Your adventure starts with a pick up from Reykajvík, where you’ll meet your guide and board a comfortable, modern bus. Once everyone has been collected, you’ll shoot off to see the three legendary sites of Iceland’s most famous sightseeing route, the Golden Circle.
First of these is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Iceland’s three National Parks, Þingvellir. Located in a valley between two tectonic plates, overlooking the largest natural lake in the country, it is a picturesque space of lava, forest and streams. The history of this area is as fascinating as the nature is beautiful; Iceland’s National Assembly was formed here back in 930 AD, and the site has been central to the country’s development since.
Next, you’ll head to the steaming valley of Haukadalur, home to the geysers of Geysir and Strokkur. Geysir, after which all other similar phenomena were named, is no longer active, but Strokkur erupts very regularly, providing you with many opportunities to witness it blast a column of boiling water into the sky.
Finally, you will reach the Golden Waterfall, Gullfoss. Mesmerising and powerful, you’ll be able to walk over to a platform right beside the lip of the falls and feel the spray of its water on your face. Gullfoss originates from the second largest glacier in the country, Langjökull, which on clear days is visible from the adjacent car park.
After this essential sightseeing adventure, your guide will whisk you to Reykjavík’s Old Harbour for your whale watch. You’ll board a large boat with spacious outdoor viewing areas, a warm seating area inside, a cafe, a wealth of materials on the species you will be looking out for, and several experts happy to answer any of your questions.
As soon as you set out into Faxaflói Bay, you’ll be blessed with some incredible views of the city’s skyline and feats of architecture such as Harpa Concert Hall and Hallgrímskirkjá Church. In clear weather, you’ll also be able to marvel over the surrounding natural landmarks, such as Mount Esjan and the Snæfellsnes and Reykjanes Peninsulas.
The waters of Faxaflói are abundant with life throughout the summer. While white beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises are present year round, this is the season that the great migratory whales return to feed. Minke Whales are the most common, although Humpbacks, renowned for their dramatic surface displays, are also regularly spotted. The joy of whale watching, however, is that you never know what may appear; Blue, Fin and Killer Whales all show up on occasion.
On these tours, you should also keep an eye out for other creatures, such as charming puffins, curious seals, and even Basking Sharks cruising through the waters.
In the very unlikely event that you do not see any whales, dolphins or porpoises, you will be able to take this tour again tomorrow without charge.
You’ll be dropped off at the harbour for your evening in Reykjavík.
