Classic Golden Circle Tour

Description

Highlights

Main sights and highlights

• Geysir and Strokkur the erupting geothermal geyser
• Gullfoss waterfall
• Þingvellir national park
• GPS activated audio guide

Geysir and Strokkur the erupting geothermal geyser

Geysir is a collection of hot springs in Haukadalur, a geothermal area in the south west of Iceland. The most famous geyser Strokkur erupts every 6-10 minutes and shoots hot water 20 meters (70 feet) up in the air.

This natural phenomenon and display of volcanic power is truly amazing. Seeing a geyser erupt is a sight that can't be missed for anyone visiting Iceland.

The geysers are in an area called Haukadalur about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Reykjavik. Once you are there you will see steam rising from the ground. Many hotsprings and hot rivers are located in the area.

Gullfoss waterfall

Gullfoss (Golden falls) is one of Icelands most majestic waterfalls. The waterfall originates in the Langjökull glacier and gets it's name from the gold hue it gives off as it tumbles downward into the canyon.

The waterfall drops down into a crevice of 32 meters (105 ft) in two steps being 11 meters and 21 meters each. On many occasions rainbows can be observed dancing across the top of this magnificent sight. Gullfoss has an interesting history that involves investors trying to harness its awesome power.

The waterfall can viewed from a few different locations. The upper deck next to the visitor center gives a great view from above. By walking down the staircase the waterfall can be viewed from the lower deck. From there the waterfall seems to vanish into the earth.

From the lower deck you can walk a path that leads towards the first plunge of the waterfall. This will give you a great view into the crevice and a feeling of the true power of the waterfall. This path can be closed if the path is icy and conditions are not good.

Þingvellir National Park

Þingvellir National Park (Thingvellir) is Icelands most historic site. This is where the worlds first parliament was established by the vikings in 930 AD. Thingvellir was designated as a world heritage site in 2004.

Þingvellir is also a natural treasure with it's vast lava fields and rivers leading into Icelands largest lake. The Þingvellir valley has been an inspiration for numerous painters and photographers alike.

Starting from the visitor center you walk out to the scenic deck known as Hakið where you can and witness the magnificent lava formation. You can almost witness the continental drift as you take a walk between the American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

As you walk down towards the valley you can read interesting tidbits about our history, viking era and how the laws of the land were established.

GPS Activated Audio Guide

The all new bus fleet is equipped with WiFi connected computer tablets in each seat. On the tablets you can use the Audio Guide that will will tell you interesting facts about Iceland and the places you are travelling through. The audio guide is available in 10 languages: English, French, German, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Finnish.

Itinerary

Important information

• Please show up at our Reykjavik Terminal (located at Skógarhlíð 10) 15 minutes prior to the departure time. We kindly ask you to be ready at your pick up point with your voucher, either in digital or printed form.
• If you have booked a hotel pickup with Smartbus™, please be at your chosen pickup location 30 minutes before the departure of the tour. Look for the Green Smartbus™ which will be outside your accommodation at within the 30 minutes of pickup.
• You will be traveling in a coach that holds approximately 40-65 people, but is very spacious and comfortable. It is featured with lavatory facilities as standard. The bus offers free wifi and USB charging ports.
• Lunch is not included. There are stops in Geysir & Gullfoss where you can buy food and drinks.
• Bring with you: Dress according to weather. In Iceland it is always wise to dress in warm, waterproof clothes. Weather changes can be sudden so expect the unexpected. Bring a waterproof jacket and pants, headwear and gloves. Good outdoor shoes are recommended.
• In-Bus-Audio-Guide: We recommend that you bring your own headphones, simply because they will fit you best. It is also great for the environment. If you don’t have your headphones, with you or forgot to bring them, no worries we sell earphones on board.
• The tour is available all year round (depending on weather conditions)
• Prices: Teenagers 12-15 years 50% discount & children 0-11 years old free.
• Min: No minimum number of participants.
• Age limit: No age limit.
• The tour is Approx. 7,5 hours including a minimum 45 minute stop at Geysir Hot Springs, Gullfoss Waterfall and Þingvellir National Park. 
• Total distance covered during tour: 290 km.