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Categories Self Drive Tours Adventure & Eco Travel Iceland Self Drive Vacations Summer Tours

On this 7 day fun-filled family self-drive holiday you'll experience spectacular nature, and take part in activities with your favourite people! It's time to forge stronger bonds, and create memories that will last forever!

Whether it's snorkeling between continents, rafting on glacial rivers, whale watching in Arctic waters, soaking in hot springs, or riding gorgeous Icelandic horses, this holiday allows everyone to find suitable adventures!

Iceland‘s rugged, unspoiled central highlands and Arctic northern coast provide an exciting variety of landscapes and terrains on this budget-friendly itinerary perfect for a family that loves exploring nature together.

Itinerary

Upon arrival at Keflavik International Airport pick up your car rental: Iceland awaits! This day is open to your inspiration with several options available, depending on your flight arrival time. We recommend a visit to the world renowned Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa, located just 15 minutes from the airport. The Blue Lagoon has a mystical appearance but its unique restorative powers are quite real and ideal for regaining your energy after a long flight. With a warm flowing waterfall, a hidden cave, and silica mud to apply to your skin, there is plenty of relaxation for the whole family to soak up.

If heading to the capital of Reykjavik you may want to visit the newly opened Whales of Iceland exhibit which is the largest of its kind in Europe. If you’re looking for a fun place to spend the day, look no further than the Reykjavik Family Park and Petting Zoo in Laugardalur Valley. This family-friendly complex that is part animal park, aquarium, theme park, and adjacent geothermal swimming pool is so elaborate that it could take several days to explore.

Overnight in Reykjavik

Approximate distance: ca180km / 112miles

UNESCO National Park - Glacial Snorkeling - Waterfall Queen & Geyser King

The Golden Circle of natural wonders begins with a visit to the dramatic volcanic scenery of Thingvellir National Park (UNESCO). In a massive rift valley you see firsthand how Iceland is being pulled apart where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates converge. To fully appreciate the park’s wealth of geological formations you may want to try one of the world‘s most unique adventures, snorkeling in Silfra Gorge. Silfra is a deep fissure between two tectonic plates filled with glacial meltwater. You are literally swimming between continents. The crystal clear water provides a feeling of weightlessness made even more surreal by the bizarre underwater lava landscapes.

After an hour of snorkeling or exploring the ancient geology, your Golden Circle journey continues to the Gullfoss and Geysir area where you are introduced to the Queen of Icelandic waterfalls herself, Gullfoss. This majestic waterfall of sparkling mist and golden charm is situated on Hvita (White River) which is fed by Iceland´s second largest glacier, Langjokull. King of all geysers, the great Geysir resides nearby in a steamy geothermal field of bubbling mud and hot springs. Geysir has not been active lately, but the nearby highly-active Strokkur geyser shoots steaming hot water high into the air every ten minutes.

After the Golden Circle, enjoy excellent views of fertile farmlands and grazing horses as you wind your way through South Iceland to your overnight destination.

Overnight in Fludir area

Optional: Into the Blue - Snorkeling |Horse Riding Tour in South Iceland (from Sydra Langholt Farm)

Approximate distance: ca350km / 220miles

Uninhabited Interior - Nature Hiking - Hidden Hot Springs - River Wilderness

Note: If Kjolur is closed due to road conditions you will be redirected to take Route 1.

Today, it's time to discover the undiscovered! The Kjolur 4WD mountain route is open during the summer (from mid-June) and is a straight north and south track through Iceland‘s uninhabited interior highlands. This unique trek through vibrant thermal areas between Langjokull and Hofsjokull glaciers reveals Iceland‘s true remoteness and nature at its rawest. Don‘t miss Hveravellir, one of the most beautiful geothermal areas in the world, with a natural pool under open sky perfect for relaxing after an invigorating hike one of the trails in the area.

Upon arriving on the other side of the Kjolur highland route you will find yourself in North Iceland‘s Skagafjordur region, famous for its horse breeding. This area is also well-known for a wide variety of river rafting and kayaking adventures. There is a gentle rafting tour option that offers fun for the whole family, even a novice can pick up a paddle and thrill in Iceland’s stunning river wilderness.

Overnight in Skagafjordur area

Optional: Family River Rafting (from Skagafjordur)

Vibrant Fjord Villages - Arctic Whale Watching - Capital of the North

Enjoy the peaceful mountain views and crisp Arctic air around Trollaskagi Peninsula, the Troll Peninsula. Explore the colorful fjord villages of Siglufjordur and Olafsfjordur on your way towards Dalvik village. The dramatic landscapes here were carved by glaciers during the last Ice Age and provide a special sense of discovery as you dance along the edge of the inhabitable world. Arriving in Dalvik you may opt to board an oak whale watching vessel for a 3-hour sail into the pristine Arctic waters, which are ideal for encounters with the majestic blue whale. Marine-life frequently spotted in these waters are humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, minke whales, and small harbor porpoises.

On your first evening in Akureyri, you may want to soak up the local ambiance of Iceland’s hip and happening ‘Capital of the North,’ with its 18,000 inhabitants, heart-shaped street-lights, free transit buses and perhaps the warmest temperatures in the country. Strolling along the quaint pedestrian areas filled with outdoor cafes and visiting local favorite Brynjuis for some delicious ice cream is the perfect ending to this day in a surprisingly green community located only 96 kilometers (60 miles) from the Arctic Circle.

Overnight stay in Akureyri

Optional: Arctic Whale Watching (from Dalvik)

Protected Nature Reserve - Geothermal Spa - Europe’s Mightiest Waterfall

The day begins with the picturesque ‘Waterfall of the Gods’, Godafoss. Your journey continues onwards to explore the Lake Myvatn Nature Reserve, a geological wonderland of wildly contrasting nature with a number of easy walking paths the whole family can enjoy. Summertime during peak birding season is a good reason to have the binoculars ready for the diverse species and rare sightings like the barrow’s goldeneye. You can take a light hike in the “dark castles” of Dimmuborgir with its rugged crags and towering rocks. Afterwards, relax those muscles in soothing geothermal waters at the Myvatn Nature Spa with views over the lake and its tranquil surroundings. The grand finale of this eventful day is a visit to Europe’s mightiest waterfall, Dettifoss, a thundering cascade of glacial water and mist among shattered cliffs in Jokulsargljufur National Park.

Overnight stay again in Akureyri

Approximate distance: ca400km / 250miles

Botanical Gardens - Viking Horses - Seal Center

The drive between Akureyri and Reykjavik is approximately 4.5 hours. Before departing for Reykjavik along the Ring Road, take in some of the northern charms Akureyri has to offer. This small city is ideally explored on foot and a stroll through the oldest part of town, Innbaerinn, reveals colorful timber houses along the pond restored to their original glory. Other interesting sights are the northernmost botanical gardens in the world, an adorable Christmas Shop open all year round, and the Kjarnaskogur Woods with backcountry trails, playgrounds and picnic areas.

Approximately halfway back to Reykjavik, you may want to take a break at the lovely Gauksmyri Lodge located on a former farmstead. The owners are horse enthusiasts, and they offer demonstrations of the Icelandic Viking Horse breed and short riding tours in the incredible surrounding nature. Nearby is the Icelandic Seal Center, which provides a fun and interactive learning experience on the six seal species found in Iceland.

Continue onwards to Reykjavik and a final night spent in the ‘Capital of Cool.’

Overnight in Reykjavik

Depart with plenty of memories and an adventure that will certainly impress and entertain your friends and family for years to come! We recommend you depart your hotel no later than three hours before your flight. The car rental return is located at Keflavik International Airport.

Optional: If you are departing on an afternoon flight, a wonderful way to say goodbye to Iceland is with a relaxing dip in the soothing waters of the Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa, located just 15 minutes from Keflavík International Airport. Facilities also include a gift shop, cafeteria, and an excellent restaurant with lagoon views.

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