They say that opposites attract. Does that explain Iceland? Heath beside ocean. Glaciers atop volcanoes. Icebergs the size of trucks washed up on black-sand beaches. A temperate climate yet a name like Iceland. Rumor has it that adults and kids even gravitate toward one another here. While hiking gray lava flats and white ice fields. Traveling by bike, foot, Zodiac, plane, raft, horse and "super jeep." And basking in geothermal pools after glacial waterfalls. It seems totally wild. Impossible to have such extremes so close. But maybe it's just the natural order.
Days 1-3 Explore a glacial lagoon by foot and Zodiac,
marveling at a ghostly iceberg "sculpture garden" in the jewel-blue water 
Grownups hike in the highlands while kids cross mudflats by hay cart to look for seabirds with a local expert Trek on a glacier in Skaftafell National Park to view out-of-this world ice formations, water caldrons, crevasses and a breathtaking icefall Walk at Dyrhólaey, a bird sanctuary for puffins and Arctic terns on Iceland's southernmost tip.
Day 4 Ready for a different kind of adventure? Ride in a "super jeep"
across creeks and rivers near simmering Hekla volcano Discover Thórsmörk, an alpine oasis of lime-hued hillsides, icy peaks and wildflowers Hike from bizarre rock formations and canyons to a glacier tongue with views of pristine vales and brilliant lakes A never-ending string of waterfalls line the Skógá River, including mighty Skógafoss, 200 feet high and set off by verdant moss-covered rocks Kids saddle up for a ride on agile Icelandic ponies.
Days 5-6 Check out the steaming mud pools and thermal rivers of Reykjadalur Valley - up for a dip?
Raft on the Hvítá River - the perfect mix of serene canyons and adrenaline-pumping waves and rapids! Hike in the Haukadalur Valley among geysers and streams to Gullfoss, where the river takes a 90-degree turn and plunges into a narrow canyon Bike through rolling farmland to the quaint town of Fludir and enter a world of drama and romance at the Saga Center.
Trip Highlights
- Explore a mystical, raw, wild landscape by land, water and air
- Incredible geological wonders, from glaciers and geysers to volcanoes and sea stacks
- Go for a trot on hardy Icelandic horses
- Crisp coastal air and fresh seafood
- Meet puffins, kittiwakes and other residents
Premiere & Casual Inns
Fosshótel Skaftafell (2 nights): A basic yet comfortable lodge in a spectacular location - there's a glacier out the back door!
Hotel Rangá (3 nights): A countryside resort with top-notch service and geothermal pools looking onto a serene river and the steaming Hekla volcano.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1
1 Route Option Available
- Walking 2.5 miles
- 300 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 4 4 Route Options Available
- Hiking (Adults) 6.2, 10.6 miles
- 1150 - 1200 feet elevation gain
- Hiking (Kids) 3.7 miles
- 600 feet elevation gain
- Hay Cart Ride (Kids) 3 hours
- Walking (Kids) 1.6 miles
- 250 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- Hiking 1.9, 3.7 miles
- 330 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Ice Walk 3 hours
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- Hiking 3.7, 7.5, 10.6 miles
- 300 - 1200 feet elevation gain
- Horseback Riding (Kids) 2 hours
Day 5
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- Walking 1 mile
- 100 feet elevation gain
- Biking 16 miles
- 600 feet elevation gain
- River Rafting 3 hours
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Hiking 4 miles
- 600 feet elevation gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests
and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the
next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours.
So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly
what and how much you want to do.| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
2012 Dates & Pricing*
FAMILY TRIPS
- 6/17-22 Price: $4198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1150 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $360
- 7/1-6 Price: $4398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1150 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $360
- 7/15-20 Price: $4198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1150 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $360
- 8/5-10 Price: $4398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1150 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $360
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Recommended Kids Ages
Minimum Ages:
- Recommended minimum age for the trip: 9 years
- Minimum age restriction to ride own bike: 9 years
- Minimum age restriction to horseback ride: 9 years
- Minimum age restriction to river raft: 12 years (younger kids can raft shorter section)
- No Burleys or Piccolos available on this trip
General Info on Minimum Ages:
We strongly encourage families to join our Family Trips, designed with kid- and adult-friendly features. Please note that we have a minimum age requirement of 1 year for all Inn trips and 2 years for all Camping trips. Other than that, we do not restrict trips to a minimum age except in the rare case of a hotel age restriction. We do, however, recommend minimum ages based on the following criteria:- 12+ amount of cultural appreciation, difficulty of activities, routes
- 9+ difficulty of activities/activity age restrictions, routes
- 6+ several longer dinners; routes are difficult for pulling a Burley and therefore not appropriate for younger children; difficulty of activities/activity age restrictions
Guest Trip Reviews
Ready to let off some steam in the Land of Ice and Fire? This land of extremes makes for an extremely FUN family adventure. Here you can take a "superjeep" safari across a lava landscape, get near the simmering Hekla volcano, ride agile Icelandic ponies, raft a glacial river, witness glaciers and dramatic waterfalls and more! We're thrilled to bring you up close to so many of Earth's natural wonders in a single trip.- Regional Manager