Sustainable Iceland Family Adventure – 8-Day CO2 Neutral Self-Drive Tour

Upon arriving at Keflavik International Airport and completing the customs procedures, you can conveniently collect your vehicle from the Enterprise Car rental service desk. The car rental shuttle bus awaits just outside the arrival hall, ready to transport you to the service desk located in a nearby facility. Enjoy frequent shuttle departures, taking place every 10-15 minutes.

The Tesla Model Y is an all-electric compact SUV with a sleek design and impressive performance. It offers a range of up to 326 miles / 524 kilometres on a single charge, making it perfect for long-distance travel. It comes equipped with advanced features such as autopilot, a panoramic glass roof, and a spacious interior that can comfortably accommodate up to seven passengers. With its cutting-edge technology and eco-friendly design, the Tesla Model Y is a standout choice for those who prioritize style, performance, and sustainability.

Included in your rental are the following:

• CDW - Collision Damage Waiver
• TPL - Third-Party Liability
• PAI - Personal Accident Insurance
• TWP - Theft Protection
• Additional driver
• Unlimited Mileage
• Unlimited Electrical ReCharge at selected partners

Reykjavik exploration

Today, you can explore the vibrant city of Reykjavík at your own pace and leisure. To help make your day even more enjoyable, we'll provide you with a convenient Google Maps link to your walking route, allowing you to easily navigate through the city's charming streets and lively neighbourhoods. Along with this, we'll also provide you with an informational guide about Reykjavík packed with plenty of insider tips and recommendations for fun things to do with kids. From visiting the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church and wandering through the colourful streets of the downtown area and the Old Harbour to exploring the interactive exhibits at the Reykjavík City Museum and taking a dip in the family-friendly swimming pools, there's something for everyone in Reykjavík.

On the second day of your trip, you can explore Reykjavík at your leisure if you arrived late or suffered from jetlag. We'll provide you with a guide to Reykjavík's secret spots and hidden gems to help you make the most of your time here. Today, we've curated three fun activities in the capital area: a visit to the Geothermal Exhibition at Hellisheiðarvikjun Power Plant, an exciting lava cave tour through Raufarholshellir, and a guided food tour that lets you sample traditional Icelandic cuisine.

• The Geothermal Power Plant at Hellisheiði is one of the largest geothermal power plants on the planet, and you'll have the opportunity to witness how green, sustainable energy is produced in a stunning setting surrounded by lava and moss. The exhibition is fun and interactive so your kids won't get bored for sure!
• Raufarholshellir, the Lava Tunnel, is a unique natural phenomenon created by a volcanic eruption about 5,200 years ago. You'll have the chance to explore this magnificent lava tunnel with the help of an experienced guide, and the impressive lighting will highlight the changing colours and seismic activity that formed the tunnel.
• Lastly, you can treat your taste buds to a range of traditional Icelandic cuisine on our Reykjavik Food Lovers Tour. This tour offers you the chance to sample smoked puffin, lamb soup, hot dogs, fermented shark, minke whale steak, and skyr, as well as visit some of Reykjavik's best-known food establishments. Sharing a meal is an excellent way to get to know one another, and our food tour provides the perfect opportunity to experience Icelandic culture and cuisine.

On the third day, you'll hit the road to explore Iceland's most famous region with stunning landscapes. We will provide you with a Google Maps link to your route and a guide to each attraction. Here are the stops we recommend:

• Slakki Petting Zoo and Family Park (optional, open from May to September): Enjoy Icelandic farm animals like rabbits, puppies, kittens, turkeys, foxes, geese, ducks, and chickens at Slakki Petting Zoo and Family Park, only 100 km south of Reykjavík. The park also features an indoor golf facility with a minigolf course and a nice restaurant.
• Seljalandsfoss Waterfall is a unique and stunning waterfall where you can walk behind the torrents of the fall when it's not frozen. Follow the path from the cliff base to experience the view from behind the waterfall. Don't forget your camera!
• Gljúfrabúi waterfall is a hidden gem located near Seljalandsfoss waterfall in Iceland. It is often overlooked by tourists but definitely worth a visit. To reach the waterfall, you have to walk through a narrow canyon and wade through a shallow stream. Once inside the canyon, you will be rewarded with a stunning view of the waterfall cascading down the mossy rocks into a tranquil pool. The name "Gljufrabui" means "Canyon Dweller" in Icelandic, and it is believed that trolls used to live in the canyon behind the waterfall.
• Skógafoss Waterfall is one of Iceland's largest and most elegant waterfalls. The waterfall's width is 25 meters and the cascade drops 60 meters, often creating a single or double rainbow on sunny days. This location has been popular with filmmakers, with scenes from Thor: The Dark World, The TW show Vikings, Game of Thrones, and the movie: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty shot here. (The latter one is an especially nice and kid-friendly movie. If you haven't seen it, it's a good idea to watch it in one of the evenings while you're in Iceland).
• Reynisfjara Black Beach is a world-famous black-sand beach found on the South Coast of Iceland. The Reynisdrangar Sea Cliffs stand under the Reynisfjall Mountain, with towering, spiky basalt sea stacks jutting out from the ocean 66 meters (217 ft) into the air. Be extra careful of the waves, as they can sneak up on you when you least expect it! According to folk legend, two trolls were caught by the sunlight at dawn and turned into stone, becoming the Reynisdrangar sea stacks.
• Vík is a remote seaside village located south of the Katla Volcano. The most popular attraction is the cute and little Víkurkirkja Church, built-in 1934, nestled on the top of a nearby hill with a fantastic view over the colourful village and the ocean. Vík is also home to many different species of birds in the summertime, such as adorable puffins. You might be able to spot some from the black beach!

Today, you and your family will have a thrilling day in Iceland with three exciting activities.

• First, you will experience an easy and safe glacier walk on the Sólheimajökull glacier tongue with a certified guide. You will witness the stunning beauty of different shades of glacier ice, crevasses, and water cauldrons and learn about Icelandic glaciers and their formation. No technical skills are needed for this family-friendly tour, and all necessary glacier equipment will be provided.
• After the glacier walk, you'll enjoy an easygoing one-hour horseback riding tour along the black sand beach in Vík. This tour suits beginners and those who don't ride horses often. You will cross a little stream and spend a good time with the wonderful Icelandic horses, the tour's highlight. No previous experience is necessary for this ride.
• Witness a Live Lava Show in Vík. Using real lava from the 1918 Katla eruption, the show recreates a miniature volcano eruption, providing a mesmerizing display of flowing lava just a few feet away from you. Sitting in a safe environment, you can feel the incredible heat radiating from the lava, making for an unforgettable experience.

On the fifth day, you will leave the coastal area and drive inland, to explore the attractions along the world-famous Golden Circle route.

• Thingvellir National Park is a natural wonder and a historic site where the world's longest-running parliament was founded over 1,000 years ago. Moreover, it is a geological marvel in a rift valley that marks the crest of the Mid-Atlantic ridge and the boundaries of the Eurasian and NorthóAmerican tectonic plates. Walking inside the rift, one can witness how the movement of tectonic plates slowly pulls the island apart, causing it to move approximately 2.5 cm each year, making it another excellent opportunity to discuss geography and natural history with your kids!
• Gullfoss, the "Golden waterfall", which gives the Golden Circle its name, is renowned for its stunning beauty and is a fantastic example of Earth's sheer beauty and immersing power. Gullfoss has also sparked much debate on hydro plants versus tourism and land preservation, and you can read about it on a monument next to the waterfall.
• Geysir Geothermal Area is home to the currently-dormant great Geysir, which gave all other geysers in the world their name. Although Geysir is no longer active, Strokkur geyser erupts every 4-10 minutes, shooting up to 25 meters in height!

On this day, we planned two fun activities for you:

• A river rafting experience on Hvítá River (the same river where Gullfoss waterfall is located, but of course, on a calmer stretch of the river). This 7-kilometer journey offers breathtaking views and the chance to cliff jump into the river at Brúarhlöð canyon (optional). No previous rafting experience is required as the river is classified as class 2, making it suitable for all ages and abilities. To ensure your comfort and safety, you will be provided with a wetsuit and life-jacket and accompanied by a skilled local guide. After the adventure, you can relax in the hot tubs and sauna at the base camp.
• A visit to Fontana Geothermal bakery, where bread is made using an ancient recipe and baked underground in geothermal hot spring site for 24 hours. If you time your visit correctly, you can witness the bread being unearthed and even taste it, preferably with some fresh Arctic trout and butter!

Today, take a drive through the Borgarfjörður area, one of the most beautiful areas in West Iceland. Marvel at the stunning open landscapes, volcanic lava fields, hot springs, waterfalls, beaches, and unique history. The area is also popular for agriculture, with Icelandic sheep and horses, and geothermal greenhouses for growing fruits and vegetables. The itinerary will include the Silver Circle must-see attractions: Deildartunguhver hot spring, Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, Krauma Geothermal Pool and Spa, the historical Reykholt village, and Húsafell.

Take a stroll through Reykholt to learn about Snorri Sturluson, one of the most famous writers of Icelandic Sagas. Enjoy a meal at Hotel Húsafell or Húsafell Bistro, and take a dip in the local swimming pool. Húsafell is also a popular summer destination for Icelanders, with many outdoor activities nearby, such as Víðgelmir Lava Cave, Into the Glacier, Giljaböð Baths, and Krauma Spa.

Our itinerary will include the following stops:

• Deildartunguhver hot spring: This is not the spouting kind, throwing hot water high into the air. It is Europe’s most voluminous hot spring and is surrounded by soil tinted in vibrant colours. Right next to Deildartunguhver, you will see Krauma geothermal spa, which takes its warm waters through a pipeline from this hot spring to create an amazing spa area.
• Krauma Geothermal Baths offer a unique experience where you can bathe in hot water from Europe's most powerful hot spring mixed with cold water from Rauðsgil, which originates in the former glacier. Ok, that used to be the smallest
  glacier in Iceland until it shrunk into just a snowy peak. The baths include five warm and one cold tub, two steam baths with scented oils, and a relaxation room with soothing music and a fireplace. Krauma Restaurant serves Icelandic cuisine made with fresh local farm-produced ingredients and offers a spectacular view of the hot spring.
• Reykholt: A short drive from Deildartunguhver, you will find the tiny village of Reykholt, with its large church looming over it protectively. Stroll through this village, visiting the church and reading all about Snorri Sturluson, one of the most famous writers of the Icelandic Saga is well worth it.
• Hraunfossar and Barnafossar waterfall: Small rivulets appear from under the ground and stream down onto a turquoise blue river. The unique cascades span over 900 meters wide. A truly spectacular sight!
• Húsafell: You can stop for a nice meal either at Hotel Húsafell or at Húsafell Bistro, and maybe even take a dip in the local geothermal swimming pool! Húsafell is an area where Icelanders very often come during the summer to kick back, rent a summer cottage and enjoy the
  tranquillity and the fantastic nature in the area.

The itinerary will also include recommendations for fun activities to do in this area with the kids.

Hvalfjörður, located only 50 km from Reykjavik, is a serene fjord that boasts of picturesque slopes, canyons, and waterfalls, including Iceland's tallest waterfall, Glymur (198 m). This area is a peaceful place with few visitors, a truly off-the-beaten-path destination. During World War II, a British and American naval base was situated in the fjord, and today, visitors can still explore the ruins of the once-great housing. Hvalfjörður is now a quiet place with farms and beaches, where seals bask in the sun and rivers trickle down the hills. Our itinerary will include exciting places to visit nearby, or if you want to return to Reykjavík, we will provide with more tips on activities to do in the capital area.

Rental car drop-off in Reykjavík is conveniently located near your hotel. After-hours return is available as well. A private chauffeur will transport you directly from your hotel to the airport for your departure.

Thank you for visiting our beautiful country. We wish you a safe onward journey!