Region Overviews: Iceland Travel Guide: Overview
Just shy of the Arctic Circle, Iceland is an island nation that features pristine glaciers, sulfuric hot springs and stunning fjords alongside the trendy bars of capital, Reykjavík.
Multi-Adventure
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Iceland's Glaciers & Coast Multi-Adventure Tour - For Families with Young Adults 20s & Beyond
The Awe-Inspiring Land of Fire & Ice
One or more kids 20+ required (siblings 17+ ok)
Family — 20s & Beyond
6 days 5 nights
Activity Level: 2-4
Premiere Hotels
From: $6,899 - $7,099 pp dbl occ
Plus $350 internal air
($1,250 for sgl occ)
Welcome to the Land of Fire and Ice. In the ancient realm of the Vikings, hike on lava beds to the Forest of Thor. Walk on a glacier and warm up in geothermal pools, journey near active volcanoes and behold sharp mountain cliffs dotted with raging waterfalls. And that's just the tip of the iceberg! Feel the energy of nature and let off steam as you and your family discover Iceland at its rugged, beautiful best.
Walk/Hike
Zodiac
Ice Walk
Iceland Glaciers & Coast Family Multi-Adventure Tour map
Iceland
Start/End Reykjavík
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
- Discover Iceland's remarkable geologic treasures, from glaciers and steam vents to volcanoes and sea stacks
- Breathe in the crisp coastal air exploring Heimaey in the Westman Islands and enjoy plenty of delicious fresh-caught seafood
- Experience an unforgettable guided ice walk through a breathtaking glacial landscape at Skaftafell National Park
- Hike through ancient and surreal realms that double as dramatic backdrops for many scenes in Game of Thrones
Itinerary
Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
6 Days Premiere Hotels*
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Days 1-2
Description
Begin your inaugural hike in Vatnajökull National Park, shaped over millennia by volcanic eruptions, glacial runoff and rushing rivers | In our Zodiac boat, explore Fjallsárlón, a frigid lagoon with an iceberg sculpture garden in its silty waters | Walk to Svartifoss (Black Falls), a stunning cascade pouring from hexagonal lava columns | Cross a remote black-sand marshland on a vintage sheep cart to explore the seabird sanctuary in the secluded Cape of Ingólfshöfdi.
Accommodations
Fosshótel Glacier Lagoon
Hnappavellir
| Premiere Hotel A modern Scandinavian-style hotel featuring wonderful views of the surrounding mountains.
Days 3-4
Description
Strap on crampons and trek over a dramatic glacier in Skaftafell National Park, admired for its ice formations, water cauldrons and pinnacles | Ferry to the Westman Islands, landing on the largest and only populated island, Heimaey | Hike to the rim of a volcano crater for unrivaled views, then down to the coast and into town to experience local island life | Keep an eye out for colonies of birds such as fulmars and kittiwakes, and from April to August the iconic Atlantic puffin.
Accommodations
Hotel Rangá
Hella
| Premiere Hotel A countryside log cabin-style resort with three geothermally heated hot tubs and views of mountains, glaciers and the Hekla Volcano. A Small Luxury Hotels of the World member.
Days 5-6
Description
Take off in a "super jeep" for a drive across rocky lava beds, glacial outflows and rivers near Katla Volcano | In Thórsmörk discover the alpine oasis created by lime-hued hillsides, snowy mountains and wildflowers at the end of the Laugavegur Trail | Hike from bizarre rock formations and canyons to beautiful viewpoints found above a vibrant green wonderland | Hike to the heart of the Hengill geothermal area | Climb through a beautiful gorge and across a valley passing bubbling mud pots | Discover views of picturesque Thingvellir on our final trek before journeying back to Reykjavík.
Accommodations
ION Adventure Hotel
Nesjavellir
| *Casual Plus Hotel This sleek, modern and award-winning hotel sits amid geothermal pools, near the shore of Lake Thingvallavatn. (pool)
Dates & Prices
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy.
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
June 2024
July 2024
Looks like you’re traveling with a smaller group
Our Private Trips are best for groups of 6 or more. We suggest joining a scheduled trip.
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Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.
From our Guests
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Activity Level:
2-4
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.
Route notes
The hiking terrain on this trip includes some maintained trails as well as some rugged mountain paths with rocky, muddy sections and steep ascents and descents. The weather can also be extreme with wind, rain and fog, all of which can make the routes feel more challenging than the mileage may suggest.
Daily Route Options
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.
Route notes
The hiking terrain on this trip includes some maintained trails as well as some rugged mountain paths with rocky, muddy sections and steep ascents and descents. The weather can also be extreme with wind, rain and fog, all of which can make the routes feel more challenging than the mileage may suggest.
What's Included
- All breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
- On biking and multi-adventure trips with biking, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
- Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
- Park and other entry fees
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
- Select coach transfers
- Baggage transfers and porterage
- All breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
- On biking and multi-adventure trips with biking, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
- Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
- Park and other entry fees
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
- Select coach transfers
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Straight talk
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Climate & Itinerary Changes
The combination of Iceland's prolific waterfalls, vast icefields, vibrant green landscape and warm ocean currents makes this island like no other place in the world. The island's climate can be as surprising as its terrain, with weather patterns and microclimates that can bring sun, wind, fog, sleet, rain and snow all in the same day (or hour!). Please be sure to bring warm layers and waterproof gear for every day of the trip. In addition, the fluctuating weather might result in flight and mid-trip itinerary changes, but your Backroads Leaders are always prepared to make necessary adjustments to ensure a great trip while keeping safety the top priority.
Accommodations & Meals
Luxury Iceland-style usually means modern, simple and nicely appointed buildings that prioritize location and views over plush amenities or landscaping. Please note that, due to the remoteness of our properties, dinners tend toward a local buffet-style affair and limited-choice menus, which is simply a part of the cultural experience of Iceland.
Internal Flight
On this trip we travel by air to reach the exclusive hotels and activities this destination has to offer. We'll be flying on a charter flight with Eagle Air aboard a turboprop plane that seats 19 passengers.
Shuttle Time
In order to access the most scenic routes and significant points of interest on this trip, multiple shuttles of one to three hours in our support vans and in Super Jeeps are incorporated into our itinerary.
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Climate & Itinerary Changes
The combination of Iceland's prolific waterfalls, vast icefields, vibrant green landscape and warm ocean currents makes this island like no other place in the world. The island's climate can be as surprising as its terrain, with weather patterns and microclimates that can bring sun, wind, fog, sleet, rain and snow all in the same day (or hour!). Please be sure to bring warm layers and waterproof gear for every day of the trip. In addition, the fluctuating weather might result in flight and mid-trip itinerary changes, but your Backroads Leaders are always prepared to make necessary adjustments to ensure a great trip while keeping safety the top priority.
Accommodations & Meals
Luxury Iceland-style usually means modern, simple and nicely appointed buildings that prioritize location and views over plush amenities or landscaping. Please note that, due to the remoteness of our properties, dinners tend toward a local buffet-style affair and limited-choice menus, which is simply a part of the cultural experience of Iceland.
Internal Flight
On this trip we travel by air to reach the exclusive hotels and activities this destination has to offer. We'll be flying on a charter flight with Eagle Air aboard a turboprop plane that seats 19 passengers.
Shuttle Time
In order to access the most scenic routes and significant points of interest on this trip, multiple shuttles of one to three hours in our support vans and in Super Jeeps are incorporated into our itinerary.
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