Guided 2 Day Summer Tour of Iceland with the Golden Circle, Whale Watching & the South Coast

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Strokkur at Geysir blasts water over sixty feet high on occasion.
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Travel details

Dates
Time
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Travelers
1
From: Reykjavik Terminal, Skógarhlíð 10, 105 Reykjavik
Pick-up

Description

Summary

Tour starts
Hotel pick-up or Reykjavik Terminal, Skógarhlíð 10, 105 Reykjavik
Duration
21.5 hour
Difficulty
Easy
Languages
English, Spanish, German, Danish, Chinese, Finnish, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean
Available
June - Sept.
Minimum age
None
3,123 reviews

Description

Pack three essential Icelandic experiences into two days of your holiday by booking this tour, which takes you sightseeing around the Golden Circle and South Coast, and whale watching from Reykjavík. This chance should not be missed by those wishing to make the most of their summer vacation in Iceland.

Both the Golden Circle and South Coast boast a wide range of different sites that allow you to see a microcosm of the whole country. Majestic waterfalls, glimmering glaciers, exploding hot springs, black sand beaches and a valley between the tectonic plates can all be explored without rushing over these two days.

Whale watching is a fantastic bonus experience, with tours conveniently leaving the harbour of the capital. Each tour promises beautiful views of the sea, city and surrounding nature, and an excellent shot at seeing a wide range of whale, dolphin and seabird species.

On each day, you’ll be picked up and dropped off from Reykjavík by a friendly, knowledgeable guide. The bus you will be travelling on has modern amenities such as wifi, as well as audio guidance in 10 languages so you can comfortably enjoy an in depth commentary about the incredible sites you will visit.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to see the Golden Circle, South Coast and whales of Iceland. Check availability by choosing a date.

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Included

Free tour pick-up from your accommodation in Reykjavík
Knowledgeable local guide
Admission to the sights
Free Wi-Fi and USB charger for each seat
In-bus audio guide with a choice of 10 languages

Activities

Whale Watching
Sightseeing

Map

Attractions

The Golden Circle
Reykjavik
Faxaflói
Skogafoss
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Geysir
Gullfoss Waterfall
Thingvellir National Park
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Vik
Reynisdrangar
South Coast

Daily itinerary

Day 1
The water in the springs of Thingvellir are crystal clear.

Day 1 - Golden Circle and Whale Watching

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.

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Day 2
Dyrhoaey rock arch is on the South Coast.

Day 2 - The South Coast

On your second day, you’ll focus your attention of the magnificent landmarks of Iceland’s South Coast.

After your pick up, you’ll begin a scenic journey towards the waterfall of Seljalandsfoss, your first stop. En route, however, you should keep your eye out on the surrounding nature, as in clear weather you will be able to see the glaciers of Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull, and the volcanic crags of the Westman Islands out to sea.

Seljalandsfoss is a beautiful waterfall, tumbling from a concave cliff with path that fully encircles it. The views from behind are so unusual and serene that they seem drawn from fantasy. Near to Seljalandsfoss is another mystical falls that many overlook, called Gljúfrabúi. Hidden from sight by a cliff, it cascades into its own secluded grotto, although you will need to wade a stream to reach it.

You will then head to your final waterfall of the day, Skógafoss. While the previous features are unique and gentle, Skógafoss is classic and powerful. Sixty metres tall and twenty metres wide after a heavy rain, it thunders to the ground with awe-inspiring force, throwing up huge clouds of mist and drenching any who get too close.

Next, you’ll reach one of Iceland’s most famous beaches, Reynisfjara. Black sands stretch as far as the eye can see in either direction, and at the shore is battered by breathtakingly powerful waves. Out to sea, two basalt pillars stand like sentinels overlooking this haunting, otherworldly place; these features, called Reynisdrangar, are said in folklore to be the remains of two great trolls.

Finally, you’ll head to the tiny village of Vík. Here, you can gain a glimpse into life in rural Iceland, and learn about the local culture and history. You will then take the road back to Reykjavík, no doubt enjoying the journey gazing out at the beautiful landscapes that this region boasts.

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What to bring

Warm clothing
Decent shoes
Headphones for audio guide

Good to know

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.

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