Best of Iceland - Summer Special One-day tour
Our partner: Reykjavik Sightseeing
Description
All in one! - 3 Must-Do Tours in 1 Bundle
Day 1 -The Golden Circle Classic is our bestselling day tour! Follow in the footsteps of the vikings of old as you walk down into the rift valley where the American and Eurasian continental plates are literally pulling apart at Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of the oldest existing parliament. Witness the steaming geothermal springs as the ground trembles and hot water spouts spectacularly skywards from the famous Strokkur Geyser at home of the one-and-only original geyser and Iceland's most iconic natural attraction. Experience the magnificence and power of Gullfoss Waterfall, a set of glacial river cascades falling 32 meters into a narrow canyon with a thunderous roar. Best part, this is all done within 8 hours!
In the evening we set our sails and head out to sea in search of some of the largest and most majestic creatures on our planet with Elding Whale Watching. Their specially modified whale watching ships and professional crew will take you out on a search for a wide variety of whale species. There´s really no excuse for not grabbing this great opportunity to go out and explore our pristine northern seas.
Please note that after the whale watching tour drop off to your hotel is not included in the price.
Day 2 - the South Coast awaits. Leaving Reykjavik we drive eastwards along the southern coastline and explore a volcanic and glacial wonderland. On clear days, Hekla, the infamous Eyjafjalljökull volcanoes along with the Westman-Islands can be seen rising in the distance as you approach the Solheimajökull Glacier, a photographers delight and the first stop on the tour. The next destination is the otherworldly black beach known as Reynisfjara where the waves of the Atlantic Ocean crash upon the black sands from which the seemingly man-made hexagonal basalt columns rise to cliffs filled with nesting sea birds. After taking in your fill of the amazing geological formations, the tour will continue onto the small village of Vík with a church upon a hill overlooking three volcanic stone columns, said to be trolls turned to stone along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean.
After Vík, the trip back towards Reykjavik will take you to the powerful Skógafoss waterfall where a short walk up a flight of stairs will reveal one of Iceland´s most scenic views. From here we will head to the final stop, the 60 meter high Seljalandsfoss Waterfall famous for the hidden pathway leading behind and around this stunning sight. With some luck and sunny weather conditions, rainbows may add to the spectacular experience at each waterfall.
What´s Included
- 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
- Our specially modified whale watching boats all have big viewing decks as well as indoor facilities such as a cafeteria and toilets.
- Access to the Whale Watching Centre
- Wireless internet on board
- “Whale Guarantee” If we find no whales on your tour you get another free try on our classic Whale watching tour.
What to bring
For the In-Bus-Audio-Guide: Bring your own headphones. Otherwise headphones are available for purchase in every bus from our hosts.
For your comfort: Dress according to weather. In Iceland it is always wise to dress in warm waterproof clothes. Weather changes can be sudden so be prepared for all weather conditions. Waterproof jacket and pants, headwear and gloves, and warm socks/waterproof shoes are recommended.
For whale watching: it is often colder on sea than on land, so be sure to bring extra clothing if you feel necessary. However, if you don't have warm clothing we will supply you with a very warm overall and more gear for the whale watching tour, as well as having some sweaters to lend on the Whale watching boat.
Additional information
Itinerary
Excursion
Day 1 - Reykjavik Terminal
Day 1 - Reykjavik Terminal
• Tours depart from the Reykjavik Terminal located at Skógarhlíð 10. Please be sure to arrive 15 minutes prior to departure along with a printed or digital copy of your ticket/voucher.
• If you have booked a hotel pickup with Smartbus™, please be at your chosen pickup location 30 minutes before the departure of the tour. Look for the Green Smartbus™ which will be outside your accommodation at within the 30 minutes of pickup.
Excursion
Day 1 - Þingvellir National Park
Day 1 - Þingvellir National Park
Located on the northern shores of Þingvallavatn (Iceland's largest lake), Þingvellir (anglicized as 'thingvellir') is the national pride of Iceland and our first National Park. It is, for one, a key location in Icelandic history as the oldest existing parliament in the world first assembled there in 930 AD. For this reason, Þingvellir has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is, therefore, a protected national park due to its unique geology and natural features. From the viewing area, the Almannagjá canyon between two tectonic plates can be seen, a visual representation of continental drift.
As the first stop along the tour, you will have an opportunity to walk through the park and use the restroom if needed.
Excursion
Day 1 - Geysir Hot Springs
Day 1 - Geysir Hot Springs
A favorite stop along the Golden Circle is the highly active Geysir Hot Spring Area with boiling mud pits and the lively Strokkur which spouts water 30 meters (100 ft) into the air every few minutes.The area became active more than 1000 years ago and comprises more than a dozen hot hot spring holes. Although one can only see steam emerging from the surface of Geysir these days, its name was adopted to represent spouting hot springs all over the world.
Along the tour, the newly opened Geysir Center offers guests and travelers a chance to use the restroom and to catch some refreshments as well as lunch.
Excursion
Day 1 - Gullfoss Waterfall
Day 1 - Gullfoss Waterfall
As one of the most popular attractions in all of Iceland, Gullfoss is a waterfall located in the canyon of Hvítá river in the southwest of the country. The beautiful Hvítá river rushes southward in three steps into a narrow canyon with a breathtaking roar and grandeur. Furthermore, on clear days the magnificent Langjökull glacier, Iceland's second largest glacier, can be seen in the distance.
Guests and Travelers may use the restroom and purchase food and refreshments at this location as well.
Excursion
Day 1 - Whale Watching
Day 1 - Whale Watching
After a full day of sightseeing, we will drop you off at the Elding Whale Watching office. After checking in and hopping on board, you will receive warm clothing if you feel it needed and you will find several outdoor viewing platforms, a large indoor saloon with an on board café with light refreshments, basic bathroom facilities. Once underway, an on board guide will be there to will commentate on the sights and views at hand through the intercom system on board and will be available to you and happy to answer any questions you may have throughout the tour.
Excursion
Day 2 - Reykjavik Terminal
Day 2 - Reykjavik Terminal
• Tours depart from the Reykjavik Terminal located at Skógarhlíð 10. Please be sure to arrive 15 minutes prior to departure along with a printed or digital copy of your ticket/voucher.
• If you have booked a hotel pickup with Smartbus™, please be at your chosen pickup location 30 minutes before the departure of the tour. Look for the Green Smartbus™ which will be outside your accommodation at within the 30 minutes of pickup.
Excursion
Day 2 - Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Day 2 - Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
This one of the most famous and most visited sites in all of Iceland. Marvel at the unique volcanic black sand beach of Reyisfjara with rising basalt columns, a large basalt stone cave which has been battered by heavy oceanic waves.
There is a cafe located at Reynisfjara where you can buy some snack or use the restrooms if needed.
Excursion
Day 2 - Vík í Mýrdal
Day 2 - Vík í Mýrdal
The quaint town of Vík is Iceland's southernmost town with a traditional Icelandic church overlooking the ocean and the three trolls of the black sand beach. At this stop you will have a chance to grab some lunch & use the restroom, explore the town, spend time at the beach, or do some souvenir shopping at Icewear's outlet store. This is the farthest point along the south coast tour, from here we will head back in the direction of Reykjavik.
Excursion
Day 2 - Skógafoss Waterfall
Day 2 - Skógafoss Waterfall
Along the return trip to Reykjavik, we will stop at the powerful 65 meter tall Skógafoss Waterfall where a short walk up a flight of steps will reveal one of Iceland´s most scenic views of glaciers, volcanoes and black sandy beaches. With viewpoints both above and directly next to the waterfall, photographers will have plenty of chances to capture that unique shot.
Excursion
Day 2 - Seljalandsfoss
Day 2 - Seljalandsfoss
The Seljalandsfoss waterfall is for many guests the highlight of this trip, as you can walk along and behind this waterfall offering a completely unique perspective; just be sure to bring a rain jacket! From here we will spend about 1.5hrs in the coach returning to Reykjavik.