Value Shared Tours...Best Of Reykjavik Golden Circle

Shoretrips Value Shared Tours...Best Of Reykjavik Golden Circle Photo #1 of 2 Photo copyright ShoreTrips.com.

Overview

Expect bubbling hot springs, spouting geysers and exceptional waterfalls today.

In Japan it's Mt. Fuji. In Paris, it is the Eiffel Tower. In Iceland, it is the Golden Circle that seems to be the key phrase in tourism. It is probably the most popular tour as it does give you a chance to enjoy the countryside outside of Reykjavik, and it is available through every company both with long histories in tourism and some that started 'just yesterday'. So it is important to know that you are with a dedicated passionate guide that loves showing off his homeland - and that is who will accompany you on this adventure.

There are 3 main highlights of the Golden Circle: Geysir, Gullfoss, and Thingvellir. The ring road out of Reykjavik makes your excursion easy and within a short time you are traveling to the touristic attractions that draws visitors. Along the way, we will make a few short stops. Your guide will narrate the historic facts and cultural tales as we approach Hverageroi, a small town built on a geothermal area. Continuing on we will visit Faxi Waterfall where you will enjoy a local Icelandic snack - flatbread with smoked lamb and a drink called Malt.

The 'Golden Waterfall', called Gullfoss, is a short way away and is an unexpected surprised in the middle of what seems to be nowhere. As you approach the upper falls, it seems as if there will be nothing there until you reach the end of the walkway. The force is incredible , almost disturbing in the sense of the power of water in a huge stretch of flat space. Gullfoss sits on the intense Hvita glacial river which has its origins at the Langjokull glacier. The never ending flow of water almost seems as if it must be recycling to deliver that power.

Geysir, the bubbling hot springs, is also nearby. These 3 amazing products of nature form a golden triangle more so than a circle. About every 20 minutes the spouting geyser Strokkur set in the Haukadal Hot Springs area, will rise with intense steam. Good luck capturing that moment with your camera.

We include a visit to Pingvellir National Park, which is pronounced as Thingvellir, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Icelandic Althing, an open-air assembly representing the whole of Iceland, was established here in 930 and continued to meet until 1798. Over two weeks a year, the assembly set laws - seen as a covenant between free men - and settled disputes. The Althing has deep historical and symbolic associations for the people of Iceland. Though your visit will be a drive through a portion of the park, Þingvellir is a site of historical, cultural, and geological significance, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland. It is also the divide between the American and Eurasian continental plates and with its dramatic geology and woodland typography, it is one area of the country that changes colors throughout the year.

Enjoy this ring around the highlights that people find so representative of Iceland!

- Please note that tour buses are prohibited in central Reykjavik. If you are staying at a hotel within the restricted zone, you will be provided with a nearby meeting location for pick-up. More information will be provided upon confirmation. If you have questions, contact ShoreTrips.
- The entire drive is about 160 miles, about 3.5 hours of your day in total, but it will not feel that way as you make many wonderful stops.
- Lunch is not included but you will have access to café/restaurants during the day. Included is a small Icelandic snack - lamb flatbread with a drink called Malt.
- Please dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes.

- Extra stops may be made based on the weather, road conditions, and time constraints and are at the discretion of your guide.
- Maximum 19 passengers per vehicle.
- The order of the itinerary may change.
- Book early in order to avoid the disappointment of sell-outs. Please note we may have alternative tour options at a higher cost.

Days offered: 7 days a week

Departures:

• 08:00 AM, duration: 8 hours