Iceland from Reykjavik: Golden Circle Tour with Local Surprise
Description
Explore Iceland’s iconic Golden Circle, including Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall, and the colorful Kerið volcanic crater. The regular daily tour runs from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, offering a well-paced full-day experience. If you’re visiting Reykjavík on a cruise ship, check the date your ship is in port. On selected days, we operate dedicated departures aligned with cruise port hours, allowing you to enjoy the Golden Circle and return comfortably to your ship on time. Þingvellir National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site) Geysir geothermal area Gullfoss waterfall Kerið volcanic crater
Tour Options
Itinerary
At Þingvellir National Park, travelers will explore one of Iceland’s most historically and geologically significant sites. Walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, visit the area where the world’s oldest parliament was founded, and enjoy views of lava fields, cliffs, and clear spring-fed water. The guide will explain the site’s history, geology, and cultural importance during a short walk through the park.
At Gullfoss waterfall, travelers will experience one of Iceland’s most powerful and iconic natural sights. The river Hvítá cascades in two dramatic stages into a deep canyon, creating mist and impressive views from several walking paths. The guide will share insight into the waterfall’s formation, history, and its role in Iceland’s natural heritage.
At the Geysir geothermal area, travelers will explore an active geothermal landscape filled with steaming vents and bubbling hot springs. The highlight is Strokkur geyser, which erupts regularly, sending hot water high into the air every few minutes. The guide will explain the geothermal activity of the area and what causes these natural eruptions.
Kerið is a striking volcanic crater known for its vivid red slopes and turquoise lake at the bottom. Visitors can walk along the rim for panoramic views of the crater and surrounding landscape, or follow a safe path down to the lake itself. The site offers a close look at Iceland’s volcanic geology and is an easy, accessible stop that allows time for photos and short walks.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Pickup and meeting time starts at 09:00 and may take up to 30 minutes. If you have selected pickup, please be ready and wait at your chosen pickup location from 09:00. If you do not require pickup, please meet us at: Bus Stop #12 – Höfðatorg Þórunnartún 6, 105 Reykjavík The bus will arrive anytime between 09:00 and 09:30. Important for cruise ship passengers: If you are visiting Reykjavík on a cruise ship, please follow the pickup and meeting time shown on your voucher. On cruise days, we often operate dedicated departures tailored to ship schedules, and the time you selected during booking is the correct one for your tour.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(60)
Beautiful country. The Golden Circle has so many amazing things to see. Martina and Pavlov were fantastic.
Easy to find the bus at the cruise port. The itinerary went smoothly and the guide was very pleasant and helpful.
Amazing Golden Circle tour with local surprise. Great value for money and Dan the guide was amazing.
The guide, Daniel, was very knowledgeable, funny, and friendly. We wanted to experience the Iceland landscape and we certainly did. Overall it was a great experience.
I had Daniel as a guide and he was excellent and well informed. I learned a lot in a fun way. The tour had some unique stops that I know other tour groups didn’t do. I highly recommend.
I don’t normally write reviews but this was a fabulous trip. They responded to my queries quickly before our excursion. They picked us up directly from the cruise terminal and dropped us off back there with plenty of time before our ship left. They even rearranged the time for us when ship had changed the itinerary. I know they picked up from other locations too but wanted to address that you can do this trip when on a cruise. Dan was our tour guide; very experienced, very clear, very knowledgeable and very entertaining. I don’t think the excursion could have gone any better. The price of the trip was very reasonable compared to what the cruise ship offered and it offered more locations than the ship and also a surprise or two. Thank you Dan and thank you Magic Iceland.
He couldn't control the rain but everything else about the tour was so fascinating and fun to do with the kids.
Had a wonderful time, even though it POURED the whole time! Definitely an authentic Iceland weather moment. Was a great length day trip, and had a great driver/guide Thales. I thought the time spent at each location was perfect, though I will say I am an active/fit individual in my 30s - people with mobility issues may have challenges. Loved the local surprise bit.
Excellent tour! Golden Circle tour is a superb way to see many impressive sights in Iceland. Our tour was led by Martina who was an excellent guide - friendly, funny and knowledgeable- she single-handedly made the day a wonderful experience! She accurately explained the length of each of our stops, what we could do while there and of course she gave in-depth descriptions and history of each area. A big thank you to Rafal - the bus driver for a comfortable and safe ride!
We chose this tour mainly because it offered more places for less money than the competitors. However, we were also very pleasantly surprised by our guide, Ineer (sorry if we misspelled your name). Her stories were both interesting and entertaining, and everything was organized perfectly. Thank you!
