Golden Circle – Shore Excursion from Reykjavik in Minibus, English

Explore the Golden Circle with a Small Group in Reykjavik

This Golden Circle shore excursion offers an engaging 8-hour journey through some of Iceland’s most famous sights. Priced at $156.17 per person, the tour is ideal for cruise passengers seeking a comprehensive day tour. It departs from Reykjavik’s Skarfabakki 312 Cruise Terminal at 8:00 am, with the tour designed to accommodate up to 19 participants, but often runs with even fewer, providing a more personalized experience. The guide, an English-speaking local, leads you through well-known landmarks with informative commentary, making this a perfect choice for those who value intimate group sizes and expert insights.

One of the key strengths of this tour is the inclusion of genuine Icelandic highlights such as Gullfoss waterfall, the Geysir geothermal area, and Þingvellir National Park. The itinerary also provides unique stops like Hveragerði’s earthquake fissure, Kerið volcanic crater, and Laugarvatn’s hot springs, offering a well-rounded taste of Iceland’s natural beauty and geothermal activity. The tour’s timing aligns well with cruise schedules, ensuring you can comfortably experience these sights even with ship delays.

Key Points

• 8-hour guided small group tour from Reykjavik, ideal for cruise ship passengers
• Visits include Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir geothermal area, and Þingvellir National Park
• Stops at Kerið volcanic crater and Hveragerði earthquake fissure for geological insights
• Hot springs and geothermal bread baking at Laugarvatn add local flavor
• Price of $156.17, with free cancellation available
• Tour operates in English with air-conditioned vehicle and personalized guide

Departing from Reykjavik’s Cruise Terminal at 8:00 am

This tour begins promptly at 8:00 am from the Skarfabakki 312 Cruise Terminal in Reykjavik. The convenience of the departure time means it fits neatly into cruise schedules, even if the ship arrives slightly late. The tour uses an air-conditioned minibus, which provides comfort and ease for the roughly 8-hour duration. The guide, an English speaker, ensures you understand each stop’s significance while maintaining a friendly, informative tone.

The tour operates with a maximum of 19 travelers, but can be much smaller, especially on days with fewer bookings, which enhances the intimacy and flexibility of the experience. At the end, the group returns to the same meeting point, with a brief city tour of Reykjavik included before heading back to the cruise port.

Visiting Hveragerði’s Earthquake Fissure and Geothermal Greenhouses

The journey from Reykjavik takes you across the Hellisheiðir plateau to reach Hveragerði, a town famous for its geothermally heated greenhouses. Here, a short stop at a local shopping center allows visitors to view an earthquake fissure, a striking visual of Iceland’s tectonic activity. This stop is admission-free and lasts about 20 minutes, providing insights into how the earth’s movements influence the landscape.

In Hveragerði, the geothermal activity also powers greenhouses where local produce is cultivated. This stop offers an authentic glimpse into Iceland’s geothermal energy use, making it a practical and fascinating part of the tour.

Marvel at Kerið’s 6,500-Year-Old Volcanic Crater

Next, the tour visits the Kerið volcanic crater, which dates back approximately 6,500 years. The crater’s 55-meter depth and d 270×170 meter diameter create a striking landscape, with a lake that varies between 7-14 meters deep. This stop lasts about 20 minutes and the crater’s admission is included in the tour.

Walking around the rim provides spectacular views of the colorful volcanic walls and the water-filled basin. The vivid reds and greens of the crater’s mineral deposits contrast beautifully with the blue water, making it one of Iceland’s most photogenic spots.

Witness the Power of Gullfoss Waterfall

One of Iceland’s most iconic sights, Gullfoss waterfall, is a highlight of this tour. The Hvitá River plunges in two stages into a narrow canyon, creating a powerful and awe-inspiring sight. Visitors have about 30 minutes to explore the viewing platforms, soaking in the natural grandeur.

Gullfoss is considered one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls, and its thundering cascade is a testament to the country’s volcanic origins. Free of charge, this stop emphasizes the raw force of nature that defines Iceland’s landscape.

Experience the Geysir Hot Springs and Strokkur Eruption

At the Haukadalur geothermal area, the tour spends 45 minutes observing hot springs and geysers. The Geysir spring, from which the geothermal activity takes its name, is mostly inactive now, but the nearby Strokkur geyser erupts roughly every 5 to 10 minutes, shooting water up to 25 meters high.

The frequent eruptions allow ample opportunity to witness this natural spectacle, and visitors can also explore the numerous hot springs in the area. This stop combines geothermal energy, science, and natural beauty, making it a favorite among travelers.

Indulge in Icelandic Ice Cream at Efsti-Dalur Farm

A quick 20-minute stop at Efsti-Dalur farm introduces visitors to Iceland’s love of ice cream. The farm features an ice cream factory where the treat is made from milk of the farm’s own cows. While ice cream is not included in the tour price, the opportunity to sample or purchase authentic Icelandic ice cream adds a delightful local touch.

This stop offers a lighthearted break in the itinerary, giving travelers a chance to enjoy a sweet treat and learn about Icelandic dairy farming.

Hot Springs and Geothermal Bread Baking at Laugarvatn

Laugarvatn’s hot springs are renowned for their use in baking bread using geothermal heat. The tour includes a 10-minute stop here, during which travelers observe locals baking traditional bread in the hot springs.

The warm lake offers picturesque views, and the geothermal activity showcases Iceland’s ability to harness natural energy. This stop emphasizes Iceland’s innovative use of geothermal resources for everyday life.

Discover Þingvellir National Park’s Tectonic Wonders

The final stop, at Þingvellir National Park, lasts 45 minutes. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the birthplace of the Icelandic parliament in 930, and it lies directly on the continental drift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

Visitors explore the Öxarárfoss waterfall and walk through the Almannagjá gorge, a dramatic fissure created by the shifting plates. This stop offers both cultural history and geological spectacle, making it a fitting conclusion to the Golden Circle tour.

Reykjavik City Tour and Return to the Cruise Port

After exploring Þingvellir, the tour includes a short city tour of Reykjavik, giving an overview of Iceland’s capital’s highlights. The excursion concludes back at the cruise terminal, ensuring ample time for passengers to reboard their ships. The flexible schedule accounts for potential ship delays, demonstrating the tour’s practicality for cruise passengers.

Practical Details and Booking Information

The tour’s price of $156.17 covers transportation in an air-conditioned minibus and an English-speaking guide. Lunch, snacks, drinks, and ice cream are not included, but there are opportunities to purchase refreshments at various stops. The experience is free to cancel up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind.

The small group size, with a maximum of 19 participants, often results in a more personalized and relaxed experience. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with most participants able to join, and the pace is manageable for those comfortable with some walking and bus travel.

Why Choose This Golden Circle Tour?

This Golden Circle tour from Reykjavik stands out for its small group size, which enhances the overall experience with more personalized attention and flexibility. The itinerary covers all the classic sights—Gullfoss, Geysir, and Þingvellir—while also including unique stops like Hveragerði’s earthquake fissure and Laugarvatn’s geothermal bread baking, adding local character.

The guide’s knowledge and friendly approach are frequently praised, and the tour’s timing aligns well with cruise schedules, making it an efficient way to see Iceland’s highlights without feeling rushed. The free cancellation policy and included stops further boost the tour’s appeal.

Final Thoughts on the Golden Circle Shore Excursion

This tour offers a practical and enriching way to experience Iceland’s most famous sights in a single day. Its small group format, combined with expert guides, ensures a comfortable and informative journey. Travelers seeking a balanced experience of natural wonders and cultural sites will find this tour well-suited.

While the duration means a fair amount of bus travel, the stops at kerið crater, Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir, and Þingvellir provide enough variety to keep the experience lively. For those interested in geothermal activity, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes, this Golden Circle excursion delivers a well-rounded glimpse of Iceland’s natural beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?
Yes, the departure time at 8:00 am and the schedule are designed to align with cruise ship arrivals and departures, allowing enough time for sightseeing.

Are meals included in the tour?
No, lunch, snacks, and drinks are not included. There are options to purchase refreshments at various stops along the route.

What is the group size?
The maximum is 19 travelers, but on many days, the group often consists of fewer participants, creating a more personal experience.

Is this tour accessible for travelers with mobility issues?
The information does not specify accessibility details, but stops involve some walking, such as at Þingvellir and Gullfoss.

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, full cancellation is possible up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, with a full refund.

What language is the guide speaking?
The guide speaks English, providing clear and engaging commentary throughout the day.