Golden Circle Premium Tour with Fridheimar Farm

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland and want to see some of the country’s most famous sights without the hassle of organizing everything yourself, a guided tour like the Golden Circle Premium Tour with Fridheimar Farm could be just what you need. While we haven’t taken this exact trip ourselves, the rave reviews and detailed itineraries suggest it’s a solid, well-organized way to experience Iceland’s highlights in one day.

What really appeals about this tour are two things: First, the comprehensive itinerary covers all the major Golden Circle sights—Gullfoss, Geysir, Thingvellir—and still leaves room for some enjoyable surprises like the Fridheimar tomato farm. Second, the small-group setting makes the experience more personal and flexible, giving you more time at each stop and fewer crowds.

The one possible downside? The price point of around $172 per person might seem steep for a full day, especially since food and drinks are not included. However, when you weigh the convenience, expert guiding, and access to some less touristy spots, many travelers find it good value.

This tour is a great fit if you value expert guidance, want to see a lot without the stress of driving, and enjoy a mix of natural wonders and quirky local experiences. It’s particularly suitable for those who appreciate a balanced pace and the chance to learn about Iceland’s landscape and resources along the way.

Key Points

• All major Golden Circle sights are included, making it a comprehensive day trip.
• Small group size (max 18 travelers) leads to a more personalized experience.
• Expert guides add depth with engaging stories and local insights.
• Convenient pickup from Reykjavik simplifies logistics.
• Includes a visit to Fridheimar tomato farm, offering a unique, behind-the-scenes look at Icelandic farming.
• Good value for the price considering the all-included transportation, park fees, and guided commentary.

A Deep Dive Into the Experience

The Itinerary: What to Expect

This tour kicks off early, with hotel pickup around 9:00 am, and takes you through a series of carefully curated stops. The aim is to showcase Iceland’s natural beauty and some of its lesser-known local highlights.

Kerid Crater: A Volcanic Masterpiece

Your first stop is the Kerid volcanic crater, famous for its vivid red slopes and a serene lake at the bottom. It’s a quick 20-minute stop, so don’t expect to hike extensively, but it’s enough time to snap some photos and take in the surreal landscape. Many reviews mention that it’s a great way to start the day—”Saw so much beauty and learned about Iceland’s use of natural resources,” one traveler noted.

Fridheimar Tomato Farm: A Quirky Highlight

Next, you head to the Fridheimar greenhouse, where you’ll get to see how Icelandic farmers grow tomatoes inside heated greenhouses. The added bonus here is lunch, included in the visit. Reviewers loved this part, describing it as a “fabulous” experience with “fabulous food.” People are particularly impressed by the rhubarb and Biscoff ice cream flavors, which are not your run-of-the-mill options.

Guests also comment on how the tomato farm is more than just a quick stop; it’s an educational experience that offers insight into sustainable farming in Iceland. “The tomato greenhouse impressed us,” one review states. And with an hour allocated, there’s enough time to walk around, ask questions, and soak up the atmosphere—something that smaller groups tend to do better.

Geysir: The icon of Icelandic geothermal activity

Then it’s onto Geysir, the geothermal area famous for its erupting geyser, Strokkur, which spouts water into the air roughly every 5-10 minutes. It’s a spectacle you’ll want to watch carefully—many reviews describe it as “fascinating” and “really good.” The area also has other bubbling springs and steaming vents that add to the otherworldly feeling.

Þingvellir National Park: A UNESCO Treasure

The Þingvellir National Park is next—a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. It’s a place that combines geological wonder with historical significance. Visitors typically spend about an hour here, walking through rift valleys and learning about Iceland’s early parliamentary history. The reviews praise the guide for sharing fun facts and stories during this stop, making it more than just a scenic view.

Gullfoss: The Golden Waterfall

Finally, the Gullfoss waterfall caps off the day. With its powerful double cascade dropping into a deep canyon, it’s easy to see why this waterfall is an iconic Icelandic symbol. The 40-minute stop gives you enough time to appreciate its majesty and take some memorable photos.

Transportation, Group Size, and Comfort

Travel is in an air-conditioned minibus, which keeps everyone comfortable regardless of the weather. The maximum group size is 18, which many travelers say makes the experience more intimate and allows for more spontaneous stops or questions—”The small group meant more personalized attention,” a reviewer shared.

Tour Guides: Knowledgeable and Engaging

The guides are consistently praised for their knowledge, humor, and friendliness. Many reviews mention guides by name, emphasizing how their storytelling and local insights made the day special. For example, reviewers say guides like Bjorn, Baldvin, and others went above and beyond, adding extra stops and sharing engaging stories.

Timing and Pacing

Considering the 8 to 9-hour duration, the tour balances sightseeing with enough time at each stop to explore without feeling rushed. The reviews highlight how the schedule feels well-orchestrated—”The pace was just right,” one person comments. You get to walk around, take photos, and enjoy the scenery, even if some attractions are more crowded than others.

The Value in Context

While the price of $171.96 per person might seem on the higher side for a day trip, it’s important to factor in what’s included: transportation, park fees, and a knowledgeable guide. Food and drinks are extra, but the included lunch at Fridheimar is well-liked and a unique experience, making the overall value quite good.

Many travelers note how the guided aspect enhances the trip—you’re not just watching from a bus window but learning about Iceland’s geography, history, and sustainable practices from someone who knows the stories. The small group size also means fewer crowds and more personalized attention, which many find worth the extra cost.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re someone who appreciates a guided, all-in-one experience and wants to skip the stress of self-driving, this tour offers a lot of value. It’s ideal for travelers who want to see iconic sights but also enjoy some quirky local touches, like the tomato farm.

It’s well-suited for those who prefer small groups over large buses, valuing personal interaction and flexibility. Nature lovers, foodies, and curious travelers alike will enjoy the mix of stunning landscapes and educational stops.

However, if you’re on a tight budget or looking for a more flexible, DIY style adventure, you might find this tour a bit structured. Also, since food isn’t included in the price, travelers should plan to budget extra for meals or snacks.

FAQs

Is pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers free hotel pickup from central Reykjavik, making it convenient to start without extra logistics.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 8 to 9 hours, giving you a full, relaxed day of sightseeing.

What’s the group size?
The maximum is 18 travelers, which helps maintain a more personal atmosphere.

Are tickets and park fees included?
Yes, all park fees are covered, so you don’t have to worry about extra costs at sites like Þingvellir or Gullfoss.

Is food included?
No, food and drinks are not included, but lunch at Fridheimar is part of the tour. You’ll want to budget for additional snacks or meals.

Can children participate?
While children are allowed, they must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is generally suitable for most travelers, especially since walking is described as easy.

What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance, making it flexible if your plans change.

Final Thoughts

This Golden Circle Premium Tour with Fridheimar Farm offers a thoughtful, well-paced way to experience Iceland’s most famous sights with the added charm of visiting a working tomato farm. The combination of natural wonders, local flavor, and expert guides makes it a notable option for travelers who want convenience without sacrificing depth.

It’s especially recommended for those who value small group sizes, engaging storytelling, and a mix of iconic and offbeat Icelandic highlights. If you’re looking for a seamless, informative, and memorable day out from Reykjavik, this tour ticks many boxes.

While it’s not the cheapest option, the inclusions, quality of guides, and overall experience justify the cost for many. Just remember to bring your appetite—lunch at Fridheimar is a highlight—and a camera ready for some incredible snapshots.

Happy travels, and enjoy your Iceland adventure!