Private Golden Circle with Friðheimar Farm Lunch & Kerið Crater

Key Points

• Exclusive private tour for up to two people, offering a personalized experience
• Includes a tasty lunch at the working Friðheimar Tomato Greenhouse, catering to various dietary needs
• Visits to major Golden Circle highlights, such as Gullfoss, Geysir, and Þingvellir National Park
• Duration of approximately 8 hours, with convenient pickup and drop-off from Reykjavik
• Transport in a luxury vehicle and a knowledgeable English-speaking guide enhance the journey
• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour

Experience the Private Golden Circle with Friðheimar Lunch and Kerið Crater

This private tour in Iceland offers a comprehensive and relaxed exploration of the famous Golden Circle, priced at $2,810 per group for up to two guests. It lasts around 8 hours, providing enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. The tour stands out because it combines the iconic sights with a specialized lunch at Friðheimar Tomato Greenhouse, a working farm where the meal is served amongst tomato plants, and a visit to the Kerið volcanic crater.

The tour departs from Reykjavik at 9:00 am, with pickup and drop-off included. This makes for a seamless experience, especially for visitors who prefer an exclusive and personalized approach. The luxury vehicle ensures comfort throughout the day, and the English-speaking guide shares fascinating insights into Iceland’s geology, culture, and history. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with some walking at each stop and rainproof clothing available upon request.

This experience is perfect for those seeking a private, intimate journey to Iceland’s most celebrated natural wonders, combined with a unique culinary highlight. While it does not include alcoholic beverages or snacks beyond coffee or tea, the included lunch at Friðheimar emphasizes quality and dietary inclusiveness, making the meal a notable part of the day.

The Starting Point in Reykjavik and How the Tour Begins

The private Golden Circle tour begins in Reykjavik, where guests are picked up from a designated location, typically near public transportation or their hotel. The pickup time at 9:00 am helps structure the day efficiently, allowing for a full itinerary with plenty of sightseeing.

The initial drive sets a comfortable tone for the day, as travelers are welcomed into a luxury vehicle with space and amenities suited for a small private group. The professional guide immediately begins sharing context about the sights, making sure everyone feels engaged and informed.

Since this tour is private, it offers flexibility in timing and pace, catering to individual interests or physical needs. This setup allows for a more tailored experience, ideal for those who prefer a quieter, more personal exploration of Iceland’s highlights.

Exploring Friðheimar Tomato Greenhouse and Horse Breeding Farm

The lunch stop at Friðheimar is a central feature of this tour. Located within a working tomato greenhouse and horse breeding farm, this location offers a glimpse into Iceland’s ingenuity in geothermal agriculture. The lunch is served amongst the tomato plants, creating a unique dining environment.

The included meal caters to a variety of dietary requirements, including gluten-free and vegetarian options, ensuring everyone can enjoy the farm-to-table experience. The 1 hour 30-minute visit allows ample time to appreciate the farm’s operations, learn about Iceland’s geothermal energy use, and enjoy the fresh, flavorful meals.

Guests can also explore the farm’s horse breeding facilities, which adds an extra dimension of Icelandic rural life. The friendly farm staff and guide enhance this stop by sharing insights into sustainable farming practices and local traditions.

Discovering Þingvellir National Park’s Geology and History

The tour’s next stop is Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that combines spectacular scenery with deep historical significance. As the site of Iceland’s first parliament, this location offers a sense of the country’s early political history.

The 1-hour visit allows travelers to walk along the rift valley, witnessing the geological fissures caused by tectonic plate movements. The park’s rugged beauty includes craggy cliffs, clear waters, and lush greenery, making it a photographer’s delight.

Guides highlight the significance of Þingvellir in Icelandic culture, explaining how the natural landscape shaped the nation’s early governance. This stop provides a meaningful connection between the land and Iceland’s societal development.

Marveling at Gullfoss Waterfall’s Power and Beauty

Next, the Gullfoss Waterfall offers a striking display of nature’s force. Known as one of Iceland’s top waterfalls, it plunges into a deep canyon, creating a thunderous spectacle.

Spending around 45 minutes, visitors can admire the cascade’s multi-tiered flow and capture impressive photos. The viewing platforms offer safe, close-up views of the powerful water as it crashes into the rocks below.

The guide shares insights into the waterfall’s formation and its importance in Icelandic culture. Gullfoss remains a highlight of the Golden Circle, illustrating Iceland’s raw natural energy.

Witnessing Geysir’s Eruptions and Hot Springs

The Geysir geothermal area features bubbling hot springs and erupting geysers, with Geysir being the region’s namesake. While Geysir itself erupts infrequently, the nearby Strokkur geyser reliably erupts every few minutes, shooting water up to 30 meters into the air.

Guests have about 45 minutes at this site to observe the geothermal activity and take photos. The colorful mineral deposits and steaming vents create a vivid landscape that highlights Iceland’s geothermal power.

Guides explain how these geothermal features have shaped Iceland’s energy use and local landscape, adding educational value to the awe-inspiring natural display.

Walking Around Kerið Crater and Peering into Iceland’s Volcanic Past

The Kerið volcanic crater offers a striking view of Iceland’s volcanic past. The 30-minute stop allows visitors to walk around the crater’s edge and peer down into the red and green slopes of the caldera.

This ancient volcanic crater is about 3,000 years old and features a small lake at the bottom, full of vivid blue water contrasting with the surrounding terrain. The walk around the rim provides excellent photo opportunities and a tangible sense of Iceland’s volcanic activity.

The guide shares brief insights into the formation of the crater and its significance in Iceland’s geological history, making this a memorable visual and educational experience.

Returning to Reykjavik and the End of the Day

The tour concludes back in Reykjavik after approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes of sightseeing. The return trip offers a relaxed reflection on the day’s highlights.

The drop-off is conveniently arranged near your accommodation or a central Reykjavik location. The private nature of the tour means the guide can tailor the ending to your interests or schedule, ensuring a comfortable and personalized finish to the day.

Practical Details: Logistics, Accessibility, and Weather Tips

The pickup at 9:00 am starts from your designated spot, with transportation in a luxury vehicle suitable for small private groups. This setup ensures a comfortable journey between stops, with a professional guide guiding the way.

The tour is designed to be accessible, with walking at each stop adjustable to most guests’ abilities. An option to borrow rainproof clothing free of charge is available if the weather turns rainy, which is common in Iceland.

Since this is a private tour, it offers flexibility in timing and pacing, making it ideal for those who prefer a quiet, tailored experience. It’s suitable for most travelers, though some stops may require extra care for very young children or individuals with mobility concerns.

Why Choose This Private Golden Circle Tour?

This private tour offers a level of exclusivity and customization that larger group trips can’t match. The delicious lunch at Friðheimar stands out as a culinary highlight, providing an authentic taste of Icelandic farm life. The carefully curated stops, from Þingvellir to Kerið, showcase Iceland’s geological diversity and history.

The knowledgeable guide ensures you understand the significance of each site, and the luxury transportation adds comfort to the full-day adventure. The full flexibility and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance make this an excellent choice for travelers seeking a stress-free, intimate experience.

The only potential limitation is the price point, which reflects the exclusivity and personalized nature of the tour. For those who want a tailored, high-quality journey with culinary delights and no crowds, this tour offers a compelling package.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, there is no minimum age requirement, though some stops may require extra care for young children.

What is included in the price?
The 8-hour tour includes a professional guide, luxury transportation, pickup and drop-off, the Friðheimar lunch, and admission to all stops.

Can I customize the itinerary?
As a private tour, it offers flexibility to accommodate your interests and pace, within the overall schedule.

What should I wear?
Weather-appropriate clothing is recommended, with rainproof clothing available free of charge if notified ahead.

Are there any dietary options for lunch?
Yes, the lunch at Friðheimar caters to most dietary requirements, including vegetarian and gluten-free options.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, a full refund or reschedule is offered.

How long are the stops?
Stops range from 30 minutes at Kerið to 1 hour 30 minutes at Þingvellir, allowing enough time for sightseeing and photos.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
While walking can be adjusted, specific accessibility details are not provided and should be clarified with the provider.

How do I book or cancel?
Bookings can be made with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can I bring alcohol or snacks?
Alcoholic beverages and snacks are not included; coffee and tea are available during the tour.