Take a trip to Iceland and you’ll feel like you have entered another world. Its lunar landscapes and unique geology never fail to stun. View black lava fields and admire glacial lakes, crashing waterfalls, spouting geysers, bubbling hot mud pools and smoldering volcanoes. Regent Holidays were among the first UK tour operators to start sending travellers to Iceland and are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year. In 2014 they won best small tour operator to Northern and Central Europe, at the British Travel Awards. That's why they are our partners for this exploration of a nation. Iceland is a huge adventure playground for all ages. Whether you’re relaxing on a geothermal beach, horse riding in the countryside, riding on snowmobiles atop a glacier, sightseeing, or just browsing around Reykjavik's quirky shops, you'll be bewitched. Discover Iceland’s stunning natural beauty on a summer family fly-drive holiday, experience the Northern Lights together during the winter half-term break or explore the country’s fascinating capital on a city break - where a whale-watching excursion from Reykjavik’s historic harbour is a must. New restaurants and experiences pop up all the time. Iceland is always evolving. Direct flights are available from London, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, and Glasgow, and with most children admissions discounted to many top attractions, it may be a good time to consider planning a tailor-made family holiday. Here, as a guide, are a couple of our most popular itineraries.
Iceland Family Encounter (8 Days)
A fun-packed fly-drive holiday, this been created with the whole family in mind.
Prices include economy class flights from Heathrow with Icelandair, plus family room accommodation, N-class car hire, and all airport taxes.
Day 1 FLY TO REYKJAVIK Arrive at Keflavik airport (voted best European airport for customer service, in the recent ASQ Awards) and collect your hire car. Soak in the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon and take some time to explore the lunar landscape of the Reykjanes Peninsula before arriving in Reykjavik. (Daily driving: 80km)
Day 2 WEST ICELAND Drive to Borgarfjordur, the saga valley in the west. Visit the Hraunfossar series of waterfalls, continuing to the holiday park in Husafell for a round of mini-golf or a swim. Embark upon an optional horse riding tour in the local area and/or a snowmobile ride on the Langjokull glacier. (160km)
Day 3 SOUTHWEST ICELAND TO REYKHOLT Visit Slakki Family Park and Farm Animal Zoo at Laugaras near Fludir and uncover some of the must-see natural wonders of Iceland’s Golden Circle route. Visit Thingvellir National Park, the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, the Geysir geothermal area with Strokkur erupting and admire the amazing colours of the volcanic crater, Kerid before returning to Reykholt. (340km)
Day 4 WEST ICELAND Discover the unique lava landscape at Bifrost, visit Glanni waterfall and find the path leading up to the Grabrok volcano crater – the views from the top are fantastic. (80km)
Day 5 WEST ICELAND Explore the stunning Snaefellsnes Peninsula and discover the friendly and curious seals at Ytri-Tunga, a beautiful and serene cove that offers a fantastic view of the Snaefellsjokull glacier. Visit Stykkisholmur, a pretty fishing village, and take a boat trip on the Breidafjordur fjord. (230km)
Day 6 SNAEFELLSNES PENINSULA Spend today travelling around Snaefellsnes Peninsula and National Park. Stop by the Park Visitors’ Centre and take the Strondin trail, a stunning walk from the bay at Hellnar all the way to Arnstapi. Take a drive around the tip of the peninsula and stop for coffee and cake at Hotel Budir. (250km)
Day 7 SNAEFELLSNES PENINSULA TO REYKJAVIK Drive back to the capital and visit Nautholsvik, Reykjavik’s fabulous geothermal golden-sand beach located on the edge of the city. Take a trip to the Family Fun Park, feed the ducks and swans in the city pond, and try ice cream at the hilltop Perlan, whilst enjoying the vista from the viewing platform. (200km)
Day 8 REYKJAVIK TO THE UK Return the car to the airport and fly back to the UK. (50km)
Iceland In-Depth: Family Fly-Drive (13 Days)
The ultimate summer holiday adventure, this 13-day itinerary based in self-catering cottages brings geography lessons to life with added fun. See geysers bursting up to 20 metres into the sky, soak your feet in a bubbling mud pool, find out about the 2010 eruption at the Thorvaldseyri volcano centre, take a dip at the Hofsos outdoor geothermal swimming pool, learn about Erik the Red at the Eiriksstadir Viking farm and explore the hidden underground world of the Vatnshellir lava caves.
Prices include:
Return flights in economy class with Icelandair direct from London Heathrow
All airport taxes & security charges
8 nights accommodation in self-catering cottages (breakfast not included)
4 nights accommodation in various three-star hotels/country guesthouses with breakfast
Car Hire in P-class (Suzuki Vitarai Jeep or similar) including pick up and drop off at Keflavik Airport, unlimited mileage, airport service charge and CDW/TP insurance and tax
Personalised travel documents including suggested activities, natural wonders and places to eat complete with GPS coordinates
24-hour emergency support number