The Golden Circle and Northern Lights Combo Small Group Tour offers a captivating journey through Iceland’s natural wonders. Guests will marvel at the stunning landscapes of Thingvellir National Park, the thundering Gullfoss waterfall, and the iconic Strokkur geyser. After a chance to rest, the tour culminates with the opportunity to witness the mesmerizing dance of the Northern Lights. This small-group experience ensures personalized attention and insightful commentary from a professional guide. But the true allure lies in the chance to take in the country’s breathtaking natural beauty and the possibility of a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with the elusive Aurora Borealis.
Key Points
- Comprehensive full-day tour exploring Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and Geysir hot springs during the Golden Circle, followed by a Northern Lights adventure.
- Small group tour with hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off, professional guide commentary, and comfortable minibus transportation.
- Suitable for guests aged 6 and above, with an average 4-star rating from 10 reviews.
- Tour price starts at $170.29 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Visitors should dress in warm, weatherproof layers and wear sturdy shoes for the tour, which operates in all weather conditions.
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Tour Overview
The "Golden Circle and Northern Lights Combo Small Group Tour" is a popular excursion that allows visitors to explore Iceland’s renowned Golden Circle and seek out the captivating Northern Lights.
This tour, based in Reykjavik, Iceland, has an average rating of 4 stars from 10 total reviews. The tour starts at 12:00 PM and is priced from $170.29 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The itinerary includes UNESCO World Heritage-listed Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir hot springs, and other nearby attractions.
After the Golden Circle, guests return to their hotel before embarking on the Northern Lights adventure.
Itinerary Highlights
Exploring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Thingvellir National Park, visitors marvel at the dramatic tectonic plate boundaries and historical significance of the site.
Next, they’ll witness the powerful Gullfoss waterfall, one of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders.
The tour also includes a stop at the Geysir hot springs, where they can observe the famous Strokkur geyser erupt up to 20 meters high.
Plus, the tour makes a stop at Kerið, a striking volcanic crater lake.
After the Golden Circle activities, guests return to their hotel for a break before embarking on the Northern Lights adventure, hoping to catch a dazzling display of the elusive Aurora Borealis.
Key Features
Hassle-free pickup and drop-off service from select Reykjavik hotels ensures a seamless start and end to the tour.
A professional guide provides insightful commentary throughout the day, sharing their knowledge of the region’s history and natural wonders.
Comfortable minibuses transport guests between the highlights of the Golden Circle and the northern lights viewing location, allowing them to sit back and enjoy the scenic journey.
The tour operates in all weather conditions, so visitors should dress appropriately in warm layers and weatherproof attire to make the most of this immersive experience.
Guest Reviews
Guests who’ve experienced this Golden Circle and Northern Lights Combo Tour shared their impressions in the reviews. The overall feedback was positive, with many appreciating the sights and the overall experience.
Specific highlights included the impressive Geysir hot spring and the breathtaking views. However, some guests noted issues with the engagement of the guide and confusion regarding pickup and drop-off locations.
Plus, a few guests expressed concerns about safety in snowy conditions. Despite these constructive criticisms, the tour maintains a solid 4-star average rating based on 10 total reviews, indicating that it generally delivers a worthwhile and memorable experience for visitors.
Tour Duration
The tour runs for a full-day experience, starting at 12:00 PM and concluding with the evening Northern Lights adventure.
The itinerary includes:
- Exploring the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and Geysir hot springs during the Golden Circle tour.
- Visiting the Kerið volcanic crater and other nearby attractions.
- A break at the hotel before being picked up for the Northern Lights tour.
- Comfortable minibus transportation with a professional guide providing insightful commentary throughout the day.
The tour is suitable for guests aged 6 and above, though it isn’t wheelchair accessible.
Proper weather attire is essential, as the tour operates in all conditions.
Pickup and Dropoff
Pickup and drop-off services are provided from select Reykjavik hotels, though they aren’t available for guests staying in the city center or private Airbnb accommodations.
The tour operator will pick up participants at their hotel and then return them to the same location after the tour concludes. This hassle-free service ensures a smooth start and end to the day’s activities.
Guests should be ready at their hotel lobby around the scheduled pickup time, as the minibus won’t wait long. Providing your hotel details during booking is crucial to ensure a seamless pickup arrangement.
Accessibility and Restrictions
Accessibility to this tour is limited, as the experience isn’t wheelchair accessible. Certain restrictions also apply:
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Minimum age requirement of 6 years old, with children needing to be accompanied by an adult.
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The tour may not be suitable for individuals with mobility issues or concerns, as it involves walking on uneven terrain and navigating inclines.
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Guests are advised to dress appropriately for the Icelandic weather, which can be unpredictable, by wearing warm layers, weatherproof outerwear, and sturdy footwear.
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The tour doesn’t provide accommodations or private transportation, and pickup/drop-off services are limited to select Reykjavik hotels, excluding city centers and private Airbnbs.
Weather Preparation
Given the unpredictable nature of Icelandic weather, guests must come prepared for the tour.
Dress in warm layers, including a weatherproof top layer, and wear sturdy, comfortable shoes. The tour operates in all conditions, so guests should be ready for wind, rain, or even snow.
Bring along a hat, gloves, and a scarf to stay warm. Since the Golden Circle and Northern Lights portions of the tour take place at different times, it’s important to dress in adaptable clothing that can accommodate changes in temperature and precipitation.
With the right preparation, guests can focus on enjoying the spectacular sights and natural phenomena throughout the day.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?
While the tour itinerary is pre-set, guests can’t customize it. However, they can discuss their preferences with the guide, who may be able to provide recommendations or adjust the pace to accommodate individual interests within the existing tour framework.
What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?
The maximum group size for this tour is not specified. Most small group tours in Iceland accommodate between 10-16 participants, allowing for a more personalized experience. The exact group size may vary depending on demand and availability.
Are Any Meals or Refreshments Included During the Tour?
The tour does not include any meals or refreshments. Guests are responsible for bringing their own food and drinks during the day. Snacks and drinks may be available for purchase at some of the stops along the tour.
Do I Need a Special Camera or Equipment to Photograph the Northern Lights?
While a camera with manual settings is ideal for capturing the northern lights, it’s not essential. With a bit of practice, even smartphones can take decent photos of the aurora. Just be prepared to adjust your camera settings to handle the low light conditions.
Can the Tour Be Booked in Languages Other Than English?
The tour is offered in multiple languages, including English. Customers can inquire about language availability when booking to ensure they can participate in the experience in their preferred language.
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Recap
The Golden Circle and Northern Lights Combo Small Group Tour offers an unforgettable day of exploring Iceland’s natural wonders. Guests will marvel at the stunning landscapes, from the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park to the powerful Gullfoss waterfall and the Strokkur geyser. The tour concludes with a magical Northern Lights experience, providing an immersive and personalized adventure.