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Iceland

Land of Fire & Ice: Iceland with Your Family

Program No. 24112RJ
Take a fantastic quest through the real-life magic of Iceland, where tales of Vikings combine with a wondrous landscape to make this the perfect adventure for you and your grandchild.

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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
Age 9 - 18
ROOMING OPTION PRICING
The figures below indicate the rooming options available.
DATES
Jun 14 - Jun 21, 2025
Per Adult
4,599
Per Child
3,449
Jun 14 - Jun 21, 2025
-
4,599
/ Adult
3,449
/ Child
5,299
/ Adult
3,449
/ Child
Jul 12 - Jul 19, 2025
Per Adult
4,599
Per Child
3,449
Jul 12 - Jul 19, 2025
-
4,599
/ Adult
3,449
/ Child
5,299
/ Adult
3,449
/ Child
Filling Fast!
Aug 2 - Aug 9, 2025
Per Adult
4,599
Per Child
3,449
Aug 2 - Aug 9, 2025
-
4,599
/ Adult
3,449
/ Child
5,299
/ Adult
3,449
/ Child
Aug 16 - Aug 23, 2025
Per Adult
4,599
Per Child
3,449
Aug 16 - Aug 23, 2025
-
4,599
/ Adult
3,449
/ Child
5,299
/ Adult
3,449
/ Child
This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!

At a Glance

With bobbing icebergs and bubbling mud, elusive elves and real-life reindeer, Iceland is a seemingly magical world for grandparents and grandchildren to discover together. Embark on a quest to embrace Iceland’s bounty. Whale watching, glacier trekking, fishing and horseback riding excursions are complemented by lessons on geology, the Vikings and the Sagas. Interact with Icelanders to learn about the daily lives of the people who inhabit this fascinating land.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles daily over varied terrain. Elevations up to 4,500 feet.
Family Programs
Family Programs
Share your love of learning with your family. These programs are designed for any combination of generations: grandparents, aunts, uncles, parents and children.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Ride a glacier vehicle to the top of Langjökull, Iceland’s second-largest glacier.
  • Discover amazing geological features like the Gullfoss waterfall and the Great Geysir.
  • Find out if huldufólk, or "hidden people" of trolls, elves and dwarves — of which the Nordura is said to harbor a large population — truly exist.

General Notes

This is a Family program for participants, their adult children and grandchildren ages 9 and up.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
8 days
Program Begins
Borgarnes
Program Concludes
Reykjavik
Meals
18 | 7B | 6L | 5D |
Activity Level
With bobbing icebergs and bubbling mud, elusive elves and real-life reindeer, Iceland is a seemingly magical world for grandparents and grandchildren to discover together. Embark on a quest to embrace Iceland’s bounty. Whale watching, glacier trekking, fishing and horseback riding excursions are complemented by lessons on geology, the Vikings and the Sagas. Interact with Icelanders to learn about the daily lives of the people who inhabit this fascinating land.)
Best of all, you'll...
  • Ride a glacier vehicle to the top of Langjökull, Iceland’s second-largest glacier.
  • Discover amazing geological features like the Gullfoss waterfall and the Great Geysir.
  • Find out if huldufólk, or "hidden people" of trolls, elves and dwarves — of which the Nordura is said to harbor a large population — truly exist.
General Notes
This is a Family program for participants, their adult children and grandchildren ages 9 and up.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles daily over varied terrain. Elevations up to 4,500 feet.
Family Program
Share your love of learning with your family. These programs are designed for any combination of generations: grandparents, aunts, uncles, parents and children.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List (22 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
8 days
7 nights
What's Included
18 meals | 7B | 6L | 5D |
12 expert-led field trips
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
6 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Expand All
Activity Note
Walking from airport terminal with luggage to motorcoach; driving approximately 10 minutes to Park Inn by Radisson. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 72 miles, approximately 1.5 hours riding time. Walking about 1/2 mile, approximately 1 hour; additional time according to personal choice; indoor floors and paved sidewalks.
Breakfast:
At Park Inn by Radisson. Breakfast stops being served at 9:30 a.m. If you plan to meet the group at Park Inn by Radisson for breakfast, please allow enough time to sit down and eat.
Morning:
After meeting our group at Park Inn by Radisson, we will depart via motorcoach at approximately 10:00 a.m. and begin our journey to Borgarnes.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Equipped with audio guides, we will explore the Settlement Center Museum and learn about the discovery of Iceland. We’ll then walk to our hotel for check-in. After getting our rooms, we’ll have some time to freshen up and relax before our Orientation session. Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This is a Road Scholar Family program. Adult participants are responsible for their children at all times. If/when separate age group activities are conducted concurrently, program staff will supervise. Minors are never to be left unsupervised. The Group Leader and a series of local experts will lead field trips. Program-related travel and transfers will be by private motorcoach unless otherwise noted. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 50 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time. Getting on/off horses. Walking and games in the Troll Park. Walking up to 3 miles; uneven, hilly terrain.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will set out via motorcoach and ride to Ölvaldsstadir farm where we’ll have an introduction to horseback riding, then mount our horses for a ride on a trail down by the Hvita River. We will then take the motorcoach to Fossatun for lunch.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Next, we will walk to Troll Park for games and merriment. At the park, we will divide the grownups and children into separate groups and take two different paths exploring and learning about trolls together. The troll games commence after the walk. We’ll then return to the hotel via motorcoach.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
We will gather for some entertainment by a local dance troupe.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 160 miles, approximately 4 hours riding time. Getting on/off a boat; sailing about 35-40 miles, approximately 2 hours; standing on boat with opportunities to sit. Walking up to 2 miles; uneven terrain.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will ride the motorcoach to a boat, aboard which we’ll set out on a field trip to learn about birds and islands. During a two-hour boat ride among the islands of Breidafjordur, we will study the multitude of seabirds nesting there. Afterwards, we’ll make our way to lunch on the motorcoach.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will ride on to Eiriksstadir, where Leif Erikson (c. 970 – c. 1020 C.E.) was born. Known as “the lucky,” Leifr Eiríksson established a settlement in a place he called Vinland that was likely amid today’s Newfoundland and Labrador.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 80 miles, approximately 2 hours. Getting on/off a glacier vehicle. Walking up to 2 miles; uneven terrain and snow (glacier). Bring a swimsuit for the visit to the Husafell pool; towels are provided.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board a motorcoach and ride to Iceland’s second-largest glacier, Langjokull. We’ll then take a special modified vehicle to the top of the glacier and walk inside a unique man-made ice cave tunnel with an expert. We’ll then continue on to lunch.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Next, we will visit the swimming pool in Husafell for a dip. We’ll then walk on the gravel nature path to view the lava waterfalls, Hraunfossar, as the Group Leader tells us about the area. After taking the motorcoach back to the hotel, we’ll walk to dinner.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 180 miles, approximately 4.5 hours riding time. Walking up to 3 miles; uneven, hilly terrain.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we will board the motorcoach and set out on our next field trip to Thingvellir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was home of the ancient parliament and is now a national park. After enjoying the view from the overlook, we’ll walk down to the ravine for more spectacular sights while the Group Leader provides commentary about the history of the site. Next, we’ll ride to the Friðheimar tomato farm and learn about greenhouse horticulture.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will then ride on to see Gullfoss (the Golden Waterfall) and Geysir, the geyser from which all others take their name. We’ll view the Strokkur Geysir spout while learning from the Group Leader about the geothermal properties of Iceland. We’ll then ride on to our hotel.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 20 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time. Getting on/off a boat; riding between 2.5–3 hours. Walking up to 2 miles; standing on boat with opportunities to sit.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will drive by motorcoach to Reykjavík for a field trip to explore the Arbaer Museum (Árbæjarsafn) with an expert. This open-air museum that provides guests with an insight into the daily lives of the capital‘s earliest settlers. Walk amongst old buildings from the city center that have been relocated to the Árbær tuft farmstead on the outskirts of Reykjavik. We’ll then ride through the capital, going past the Hofdi House where Reagan and Gorbachev met and through the downtown area to see Lake Tjornin, Parliament, and City Hall.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue on to the beach for a quick look before boarding a comfortable boat and heading out on a whale watching field trip. Wild animals including sea creatures move independently but we hope to see some big whales! Returning to the motorcoach, we will then head out to dinner.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.. See your program’s “Getting There” information regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
18 Meals
7 Breakfasts
6 Lunches
5 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Low Fat, Low Salt, Vegetarian, Gluten Free
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 23, 2025
  • Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 23, 2025
  • Jun 14, 2025 - Jun 21, 2025
  • Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025
  • Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 09, 2025
  • Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 23, 2025
4 nights
Location: Borgarnes
Hotel Borgarnes is a three-star hotel in a town 70 kilometers west of Reykjavík and 120 kilometers from the international airport. There are many opportunities for recreation in the area: scenic hiking and riding paths, historical monuments, hot and cold swimming pools, and a museum.
2 nights
Location: Reykjavik
The Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel is a new and stylish hotel in the harbor district of Reykjavik and is a certified Green hotel. The hotel combines colorful and modern design with old relics of the harbor and shipyard to create a bright and authentic maritime atmosphere.
4 nights
Location: Borgarnes
Hotel Borgarnes is a three-star hotel in a town 70 kilometers west of Reykjavík and 120 kilometers from the international airport. There are many opportunities for recreation in the area: scenic hiking and riding paths, historical monuments, hot and cold swimming pools, and a museum.
2 nights
Location: Reykjavik
The Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel is a new and stylish hotel in the harbor district of Reykjavik and is a certified Green hotel. The hotel combines colorful and modern design with old relics of the harbor and shipyard to create a bright and authentic maritime atmosphere.
4 nights
Location: Borgarnes
Hotel Borgarnes is a three-star hotel in a town 70 kilometers west of Reykjavík and 120 kilometers from the international airport. There are many opportunities for recreation in the area: scenic hiking and riding paths, historical monuments, hot and cold swimming pools, and a museum.
2 nights
Location: Reykjavik
The Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel is a new and stylish hotel in the harbor district of Reykjavik and is a certified Green hotel. The hotel combines colorful and modern design with old relics of the harbor and shipyard to create a bright and authentic maritime atmosphere.
4 nights
Location: Borgarnes
Hotel Borgarnes is a three-star hotel in a town 70 kilometers west of Reykjavík and 120 kilometers from the international airport. There are many opportunities for recreation in the area: scenic hiking and riding paths, historical monuments, hot and cold swimming pools, and a museum.
2 nights
Location: Reykjavik
The Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel is a new and stylish hotel in the harbor district of Reykjavik and is a certified Green hotel. The hotel combines colorful and modern design with old relics of the harbor and shipyard to create a bright and authentic maritime atmosphere.
Participant Reviews
5
Based on 6 Reviews
Sort By:
John – Class of 2014 | Appleton, WI
This was a wonderful program to explore Iceland with our kids and grandkids. The country is packed with natural features. We were taken into the ocean, Fiords and glaciers to explore them firsthand. The food was wonderful and the accommodations clean and comfortable. Some of our group had reservations about riding horses, but found that experience a highlight of the trip. Who knew that a tomato greenhouse could be so fascinating and dining experience. We could not have packed this much into a trip we organized by ourselves.
— Review left August 1, 2024
James | Portland, OR
This is a fantastic program for families. There are so many sites to see and all were extremely interesting. You get a feel for life for present day Icelanders and for Vikings of old.
— Review left June 27, 2024
Gail – Class of 2011 | Orangevale, CA
This multigenerational program is delightful for the entire family. Our wonderful guide Ragga, showed us how fascinating Iceland is. Each day is varied and full. The daily descriptions don’t capture just how interesting and fun the activities are.
— Review left June 25, 2024
Elizabeth – Class of 2023 | North Hollywood, CA
Our Iceland trip was memorable and inspirational! We were really given a comprehensive perspective of this beautiful country its culture. The foods and accommodations were exceptional, and our guides were phenomenal.
— Review left August 8, 2023
Susan | Frankford, DE
Everyday was better than the one before. Everything was perfect - the activities, the hotels, the food, the people. Could NOT have been better
— Review left August 6, 2023
Karen – Class of 2018 | Boulder, CO
The Land of Ice and Fire grandparent trip (our second) reinforced our conviction that Road Scholar creates uniquely memorable experiences that combine adventure and learning. We can’t wait to make the next trip with another grandchild!
— Review left July 31, 2022





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