Private Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik

A private Golden Circle tour from Reykjavik offers a personalized way to experience some of Iceland’s most iconic sights. For $899.36 per person, this 7 to 8-hour journey takes your group through Þingvellir National Park, the original site of Iceland’s first parliament, along with Geysir, known worldwide for Strokkur’s erupting geysers, and Gullfoss, the breathtaking waterfall. The tour is led by a dedicated guide and includes private transportation, making it ideal for those seeking a flexible and intimate sightseeing experience.

What makes this tour stand out is its private nature and customizable itinerary. You can discuss your interests beforehand, and the guide ensures you see the highlights at your pace. The tour concludes with a visit to Kerid Crater, a volcanic caldera, and optionally stops at Efstidalur II farm for ice cream, adding a personal touch to your Iceland adventure. While reviews mention some past issues with providers, this specific tour from Private Hire Iceland generally garners praise for its knowledgeable guides and stunning sites.

Key Points

• Private, customizable experience with your own guide and transportation
• Visits to Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss, and Kerid Crater
• Approximate 7-8 hours from pickup to drop-off, including lunch and optional stops
• Includes hotel pickup in Reykjavik and WiFi-equipped transport
• Not included: entrance fees and food, unless specified
• Highly rated at 4.6/5 based on 87 reviews, with many praising the guides and sites

Departing from Reykjavik for a Personalized Golden Circle Experience

This private tour departs from Reykjavik directly, with pickup available at your hotel or port. The private transportation is equipped with high-speed WiFi, ensuring a comfortable ride. The dedicated guide meets your group, ready to tailor the day based on your interests, making this a flexible option for travelers who prefer a more private, relaxed experience.

The customizable itinerary typically includes all major Golden Circle highlights but allows for adjustments. You can decide how much time to spend at each site and explore additional landmarks if desired. This flexibility is a key advantage over group tours, especially for those who want to avoid crowds or visit specific sites more thoroughly.

Exploring Þingvellir National Park: Iceland’s Historic Heart

The tour begins at Þingvellir, where the Icelandic parliament was first founded in 930 AD. As the site of the world’s first democratic assembly, its historical significance is profound. Visitors walk through rift valleys created by tectonic plate movement, with stunning views of the Almannagjá fault. The admission fee is included, allowing easy access to this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Beyond its historical importance, Þingvellir offers natural beauty with rugged landscapes, clear waters, and scenic walking paths. The guide shares insights into Icelandic culture and geology, enriching the experience. This stop typically lasts around an hour, enough to take photos and absorb the atmosphere without feeling rushed.

Sampling Ice Cream at Efstidalur II: A Farm-to-Table Highlight

One of the optional stops is Efstidalur II, a working farm famous for its homemade ice cream. Perfect for those with a sweet tooth, this stop offers a chance to taste delicious, fresh ice cream in a farm setting. The admission is free, and it usually lasts about 20 minutes.

However, note that due to time constraints, this stop may sometimes not be possible. When available, it provides a charming break and a glimpse into Icelandic farm life. The farm often also sells locally produced dairy products, complementing the experience.

Witnessing the Power of Geysir and Strokkur

Next, the tour visits the Geysir area, home to Geysir itself and the highly active Strokkur geyser. Strokkur erupts approximately every few minutes, shooting water up to 30 meters into the air, providing excellent photo opportunities. This site is where the term ‘geyser’ originates, making it a must-see.

Visitors can watch the natural spectacle unfold, with the bright blue spray contrasting against the Icelandic sky. The free-standing geysers and bubbling hot springs create a lively geothermal landscape. You’ll spend about 45 minutes here, enough to enjoy multiple eruptions and explore surrounding geothermal features.

Lunch Break at Geysir Visitor Center

The tour includes a 45-minute stop for lunch at the Geysir visitor center, which offers several dining options:

• Geysir Kantína (fast food)
• Geysir Súpa (soups)
• Geysir Glíma (restaurant)

While the lunch costs are not included in the tour price, the visitor center offers convenient options for a quick meal or a warm drink. This break provides a chance to relax before continuing to the remaining sights.

Discovering Gullfoss: Iceland’s Iconic Waterfall

A highlight of the Golden Circle, Gullfoss is a spectacular two-tier waterfall that plunges into a rugged canyon. Often featured in images of Iceland, its roar and mist make it a must-see natural wonder. The area is free to visit, and the site offers viewing platforms for different perspectives.

Visitors typically spend around 45 minutes here, capturing photos and feeling the power of the Icelandic waters. The guide shares stories about the history and significance of Gullfoss, including its role in Icelandic conservation efforts.

Exploring Faxi Waterfall and the Kerid Crater

Additional stops include Faxi Waterfall, a smaller but charming waterfall that offers a peaceful setting. It’s a quick 15-minute visit, with the admission included.

The tour concludes at Kerid Crater, a volcanic caldera filled with a vivid blue lake. Walking around the dead volcano takes about 30 minutes, giving you a chance to appreciate Iceland’s volcanic activity and colored mineral deposits. This site is a favorite for photography and enjoying Iceland’s geological diversity.

Optional Visit to Skálholt and Hidden Gems

On the return journey to Reykjavik, the tour may pass through Skálholt, a historic episcopal site dating back to 1056. While not a major stop, it adds cultural depth to the day and showcases Iceland’s religious history.

The flexible nature of this private tour means guides might include local insights or off-the-beaten-path sites, depending on your interests and timing. This makes the experience more engaging and tailored to your preferences.

Practical Details and Considerations

The tour includes hotel or port pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik, making logistics straightforward. The vehicle is equipped with high-speed WiFi, ensuring connectivity throughout the day. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as some sites involve walking on uneven terrain.

While the price is $899.36 per person, the tour’s value lies in its private, personalized approach, which appeals to travelers seeking a more relaxed and tailored experience. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with most activities being accessible and manageable within the given timeframe.

Honest Review of Potential Drawbacks

Past reviews indicate some issues with the provider’s communication and reliability, with reports of guides or drivers not showing up. However, these are not specific to this tour operator, Private Hire Iceland. When booked through a reputable channel, such as Viator, the experience typically includes knowledgeable guides, as reflected in many positive reviews praising guides like Jon and Anna for their depth of knowledge and friendly demeanor.

The tour does not include entrance fees for sites beyond Þingvellir, Faxi, and Kerid, or meals unless specified. This means travelers should budget accordingly for food and optional extras.

This private tour offers a flexible and intimate way to see Iceland’s most famous landmarks within a manageable day. It’s particularly suited for those who value personalized attention, wish to customize their experience, and prefer to avoid large group tours. The guide’s local knowledge enhances each stop, helping visitors understand the cultural and geological significance of each site.

While past issues with provider reliability exist, when properly booked and confirmed, the experience generally lives up to expectations. The combination of natural wonders, historical sites, and the option to tailor the day makes this tour a compelling choice for those wanting a comprehensive yet private Icelandic adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes hotel/port pickup and drop-off, private transportation with WiFi, and admission to Þingvellir, Faxi Waterfall, and Kerid Crater. Lunch and entrance fees for other sites are not included.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours, typically from pickup in the morning until return in the late afternoon.

Can the itinerary be customized?
Yes, this private tour is customizable based on your interests and preferences, allowing for flexibility at each site.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included in the price, but there are options available at the Geysir visitor center.

Is this tour suitable for children or mobility-impaired visitors?
Most activities involve walking on uneven terrain, so comfortable shoes are recommended. The tour suits most travelers, but mobility restrictions should be considered.

What are the potential downsides?
Past reviews mention communication issues with some providers, so confirm bookings and details beforehand. The tour costs nearly $900 per person, so consider whether a private experience aligns with your budget.