Golden Circle Tales, Tomato Farm & Kerid! Small Group Adventure

If you’re eyeing an unforgettable day in Iceland, this Golden Circle Tales, Tomato Farm & Kerid tour from Reykjavik is worth considering. It’s been highly rated, with a perfect 5.0 from over 620 reviews, and come recommended by 99% of travelers. What makes this tour stand out? Well, first, it promises to tick off the major sights of Iceland’s famous Golden Circle, but with the added bonus of lesser-known spots and unique experiences. Second, it offers a small-group setup, which means fewer crowds and more personalized attention—something we all appreciate when traveling in a new place.

Two features we particularly like are the in-depth stories from guides that make the experience more engaging and the visit to Kerid volcanic crater, which most other tours skip. But, of course, nothing’s perfect—this is a full-day tour that runs around 9 hours, so it’s a long day, especially if you’re not used to those kinds of excursions. Still, if you’re after a well-rounded, immersive day that combines natural beauty, Icelandic culture, and a bit of culinary fun, this tour could be a good fit. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy storytelling, scenic stops, and trying local food.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Golden Circle Coverage: Includes the main highlights plus lesser-known gems like Kerid crater.
• Expert Guides: Guides are praised for their knowledge and friendly approach, making the trip more memorable.
• All-Inclusive Comfort: Hotel pickup and drop-off, WiFi onboard, and efficient transport.
• Unique Stops: Dairy farm, tomato farm, and horse-breeding farm add local flavor to the tour.
• Time Management: Well-paced schedule, with enough time at each stop to explore.
• Value for Money: At around $137, it offers a thorough experience with many stops, stories, and scenic views.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

The Pickup & Group Size

Starting at 9:00 am, the tour is designed for small groups—max 19 travelers—which makes for a more intimate, less rushed experience. The convenient hotel pickup means no fuss about transportation, letting you relax and focus on the sights. The transportation itself is equipped with WiFi, so you can share your photos or plan the rest of your day while en route.

Thingvellir National Park: Where History Meets Geology

Your first stop is the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, a site of incredible significance. Not only is this where Iceland’s parliament was founded back in 930 AD, but it’s also where the American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. The landscape here is striking—vast open rifts, rugged cliffs, and the feeling of stepping into something truly ancient.

Guests often mention the geological importance and the history that still lingers here. As one reviewer put it, what makes this stop special is “its geological and historical importance.” Expect around 35 minutes exploring the area, enough to walk around and take some photos without feeling rushed.

Oxararfoss Waterfall: A Hidden Gem

Next, you’ll visit Oxararfoss, a waterfall known for its picturesque setting and history. It might not be the biggest waterfall in Iceland, but it’s beloved for its charm and connection to Icelandic storytelling. About 15 minutes allow for some quick photos and a bit of soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.

Efstidalur Dairy Farm: A Taste of Local Life

From natural wonders to farm life, the tour shifts gears at Efstidalur II, a cozy dairy farm where you get to taste authentic Icelandic ice cream and see cows and other farm animals. Guests love this stop, describing the ice cream as “amazing,” and the chance to see farm life up close as a fun, informal experience.

Geysir Geothermal Area: Nature’s Eruption

Then it’s onward to Geysir, home to the famous Strokkur geyser, erupting every five minutes. Standing next to a geyser that shoots boiling water into the air so regularly is genuinely impressive. Expect about 45 minutes here—plenty of time to witness a few eruptions, walk around the geothermal area, and snap some photos.

Gullfoss Waterfall: Power in Motion

A short drive away is Gullfoss, often called Iceland’s most iconic waterfall. Its roaring waters and wide, double cascade are captivating. Visitors frequently mention how hypnotic and powerful Gullfoss feels—an absolute highlight of the Golden Circle. You’ll spend about 40 minutes here, enough to get close, take in the view, and maybe get some good selfies.

Fridheimar Tomato Farm & Icelandic Horses

This part of the tour offers a delightful culinary and cultural experience. At Fridheimar, you’ll enjoy a farm-to-table lunch (not included in the price, but many find it worth the extra). The farm also breeds Icelandic horses, which you can see and pet—adding a special, personal touch to your day.

Guests often describe the insight into greenhouse horticulture as interesting, with a short talk about the process. Plus, the chance to meet and pet Icelandic horses is a bonus for animal lovers. The whole stop lasts about 1 hour and 10 minutes, providing enough time to explore, chat with the guides, and maybe snap a few photos of the horses.

Kerid Crater: A Volcanic Wonder

Finally, your last stop is the Kerid volcanic crater, a visually striking caldera filled with a vivid blue lake. Created over a hotspot, its well-preserved form makes it a favorite for photographers and nature lovers alike. With about 30 minutes to explore, you’ll get to walk around the rim and take in the surreal scenery.

What the Reviews Say—Real Feedback from Travelers

Multiple travelers highlight the knowledge and friendliness of the guides. For instance, one review mentions how guide Einar shared stories about Icelandic folklore, adding depth to the experience. Others rave about guides like Leroy, Leroy, and Goncalo, describing them as enthusiastic, entertaining, and knowledgeable.

The stops at the tomato farm, dairy farm, and horse-breeding farm seem to be especially popular. One guest called the tomato farm and lunch the highlight of the trip, noting how the tomato soup was “some of the best” they’d ever had. Others appreciated the unexpected extra stops, which made the day feel personalized and less predictable.

The scenic beauty of waterfalls and geysers is undeniable, with many reviews emphasizing how much more they saw compared to previous visits or other tours. The small-group format receives frequent praise, with travelers noting it created a relaxed atmosphere, where everyone had plenty of time for photos and questions.

The Value Proposition

At around $137 per person, this tour offers a lot—multiple stops, in-depth stories, delicious food, and the chance to see Iceland’s most famous natural wonders. For a full day of sightseeing, it’s a competitive price, especially considering the included transportation, guide, and unique stops.

Considerations

It is a long day, and weather can impact the experience—though the tour operates in various conditions, being prepared with layers is wise. For those who prefer more free time or private tours, this might feel a bit packed, but most reviews indicate the schedule is well-managed.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a thorough, engaging exploration of the Golden Circle with the comfort of small-group intimacy. It’s perfect if you’re into stories, scenic landscapes, and trying local food. If you’re traveling with kids, be aware that the stops include some walking and short hikes, but overall, it’s suitable for most ages with parental supervision.

If your goal is to check off Iceland’s top sights but also experience some hidden gems and local farms, this tour hits the sweet spot. The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge make it especially appealing, turning a standard sightseeing trip into a memorable story-filled day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, making it convenient to start your day stress-free.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 9 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

What’s included in the price?
Your price covers transportation, guide services, all taxes, fees, and WiFi on board. Lunch is not included, but there is a notable stop at a tomato farm for a delicious meal.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

What kind of guides will I have?
Guests praise the guides for their knowledge, friendliness, and storytelling skills. Many reviews mention guides like Devin, Leroy, and Goncalo as being particularly engaging.

Is the tour suitable in all weather?
The tour runs in different weather conditions; it’s best to dress accordingly as Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable.

What’s the stop at Kerid like?
Kerid is a volcanic crater with a vibrant blue lake, offering fantastic photo opportunities. You’ll have around 30 minutes to walk around and enjoy the scenery.

Can I skip the lunch?
Lunch is not included, and there’s no option to skip it since it’s part of the farm stop. However, many find the farm visit and the farm-to-table meal a highlight.

How much free time do I get at each stop?
Stops are generally well-paced, with enough time to explore, take photos, and ask questions, especially with small groups.

Is it worth the price?
Considering the variety of stops, storytelling, and transportation included, most reviews suggest it’s a very good value for a full day in Iceland.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a comprehensive, well-organized, and friendly way to experience Iceland’s Golden Circle, this tour from EastWest offers a lot of value. The small-group size ensures a relaxed atmosphere and personalized attention, while the stops—ranging from waterfalls to farms—add layers of local culture and natural beauty.

The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge turn a sightseeing day into a memorable story, especially for those who enjoy learning about Iceland in a friendly, informal setting. The mix of iconic scenery and unexpected stops makes this tour flexible enough to appeal to a wide range of travelers, especially those eager to see the highlights without feeling overwhelmed.

While it’s a long day, most find the experience rewarding—delivering a good balance of sightseeing, storytelling, and local flavor. Whether you’re visiting Iceland for the first time or want to deepen your understanding of its landscape and culture, this tour offers a practical, engaging way to see what makes Iceland special.

Hope this helps you decide if this Golden Circle experience fits your travel style!