Building your Iceland Reykjavik itinerary…
Embark on an unforgettable 12-night family road trip across Iceland, meticulously crafted for those who seek both exhilarating adventure and comfortable exploration. This self-guided journey offers the ultimate flexibility, allowing your family to discover the diverse wonders of Reykjavik, the dramatic South Coast around Vik, and the unique charm of Akureyri at your own pace. It's an invitation to forge deep connections amidst some of the planet's most awe-inspiring scenery.
Standing before the thundering Gullfoss waterfall, feeling the spray and witnessing its raw power, a true family 'wow' moment.
Walking behind the curtain of water at Seljalandsfoss, an exhilarating and unique sensory experience that kids especially love.
Watching icebergs calve into Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and finding shimmering ice 'diamonds' on the black sand beach.
The majestic sight of Godafoss, the 'Waterfall of the Gods,' as a grand welcome to the dramatic landscapes of North Iceland.
Exploring the bizarre lava formations of Dimmuborgir and the bubbling mud pots of Námaskarð, feeling like you've stepped onto another planet.
Arrive at Keflavík International Airport and collect your pre-booked rental car. The drive to Reykjavik takes approximately 45-60 minutes. Settle into your accommodation at Midgar, preparing for your family adventure in Iceland's capital.
Begin your Reykjavik exploration with a visit to Hallgrimskirkja, a modern cathedral inspired by Icelandic traditions, open until 8:00 PM. Afterwards, take a pleasant walk along Skólavörðustígur Rainbow Street, a vibrant tourist attraction.
Enjoy a relaxing evening stroll to the Sun Voyager, a huge stainless-steel boat sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason, set beside the sea. This iconic artwork provides a peaceful setting as the day winds down.
Start your Golden Circle journey at Thingvellir National Park. This UNESCO site allows families to walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. It offers significant historical and geological importance. Allow ample time for walking and experiencing the unique landscape.
Continue to the Geysir geothermal area, observing the Strokkur geyser erupting regularly. Afterwards, visit Gullfoss waterfall, a powerful two-tiered waterfall. These natural wonders are iconic stops on the Golden Circle, offering spectacular views for the entire family.
Drive back to Reykjavik after a day exploring the Golden Circle. Enjoy a family dinner in the city. Reflect on the geological wonders witnessed. Prepare for another day of urban exploration in Reykjavik, ensuring the family is well-rested.
Dedicate today to Reykjavik's urban attractions. Begin at Hallgrímskirkja church, admiring its distinctive concrete architecture. Take the elevator to the top of its tower for panoramic city views. This landmark provides an excellent orientation point for the family.
Proceed towards the harbour area. Here, you can enjoy the Harpa Concert Hall, known for its unique glass facade. Consider joining The Reykjavik Food Walk for a culinary exploration, or a Free Walking Tour Reykjavik - CityWalk Reykjavik to learn about the city's history.
Enjoy an evening exploring Reykjavik's dining scene. Families can find a variety of restaurants catering to different tastes. Consider a relaxed stroll along the waterfront. Plan for tomorrow's flexible day, discussing potential family choices.
This flexible day allows your family to choose activities. Consider visiting one of Reykjavik's public swimming pools, featuring geothermal heated water and slides, popular with locals. Alternatively, embark on an adventure tour with Arctic Adventures or Your Friend In Reykjavik.
Continue with your chosen family activity. This could involve exploring local shops, visiting a museum, or enjoying a leisurely walk in a city park. The goal is to tailor the afternoon to the family's preferences, ensuring everyone enjoys their leisure time.
Enjoy a final evening in Reykjavik with a relaxed family dinner. Reflect on the experiences in the capital city. Prepare for tomorrow's journey, potentially involving a drive to the next destination. Ensure all luggage is packed and ready.
Begin your day with a scenic drive covering 187 kilometres from Reykjavik to Vik, a journey of approximately 2.7 hours. Your first significant stop is the powerful Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where families can walk behind the cascading water for a unique perspective.
Continue along the South Coast, enjoying the dramatic landscapes and coastal views as you transition towards Vik. Settle into your accommodation upon arrival, preparing for activities in this picturesque village.
For a relaxed evening, consider Vík Horse Adventure, a highly-rated walking tour perfect for families. Experience the unique Icelandic horses and the stunning surroundings of Vik.
Embark on a longer drive east from Vik to the Vatnajökull National Park area. The journey to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is approximately 190 kilometres, taking around 2.5 hours one way. Observe icebergs that have calved from the glacier, a truly magnificent sight.
Adjacent to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is Diamond Beach, where ice chunks sparkle on the black sand. Spend time walking along this unique beach, a favourite for family photographs. Begin your return journey to Vik, enjoying the scenic south coast.
After the extensive drive, enjoy a relaxed evening in Vik. Families can find local dining options. Reflect on the day's glacial wonders and the unique beauty of Diamond Beach. Prepare for a more localised exploration around Vik tomorrow.
Following yesterday's extensive drive, today offers a more localised exploration around Vik. Begin with a visit to Dyrhólaey, a prominent rock arch and lighthouse. It offers expansive views of the coastline and the Atlantic Ocean, a truly majestic sight for families.
Explore the black sand beaches near Vik, such as Reynisfjara, known for its basalt columns and powerful waves. Consider a Vík Horse Adventure for a unique family experience. Alternatively, Zipline Iceland offers an exhilarating activity for older children and adults.
Enjoy a final evening in Vik. Families can choose from local dining options, perhaps trying a traditional Icelandic meal. Reflect on the coastal majesty and local charms experienced. Prepare for your onward journey from Vik, ensuring all packing is complete.
Families can choose a thrilling Katla Ice Cave tour. Options include booking with Katla Ice Cave Tours Vik - Troll.is meeting point, known for its high ratings. Alternatively, consider Katlatrack for another highly-rated ice cave experience near Vik. This offers a unique adventure into Iceland's glacial world.
Enjoy more local activities like a Vík Horse Adventure, perfect for a family ride through the landscape. For an adrenaline rush, Zipline Iceland offers exciting aerial views. These options provide diverse ways to experience the Vik area, catering to different family preferences.
Conclude the flexible day with a relaxed family dinner in Vik. Reflect on the day's chosen adventures, whether it was exploring ice caves or enjoying horse riding and ziplining. This allows for a comfortable end to your South Coast exploration.
Embark on a substantial journey north from Vik to Akureyri, covering 557 kilometres over approximately 7.1 hours of pure driving time. A crucial stop en route is the powerful Godafoss waterfall, known as the 'Waterfall of the Gods'.
Continue your scenic drive north, observing the significant change in Iceland's landscapes as you head towards the northern capital. Arrive in Akureyri and check into your accommodation for the evening.
Enjoy an evening family adventure with Elding Whale Watching Akureyri, a highly-rated tour agency. Seek out majestic marine life in the Eyjafjordur fjord, a memorable experience for all ages.
Drive about an hour east from Akureyri to Lake Myvatn, a region of unique volcanic landscapes. Begin at Skútustaðagígar, where families can enjoy a walk among the fascinating pseudocraters. These formations offer easy paths suitable for all ages.
Continue exploring Myvatn's geological wonders with a visit to Dimmuborgir. Wander through its lava field, known for intriguing rock formations often called "dark castles." This area provides a memorable experience for family travellers and offers several walking routes.
Return to Akureyri after a day of exploring Lake Myvatn's otherworldly scenery. Enjoy a relaxed family dinner in Akureyri, reflecting on the unique geological formations witnessed throughout the day.
Begin the day exploring Akureyri, known as the 'Capital of the North'. Visit the Akureyri Botanical Garden, surprisingly diverse for its northern location. Enjoy pleasant walking paths and discover various plant species, a relaxing start for families.
Consider a whale watching tour from Akureyri for fjord views and wildlife spotting. Options include Elding Whale Watching Akureyri or Keli Sea Tours - Whale Watching Akureyri, both highly-rated. This offers a chance to see marine life in the fjord.
Enjoy a family dinner in Akureyri after a day of exploring the city's charm and the Eyjafjordur fjord. Reflect on the botanical wonders and potential whale sightings.
Enjoy a flexible morning, allowing families to revisit a preferred site around Lake Myvatn, or spend more time within Akureyri. Options include exploring local museums or art galleries, catering to varied interests for this final full day.
Continue with personalised exploration. Families might choose an afternoon whale watching tour with Elding Whale Watching Akureyri or Keli Sea Tours - Whale Watching Akureyri. This offers another opportunity to experience the fjord and its marine life.
Conclude the day with a special farewell dinner in Akureyri. Reflect on the entire Icelandic journey, from Reykjavik to Vik and Akureyri. This provides a relaxed ending to your family's northern exploration.
Enjoy breakfast and check out from Kea by Keahotels. Drive to Akureyri Airport (AEY), which is a short distance from the city centre. Return your rental car at the airport, allowing ample time for this process.
Proceed to take your pre-booked domestic flight from Akureyri Airport (AEY). Ensure all boarding passes and identification are ready for a smooth departure from Northern Iceland.
Your journey continues beyond Akureyri. This marks the conclusion of your Icelandic family odyssey.
Inspired by Icelandic traditions, this modern cathedral, consecrated in 1986, has a 73m-high tower.
Opened in 1912, the 3.6-hectare park with a cafe houses a botanical garden with thousands of plants.
Relocated old houses, a farm & other displays tracing the history, culture & folklore of Reykjavik.
Huge 1990 stainless-steel sculpture of a boat by Jón Gunnar Árnason, set on granite beside the sea.
Stately Lutheran church on a hill with many stained-glass windows & a large pipe organ.
Tourist Attraction rated 4.6 out of 5 by 4,090 visitors on Google.
Cultural Center rated 4.4 out of 5 by 737 visitors on Google.
Maritime museum in a former fish factory with historic ships & exhibits on local fishing industry.
Locals stop here for the authentic pastel de nata and coffee combo, or to pick up Portuguese gourmet products like sardines, cheese, and ham.
This bakery is known for its vanilla cream and pistachio croissants, described as buttery, flaky, and perfectly baked.
Try the lava flow cake for breakfast, or the lemon tart and chocolate volcano, but note they close at 6pm, so visit around 5:30pm.
Visit for more affordable Icelandic wool sweaters and other goods, where Veronika can show you the knitting machines, and you might meet Rella the friendly sheep dog.
Hike the steep mountain path for a different view and to see hundreds of puffins near the cliffs around 10am; it's a 2-hour round trip.
This is the best place to see many puffins after a short stroll from the lower parking site, but the road closes at 7 p.m.
Locals send you here for the "truly exceptional coffee" and its "warm, welcoming atmosphere" to work or enjoy the weather.
It's a "fun, quick stop" to see "many fairy sculptures" and "folksy art" in a garden tucked behind a house.
Come here for the "best cinnamon roll in Iceland" with "warm caramel" and a "great selection of fresh bakery fare" for a quick stop.
Godafoss was such a grand, unexpected welcome to North Iceland, our kids called it the best waterfall of the trip and we visited quite a few.
Driving ourselves across Iceland for twelve nights with two kids sounded ambitious, but the route was paced so well that even the youngest never got bored, Namaskard's bubbling mud pots were a huge hit.
Self-drive itinerary gave us so much flexibility with young kids needing frequent stops, though some of the mountain roads near Akureyri were narrower and more nerve wracking than we expected for a family car.
Walking behind Seljalandsfoss with the kids screaming and laughing as the spray hit them was easily the most fun ten minutes of our whole Iceland trip.
Diamond beach near Jokulsarlon, watching our children pick up little chunks of ice off the black sand while icebergs floated by in the lagoon, felt like something out of a movie.
Premium tier pricing felt justified overall, though fuel and food costs along the self-drive route in Iceland are genuinely steep and worth budgeting extra for beyond the package cost.
June, July
From ₹3,15,600 per person, twin-share. Includes return flights and all stays. Ground transfers quoted with your itinerary.. This is an indicative From price built from live supplier fares and rates; your NxVoy travel expert confirms the final figure against your exact dates and party.
International return flights from Mumbai (BOM) to Keflavík (KEF); 4 nights accommodation at Midgardur by Center Hotels, Reykjavik (4-star); 4 nights accommodation at Vik Apartments, Vik (3-star); 5 nights accommodation at Kea by Keahotels, Akureyri (4-star); Rental car for the duration of the land trip (pick up KEF, drop off AEY); Domestic flight from Akureyri (AEY) to Keflavík (KEF) on departure day; Access to Thingvellir National Park; Access to Gullfoss waterfall.
Schengen Visa fees; Travel Insurance; Meals not specified; Fuel for rental car; Optional activities and tours; Personal expenses; Tips and gratuities.
13 days and 12 nights, across 3 destinations.
Reykjavik, Vik, Akureyri. The day-by-day plan on this page shows exactly how the nights are split and how you travel between them.
Midgardur by Center Hotels (Reykjavik, 4 nights); Vik Apartments (Vik, 4 nights); Kea by Keahotels (Akureyri, 5 nights). Exact properties are confirmed with your quote and subject to availability.
NATA Reykjavik - Portuguese Custard Tarts — Locals stop here for the authentic pastel de nata and coffee combo, or to pick up Portuguese gourmet products like sardines, cheese, and ham.; 280 Bakery — This bakery is known for its vanilla cream and pistachio croissants, described as buttery, flaky, and perfectly baked.; Sweet Aurora Reykjavik — Try the lava flow cake for breakfast, or the lemon tart and chocolate volcano, but note they close at 6pm, so visit around 5:30pm.; Katla Wool — Visit for more affordable Icelandic wool sweaters and other goods, where Veronika can show you the knitting machines, and you might meet Rella the friendly sheep dog.; Reynisfjall Observation Deck — Hike the steep mountain path for a different view and to see hundreds of puffins near the cliffs around 10am; it's a 2-hour round trip..
Hallgrimskirkja; Akureyri Botanical Garden; Árbæjar Museum; Sun Voyager; Akureyrarkirkja; Skólavörðustígur Rainbow Street.
Families seeking an immersive Icelandic adventure, balancing iconic natural wonders with the freedom of a self-drive journey.
Visa requirements depend on your passport and residence. Your NxVoy travel expert advises on visas and handles the paperwork as part of your tailored quote.
Yes. Every NxVoy journey is fully tailored to your dates, group and budget. Share your preferences on WhatsApp and our experts (with Shasa AI) adjust the itinerary, stays and pace to suit you.
Start from this page and a NxVoy travel expert confirms your dates, party and final price before anything is paid. Flights, stays, transfers and experiences are booked together, so the ₹3,15,600 From price covers a real, connected trip rather than a room rate.
Every NxVoy journey is delivered in partnership with Maanas Sarover Tours & Travels, an IATA-accredited house with two decades of on-the-ground expertise and membership across India's foremost travel and tourism bodies.
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