Starting from Reykjavik, the tour first visits Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its geological significance and historical importance as the site of Iceland's first parliament. Here, visitors can explore the dramatic rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.
Next, the tour moves to the geothermal area in Haukadalur, home to the famous geysers, including Geysir and Strokkur. Strokkur, which erupts every few minutes, offers an exhilarating spectacle as it spouts boiling water up to 30 meters into the air.
The final major stop is the magnificent Gullfoss, or "Golden Falls," where visitors see the powerful glacial river plunging into a deep canyon, creating a stunning double waterfall. The beauty of Gullfoss is particularly striking, with rainbows often visible on sunny days.
For those visiting in the darker months, you can add an optional Northern Lights evening tour. You’ll head out on a guided Northern Lights excursion. Your local guide will choose the best available spot based on conditions, aiming to get you away from city light and into clearer skies. The tour is planned for your second night, with flexibility built in — if weather or visibility doesn’t cooperate, there’s room to try again on the following evenings.
Day Highlights
- Þingvellir National Park
- Walk between continents
- Geysir geothermal area
- Strokkur active eruption
- Gullfoss waterfall
- Northern Lights Tour (optional)
Included
- Hotel breakfast
- Pickup before tour starts
- Guided tour of the Golden Circle
- Dropoff at Reykjavík hotel or closest bus stop
- One-night accommodation
Note: The Golden Circle Tour operates on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Therefore, it may not always take place on day 2 of your trip — the exact day will depend on which weekday you book. This will also determine the order of any optional tours you choose to include in your itinerary.