Golden Circle, Cook eggs in a hot spring, Shore Excursion

Explore Iceland’s Golden Circle with a Private Tour for an Intimate Experience

This private tour from Reykjavik offers a comprehensive look at Iceland’s most iconic sites, with a price of $1,520 for up to 4 people. The 8 to 10-hour journey takes you along the famed Golden Circle route, visiting Þingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss, and Kerið Crater. The tour also includes unique stops like cooking eggs in a hot spring, tasting homemade ice cream, and exploring a volcanic crater with a pond that supports wild trout.

What sets this experience apart is its private nature, ensuring a personalized pace and attention. The tour features pick-up service, WiFi, and an air-conditioned vehicle, making it both comfortable and convenient. While lunch is not included, the variety of stops balances the day with sightseeing, food, and local culture. This tour is ideal for those seeking an immersive, flexible, Iceland adventure with a focus on natural beauty and unique experiences.

Key Points

• Private, all-inclusive transportation with WiFi and parking included
• Visits to Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss, and Kerið—the main highlights of the Golden Circle
• Extra stops for cooking eggs in a hot spring, enjoying homemade ice cream, and exploring a volcanic crater lake
• Tour duration of about 8 to 10 hours, starting at 9:00 am
• Cost of $1,520 per group (up to 4 people), booked on average 67 days in advance
• Culinary highlight: hot spring baked bread with Arctic Char, praised in reviews

Reykjavik Pickup and Comfortable Transportation

This tour begins with a pickup from Reykjavik, making logistics straightforward for visitors. The private transportation ensures a relaxed atmosphere, with air conditioning and WiFi onboard, so you can share your experience or plan your next stop while traveling. The vehicle’s parking fees are included, removing any extra worries about navigating Reykjavik’s streets.

The flexibility of the private setup means that your group enjoys an exclusive experience, without large tour groups or crowded vehicles. This setup is especially appreciated by those who value comfort and personalized service.

Visiting Þingvellir: The Historic Rift Valley

Your first stop is the Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its historic significance as the location of Iceland’s parliament from the 10th to 18th centuries. Here, the Alþing (Althing) was established, making it a key site in Icelandic history.

The park is also notable for its geological features—it sits within a rift valley caused by the separation of two tectonic plates. Visitors can walk along rocky cliffs and fissures like the Almannagjá fault, marveling at the natural forces shaping the landscape. The Þingvellir Church and stone shelters add cultural interest, making this stop both educational and scenic.

Spending about an hour here, travelers can appreciate the blend of history and geology that makes Þingvellir a must-see. Its free admission makes it an easy highlight of the day.

Experiencing Geysir and Watching the Erupting Geyser

Next, the tour visits the world-famous Geysir geothermal area, home to the original Geysir—the geyser that inspired the English word itself. While Geysir itself is less active today, the nearby Strokkur geyser regularly erupts, shooting water up to 30 meters in the air every few minutes.

This 40-minute stop gives plenty of opportunity to witness geyser eruptions and learn about Iceland’s geothermal activity. The area is full of bubbling hot springs, fumaroles, and steaming vents, creating a dynamic, almost otherworldly landscape. It’s a particularly exciting spot for those interested in geothermal phenomena and Iceland’s volcanic activity.

Gullfoss: The Power of Iceland’s Waterfalls

The Gullfoss waterfall is an impressive sight located along the Hvítá River, with a canyon and two-tiered falls that create a roaring spectacle. The 40-minute stop allows visitors to walk close to the falls, feeling the spray and hearing the thunderous rush of water.

Known as the “Golden Falls”, Gullfoss offers stunning views, especially when the sunlight catches the mist. The viewpoint provides excellent photo opportunities and a sense of Iceland’s raw natural power. Visitors can stand on the viewing platforms and appreciate the canyon’s depth and width, making it one of the most photogenic sites on the Golden Circle.

Kerið Crater: The 6,500-Year-Old Volcanic Lake

The Kerið volcanic crater is a striking feature of the route, with a red volcanic rock rim surrounding a deep blue lake. This 20-minute stop showcases a 6,500-year-old crater, formed during volcanic activity in the Western Volcanic Zone.

The lake’s surprising color contrast, combined with the volcanic landscape, makes it a captivating photo spot. The pond supports wild trout, adding a touch of life to the otherwise volcanic setting. Visitors often enjoy walking around the rim and taking in the dramatic scenery.

Cooking Eggs in Laugarvatn’s Hot Springs

One of the tour’s unique features is the chance to cook eggs in a natural hot spring at Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths. This 30-minute stop is both fun and educational, demonstrating Iceland’s geothermal heat as a cooking method.

Visitors can observe how the hot spring is used to prepare eggs, tasting the results if they wish. It’s a memorable, hands-on experience that highlights Iceland’s geothermal energy. The free admission to the hot spring makes this an accessible and engaging activity.

Tasting Homemade Ice Cream at a Local Farm

A highlight of the trip is visiting a local farm, where homemade ice cream is produced using fresh milk from cows. While at the farm, visitors often get the chance to pet horses and see the cows up close.

If the tour is booked at least two weeks in advance, this stop includes a tasting of homemade ice cream and tomato soup in a greenhouse—a local culinary treat. Since tables tend to sell out after that, early booking ensures you don’t miss this delicious experience.

Visiting the Volcanic Kerið with a Tranquil Pond

The final stop at Kerið Crater offers a chance to appreciate a 6500-year-old volcanic crater with a pond at its base. The pond’s support of wild trout adds a surprising touch of life to the stark volcanic landscape.

This stop, lasting about 20 minutes, offers panoramic views and a peaceful setting to reflect on the day’s sights. The crater’s vivid red and black volcanic rock contrasts beautifully with the blue pond, making it a favorite for photos.

Optional: Additional Stops and Flexibility

While the main stops are outlined, the tour’s private nature allows for some flexibility. Extra stops, such as the hot spring eggs or ice cream, depend on booking in advance, but the itinerary can be adjusted slightly to suit interests and pacing preferences.

Travelers should note that lunch is not included, so bringing snacks or planning a meal during breaks is advisable. The overall pace balances sightseeing with relaxation, making it suitable for all ages and activity levels.

The Sum Up: A Well-Rounded, Personal Iceland Adventure

This Golden Circle private tour offers a thoughtfully curated blend of historic sites, natural wonders, and unique local experiences. The inclusion of hot spring eggs, homemade ice cream, and a volcanic crater adds memorable touches that distinguish it from standard tours.

The private setup and comfortable transport make it especially appealing for those who prefer an intimate, flexible adventure. While the cost might seem steep for some, the personalized experience, expert guide, and variety of stops justify the price for many travelers.

This tour suits visitors seeking a comprehensive, relaxed, day filled with spectacular scenery and authentic Icelandic experiences. It’s a well-balanced itinerary that emphasizes natural beauty, history, and local culture without feeling rushed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lunch included in this tour?
No, lunch is not included; guests should plan to bring snacks or eat during breaks.

What makes this tour different from other Golden Circle options?
Its private nature, personalized stops like cooking eggs in a hot spring and tasting homemade ice cream, as well as the flexibility to customize slightly, set it apart.

How long is the tour and what time does it start?
The tour lasts approximately 8 to 10 hours, starting at 9:00 am.

Is this tour suitable for all ages and physical abilities?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the stops involve minimal physical activity. It is accessible for a wide range of visitors.

How do I book this tour?
Booking can be made through the provider Arctic Out, and it is recommended to reserve 67 days in advance for availability, especially if booking extra activities like ice cream tasting.