Incredible 2-Day Small-Group Golden Circle and South Coast Tour with Transfer from Reykjavik
Description
Summary
Description
Join a small group of fellow travelers as you journey to the natural marvels of the Golden Circle and the South Coast in this two-day tour. If you're looking to go on a grand adventure, look no further than this fantastic opportunity to see the absolute best of Iceland.
You'll start this excursion in the capital city of Reykjavik. Your guide will pick you and the rest of your group up in a comfortable minibus with Wi-Fi and USB chargers for a pleasant ride out into the countryside.
The drive will offer plenty of beautiful sights while in transit before arriving at your first destination, Thingvellir National Park. This area notably sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the Eurasian and American tectonic plates pull apart to create a striking and unique landscape.
You can walk along the rift valley of Thingvellir to take in the scenery. From the valley, you can see the edges of each continent on the cliff faces, standing in a no-man's-land between the two.
Your next stop takes you to the Haukadalur geothermal area, where the mighty Strokkur geyser treats you to a spectacular show. The spout shoots super-heated water high into the sky in an incredible display of power every five to ten minutes.
Next, you'll arrive at Iceland's beloved and iconic Gullfoss waterfall, which translates to 'the Golden Falls.' This roaring cascade of glacial waters from the Langjokull glacier drops into a ravine with such strength that the spray can project multiple rainbows on sunny days.
Your last stop for the day will be at the Kerid Volcanic Crater. This sulfur-stained crater features red walls with streaks of green moss and a deep blue lake at the bottom, making for a colorful treat for the eyes.
Once you've completed the Golden Circle, you'll retire to your accommodation in the village of Hveragerdi. This charming small village is a gateway to the South Coast and is an excellent place to relax and stay the night before continuing your adventures for tomorrow.
After getting a good night's rest, you're ready for day two, where you'll be exploring the majestic South Coast of Iceland. You'll start your day visiting some lovely waterfalls, each with its unique charms.
The first of three is the Seljalandsfoss waterfall. This magnificent stream flows down a cliff with a wide cavern underneath, letting you walk behind the falls and see the majestic scenery below.
Next is the hidden gem that is the Gljufrabui waterfall. This serene cascade is tucked between a curtain of mossy cliffs, often overlooked by tourists but not by your lucky group.
The last of three is the towering Skogafoss waterfall that mightily falls 200 feet (60 meters), creating a powerful spray. Like Gullfoss, rainbows often curve into the mist when the sun shines bright in the sky.
After enjoying the waterfalls, you'll make a quick stop at the Solheimajokull glacier, which is your chance to see a glacier up close. Easily accessible from the Ring Road, this place is a perfect stopover to take some great pictures before continuing on the trip's final leg.
The Dyrholaey Peninsula is next up, where you'll enjoy fantastic views of the Atlantic ocean from this long stretch of cliffs that curve out of the coast. You may be lucky enough to see Atlantic Puffins on the cliffs in the summer and get close enough to snap a photo.
The gigantic Dyrholaey stone arch is the area's defining feature, with an opening big enough to accommodate passing ships and even, at one point, a daring pilot and his small aircraft.
Finally, you'll cap the day off with a visit to the Reynisfjara black sand beach. Over millennia, the volcanic rock in the area gets worn down by the waves and washed ashore, creating a jet-black coast.
Alien-looking basalt cliffs and columns adorn the beach, giving it an otherworldly vibe.
Leaving the beach completes your South Coast tour and concludes your adventure. You'll ride back to Reykjavik on the minibus with your group, sure to have plenty of memories to take with you.
You can bring one piece of hand luggage in Reykjavik, and your larger luggage can be stored at the office for a small fee.
This awe-inspiring journey across the Golden Circle and South Coast is a traveler's dream come true and is undoubtedly an adventure you wouldn't want to miss. Check availability now by choosing a date.
Included
Activities
Daily itinerary
Day 1 - Golden Circle & Kerid Volcanic Crater
You'll begin the day by meeting with your group in the capital city of Reykjavik. Your guide will pick you up in a comfortable minibus with Wi-Fi and USB chargers available to help you stay connected while in transit throughout the trip.
You'll take a scenic drive through the Icelandic countryside before arriving at your first stop, the Thingvellir National Park. Located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the Eurasian and American tectonic plates pull apart, the park is home to stunning rift valleys and marshland.
From the rift valley, you can walk between two continents, seeing the edges of the continents in the cliff faces surrounding the park's pathways. Thingvellir is also the site of Iceland's first parliament over a millennia ago, where old Vikings held festivals and settled disputes.
You'll then stop at the Haukadalur geothermal area, home to Geysir, an inactive geyser that's also the origin of the name used by geysers worldwide.
While Geysir is no longer erupting, the geyser Strokkur is still actively putting on a show. Strokkur shoots boiling water high into the air for a marvelous display every five to ten minutes.
Next, you'll arrive at the Gullfoss waterfall, which translates to 'the Golden Falls.' The roaring waters of this magnificent cascade can project beautiful rainbows on a lovely sunny day.
Gullfoss holds a special place in the history of Iceland. Over a century ago, a local once fought hard to preserve the natural beauty of the waterfall by preventing a dam from being built here.
Finally, you'll make one last stop at the Kerid Volcanic Crater. This sulfur from the earth gives its slopes a distinctive red hue and, along with the green moss and blue lake at the bottom of the crater, makes for a wonderfully colorful sight.
After completing the Golden Circle, you'll retire to the tour's chosen accommodation in the charming village of Hveragerdi. Here, you can rest and relax to prepare yourself for the adventures that are yet to come.
Day 2 - South Coast Tour
After waking up to the cool Icelandic morning air, you’ll begin day two, where you’ll travel to see the many wonders of the South Coast. The day will start with a visit to some of Iceland’s most exciting and beautiful waterfalls.
First is the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which is notable in that you can walk behind the waters through a cavern underneath the cliff from where it falls. The view gives you a unique and mystical experience unmatched by other waterfalls in Iceland.
Next is the Gljufrabui waterfall, a hidden treasure often overlooked by many. Hidden in plain sight behind some mossy cliff faces, tourists can wade in the shallow waters and get close to the falls to enjoy the serene cascades.
Lastly, you’ll visit the Skogafoss waterfall, which drops from a staggering height of 200 feet (60 meters). Like Gullfoss, this site is adorned with rainbows on sunny days due to the spray from the flowing waters.
Moving on from the waterfalls, you’ll arrive at the Solheimajokull glacier, giving you a closer look at an actual glacier. Its name translates to ‘Sun’s Home Glacier’ and is conveniently located beside the Ring Road for easy access.
Next is the Dyrholaey Peninsula, a long stretch of cliffs extending into the Atlantic ocean. The cliffs offer an astonishing view of the Atlantic ocean, and in the summer months, Atlantic Puffins also visit the area, letting you take pictures with the cute birds.
Most picturesque in the area is the enormous Dyrholaey stone arch, which is large enough to accommodate passing ships. In 1993, a daredevil pilot once flew a small plane through the arch’s opening.
Finally, you’ll visit the strange and beautiful Reynisfjara black sand beach. The jet-black sands are formed by the roaring Atlantic waves wearing down the volcanic rocks in the area, washing the deep, black fragments ashore.
Around the beach, you’ll see otherworldly basalt cliffs and pillars, making the place look almost alien. The waves in Reynisfjara are unpredictable and dangerous, so maintaining a safe distance from the water is essential.
After departing the beach, your group will ride the minibus back to Reykjavik, completing a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in magnificent Iceland.
What to bring
Good to know
Pickup takes place between 08:30 – 09:00 – so please be ready from 8:30 at your pick up location
Duration of the tour is 2 days and 1 night
If you are a single traveler then a Single Room Supplement is mandatory
For your convenience, it is recommended that you pack lightly for this tour, in a small suitcase or backpack. If you have large luggage with you, you can check it in Reykjavik.
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