Overview
Get ready for an unforgettable journey through Iceland’s most iconic and scenic locations on the Small Group Golden Circle Tour. Your day begins with a convenient pickup in Reykjavik and unfolds across a route packed with natural beauty, history, and local charm.
Walk between continents at Þingvellir National Park, admire the cascading Öxararfoss waterfall, and enjoy a sweet stop at Efstidalur Dairy Farm for homemade ice cream. Witness the raw geothermal power of Strokkur geyser at the Geysir Geothermal Area, and feel the mist rise from the mighty Gullfoss waterfall. Savor a fresh tomato-themed lunch inside a greenhouse at Friðheimar Tomato Farm, then wrap up your day at the vivid and peaceful Kerið Crater Lake.
With a small group, personal guide, and seamless travel between each stop, this tour offers the perfect blend of culture, nature, and Icelandic flavor. Book now with Golden Circle Day Tours and discover the Golden Circle in the most relaxed and immersive way possible.
Tour Highlights
- Explore Þingvellir National Park, where Iceland’s first parliament was founded and tectonic plates visibly pull apart.
- Visit the scenic Öxararfoss waterfall, a historic man-made cascade tucked within the national park.
- Stop by Efstidalur Dairy Farm for homemade ice cream and a glimpse of traditional Icelandic farm life.
- Watch Strokkur geyser erupt sky-high at the dynamic Geysir Geothermal Area.
- Feel the mist from the thundering Gullfoss waterfall, one of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders.
- Enjoy a fresh and flavorful break at Friðheimar Tomato Farm, where geothermal energy fuels year-round greenhouse farming.
- Walk the rim or descend into the vibrant Kerið Crater Lake, framed by striking red volcanic slopes.
Itinerary
Hotel Pickup and Departure
Duration: 30 minutes before the tour starts
Your adventure begins with the hotel or designated bus stop pickup in Reykjavik. Pickup starts 30 minutes before the 09:00h departure, so be ready and keep an eye out for your minibus.
Travel in comfort with a small group (max 19 people), allowing for a more personal experience and easier interaction with your guide.
Þingvellir National Park
Stand Where Worlds Meet
Walk between continents at this UNESCO World Heritage Site where Iceland’s ancient parliament gathered in 930 A.D. and the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates visibly diverge. Wander through lava fields and learn how Thingvellir shaped Iceland’s story.
Öxarárfoss Waterfall
History Meets Nature
Discover one of Iceland’s only human-made waterfalls, Öxararfoss, where a river was diverted in the 10th century to serve the needs of the island’s lawmakers. Pause for photos amid rugged beauty and hear the tales of the world’s oldest running parliament.
Efstidalur Dairy Farm
Icelandic Farm Life & Ice Cream
Meet cows, horses, and friendly farm dogs at this family-run dairy, famed for organic homemade ice cream. Admire the views of Mount Hekla and soak up the scenery while enjoying the finest local treats at Efstidalur Dairy Farm.
Geysir Geothermal Area
The Original Geyser
Wander through steaming vents and bubbling pools in this legendary geothermal valley. Feel the earth move as Strokkur erupts every 5–10 minutes, sending hot water skyward, while the dormant Great Geysir, namesake of all geysers, sits nearby at the Geysir geothermal area in Iceland.
Gullfoss Waterfall
Nature’s Majestic Power
Marvel at the thunder of Iceland’s “Golden Falls,” where glacial waters plunge 32 meters in a double cascade into a rugged canyon. On sunny days, rainbows shimmer in the spray from the Gullfoss Waterfall, don’t forget your camera for views from several dramatic platforms!
Friðheimar Tomato Farm
A Naturally Warm Lunch
Recharge with a fresh lunch inside Friðheimar’s greenhouse restaurant, where Icelandic ingenuity makes tomatoes thrive year-round. Enjoy their famous soup and homemade bread among the vines, or sip a tomato cocktail for a taste to remember.
Kerið Crater Lake
Volcanic Beauty, Up Close
Conclude your day at Kerið, a 3,000-year-old volcanic caldera, its steep red and black slopes circling a vibrant blue-green lake. Walk the rim or descend to the water’s edge to feel Iceland’s geologic heart beneath your feet.
Return to Reykjavik
Estimated arrival: around 17:30
Your guide will return you to Reykjavik, dropping you off at your original pickup point. Enjoy the scenic ride back, full of memories from Iceland’s most legendary route.
Know before you go
- A booking confirmation is sent upon reservation.
- Not recommended for travelers with back issues or children under 4.
- Suitable for most guests in good health; light walking is involved.
- Tour duration includes a 3-hour round trip and time at each stop.
- Small group experience with a maximum of 19 travelers.
- Stop orders may change due to weather or road conditions; tours may be delayed or canceled for safety.
- Operates in all weather, dress in warm, waterproof, and windproof clothing.
