questions you may have.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 3: Hveragerði
Location: Reykjadalur, Hveragerði
Accommodation Name: Hotel Ork Selfoss
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Set off on a hike through an area dotted with hot springs, stopping to soak your feet in steaming pools along the way. Travel to a vast lava field and enter one of the longest lava tunnels in Iceland, where we’ll explore the amazing inner workings of a volcanic eruption. Then head to a traditional Icelandic horse farm to meet the friendly equine residents and learn about this special breed. Icelandic horses are small, hardy, and have a unique ambling gait called the tölt. Get to know the horses amid the beautiful backdrop of surrounding hills before gathering for a homemade lunch at the farm. This afternoon, continue to our hotel in Hveragerði, a town built around its own bubbling hot spring.
Additional Information: Our travel time today includes our many stops along the way.
ACTIVITY: Hike along the scenic Reykjadalur trail. Walk along the rolling hills and pools of bright blue water. Follow the steaming pools that line the footpath until you come to the hot springs - natural pools heated by geothermal activity.
ACTIVITY: The Icelandic horse is a very unique breed. Although small and at times pony-sized, Icelandic horses are long-lived and hardy. Tour this working farm and learn all you need to know about the Icelandic horse, with a focus on its gait and unique character.
ACTIVITY: Experience the otherworldly beauty of one of Iceland's most spectacular features, the lava tunnel. Formed by enormous lava flows during a volcanic eruption, these tunnels boast a twisting labyrinth of passageways, filled with unique formations and underground waterfalls.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 4: Golden Circle
Location: Golden Circle
Accommodation Name: Hotel Ork Selfoss
Meals Included: Breakfast
Discover the celebrated Golden Circle, a circuit that will take us to some of Iceland’s most amazing natural treasures. Hear the roar of the mighty Gullfoss waterfall and visit the Geysir hot spring, the namesake of all the world’s geysers. Continue to Thingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates collide. Then visit a geothermal bakery to watch bakers digging pots of fresh bread out of hot black sand. Taste a slice still warm from the ground, and get the recipe for a loaf of rye. In the late afternoon, opt to stop by the Laugarvatn Fontana Spa for a soothing soak in geothermal waters.
Our travel time today includes our many stops along the way.
ACTIVITY: Discover one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland, Gullfoss, and complete the circuit known as the Golden Circle. This massive waterfall cascades over three “steps” before spilling into a large crevice. Fed by a glacier lake, the water passing through the falls can be a dark grey depending on how much sediment gets pushed through the river.
ACTIVITY: See a variety of geothermal pools and the erupting hot spring Strokkur. Geysir is one of the oldest geysers recorded in the world, but is most often dormant. Strokkur erupts a spray of boiling hot water straight into the air about every ten minutes.
ACTIVITY: Stop at Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site, to see the tectonic faults created by North American and Eurasian tectonic plates shifting apart. The Oxara river cuts through the largest rift in the valley, Almannagja, and leads to the Oxarafoss waterfall. Iceland’s parliament was also established in the area in 930. The park was later created to protect the remains of the open-air assembly grounds.
ACTIVITY: Watch first hand as bakers dig out a pot of fresh bread from steaming black sand. Taste the bread, served hot from the ground, with some butter and take home the recipe for Iceland's famous rye bread.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 5: South Coast
Location: Skógar
Accommodation Name: Hotel Dyrholaey
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, explore Iceland’s amazing history, from the Viking era to the industrial revolution. Visit a traditional turf-walled dwelling, and step inside a 20th-century schoolhouse while learning about Iceland’s architectural heritage, folk crafts, and modern technology. Then take a short walk to the Skógafoss waterfall, one of the biggest falls in Iceland at more than 80 feet across. Enjoy lunch at the Skogafoss Bistro. This afternoon ramble on one of Iceland’s legendary black-sand beaches.
Our travel time today includes our many stops along the way.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Visit Skogar Museum and take a tour of one of Iceland's most iconic sights, a traditional turf house. Named after the turf used to create the walls and the roof, these cheap but effective houses helped the early Icelandic people to survive the region's harsh seasons. Learn about the construction of these homes, the families who lived there and how a unique culture evolved out of these humble communities.
ACTIVITY: Visit Skógafoss, one of the largest and most recognizable waterfalls in Iceland. The 60m (200 ft) high falls forms a constant mist that floats in the air, if viewed in the sunlight the mist can create rainbows. The sound and view of the thundering water cutting through the green hills make the falls a must-see on any trip to Iceland.
Day 6: Westman Islands/Vík
Location: Westman Islands, Vík
Accommodation Name: Hotel Dyrholaey
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leave the mainland behind and voyage to the Westman Islands, a volcanic archipelago off Iceland’s southern coast. Go ashore on Heimaey, the only inhabited isle in the archipelago, and wander among the white wooden buildings of the single tiny town. Learn about the island’s recent volcanic history, view parts of the town buried by lava flows, and hike up the slopes of the Eldfell crater, where the ground is still warm from geothermal activity! Search for adorable puffins and other seabirds nesting on the island’s steep cliffs, then sail back to Vík—the southernmost village in Iceland, known for its black-sand beach and strange rock formations.
ACTIVITY: Take a tour of the rugged coastlines of the Westman Islands. Formed by underwater volcanoes, some of these islands surfaced as late as 1963, and feature an exciting array of caves, monoliths and sheer cliffs. On top of the beautiful features, these islands boast the world's largest populations of Atlantic Puffins (before September) and a high potential to spot breaching whales like Orcas or Fin whales.
TRANSPORT: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Day 7: Reykjavík
Location: Seljalandsfoss, Blue Lagoon, Reykjavík
Accommodation Name: Hotel Klettur
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Return to Reykjavík this morning, stopping along the way to visit Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls. Step behind the curtain of the falls into a hidden cave filled with mist, and enjoy one of the best photographic opportunities in Iceland. Continue to the famed Blue Lagoon to soak in the hot spring’s iridescent blue waters. Continue to Reykjavík and enjoy a farewell dinner.
Our travel time today includes our many stops along the way.
Additional Information: Due to volcanic eruptions, all 2024 trips will visit the Secret Lagoon in lieu of the Blue Lagoon until further notice.
ACTIVITY: Seljalandsfoss is a 60m (196 ft) tall waterfall located along the popular ring road. Behind the flow of water is a path, allowing visitors to peek behind the curtain of water cascading over the rocks above.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Drop by The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, possibly the top attraction in the country. Located close (about 40 mins) from Reykjavík in the Grindavík lava field, the spa is open year round, providing a steamy respite from Icelandic winters. The waters are said to have healing properties and temperatures in the bathing lagoons average 37–39 °C (98–102 °F).
Day 8: Reykjavík
Location: Reykjavík
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart at any time.
ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotels (7 nts) -
Meals
7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner -
Family Journeys Moment
Visit the Skogar Open Air Museum in Hveragerdi.
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Foodie Moment
Taste traditional Icelandic bread fresh from a geothermal bakery in Laugarvatn.
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Wellness Moment
Enjoy a visit to the Blue Lagoon in Grindavik.
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Arrival Transfer
Arrival transfer is included.
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Perlan Museum Visit
Visit the Perlan Museum.
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Whale Watching Tour
Set out on a whale-watching excursion.
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Horse Farm Visit
Visit a horse farm.
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Lava Tunnel Visit
Explore a lava tunnel.
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Golden Circle Tour
Tour the Golden Circle including Thingvellir National Park, Gulfoss waterfall, and Geysir Hot Springs.
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Skogafoss Waterfall Lunch
Enjoy lunch at Skogafoss waterfall.
What's Not Included
Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays in Iceland with 7 nights in hotels, chosen for their prime locations amidst the country's stunning natural landscapes. While amenities may be simple, the remote settings offer a unique opportunity to immerse in Iceland's beauty.
Transport
Private minivan/bus, boat, walking
Meals Included
7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner
Group Size
Max 20, avg 18
Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Odd number adult travellers in your family will be paired in twin accommodation with another adult traveller of the same sex for the duration of the trip. ...more ...less
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling and we encourage you to experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Its important to remember, that food may be different from what you are used to at home and that some things may not be available in other countries.
Some meals are included in the trip price, while others are not, to allow flexibility and choice to you and your family. For non-included meals our CEOs will still make arrangements for the group to eat together, which allows you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and approximate budget (per person) for meals not included.
Throughout this trip, breakfast is included daily (ranging from continental to buffet depending on the trip), as are healthy, local snacks. Tap water is safe and drinkable everywhere. Please remember to bring your own refillable bottle and refill at the start of each day.
Note that any special meal requirements or dietary restrictions need to be specified at time of booking.
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Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with private minivan or bus transfers, complemented by scenic boat rides and invigorating walks. This tour ensures seamless transportation between destinations and activities, allowing you to fully enjoy Iceland's breathtaking landscapes.
Minimum Age
Minimum age of 7 years for this trip.
Local Dress
Weather can change dramatically, even in the summer months. It is best to layer clothing to ensure you are prepared for any extremes.
Important Notes
1. All parents/guardians are required to supervise their children at all times throughout the tour and may not leave their child under the supervision of the CEO, local guides, drivers, etc. Children are not to be left unattended.
Please note that on all Family Adventures one adult can only accompany up to two minors. If you have over two minors planning on travelling then a second adult will be required to attend.
2. PACE OF TOUR
Please note that this is a busy tour and there are some long drive days, but stops along the way and included activities break up the drive, not to mention outstanding scenery.
3. FAMILY INSURANCE
Options for family travel insurance are available. Please enquire with your Family Trip Specialist for more information.
4. ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
5. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES NOTE:
During high season in Europe (May-October) we highly recommend booking reservations for any popular optional activities/museum tickets etc. in advance to avoid encountering sold-out activities on the ground while on tour.
6. JULY 26, 2025 DEPARTURE:
Westman Islands visit is being replaced with a visit to the Jokulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Please see the description below:
"Visit the Jokulsárlón Glacier Lagoon with views of the ice cap. The lake is the lowest point in the country and filled with icebergs drifting towards the sea, often with seals lounging on top. The blocks of ice coming off the glacier are typically 30m high, in dramatic shades of white and bright blue. Stop by Diamond Beach, which gets its name from chunks of the Breiðamerkurjokull glacier that float down to the coast's black sand shores.
Total distance: 3km."
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Group Leader
All National Geographic Family Journeys with G Adventures group trips are accompanied by two of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense; you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds. ...more ...less
About Accommodation
Rooming is based on double occupancy (2 passengers / 2 beds per room); all other room configurations are on request and cannot be guaranteed. We will try to accommodate triples/quad requests whenever possible and it's important to note that rooming configuration can change from city to city and 2 single beds are the standard configuration in a room.
Please remember that hotel/lodge standards can be different from what you are used to in your home country, which is part of the appeal of adventure travel.
In Iceland we use small hotels, guest houses and inns, sometimes in remote locations. They are comfortable and clean but do not have many amenities.
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What to Take
You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. Your baggage should be clearly labelled and restricted to one soft compact suitcase, sports bag, or backpack. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. Porters are not often available, so be prepared to carry your own bags. ...more ...less
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip. ...more ...less
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is used during the Iceland Family Journey tour?
The tour uses a combination of private minivan/bus, boat, and walking for transportation between destinations and activities.
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes hotel accommodations for 7 nights. The hotels are chosen for their location and access to Iceland's natural wonders, and they may be simple with few amenities.
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Are meals included in the Iceland Family Journey tour?
Yes, the tour includes 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 1 dinner. Some meals are not included to allow flexibility and choice for participants.
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What activities are included in the Iceland Family Journey tour?
The tour includes a variety of activities such as a visit to the Perlan Museum, a whale watching tour, a visit to a horse farm, a lava tunnel visit, a Golden Circle tour, a visit to Skogafoss waterfall, a visit to a black sand beach, a Westman Islands excursion, a visit to Seljalandsfoss waterfall, and admission to the Blue Lagoon. ...more ...less
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Is there a minimum age requirement for the tour?
Yes, the minimum age for this trip is 7 years.
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What should I know about the pace of the tour?
The tour is busy with some long drive days, but stops along the way and included activities help break up the drive, allowing participants to enjoy the outstanding scenery.
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What is the group size for the Iceland Family Journey tour?
The maximum group size is 20, with an average of 18 participants.
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What should I pack for the Iceland Family Journey tour?
It is advised to pack lightly, with one soft compact suitcase, sports bag, or backpack, and a daypack for everyday items. Weather can change dramatically, so layering clothing is recommended to prepare for any extremes.
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Are there any special notes regarding accommodation during the tour?
Yes, some properties may not have elevators, so climbing stairs with luggage may be necessary. Rooming is based on double occupancy, and room configurations can change from city to city.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
Reviews of this operator
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Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Iceland Family Journey: Geysers, Glaciers, and Fjords
8 Days Starting and ending in Reykjavik, Iceland
Visiting: Reykjavík, Reykjadalur, Hveragerði, Golden Circle, Skógar, Westman Islands, Vík, Seljalandsfoss, Blue Lagoon ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
25173
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 20
Age range:
7-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, Wildlife Tours
