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, without the hassle of driving, 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
- 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 5,403 reviews
Paula_F, Jun 2026
Wrap up well for when your outside especially near waterfall. Nice and warm on coach though. Excellent tour with guide giving lots of local information and history. Take a drink and snack with you … there is a lunch stop but not until last stop. I really enjoyed the whole experience
qhv59znn6q, Jun 2026
Amazing tour guide, Dylan. Excellent oral history and cultural overview. Beautiful waterfalls. The Geyser’s allowed for excellent viewing and a beautiful hike to an overlook!
Ruth_G, Jun 2026
Apart for paying for a pick up from the ship which I didn't get and cost me to get a taxi to the railway station, I have to say it was at least a 1/3rd of the cost of the same trip using other companies and the cruise line. The guide was excellent and they did take us back to the ship I would highly recommend this company
mikerothery, Jun 2026
What an excellent tour. A bit confusing about the coach to get on at the start but a great pick up spot at the cruise terminal. Our tour guide Gudyon Jes was excellent and very informative, our driver Barxok was very good and drove safely. Visiting the waterfalls and geysers was great and we were kept informed of everything we saw all of the time. In all, it was great 6 hour plus tour very informative and ran really smoothly. Great value for money and highly recommended. An excellent way to see the sights of th Golden Circle. At the end of the tour the offer was made to drop anybody off at downtown Reykavic after the drop at the cruise port. Pros were very easy to find at the cruise terminal and a great itenary. Great tour gude and driver and excellent value for money at way under half the cost of a cruise ship shore excursion.
Andrea_M, Jun 2026
Excellent,driver and guide tour ,bus very confortabile ,tour fantastic ,transfer from Port Cruise top thanks Andrea
Christine_H, Jun 2026
The actual tour was very enjoyable. Plenty of comfort breaks. We struggled to understand what Benedict? was saying at times. We paid £10 extra for Cruise Port pick-up, due to me not being able to walk very far. We waited but it never came. After phoning the office we were told we had to go to Terminal 314, which we hadn’t even heard of. A taxi driver at the port told us where to go. We had to walk about 600 mtrs to a bus depot where there was 3 coaches all going on the same excursion. I could barely breath, my husband had to go ahead to make sure they waited for me as by that time we were late! We believed we had paid for pick-up from the cruise terminal, which we did not get. So be very careful when booking.
Padraig_C, Jun 2026
We enjoyed the tour, the tour guid was great and very knowledgeable. Every stop we made was fantastic.
But we just found the amount of time on the bus was too much ie it was over 90 minutes from the start to the 1st stop. It didn't help the fact the bus was full and very humid.
This is not a complaint but more a suggestion.... Maybe try to keep the max amount of time on the bus between stops to 30 minutes.
This is the only reason we did not give this tour 5 stars..
Anthony_F, Jun 2026
Great tour. Went in small group van. Excellent guide. She was well versed in the sites and history of Iceland. Learned much and fantastic scenery. day was great weather.
Dean_P, Jun 2026
We were at the location for pick up 5 minutes early, I have GPS screenshot proof. Not only did they not pick us up they didn't respond to my messages and left and wouldn't come back. They will NOT refund us. Not only shoukld we get a full refund our next excision booked tomorrow should be compensated. This mistake ruined our vacation and they act like it was our fault even though I have proof of communication to the tour company without a response and the immediate assistance link DOES NOT WORK. Sooooo pissed I can't explain how upset my wife and I are. She has been crying all day.
Donald_B, Jun 2026
The sights were amazing, but I wish I had studied the background more before we took the tour. Our guide Ritchie or Ricky was extremely knowledgeable of the history, geography, geography and all aspects of the tour. His only drawback was he spoke quite fast so we didn’t absorb as much as we wanted. Still, a super tour.
Sandra_S, Jun 2026
Very good excursion. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and we were given plenty of time to see the attractions. Good smooth driving too. All in all a great trip. Very good value for money. Would certainly recommend.
Heidi_F, Jun 2026
Our previous 3 excursions through Viator were great, but the instructions provided for this particular tour were insufficient, resulting in us missing our original tour time. After spending 40 mintues on the phone with Viator customer service, we were rescheduled to a later tour. We should have been told ahead of time that there was a "pick up" shuttle bus departing 30 minutes earlier than our tour time that would take us to a bus terminal where our actual tour would depart from at the listed time. There was also a change in the activity provider that we were not made aware of until after our original tour departed.
There were at least 4 others on our rescheduled tour that also missed the morning tour for the same reason: total confusion.
Our previous 3 guides were fantastic, but the guide on this tour was difficult to understand and rambled on an on with uninteresting and sometimes inappropriate information. Many fellow travelers were donning ear buds/headphones to block out the narration.
Lucy_P, Jun 2026
Tour was as described... we left on time and had plenty of time at each of the sites to walk around and explore. Enrico, our guide, was personable and knowledgeable. We felt that this tour gave us a good taste of Iceland given that we were only in Reyjavik for 1 -1/2 days. After the tour, Enrico offered us the opportunity to stay on the bus after it returned to the cruise port to be dropped off downtown, so we had time to explore downtown for a few hours and only walk back to the port one way rather than pay the exorbitant $30 person fee for the MSC shuttle.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your kind feedback! We’re delighted to hear that the tour matched your expectations and that you had enough time at each stop to explore and enjoy the sights.
It’s great to know that Enrico made a positive impression with his personable and knowledgeable guidance, and that the tour gave you a good introduction to Iceland during your short stay in Reykjavík. We’re also happy that the drop-off option helped you make the most of your time in the city.
We truly appreciate your thoughtful comments and hope to welcome you again in Iceland!
Kind regards,
Zuzanna
Timothy_C, Jun 2026
The excursion itself was good once we were shuttled to the location to catch the actual tour bus, but the communication and process to get shuttled to the bus terminal was severely lacking.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your feedback! We’re glad to hear that you enjoyed the excursion itself once the tour got underway.
We’re very sorry to hear that the communication and shuttle process to the bus terminal did not meet your expectations. We understand how important clear instructions and smooth coordination are at the start of the day, and your comments are very valuable. We will share this with our team.
We truly appreciate you bringing this to our attention and hope you still had a great experience overall in Iceland.
Kind regards,
Zuzanna
Jennifer_G, Jun 2026
A lot of time traveling on the bus. Bus was large enough to hold our luggage, which we weren't aware of.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your feedback! We’re glad to hear you were able to bring your luggage comfortably on the bus and that it met your needs in that regard.
We also appreciate your comment about the amount of time spent traveling. Iceland is a large country with long distances between many of the main sights, which can mean more time on the road than expected. Your feedback is very helpful and will be taken into consideration as we continue to improve our communication about what to expect on the tours.
We truly appreciate your thoughts and hope you still enjoyed the beautiful scenery along the way!
Kind regards,
Zuzanna
ADRIAN_C, Jun 2026
Good tour 3 stops at national park , geysers and waterfall . Friendly informative guide and well worth the money especially compared to prices charged by cruise company . Would have given 5 stars but location of pick up point given was incorrect and actually goes from in front of new cruise terminal not the adjacent car park as shown on confirmation
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your feedback! We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the tour, the three main stops, and that you found the guide friendly and informative, as well as good value compared to cruise pricing.
We’re very sorry for the confusion regarding the pickup location. We understand how frustrating it can be to have incorrect information at the start of your day, and we will make sure this is reviewed and corrected to avoid similar issues in the future.
We truly appreciate you bringing this to our attention and hope you still had a great experience overall in Iceland!
Kind regards,
Zuzanna
Jennifer_W, Jun 2026
Mike was great and so was our driver. Very knowledgeable. Prompt. Kind. All the things! We got to enjoy everything on the list and pickup and drop off were convenient.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your kind feedback! We’re delighted to hear you had such a great experience.
It’s wonderful to know that Mike and your driver were knowledgeable, kind, and punctual, and that you were able to enjoy all the highlights on the tour with convenient pickup and drop-off. We truly appreciate your lovely words and hope to see you again in Iceland!
Kind regards,
Zuzanna
mszatny, Jun 2026
Fantastic tour with Gudjon Jes and Olavia. So much to see in short amount of time. Very efficient timing
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your kind feedback! We’re delighted to hear you had a fantastic tour.
It’s great to know that Guðjon Jes and Olavia helped make the experience so enjoyable, and that you were able to see so much in a well-organized and efficient way. We truly appreciate your words and hope to see you again in Iceland!
Kind regards,
Zuzanna
Roberta_R, Jun 2026
Some walking but optional. Out in the elements. Great gift shops. Plenty of stops for bathroom and food. Not a lot of time at each stop so hurry along especially if you want to shop
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your feedback! We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the variety of stops, the shops, and the overall experience out in Iceland’s elements.
We appreciate your note regarding the timing at each stop. While we understand it can feel a bit rushed, the schedule is designed to ensure all key highlights are covered throughout the day. Your comments are very helpful and will be shared with our team for review.
We truly appreciate your thoughts and hope to see you again in Iceland!
Kind regards,
Zuzanna
Lindsay_J, Jun 2026
There is a lot of driving involved but that gives you a chance to marvel at the ethereal beauty of Iceland. Just about enough time to see the 3 sights, would've liked a bit longer.
The geysers and waterfall were breathtaking.
Knowledgeable Icelandic guide Gunnar was very friendly as well
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your feedback! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the beautiful scenery of Iceland and the highlights of the tour.
It’s great to know that despite the amount of driving, you were still able to appreciate the stunning landscapes, and that the geysers and waterfalls were especially breathtaking. We also appreciate your kind words about Gunnar and will be sure to pass them along.
We truly appreciate your thoughts and hope to see you again in Iceland!
Kind regards,
Zuzanna
Eddie_E, Jun 2026
Long bus ride to start with, gets even longer when the bus is picking up people before leaving for the first tour stop but especially after the tour leaving people at their hotels …
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your feedback! We’re sorry to hear that the length of the bus transfers affected your overall experience.
We understand that pickup routes and hotel drop-offs can make the journey feel longer than expected, and we appreciate you sharing your thoughts. Feedback like yours is very valuable and will be taken into consideration as we continue working to improve our service.
We truly appreciate your comments and hope you still enjoyed parts of your tour in Iceland.
Kind regards,
Zuzanna
Eric_H, Jun 2026
The sites visited on this tour are incredible and the pace was perfect. Our guide made the tour even more special by curating local music through out the trip.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your kind feedback! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the incredible sites and found the pace of the tour just right.
It’s wonderful to know that your guide made the experience even more special by adding local music throughout the journey. We truly appreciate your words and hope to see you again in Iceland!
Kind regards,
Zuzanna
SallyAvo2014, Jun 2026
Great tour. Hit the major highlights of Reykjavik. Driver and guide are very knowledgeable. Learned a lot of the history and culture of the country.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your kind feedback! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the tour.
It’s great to know that you were able to see the main highlights of Reykjavík and that the guide and driver’s knowledge helped you learn more about Iceland’s history and culture. We truly appreciate your words and hope to see you again in Iceland!
Kind regards,
Zuzanna
Michelle_G, Jun 2026
The tour is great, and if you come to Iceland you need to do the golden circle. It’s not as awe inspiring as the south coast tour and the stops are much busier. I’d recommend doing this tour before the south coast tour if your schedule allows.
The stop at Thingvellir was very short, and the stop at Geysir was very long. Would have preferred more time at Thingvellir and less at Geysir.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your feedback! We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the Golden Circle tour overall and appreciate your recommendation about visiting it during an Iceland trip.
We also appreciate your detailed comments regarding the timing at the stops. Feedback like yours is very valuable, and we will share it with our team as we continuously work on improving the balance and flow of our itineraries.
We hope you still had a great experience in Iceland, and thank you for choosing us!
Kind regards,
Zuzanna
Michelle_T, Jun 2026
You don’t get much time at the falls. You are rushed to hurry & get back in the bus no time to really explore & take in the sites. Get of the bus take a few pictures & back in the bus
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that you felt the time at the waterfall was too short and that the schedule felt rushed.
We understand how important it is to have enough time to fully enjoy each stop, take in the scenery, and explore at your own pace. Your comments are very valuable, and we will share them with our team for review to see how we can improve the balance of timing on our tours.
We appreciate you taking the time to let us know about your experience.
Kind regards,
Zuzanna
Amber_T, Jun 2026
Benedict was a wonderful tour guide and driver. He was professional, courteous, and clear about timelines for each stop so we knew where we could get snacks and have restroom breaks.The waterfall, geysir/geothermal area, and national park are amazing sights you won’t want to miss!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your kind feedback! We’re delighted to hear you had such a great experience with Benedict.
It’s wonderful to know his professionalism, courtesy, and clear communication helped make your tour smooth and enjoyable. We’re also glad you were able to fully enjoy the incredible waterfalls, geysers/geothermal area, and national park.
We truly appreciate your words and hope to see you again in Iceland!
Kind regards,
Zuzanna
Brianne_S, Jun 2026
Great tour, knowledgeable guide, beautiful stops. The perfect amount of time to get into the beautiful scenery and be back in time for dinner
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your kind feedback! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the tour and the beautiful stops along the way.
It’s great to know that your guide’s knowledge made the experience, and that the timing worked perfectly for you to enjoy the scenery and still make it back in time for dinner. We truly appreciate your words and hope to see you again in Iceland!
Kind regards,
Zuzanna
Elizabeth_R, Jun 2026
A great way to see the natural beauty of Reykjavik, Iceland. The tour guide was so knowledgeable. He spoke about the history of Iceland, and the history of the places we were visiting. Worth every bit!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your kind feedback! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the tour and the natural beauty around Reykjavík.
It’s great to know your guide’s knowledge and storytelling about Iceland’s history and the places you visited made the experience even more meaningful. We truly appreciate your words and hope to see you again in Iceland!
Kind regards,
Zuzanna
Sandy_B, Jun 2026
This was a great day,our guide Richy Rich was fantastic. The bus driver Pavel was great also. We saw great beauty and learned a lot.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your kind feedback! We’re delighted to hear you had such a great day and enjoyed the experience with Richy Rich and Pavel.
It’s wonderful to know you appreciated the beautiful scenery and learned so much along the way. We truly appreciate your words and hope to see you again in Iceland!
Kind regards,
Zuzanna
Gdeleanu, Jun 2026
Unbelievable sightseeing, excellent driver and truly passionate guide. Lots of information provided, weather was good.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your kind feedback! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the sightseeing and that both the driver and guide made the experience even better.
It’s wonderful to know the information shared throughout the tour and the good weather helped make your day even more memorable. We truly appreciate your words and hope to see you again in Iceland!
Kind regards,
Zuzanna
From $83.97
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
Free Cancellation
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