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Explore Iceland’s crater lakes, coastal cliffs and Golden Circle on this six-day family adventure. Start in Reykjavik, where you’ll learn about the country's fascinating folklore, then set off to the Snaefellsness Peninsula, where you’ll spend the night at an Icelandic horse farm – a highlight for the kids! Trace your way along the Golden Circle, stopping at geographic wonders like the Silfra Fissure Strokkur Geyser and thundering Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls. Then, in the pretty seaside town of Vik, watch the kids’ eyes grow large as they see real molten lava flowing and crackling right in front of them. Round out the trip back in Reykjavik, where you can all make your very own Skrimsli – a cuddly Icelandic wool monster – to take home as a memento of your time in the land of fire and ice.
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Petra
CharlotteHallo! Welcome to Reykjavik, a city that sees around 22 hours of sunlight a day in summer and as little as 4 hours of sunlight in winter. This creates the perfect opportunity to experience the magic of the midnight sun or Northern Lights, depending on the weather and time of year you're travelling. Your family adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 3 pm today. After, your leader will guide a walk through the city centre to introduce you all to the country's fascinating folklore. You’ll soon see why Iceland is called the Land of the Sagas as you learn tall tales like the ‘Elves of Iceland’ (known in Iceland as ‘the hidden people’) and the trolls, whose existence is shrouded in mystery. And that’s not to mention the 13 Santas – a fun fact for the kids! After you've worked up an appetite, you may like to join your fellow travellers for a group dinner this evening.
This morning, travel from Reykjavik to the Snaefellsness Peninsula. Along the way, stop at a few of Iceland’s iconic sites, like Mount Kirkjufell and the white beach at Budir. Continue to Arnarstapi and take a short stroll along the coastal cliffs to see the rich bird life. Then, make your way to the basaltic pebble beach Djupalonssandur – see if the kids can spot the distinctive rock formations – an elf church and a kerling (troll woman). Head on to your accommodation for the night, a family-run horse farm. Icelandic horses are known for their gentle temperament and for having five natural gaits (most horses have just three!), making them excellent riding horses. Settle in, enjoy a home-cooked dinner and get to know the friendly resident horses.
Head out early this morning to follow the Golden Circle driving route to Thingvellir National Park. Thingvellir was the location of Iceland's first parliament, founded in AD 930, and is also the site of the Silfra Fissure, where tectonic plates are pulling apart and exposing some pretty wild rock shelves. Then, continue to the Geysir Geothermal Area and check out the Strokkur Geyser – it swells with blue water before erupting and shooting a spout up to 20 m (65 ft) in the air. Witness the sheer power of the Gullfoss Waterfall on the Hvita River. Stop by the Secret Lagoon, a natural hot pool where you can take a dip in the restorative water. Tonight, you’ll stay in the Hvolsvollur region, in a wooden cottage backdropped by mountains.
Today’s highlights are the iconic Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, a black-sand beach and the Dyrholaey Peninsula. If you’re visiting between April and August, you may be lucky enough to spot puffins perched on the cliffs. Arrive in picture-perfect Vik, where you’ll have time to grab some lunch on your own, then head to the incredible lava show, where you'll get to experience the flow of real lava. It’s sure to have the kids talking as you make the drive back to your cosy cabin in Hvolsvollur. Enjoy dinner and a relaxing evening together under the magnificent Icelandic sky. If it’s midnight sun season, you might forget about bedtime altogether, and if it’s the time for Northern Lights, your cottage is in the perfect location to take in the mesmerising show.
This morning, head back toward Reykjavik, stopping off for lunch along the way. Then, visit a local family home where the kids will be able to make their very own Skrimsli – a cuddly Icelandic wool monster that they can take home to remember their time in Iceland. They’ll get to choose the colours, eyes, horns and hair to design their own monster while you hear the story behind how Skrimslis became a beloved Icelandic keepsake, and learn about what coastal life is like here, just outside Reykjavik. When you arrive, maybe join your group for a farewell dinner.
With no activities planned today, you are free to depart at any time. There are plenty of amazing activities on offer in the Icelandic capital to fill your day and your leader will be happy to provide recommendations before you go. If you’d like to book additional nights in Reykjavik, just speak to your booking agent.
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
1. FAMILY TRIPS: Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you. 2. MINIMUM AGE: Minimum age for children on this trip is 5 years old unless otherwise approved by Intrepid. 3. CHILD PRICE: Children aged 17 years and under at time of travel on this trip, are eligible to receive 20% off the full adult price. 4. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: A single supplement is available to book on request and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
Most travellers prefer to take a small to medium wheeled suitcase, which is a great size for the packing capacity in our private vehicles. Whatever you take, be mindful that you will need to be able to carry your own luggage, handle it at airports, take it in/out of accommodation and perhaps even walk short distances. We recommend you pack as lightly as possible. If your trip includes travelling on overnight trains or primarily using public transport, the smaller your luggage, the easier it will be to store under or above bunks. Large suitcases may not be able to be taken on board. A lockable bag or small padlock for your bag will be useful, especially when travelling on public transportation as well. When you're exploring during the day, you'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, a camera, a jacket and activity-specific items like a swimsuit, a waterproof pouch/bag for your phone, or hiking shoes. Below we have listed the essentials for this trip:https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-listWATER BOTTLE Please bring your own water bottle to refill. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling. When unable to avoid bottled water, it is better to buy the largest available and distribute it into your smaller bottle for the day. Some travellers like to bring a bottle with its own filtration system or water purification tablets. If you are walking or trekking as part of your trip, you will need to carry at least 2 litres of water with you.What you need to bring will vary according to when you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage, and walk with it for short distances. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps. We also recommend you take a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips. As well as your clothes, passport and toothbrush and other items you always need to pack for travel, below are some items that you specifically need for this trip. WINTER TEMPERATURES During the winter months in Iceland, temperatures can drop to well below zero. We recommend to all our guests to bring good sturdy shoes for walking across snow or ice (good waterproof walking boots with a good grip), a warm wind and rainproof jacket and trousers, gloves or mittens, thermals and base layers, fleece, good head wear and sunglasses. You may also want to consider to rent gear upon arrival in Reykjavik. If the streets are iced over we recommend you purchase ice crampons, available in supermarkets in the centre of Reykjavik. THERMAL BATHS In order for you to be able to experience Iceland's famous thermal baths please don't forget to bring your swimsuit and a spare towel for use in the baths. WATER BOTTLE Consider bringing your own water bottle to refill along the way. The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments. Cold tap water is safe and good to drink so you can avoid the purchase of bottled water by refilling from the tap. ESSENTIALS - Rain gear, including jacket with a hood and waterproof trousers - Gloves or mittens, thermals and base layers, good head wear. This trip is operated in the winter months, but please bear in mind the weather may vary. Remember that quality winter clothes and footwear as well as rain gear is essential for this trip. You’ll enjoy your holiday to the fullest if you’re prepared for all kinds of weather! - You may also want to consider to rent additional winter gear upon arrival in Reykjavik. If the streets are iced over we recommend you purchase ice crampons, available in supermarkets in the centre of Reykjavik RECOMMENDED - Personal medical kit. Your leader will carry a large kit but we recommend you carry items such as blister relief, mild pain killers and bandaids. - Water bottle. We recommend at least a 1.5 litre capacity. The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments. - Swimwear - for the optional visits to Iceland's thermal springs OPTIONAL - Camera with spare batteries. You won't be able to recharge during the day - Earplugs and eye mask (for light sleepers)
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