7 Days • 6 Nights
Iceland Family Adventure: Geysers, Waterfalls & Whales
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Erupting geysers and thundering waterfalls thrill the whole family on the Golden Circle. Children are spellbound by the Golden Circle, where nature puts on a live show. At the Geysir geothermal field they count down and cheer as the Strokkur geyser blasts a column of boiling water high into the air every few minutes, and they feel the ground steam and bubble around them. At the mighty Gullfoss they stand before a colossal waterfall thundering in two steps into a canyon, spray on their faces and rainbows in the mist, and at Thingvellir they walk between two continents in a dramatic rift valley.
- Whale watching, puffins and Icelandic horses delight young animal lovers. Iceland teems with charismatic wildlife that thrills children. From the old harbour of Reykjavik you set sail on a family whale-watching cruise, scanning the bay for minke and humpback whales, dolphins and, in summer, comical puffins whirring over the waves. You meet the famous Icelandic horses, small, sturdy and friendly, with their unique tolt gait, and can enjoy a gentle pony encounter. Spotting a whale surface or a puffin land is pure magic for young and old. Setting sail on a family whale-watching cruise from Reykjavik, watching for whales.
- An easy guided glacier walk and black-sand beaches are a thrilling highlight. On the South Coast the family enjoys real adventure at a gentle, safe pace. With an expert guide, everyone straps on crampons for an easy family glacier walk on a glacier tongue, crunching across blue-white ice and peering into crevasses, feeling like true polar explorers. You explore the black volcanic sands of Reynisfjara beneath towering basalt columns and sea caves (staying safely back from the waves), where children love the strange geology and troll legends. The adventure and drama are thrilling.
- Splashing in geothermal pools, lagoons and a secret hot spring is a family favourite. In Iceland, bathing outdoors in warm water is a way of life, and children adore it. You splash and play in Reykjavik's superb geothermal swimming pools, with their warm pots, water slides and steaming hot tubs, soak in the milky Secret Lagoon hot spring amid steaming ground in the countryside, and unwind at the famous Blue Lagoon or the family-friendly Sky Lagoon. Warm water under open, often snowy skies is pure joy for all ages. Splashing in Iceland's geothermal swimming pools with their slides and hot pots.
- Colourful Reykjavik and tales of trolls, volcanoes and Vikings enchant all ages. Reykjavik is a fun, easy and welcoming base for families, small, colourful and full of interest. You climb the tower of the landmark Hallgrimskirkja church for a bird's-eye view, explore hands-on museums about volcanoes, whales and the Vikings, browse the harbour and the ice-cream and hot-dog stands, and enjoy the city's playful public art. Throughout the journey your guide brings Iceland alive with tales of trolls, elves, volcanoes and Viking sagas that captivate children. The fun and stories are wonderful.
- Above all, this journey is a safe, exciting and unforgettable family adventure in Iceland. Iceland is one of the world's very best family destinations, a safe, clean, easy country that feels like a giant natural playground, and this journey is paced and chosen for families. Over seven days you cheer erupting geysers and thundering waterfalls, watch whales and meet Icelandic horses, walk on a glacier, explore black beaches, and splash in geothermal pools, all with shorter drives, family-friendly hotels and a guide who keeps young explorers enthralled. The mix of real adventure, incredible nature and pure fun is unbeatable.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 7-day journey.
Your family adventure in the land of fire and ice begins as your flight lands at Keflavik International Airport, where you are met and transferred across the moss-covered lava fields to colourful Reykjavik, the world's northernmost capital. The strange volcanic landscape and fresh air are exciting from the very first moment, and children are quickly captivated. Settle into your family-friendly hotel and spend the rest of the day at an easy pace, taking a first stroll along the lively main street and the old harbour, enjoying an Icelandic hot dog or ice cream, and perhaps splashing in one of the city's warm geothermal pools to shake off the journey. This evening, a welcome dinner introduces the family to Iceland's fresh food and to the adventures ahead, with your guide sharing tales of trolls and volcanoes. Rest well, ready to watch for whales tomorrow.
Today the family explores fun, colourful Reykjavik and meets Icelandic wildlife. From the old harbour you set sail on a family whale-watching cruise, scanning the bay for minke and humpback whales, dolphins and, in summer, comical puffins, with warm suits provided for everyone. Back on land you climb the tower of the landmark Hallgrimskirkja church for a bird's-eye view over the brightly painted rooftops, and visit a hands-on museum about whales, volcanoes or the Vikings. This afternoon you meet the famous Icelandic horses, small, sturdy and friendly, at a nearby farm, with a chance for a gentle pony encounter or ride. As the day ends, you return to the city. This evening, enjoy a family dinner and perhaps another dip in a geothermal pool. Rest well, for tomorrow the Golden Circle awaits with its erupting geysers.
Today you follow the classic Golden Circle, a live show of natural wonders that thrills all ages. At Thingvellir National Park you walk through a dramatic rift valley between two continents, where Iceland's ancient parliament was founded. At the Geysir geothermal field the family counts down and cheers as the Strokkur geyser blasts boiling water high into the air every few minutes, and at the mighty Gullfoss you stand before a colossal waterfall thundering into its canyon, with spray and rainbows. You soak in the milky Secret Lagoon hot spring amid steaming ground, a favourite with children. As the day ends, you settle into a welcoming country hotel near Hella, in the farmland of the south. This evening, enjoy a hearty farm dinner beneath the volcanoes, with more of your guide's tales. Rest well in the countryside.
Today the family explores the dramatic South Coast from your countryside base. You walk behind the shimmering curtain of Seljalandsfoss, where children love standing right behind the falling water, and feel the spray and thunder of the broad, powerful Skogafoss, which the brave can climb beside on a staircase. You explore the black volcanic sands of Reynisfjara beneath towering basalt columns and sea caves, keeping safely back from the powerful waves, where troll legends and strange geology fire young imaginations, and see the pretty village of Vik with its red-roofed church. You might visit the interactive Lava Centre to learn about volcanoes. As the day ends, you return to your country hotel near Hella. This evening, enjoy dinner and, in the darker months, watch for the Northern Lights over the farmland. Rest well after a wonder-filled day.
Today the family enjoys a real polar adventure before returning to the capital. With an expert guide, everyone straps on crampons for an easy, safe family glacier walk on a glacier tongue such as Solheimajokull, crunching across blue-white ice, peering into crevasses and feeling like true explorers, with all equipment and training provided. You then journey back west along the South Coast towards Reykjavik, perhaps stopping to meet Icelandic horses again, visit a waterfall, or enjoy a farm ice cream along the way. As the day ends, you arrive back in colourful Reykjavik and settle into your hotel. This evening, celebrate your adventures with a family dinner in the city, and perhaps a final splash in a geothermal pool. Rest well, for tomorrow brings a relaxed final day in the capital.
Today the family enjoys a relaxed, flexible day in and around Reykjavik. You might visit Perlan, with its planetarium show, real ice cave and northern-lights exhibit, explore the whimsical Whales of Iceland museum or the family-friendly zoo and family park, browse the shops for Icelandic wool sweaters and puffin souvenirs, and enjoy the city's playful public art, cafes and ice-cream stands. This afternoon you unwind together at the clifftop Sky Lagoon, its infinity edge melting into the sea, with warm water and a fun seven-step spa ritual the whole family can enjoy. This flexible day lets everyone savour Iceland at an easy pace. As the day ends, you reflect on your adventures together. This evening, enjoy a final family dinner in the capital. Rest well ahead of your journey home, full of Icelandic memories.
After a final Icelandic breakfast, perhaps a last splash in a geothermal pool or some souvenir shopping for wool sweaters and puffin toys, the family is transferred back across the lava fields of Reykjanes to Keflavik International Airport for your onward departure. You leave having shared one of the world's great family adventures, cheering the erupting Strokkur geyser and the thundering Gullfoss waterfall, watching whales and meeting Icelandic horses, walking on a real glacier, exploring black-sand beaches, and splashing in geothermal pools and lagoons, all wrapped in tales of trolls, elves and Vikings. The memories stay vivid long after you land, the exploding geyser, the black beaches, the glacier ice underfoot and the warm pools under open skies. Iceland offers wonder, excitement and fun for all ages in abundance, and the whole family departs already dreaming of a return to the land of fire and ice.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 6 nights accommodation in carefully chosen hotels and country lodges, a welcome dinner and a farm dinner
- Daily breakfast
- All private airport and land transfers as per itinerary
- Touring, sightseeing and activities with expert English-speaking guides
- Entrance fees, national park permits and geothermal spa entries as per itinerary
- private touring with an expert family-friendly driver-guide, a whale-watching cruise, a Golden Circle tour, a South Coast tour, an easy guided family glacier walk, Secret Lagoon and Sky Lagoon entry, and all activities and entrance fees
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Some lunches and dinners not specified
- Optional extra activities and gratuities
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Iceland is in the Schengen Area, so many nationalities (including UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand passport holders) may enter visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period; the ETIAS travel authorisation is being introduced for visa-exempt visitors, and a passport valid for the length of stay is required. Rules can change, so we confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality and assist with ETIAS or a Schengen visa where needed
- Currency: The currency is the Icelandic Krona (ISK), and Iceland is one of the most cashless countries on earth; cards (including contactless) are accepted virtually everywhere, from fuel stations and country cafes to remote guesthouses, so you rarely need cash at all. ATMs are available in towns; tipping is not expected as service is included, though rounding up for exceptional service is always welcome
- Best time to visit: Iceland is a year-round destination with two very different personalities. Summer (June to August) brings the midnight sun, green landscapes, open highland roads, puffins and whales, and endless daylight for touring; winter (late September to March) brings the Northern Lights, ice caves, snow-dusted waterfalls and cosy geothermal pools. Late May, September and October offer a beautiful balance of lighter crowds, autumn colour and early aurora
- Language & etiquette: Icelandic is the language, but English is spoken fluently almost everywhere, so communication is effortless. Icelanders are relaxed, egalitarian and welcoming, first names are used for everyone, and a strong respect for nature runs deep. A key custom at geothermal pools and the Blue Lagoon: you must shower thoroughly without a swimsuit before entering the water, a point of hygiene taken seriously and worth knowing in advance
- Getting around: The Ring Road (Route 1) circles the whole island and links most highlights on good sealed roads; we combine private driver-guides and small-group touring with optional self-drive where you want independence. Distances are large and weather changes fast, so we build in realistic drive times. Highland F-roads (to Landmannalaugar and the interior) are gravel, river-crossing routes open only in summer and require suitable 4x4 vehicles
- Health & safety: Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world, with negligible crime, excellent healthcare and clean tap water that is delicious straight from the cold tap. The real hazards are natural: sudden weather, strong winds, icy paths, sneaker waves at Reynisfjara black-sand beach, and unfenced geothermal areas where you must stay on marked paths as the ground and water can be scaldingly hot. We monitor conditions closely and follow official guidance
- Food & culture: Iceland's cuisine is fresh and surprising, built on superb lamb, langoustine and Arctic char, creamy skyr, rye bread baked in geothermal heat, and the beloved Icelandic hot dog. Reykjavik has a lively cafe, music and design scene, geothermal bakeries and craft breweries, while the countryside serves hearty farm-to-table fare. Alcohol is expensive and sold in state Vinbudin shops and licensed bars; we recommend the best tables at every stage
- Weather & packing: The Icelandic saying goes, if you do not like the weather, wait five minutes; conditions shift quickly in every season, so layers are essential year-round, along with a waterproof, windproof jacket, warm mid-layers, a hat and gloves, and sturdy waterproof walking shoes. Power is 230V with European type C and F two-pin plugs, so bring an adapter. Mobile coverage and wifi are excellent across populated areas and along the Ring Road
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Iceland a good destination for children?
Iceland is one of the world's best family destinations. It is exceptionally safe, clean and easy, with negligible crime, excellent facilities and short, manageable distances between wonders, and it feels like a giant natural playground of geysers, waterfalls, whales, horses, black beaches and warm pools. Children are endlessly fascinated, and Icelanders are very welcoming to families. We choose family-friendly hotels, keep driving days short, build in plenty of pool and play time, and provide guides who are wonderful with children, weaving in tales of trolls, elves and Vikings.
What ages is this trip suitable for, and can activities be adjusted?
This journey suits families with children of almost any age, from young ones to teenagers, and we tailor it accordingly. The whale watching, geysers, waterfalls, pools and horse encounters delight all ages, while the easy guided glacier walk has minimum-age requirements that we confirm and can swap for a gentler ice-free walk or a glacier-lagoon boat for younger children. We adjust the pace, activities and hotels to your family's ages and interests, and can add puffin tours, snowmobiling, horse riding or other experiences to keep everyone happily engaged.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, usually a generous spread of skyr, breads, cheese, cold cuts, fruit and good coffee, along with any meals named in the itinerary (often a welcome dinner and special experiences such as a seafood dinner in a harbour town or a farm meal in the countryside). We usually leave other meals free so you can explore Iceland's excellent restaurants, seafood shacks and geothermal bakeries, and we are delighted to recommend and reserve the best tables at every stage.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Your journey is private by default, with your own expert driver-guide or private transfers and a pace tailored entirely to you, giving real depth, flexibility and comfort; small-group and self-drive options can be arranged if you prefer. Iceland's knowledgeable guides bring the geology, sagas, folklore and natural wonders vividly to life, reading the weather and light to find the best of the Northern Lights, waterfalls, glaciers and wildlife at exactly the right moment.
Do I need a visa for Iceland?
Iceland is in the Schengen Area, so many nationalities may visit visa-free for up to 90 days, with the new ETIAS travel authorisation being introduced for visa-exempt travellers; others require a Schengen visa. We confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality, advise on ETIAS or visa applications, and ensure your passport validity and documents are in order, so entry is smooth and stress-free from the moment you land at Keflavik.
Is Iceland safe to visit?
Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world, with negligible crime, excellent infrastructure and healthcare, and superb tap water. The real considerations are natural rather than human: fast-changing weather, strong winds, icy winter paths, powerful sneaker waves at black-sand beaches, and hot geothermal ground where you must stay on marked paths. Our experienced guides monitor forecasts and road and safety conditions constantly, follow official guidance, and adjust plans so you can relax and enjoy.
When is the best time to visit?
It depends on what you wish to see. Summer (June to August) brings the midnight sun, lush green landscapes, open highland roads, puffins and whales, and endless daylight for touring; winter (late September to March) brings the Northern Lights, blue ice caves, frozen waterfalls and steaming geothermal pools under snow. Late May, September and October offer a lovely balance of fewer crowds, autumn colour and the return of the aurora. We advise on the best timing for your interests.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Every itinerary is a flexible starting point. We can adjust the balance of Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, the South Coast, the Ring Road, the Snaefellsnes peninsula, the Westfjords and the highlands, add a glacier hike, an ice cave, a helicopter flight, whale watching or extra spa time, chase the Northern Lights in winter or the midnight sun in summer, and tailor the pace, comfort level and focus entirely to you. Just tell us your dreams and we will craft them.
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