Golden Circle Classic Day Tour from Reykjavik
Badge of Excellence
Reykjavik, Iceland
+16
- 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Witness the three wonders of the famous Iceland Golden Circle, without the hassle of driving, on a day trip from Reykjavik. Travel by climate-controlled vehicle with a guide and learn the history and geology of each site. See the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, the bubbling pools and Strokkur waterspout at Geysir, and the incredible tectonic rift at Thingvellir National Park.
- Relax with hassle-free Reykjavik hotel pickup and drop-off
- Avoid the stress of renting a car and navigating unfamiliar roads
- Go beyond the guidebooks with facts and insights from your guide
- Check off several Icelandic highlights in just one tour
Why Travelers Choose This Tour
This classic Golden Circle tour hits all the highlights, making it ideal for those that want to get the most for their time and money.
What's Included
- Professional guide
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Pickup and drop off from selected locations (if requested)
- WiFi on board
- During summer: Pick up available from Skarfabakki Cruise Port
- App-based audio guide in multiple languages
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Headphones for the audio guide
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Itinerary
Depart your central Reykjavik hotel or Reykjavik cruise port by air-conditioned coach and venture into Iceland’s starkly beautiful interior of rugged peaks, pastures and volcanic plains.
Take in panoramic views of the plant that harnesses the area’s natural propensity for generating power, and hear how it produces renewable energy for more than half of Reykjavik's population.
Continue from here along the famous Golden Circle, the sightseeing route that showcases three of Iceland’s most spectacular natural wonders.
Stop by at Thingvellir National Park, a region of untouched beauty steeped in ancient history. Learn how it’s home to the original, outdoor site of Iceland’s first parliamentary assembly, the Althingi, that began in 930, and see the extraordinary Thingvellir rift, where the tectonic plates of America and Eurasia face each other over a narrow valley.
Snap photos as your guide explains how the plates are gradually pulling apart, and then continue to the Gullfoss waterfall. Marvel at the double-tiered falls and, with luck, catch sight of one of the famous rainbows that forms in the mists.
Next, visit the incredible geothermal region of Geysir, known for its hot springs and geysers. Take in the bubbling pools and steam vents, and see Strokkur, a waterspout that shoots to around 98 feet (30 meters) in the air.
Your tour then ends back at the original start point in Reykjavik.
Take in panoramic views of the plant that harnesses the area’s natural propensity for generating power, and hear how it produces renewable energy for more than half of Reykjavik's population.
Continue from here along the famous Golden Circle, the sightseeing route that showcases three of Iceland’s most spectacular natural wonders.
Stop by at Thingvellir National Park, a region of untouched beauty steeped in ancient history. Learn how it’s home to the original, outdoor site of Iceland’s first parliamentary assembly, the Althingi, that began in 930, and see the extraordinary Thingvellir rift, where the tectonic plates of America and Eurasia face each other over a narrow valley.
Snap photos as your guide explains how the plates are gradually pulling apart, and then continue to the Gullfoss waterfall. Marvel at the double-tiered falls and, with luck, catch sight of one of the famous rainbows that forms in the mists.
Next, visit the incredible geothermal region of Geysir, known for its hot springs and geysers. Take in the bubbling pools and steam vents, and see Strokkur, a waterspout that shoots to around 98 feet (30 meters) in the air.
Your tour then ends back at the original start point in Reykjavik.
1
Golden Circle Route
Admission Ticket Free
2
Thingvellir National Park
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
3
Site de Geysir
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
4
Strokkur
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
5
Gullfoss Falls
40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Infant seats available
- Most travelers can participate
- Stops will be made during the tour at locations where facilities can be used
- Stops will be made during the tour at locations where lunch and snacks can be purchased
- A small amount of walking is required to reach the sites
- Foldable wheelchairs can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark. However be prepared for uneven surfaces at the sites visited which may be difficult for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.5
based on 5,778 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
This was one of my favorite tours. We had the good fortune of having Eric as our tour guide. He taught us so much and made it fun. Highly recommend it.
The guide was very knowledgeable and informative. He drove very safely in adverse weather conditions!
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your kind feedback! ✨ We’re delighted to hear you found your guide knowledgeable and informative.
It’s especially great to know you felt safe and comfortable with the driving despite the challenging weather conditions. We truly appreciate your kind words!
We hope to welcome you again!
Best regards,
Sesili
Brilliant tour, loved seeing the sights of the golden circle, stunning scenery, tour guide was brilliant, would definitely recommend this tour.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! ✨ We’re delighted to hear you loved exploring the Golden Circle and enjoyed the stunning scenery.
It’s fantastic to know the tour was such a memorable experience and that you would recommend it to others!
We hope to welcome you again for another Icelandic adventure!
Best regards,
Sesili
We were waiting for our pickup at the designated place. Bus never came. We were called no-shows. We checked with every bus that came, but it wasn't ours. No refund was given.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Dear Nancy,
We’re very sorry to hear about this experience. We understand how frustrating it must have been to wait for the bus and then be marked as a no-show. Please accept our apologies for the inconvenience.
Warm regards,
Patricia
Fantastic way to introduce you to some highlights if you’re short on time. It was very informative and included 3 stops. Our guide, Richie was great, full of stories and information about the area.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Dear Yvonne,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted you enjoyed the highlights of the Golden Circle and that Richie made the tour informative and entertaining with his stories. 😊
Warm regards,
Patricia
Very organize and prompt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Dear Traveler,
Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re so glad you found the tour well organized and punctual. 😊
Warm regards,
Patricia
Excellent comprehensive tour with enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide. Visited the main sights of the Golden Circle with plenty of time to take photos and appreciate the wonderful natural resources
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Dear Diana,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted you enjoyed the Golden Circle, the beautiful sights, and the time to take in the scenery and capture some great photos. 😊
Warm regards,
Patricia
Very good busdriver and tourguide Gudjon Jes Maggie took us true the golden circle at Iceland. It was worth the money and you did see a lot of the nature outside the city’s. Worth every penny it cost, so I recommend this tour if you’re going to Iceland, also with kids.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted that Gudjon, Jes and Maggie made your Golden Circle experience so enjoyable. It’s great to hear the tour was a memorable experience for the whole family!
Best regards,
Magdalena
Very convenient view of natural wonders of Iceland. The tour guide Margaret was most informed, polite and professional. The bus driving very amazing also.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you for your lovely feedback! We’re so glad Margaret and our driver helped make your day comfortable and memorable. We’ll be happy to welcome you back to Iceland!
Best regards,
Magdalena
This was £400 cheaper than our cruises version of the same trip. Good commentary at key moments without constant verbal noise. The sights were amazing and we had enough time at each place to explore and get souvenirs, go to the loo and get food.
Highly recommended and they pick up and drop off right by the Skarfabakki terminal as long as you book the pick up
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We’re thrilled you had such a comfortable and enjoyable day with us. It was a pleasure having you along, and we truly appreciate the recommendation!
Best regards,
Magdalena
The Golden Circle tour was excellent and exactly as described. Our guide provided useful and interesting information throughout the day, and the tour stayed on schedule. The stops were well planned, with opportunities for food and restroom breaks. Overall, the tour was well organized and delivered exactly what was promised.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the tour and appreciated the organization and our guide. It was a pleasure having you with us!
Best regards,
Magdalena
Yawn. Listening to boring music n self promotion as well as promoting restaurants. Etc. very boring to us
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Dear Traveler,
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that the music and commentary, including the restaurant recommendations, did not match your expectations. We appreciate your honest feedback and will take it into consideration as we continue to improve our tours.
Best Regards,
Gabriele
It’s a long day, most of which is spent on the but, you’ll have about 45 minutes at each of the sites. There are restaurants, and restrooms at each stop.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Dear Traveler,
Thank you for sharing your feedback! We’re glad you found the tour convenient, with time to enjoy each stop and access to restaurants and restrooms along the way. We truly appreciate you joining us and hope you had a memorable experience in Iceland!
Best Regards,
Gabriele
3 Very amazing sites seen up close and personal. Perfect come out of time to see everything. Pick up and drop off available at the pier. Well worth of money.
Our guide Eric was amazing, over and above
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Dear Traveler,
Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re delighted you enjoyed the sights, timing, and convenient pier pick-up and drop-off. We’re especially happy to hear that Eric made your experience so memorable. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with him!
Best Regards,
Gabriele
Wonderful tour! Well organized and informative. The stops were more crowded than other tours I went on but that’s to be expected with it being so popular. Gudjon was a great tour guide and driver! Good amount of time at each stop with some chances to walk and shop. Highly recommended!
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Dear Traveler,
Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re delighted you enjoyed the tour and found it informative and well-organized. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with Gudjon. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again!
Best Regards,
Gabriele
We wish the weather was better, but all around a great tour. I have Celiac and the lunch stop had nothing safe for me to eat. Bring snacks.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Dear Traveler,
Thank you for your kind feedback! We’re glad you enjoyed the tour overall, and we’re sorry the weather wasn’t on our side. We also appreciate your feedback regarding the lunch options and will keep it in mind to better accommodate guests with dietary requirements.
Best Regards,
Gabriele
We thoroughly enjoyed this tour and our guide- (whose name we don’t now remember, but who said we could just call him God, ha, ha), was very knowledgeable and charismatic. The golden circle waterfall was especially impressive. If you have the time, the only thing we regretted was not also booking the glacier tour while we were right there.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Dear Traveler,
Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear you thoroughly enjoyed the tour and our guide’s knowledge and charisma. We’re especially glad the Golden Circle waterfall made an impression, and we hope you’ll have the chance to return for the glacier tour!
Best Regards,
Gabriele
We had a fantastic day at Godsfoss, the area where the two fault lines meet, the beautiful lakes and the volcanic areas. It was a full day and our guide and driver were excellent
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Hello Phillip,
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! ✨ We’re delighted to hear you had such a fantastic day exploring Gullfoss, the meeting point of the two tectonic plates, beautiful lakes, and volcanic landscapes. 🌋
It’s also great to know you enjoyed the full-day experience and that our guide and driver helped make the journey so enjoyable!
We hope to welcome you again for another Icelandic adventure!
Kind regards,
Svava
Our ticket said meet 930 start 10a. we were there at 930 and the bus had left us. Nothing on the ticket said there were multiple pick up. We thought the bus would be at our pick up till 10. Plus the road was closed and buses for different tours were meeting two blocks away. So I don't know if the guide walked up a few min before and missed us? Person on the phone argued we were a no show. Even had we been 2 min late (we were not) our hotel was 3 blocks down hill so we could see the meeting spot and there was no bus in the place we were told to be. I have done many tours with Viator, including 4 booked for this cruise and never had a problem. And I expect I will use your company again. But I should get a refund for this tour. Look at your paperwork. Nothing sent to me says the bus leaves this spot at 9:30. Everywhere it says tour starts at 10 with no distinction that 10 is from another location. We expected getting there at 9:30 we would be first on the bus to get a good seat and be waiting till 10 for everyone to show up and then leave from our meeting spot. Your sent paperwork/tickets should be clearere.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Hello Melissa,
Thank you for taking the time to explain what happened. We’re truly sorry for the confusion and frustration caused by the pickup arrangements.
We understand why you believed arriving at 9:30 would give you enough time before the 10:00 tour start, especially if the ticket did not clearly explain that the bus would leave from that location at 9:30. The road closure and nearby meeting points for other tours clearly added to the confusion as well.
We’re sorry the information provided was not clear enough and that your concerns were not handled as you expected when you called. We appreciate you bringing this to our attention, and we’ll review the booking information and what happened with the pickup.
We also appreciate your kind words about our company and your willingness to travel with us again. We hope we can have the opportunity to provide you with the smooth experience you expected.
Kind regards,
Svava
The tour itself was wonderful. The guide was well informed and communicated well. The instructions for the bus pick up at Harper number five, however, were not clear and made for a rough start of the trip.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Hello Holly,
Thank you for your feedback! ✨ We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the tour and found the guide knowledgeable and communicative.
We’re sorry the pickup instructions for Harpa number five were unclear and made for a rough start. We appreciate you bringing this to our attention and will keep your feedback in mind as we work to improve our communication.
We hope to welcome you again!
Kind regards,
Svava
This tour was awesome. We hit some of the famous sites along the circle, and made rest stops at gas stations/souvenir shops. There was a wonderful stop for lunch. The day was packed as we didn’t get back into the city until nighttime. Our tour guide Unnar was great!
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Hello Anja,
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! ✨ We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the Golden Circle highlights, the convenient stops, and the lunch break along the way. It’s great to know you had such a packed and memorable day, and that Unnar helped make the experience even better!
We’ll be sure to share your kind words with Unnar!
We hope to welcome you again!
Kind regards,
Svava
Trip was good but not enough time at the first or last locations. 6.5 hour tour but last hour of it we spent driving around Reykjavik dropping people off. Time would have been spent much better dropping us all back at location we started and using the additional time to spend at the locations on the tour.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Hello Keith,
Thank you for your thoughtful feedback. We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the trip overall.
We’re sorry the time at the first and last stops felt too short, especially with the time spent on drop-offs around Reykjavík. We understand how you would have preferred to spend that time at the attractions instead, and we truly appreciate your suggestion. We’ll take your feedback into consideration when reviewing the tour experience.
Kind regards,
Svava
We were not satisfied with our tour director.
He talked fast and was not interesting.
We learned more on our 1 hour trip to the airport.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Hello Karen,
Thank you for sharing your honest feedback. We’re sorry to hear the tour commentary did not meet your expectations and that you found the pace too fast and the information less engaging than hoped.
We appreciate you bringing this to our attention. Your comments are valuable and will be taken into consideration as we continue working to improve the experience for our guests.
Kind regards,
Svava
Tour guides Unnur and Tomasz were great
Told stories about life in Iceland
Had a beautiful sunny day, we saw beautiful waterfalls and cool geysers
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Hello Lillian,
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! ✨ We’re delighted to hear Unnur and Tomasz made the tour so enjoyable with their stories about life in Iceland. It’s fantastic that you had beautiful sunny weather and got to enjoy the stunning waterfalls and impressive geysers! ☀️💦
We’ll be sure to share your kind words with them!
We hope to welcome you again for another Icelandic adventure!
Kind regards,
Svava
This is a wonderful tour. Our guide was well-informed and gave us good information about each stop. My one complaint is while on the bus she would say, "I'm going to walk you to the falls, or the geyser, and then you'll have time to wander about on your own." Then she would get off the bus and with the first ten people start at a quick pace to the destination. As we were in the back of the bus in a large group, by the time we got out, she was long gone and we did not get to hear the information she provided at the site.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Hello Debra,
Thank you for your thoughtful feedback. ✨ We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the Golden Circle tour and found the guide’s information helpful.
We’re sorry to hear you missed some of the commentary at the stops because the group moved ahead so quickly. We understand how frustrating that must have been, especially after being told you would be guided to the sites. We appreciate you bringing this to our attention and will take your feedback into consideration.
Kind regards,
Svava
Very good and informative tour. It really gave us a flavour of Iceland and the waterfalls we were taken to were superb!
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! ✨ We’re delighted to hear you found the Golden Circle tour informative and that it gave you a great taste of Iceland. It’s fantastic to know the waterfalls were a highlight and that you enjoyed their beauty! 💦
We hope to welcome you again for another Icelandic adventure!
Kind regards,
Svava
It is phenomenal. We really enjoyed our excursion and would recommend to everyone. The booking process was very easy
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your phenomenal feedback! ✨ We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed your excursion and found the booking process easy and straightforward.
We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again for another Icelandic adventure!
Kind regards,
Svava
It hit the golden circle stops. Unfortunately, in the 12 years since I last visited, the sites have become very crowded and now have shops filled with junk. I was sad to see what these places have become. Our guide Richie was very personable and knowledgeable. I really enjoyed his commentary.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Hello,
Thank you for sharing your thoughtful feedback. ✨ We’re glad to hear you enjoyed Richie’s personable approach and knowledgeable commentary.
We understand how different the Golden Circle can feel after many years, especially with the increased crowds and development around the sites. We appreciate you sharing your perspective, and we hope the tour still brought back some good memories of Iceland.
Kind regards,
Svava
The tour was wonderful! Excellent driver and guide. Our guide, Herheiness, was very knowledgable, informative and courteous. He gave just enough commentary and along with wonderful friendly driver made our trip very enjoyable!
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Hello June,
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! ✨ We’re delighted to hear you had such an enjoyable tour and that Herheiness was knowledgeable, informative, and courteous. It’s fantastic to know his well-balanced commentary, together with your friendly driver, made the journey so enjoyable!
We’ll be sure to share your kind words with them.
We hope to welcome you again!
Kind regards,
Svava
Great experience to see some great sites. Knowledgeable tour guide. My only wish was that we have some time at the large crater. We passed right by it. Just snip 5 or 10 minutes off a few of the other sites. Wonderful day.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Hello Steven,
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! ✨ We’re delighted to hear you had such a great day and enjoyed the beautiful sites and knowledgeable guide.
We also appreciate your helpful suggestion about having a few minutes at the large crater. We understand how nice it would be to have a little more time there and will certainly keep your feedback in mind.
We hope to welcome you again!
Kind regards,
Svava
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per personWas $82.57(-5%)
up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Golden Circle Classic Day Tour from Reykjavik
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