Summer Adventure 2026

This summer, our family set off on an unforgettable adventure through Iceland, Portugal, and London, creating memories we’ll cherish for years to come.

We started in Iceland, where we finally experienced the Blue Lagoon, explored the breathtaking Golden Circle, and took a helicopter tour over the 2023 volcanic eruption site. Seeing the Land of Fire and Ice during the endless summer daylight was incredible.

Next was Portugal, where we fell in love with Lisbon’s colorful streets, explored the charming coastal towns of Ericeira, Óbidos, and Nazaré, and finished with an unforgettable stay on the beautiful island of Madeira. Hiking to Pico Ruivo, swimming in Porto Moniz’s volcanic lava pools, walking the historic levadas, and even witnessing a solar eclipse made Madeira a true highlight of the trip.

We wrapped everything up with two exciting days in London, enjoying Borough Market, afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason, shopping, sightseeing, and ending the trip with a perfect Guinness at The Toucan.

Every journey reminds us that the best investment we can make is in experiences together as a family. We came home with full hearts, countless photos, and another incredible chapter added to our travel story.

Until the next adventure.

Iceland: Arriving and the Blue Lagoon

We landed in Iceland and headed straight for the Blue Lagoon. Silica mud masks, warm milky-blue water and a drink in hand. What a way to start a trip! 💙

The Golden Circle

Exploring the Golden Circle: watching Strokkur geyser blow, wandering colorful Reykjavík, and hiking between the tectonic plates at Þingvellir with its waterfall pouring through the rocks.

Volcano Landing and Gullfoss

The girls bounced on a giant jumping pillow, we touched down by helicopter on fresh lava fields, and we stood in the mist at the thundering Gullfoss waterfall, rainbow and all. 🌋

Flying Over the Land of Fire and Ice

Our helicopter tour over the volcanic eruption site was unreal. Then a cozy bread bowl lunch and one last look at Iceland’s wild coastline.

Hello, Lisbon!

Next stop Portugal! Lisbon was all sunshine, sweeping viewpoints, steep little alleys, vintage trams and streets full of colorful umbrellas. 🇵🇹

Pastéis, Sardines and Tram 28

We ate our way through Lisbon: pastéis de nata, ice cream and grilled sardines, plus a ride on the famous yellow Tram 28.

Ericeira

Out to the coast at Ericeira for golden beaches and a dip in the Atlantic, then an evening strolling the lit-up streets. 🌊

Óbidos

Walking the medieval walls of Óbidos, peeking through the castle windows and wandering the flower-covered lanes of this storybook town.

Nazaré

The famous big-wave town of Nazaré: the red lighthouse on the cliffs, huge ocean views and a fun afternoon on the beach.

Beach Days and Sunsets

More beach time on the Portuguese coast, splashing in the waves and climbing the rocks, then sunset dinners that we didn’t want to end. 🌅

Madeira and Pico Ruivo

Then it was off to the island of Madeira! After settling in, we hiked up to Pico Ruivo, the island’s highest peak, with jaw-dropping views over the clouds and mountains. ⛰️

Porto Moniz Lava Pools and the Cable Car

We swam in the natural volcanic lava pools at Porto Moniz with waves crashing over the rocks, then rode the cable car high above the hillsides.

Levadas, Cliff Jumps and On to London

Lunch at the market, a walk along the historic levadas through the forest, and jumping off the platforms into the deep blue ocean. Then we were on our way to London! 🤿

London Sights

Buckingham Palace, Horse Guards, Big Ben and the London Eye, then a little shopping at Fortnum & Mason. 🇬🇧

Afternoon Tea and One Last Guinness

Afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason with tiered trays of sandwiches and sweets, one more round of shopping and treats, and ending the trip the right way: a perfect Guinness at The Toucan. 🍀