Iceland Family Journey: Geysers, Glaciers, and Fjords - 8 Days

Frequently asked questions

• Are international flights included in this trip?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details. In addition, 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.

• Are there any health considerations I should know before travelling?

  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. Our tour operator reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our Expedition Leader they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.

• Are there 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.PLEASE NOTE: JULY 26, 2025 DEPARTUREWestman Islands visit is being replaced with a visit to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Please see the description below: "Visit the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon with views of the ice cap. The lake is the lowest point in the country and filled with icebergs drifting towards the sea, often with seals lounging on top. The blocks of ice coming off the glacier are typically 30m high, in dramatic shades of white and bright blue. Stop by Diamond Beach, which gets its name from chunks of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier that float down to the coast's black sand shores.Total distance: 3km."

• How large will the group be?

  Max 20, avg 18

• How much emergency money should I bring on this trip?

  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!

• How old must I be to join this trip?

  Minimum age of 7 years for this trip.

• Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?

  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.

• Is travel insurance required for my trip?

  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. 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.

• Should I be tipping on my trip?

  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 National Geographic Expedition Leaders did an outstanding job, tipping is expected and appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline; per Expedition Leader €8-10 per person, per day can be used.For non-included meals in restaurant, a guideline is 5-10% of cost of bill.

• What activities are optional on this trip?

  Reykjavik- Reykjavik City Hall Visit (Free)- Hallgrímskirkja Church Visit (1000ISK per person)Laugarvatn- Laugarvatn Fontana Spa (3950ISK per person)

• What are the joining instructions?

  For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, our tour operator 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 our tour operator 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 our tour operator 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 Expedition Leader. 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 Expedition Leader 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 Expedition Leader will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day.

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  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.

• What are the modes of transportation on my trip?

  Private minivan/bus, boat, walking

• What do I need to know about safety and security on my trip?

  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 Expedition Leader 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 Expedition Leader 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 Expedition Leaders 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.

• What happens if I experience problems when arriving?

  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.

• What is Planeterra?

  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 our tour operator' itineraries globally. Our tour operator is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.Our tour operator 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.

• What kind of accommodation can I expect on this trip?

  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.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner

• What rules should I know before joining this trip?

  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 Expedition Leaders 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.

• What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money while on this tour?

  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

• What should LGBTQ+ travellers know about safety and travel considerations on this trip?

  The safety and well-being of all of our travelers is a priority at our tour operator and that includes our travelers who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. We recognize that there are specific concerns and questions you may have about your adventure in terms of safety and security. We encourage you to visit our LGBTQ+ page for useful resources to ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout the duration of your trip. The Equaldex tool linked on this page can be of particular help when deciding where you may want to visit next.

• What transportation will we take on this trip?

  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!

• What's Included?

  Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and GroupYour Family Journeys Moment: Horse Farm Visit, HveragerdiYour Foodie Moment: Geothermal Bakery, LaugarvatnYour Family Journeys Moment: Skogar Open Air Museum, HveragerdiYour Wellness Moment: Secret Lagoon, Fludir. 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. Secret Lagoon admission. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

• When can I do my laundry on this trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge or ask your Expedition Leader 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.

• Where will we stay during the trip?

  Hotels (7 nts)

• Who should I contact in case of an emergency?

  Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our 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 TRANSFERIf you have purchased an arrival through our tour operator 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 NUMBERSOur Berlin office: +441858378000If 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 4100Calls from within UK: 0344 272 0000Calls from within Germany: 0800 365 1000Calls from within Australia: 1 300 796 618Calls from within New Zealand: 0800 333 307 Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999If 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.

• Who will be leading the group?

  2 National Geographic Expedition Leaders throughout, local guides.

• Will I get 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.

• What are the main highlights of the Iceland Family Journey?

  You will walk through glacial landscapes, 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, and taste traditional Icelandic bread fresh from a geothermal bakery.

• What kind of activities are included in this tour?

  Included activities feature a visit to the Perlan Museum, a whale watching tour, a visit to an Icelandic horse farm, exploring a lava tunnel, a Golden Circle tour (including Thingvellir National Park, Gulfoss waterfall, and Geysir Hot Springs), lunch at Skogafoss waterfall, a visit to a Black Sand Beach, an excursion to the Westman Islands (or Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon for the July 26, 2025 departure), a stop at Seljalandsfoss waterfall, and admission to the Secret Lagoon.

• Are there any optional activities available?

  Yes, optional activities include a Reykjavik City Hall Visit (free), Hallgrímskirkja Church Visit (1000 ISK per person), and a visit to the Laugarvatn Fontana Spa (3950 ISK per person).

• What is the physical rating of this trip?

  The trip has a physical rating of 3, meaning it is not overly demanding but does include activities like hiking and walking through varied landscapes.

• What kind of accommodation can I expect on this trip?

  You will stay in hotels for 7 nights. In Iceland, we use small hotels, guest houses, and inns, sometimes in remote locations. They are comfortable and clean but typically have few amenities.

• What meals are included in the tour?

  The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 1 dinner.

• How large will the tour group be?

  The maximum group size is 20 travelers, with an average of 18.

• Who will be leading the tour?

  The tour will be led by two National Geographic Expedition Leaders throughout, along with local guides at various sites.

• What is the policy regarding children's ages on this family journey?

  Family Journeys are designed for groups traveling with children between the ages of 7 and 17. Your group must include a child to book, and anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum age for this trip is 7 years.

• What currency is used in Iceland and what should I know about money?

  The local currency is the Icelandic Króna (ISK). It's recommended to bring a combination of USD cash, credit cards, and debit cards. Most ATMs accept 4-digit PINs, and Visa is widely accepted. Be aware that credit card purchases may incur a fee. Do not rely solely on cards; a combination of cash and cards is best.

• How much emergency money should I bring?

  It is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund for unforeseen circumstances.

• Is tipping expected on this trip?

  Local tipping for guides, drivers, and included meals is covered. For the two National Geographic Expedition Leaders, tipping is expected and appreciated; a guideline is €8-10 per person, per day. For non-included meals in restaurants, a guideline of 5-10% of the bill is suggested.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You must be covered for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of USD 200,000. Personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage are strongly recommended.

• Are international flights included in this trip?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

• Are there any health considerations I should know before traveling?

  You should consult your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information and inoculations well before departure. It's recommended to carry a First Aid kit and personal medical requirements. Note that leaders are prohibited from administering drugs, and medical facilities may be remote. A Medical Form is required for travelers over 70.

• What should I know about safety and security on my trip?

  It's recommended to check your government's travel advice. Use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables, leave valuable jewelry at home, and use hotel safety deposit boxes. A luggage lock is also advised. Your Expedition Leader can amend the itinerary for safety. For free time activities, use your own judgment. In cities, stay in small groups and consider taxis at night. Water-based activities are at your own risk unless accompanied by a guide.

• What transportation will we use on this trip?

  Transportation will include private minivan/bus, boat, and walking. While not physically demanding, there can be some long drives.

• What is the weather like in Iceland during the tour and how should we dress?

  Icelandic weather is unpredictable and changeable, even in summer, with rain, sun, wind, and snow possible on the same day. Dressing in layers is highly recommended. Winter travel requires full winter gear (winter coat, snow boots, thermals).

• What is the rooming situation for solo travelers or odd numbers in a family?

  For solo travelers, group trips are designed for shared accommodation without a single supplement. Odd-numbered adult travelers in a family will be paired with another adult traveler of the same sex in twin accommodation.

• Can I get my own single room?

  Yes, if you book the "My Own Room" option, you will receive your own single room for all night stops. However, single rooms in European hotels are often smaller and may not be at the same service level as double-occupancy rooms.

• Are laundry facilities available during the trip?

  Some hotels offer laundry facilities for a charge, or your Expedition Leader can advise on the closest laundromat. Bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap is suggested for personal laundry.

• What are the rules regarding illegal drugs or exploitation on the trip?

  Illegal drugs are not tolerated and contravene local laws and group safety. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is also against the tour's philosophy. Expedition Leaders have the right to expel any group member violating these rules.

• What should LGBTQ+ travelers know?

  The tour operator prioritizes the safety and well-being of all travelers, including those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. Resources are available on their LGBTQ+ page to help ensure comfort and safety throughout the trip.

• What is the Planeterra Foundation?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating positive impact through travel by helping local communities earn income from tourism. They develop and support community-owned businesses (e.g., supporting Indigenous people, empowering women, youth employment, environmental protection) and integrate these projects into tour itineraries.

• What if there is a change to the itinerary due to unforeseen circumstances?

  The weather near the Arctic Circle can be variable, and itineraries may be amended for safety. The tour operator always endeavors to deliver a tour as close to the described itinerary as possible. For instance, the Westman Islands visit for the July 26, 2025 departure is replaced with a visit to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.