Golden Circle

Exploring the Golden Circle with Elysia Tours: An Informative and Comfortable Day in Iceland

The Golden Circle tour with Elysia Tours offers a well-rounded experience of Iceland’s most famous sights in just 8 hours. Priced at $278 per person, this tour is perfect for travelers who want to see iconic locations without rushing or missing key highlights. Departing from Reykjavik, the journey takes you through Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall. A visit to a natural hot spring completes the day, making this tour a balanced mix of sightseeing, history, geology, and relaxation.

This tour stands out for its detailed stops, guided explanations in Italian, and the opportunity to enjoy off-the-beaten-path locations like Brúarhlöð canyon. A noteworthy feature is the small-group or private format, allowing for a more personalized experience. While the itinerary involves some walking and hiking, it remains accessible for most travelers, provided they bring suitable gear and a packed lunch.

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Key Points

• Price: $278 per person, including transportation, entry fees, and a professional guide.
• Duration: 8 hours with pickup generally 30 minutes before departure.
• Highlights: Visits to Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss, Brúarhlöð canyon, and a natural hot spring.
• Guided in Italian, with expert commentary on each stop.
• Small groups or private tours available for a tailored experience.
• All transportation and parking fees are included, but lunch and drinks are not.

Departure and Transportation Logistics in Reykjavik

The tour begins with pickup in Reykjavik, usually about 30 minutes before the scheduled start time. A comfortable van transports guests from the city to each site, making the journey smooth and hassle-free. After the day’s sightseeing, the group is returned to the original meeting point or your hotel, depending on your preference. The transport includes gasoline, parking, and entry tickets where needed, ensuring no hidden fees.

Visiting Þingvellir: The Birthplace of Icelandic Democracy and Geological Wonder

The first stop, Þingvellir National Park, is renowned for its historical significance and geological features. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is where the world’s first democratic parliament, Alþing, was founded in 930 AD. Visitors walk along the tectonic fault lines that create the landscape’s dramatic rifts and see the largest lake in Iceland, Lake Þingvallavatn. The guided walk lasts about 75 minutes, offering insights into the site’s importance both historically and geologically.

The park’s scenery features expansive views, rugged volcanic formations, and the sound of bubbling geothermal activity, making it a compelling start to the tour. The guide provides context that enriches understanding of Iceland’s geological processes and political history, making this stop both educational and scenic.

Geysir Geothermal Area: Witnessing Eruptions and Geothermal Power

The second major stop, the Geysir geothermal area, is about one hour from Þingvellir. This landscape showcases fumaroles, boiling mud pools, and erupting geysers. Although the Geysir cone is currently dormant, the nearby Strokkur geyser erupts approximately every 5 to 10 minutes, shooting water up to 20 meters into the air.

Visitors can observe the colorful mineral deposits that mark the geothermal activity, as well as smell the sulfurous gases. The area formed around 10,000 years ago due to seismic activity, giving a vivid sense of Iceland’s volcanic nature. The guided tour explains the geothermal phenomena and the area’s formation, enhancing the experience beyond just watching eruptions.

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Gullfoss: The Majestic Golden Waterfall and Its Environmental Story

The Gullfoss waterfall is the third key stop, famous for its 32-meter drop into the Hvitá river, which originates from Langjökull glacier. This waterfall’s natural beauty is complemented by a compelling story: in the early 20th century, there was an attempt to build a hydroelectric plant, which was thwarted by local environmental protests, preserving Gullfoss for future generations.

Visitors walk along designated paths to admire the powerful cascade from different viewpoints. The guided commentary shares the waterfall’s legends and the story of environmental activism that saved it. The site’s stunning scenery provides great photo opportunities, especially when the sunlight hits the mist rising from the falls.

Brúarhlöð Canyon: A Quiet Stop for Reflection and Lunch

Less frequented by crowds, Brúarhlöð canyon offers a peaceful setting on the banks of the Ölfusá river. This less touristy location is ideal for stopping to eat a packed lunch while enjoying scenic views. The canyon’s quiet atmosphere makes it a perfect spot to relax after the busy sightseeing stops.

The canyon forms part of the landscape along the Golden Circle route, and its proximity to Gullfoss makes it a convenient and tranquil addition to the day’s itinerary. It’s a chance to enjoy Iceland’s natural beauty away from the more crowded spots.

Hot Spring Relaxation: An Authentic Icelandic Thermal Bath

A distinctive feature of this tour is a visit to a natural hot spring—a true Icelandic specialty. This off-the-beaten-path thermal pool provides an opportunity to soak in warm geothermal waters, offering relaxation after a day of walking and sightseeing. The experience is designed to evoke genuine emotions and connect travelers with Iceland’s geothermal culture.

The hot spring stop is carefully chosen by Elysia Tours to be away from heavy tourist traffic, giving visitors a more intimate and authentic thermal bathing experience. Remember to bring swimwear and towels for this relaxing session.

Practical Details: What to Bring and Important Guidelines

Travelers should pack warm clothing, hiking shoes, a towel, and swimwear to make the most of all activities. A packed lunch is recommended, as food and drinks are not included in the tour price. The longest hike involved is about 60 minutes, so moderate fitness levels are sufficient.

The tour disallows smoking, littering, and food or drinks in the vehicle for safety and cleanliness reasons. It’s also important to note that if road conditions are poor, the tour might be canceled, so travelers should stay flexible.

The Experience in Italian: A Guided Journey

The tour is led by a live guide speaking Italian, which is a major advantage for travelers seeking explanations and local stories in their preferred language. The guide’s expertise and friendly demeanor make the experience more engaging and informative, especially at sites like Þingvellir and Gullfoss.

For those interested in a small-group or private experience, Elysia Tours offers options that ensure a more personalized approach, making the journey comfortable and intimate.

The Sum Up: An Authentic and Well-Organized Golden Circle Tour

The Golden Circle tour by Elysia Tours delivers a comprehensive visit to Iceland’s most iconic sites in a comfortable 8-hour format. The inclusion of Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss, combined with the quiet Brúarhlöð canyon and a natural hot spring, offers a balanced mix of history, geology, and relaxation.

While the tour involves some walking and a packed lunch is recommended, the small-group size, expert Italian guide, and careful site selection make it a trustworthy choice for travelers wanting a meaningful Iceland experience. The $278 price covers transportation, entry fees, and guiding, making it a good value for this comprehensive day out.

This tour suits those who prefer guided excursions in Italian, enjoy moderate physical activity, and seek a relaxed yet enriching journey through Iceland’s Golden Circle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
– Pickup and drop-off, parking fees, gasoline, transport, and entry tickets where necessary.

Is lunch provided?
– No, lunch is not included. Travelers are advised to bring their own packed lunch.

How long is the longest hike?
– The longest hike on the tour lasts about 60 minutes.

What should I bring?
– Warm clothing, swimwear, a towel, hiking shoes, and a packed lunch.

Is there a private tour option?
– Yes, small groups or private tours are available for a more personalized experience.

What languages does the guide speak?
– The guide speaks Italian.

Can the tour be canceled?
– Yes, cancelations are possible up to 24 hours in advance with a full refund.

What is the main highlight of the tour?
– Visiting Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall, and relaxing in a natural hot spring.

How is transport arranged?
– Transportation is by a comfortable van, with pickup close to Reykjavik and return at the same meeting point or your hotel.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
– The physical activity involved is moderate, making it suitable for most travelers who can manage short hikes and walking.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby