Golden Circle Tales, Tomato Farm & Kerid – Small Group from RVK

If you’re planning your first trip to Iceland or want to experience the country’s most iconic natural wonders in a single day, this tour from EastWest deserves serious consideration. We’ve reviewed the detailed feedback from nearly 900 travelers, and the consistency of praise is genuinely impressive—99% recommend it. What we particularly appreciate about this experience is how it combines Iceland’s most famous geological landmarks with unexpected stops that transform an ordinary sightseeing day into something more memorable. The inclusion of the Kerid volcanic crater and visits to working Icelandic farms sets this apart from countless other Golden Circle tours flooding the market.

However, there’s one consideration worth noting upfront: you’ll spend a fair amount of time on the bus. This is somewhat unavoidable given the geography of the Golden Circle route, though the 9-hour duration includes all stops and travel time. This tour works best for visitors who want maximum variety without the stress of driving themselves on Iceland’s sometimes unpredictable roads, and who appreciate having an expert local guide providing context and stories throughout the day.

The Real Value Proposition

At $155.99 per person for a 9-hour experience that includes round-trip hotel pickup, a professional guide, and several world-class natural attractions, you’re looking at roughly $17 per hour of guided exploration. That math becomes even more favorable when you consider what’s typically excluded from cheaper competitors: quality transportation in a small group (maximum 19 people), access to lesser-known sites like Kerid crater, and stops at working farms with genuine cultural value rather than tourist traps. Most travelers book this tour about 77 days in advance, which suggests both strong demand and the wisdom of planning ahead during peak seasons.

What You’ll Actually See: Breaking Down the Itinerary

Þingvellir National Park: Where Iceland’s History Meets Geology

Your day begins at Þingvellir (often written as Pingvellir), and this first stop immediately sets the tone for what makes Iceland special. You’re standing at the meeting point of the American and Eurasian tectonic plates—not just in some abstract geological sense, but visibly, where the ground literally drops away between two continental masses. This is the kind of moment that photos simply cannot capture adequately.

Beyond the dramatic geology, this is where Iceland’s democracy began. In 930 A.D., Iceland’s parliament (the Althing) was established here, making it one of the world’s oldest parliaments. Your guide will help you understand why this particular location held such significance for medieval Icelanders, which transforms what could be a simple “look at the rocks” stop into a genuine moment of historical reflection. The 35-minute allocation gives you time to explore the walking paths, take photographs from multiple angles, and absorb the sheer scale of the landscape.

Oxararfoss Waterfall: Beauty in Subtlety

Not every waterfall needs to be Niagara Falls to be worth your time. Oxararfoss is beloved by Icelanders precisely because of its location within Þingvellir and its historical significance rather than sheer volume. The waterfall cascades directly into the rift valley, creating a picturesque scene that’s especially photogenic during Iceland’s long daylight hours (depending on season). Many travelers report that this stop, though brief at 15 minutes, becomes a favorite precisely because it’s understated compared to Iceland’s more famous falls.

Efstidalur II: A Genuine Farm Experience

Here’s where the tour distinguishes itself from countless competitors. Rather than another landscape photo opportunity, you’re visiting an actual working dairy farm where you can enjoy homemade ice cream and interact with Icelandic cows and other farm animals. Multiple reviewers specifically mentioned this stop as a highlight, with one traveler noting, “The dairy farm and tomato farm were well worth the stops. Don’t do the golden Circle without it.”

This isn’t a staged tourist experience—it’s a functioning farm that happens to welcome visitors. You’ll get a genuine sense of rural Icelandic life, and yes, the ice cream is genuinely good. One reviewer specifically praised the ice cream as “a great addition that other companies don’t offer,” which speaks to how EastWest has curated this experience to include authentic touches that many competitors skip.

Geysir Geothermal Area: Nature’s Reliable Show

The Geysir area is the park’s thermal heart. While the original Great Geysir erupts unpredictably these days, Strokkur performs like clockwork—erupting roughly every five minutes, shooting boiling water up to 40 meters into the air. You’ll have 45 minutes here, which is sufficient time to watch multiple eruptions, explore the surrounding geothermal features (colorful hot springs with mineral deposits), and feel the heat rising from the ground beneath your feet.

The sensory experience here is intense. You’ll smell the sulfur, feel the temperature changes as you walk around thermal vents, and witness the raw power of geothermal energy in action. It’s one of those moments where you genuinely understand why Iceland is so geologically significant. One traveler captured this well: “Geysir geothermal area is quite stunning where you witness the geyser Strokkur erupts every five minutes.”

Gullfoss: Iceland’s Most Powerful Waterfall

Gullfoss is the tour’s grand waterfall moment. This two-stage cascade thunders down into a deep canyon, creating a spray that can drench you if you venture close enough. On clear days, rainbows frequently arch across the mist. The 40-minute stop allows you to hike down to different viewing angles, feel the power of the water, and understand why this waterfall consistently appears on “world’s best waterfalls” lists.

What makes Gullfoss particularly special is its scale and the dramatic landscape context. You’re not just seeing a waterfall; you’re seeing it within a vast, glacially-carved landscape that helps you understand Iceland’s geological drama. Multiple reviewers described it as “powerful and hypnotizing,” and the photography opportunities are genuinely excellent.

Friðheimar: Lunch, Greenhouses, and Icelandic Horses

The 1-hour-10-minute stop at Friðheimar tomato farm deserves special attention because it’s mentioned as a highlight in numerous reviews. This geothermal-heated greenhouse farm produces tomatoes year-round in Iceland’s challenging climate—a small agricultural miracle made possible by Iceland’s abundant geothermal energy.

You’ll have lunch here (not included in the tour price), and multiple reviewers specifically praised the tomato soup and fresh bread. One traveler noted, “The stop for icecream was a great addition that other companies don’t offer, and so too was the tomato soup. Overall very memorable day.” The farm also breeds Icelandic horses, so you’ll have the chance to interact with these distinctive, sturdy animals that are central to Icelandic culture.

The farm provides an educational component too—you’ll learn how Iceland’s unique geothermal resources are being used for agriculture, which offers genuine insight into how Icelanders have adapted to their environment. This stop feels less like a tourist checkbox and more like an authentic experience of modern Icelandic life.

Kerid Crater: The Often-Missed Finale

While many Golden Circle tours end at Gullfoss, this one continues to Kerid crater, which is why EastWest markets it as going “beyond the Golden Circle.” Kerid is a striking crater lake with a visible caldera still intact—the most visually recognizable of several crater lakes in Iceland’s Western Volcanic Zone. The 30-minute stop allows you to walk the crater rim and appreciate the geological forces that shaped this landscape.

The admission to Kerid is included in your tour price, which is worth noting since other tours often skip this site. Reviewers frequently mentioned Kerid as a worthwhile addition: “the tour covered a lot of the must sees reachable from Reykjavik with interesting lunch stop at tomato farm” and “went beyond the Golden Circle at Kerid volcanic crater, which most tours miss.”

The Logistics That Actually Matter

Transportation and Group Size

You’ll travel in what EastWest describes as a comfortable vehicle (multiple reviews mention a “beautiful, new Mercedes van”) with a maximum of 19 travelers. This matters more than it might seem. Larger tour buses create a fundamentally different experience—you’re herded rather than guided, and the guide’s ability to tailor the experience to the group’s interests diminishes significantly. One reviewer specifically appreciated this: “We traveled in a small group of just 15 people in a beautiful, new Mercedes van, which made the experience feel very personal and comfortable.”

The vehicle includes WiFi on board, which is useful if you need to stay connected or want to review photos and information during travel time between stops.

Pickup and Timing

Hotel pickup begins at 8:30 AM and continues until around 9:00 AM as the driver collects passengers from different locations. EastWest sends an email 30 minutes before pickup that includes the vehicle description, license plate, and guide’s name—a practical touch that eliminates uncertainty about which van is yours. You’ll return to Reykjavik around 5:30 PM, which works well if you have evening plans.

If your hotel isn’t on the standard pickup list (common in central Reykjavik’s older neighborhoods), you’ll use a designated city bus stop. This system exists because Reykjavik deliberately restricts large vehicle traffic in narrow old-town streets. It’s a minor logistical detail, but one reviewer flagged that clearer communication about which pickup point was closest would have been helpful. EastWest has acknowledged this feedback, so it may be worth confirming your specific pickup location when you book.

Dress for Unpredictable Weather

The tour operates in various weather conditions, and Iceland’s weather can change dramatically throughout the day. Bring layers, waterproof outerwear, and sturdy walking shoes. Several reviewers mentioned dealing with cold, wind, and rain, but these conditions never seemed to significantly diminish their experience. One traveler noted: “Weather was really cold because of the wind, but the experience is still great!” Another mentioned: “Despite terrible weather, our guide kept us upbeat and excited for each adventure. It was a beautiful experience.”

The Guide Experience: Where This Tour Really Excels

Perhaps the most consistent theme across the 854 reviews is praise for the guides. This isn’t accidental—EastWest clearly invests in hiring and training knowledgeable, personable guides who can both inform and entertain. The guides mentioned repeatedly in reviews include Björn, Roger, Leroy, David, Einar, Carlos, and Slavi, and each is described with genuine enthusiasm.

What makes these guides stand out isn’t just knowledge. One reviewer captured it well: “Our guide Leroy was awesome—very informative, easy to understand and entertaining.” Another noted that their guide “shared fascinating history and insights into Icelandic culture, which made the day even more memorable.” A third appreciated that the guide “gave us lots of information and then let us explore each site in our own time.”

The guides frequently go beyond the standard itinerary. One reviewer mentioned their guide stopped for “fresh rye bread that was baked underground. This was not part of the tour but a super unique and delicious experience.” Another noted that their guide “even stopped so we could see Northern Lights,” demonstrating flexibility and local knowledge that transforms a good tour into a memorable one.

What’s Not Included (and Why It Matters)

Lunch is not included in the $155.99 price, though you’ll stop at Friðheimar where lunch is available. This is worth factoring into your budget. Most travelers report the tomato farm lunch being reasonably priced and genuinely good, but it’s an additional cost beyond the tour price. The ice cream stop at the dairy farm is similarly not included, though reviewers consistently noted it’s worthwhile.

Practical Considerations and Potential Drawbacks

The main limitation is time on the bus. With a 9-hour tour covering multiple stops spread across Iceland’s landscape, you’ll spend a significant portion of the day traveling. One reviewer noted: “Lots of time on the bus. Sights were good especially the tomato farm. Could have skipped the dairy farm—even though the ice cream was great!” This feedback is worth considering if you prefer deeper exploration of fewer sites over broader coverage.

The tour requires decent weather for optimal viewing and operates in rain or cold. If weather is severe enough to make safe travel impossible, EastWest offers alternative dates or full refunds. This is a legitimate consideration during Iceland’s winter months (October through April), when daylight is limited and weather is unpredictable.

Some stops involve stairs and hills, which EastWest notes aren’t suitable for everyone. The walking is generally moderate, but those with mobility concerns should confirm specific requirements before booking.

The Money Question: Is This Worth $155.99?

Comparing value requires considering what you’re actually getting. The tour includes round-trip transportation from your hotel, 9 hours of guided exploration, access to major natural attractions (most with free admission except Kerid, which is included), and the expertise of a knowledgeable local guide. You’re also gaining the convenience of not driving yourself on unfamiliar roads in an unfamiliar country, which carries genuine value.

If you were to rent a car, drive yourself, and visit these sites independently, you’d pay for the rental, fuel, and parking, plus you’d miss the contextual information and stories that guides provide. You’d also deal with navigation and the stress of driving in Iceland’s conditions. The $155.99 per person price—roughly equivalent to a mid-range car rental for the day—actually represents solid value when you account for what’s included.

That said, this isn’t the cheapest Golden Circle tour available. Budget competitors exist, but they typically involve larger groups, longer bus rides, fewer stops, or less experienced guides. The nearly perfect 5.0-star rating from 854 travelers suggests that most people find the premium reasonable for what they receive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How far in advance should I book this tour?
A: The average booking window is 77 days in advance, which suggests booking well ahead during peak season (summer months). However, availability varies by date, so checking closer to your travel dates is always worth doing.

Q: What happens if the weather is really bad?
A: EastWest will either offer you an alternative date or a full refund if weather makes safe travel impossible. The tour operates in rain and cold, but severe weather closure is possible.

Q: Is the tour suitable for children?
A: Yes, the tour is suitable for most ages, though children must be accompanied by an adult. Multiple reviews mention multigenerational groups (ages 12-75) having excellent experiences.

Q: How much should I budget for meals beyond the tour price?
A: Lunch at Friðheimar and ice cream at Efstidalur II are separate costs. Based on traveler feedback, plan an additional $20-30 for lunch and $5-10 for ice cream, though prices may vary.

Q: What time will I return to Reykjavik?
A: Most travelers report returning around 5:30 PM, which allows time for evening activities or restaurants.

Q: Is the bus comfortable for a 9-hour day?
A: Multiple reviewers specifically praised the comfortable vehicle, and WiFi on board helps pass travel time. The small group size (maximum 19) means less crowding than larger tours.

Q: Can I cancel if my plans change?
A: Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours forfeit payment.

Q: What’s the difference between this tour and other Golden Circle tours?
A: This tour includes Kerid crater (which many competitors skip), visits to working farms with food experiences, smaller group sizes, and consistently higher-rated guides. The price reflects these differences.

The Bottom Line

This is a genuinely excellent Golden Circle tour that deserves its 5.0-star rating. The combination of Iceland’s most iconic natural sites, the addition of authentic farm experiences, guides who clearly care about their work, and comfortable small-group transportation creates an experience that represents strong value at $155.99 per person. The 9-hour duration and significant bus time are worth accepting for the breadth of sites you’ll see and the quality of guidance you’ll receive. This tour works best for first-time visitors to Iceland, multigenerational groups, and anyone who wants to experience Iceland’s Golden Circle without the stress of self-driving. If you prefer deeper exploration of fewer sites or want to avoid extended bus time, this might not be your ideal choice. But if you want maximum variety, authentic local experiences, and expert storytelling in a single day, EastWest’s Golden Circle tour is worth booking well in advance.