Building your Iceland Reykjavik itinerary…
Embark on a meticulously crafted 7-night family road trip, designed to unveil Iceland's most spectacular landscapes and vibrant culture. This self-drive adventure takes you from the charming capital of Reykjavik to the dramatic South Coast's black sand beaches and glaciers, culminating in the serene beauty of the North around Akureyri.
Standing between two continental plates at Thingvellir and feeling the immense power of the Earth.
Walking behind the curtain of Seljalandsfoss waterfall, feeling the spray and seeing the world through a sheet of water.
Witnessing the luminous blue icebergs calve into Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and wash up on Diamond Beach.
The serene beauty and power of Godafoss, the 'Waterfall of the Gods', after a scenic drive north.
Exploring the otherworldly landscapes of the Mývatn area, from bubbling mud pots to bizarre lava formations.
Upon your late evening arrival at Keflavik Airport, collect your pre-booked self-drive vehicle. This vehicle will be your transport for the entire journey. The drive to your Reykjavik hotel is approximately 45-50 minutes, allowing for a smooth transition after your flight.
After collecting your self-drive vehicle upon late evening arrival, the afternoon is dedicated to your smooth transfer from Keflavik Airport to your Reykjavik hotel. Settle into your accommodation comfortably.
The evening involves settling into your Reykjavik hotel after the drive from Keflavik Airport. Prepare for the adventures ahead, ensuring a good night's rest for the family after your journey.
Embark on the renowned Golden Circle route, a classic introduction to Iceland's geological wonders. Your first stop is Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates visibly separate.
The afternoon continues your self-drive exploration of the Golden Circle route. Enjoy further geological wonders and diverse natural landscapes, making this a memorable family experience.
After a day of exploring the Golden Circle, drive back to Reykjavik. Enjoy a relaxed evening at your hotel, perhaps dining at a local restaurant, and prepare for tomorrow's city charms.
Dedicate the morning to discovering Reykjavik's city centre. Stroll past colourful houses and visit Hallgrímskirkja church for panoramic views, a great experience for the whole family.
In the afternoon, proceed to the harbour for your scheduled whale watching tour with Elding Whale Watching. This boat trip offers a chance to see marine life, a thrilling experience for families.
After your coastal adventure, enjoy a relaxing evening back in Reykjavik. Families can unwind at their hotel or explore local dining options after a day of city and sea experiences.
Begin your journey with a scenic drive from Reykjavik to Vik, covering 187 km in approximately 2.7 hours. En route, stop at Seljalandsfoss waterfall, famous for the path allowing you to walk directly behind the cascading water. Prepare for a refreshing experience.
Continue your drive towards Vik. Upon arrival, visit Reynisfjara, the stunning black sand beach. Admire the basalt columns and powerful Atlantic waves. This unique geological site is open 24 hours, offering ample time for exploration and photography with the family.
Settle into your accommodation in Vik after a day of driving and sightseeing. Enjoy a relaxed evening, perhaps planning for tomorrow's adventures. Vik offers a peaceful setting after your journey along the South Coast, perfect for family unwinding.
Embark on a substantial drive east from Vik towards the Vatnajokull National Park area, a journey of approximately 2.5 hours. Your destination is Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where you will witness impressive blue icebergs drifting serenely towards the sea, a truly captivating sight for all.
Spend time at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, observing the majestic icebergs. Adjacent to the lagoon is Diamond Beach, where ice fragments wash ashore, sparkling like diamonds on the black sand. This unique natural spectacle provides incredible photo opportunities for the entire family.
Undertake the 2.5-hour drive back to Vik from the Vatnajokull National Park area. Enjoy a relaxed evening in Vik after your day exploring glacial wonders and diamond shores. Consider dining at a local restaurant to unwind with your family.
Embark on a significant travel day, driving north from Vik to Akureyri, a journey of 557 km taking approximately 7.1 hours. This route offers diverse landscapes. A crucial stop along the way is Godafoss, the 'Waterfall of the Gods,' a powerful and beautiful cascade.
Continue your drive towards Akureyri, often called the 'Capital of the North.' Upon arrival, consider visiting the Akureyri Botanical Garden, a peaceful oasis showcasing diverse plant life. It's a lovely spot for a family stroll after your long journey.
Settle into your accommodation in Akureyri. For an evening activity, consider a whale watching tour with Elding Whale Watching Akureyri. This offers a chance to spot magnificent marine life in the Eyjafjörður fjord, a memorable experience for the family.
Begin your day at the Akureyri Botanical Garden, a 3.6-hectare park. Opened in 1912, it houses a botanical garden with thousands of plants, offering a peaceful start for families. Enjoy a leisurely walk among diverse flora and visit the on-site cafe.
In the afternoon, embark on a whale watching tour with Elding Whale Watching Akureyri. This highly-rated tour agency provides an exciting opportunity to spot marine life in the waters near Akureyri, a memorable experience for all family members.
Conclude your day with a relaxed family dinner in Akureyri. Choose from local restaurants offering a variety of cuisines suitable for all tastes. Reflect on the day's encounters with nature and the unique botanical displays.
Enjoy a final Icelandic breakfast at your accommodation in Akureyri. Take time to pack and ensure all belongings are ready for your departure. This morning allows for a relaxed start before heading to the airport later.
In the afternoon, proceed to drop off your self-drive vehicle at Akureyri Airport (AEY). Allow ample time for the car return process and check-in for your evening flight. Ensure all travel documents are easily accessible for a smooth departure.
Board your evening flight home from Akureyri Airport (AEY), concluding your family's memorable Icelandic adventure. Reflect on the diverse natural wonders and unique experiences shared throughout your journey across Reykjavik, Vik, and Akureyri.
Tourist Attraction rated 4.8 out of 5 by 24,234 visitors on Google.
Protected beauty spot with dramatic rocky scenery, lakes & ridges plus a national historical shrine.
Inspired by Icelandic traditions, this modern cathedral, consecrated in 1986, has a 73m-high tower.
Tourist Attraction rated 4.8 out of 5 by 5,464 visitors on Google.
Wild hiking trails in a 14,000 sq km glacier national park with visitor centers & camping grounds.
Opened in 1912, the 3.6-hectare park with a cafe houses a botanical garden with thousands of plants.
Tourist Attraction rated 4.8 out of 5 by 2,528 visitors on Google.
Relocated old houses, a farm & other displays tracing the history, culture & folklore of Reykjavik.
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.
Midnight sun in June meant we could keep exploring well past what felt like bedtime and the kids barely noticed, too excited by each new waterfall. Godafoss at the end of a long drive north was one of those views that make you stop mid sentence. Self drive gave us the flexibility to stop wherever the children wanted photos, which with two kids under ten is basically every five minutes. Would happily do this route again.
Thingvellir gave us a proper geography lesson standing between two continents, genuinely moving even for the kids. Driving stretches between Vik and Akureyri are long though, budget extra patience if travelling with younger children.
Seljalandsfoss let us literally walk behind a waterfall, kids have not stopped talking about it since we got home.
Weather turned on us for two days straight, heavy rain meant we skipped a chunk of the Myvatn walking trails we had planned for the kids. Diamond Beach on the one sunny afternoon almost made up for it, almost.
Great week overall, though the stretch up to Akureyri dragged on and our youngest got carsick twice on the bends.
Seljalandsfoss and Jokulsarlon were faultless, but Iceland is eye wateringly expensive and feeding four of us at the roadside cafes near Vik added up alarmingly fast. Pack snacks if you possibly can.
June, July, August
From ₹2,13,400 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 economy class flights from Bengaluru to Reykjavik, returning from Akureyri; 7 nights accommodation in selected hotels (Reykjavik, Vik, Akureyri); Breakfasts at hotels where specified (Midgardur, Kea by Keahotels); Self-drive car rental for 8 days (pick-up KEF Day 1, drop-off KEF Day 8); Detailed digital itinerary with GPS coordinates and local insights; 24/7 NxVoy consultant support during your trip.
Schengen Visa fees; Travel Insurance; Meals (lunches, dinners, snacks); Fuel for rental car; Optional activities and entrance fees (e.g., whale watching, glacier lagoon boat tour, museum entries).
8 days and 7 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, 3 nights); Vik Apartments (Vik, 2 nights); Kea by Keahotels (Akureyri, 3 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..
Seljalandsfoss waterfalls; Thingvellir National Park; Hallgrimskirkja; Godafoss; Vatnajokull National Park; Akureyri Botanical Garden.
Families of four (2 adults, 2 kids) seeking a blend of iconic natural wonders, cultural exploration, and the thrill of a self-drive adventure across Iceland's diverse and dramatic landscapes.
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 ₹2,13,400 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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