Private Tour Of The Golden Circle With Farm Visits In Iceland

An Intimate, Seamless Way to Explore the Golden Circle in Iceland

This private tour offers a luxurious, hassle-free way to experience Iceland’s iconic Golden Circle. Priced at $1,289 per group (up to 6 people), the tour runs for approximately 7 to 8 hours, including travel time. It departs from Reykjavik, with pick-up and drop-off services anywhere in the area, making your day relaxed and personalized.

What sets this tour apart is the private guide and transportation, eliminating the need to navigate or find parking. The experience is especially well-suited for those who want a customized trip, with the comfort of Wi-Fi onboard and time-efficient stops at all the major sites. The tour combines natural wonders with unique Icelandic farm visits, giving a well-rounded glimpse of the country’s landscape and sustainable energy use.

While the price might seem high, the private setup and full-day itinerary make it a worthwhile choice for families or small groups seeking an in-depth, comfortable exploration of the Golden Circle. It’s important to note that lunch is not included, so you’ll want to plan accordingly. This tour is ideal for travelers who value personalized attention, cultural insight, and scenic stops in one seamless package.

Key Points

• Private, door-to-door transportation for a relaxed experience in Reykjavik
• Visits to Thingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss, Iceland’s top three attractions
• Farm visits to a heritage dairy farm and geothermal tomato farm with tastings and lunch
• Wi-Fi onboard keeps you connected during the day
• Approximate duration of 7-8 hours, with flexible timing for each stop
• Suitable for groups up to 6, with all fees and taxes included

Starting at Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO Heritage Site

The tour begins at Thingvellir National Park, one of Iceland’s most fascinating locations, blending history and geology. As you arrive, a viewing platform offers a panoramic look at the park’s stunning landscape, where your guide explains the significance of this site, including its role in Icelandic history and its geological importance.

Next, a short walk along the tectonic plate boundary provides a memorable experience, revealing the rift between the North American and Eurasian plates. The guide points out notable features and shares insights about the ongoing geological activity. The visit concludes at Öxarárfoss waterfall, a man-made waterfall from Viking times, which offers great photo opportunities.

The 1-hour stop includes admission to the park, making it a manageable and engaging start to the day. The emphasis on both natural beauty and cultural history makes this a compelling introduction.

Witness the Eruption of Strókkur at Geysir

Next, the tour takes you to Geysir geothermal area, home to Geysir and Strókkur. While Geysir is now mostly dormant, it historically inspired the term “geyser” and rarely erupts today. Right next to it, Strókkur erupts every 5 to 10 minutes, shooting water up to 30 meters into the air, providing predictable and exciting displays.

This stop, lasting about 40 minutes, is free of charge and offers a close-up view of Iceland’s geothermal activity. The guide provides explanations about how these geysers work, giving context to the natural forces at play. Visitors can enjoy the spectacle and take photographs of the powerful eruptions.

The area also features walking paths and bubbling hot springs, highlighting Iceland’s geothermal energy and volcanic activity. The proximity of these geysers allows for an engaging and dynamic experience in a relatively short time.

Marvel at the Power of Gullfoss Waterfall

Following Geysir, the tour proceeds to Gullfoss Waterfall, one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. This 30-meter-tall cascade features two distinct drops of 20 and 10 meters, plunging into a rugged canyon carved by glacial waters.

The water originates from Langjökull Glacier, Iceland’s second-largest glacier, underscoring the glacial-fed power behind Gullfoss. Visitors can view the waterfall from several vantage points, feeling the spray and hearing the thunderous roar of the rushing water. The 40-minute stop allows ample time to appreciate the scale and beauty of Gullfoss, with options for photography and brief walks along designated paths.

This site exemplifies Iceland’s raw natural energy and scenic diversity, offering a perfect showcase of the country’s glacial and volcanic landscape.

Experience Icelandic Heritage and Geothermal Agriculture at Farm Visits

Adding a cultural twist, the tour includes visits to Efstidalur II dairy farm and Fridheimar tomato farm, providing insight into Iceland’s innovative use of geothermal energy.

At Efstidalur II, operated by the same family since 1750, visitors enjoy tasting some of the best ice cream in Iceland. The farm produces dairy products that reflect Iceland’s rich agricultural traditions, and the setting offers a glimpse into rural Icelandic life. This stop lasts 30 minutes and is free of charge.

Next, the Fridheimar tomato farm demonstrates how Icelanders grow tomatoes year-round using geothermal energy. The greenhouse is filled with 2-3 meter-high tomato plants, enveloped in a warm environment maintained by natural geothermal heat. In this 1-hour stop, visitors enjoy a delicious lunch amid the lush greenery, with the option to indulge in a bloody mary made from fresh tomatoes. The farm exemplifies Iceland’s sustainable energy practices and innovative agriculture.

The Practicalities: Transport, Connectivity, and Flexibility

This private tour includes all fees and taxes, with private transportation ensuring a comfortable and personalized experience. The vehicle is equipped with Wi-Fi onboard, allowing travelers to stay connected without roaming charges.

The pick-up and drop-off are flexible, with services available anywhere in the Reykjavik area, making the experience convenient and tailored to individual schedules. The tour duration of 7 to 8 hours covers all attractions comfortably, though lunch is not included, so bringing snacks or planning a meal is advisable.

The tour is designed for most travelers, with an emphasis on ease and accessibility. Since it’s a private activity, only your group participates, enabling a flexible pace that can be adjusted if needed.

Unique Aspects That Set This Tour Apart

Compared to standard group trips, this private Golden Circle tour provides personalized guidance and the comfort of your own vehicle. The inclusion of farm visits and geothermal-powered agriculture offers a distinctive look at Iceland’s rural life and sustainable energy projects.

The Wi-Fi on board enhances the experience by allowing easy sharing of photos and access to information during the day. The efficiency of pick-up and drop-off service means travelers spend more time enjoying the sights and less time traveling or waiting.

The Experience According to Positive Feedback

Reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and the stunning scenery at each stop. Guides are appreciated for giving clear explanations while allowing space for exploration. The comfortable vehicle earns praise as a worthwhile feature, especially for those who prefer a relaxed pace.

Farm visits are often mentioned as a highlight, with guests enjoying local tastings and learning about Icelandic agriculture and energy use. Families and small groups emphasize how the flexible, private setting enhances their overall experience.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This private Golden Circle tour offers a well-rounded, high-quality experience of Iceland’s most famous sights, combined with unique farm visits and local insights. It suits travelers who prefer exclusive, customizable tours over crowded group excursions. The 7 to 8 hours duration fits well into a full day of sightseeing, leaving room for other activities or relaxation afterward.

While the price point is higher than standard group excursions, the personalized service, inclusive transport, and added farm visits add significant value. It’s particularly ideal for small groups or families seeking a comfortable, informative, and scenic adventure.

The tour’s focus on geothermal energy, natural beauty, and cultural heritage makes it a compelling choice for those interested in Iceland’s environment and rural traditions. It’s important to plan for lunch separately, as it’s not included, and to be prepared for weather conditions, which could influence the experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the flexible pace makes it suitable for families.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours, including travel time between stops.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included, but farm visits provide tastings and the option for a meal at Fridheimar.

What is the size of the group?
This is a private tour for up to 6 people, ensuring personalized attention.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Bring comfortable clothing and good shoes for walking, and consider snacks or drinks for the day.

Is Wi-Fi available during the tour?
Yes, the vehicle is equipped with Wi-Fi onboard.

What are the main stops on this tour?
You visit Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss Waterfall, and two farms: Efstidalur II and Fridheimar.

Can I customize this tour?
Since it’s a private experience, you can discuss any specific interests with the guide beforehand.

What makes this tour different from others?
Its private, door-to-door service, combined with farm visits and focus on sustainable energy make it unique.

What is the weather policy?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, a full refund or alternative date is offered.