Golden Circle Classic Day Tour from Reykjavik
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Reykjavik, Iceland
- 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 on a day trip from Reykjavik. Travel by air-conditioned 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
- See Thingvellir, the oldest functioning parliament in the world
- Go beyond the guidebooks with facts and insights from your guide
- Marvel at the double-tiered falls of the Gullfoss waterfall
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
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks, unless specified
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 5,272 reviews
Jacqueline_C, Apr 2026
Great tour! Guide was knowledgeable, interesting, and funny! The stops and aites and wntire experience was good.
Katharine_R, Apr 2026
It is a great way to see Iceland but quite a basic tour. We had to do the tour back to front as others missed the bus and had to catch us up. Only having 30 mins in the National Park was not long enough but the geysers and waterfall were amazing. Dress for the weather as it was wild. Thought that our guide could have told us so much more.
Claudia_G, Apr 2026
The trip was amazing. I did wish the first stop we could have stayed longer. It was nice magical and well worth it.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your feedback! We’re glad to hear you had an amazing and memorable trip, and that you enjoyed the experience overall.
We appreciate your comment regarding the timing at the first stop and will keep it in mind. We hope to welcome you again!
Best regards,
Zuzanna
Cassandra_H, Apr 2026
I took my teen daughter on this trip and we loved it! We went in early April and everything was covered in snow. So beautiful. Our guide was informative and funny. Icelandic sense of humour is pretty good. I wish the stops were slightly longer but it was a lot of ground to cover so understand we couldn’t hang around each stop for hours.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your lovely feedback! We’re so happy to hear you and your daughter enjoyed the trip and the beautiful snowy scenery, and that your guide made the experience both informative and fun.
We appreciate your note about the timing and hope to welcome you again in the future!
Best regards,
Zuzanna
Kirsty_G, Apr 2026
What a fantastic trip, I’m so pleased we booked the golden circle as it was certainly one not to be missed! Our driver was Anna & we felt so safe with her driving especially with the road conditions but I guess they are used to it! Our guide was Lena who was so full of knowledge & kept us updated with everything. My favourite part was probably the waterfall, it’s probably the prettiest waterfall I’ve ever saw in my life especially covered in snow & ice it’s just breathtaking! Watching Strokkur erupting was also a special moment not to mention the geothermal pools everywhere. I highly recommend this trip & arctic adventures!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your lovely feedback! We’re glad you enjoyed the Golden Circle and that Anna and Lena made your trip safe, informative, and memorable. It’s great to hear you especially enjoyed the waterfalls and Strokkur eruption.
We appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you again!
Best regards,
Zuzanna
Charlie_C, Apr 2026
I went on this tour admittedly very hungover on the 1st of January '26. Having partied with the Reykjavik locals into the wee hours the night before my girlfriend and I were slow getting up for this tour but thankfully made it. Getting to see three Icelandic treasures and arriving back to our hotel before dinner was a good way to enjoy the start of the year. For me my favorite of the three was the waterfalls that were made even more wonderous by the icy weather.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your feedback. We’re very pleased to hear that you had an enjoyable start to the year and that the experience allowed you to see some of the highlights of the area. It’s great to know the visit was memorable for you, and we truly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts.
Best regards,
Zuzanna
Karl_A, Apr 2026
Highly enjoyable experience. Marianne C was a good guide - very informative. The sites visited were beautiful. Highly recommend this experience.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your kind feedback. We’re very pleased to hear that you had such an enjoyable experience and that the journey was informative and memorable. It’s great to know the overall day met your expectations, and we truly appreciate your recommendation.
Best regards,
Zuzanna
Mike_J, Apr 2026
It was fine. We got jammed into the back of the bus (not comfortable at all). Not enough time at Thingveller. Did get to see the geyser erupt and it was worth it to see the Guflloss Falls. Basically felt like an excursion from a cruise ship. I'd book a small format tour next time.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that some parts of the experience were not as comfortable as expected. We appreciate your comments. If you would like to share more details, please feel free to contact us at info@icelandia.is.
Best regards,
Zuzanna
Jodi_J, Apr 2026
Sights to behold! The driver and tour guide were great! Despite the constant snow we felt safe and stayed on schedule.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your kind feedback. We’re very pleased to hear that you had an enjoyable experience and that you felt safe and well looked after throughout the journey. It’s great to know the team helped make the trip smooth and enjoyable despite the conditions. We truly appreciate you sharing your thoughts.
Best regards,
Zuzanna
Karen_R, Mar 2026
Very beautiful and interesting. The waterfalls were very beautiful, the geyser spouts numerous times while there and seeing the volcanic rock by the tectonic plates was very interesting.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your kind feedback. We’re very pleased to hear that you had such an enjoyable experience and that the natural sights left a strong impression. It’s great to know the visit was both interesting and memorable for you. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts.
Best regards,
Zuzanna
Sharon_H, Mar 2026
The Golden Circle is a must go see tour!
Our tour guide was so knowledgeable, engaging and fun!
The experience was awesome and unforgettable!!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
We’re thrilled you had an awesome and unforgettable experience on the Golden Circle! It’s wonderful to hear your guide made the tour engaging and fun.
Kind regards,
Magdalena
Diana_Y, Mar 2026
Our guide, Steffan, was very knowledgeable! I learned a lot as we viewed these beautiful and historic places. The bus was comfortable. The stops gave us enough time to explore but not too long. It was a great tour.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
We’re happy you enjoyed the tour and found Steffan so knowledgeable. It’s great to hear the pace and comfort made the experience enjoyable.
Kind regards,
Magdalena
Ismail_G, Mar 2026
Very nice and well planned trip. I think if you have your stay majnlynin Reykjavik, then this should be done on the first day.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
We’re happy to hear you enjoyed a well-planned trip. Doing it early in your Reykjavik stay is indeed a great idea!
Kind regards,
Magdalena
CrystalLeisner_L, Mar 2026
Snowy and Cold but magical to see. The geyser was so cool and shocks you at first but then when you know what to expect its beautiful. I can't wait to see Gulfoss in the summer It's like the grand canyon feels of Iceland with waterfalls. History and amazement of seeing the tectonic plates separating only makes sense when you see it. This is a big bus tour, but we felt relaxed comfortable and not rushed the entire time.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review. We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the magical winter scenery and highlights like the geyser and Gullfoss. It’s great to know you felt comfortable and relaxed throughout the tour.
We hope to welcome you again in the summer!
Kind regards,
Magdalena
Cynthia, Mar 2026
The stops were very nice, and we learned a lot about Iceland. The guide was a bit low key and would talk about things we were passing, but we weren’t passing them. They would show up a few miles further, on and she would remind us that they were what she had described earlier. A bit confusing.
Overall, though, good experience that I would recommend, just not with Viator. The company reassigned us with another tour company and neglected to tell them io our pick-up location. If not for the quick action of our hotel receptionist, we would have missed the tour entirely. Shame on Viator.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for your feedback. We’re glad you enjoyed the tour overall, but sorry to hear about the confusion during guiding and the pick-up issue.
Kind regards,
Magdalena
Michele_E, Mar 2026
If you're going in winter/spring dress very warm! Especially by the waterfall. It's all very beautiful
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hello,
We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the beautiful scenery! Thank you for the helpful tip about dressing warmly, especially near the waterfall. It’s great advice for future visitors.
Best regards,
Zuzanna
Ivan_H, Mar 2026
Excellent value for money and a 100% must do, a great way to see what Iceland has to offer, tour guide and driver were fantastic
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hello,
We’re thrilled to hear you found the tour such an excellent value! It’s wonderful that the guide and driver made the experience enjoyable and helped you see the best of Iceland.
Best regards,
Zuzanna
cleektravel, Mar 2026
We had a great 1/2 day Golden Circle Tour with Stephen as our guide. In the short time we got to see 3 locations - a waterfall, a geyser, and the tectonic plates of Europe and North America. Stephen was a fun storyteller.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hello,
We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed your half-day Golden Circle tour! It’s wonderful that Stefan’s storytelling made the visit to the waterfall, geyser, and tectonic plates both fun and memorable.
Best regards,
Zuzanna
Laura_C, Mar 2026
Great stops and good value for money!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hello,
We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the stops and found the tour to be great value! Thank you for your enthusiasm!
Best regards,
Zuzanna
Natalia_P, Mar 2026
It was a tour on minibus.
Our driver, Albert while the road was ok drove in a bit unsafe manner, overtaking cars in a bit unsafe manner. And when on the country side an ice wind started, he kept driving 90-80 km per hour, only after some time he reduced the speed till 60 km per hour, that in those circumstances was too high. I say it because ilmy driving experience is more than 25 years, and though it was very rough weather and it was difficult to control the car, I am convinced, that the driver was overconfident and must reduce the speed immediately, moreover there were a lot of cars on our way that list the lane and was left on both sides of the road. And though he was caring to the tourist after the accident, I still can not understand why he drove so unprofessional.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hello,
Thank you for sharing your detailed feedback.
Safety is our top priority, and we take your observations very seriously.
Please send us an email at info@icelandia.is so we can investigate this matter further and address your concerns directly.
Best regards,
Zuzanna
Andrew_S, Mar 2026
What a lovely day out, the guide, Una (?) couldn’t have been more helpful or informative. Loved every minute.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hello,
We’re so happy to hear you enjoyed your day! It’s wonderful that the team made the experience informative and enjoyable from start to finish.
Best regards,
Zuzanna
Mai_W, Mar 2026
We are a couple travelling with a two year old from the UK. What you need to know about bus tours with small children in Iceland is that they need to have a car seat, we brought one with us as we found the request for a seat doesn’t mean the bus turns up with one. No car seat, no bus tour. The bus was easy to locate at the bus station and the guide, ours was Albert and drivers name was Bartek, were friendly and professional. My 2 year old immediately made friends with Albert.
The bus was clean and comfortable but there were signs for no eating or drinking on it which wasn’t necessarily ideal for a young child but there are opportunities to eat lunch off the bus.
The actual tour destinations and drive to get there were scenic and spectacular although as to be expected very busy with tours.
For those, like us who were not really sure what to do and are first time visitors here then it’s a good way to get some of the popular tourist destinations in with someone else doing the driving!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hello,
Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re glad Albert and Bartek made your trip enjoyable and that your little one felt welcome. It’s great to hear you enjoyed the scenic destinations and found the tour helpful for first-time visitors.
Best regards,
Zuzanna
Fiona_N, Mar 2026
No experience. Did not turn up. Refused to answer emails. Tried to get money back but they lied to our bank. Will never use Viator again.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hello,
We’re very sorry to hear about your experience. We understand how frustrating this must have been, especially when it comes to communication and refunds.
Please reach out to us at info@icelandia.is so we can look into this matter in detail and assist you further.
Best regards,
Zuzanna
erick_b, Mar 2026
This was an awesome trip. The staff was helpful and friendly. Take this tour. The weather was great,
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hello,
We’re so glad you had such an awesome trip! It’s great to hear that our team made you feel welcome and that you were able to enjoy the experience in good weather.
Best regards,
Zuzanna
Malina_F, Mar 2026
Wonderful scenery and great locations.
Plenty time at each stop,
Tour guide was very knowledgeable .
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Dear Traveler,
Thank you for your review! We’re glad to hear that you enjoyed the scenery and locations and found your tour guide knowledgeable.
Best Regards,
Gabriele
Amanda_B, Mar 2026
A fantastic trip with long-lasting memories. Very well organised with shuttles at pick up points to bring you to the main coach. Our guide Tove was absolutely excellent, providing useful and fascinating facts about what we were visiting, other general Icelandic history and most importanly knowing when to be quiet. Don't be put off by the duration, the time absolutely flew past with gorgeous scenery and well timed breaks, Danny our driver was obviously used to the conditions and was proficient and careful. I would say that this is a fantastic way of seeing the marvels of Icelandic geology and scenery.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Dear Traveler,
Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that Tove and Danny made your trip so enjoyable, and that you appreciated the organization, scenery, and fascinating insights throughout the day.
Best Regards,
Gabriele
Kathreen_M, Mar 2026
We originally had Golden Circle & Snowmobiling booked but due to weather they couldn’t go ahead with the Snowmobiling so just booked separately for the Golden Circle instead. This was a great tour, lots of driving but that’s given and worth it when you get to the destination. Just to note you have limited time at each stop, so if there are others who are late getting back on the bus this reduces your time at the next stop. Overall great afternoon as we had the sun and clear sky!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your feedback! We’re glad the team made your Golden Circle tour enjoyable and that you had great weather to appreciate the sights. We also appreciate your note about timing at the stops, which is helpful for future travelers.
Best regards,
Zuzanna
gagulaana, Mar 2026
Our guide Alexandr made the trip for me, his stories and sharing of Iceland’s history and culture was incredible. The sites were gorgeous, though covered in deep snow- adding a different yet nonetheless beautiful experience, than what you may expect.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Dear Traveler,
Thank you for your kind review! We’re delighted to hear that Alexandr’s stories and knowledge enhanced your experience, and that you enjoyed Iceland’s snowy landscapes.
Best Regards,
Gabriele
Thomas_T, Mar 2026
Unusual weather for March. Rocky start as soon as we left the Terminal, bus had mechanical difficulty and we returned to the Terminal for a different bus, so we ran about 25 minutes behind all day.Tour guide was helpful a our driver was safe.
The sights were great, but the weather was cold, windy, and snowy.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Dear Traveler,
Thank you for your feedback. We’re glad to hear that the guide was helpful and the driver kept you safe, and we appreciate your understanding despite the unusual weather and delays.
Best Regards,
Gabriele
Lesley_S, Mar 2026
Good day out. Some time spent travelling but guide was interesting, funny and engaged. Driving conditions very poor. But driver clearly very experienced and felt totally safe. Great experience.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Dear Traveler,
Thank you for your review! We’re glad to hear that you enjoyed the day, found the guide engaging, and felt safe with our experienced driver despite the challenging conditions.
Best Regards,
Gabriele
From $85.58
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Golden Circle Classic Day Tour from Reykjavik
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6 hours 30 minutes
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