FROM 26,990 ISK
(from approx. US$195 / €185 / £160)
The Golden Circle: Platinum tour is a day trip of all our hand-picked sites of this famous area of Iceland. This celebrated area is rich with history and boasts powerful waterfalls, geothermal hot pools, erupting geysers, separating continental plates, as well as delicious food. All on Reykjavik’s doorstep!
Relax and bathe in the Secret Lagoon, Iceland’s oldest geothermal pool. Learn about year round food production in often cold and dark Iceland, eating lunch amongst the tomato vines of Friðheimar Farm tomato greenhouse. Be hypnotised by the surging flow of the majestic Gullfoss waterfall. Be surprised by the sudden eruption of the geysers at Geysir geothermal area. End the day walking through the serene and historic grounds of Þingvellir National Park, scarred by the separating continental plates.
The perfect mix of history, sightseeing and adventure in a day from Reykjavik. Read more and book below!
The Secret Lagoon – Iceland’s oldest swimming pool
The Golden Circle: Platinum tour starts by heading straight out of Reykjavík, driving over Hellisheiði mountain pass and heading south before driving inland to the Golden Circle area. Our first stop will be to warm up and soak in the natural hot springs of the Secret Lagoon. This is Iceland’s oldest natural swimming pool, dating back to the 19th Century. The walls of the lagoon were placed around a small bubbling geyser over 100 years ago and have remained in place ever since.
In contrast, the modern changing rooms and rest area make this authentic bathing experience comfortable for everyone. We intentionally arrive at the hot pool early, when it is quietest in true Hidden Iceland style. This allows us to truly relax and bathe in the magic of this wonderful geothermal pool. A great way to start the day!
Secret Lagoon. Hidden Iceland | Photo by Kat Craats
Secret Lagoon. Hidden Iceland. Photo by Kat Craats *Featured
Friðheimar Tomato Farm Greenhouse & Icelandic Horses
Next, we drive to the nearby village of Reykholt. Here we enjoy a unique lunch inside the tomato greenhouse farm, Friðheimar. This geothermally heated greenhouse produces over one tonne of tomatoes each day, even in winter. Having lunch amongst all the tomato plants in the greenhouse is something we are sure you will never forget.
You can choose either their famous tomato soup or ravioli pasta or grilled tortilla pizza. Delicious homemade bread is also included regardless of your choice (the cheesy olive bread is a secret favourite of our guides). Lunch is included in the price of this tour (one main meal and water, tea or coffee). Friðheimar is also a renowned horse breeding farm, and you’ll get the chance to say hello to these stunning and unique horses before or after lunch.
Friðheimar Greenhouse Farm Lunch. Hidden Iceland. Photo Kat Craats
Friðheimar Tomato Greenhouse Lunch by Kat Craats
Friðheimar Tomato Soup. Golden Circle: Platinum Tour. Hidden Iceland. Photo by Vala Fanney
Icelandic Horse. Hidden Iceland. Photo by Norris Niman
Gullfoss Waterfall
After lunch, we get to witness the force of Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most powerful waterfalls. A 100ft, two tiered waterfall pouring into a deep fissure created from tectonic plate movement. Almost all the water originates from the distant Langjökull ice cap which you can see on a clear day. On sunny days, rainbows appear in the mist of this golden hued waterfall.
Beyond the sheer beauty, there are many legends regarding the name but on a high flow day it’s hard not to notice the distinctive colour of the golden, sediment rich, glacial water. In summer you can walk down to the very edge of this giant and feel the spray. In the icy winter you can enjoy the view of the half frozen waterfall from above.
Gullfoss in summer by Daniel Guindo
Gullfoss waterfall into canyon by Norris Niman * Featured
Geysir, the original erupting geyser
From there, it is only a short drive to see the wonders of the geothermal area of Geysir, the original exploding geyser, and its surrounding steam vents. The most active geyser in the area, Strokkur, erupts every 6-10 minutes and is slightly different every time. Strokkur is known to erupt between 6ft and 60ft. Make sure you stick around for a few eruptions before checking out the souvenir shops.
Strokkur at Geysir Erupting in the Golden Circle by Guindo Amezcua
Þingvellir National Park
Finally, after all this we drive onto the famous Þingvellir National Park. The National Park holds both a historical and geological significance. Þingvellir is the site of the longest surviving parliament in the world, where many of Iceland’s most important decisions were made. The Althing Assembly dates as far back as 930AD.
Additionally, it is also a place of incredible beauty, sitting in the rift valley of the separating North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. It is for these reasons that the national park was recognised as Iceland’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. To finish the day we will explore this area enjoying easy walks and great views. From there, it’s just a short drive back into town, reaching Reykjavik in time for dinner.
Þingvellir National Park by Dennis Stever. Thingvellir National Park.
Þingvellir National Park | Golden Circle: Platinum Tour | Hidden Iceland | Photo by EJS Creative. Thingvellir National Park.
Golden Circle: Platinum Tour Highlights
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Included: Entrance fee into the Secret Lagoon, Lunch (one main meal with Tea/Coffee) from Friðheimar, pickup and drop-offs in Reykjavik and transportation with a small group and an English speaking guide. Also included is Hiking Boots, Rain Jacket and Rain Pants if these are needed (these need to be chosen in the booking process, otherwise they cannot be guaranteed).
Excluded: Towel and bathing suit hire for the Secret Lagoon and meals unless otherwise specified. You can rent these at Secret Lagoon if needed for 900 ISK each.
For choosing your PICKUP LOCATION please read this important information.
Good to know
Please note that included on the tour for lunch at Friðheimar is a main course from their set-lunch menu. Homemade bread and hot beverages are also included. Drinks, desserts and other menu options are also available, just bring along extra money to purchase extra items.
As with all our trips, be sure to bring along waterproof jackets and pants for the unpredictable Icelandic weather. Waterproof jackets and pants are available to hire. Make sure to order in the booking process or contact us directly.
All tours are charged in Icelandic Krona (ISK). Other currencies shown on the website are only indicative and are subject to currency fluctuations.
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