Golden Circle and Kerid Crater Afternoon Tour from Reykjavik

Exploring Iceland’s stunning landscapes becomes straightforward with the Golden Circle and Kerid Crater Afternoon Tour offered by BusTravel Iceland. Priced at $77 per person and lasting around 8 hours, this tour is perfect for first-time visitors eager to see the country’s most famous sights without the hassle of planning. With hotel pickup in Reykjavik and a professional guide, participants enjoy a well-organized experience that balances sightseeing with informative commentary.

The tour’s highlights include visits to Gullfoss waterfall, the Strokkur geyser, and Thingvellir National Park, along with an exclusive walk around the Kerid Crater. The stops are thoughtfully timed, allowing enough exploration without feeling rushed, as confirmed by many positive reviews praising the guide’s knowledge and the comfortable transportation.

While the tour is suitable for most travelers, note that food and drinks are not included, and dress appropriately for Iceland’s weather. The Kerid Crater stop is only available on the 10:30 am departure, so timing preferences may influence your experience. This trip provides a comprehensive and accessible way to enjoy Iceland’s natural wonders, especially for those new to the country.

Key Points

• Priced at $77 per person, offering great value for an 8-hour guided tour.
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik, making logistics simple.
• Visit key attractions: Gullfoss waterfall, Strokkur geyser, Thingvellir National Park, and Kerid Crater.
• Learn about Iceland’s volcanic history from an experienced guide.
• Tour duration is approximately 8 hours, with carefully allocated time at each site.
• Kerid Crater is included only on the 10:30 am departure.

The Golden Circle Route: Iceland’s Most Popular Sightseeing Path

This tour follows the acclaimed Golden Circle route, Iceland’s most visited tour destination from Reykjavik. It encompasses three iconic sites: the Geysir geothermal area, home to the active Strokkur geyser, the majestic Gullfoss waterfall, and the historic Thingvellir National Park. The route offers a comprehensive glimpse into Iceland’s geothermal activity, powerful waterfalls, and tectonic movements, making it a top choice for first-time explorers.

The Golden Circle route is designed for convenience, with a professional guide leading the way to ensure you visit all three sites without the stress of navigation. With free admission to each stop, the focus remains on enjoying the scenery and learning about Icelandic geology and history.

Gullfoss Waterfall: Iceland’s Golden Cascade

The Gullfoss waterfall captivates visitors with its two-tiered plunge of 11 and 21 meters into the Hvítá River. The waterfall pulls more than 100 cubic meters of water each second, creating a thunderous display of power and beauty.

Many reviews highlight that Gullfoss is a breathtaking sight best appreciated with ample time to take in the view and capture photos. The viewpoint offers sweeping vistas, making it a perfect photo opportunity. Visitors should wear suitable footwear, as the area can be wet and slippery, especially in colder months.

Strokkur Geyser: Iceland’s Erupting Hot Spring

At the Strokkur geothermal area, the active geyser erupts approximately every 7 to 10 minutes, shooting water up to 20 meters into the air. This predictable eruption pattern makes it easy to witness the spectacle, and many appreciate the informative commentary from the guides explaining Iceland’s geothermal activity.

Food vendors are available at this stop, allowing visitors to purchase snacks and drinks. The geyser is a highlight for many, though some note that it can be less impressive when compared to larger geysers like Geysir itself, which is no longer active.

Thingvellir National Park: A UNESCO Heritage Site

Thingvellir National Park holds both cultural and geological importance. It’s the site of Iceland’s first parliament, founded in the late 900s, and marks the visible division between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.

Expect to spend about 40 minutes exploring the park. The park features stunning rift valleys, historic sites, and scenic vistas. Many reviews praise the clarity of guides’ explanations about Iceland’s volcanic and geological activity, as well as the park’s significance.

Kerid Crater: A Volcanic Cone of Unique Color

Kerid Crater is an enormous volcanic crater with a depth of 55 meters. Its vivid red and green slopes contrast sharply with the blue water at its base, creating a striking landscape. The 20-minute stop is only included in the 10:30 am departures, making it a scheduled highlight for early risers.

Visitors can walk around the rim and descend to the crater’s bottom if time permits. Many reviews note that additional time at Kerid would be preferable, as the current stop feels brief, but the scenery remains unforgettable.

Practicalities: Transport, Group Size, and Accessibility

The tour uses comfortable coaches with modern amenities, including USB charging ports in some vehicles, which helps with capturing photos throughout the day. The group size is capped at 65 travelers, ensuring a balance between social interaction and personal space.

Hotel pickup in Reykjavik simplifies logistics, with the tour ending back at the meeting point. This convenience makes it easier to plan the rest of your trip without worrying about transportation. The tour operates in all weather conditions, so travelers should dress appropriately for Iceland’s unpredictable climate.

Guide Expertise and Tour Pacing

Multiple reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides who provide informative and lively commentary about Iceland’s natural and cultural history. Guides like Odie and Asa are praised for their friendly demeanor and storytelling skills.

The pacing of the tour is well-received, offering adequate time at each stop while maintaining a good flow. Some reviewers note that time at certain sites could be slightly longer, especially at Kerid or the last stop, which might feel rushed near sunset or in poor weather conditions.

Food, Drinks, and Personal Tips

Since food and drinks are not included, travelers should plan to bring snacks or purchase options available at stops, particularly at Strokkur. Reviewers recommend wearing warm, waterproof clothing and comfortable shoes. Bringing crampons could be helpful at certain sites, though not specifically required.

The absence of USB ports on some coaches is noted, so ensuring devices are charged beforehand is advised for capturing photos throughout the day.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This guided tour is ideal for first-time visitors wanting to see Iceland’s highlights without the hassle of self-driving. It suits travelers who appreciate informative guides, comfortable transport, and a structured schedule. The shorter stops at each site make it suitable for those with limited time, but some may find it rushed at certain locations.

In summary, this tour offers a rundown of Iceland’s iconic sights in a convenient, well-reviewed package. It provides great value for money and a memorable experience, especially for those eager to learn about Iceland’s volcanic landscape and history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers of all ages can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

What should I bring for the day?
Bring comfortable, waterproof clothing, good walking shoes, and charged devices if you want to take photos. Food and drinks are not included, so plan accordingly.

Can I join this tour if I arrive on a cruise ship?
Yes, but you must provide your ship name, docking time, disembarkation, and re-boarding times at the time of booking. Be aware that refunds are not issued if the tour is missed due to late ship arrivals.

Is Kerid Crater included in all departures?
No, Kerid Crater is only available on the 10:30 am departure. Later departures do not include this stop and are shorter in duration.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded.

How many people will be on the tour?
The maximum group size is 65 travelers, ensuring a comfortable and engaging experience.

This guided Golden Circle and Kerid Crater tour from Reykjavik combines ease, expert insights, and breathtaking scenery, making it a reliable choice for those eager to explore Iceland’s famous landscapes without the stress of driving or planning individual stops.