Golden Circle & South Coast. Private Day Tour

Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland with a private full-day tour priced at $800 per person. This 12-hour experience starts with pickup from your Reykjavik hotel and offers an intimate exploration of the Golden Circle and South Coast, with a knowledgeable guide leading the way. The tour includes visits to Thingvellir National Park, the Gullfoss Waterfall, Haukadalur geothermal area, and iconic waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. You’ll also experience the Reynisfjara black sand beach and Dyrholaey, making it perfect for those seeking a comprehensive Icelandic adventure in a private setting.

While the tour is praised for its rich content and expert guidance, it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a full, physically active day and are comfortable with a 12-hour schedule. The tour’s price is on the higher side, but it offers excellent value for a private experience with flexibility, detailed storytelling, and exclusive access to some of Iceland’s most famous sites.

Key Points

• Private full-day tour from Reykjavik that lasts approximately 12 hours
• Visits to Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Haukadalur geothermal area
• Stops at Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, and Reynisfjara black sand beach
• Guided by a knowledgeable driver-guide with local expertise
• Includes pickup and drop-off at your hotel, with group discounts available
• Noted for its thorough coverage and fewer crowds compared to larger tours

How the Tour Starts and What You Can Expect

This private tour departs from Reykjavik with pickup offered directly at your hotel, making logistics simple and stress-free. Using a 4×4 Jeep, the guide leads your group along Iceland’s scenic routes, explaining the geology and history of each site, including the tectonic plates at Thingvellir and the volcanic activity at Haukadalur. The journey is designed to balance sightseeing with plenty of opportunities for photos and short walks.

The tour emphasizes a comfortable pace, giving enough time at each stop to absorb the surroundings, take pictures, and enjoy the scenery. The guide’s insights help deepen the appreciation of Iceland’s landscape and its geological marvels. This is a good choice for those who want a personalized experience with less time spent in large crowds.

Visiting Thingvellir National Park and the Continental Rift

The first stop, Thingvellir National Park, is a UNESCO World Heritage site where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet. This site is also significant for Iceland’s history, being the location of the first parliament established in 930 AD. Visitors walk between the tectonic ridges, observing the geological forces shaping the island, and toss a coin into Silfra fissure, a crystal-clear water pool between the plates, for good luck.

The 40-minute stop allows for exploring the park’s volcanic landscape and learning about its geological importance. Admission is free, and the site’s unique location provides opportunities for stunning photos of the rift valley.

Geysir Area and Strokkur Eruption

Next, the tour visits the Haukadalur geothermal valley, home to Strokkur geyser, which erupts every 5-10 minutes with hot water reaching up to 35 meters (115 feet). Though the Geysir geyser itself is inactive, Strokkur’s eruptions are a powerful display of Iceland’s geothermal activity.

The 45-minute walk through this bubbling landscape reveals hot springs, mud pools, and fumaroles in a lively volcanic environment. It’s a highlight for those interested in geothermal phenomena and natural power, with plenty of opportunities to capture dynamic photos.

Lunch at Fridheimar Tomato Greenhouse

A unique feature of this tour is the included lunch at Fridheimar, a renowned tomato greenhouse. Here, visitors enjoy a meal surrounded by lush greenhouses filled with ripening tomatoes. The setting offers a fresh, farm-to-table experience and a chance to taste Icelandic produce in a cozy, agricultural environment.

This stop provides a break from the outdoor sightseeing, offering a chance to relax, recharge, and enjoy local flavors amid Iceland’s volcanic landscape.

The Majesty of Gullfoss Waterfall

Following lunch, the tour continues to Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. Known as the Golden Waterfall, Gullfoss drops in two tiers—11 meters and 21 meters—into a canyon with walls reaching up to 70 meters high. The powerful flow and wide breadth of Gullfoss make it a breathtaking sight, especially on sunny days when rainbows often appear in the spray.

Visitors can walk close to the falls or take steps to an observation platform for a panoramic view. The 45-minute stop allows plenty of time to soak in the scenery and capture dramatic photos.

Exploring the South Coast: Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss

The journey along Iceland’s South Coast showcases two of the country’s most iconic waterfalls. Seljalandsfoss is famous for its unique feature—a trail behind the cascade—allowing visitors to walk behind the waterfall and see the flowing water from all angles. It falls about 63 meters (200 feet) from meltwater of the Eyjafjallajokull glacier.

Next, the tour reaches Skogafoss, a massive 60-meter high waterfall that often produces spectacular rainbows when the sunlight hits its spray. Visitors can walk to the base or climb a staircase to an observation deck for a different perspective.

Both waterfalls are accessible within 30-minute stops, and their impressive scale makes them ideal for pictures and appreciation of Iceland’s natural power.

Black Sand Beaches and Dyrholaey Cliffs

The tour then heads to the Reynisfjara black sand beach, known for its basalt columns, powerful waves, and Reynisdrangar sea stacks. This striking landscape is a favorite for nature photography and offers a chance to see Iceland’s volcanic coastline.

Near the beach, the Dyrholaey promontory provides panoramic views of the ocean and the natural rock arch. The 30-minute stops at these sites highlight Iceland’s volcanic terrain and feature dramatic coastal scenery.

Final Stops and Return to Reykjavik

The day concludes with a scenic drive along the south coast cliffs, allowing for additional photo stops and appreciation of the rugged coastline. The private tour wraps up with drop-off at your Reykjavik hotel, offering convenience after a full day of exploration.

The customized itinerary and flexible pacing make this tour suitable for travelers who prefer a personalized experience and want to avoid the crowds typical of larger group tours.

The Experience of a Private Guided Tour with Top Iceland Tours

Led by a knowledgeable driver-guide, this private tour combines expert storytelling with practical insights about Iceland’s geology, history, and culture. The guide emphasizes sites often missed by larger buses, ensuring a more intimate experience.

The group size is limited to your party, fostering a personal connection and allowing the guide to tailor the commentary to your interests. The tour operates in all weather conditions, so dressing appropriately is advised, but the guide’s professionalism ensures a smooth day regardless of weather.

The Practical Aspects: Booking, Cost, and Accessibility

Priced at $800 per person, this tour offers excellent value given its private nature, expert guide, and comprehensive itinerary. It’s typically booked 246 days in advance, reflecting its popularity among those seeking a curated experience.

Included in the price are pickup and drop-off at your hotel and driver/guide services, while food and drinks are not included. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with most participants able to join, and it runs in all weather, making it a reliable choice regardless of climate.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This private full-day tour is ideal for those who want a personalized Iceland experience, enjoy active sightseeing, and appreciate in-depth narration. It suits travelers who prefer a less rushed pace with ample photo opportunities and expert guidance.

However, it is a long day, so those with limited mobility or who prefer shorter, less intensive trips might find it demanding. The cost is also higher than group tours, but the private format and flexibility justify the expense for many.

Final Thoughts on the Golden Circle & South Coast Private Tour

This tour from Top Iceland Tours delivers a thorough exploration of Iceland’s most famous sites with the added benefits of privacy, personalized attention, and detailed storytelling. It offers an immersive day covering geological marvels, waterfalls, geothermal areas, and iconic beaches.

While it demands a full schedule and long hours, the quality of experience, combined with professional guiding, makes it a worthwhile choice for those looking to maximize their Iceland visit with a tailored, memorable trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but the full 12-hour schedule might be tiring for very young children or those with mobility issues.

What should I wear?
Since the tour operates in all weather conditions, dress in layers and bring waterproof clothing to stay comfortable throughout the day.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included, but a lunch at Fridheimar greenhouse is part of the itinerary.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made 246 days in advance, highlighting its popularity and limited availability.

What is the tour’s cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the start, with a full refund, provided weather conditions permit the tour to operate.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility challenges?
The data suggests most travelers can participate, but the full day and walking involved may pose difficulties for some.

What makes this tour different from larger group options?
The private setting and smaller group size allow for more personalized attention and flexibility in your itinerary.

Can I customize the stops?
This is a private tour, so the guide can tailor the experience to your interests within the planned itinerary.

How long are the stops at each site?
Stops generally range from 30 to 45 minutes, providing enough time for sightseeing, photos, and brief walks.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour operates in all weather conditions, and if cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.