Golden Circle Tales, Tomato Farm & Kerid! Small Group Adventure

The Golden Circle Tales, Tomato Farm & Kerid! Small Group Adventure from Reykjavik, priced at $136.71 per person, offers a comprehensive day of sightseeing packed into approximately 9 hours. This highly-rated tour, with a 5.0/5 rating based on 620 reviews, is recommended by 99% of travelers. It features round-trip hotel pickup, expert guides, and includes visits to Iconic highlights like Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and Geysir geothermal area, along with lesser-known attractions such as a Tomato Farm and Kerid volcanic crater.

While the tour covers many top attractions efficiently, it is a full-day experience that requires good weather and comfortable footwear for optional short walks at stops like the dairy and tomato farms. The tour’s small group size—max 19 travelers—ensures a personal touch, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and enjoy the scenic landscape.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Golden Circle experience including iconic sights and hidden gems
• Duration of approximately 9 hours with hotel pickup and drop-off included
• Visit Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, Geysir, Kerid crater, and Tomato Farm
• Expert guides such as Einar, Leroy, Bjorn, and Goncalo provide informative narration and storytelling
• Includes free WiFi onboard for sharing photos and staying connected
• Unique stops like the dairy farm and horse encounters add local flavor

Exploring the Golden Circle’s Top Sights

The tour begins at Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that holds both geological and historical significance. It’s the spot where the American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, creating striking rift valleys. The location also hosted Iceland’s parliament founding in 930 A.D., giving it a deep historical roots. The 35-minute stop offers a chance to walk around this remarkable landscape free of charge.

Next, the Oxararfoss waterfall provides a scenic break. While not the largest in Iceland, its beautiful cascades and historical importance make it a beloved feature. The 15-minute visit allows for quick photos and appreciation of this charming fall.

Unique Stops: Dairy and Tomato Farms

A highlight of this tour is the Efstidalur dairy farm, where visitors get to see Icelandic cows and sample free ice cream. This stop also offers a chance to observe local farm animals. The 15-minute visit enhances the experience beyond the typical sightseeing route.

Later, at Fridheimar tomato farm, you can learn about greenhouse horticulture through a brief talk. The farm breeds Icelandic horses, which are available for petting and photo opportunities. This 1 hour and 10 minutes stop combines educational insights with hands-on interactions and a lunch break (lunch not included), often praised for its delicious tomato-based dishes.

Witnessing Geysir and Gullfoss

The Geysir geothermal area captures attention with the regular eruptions of Strokkur, which spouts every five minutes. Visitors can watch this powerful display of geothermal activity and explore the surrounding bubbling mud pools and steaming vents.

A short drive later, the Gullfoss waterfall impresses with its powerful two-tiered cascade. This 40-minute stop delivers plenty of photo opportunities and a sense of Iceland’s raw natural force.

Kerid Volcano Crater and Its Visual Appeal

A standout feature is the Kerid volcanic crater, which most Golden Circle tours overlook. Created over localized volcanic activity in Iceland’s Western Volcanic Zone, it features a caldera lake with striking red and black volcanic rock walls. The 30-minute visit provides a chance to walk along the edge and appreciate its visual drama. The admission fee is included, making this a convenient and memorable stop.

Transportation, Guides, and Group Size

The small group size of up to 19 guests ensures an intimate experience, with a driver/guide and local guides providing knowledgeable commentary. Reviews highlight guides like Einar, Leroy, Bjorn, and Goncalo for their enthusiasm, storytelling, and attentiveness.

Transport includes WiFi onboard, making it easy to share photos or stay connected during the day. The round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off streamline logistics, eliminating the hassle of finding a meeting point.

Food and Refreshments

While lunch is not included, the Tomato Farm stop features a cafe renowned for its delicious tomato soup and fresh bread. Guests often praise these offerings as highlighting local flavors. The tour also offers free ice cream at the dairy farm, which is a popular treat.

Physical Activity and Accessibility

The stops involve short walks at places like Thingvellir, Kerid, and the farms, with hiking not required but recommended for the best experience. The tour operates in various weather conditions, so appropriate clothing is advised. It is suitable for most travelers, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Most bookings are made 78 days in advance, indicating high interest. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, providing flexibility in case of weather changes or other plans. The full refund applies if canceled within this timeframe.

The Unique Charm of This Golden Circle Tour

This small group experience offers a balance of famous sights and local touches like the tomato farm and kerid crater. The knowledgeable guides are consistently praised for their enthusiasm and storytelling, adding depth to the sightseeing.

The approximate 9-hour schedule ensures coverage of all main attractions without feeling rushed, while the personalized atmosphere makes the experience comfortable and engaging. The tour’s focus on lesser-known stops makes it stand out from more generic Golden Circle trips.

Despite its comprehensive nature, the tour’s main limitation is that it requires good weather for the full experience. Masks, sturdy shoes, and appropriate clothing can enhance the enjoyment of walking at stops like Kerid and farm visits.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

Travelers interested in learning about local Icelandic culture and geological wonders will find this trip rewarding. It is especially suitable for those who appreciate a small-group setting and interactive stops like the farms and horse encounters.

The tour offers excellent value for money, considering the extensive itinerary, inclusion of transportation, and the personalized guides. It is an ideal choice for first-time visitors wanting a well-rounded overview of the Golden Circle area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of this tour?
The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, including all stops and transfers.

Does the tour include lunch?
No, lunch is not included, but the Tomato Farm offers delicious food options.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Yes, children must be accompanied by an adult, and most travelers can participate.

What should I wear?
Dress in appropriate clothing for Icelandic weather, as the tour operates in various conditions. Comfortable shoes for walking are recommended.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the tour.

What makes this tour different?
It combines the classic Golden Circle sights with lesser-known attractions like the Kerid crater and farms, along with small group intimacy and knowledgeable guides.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Is this tour suitable for those with mobility issues?
Most stops involve short walks; however, travelers with mobility concerns should inquire in advance.

How do I book this tour?
Bookings should be made well in advance, as the tour tends to be booked 78 days ahead on average.

What do reviews say about the guides?
Guides like Einar, Leroy, Bjorn, and Goncalo are praised for their enthusiasm, knowledge, and friendly demeanor.

This Golden Circle adventure from Reykjavik offers a rich mix of Iceland’s most famous sights and local surprises. With expert guides, small group intimacy, and unique stops, it presents a well-rounded, enjoyable day for those eager to see the best of Iceland’s natural beauty and culture.