From Reykjavik: Golden Circle, Kerid, & Secret Lagoon Tour

A Detailed Look at the Reykjavik: Golden Circle, Kerid, & Secret Lagoon Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland and want to see some of its most famous sights without the hassle of organizing transportation yourself, this Golden Circle tour from Reykjavik might be just what you need. It’s a full-day experience—about 10 hours—that covers key landmarks like the Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir geothermal area, Þingvellir National Park, and the Kerið volcanic crater, along with a relaxing soak in the Secret Lagoon hot springs.

What we especially appreciate about this tour is how it combines iconic sightseeing with a touch of local relaxation, giving you a well-rounded Icelandic experience. Plus, with a high rating of 4.8 out of 5 from over 5,000 reviews, it clearly resonates with travelers.

That said, one thing to keep in mind is the tour’s duration—10 hours can be quite long, especially if you’re not used to full-day excursions. Also, the Secret Lagoon’s availability might be affected by maintenance at times, though an alternative, Laugarvatn Fontana spa, is offered during upgrades.

This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive yet manageable way to see Iceland’s highlights, especially those who enjoy a mix of adventure and relaxation. If you’re comfortable with a busy schedule and value experienced guides, it could be a great fit.

Key Points

• Includes major sights of the Golden Circle, a must-see route in Iceland.
• Relaxing soak in the historic Secret Lagoon, Iceland’s oldest swimming pool.
• Knowledgeable guides and Wi-Fi onboard make the day enjoyable and informative.
• Good value for money considering the inclusions like entry tickets and hotel pickup.
• Timing is well organized, with enough time at each stop to appreciate the scenery.
• Flexibility with booking, including free cancellation and pay later options.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from This Icelandic Adventure

We found that this tour is a solid way to tick off Iceland’s most famous spots in one go, especially if you’re short on time but craving a full experience. It’s a carefully curated day that balances sightseeing, learning, and leisure, all within a comfortable bus setting.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The day kicks off with a pickup in central Reykjavik, where you’ll meet your guide and fellow travelers. From there, the adventure begins with a visit to Kerið, a volcanic crater that’s quite photogenic. You get to walk along its rim and descend into the crater to see the striking lake at its base—a viewpoint that really sticks with you.

Next, you’ll head to Secret Lagoon, Iceland’s oldest thermal pool. This stop is a real highlight for many travelers. You’ll have about 1.5 hours here to soak in the warm waters, relax, and take in the peaceful surroundings. The experience of bathing in such historic waters, surrounded by nature, adds a special touch to the day. During certain times of the year (May 13th-22nd), the tour swaps the Secret Lagoon for Laugarvatn Fontana, a geothermal spa giving a similar experience.

The Geysir Area: Nature’s Hot Show

After relaxing, you’ll visit Geysir, the geothermal area home to Strokkur, which erupts around every 8 minutes with a spectacular jet of steaming water up to 30 meters high. Watching Strokkur’s consistent spout is a fun and awe-inspiring moment—an unmistakable Icelandic sight.

Gullfoss: The Mighty Waterfall

Then it’s time for the Gullfoss Waterfall, one of Iceland’s most famous natural wonders. Feel the mist on your face as the glacial waters hurtle down into a deep crevice. Travelers often rave about the power and beauty of Gullfoss, and with good reason. The photo opportunities here are endless, and the sound of rushing water is quite the sensory experience.

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Þingvellir National Park: Where Continents Meet

You’ll also visit Þingvellir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are drifting apart at a rate of a few centimeters per year. Walking at Þingvellir, you can see the rift valley and understand a bit about the geological forces shaping Iceland. It’s a spot that combines natural beauty with historical significance, as it’s also the site of Iceland’s ancient parliament.

The Final Stop: Kerið Crater

The last official stop is at Kerið, where we again got a chance to appreciate the volcanic origins of the landscape. The vibrant red and green slopes of the crater, contrasted with the blue lake, make for dramatic photos. It’s a nice way to wrap up the sightseeing before heading back to Reykjavik.

The Experience: Why It Works

Many reviews highlight the quality of the guides. Multiple travelers mention guides like Steinunn, Jennifer, Sara, or Siggie—praising their friendliness, knowledge, and storytelling ability. The guides seem to make a real effort to keep the group entertained and informed, adding personal anecdotes that bring each stop to life.

The bus comfort also comes up repeatedly—modern, air-conditioned, with Wi-Fi available onboard. This makes the long drives between sites more pleasant and allows you to share photos or check your trip plans without missing a beat.

The Value for Money

At $127 per person, including hotel pickup, entry tickets for all major stops, and Wi-Fi, the tour offers a lot of value. Trying to visit these sites independently could cost more, especially with transportation and entrance fees. Plus, having a guide means you get context and stories that you might not find in a guidebook.

The Downside: Long Hours and Flexibility

While many travelers find the schedule well-paced, some mention that the day can feel busy, especially if you prefer a more relaxed pace. Longer travel times between stops mean less downtime at each site, but most agree it’s a fair trade-off given the number of sights covered.

A small point of potential disappointment is the Secret Lagoon closure during facility upgrades, which could affect your experience if visiting in May. The alternative, Laugarvatn Fontana, still offers a thermal spa experience but has a different vibe.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want to see the key highlights of Iceland’s Golden Circle without the hassle of planning individual visits. It suits those who value guided commentary and a structured schedule, but also want enough free time at each stop to explore or relax.

If you’re a first-time visitor or someone with limited days in Iceland, this tour packs a lot into one day, making it a wise choice. Travelers who enjoy a mix of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural insights will find this tour hits the mark.

However, if you’re someone who prefers a very slow travel pace or wants to explore each site in more depth, you might find the 10-hour schedule a bit too packed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, if you choose the pickup option, you’ll be collected from designated hotels and bus stops in central Reykjavik.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts around 10 hours, with pickup starting at 8:00 AM.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which provides good flexibility.

What should I bring?
Make sure to bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to swim at the Secret Lagoon. Towel rental is available at the spa if needed.

What if the Secret Lagoon is closed during my trip?
From May 13th-22nd, the tour replaces the Secret Lagoon with Laugarvatn Fontana geothermal spa, so you’ll still enjoy thermal waters.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour isn’t recommended for children under 2 years old, and the full day might be long for very young kids, but older children who enjoy sightseeing could handle it well.

What’s the group size like?
While not explicitly stated, reviews suggest a comfortable bus with well-organized stops, likely small enough for a personal experience but large enough to be social.

Is Wi-Fi available on the bus?
Yes, Wi-Fi is provided onboard, helping you share photos or stay connected.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included. The itinerary mentions a stop for lunch, so you’ll need to bring snacks or plan to purchase food along the way.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a comprehensive, well-organized way to experience Iceland’s Golden Circle, this tour offers a great balance between sightseeing and relaxation. The combination of iconic waterfalls, geysers, tectonic rifts, and thermal baths makes for a memorable day—especially with friendly guides and good value.

While it’s a long day, most travelers find the stops worth the effort. The ability to relax in the Secret Lagoon after a day of adventure adds a lovely contrast to the busy sightseeing schedule.

This tour is best suited for those who want a guided experience that covers the essentials, enjoys comfort, and appreciates stories and context along the way. For travelers who want to avoid the logistical headache of planning or prefer a structured group environment, this can be just the ticket.

Overall, if you’re looking to see the highlights of Iceland’s famous Golden Circle without missing a beat, this tour delivers. It’s not flawless, but it’s a solid, highly-rated choice that many travelers have enjoyed.

Enjoy your trip—and hopefully, your memorable Icelandic adventure!

You can check availability for your dates here: