Get set for summer: Wild

The Blue Lagoon is part of a family-friendly itinerary around Iceland (AFP/Getty)

Strike out in Romania's bear country with Untravelled Paths (0871 662 9521; untravelledpaths.com). On this new four-night wildlife adventure in the Carpathian Mountains, an experienced guide will show you how to track brown bears – you'll soon be looking out for their tell-tale marks on the bark of trees and their muddy footprints. From the safety of a tree hide, you'll watch the beasts emerge from the forest, as well as having a chance to see grey wolves, boar, lynx and birds of prey. The trip also calls at the Libearty Bear Sanctuary and Bran Castle, aka the home of Dracula. The trip costs from £399 per person, including transfers and transport, B&B, entrance fees, excursions and guide. Minimum age seven. Friday departures from Bucharest. Excludes flights.

The Azores may not be the obvious choice for a summer holiday, however they are hosting an adventurous new trip for families from Sunvil Discovery (020-8758 4722; sunvil.co.uk) that explores the nature and wildlife of these Atlantic islands. São Miguel, the largest rock in the Portuguese archipelago, provides the heart of the action, whale-watching and crater walking, river canyoning and swimming with wild dolphins. The seven-night trip costs £1,121 per adult and £960 per child, based on two adults and two children sharing a self-catering apartment, including return flights from Gatwick to Ponta Delgada, car hire, and excursions.

Put your family to the test with the Viking Challenge, Taber Holidays' (01274 875199; taberhols.co.uk) summer adventure in Iceland. Trot through lava fields on the local horses, and take a boat out on the Arctic Ocean in search of whales, boil an egg in the hot springs, and taste bread baked in the boiling earth. There's time, too, for a dip in the thermal Blue Lagoon and a cycle ride to the lighthouse at Seltjarnarnes. The price is £2,070 per adult and £680 per child aged six to 11 years, based on four sharing, including return flights from Heathrow to Reykjavik, transfers and seven nights' B&B.