Golden Circle and Kerid Volcanic Crater Small-Group Day Tour

Iceland’s Golden Circle and Kerid Volcanic Crater tour is a must-do for those seeking to experience the country’s natural wonders. Visitors will journey through Thingvellir National Park, witness the powerful Geysir geothermal area, marvel at the majestic Gullfoss Waterfall, and explore the striking Kerid Crater Lake. With a small group size and knowledgeable guides, this tour provides an intimate and personalized exploration of Iceland’s iconic sights. What secrets might these landscapes hold, waiting to be uncovered?

Key Points

• This small-group day tour offers a comprehensive experience of Iceland’s iconic natural wonders, including Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Kerid Crater Lake.
• The tour includes round-trip transportation, with free pickup and drop-off service from Reykjavik hotels, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience.
• The itinerary is well-designed, with ample time allocated at each stop to fully explore and appreciate the breathtaking landscapes.
• The tour is highly-rated by travelers, with 97% recommending it as an excellent value for experiencing Iceland’s top attractions in a single day.
• The small-group setting (maximum of 19 travelers) provides a more intimate and personalized experience, allowing for better interaction with the knowledgeable guide.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The Golden Circle and Kerid Volcanic Crater Tour is a small-group day tour that showcases some of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders.

Highlights include the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, the majestic Gullfoss Waterfall, and the stunning Kerid Crater Lake.

Seamless exploration is ensured with all transit taken care of, including pick-up service and round-trip transport.

This highly-rated tour, recommended by 97% of travelers, offers an excellent value proposition for those seeking to experience Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes in a single day.

Itinerary and Key Stops

The tour begins at Thingvellir National Park, where guests spend around 45 minutes marveling at the meeting point of the American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

Next, the group ventures to the Geysir geothermal area for 1 hour and 20 minutes, witnessing the iconic Strokkur geyser erupt up to 98 feet every 10 minutes.

After a lunch break near hot springs, the tour continues to the majestic Gullfoss Waterfall for 40 minutes.

The final stop is the Kerid Crater, a 30-minute visit to explore the volcanic crater measuring 886 feet wide and 180 feet deep.

Meeting and Pickup Information

Free pickup and drop-off from hotels within Reykjavik is provided, though pickup may be from the nearest bus stop due to restrictions.

The tour starts at 9:00 am, so be ready by 8:30 am at the pickup location. Alternatively, you can meet the group at the Nicetravel office in Fiskislóð 45M, 101 Reykjavik.

Confirmation is received at booking, and children must be accompanied by an adult (minimum age 5).

The tour operates in all weather conditions and isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Additional Information and Requirements

Only small luggage is allowed on the tour, and it isn’t wheelchair accessible.

The tour operates in all weather conditions and can accommodate strollers.

There are a few key additional requirements:

1. Confirmation is received at the time of booking.
2. Children must be accompanied by an adult, with a minimum age of 5.
3. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

The tour has a maximum of 19 travelers and is conveniently located near public transportation in Reykjavik.

Traveler Reviews and Experiences

Based on the traveler reviews, the Golden Circle and Kerid Volcanic Crater Tour has an impressive 4.8 rating out of 743 reviews.

Travelers highlighted the knowledgeable guides, breathtaking scenery, and well-organized itinerary. They appreciated the educational aspect, the time at each stop, and the opportunity to enjoy Iceland’s natural beauty.

Common feedback includes enjoyment of the smaller group setting, seamless pickups, and overall positive experiences despite weather conditions.

Recommendations emphasize the tour as a must-do for those wanting to see iconic sites in one day.

Exploring Thingvellir National Park

The tour begins at Thingvellir National Park, Iceland’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors will witness the dramatic tectonic plates of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian plates are slowly pulling apart.

Exploring the park offers several highlights:

1. Viewing the Almannagja fault, a massive geological fissure where the plates meet.
2. Walking along the Peningagjá, a narrow gorge where the ancient Icelandic parliament, the Althing, was founded in 930 AD.
3. Marveling at the stunning Lake Thingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest natural lake.

The tour provides an opportunity to truly appreciate Iceland’s geological wonders.

Experiencing the Geysir Geothermal Area

Departing Thingvellir National Park, the tour moves on to the Geysir geothermal area, home to the famous Strokkur geyser. This highly active geyser erupts every 10 minutes, reaching heights of up to 30 meters (98 feet). Visitors have ample time to witness this natural wonder and explore the surrounding geothermal features.

Site Feature	Description	Duration
Strokkur Geyser	Erupts up to 30 meters	1 hour 20 minutes
Geothermal Pools	Boiling hot springs and mud pots	–
Geological Formations	Colorful mineral deposits and active vents	–

The Geysir geothermal area provides a captivating glimpse into Iceland’s dynamic volcanic landscape.

Marveling at Gullfoss Waterfall and Kerid Crater

After exploring the Geysir geothermal area, the tour proceeds to two of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders – Gullfoss Waterfall and Kerid Crater.

The first stop is the magnificent Gullfoss, a towering, two-tiered waterfall that cascades over 105 feet (32 meters). Visitors are captivated by the sheer power and grandeur of this natural spectacle.

Next, the tour visits Kerid Crater, a 3,000-year-old volcanic lake nestled in a vibrant red crater. Travelers can explore the crater’s rim, descend into the basin, and marvel at the stunning blue-green waters.

These awe-inspiring sights leave a lasting impression on all who witness them.

Ask Away

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Disabilities?

The tour may not be suitable for people with disabilities, as it is noted to not be wheelchair accessible. However, the tour does allow for strollers, so some mobility-impaired guests may be able to participate with assistance.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

While travelers can bring their own snacks and drinks, a lunch break is provided during the tour where food and refreshments can be purchased at their own expense. Small luggage is allowed, but larger items may not be permitted.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Lunch During the Tour?

The tour includes a lunch break near hot springs, but the duration and cost of the lunch are at the traveler’s own expense. The itinerary allows for free time to enjoy a meal during this stop.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour or Add Extra Stops?

The tour does not offer an option to extend the duration or add extra stops. It’s a pre-set itinerary that covers the key highlights within the allocated time frame. Customization or alterations aren’t available as part of this tour package.

What Type of Transportation Is Used During the Tour?

The tour includes round-trip transportation, with seamless exploration and transit taken care of. Travelers are picked up and dropped off at their hotels or designated meeting points using comfortable vehicles.

Final Words

The Golden Circle and Kerid Volcanic Crater Small-Group Day Tour offers an unparalleled experience, showcasing Iceland’s most captivating natural wonders in a single day. With expert guides, a small-group setting, and ample time to explore each location, this tour provides an intimate and personalized journey through Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss Waterfall, and the striking Kerid Crater Lake. It’s an unforgettable way to take in the stunning landscapes that make Iceland a truly unique destination.