Family-Friendly 5-Day Iceland Summer Trip with the Golden Circle, South Coast & Reykjavik
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Reykjavik / 4 nightsMap
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Round-trip airport transfers
Round-trip airport transfers
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Day 1 – Reykjavik
- Reykjavik - Arrival day
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As you embark on your magical five-day summer holiday in Iceland, your adventure begins with your plane landing on the Reykjanes peninsula. This ruggedly beautiful area sets the stage for an unforgettable journey through the land of fire and ice.
On your way to Iceland's charming capital city, Reykjavik, consider stopping at the world-renowned Blue Lagoon. This geothermal spa is a true natural wonder, nestled amidst a moss-covered lava field. The Blue Lagoon's healing waters, captivating azure hues, and indulgent treatments offer a rejuvenating start to your Icelandic escapade.
If you add this option, it will be seamlessly coordinated with your flight schedule. If time doesn't permit a visit today, fear not, as it can be incorporated into another day of your adventure. Your travel consultant will be able to arrange this for you.
Upon your arrival in Reykjavik, you'll check into your carefully selected accommodations, settling into the cozy comfort that awaits you. Afterward, you can explore the capital city at your own pace.
Reykjavik is a treasure trove of Icelandic culture and natural beauty. Don't miss the chance to visit the iconic Hallgrimskirkja church, whose unique architecture mimics the country's rugged landscapes. The church is Iceland’s tallest, standing 245 feet (74.5 meters), making it one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Moreover, the church lets you go up its tower to enjoy the city’s views.
Stroll along the waterfront and admire the Sun Voyager sculpture, which symbolizes the promise of new adventures in this extraordinary land.
If you're in the mood for relaxation, take this time to unwind, savoring the anticipation of the incredible experiences that await you over the next four days. There's a wealth of enchanting sights and activities to discover in Reykjavik, ensuring that even your free time here will be a memorable part of your Icelandic odyssey.
As you retire to your accommodation in the city, you'll be excited for the adventures over the next few days.
Accommodation
Experiences
Day 2 – Reykjavik
- Reykjavik
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- Thingvellir National Park
- Geysir geothermal area
- Gullfoss waterfall
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Today, you'll see gorgeous waterfalls and erupting geysers and learn about Iceland's Vikings on a tour of the Golden Circle.
To make this day even more unique, you can add on a horse riding tour where those over five can ride an Icelandic horse around the countryside. No experience is needed, and the animals are very friendly, making this a perfect family adventure.
The first site of the Golden Circle route is Thingvellir National Park, where Vikings of old gathered to settle feuds and lay the laws of the land. Not only has the park a rich history, but it's also a geological wonder.
Thingvellir is located between two tectonic plates that are moving apart. As they move, they create cracks and canyons throughout the area.
One of these canyons, Silfra, is filled with meltwater from the nearby glacier, Langjokull. Those over 12 can opt for an exciting snorkeling tour in Silfra, where they'll discover a bright blue underworld beneath the water's surface. The Silfra fissure boasts water visibility of up to 328 feet (100 meters), letting you see underwater canyons as clearly as possible. Snorkeling participants need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.
From there, you'll head to the Geysir geothermal area, where you'll see steam rising from the ground and mud pools bubbling. However, the main attraction is the mighty geyser Strokkur, which erupts every five to ten minutes, creating a 49-66 foot (15-20 meter) high water column each time.
You'll then visit the majestic Gullfoss waterfall. This mighty cascade's sheer size and rumbling noise will surely leave you in awe.
Gullfoss is fed by the glacier Langjokull, and today, you can explore that glacier on a snowmobiling tour. Drivers must hold a valid driving license, but those over six can ride as passengers.
You'll be dropped off back in Reykjavik, where you can unwind after an eventful day or explore the city further as the evening is illuminated by the midnight sun.
Accommodation
Experiences
Day 3 – Reykjavik
- Reykjavik
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- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
- Skogafoss waterfall
- Reynisfjara black sand beach
- Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks
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Today, it's time to explore the South Coast of Iceland, where you'll find glittering waterfalls, mighty glaciers, stretches of black sand beaches, and perhaps a puffin or two.
After being picked up in Reykjavik, you'll travel through lush farmlands, where you'll see tall mountains and snowy glaciers in the north and the wild Atlantic Ocean in the south. Keep an eye out for farm animals along the way, such as sheep, cows, and Icelandic horses.
Your first stop will be at Seljalandsfoss, a high waterfall that falls in a narrow stream over a 197-foot (60-meter) cliff. The cliff is curved back, forming a concave face behind the falling water.
This unique feature allows visitors to walk behind the curtain of water. However, doing so will get you slightly wet, so remember your raincoat!
Then, you're off to visit another cascade, the mighty Skogafoss. As the water hits the earth underneath, tiny droplets fly into the air, creating a constant mist. When the sunlight hits that mist, you can often see a rainbow forming in the drizzle.
Skogafoss waterfall is located between two glaciers, Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull.
If you wish to know glaciers better today, you can opt for a glacier hiking tour at one of Myrdalsjokull's glacier tongues. This is an excellent activity for anybody over 10, as you'll witness the fantastic scenery of ice and mountains and learn all about glaciers and Icelandic nature.
Before returning to Reykjavik, you'll visit Reynisfjara beach.
Reynisfjara Beach captivates visitors with its dramatic black sand shores, towering basalt columns, and the stunning contrast between the roaring Atlantic waves and the picturesque landscape. Legend has it that these unique basalt formations were trolls turned to stone upon exposure to sunlight.
Make sure you look up into the cliffs, as puffins are known to nest there in the summer.
After another fun-packed day, your driver will take you back to Reykjavik for the night.
Accommodation
Experiences
Day 4 – Reykjavik
- Reykjavik
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Today, you have a wealth of choices to fill up your day.
You can spend it in Reykjavik, as the Icelandic capital offers diverse activities and adventures suitable for all types of travelers and interests.
Perhaps you want to visit one of Reykjavik's many geothermal pools. Hot spring bathing is an excellent activity for the whole family because the parents can unwind in the hot tubs while the children play on the waterslides.
You could take a tour today if you're looking for more adventures. You'll be presented with a few exciting choices during the booking process.
Animal lovers should not miss a whale-watching tour that departs from Reykjavik's old harbor. You'll set sails on Faxafloi Bay in search of the ocean's gentle giants. Harbor porpoises, white-beaked dolphins, minke whales, and humpback whales can regularly be seen on trips like these.
Another option is to go horseback riding. This is an excellent opportunity in case you missed it during your Golden Circle trip. On this two-hour riding tour, those over seven can ride the Icelandic horse in the countryside outside Reykjavik.
There's also the option of taking a full-day tour of the Snaefellsnes peninsula. The area is known for its beauty and diverse natural attractions. You'll see places like Djupalonssandur black pebble beach, the rock stacks of Londrangar, and the mountain Kirkjufell.
Measuring 1,519 feet (463 meters) tall, Kirkjufell is one of the area’s most prominent landmarks. Moreover, it is known for being “the mountain shaped like an arrowhead” on the HBO series Game of Thrones.
You'll also have the option of stepping inside a glacier on a tour of the ice cave tunnels of Langjokull glacier. This is a fun and informative tour, perfect for the entire family, where you'll get to walk through the blue tunnels carved into the ice and learn everything about glaciers.
Whatever you choose to do, you'll spend the night at your accommodations in Reykjavik.
Accommodation
Experiences
Day 5 – Reykjavik
- Reykjavik - Departure day
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Now, it's time to bid farewell to Iceland.
If you have an afternoon or an evening flight, you'll have time to explore Reykjavik before you board a bus heading to the airport. Stroll down Laugavegur, the city's main shopping street, to pick up unique Icelandic souvenirs and enjoy the vibrant street art.
For a dose of culture, visit the iconic Hallgrimskirkja church and capture breathtaking panoramic views of the city from its tower. This architectural marvel, inspired by the basalt columns found throughout Iceland's landscape, stands as the tallest structure in the city.
Inside, you'll be greeted by the immense and intricate pipe organ. Outside, the statue of Leif Erikson, gifted by the United States, commemorates the Norse explorer, believed to have been the first European to set foot in North America.
To top off your visit, savor local cuisine at a charming cafe or restaurant, perhaps indulging in some traditional Icelandic fish dishes or a hearty bowl of warming lamb soup.
Reykjavik boasts a diverse culinary scene that beautifully marries traditional flavors with modern influences. Whether you're in the mood for fresh seafood, gourmet burgers, or vegan delights, the city's eateries offer something for every palate, ensuring that your gastronomic adventure is as memorable as the sites you've seen.
For those who have a later flight and choose to visit the Blue Lagoon today, you'll finish your stay unwinding before heading to the airport. This is the perfect place to relax as you bathe in the warm, mineral-rich waters and reflect on the incredible adventure you have just taken in the land of fire and ice.
When it's time to go, you'll board a bus and head back onto the black lava fields of the Reykjanes peninsula, where Keflavik Airport is located. Have a great flight home, and come back soon!
Experiences
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Good to know
Some optional activities might require you to have a valid driver's license, or you might need to send additional information to your travel planner. Please note that you might need to present medical documents for snorkeling. Snorkeling participants need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.
Selected guesthouses and hostels do not offer breakfast. More information is provided on the accommodation information.
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