3-Day Iceland Best Value Tour

We understand the morning rush with kids can be quite a task, which is why our Golden Circle Afternoon Tour is perfectly designed for families. With a later start time, it’s a convenient choice.

Kids will be thrilled to explore the Kerið Volcanic Crater and witness the spectacular hot-water eruptions, reaching heights of up to 40 meters, at Geysir. In Thingvellir National Park, they can have a blast running around while marveling at the one-of-a-kind geological fissures and cliffs. And of course, the sheer power and grandeur of Gullfoss Waterfall are sure to leave them in awe.

Our incredible afternoon tour of the Golden Circle kicks off with our swift and hassle-free pickup service. We provide pickups from various downtown locations, ensuring your convenience. Once everyone is comfortably aboard, we venture out of the city to delve into the captivating highlights of South-west Iceland.

Our first stop on the tour is the renowned Thingvellir National Park, also known as Þingvellir. This UNESCO World Heritage site holds immense geological and historical significance, deeply rooted in Icelandic culture.

Thingvellir attracts visitors for two primary reasons. Firstly, it was the historic location of the world’s oldest parliament, known as the Alþingi, which convened here from 930 AD to 1798 AD. Viking chieftains and leaders from across Iceland would journey here once or twice a year to discuss matters of common interest and establish laws. While the Alþingi is now based in Reykjavík, Thingvellir still holds a special place in the hearts of Icelanders.

However, the park is most renowned for its dramatic rift valley, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. These plates are gradually drifting apart at a rate of up to 2.5cm per year, creating a stunning gorge called Almannagjá, stretching 7.7 km. Visitors can even walk through a section of this gorge. Nearby, the Silfra Fissure offers a unique opportunity for divers and snorkelers to explore between the continental plates.

Following our visit to Thingvellir, our journey takes us to the geothermal wonderland of Geysir in Haukadalur Valley. This area, filled with hot springs, owes its name to the famous “Great Geysir,” which holds the distinction of being the first geyser ever mentioned in written records. Interestingly, the English word ‘geyser’ originates from the Icelandic term, making it one of the few Icelandic words adopted into the English language.

Geysir is believed to have been active for a staggering 10,000 years, although its activity has significantly diminished in recent decades. Fortunately, nearby, we have the more active Strokkur geyser, a reliable spectacle that erupts approximately every 10 minutes. These eruptions, consisting of boiling water and steam, can reach heights of up to 50-60 feet, with some rare instances soaring as high as 130 feet. It’s a sight to behold!

Our next destination is the awe-inspiring Gullfoss waterfall, often referred to as the “Golden Falls.” This majestic waterfall is fed by the Hvítá river, which originates from the meltwater of the imposing Langjökull glacier to the north. Gullfoss spans over a series of cascading sections, with a total drop of 32 meters. As a glacier-fed river, the waterfall is at its most powerful during the summer months. In summer, the average flow rate here is an impressive 140 cubic meters per second, but it has been known to reach a staggering 2000 cubic meters per second.

The unique mineral composition of the riverbed imparts a shimmering effect to the water, lending the waterfall its evocative name, “Golden Falls.” As you approach Gullfoss, the bottom of the falls remains hidden from view, creating the illusion of water flowing into a vast abyss within the earth. On sunny days, the mist spray from Gullfoss often graces visitors with the breathtaking sight of a radiant rainbow, adding to the waterfall’s enchanting beauty.

Our last stop on the Golden Circle tour is the Kerið Volcanic Crater. This crater was shaped during an eruption approximately 6,500 years ago, and today, its bottom is adorned with a picturesque lake. What makes Kerið truly special is the striking contrast of colors – with reddish mineral sediment, black lava rocks, and bluish lake water harmoniously blending to create a captivating visual spectacle.

Visitors have the opportunity to explore Kerið from all angles, thanks to a walking path encircling the crater’s rim. Additionally, you can descend to the water’s edge, allowing for an even closer encounter with this natural wonder. It’s a place where you can fully immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of Iceland’s volcanic landscapes.

Following our visit to Kerið, we begin our journey back to the city. We make sure to drop you off at the same location where we picked you up earlier in the day, ensuring a convenient and hassle-free return to your starting point.

For the night, your accommodation will be in central Reykjavik, which is included in the 3-day Iceland Best Value Tour package.

On Day 2, our journey unfolds along the captivating South Coast of Iceland, where kids will be spellbound by the majestic Sólheimajökull glacier. Our guides are always eager to share educational insights into how glaciers have shaped Iceland’s iconic landscapes.

For a fun challenge, test your fitness by ascending the 370 steps to the summit of Skógafoss waterfall. Don’t miss the chance to take the walking path behind Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, but be sure to don your raincoat before you embark on this adventure.

Our next stop is Iceland’s most renowned Reynisfjara black sand beach. During the summer months, the famous basalt cliffs here come alive with a vibrant array of birdlife, including the charming puffins, making it a sight to behold.

Your day begins with our efficient pick-up service, available at various approved locations in the capital area. If you’re unsure, our customer service team can guide you to the nearest pickup point.

Once everyone is on board, we head eastward and merge onto Route 1, commonly known as the Ring Road. This route closely follows the coastline, sometimes leading to windy conditions, especially at Reynisfjara, a well-known wind-prone area. Dress appropriately for the weather. Please note that the order of our stops may vary depending on conditions. Keep an eye out for views of the Westman Islands to the south and the Hekla Volcano to the northeast.

Skógafoss Waterfall stands at an impressive height of 60 meters, where the Skógá River cascades over former sea cliffs. The coastline has since retreated, leaving behind this striking vertical waterfall. Its sheer intensity and power generate a continuous mist or spray in the area, often creating rainbows around the falls on sunny days.

Skógafoss is the final waterfall in a series that descends from the highlands. Should you accept the challenge and ascend the steep staircase of 527 steps to the top viewing platform, you’ll be rewarded not only with a bird’s-eye view but also with the opportunity to follow a trail up the mountain, passing numerous smaller falls along the way. This trail marks the beginning of the Fimmvörðuháls route, a 22km journey leading to the highland area of Thorsmörk. From there, many hikers continue on the Laugavegur trail, which takes them all the way to Landmannalaugar. In a way, Skógafoss serves as the gateway to Iceland’s highlands.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is one of Iceland’s most cherished and frequently visited attractions, boasting an otherworldly and elemental landscape. Here, the dynamic forces of lava and the sea have coalesced to create a dramatic cliff adorned with basalt columns, a vast domed cave, and, of course, the iconic black sand.

The black sand itself is a testament to the interplay between steaming lava from a past eruption of the nearby Katla volcano and the relentless power of the sea, which sculpted and fragmented the lava into the black sand we admire today.

While the scenery is breathtaking, it’s important to exercise caution at this beach due to the potentially wild and powerful sea conditions. Follow your guide’s instructions and steer clear of sneaker waves, which can be extremely hazardous.

Reynisfjara Beach has earned a place in National Geographic’s Top Ten list of the world’s most stunning non-tropical beaches, solidifying its status as a natural wonder worth exploring.

Vík í Myrdal is a quaint, southernmost village on Iceland’s mainland. It offers stunning vistas of the Reynisdranger basalt columns to the south, a captivating black beach, and a breathtaking panoramic view from the church atop the hill.

Situated directly south of the Katla Volcano, which lies dormant beneath the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, Vík faces the potential threat of a volcanic eruption. Such an event could lead to the flooding of the town with glacier meltwater. Consequently, the town conducts regular evacuation drills, taking the safety of its residents and visitors very seriously.

Our next destination is the Sólheimajökull Glacier, a glacier tongue extending from the larger Mýrdalsjökull ice-cap. After a bumpy ride, we reach the parking lot. Interestingly, the parking lot remains in the same place it once was, but the glacier itself has unfortunately receded significantly over the past two decades. As a result, the walk from the parking lot to the glacier now takes approximately 15 minutes.

The trail to the glacier’s edge features uneven terrain but is generally not very hilly, making it suitable for most visitors. Along the way, we pass by a large glacier lagoon formed from glacial meltwater. It’s not uncommon to witness large sections of the glacier breaking off into the lagoon, a process known as Glacier Calving.

During your visit, your guide will delve into the science behind glaciers, their role in shaping landscapes, and their uncertain future in the face of climate change. Each year, the glacier recedes further, highlighting the pressing need for environmental preservation and climate action.

Our final stop of the day is the enchanting Seljalandsfoss waterfall, an unforgettable experience for all our tour guests. This graceful waterfall stands at 60 meters in height, just like Skógafoss, but it possesses a more gentle, less powerful flow. Seljalandsfoss is nourished by the Seljalandsá river, which originates beneath the Ejyafjallajökull glacier, showcasing how various natural forces collaborate to shape Iceland’s landscapes.

One of the remarkable features of Seljalandsfoss is the walking trail that leads behind the falls, offering a unique but potentially wet perspective of this natural wonder. Seljalandsfoss also serves as the gateway to the Thorsmörk nature reserve, accessible via a rocky road to the north of the waterfall.

Near Seljalandsfoss, you can discover Gljúfrabúi, a hidden waterfall that photographers particularly adore, adding to the array of natural beauty found in this region.

Following our visit to Seljalandsfoss, we make our way back westward to the capital region. Our bus will conveniently drop you off at the same location where you were initially picked up earlier in the day, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free return to central Reykjavik.

For the 2nd night of the 3-day Iceland best value tour, you will stay in the your accommodation in central Reykjavik, which is included in this tour.

On the last day of this package, we venture west to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often referred to as “Iceland in miniature.” This nickname is well-deserved as this small area offers a remarkable diversity of landscapes. Snæfellsnes boasts a stunning black sand beach at Djúpalónssandur, captivating bird cliffs at Arnarstapi, and the iconic Mt. Kirkjufell, Iceland’s most famous mountain. It’s a breathtaking destination that encapsulates the natural beauty and variety that Iceland has to offer in one compact region.

Your Snæfellsnes Peninsula day tour from Reykjavík starts with our morning pickup service, offering convenience at numerous city center locations. If you prefer, you can opt for cost savings by making your way to our centrally located meeting point.

Once our group is assembled, we bid farewell to the city and embark on a journey northward along the number 1 highway before veering westward toward the captivating Snæfellsnes Peninsula. It’s the beginning of an exciting adventure!

Like many places in Iceland, Snæfellsnes is a volcanic region, with the Snæfellsnesjökull glacier sitting atop a stratovolcano. However, the peninsula is home to several other volcanoes as well. One of the most notable events in the area’s volcanic history occurred 4000 years ago when an eruption gave rise to the Berserkjahraun lava fields, which is our first stop of the day. This eruption not only left behind moss-covered rocks but also formed the scoria volcanic craters known as Rauðkúla and Grákúla.

The intriguing place name derives from the Eyrbyggja Saga, which tells the story of two Swedish berserkers, or Viking warriors, who cleared a path through the lava fields for an Icelandic farmer before meeting a tragic fate through betrayal and murder. Folktales often emerge to explain peculiar geological features such as these, adding a touch of myth and legend to the landscape.

Mount Kirkjufell is arguably the most photographed mountain in Iceland and is synonymous with the entire region. Located just a short distance from the town of Grundarfjörður, this distinctive mountain takes the shape of an arrowhead and stands at a height of 463 meters. Despite its relatively modest elevation, Kirkjufell appears much more imposing as it seemingly pierces through the otherwise flat surrounding landscape. The name “Kirkjufell” translates to “church mountain” in Icelandic, although the exact reason for this name remains a mystery.

Kirkjufell has earned its reputation as Iceland’s most photographed mountain for good reason. The classic shot frames the distant peak with Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall in the foreground and the mountain’s mirrored reflection in the lake. A well-maintained path leading to the waterfall allows you to capture this iconic shot.

Fans of the popular television series Game of Thrones may recognize a snowy Kirkjufell featured in a season 7 episode. In this episode, the hero Jon Snow embarks beyond the wall in search of evidence to prove the existence of wights, adding to the mountain’s fame.

Snæfellsjökull National Park is a protected area encompassing the Snæfellsjökull glacier and volcano at its heart. Positioned on the western tip of the peninsula, the glacier’s snow-capped peak can be observed from Reykjavík across Faxaflóa Bay on a clear day. This location also holds a place in the imaginative world of legendary French science fiction author Jules Verne. In his influential novel “Journey to the Center of the Earth,” the story’s protagonists descend into the dormant volcano located here, embarking on a perilous journey and encountering mysterious creatures in the depths of the earth. Our upcoming stops are also situated within the boundaries of this national park, showcasing the natural beauty and diversity of the area.

Our journey through the national park continues as we arrive at our next destination, the volcanic black sands of Djúpalónssandur. As with all black beaches, the striking color of the sand is a result of ancient volcanic eruptions that deposited molten lava into the sea. Over time, the relentless force of the sea eroded this volcanic material, leaving behind the black sand we now admire. The beach is also surrounded by captivating lava formations.

For centuries, the coastline here has been frequented by both local and foreign trawlers. The former fishing village of Dritvík, now abandoned, once served as a vital regional hub. Local fishermen would test their strength by lifting stones of varying weights. To secure a spot on a fishing boat, a prospective fisherman needed to successfully lift a 54kg stone. There are three other stones that visitors can test their strength against: Amlóði (Useless) weighing 23kg, Hálfsterkur (half strength) at 100kg, and Fullsterkur (full strength) at a challenging 154kg.

One poignant feature of Djúpalónssandur is the wreckage of the fishing boat Epine GY7, which remains on the beach. In 1948, during a violent storm at sea, the trawler tragically went down, claiming the lives of 14 men. The wreck serves as a stark memorial to this and other maritime tragedies, reminding us of the dual nature of the sea in Iceland, symbolizing both life and death.

Continuing our exploration of the southern side of the peninsula, our next destination is the Lóndrangur pinnacles. These are volcanic plugs composed of basalt that rise prominently from the turbulent sea, having been sculpted over centuries by the relentless crashing waves. These two peaks stand tall at heights of 75 and 61 meters above the surrounding terrain. A well-maintained walking path offers the opportunity to explore the area and admire the pinnacles from various vantage points, providing a memorable experience of this unique natural wonder.

Our journey takes us to Arnarstapi village, a picturesque settlement perched on the coast, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and coastline. Once a thriving fishing hub, the pace of industry has since slowed, and tourism has become a vital source of support for this resilient community.

Arnarstapi boasts a wealth of attractions. The cliffs in this area are bustling with bird life and serve as a crucial nesting site. Viewing platforms are strategically positioned to provide excellent vantage points for photographers keen on capturing the diverse bird species that call this place home. The landscape is adorned with striking basalt columns and intriguing rock formations, crisscrossed by narrow pathways shaped by years of erosion as the land contends with the relentless sea.

A stone bridge invites you to take a walk beneath it, where the sea has sculpted the cliff into a natural stone arch. This formation is a favorite subject for avid photographers and, despite its appearance in pictures, is perfectly safe to explore.

The most renowned black church in Iceland, known as the Budir black church or locally as Búðakirkja, has a storied history. Originally constructed in 1848, it underwent restoration efforts in the 1950s and later in the 1980s. This iconic black church at Budir is a favorite among photographers, both professional and amateur. Its stark black exterior stands in stark contrast to the remote and barren landscape that surrounds it, creating a captivating subject for photographs.

Our last stop on this tour takes us to the golden sands of Ytri Tunga Beach. While it may be overshadowed by the popularity of our black sand beaches, this beach has a delightful surprise in store. It is one of the prime locations in all of Iceland to observe seals, with the colony frequently basking on rocks just offshore. This provides a unique opportunity to witness these charming creatures in their natural habitat, making it a memorable experience for visitors.

After this enriching adventure filled with hidden gems, we embark on the journey back to Reykjavík, where we will ensure your safe return and drop you off at your chosen location in the city.