Sample Family South Iceland Itinerary (10 days)

This plan is suitable for families with children ages 12 and up. For families with younger children, some activities such as river rafting are not permissible based on local laws. Modifications can be made to the plan with an emphasis on family members' interests.

Depart US to Keflavík on Icelandair.

Day 1 – Reykjavík
Arrive Keflavík, Iceland the next morning or on a late evening flight. Take FlyBus to accommodations in Reykjavík – Spend the day in Reykjavík - swim in geothermal swimming pools, visit the Reykjavík zoo and botanical gardens. Or take an optional afternoon or evening whale watching cruise from Reykjavík harbor. Stay at accommodations ranging from 4-star hotels to charming guesthouses located in downtown Reykjavík. A number of accommodations are family friendly and offer triple and quad rooms along with apartments suitable for families. Private facilities and breakfast included.

Day 2 – Reykjavík
Today take a half day horseback tour called the Lava Tour and lunch at Hafnarfjörður (4½ hours). Pick up and drop off included.Or enjoy a free day in town to explore the many sites. Overnight at Reykjavík accommodations.

Day 3 – Golden Circle
Pick up a rental car suitable for your family needs and leave Reykjavík heading east to Iceland’s famous Golden Circle with stops at Thingvellir National Park, Geysir and Gullfoss, then south to one of several family-friendly accommodations along the south coast ring road. An alternative option is to keep your accommodations in Reykjavík and take the most popular day tour in Iceland: The Golden Circle Super Jeep tour – the best way to get to know Iceland’s history, culture and geology before heading off on your own on day 3. Includes visits to hot springs, waterfalls, geysers and the mid-Atlantic ridge at Iceland’s famous Thingvellir National Park. With this option, rental car pickup would occur on the morning of Day 4.

Day 4 – Southwest Iceland
Spend the day enjoying many optional activities including local area river rafting, hiking, hot springs bathing and horseback riding. Overnight at same accommodations as previous night.

Day 5 – Vík
Drive east to Vík í Mýrdal, near Mýrdalsjökull (glacier). Visit Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss (waterfalls), black lava beaches and Dyrhólaey cliffs on the seacoast. Overnight at accommodations in or near Vík. Possible afternoon boat ride along the coast and evening excursion up onto the glacier with local guide.

Day 6 – Skaftafell
Drive east to Skaftafell National Park (2.5-hour drive) and overnight at Hótel Skaftafell or nearby guesthouse. Spend most of day hiking and exploring in the National Park. Options to hire a local guide or use a trail map provided by IST.

Day 7 – Skaftafell
Use Skaftafell as a base and explore the region. Excursions up onto glacier and to Jökulsárlón, glacial lagoon, for an amphibious boat ride. Consider a wagon ride to the a coastal promontory. Same overnight location as previous night.

Day 8 – Southwest Iceland
Today you will head back west along the rind road to southwest Iceland (4-hour drive) for an opportunity to explore Iceland’s fertile farm region and two of its top interior destinations at Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk over the next two days. Spend the next two nights at a deluxe 4-star hotel or a country farm hotel or a charming and romantic small guesthouse. In all cases families of all descriptions are welcomed.

Day 9 – Southwest Iceland
Today you can explore river valleys and interior destinations (4WD is necessary if planning to travel into the interior) or take a short trip to the Westman Islands by flight from Bakki Airport on the south coast. The island of Heimaey is the site of the volcanic eruption of 1973 which covered a third of the town in lava. This is a perfect example of Iceland’s famous volcanic past. Consider dinner at an eclectic seashore lobster restaurant or an upscale seafood restaurant called Hafið Bláa (The Blue Sea) offering dramatic views of the north Atlantic.

Day 10 – Blue Lagoon - Home
After breakfast, check out and drive west to Blue Lagoon (1 to 2 hours) for a late morning dip in the world famous lagoon. Consider lunch at the site or travel the rugged coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula before heading to Keflavík airport for return flight to US. The Blue Lagoon is located within a 15-minute drive of the airport. Drop off rental car at the rental car return lot next to the arrivals side of the main terminal. Check-in is recommended two hours before the flight departure time.

Feel free to add a day or two to this itinerary.  For flight departures to Europe, the final day in Iceland may require adjustments. Check with IST for options and costs.
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Iceland Saga Travel (IST) prepays all Iceland-based service providers. Client and service providers will have prepaid vouchers for each service (rental car, accommodations, tours, ferries, etc.). All accommodations include breakfast. IST provides airport FlyBus tickets, maps, driving directions and regional information brochures. IST is happy to recommend and pre-book Reykjavík restaurant reservations.