Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Iceland – Reykholt – Selfoss – Westman Islands – Vik – Kirkjubaejarklaustur – Hofn – Reykjavik
100% customisable for you
Gather up the children, head to the airport and enjoy some snacks in the lounge: your Icelandic family adventure starts today. Fly to Reykjavik – a three-hour journey – and collect your rental car before beginning the journey north to the Reykholt Valley, around two hours away. The route moves quickly into Iceland’s volcanic landscape, passing craters, lava fields and wide lake-studded plains as you head inland – I-Spy, anyone?
When you arrive, settle into your base for the next two nights. You’ll have some time, so take in the surrounding landscape or visit the natural geothermal pools nearby.
Today, discover the Reykholt Valley at your own pace, moving between its quiet historical sites and surrounding natural landscapes. The region reveals itself through short drives and easy stops, with lava fields, rivers and open valleys shaping the spectacular scenery.
Head towards the Hraunfossar Waterfalls, where a series of clear streams appear to emerge directly from ancient lava rock, creating a wide, layered cascade. A short distance away, Barnafoss offers a dramatic contrast, with fast-flowing water cutting through a narrow rocky channel carved over years of erosion.
For more adventurous children, opt for a ride on horseback through the surrounding valley, following rivers and open tracks across lava terrain, or descend into one of Iceland’s largest lava caves, where long underground passages reveal the structures left behind by ancient eruptions.
This morning, drive south on a two-hour route toward Selfoss, the gateway to the Golden Circle. This compact circular route is where Iceland’s most popular natural and historical sites unfold – so keep cameras at the ready for some memorable family snaps.
Begin at Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site set within a dramatic rift valley where tectonic plates slowly pull the land apart. Continue into the geothermal area of Haukadalur, where the Strokkur geyser erupts regularly, sending boiling water high into the air. From here, head to Gullfoss, a powerful two-tiered waterfall that drops into a rugged canyon carved by glacial meltwater.
Later, arrive in Selfoss and settle into your hotel for two nights – a perfect base for exploring the Golden Circle and beyond.
Today, pay a visit to Laugarvatn Fontana, a more low-key geothermal bathing experience set on the shores of Lake Laugarvatn. The pools are arranged by temperature and fed by naturally warm springs, with wide views across the surrounding landscape.
Move between steam rooms, hot pools and the lake itself, where the little ones can splash about in the sparkling water. When everyone’s starting to feel a bit peckish, sample some traditional Icelandic bread, baked using geothermal heat from the surrounding ground.
This morning, set out towards Vik, around a two-hour drive away, stopping at the Westman Islands along the way.
Alongside an expert skipper, head out on a boat to Heimaey, the only inhabited island in the archipelago, where dramatic volcanic history is still visible in the landscape. A devastating eruption in 1973 reshaped the island overnight, adding new land and leaving behind striking contrasts between lava fields, town and coastline. Today, it’s also one of Iceland’s most important seabird habitats, with steep cliffs hosting vast colonies that can be observed from land and sea.
Return to the mainland and continue to Vik, a small settlement framed by black sand beaches and stony cliffs, for a two-night stay on the south coast.
Today’s all about exploring Vik. Take time to drive along the coastline, stopping where waterfalls cut through the landscape and glacial views open up across the distance. The nearby Seljalandsfoss waterfall boasts a striking curtain of water you can walk behind, while Reynisdrangar’s sea stacks (rock formations) stand just offshore, shaped by legend as much as geology.
For an added adventure, you can also explore the surrounding terrain on an exhilarating 4x4 ride, venturing deeper into volcanic valleys and glacial foothills that are otherwise difficult to reach – any budding adrenaline junkies will love this one.
This morning, continue east along the south coast on an hour’s drive towards Kirkjubaejarklaustur, gliding past lava fields, gorges, wide-open black sand plains and, of course, the vast Vatnajokull glacier.
‘Klaustur’, as Kirkjubaejarklaustur is more commonly known as, is a small settlement of just a few dozen residents, set between ash fields and volcanic terrain. The surrounding area is shaped by some of Iceland’s most dramatic geological features, including the Laki craters and the Eldgja Canyon, both reminders of the region’s powerful volcanic history.
Check in for the night at a small and relaxed guesthouse, with time in the evening to unwind after the drive and reminisce on the excitement of the past few days.
This morning, head east towards Hofn, a small fishing town set between glacier tongues and long stretches of black sand.
En route, join an exciting Zodiac boat excursion on Jokulsarlon – a glacial lagoon known as ‘the Crown Jewel of Iceland’ – navigating between icebergs that have broken off from the huge Breidamerkurjokull glacier. These shifting blocks of ice drift slowly through the water before gliding out to sea, often leaving fragments scattered along the nearby shore.
Back on the road, continue towards Skaftafell National Park, where marked trails lead to the sparkling Vatnajokull Glacier. If the youngsters are tired, don’t worry: take the short hike towards Svartifoss instead, marvelling at the crystal clear waterfall framed by dark columnar rock.
Later, arrive in Hofn and check in for the night in a local hotel. Not ready to relax yet? Take a tractor ride out to the Ingolfshofdi headland to spot the cute resident puffins.
Today, return your rental car in Hofn and fly back to Reykjavik, just one hour away. When you arrive, you’ll be privately transferred to your hotel in the city, well-placed for exploring Reykjavik on foot.
After an action-packed week, the rest of the day is yours for the taking. Head out into the 101 District and wander Laugavegur Street, stopping at design shops, cafés, galleries and independent boutiques. Continue up to Hallgrimskirkja church for views across the city’s skyline, then explore Reykjavik’s more cultural side at Marshall House – a former industrial building now dedicated to contemporary art.
Travelling with a budding history buff? Visit the Arbaejarsafn open-air museum, where traditional buildings bring early Reykjavik to life. Later, return to the centre and enjoy one final dinner on the harbour, where restaurants and bars reflect the city’s evolving culinary scene, from modern Nordic cooking to local specialities.
This morning, take a private transfer to Keflavik Airport and board your three-hour return flight home. After a week spent exploring geysers and glaciers, we can’t guarantee the journey back won’t be filled with questions about your next trip…
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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