Reykjavik: Golden Circle Tour and Blue Lagoon Admission

If you’re planning a trip to Reykjavik and want to see some of Iceland’s most iconic sights in one go, this combined tour offers a solid way to experience the best of the Golden Circle and cap your day with a soak in the Blue Lagoon. While we haven’t personally been on this exact tour, we’ve gathered enough details, reviews, and insights to give you a clear picture of what to expect—and whether it’s worth your time and money.

What we really like about this experience is how it packs three major attractions into one day—making it convenient and a good value for those with limited time. Plus, the Blue Lagoon’s comfort package, which includes a silica mask and a drink, adds a touch of luxury after a day of sightseeing. On the flip side, a notable consideration is the long day’s travel and waiting times, especially if you’re hoping to spend ample time at each spot or prefer a more relaxed pace.

This tour tends to suit travelers who want a rundown of Iceland’s highlights without the hassle of planning multiple days. If you’re okay with the possibility of a busy schedule and some waiting, this could be a great way to tick off key sights efficiently.

Key Points

• Efficiently combines the Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon in a single day, ideal for limited schedules
• Includes a Comfort Package at the Blue Lagoon, adding extra value with a silica mask and a drink
• Guided by knowledgeable local guides, though some reviews note variability in engagement
• Long hours and some waiting might not suit those who prefer a more relaxed, unhurried experience
• Cost-effective considering transportation, guide, and entry fees bundled together
• Suitable mostly for travelers who enjoy structured tours with set itineraries

You can check availability for your dates here:

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour is designed as a day-long adventure, with your price covering the essentials: transportation, guides, and entry to the Blue Lagoon with its Comfort Package. The guide’s presence ensures you’ll learn about the sights, but keep in mind that meals and drinks are not included. You’ll need to bring snacks or plan to buy something during stops.

One notable aspect: hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to meet at the BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavik. This is typical for many guided tours in Iceland, but if you’re staying outside the city center, you might want to plan accordingly.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point: BSI Bus Terminal

Your day kicks off early at the BSI Bus Terminal, where you’ll meet your guide and hop onto the bus. It’s worth arriving at least 15 minutes early to settle in and get ready for the day ahead.

The Golden Circle: Geysir, Gullfoss, and Thingvellir

Geysir Geothermal Area: This is the first notable stop, where the Strokkur geyser puts on a show, shooting boiling water up to 30 meters into the air every 4-8 minutes. It’s a dynamic display of geothermal energy, and you’ll have a chance to see it in action—an incredible reminder of Iceland’s volcanic activity.

Gullfoss Waterfall: Next, the mighty Gullfoss offers a thunderous spectacle, tumbling over a 32-meter deep crevice. The wide, multi-tiered falls are impressive, especially when sunlight catches the spray. Travelers often comment on how powerful and awe-inspiring this sight is, and it’s easy to see why it’s considered one of Iceland’s top attractions.

Thingvellir National Park: The final Golden Circle stop is a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its geological marvels—the fissure where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet and are slowly pulling apart. It’s also historically significant as the site of Iceland’s first parliament. We loved the way the landscape combines natural beauty with a sense of ancient history.

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Return to Reykjavik and Blue Lagoon

After the sightseeing, your guide will take you back to Reykjavik, where a brief stop allows for some rest and refreshment. Then, the highlight: a soak in the Blue Lagoon.

The Blue Lagoon Experience: Relaxation and Pampering

Your ticket includes the Comfort Package, which brings a silica mud mask—famous for its skin-firming and softening effects—plus a towel and a drink of your choice. The Lagoon’s setting is surreal, with lava and moss-covered surroundings, making it feel almost otherworldly. The warm waters are perfect for unwinding after a busy day of sightseeing, and the lagoon’s facilities are modern and well-maintained.

Many reviews highlight that the Blue Lagoon is a must-do in Iceland, with some travelers fortunate enough to catch the Northern Lights dancing in the sky during their soak—an unforgettable bonus.

The Experience: Pros and Cons

Guides and Information: We’ve seen reviews praising the guides for being friendly and knowledgeable. However, some mention that the guide’s personality and interaction varied, which can influence your overall experience. For travelers who enjoy engaging guides with stories and humor, this may be hit or miss.

Timing and Pacing: The tour lasts around 10 hours and involves some waiting and transit time. As one reviewer pointed out, it’s not the best if you want to spend a lot of time at each site or prefer a slower pace. Expect to be on the bus quite a bit, with limited free time at each stop.

Value for Money: At $267 per person, the price includes transportation, guided commentary, entry to the Blue Lagoon, and the comfort package. When you break down what’s included, it’s quite reasonable—especially considering the costs of individual entry fees and transportation in Iceland.

Crowd and Group Size: Group sizes tend to be moderate, and the guided nature means you’ll be part of a team for the day. If you’re traveling alone or with a small group, you’ll likely meet fellow travelers, which can be fun.

What Travelers Say

One traveler described the trip as “a perfect trip with fantastic weather,” emphasizing the nonstop flow of sights and the memorable experience of seeing the Northern Lights while soaking in the Blue Lagoon. Others appreciated the stunning views and interesting facts about Iceland’s geology and history.

On the downside, a review noted that waiting for others or rushing at stops can detract from the experience, especially if you’re hoping for in-depth exploration or more time at each location. The guide’s personality also seemed to influence some guests’ enjoyment, with some wishing for more lively commentary and interaction.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re after an all-in-one sightseeing experience in Iceland—covering the Golden Circle and finishing with a luxurious soak in the Blue Lagoon—this tour hits the main points efficiently. It’s especially good for first-timers who want a broad overview without stressing about logistics or booking separate tickets.

However, if you prefer a more leisurely pace or want to spend more time at each sight, this might feel a bit rushed. Also, if you’re particular about engaging guides or have specific dietary preferences, remember that food and drinks are not included, and the guide’s style can vary.

This experience is best suited for curious travelers happy with a structured, guided day that offers both natural wonders and relaxation—an excellent way to see Iceland’s highlights in one go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is recommended to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons. You can cancel up to two days before for a full refund.

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour starts at the BSI Bus Terminal, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to that point.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, from departure in the morning to returning in the evening.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothes, especially layers, and perhaps rain gear. A water bottle and snacks are optional, as meals are not included.

Can children join this tour?
Children under 2 years are not suitable for this experience, mainly due to the long hours and busy schedule.

Is the Blue Lagoon crowded?
It can be, especially during peak times, but the Comfort Package helps you relax and enjoy the experience comfortably.

Are guides available in languages other than English?
Yes, certain days feature tours in German, French, or Scandinavian languages, but the primary guide language is English.

To sum it up, this tour offers a well-rounded day of Icelandic nature and relaxation, with good value considering what’s included. If you’re comfortable with a full schedule and want to see some of Iceland’s most famous sights without fuss, it’s a solid choice. Just be prepared for some bus time and a bit of a rush at each stop.

You can check availability for your dates here: