Iceland Family Journey: Geysers, Glaciers, and Fjords
Iceland Family Journey: Geysers, Glaciers, and Fjords
Iceland Family Journey: Geysers, Glaciers, and Fjords
8 Days Starting and ending in Reykjavik
Visiting: Reykjavik, Hveragerdi, Vik
Tour operator:
Tour code:
25173
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
Minimum age of 7 years for this trip.
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
From glittering glaciers to black-sand beaches, Iceland’s wild landscapes will surprise and inspire travelers of all ages. Explore this subarctic isle’s natural and cultural treasures alongside our dynamic guides as you step behind the curtain of a spectacular waterfall or hike to the edge of a volcanic crater. Descend inside a lava tunnel, delve into Viking history, and get to know all about Icelandic horses at a farm.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Reykjavík
Location: Reykjavik
Accommodation: Hotel Reykjavik Grand
Welcome to Reykjavik–your arrival transfer to the hotel is included. Check in and get excited to meet your fellow travelers during a welcome meeting this evening where all families can bond before the Journey ahead.
Hotel accommodation in Iceland is very limited and rooms/facilities can be fairly simple with few amenities. Hotels are chosen for their location and access to the wondrous landscapes and natural wonders of Iceland. Hotels are often remote, all the better to enjoy the beautiful natural setting.
Additional Information: During winter months (generally November through early March) the itinerary and inclusions are highly subject to change based on weather conditions and less "daylight "hours. Your CEO will go over the schedule and advise you of any alterations on a daily basis. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding.
Please note that due to high demand there may be limited availability when booking optional activities during the tour. Many of these can be pre-booked and we recommend that they are purchased in advance in order to secure space as they are quite popular. See the Available Extras below for details and add them in the Tour Extras section when confirming your trip.
ACTIVITY: The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.
Day 2: Reykjavík
Location: Reykjavik
Accommodation: Hotel Reykjavik Grand
Meals Included: BREAKFAST, LUNCH
Start the morning at the Perlan museum, which showcases Iceland’s geological forces through exhibits on volcanic eruptions, explosive geysers, and more. After a classic Icelandic hot dog lunch, hop aboard a ship for a whale-watching expedition on Faxaflói Bay. Search for minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises diving through the waves, and learn about the incredible diversity of sea life in Iceland’s waters. The rest of the day is free for relaxing at your hotel or exploring Reykjavík.
Our travel time today includes our many stops along the way.
ACTIVITY: Visit the Wonders of Iceland exhibit at the Perlan museum, where you can see and feel all of Iceland's natural wonders under one roof. Walk through a 100m long man-made ice cave to experience what glacial environments are like, and how global warming affects this part of the world. Top your visit off with an unparalleled 360° view of Reykjavik and surrounding areas from the observation deck.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy a traditional Icelandic hot dog for lunch. Typically made with lamb, and a bit of pork and beef, these hot dogs have a natural casing that give a satisfying snap when you bite into it. They're often topped with raw white onions, crispy fried onions, capers, mustard, ketchup, herbs, a sweet brown mustard called pylsusinnep and remoulade, a sauce made with mayo. Walk up to the stand and order "one with everything"!
ACTIVITY: Take a boat ride into Faxaflói bay to try and spot minke and humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Each tour has an expert guide to maintain safety at sea and answer any questions you may have.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 3: Hveragerði
Location: Reykjavik
Accommodation: Hotel Ork Selfoss
Meals Included: BREAKFAST, LUNCH
Set off on a hike through an area dotted with hot springs, stopping to soak your feet in steaming pools along the way. Travel to a vast lava field and enter one of the longest lava tunnels in Iceland, where we’ll explore the amazing inner workings of a volcanic eruption. Then head to a traditional Icelandic horse farm to meet the friendly equine residents and learn about this special breed. Icelandic horses are small, hardy, and have a unique ambling gait called the tölt. Get to know the horses amid the beautiful backdrop of surrounding hills before gathering for a homemade lunch at the farm. This afternoon, continue to our hotel in Hveragerði, a town built around its own bubbling hot spring.
Additional Information: Our travel time today includes our many stops along the way.
ACTIVITY: Hike along the scenic Reykjadalur trail. Walk along the rolling hills and pools of bright blue water. Follow the steaming pools that line the footpath until you come to the hot springs - natural pools heated by geothermal activity.
ACTIVITY: The Icelandic horse is a very unique breed. Although small and at times pony-sized, Icelandic horses are long-lived and hardy. Tour this working farm and learn all you need to know about the Icelandic horse, with a focus on its gait and unique character.
ACTIVITY: Experience the otherworldly beauty of one of Iceland's most spectacular features, the lava tunnel. Formed by enormous lava flows during a volcanic eruption, these tunnels boast a twisting labyrinth of passageways, filled with unique formations and underground waterfalls.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 4: Golden Circle
Location: Hveragerdi
Accommodation: Hotel Ork Selfoss
Meals Included: BREAKFAST
Discover the celebrated Golden Circle, a circuit that will take us to some of Iceland’s most amazing natural treasures. Hear the roar of the mighty Gullfoss waterfall and visit the Geysir hot spring, the namesake of all the world’s geysers. Continue to Thingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates collide. Then visit a geothermal bakery to watch bakers digging pots of fresh bread out of hot black sand. Taste a slice still warm from the ground, and get the recipe for a loaf of rye. In the late afternoon, opt to stop by the Laugarvatn Fontana Spa for a soothing soak in geothermal waters.
Our travel time today includes our many stops along the way.
ACTIVITY: Discover one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland, Gullfoss, and complete the circuit known as the Golden Circle. This massive waterfall cascades over three “steps” before spilling into a large crevice. Fed by a glacier lake, the water passing through the falls can be a dark grey depending on how much sediment gets pushed through the river.
ACTIVITY: See a variety of geothermal pools and the erupting hot spring Strokkur. Geysir is one of the oldest geysers recorded in the world, but is most often dormant. Strokkur erupts a spray of boiling hot water straight into the air about every ten minutes.
ACTIVITY: Stop at Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site, to see the tectonic faults created by North American and Eurasian tectonic plates shifting apart. The Oxara river cuts through the largest rift in the valley, Almannagja, and leads to the Oxarafoss waterfall. Iceland’s parliament was also established in the area in 930. The park was later created to protect the remains of the open-air assembly grounds.
ACTIVITY: Watch first hand as bakers dig out a pot of fresh bread from steaming black sand. Taste the bread, served hot from the ground, with some butter and take home the recipe for Iceland's famous rye bread.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 5: South Coast
Location: Hveragerdi
Accommodation: Hotel Dyrholaey
Meals Included: BREAKFAST, LUNCH
Today, explore Iceland’s amazing history, from the Viking era to the industrial revolution. Visit a traditional turf-walled dwelling, and step inside a 20th-century schoolhouse while learning about Iceland’s architectural heritage, folk crafts, and modern technology. Then take a short walk to the Skógafoss waterfall, one of the biggest falls in Iceland at more than 80 feet across. Enjoy lunch at the Skogafoss Bistro. This afternoon ramble on one of Iceland’s legendary black-sand beaches.
Our travel time today includes our many stops along the way.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Visit Skogar Museum and take a tour of one of Iceland's most iconic sights, a traditional turf house. Named after the turf used to create the walls and the roof, these cheap but effective houses helped the early Icelandic people to survive the region's harsh seasons. Learn about the construction of these homes, the families who lived there and how a unique culture evolved out of these humble communities.
ACTIVITY: Visit Skógafoss, one of the largest and most recognizable waterfalls in Iceland. The 60m (200 ft) high falls forms a constant mist that floats in the air, if viewed in the sunlight the mist can create rainbows. The sound and view of the thundering water cutting through the green hills make the falls a must-see on any trip to Iceland.
Day 6: Westman Islands/Vík
Location: Vik
Accommodation: Hotel Dyrholaey
Meals Included: BREAKFAST
Leave the mainland behind and voyage to the Westman Islands, a volcanic archipelago off Iceland’s southern coast. Go ashore on Heimaey, the only inhabited isle in the archipelago, and wander among the white wooden buildings of the single tiny town. Learn about the island’s recent volcanic history, view parts of the town buried by lava flows, and hike up the slopes of the Eldfell crater, where the ground is still warm from geothermal activity! Search for adorable puffins and other seabirds nesting on the island’s steep cliffs, then sail back to Vík—the southernmost village in Iceland, known for its black-sand beach and strange rock formations.
ACTIVITY: Take a tour of the rugged coastlines of the Westman Islands. Formed by underwater volcanoes, some of these islands surfaced as late as 1963, and feature an exciting array of caves, monoliths and sheer cliffs. On top of the beautiful features, these islands boast the world's largest populations of Atlantic Puffins (before September) and a high potential to spot breaching whales like Orcas or Fin whales.
TRANSPORT: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Day 7: Reykjavík
Location: Vik
Accommodation: Hotel Klettur
Meals Included: BREAKFAST, DINNER
Return to Reykjavík this morning, stopping along the way to visit Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls. Step behind the curtain of the falls into a hidden cave filled with mist, and enjoy one of the best photographic opportunities in Iceland. Continue to the famed Blue Lagoon to soak in the hot spring’s iridescent blue waters. Continue to Reykjavík and enjoy a farewell dinner.
Our travel time today includes our many stops along the way.
Additional Information: Due to volcanic eruptions, all 2024 trips will visit the Secret Lagoon in lieu of the Blue Lagoon until further notice.
ACTIVITY: Seljalandsfoss is a 60m (196 ft) tall waterfall located along the popular ring road. Behind the flow of water is a path, allowing visitors to peek behind the curtain of water cascading over the rocks above.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Drop by The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, possibly the top attraction in the country. Located close (about 40 mins) from Reykjavík in the Grindavík lava field, the spa is open year round, providing a steamy respite from Icelandic winters. The waters are said to have healing properties and temperatures in the bathing lagoons average 37–39 °C (98–102 °F).
Day 8: Reykjavík
Location: Reykjavik
Meals Included: BREAKFAST
Depart at any time.
ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
What's Included
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Golden Circle tour including Thingvellir National Park, Gulfoss waterfall and Geysir Hot Springs
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Skogafoss waterfall picnic lunch
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Perlan Museum visit
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All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Seljalandsfoss waterfall
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Blue Lagoon admission
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Westman Islands excursion
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Whale watching tour
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Your Wellness Moment: Blue Lagoon Visit, Grindavík.
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Your Family Journeys Moment: Horse Farm Visit, Hveragerði
What's Not Included
Tipping and Gratuities
Accommodation
Hotels (7 nts)
Transport
Private minivan/bus, boat, walking
Meals Included
7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner
Group Size
Max 20, avg 18
Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Odd number adult travellers in your family will be paired in twin accommodation with another adult traveller of the same sex for the duration of the trip.
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling and we encourage you to experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Its important to remember, that food may be different from what you are used to at home and that some things may not be available in other countries.
Some meals are included in the trip price, while others are not, to allow flexibility and choice to you and your family. For non-included meals our CEOs will still make arrangements for the group to eat together, which allows you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and approximate budget (per person) for meals not included.
Throughout this trip, breakfast is included daily (ranging from continental to buffet depending on the trip), as are healthy, local snacks. Tap water is safe and drinkable everywhere. Please remember to bring your own refillable bottle and refill at the start of each day.
Note that any special meal requirements or dietary restrictions need to be specified at time of booking.
Check out our Q&As
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Local Dress
Weather can change dramatically, even in the summer months. It is best to layer clothing to ensure you are prepared for any extremes.
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Safety and Security
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it deemed necessary, due to safety concerns. Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy and explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions. Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards), have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s). Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk. Read more about travel safety for ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling.
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Tipping
Local tipping is included on this Family trip which covers local guides, drivers and gratuity for included meals. At the end of your trip if you felt your two Chief Experience Officers did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline; per CEO $30-40 USD per person, per week can be used.
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What to Take
You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. Your baggage should be clearly labelled and restricted to one soft compact suitcase, sports bag, or backpack. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. Porters are not often available, so be prepared to carry your own bags.
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Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. G Adventures can provide you with the appropriate coverage. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
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Accommodation
Hotels (7 nts)
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Group Size Notes
Max 20, avg 18
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About Accommodation
Rooming is based on double occupancy (2 passengers / 2 beds per room); all other room configurations are on request and cannot be guaranteed. We will try to accommodate triples/quad requests whenever possible and it's important to note that rooming configuration can change from city to city and 2 single beds are the standard configuration in a room. Please remember that hotel/lodge standards can be different from what you are used to in your home country, which is part of the appeal of adventure travel. In Iceland we use small hotels, guest houses and inns, sometimes in remote locations. They are comfortable and clean but do not have many amenities.
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Itinerary Notes
Prices are based on double occupancy; all other room configurations are on request and cannot be guaranteed. We will accommodate triples/quads whenever possible. Please call for further details. Family Journeys are designed for groups traveling with children between the ages of 7 and 17. Your group must include a child in order to book, and anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Please note that the weather near the Arctic Circle can be variable. Occasionally this will mean that we need to amend our itinerary to keep you safe. We will always endeavour to deliver a tour as close to the itinerary described as possible and ensure you see as much as possible, despite any bad weather.
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What's Included
Your Family Journeys Moment: Horse Farm Visit, Hveragerdi Your Foodie Moment: Geothermal Bakery, Laugarvatn Your Family Journeys Moment: Skogar Open Air Museum, Hveragerdi Your Wellness Moment: Blue Lagoon Visit, Grindavik. Arrival transfer. Perlan Museum visit. Whale watching tour. Visit a horse farm. Lava tunnel visit. Golden Circle tour including Thingvellir National Park, Gulfoss waterfall and Geysir Hot Springs. Skogafoss waterfall lunch. Visit a Black Sand Beach. Westman Islands excursion. Seljalandsfoss waterfall. Blue Lagoon admission. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
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Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
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Planeterra Foundation - the non-profit partner of G Adventures
Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. Planeterra connects underserved local communities to the benefits of tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses. These businesses support Indigenous people, empower women, grant youth access to employment opportunities, and protect the environment. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating their projects into G Adventures’ itineraries globally. G Adventures is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need. G Adventures Dollar-a-day Program - Make Every Day Count - Turn your travel into impact with Planeterra Foundation. Did you know? Most communities around the world do not benefit from tourism. Give back to the places you visit on your travels by creating opportunities for local people to earn an income, and protect the environment. Make every day count by donating $1/day for the length of your trip, and join us in empowering the communities you will visit when you travel. 100% of your donation goes directly to Planeterra projects.
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Visas and Entry Requirements
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check the information yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements. Visa information specific to your destination and nationality can be found in our Important Pre-Departure Information page here For other nationalities, travelling in Europe has been simplified with the introduction of the Schengen visa. As a visitor to the Schengen area (Austria, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Portugal, Finland, Italy, Spain, France, Luxembourg, Sweden, Czech Republic, Hungary, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland) you will enjoy the many advantages of this unified visa system. Generally speaking with a Schengen visa, you may enter one Schengen country and travel freely throughout the Schengen region during the validity of your visa. There are limited border controls at Schengen borders, if any at all. Please note that the UK and Ireland are NOT part of the Schengen agreement. A Schengen visa is applied for at the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country in which you will be spending the most nights on your trip to the Schengen space. If you are only visiting one country on your trip then you apply for your visa at the Consulate of this Schengen country.
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Health
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings in this dossier for trip specific information. For travellers over 70 years a completed Medical Form is required. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
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Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
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Highlights
Walk through glacial landscapes and soak in steaming hot springs, step into Viking realms on a visit to a traditional turf house, set out on a whale-watching excursion to seek out minke and humpback whales, taste traditional Icelandic bread fresh from a geothermal bakery.
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Group Leader Description
All National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
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International Flights
Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
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About our Transportation
This is not a physically demanding journey, however, there are some long drives (please take note of the travel times and distances in the daily itinerary). Despite some of the long days, most clients feel that the diversity of the Icelandic landscape, and culture are all well worth the experience!
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Emergency Fund
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
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Joining Hotel
For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.
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Feedback
After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customersolutions@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.
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Emergency Contact
Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible. AIRPORT TRANSFER If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that: Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change or flight cancellation within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, please call the emergency contact number to advise of your new arrival flight information. If you do not, we will not be able to rearrange your arrival transfer and you will need to make your own way to the starting hotel at your own expense. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel. EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS G Adventures Berlin office: +441858378000 If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below which will connect you directly with our Sales team who will happily assist you. Hours of operation by region can be found here. Toll-free, from calls within North America only: 1 888 800 4100 Calls from within UK: 0344 272 0000 Calls from within Germany: 0800 365 1000 Calls from within Australia: 1 300 796 618 Calls from within New Zealand: 0800 333 307 Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999 If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, and your call will be returned as soon as possible.
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Transport
Private minivan/bus, boat, walking
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Optional Activities
Reykjavik - Reykjavik City Hall Visit (Free) - Hallgrímskirkja Church Visit (1000ISK per person) Laugarvatn - Laugarvatn Fontana Spa (3950ISK per person)
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Packing List
Cold Weather: • Long-sleeved shirts or sweater • Scarf • Warm gloves • Warm hat • Warm layers • Warm waterproof jacket Documents: • Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border) • Insurance info (required) (With photocopies) • Passport (required) (With photocopies) • Vouchers and pre-departure information (required) • Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies) Essentials: • Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.) • Binoculars (optional) • Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries) • Cash, credit and debit cards • Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights) • Ear plugs • First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking) • Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal) • Fleece top/sweater • Footwear • Hat • Locks for bags • Long pants/jeans • Moneybelt • Outlet adapter • Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.) • Reusable water bottle • Shirts/t-shirts • Sleepwear • Small travel towel • Sunglasses • Swimwear • Watch and alarm clock • Waterproof backpack cover • Windproof rain jacket Health & Safety: • Hand sanitizer (required) • Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.) • Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.) Warm Weather: • Sandals/flip-flops • Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended) • Sturdy water shoes/sandals • Sun hat/bandana • Swimwear Note: The landscape of Iceland is unique and unlike most things you've seen; so is the weather. It is unpredictable and changeable, so be prepared to experience a variety of conditions during your time in Iceland. It's not uncommon to experience rain, sun wind and snow all in the same visit, so please pack accordingly. An Icelandic summer is also not what most people consider as "summer" temperature and in the evenings it can get quite cold. Dressing in layers is recommended as weather can change dramatically, without notice. If you are travelling in the winter, please bring full winter gear (winter coat, snow boots, thermals). We’re working with our accommodation partners to reduce single-use plastic on our tours by providing safe drinking water for refillable bottles wherever possible. Find out more about our Plastics Partnership Project here.
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A Couple of Rules
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.
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Laundry
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge or ask your CEO where the closest laundromat is. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry, so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
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Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling and we encourage you to experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Its important to remember, that food may be different from what you are used to at home and that some things may not be available in other countries. Some meals are included in the trip price, while others are not, to allow flexibility and choice to you and your family. For non-included meals our CEOs will still make arrangements for the group to eat together, which allows you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and approximate budget (per person) for meals not included. Throughout this trip, breakfast is included daily (ranging from continental to buffet depending on the trip), as are healthy, local snacks. Tap water is safe and drinkable everywhere. Please remember to bring your own refillable bottle and refill at the start of each day. Note that any special meal requirements or dietary restrictions need to be specified at time of booking.
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Money Exchange
The local currency in Iceland is the Icelandic Króna (ISK). It is recommended to bring a combination of USD cash, credit and debit cards. Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances but you must remember to bring your PIN number (be aware that many ATM machines only accept 4-digit PINs). Both Cirrus and Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards. Visa cards are the most widely accepted credit cards. While ATMs are commonly available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work - Check with your bank. You should be aware when purchasing products or services on a credit card, that a fee usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US cash and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds. As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com
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Important Notes
1. All parents/guardians are required to supervise their children at all times throughout the tour and may not leave their child under the supervision of the CEO, local guides, drivers, etc. Children are not to be left unattended. 2. PACE OF TOUR Please note that this is a busy tour and there are some long drive days, but stops along the way and included activities break up the drive, not to mention outstanding scenery. 3. FAMILY INSURANCE Options for family travel insurance are available. Please enquire with your Family Trip Specialist for more information. 4. Please note that on all Family Adventures one adult can only accompany up to two minors. If you have over two minors planning on travelling then a second adult will be required to attend. 5. ACCOMMODATION NOTE: Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary. 6. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES NOTE: During high season in Europe (May-October) we highly recommend booking reservations for any popular optional activities/museum tickets etc. in advance to avoid encountering sold-out activities on the ground while on tour.
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Arrival Complications
We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier and contact us as soon as possible. If you have a pre-booked transfer, and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
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Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Odd number adult travellers in your family will be paired in twin accommodation with another adult traveller of the same sex for the duration of the trip.
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Joining Instructions
For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent. An arrival transfer is included from Keflavik International Airport (KEF) when you arrive on Day 1, or if you arrive up to three days prior to your tour start date, provided that you have booked your pre-accommodation through G Adventures in our joining hotel. Due to customer experience and quality considerations, all services related to the tour must be continuous. Once you are through to Keflavik International Airport arrivals hall, your driver will be standing on your left hand side holding a sign with G Adventures logo and your name. For any emergencies on location please contact +354 780 4530. Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day. Upon arrival to your Joining Hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon), look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1 (usually between 5pm and 7pm), where you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don’t see a note, please ask reception for details! If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your CEO will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day.
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Minimum Age
Minimum age of 7 years for this trip.
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My Own Room
Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops. Please be aware that single room accommodations in European hotels are often smaller, and may not be to the same service level as double-occupancy rooms.
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Meals Included
7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner
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Group Leader
2 CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) throughout, local guides.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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