Private Golden Circle Tour

The Private Golden Circle Tour offers a personalized experience of Iceland’s most iconic sights in a comfortable, private setting. Priced at $1,199 per group for up to 4 travelers, this tour makes exploring the Golden Circle both accessible and intimate. With an approximate duration of 6 to 8 hours, the experience is carefully paced to give ample time at each stop. The tour includes pickup from your Reykjavik hotel and uses an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring a smooth, comfortable journey. Booking well in advance—on average 95 days ahead—is recommended due to its popularity, and the tour receives a perfect 5.0-star rating from 20 reviews.

This tour is ideal for those seeking a more peaceful, crowd-free way to discover Iceland’s highlights. The private nature means you won’t share the experience with large groups, allowing for more flexibility and personalized attention. The tour features a full-day itinerary covering Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall, and Kerid Crater. While it excludes meals, the inclusion of all fees and taxes, as well as the private transportation, adds value to this carefully curated experience.

Key Points

• Private, full-day tour with up to 4 people for a personalized experience
• Cost of $1,199 includes all fees, taxes, private transportation, and entry fees at key stops
• Highlights include Thingvellir National Park, where you can stand between continental plates
• Visit Geysir geothermal area with powerful geysers, including Strokkur
• See Gullfoss waterfall, Europe’s largest by volume, from different vantage points
• Explore Kerid Crater, a 6500-year-old volcanic crater with a shallow lake and stunning views
• Tour lasts approximately 6 to 8 hours, with logistics handled through hotel pickup
• Highly rated for guides, scenery, and personalized service, with a perfect 5-star rating

Beginning the Journey: Reykjavik Pickup and Private Transportation

This tour starts with a convenient pickup from your Reykjavik hotel, making it simple to begin your day without worrying about logistics. The private, air-conditioned vehicle ensures a comfortable ride throughout the approximately 6 to 8-hour experience. With only your group participating, the pace and stops can be tailored to your interests, providing a more relaxed alternative to larger tour groups.

The limited group size of up to 4 travelers allows for a more intimate experience, giving you the chance to ask questions and get detailed insights from your guide. The flexibility and privacy are often highlighted in reviews, with guests praising the personable guides and smooth transitions between stops.

Exploring Thingvellir National Park’s Geological Wonders

The first stop is Thingvellir National Park, the largest national park in Iceland. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a unique chance to stand between two continental plates—the Eurasian and North American plates—visible at the rift valley. The park also holds historic significance, providing a glimpse into Iceland’s early legislative assembly and cultural past.

With one hour allocated, visitors can walk among volcanic landscapes, see the Almannagjá gorge, and learn about the geological forces shaping the area. Entry to the park is included, and guides share engaging stories about its history and volcanic activity, making it a highlight for geology and history enthusiasts alike.

Witnessing the Geysir Geothermal Area and Strokkur Eruption

Next, the tour visits the Geysir geothermal area, home to Europe’s first documented geyser. While the original Geysir can sometimes be “moody,” not erupting on every visit, the nearby Strokkur geyser reliably erupts approximately every 8-10 minutes, offering spectacular displays of boiling water shooting high into the air.

Spanning 40 minutes, this stop allows ample time to explore the geothermal landscape—geysers, bubbling hot springs, and steaming vents—free of an admission fee. The guide’s narration makes the experience more vivid, explaining how these geothermal features work and their significance to Iceland’s energy sources.

Marveling at Gullfoss Waterfall: Europe’s Largest by Volume

The iconic Gullfoss waterfall is the tour’s third highlight. Recognized as Europe’s largest waterfall by volume, Gullfoss drops in two tiers into a rugged canyon. Visitors can admire the waterfall from a distance or walk closer to capture dramatic photos.

During 40 minutes, guests have the opportunity to appreciate the power of this natural wonder from different vantage points, including viewing platforms and paths that lead down toward the falls. The guide shares stories about the waterfall’s formation and its cultural importance, adding depth to the experience.

Walking Down into Kerid Crater’s Volcanic Past

The tour concludes with a visit to Kerid Crater, a 6500-year-old volcanic crater believed to be the remnants of an ancient volcano. Visitors can walk down to the bottom, where a shallow lake formed amid the volcanic rocks, creating a striking contrast of red volcanic earth and turquoise water.

The view from the crater’s rim also offers a stunning panorama of the surrounding landscape. With 40 minutes allocated and entry included, this stop combines geological interest with breathtaking scenery, perfect for photography and reflection.

Seamless Logistics and Comfortable Transport

Throughout the tour, all fees and taxes are included, simplifying the experience. The private transportation ensures a relaxed, personalized atmosphere, with the vehicle being air-conditioned to stay comfortable regardless of the weather. The pickup service from Reykjavik hotels provides a stress-free start, and the overall pacing is designed to avoid rush or crowding.

Guides are praised for their responsiveness and knowledge, with reviews emphasizing their personable approach and storytelling skills. The tour’s flexibility means it can cater to specific interests or needs, making it an attractive choice for those looking for a tailored day out.

Honest Reflection: Strengths and Considerations

The private nature of this tour is its greatest strength, allowing for flexible timing and a more intimate experience. The high ratings reflect consistent guest satisfaction, especially regarding guide expertise and the scenic stops.

A potential consideration is the vehicle size—some reviews mention that a Hyundai vehicle can feel tight for four adults, which may be worth noting if traveling with larger guests or extra luggage. However, this minor point does not detract from the overall comfort or experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This private Golden Circle tour suits travelers seeking a personal, crowd-free adventure through Iceland’s most famous sights. It appeals to those who prefer a relaxed pace, informative guides, and customizable experiences. Perfect for small groups, families, or couples who want to explore in comfort while learning about Iceland’s geology, history, and natural beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of the tour?
All fees, taxes, private transportation, and entry tickets to Thingvellir and Kerid Crater are included. Meals are not included.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 6 to 8 hours, depending on pacing and stops.

Is pickup from my hotel available?
Yes, pickup from Reykjavik hotels is included, making the start of the tour hassle-free.

Can I join this tour with more than 4 people?
No, the current tour price is for groups up to 4 travelers; larger groups would need a different arrangement.

Are the stops suitable for all physical abilities?
Most stops, including Thingvellir and Gullfoss, involve walking on uneven terrain, so some mobility is required.

What is the main advantage of a private tour?
The personalized attention, ability to adjust the schedule, and avoiding crowds are the key benefits.

Is the vehicle comfortable?
Yes, the vehicle is air-conditioned, though some reviews note that it can be tight for four adults.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour operates rain or shine. If canceled due to bad weather, a full refund or alternative date is offered.

How early should I book?
Booking about 3 months in advance is recommended, as most trips are booked 95 days ahead on average.

Are there opportunities for photo stops?
Absolutely, each stop offers excellent chances for photography, especially at Gullfoss and Kerid.

This Private Golden Circle Tour combines comfort, personalized service, and the chance to explore Iceland’s most famous sights with local insights—perfect for a relaxed, enriching day out.