Tours and Tickets
Full-Day Golden Circle and Northern Lights Tour
5

Full-Day Golden Circle and Northern Lights Tour

By Iceland Guided Tours
Recommended by 100% of travellers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
About
The Golden Circle is one of Iceland’s most popular tourist circuits, with opportunities to see where continental plates converge, a 2-tiered canyon waterfall, and the Geysir after which all other geysers are named. Visit the Golden Circle with a guide who knows the best ways to get around while keeping you free to focus on the scenery. Afterward, spend the evening hunting for the northern lights.

Ages 0-99, max of 54 per group
Duration: 24h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More

Highlights
  • See two of Iceland’s greatest attractions: Golden Circle and northern lights
  • Enjoy a day planned to see as many attractions as possible
  • Focus on the scenery: Your guide and driver take care of navigation
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off are included

  • Driver/guide
  • Professional guide
  • Transport by air-conditioned minivan
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
What's not included
  • Food and drinks

Your morning begins with a pickup from your hotel or one of the city pickup bus zones. Hop aboard the minivan and head toward Hveragero, often called the “flower village” because of the many greenhouses there. Learn about the town’s interesting energy usage and make a quick stop at the local bakery (own expense). Next is Gullfoss waterfall, which you see from above and up close. Then, make the trip to the Geysir geothermal area, where you explore on your own and have lunch (own expense). Next, spend some time at Thingvellir National Park. Learn about the founding of Iceland’s Parliament, and see the geological rifts caused by the separation of tectonic plates. Rest in Reykjavik in the afternoon and head out for a northern lights tour in the evening. Your guide drives you out of the city to find the best spots to see the lights. Afterward, head back to the capital and finish with a drop-off at your hotel.

Start:
  • Reykjavik, Reykjavik, Capital Region
Pickup details
  • Location Name: Reykjavik hotels - please note that some city center hotels and guesthouses are in a bus restricted zone that requires guests to wait at certain bus stops Return Location: Tour ends with drop-off at your hotel
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Infant seats available
    • Not wheelchair accessible
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 49549P2

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
    • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
    • Dress code is smart casual: Warm waterproof clothes and comfortable walking shoes recommended
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 54 travellers

    • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 49549P2

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    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Iceland Guided Tours
      1,178
      Reykjavik, Iceland
      Joined in April 2011
    • Trip67475980355
      0 contributions
      1.0 of 5 bubbles
      No one turned up!
      We waited for two hours at our bus stop. No one turned up. We called their phone number, no response. We called their out of hours emergency number, no response. We emailed, no response. We messaged on social media, no response. We would like a full refund as we did not receive our trip.
      Written 30 October 2023
    • Bobbiejohns56
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Golden Circle Plus
      A fantastic Golden Circle trip with Ian from Sunderland (I think!) A minibus trip, which picked us up at the port and took us to the main areas of the Golden Circle and some other places that aren't usually covered. We were able to spend longer at each place, because there were only 14 of us and also, as our ship was in port overnight our 6 hours trip was almost 8 hours - excellent value. A wonderful day
      Written 23 October 2023
    • karensav
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      3rd time lucky
      Golden Circle tour with IG Tours was fantastic. We were picked up at the harbour (We were on a cruise) and our guide was Helga (possibly Helicka) It was a wonderful tour and we saw everything that was in the itinerary. I would have no hesitation in booking with them again. This was third time lucky as Covid cancelled the previous 2 trips we had booked. IG tours rebooked our tour for us and on the 3rd time it actually happened! The weather was excellent and it was worth the wait. Thankyou Iceland Guided Tours
      Written 9 October 2023
    • Exped
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Reykjavik and Golden Circle
      Our tour guide was easily found once we disembarked from the ship. Bus was only a couple of meters from the main exit. Small group and very motivated tour guide/driver. Saw all the sights mentioned in the tour description and he also added another awesome spot which I will not give away to keep up the suspense ;-) Would have been great if we had a little bit more time at the Geysir. It was great to see the Geysirs in action. At the same time this stop should have been our lunch break, but not enough time. We just had enough time for a toilet stop and to buy some muffins to eat later. Things to improve: Tour guide stayed with the bus when we could leave the bus to see Gulfoss, Thingvellir etc. Would have been nice if he would have walked with us and explained some of the sights. And he was driving VERY fast, for a minibus full of people too fast. Wonderful: Great atmosphere, great stories from the tour guide and we loved very much that he dropped us off close to the city center, so we could explore the center before taking the free bus back to the cruise ship.
      Written 2 October 2023
    • Jet30649315460
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Snaefellsnes Peninsula Tour from Grundarfjordur
      Jonatan, our driver, was waiting for us when the ship’s Tender arrived at the quayside. We travelled in an eight person Mercedes. We set off at around 9am on a drive along the coast and then off-road across the extensive lava fields before stopping at Arnarstapi - a lovely seaside village with a splendid cliff coastline. We popped into a Café for hot chocolate and apple pie! We had excellent views of Snaefellsjokull Glacier and the Londrangar Basalt outcrops. We then drove to the Saxholl Crater and climbed the metal steps to its summit to view its interior. Next stop was at where we walked down to the seaside. A walk to the Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall was the last stop. Jonatan was friendly, knowledgeable and very patient. He gave us lots of information about Iceland and gave us plenty of time to explore at each stop. We never felt rushed. A really enjoyable and interesting tour of the whole Peninsula. We saw so much more than we could possibly done on our own or on a coach tour.
      Written 30 August 2023
    • Serge-Schweinske
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Iceland Guided Tours can be seen as the reference.
      We made 3 excursions with Iceland Guided Tours and they were all magnificent. Akureyri,Isafjordur and Reykjavik. We made the excursions with comfortable minibusses. The driver was also the guide and they were all topclass !
      Written 27 August 2023
    • gottliebm2023
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Dynjandi waterfall tour Aug 2023 from Ísafjördur with IGTours
      Took a Dynjandi waterfall tour 17 Aug 2023 from Ísafjördur with Helga. She was wonderful, waited for all passengers, got us back on time, and added in some extra locations as well. Quite a pleasure to speak with her and was very helpful. IG provided her phone and Tryggvi was very good with communication via email as well. Happy with IG Tours.
      Written 24 August 2023
    • Pee_Truck
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Private Tour, Lake Myvatn
      The tour guide, Holdor, son of the owner of Iceland Guided Tours, picked us up (group of 6) at the Akureyi port in Iceland from our Disney Cruise ship. We stopped at so many amazing geological landmarks (volcanic craters, sulfur springs, geothermal baths, etc). Loved how Holdor also explained the history and was so knowledgeable. We really enjoyed supporting the small mom and pop shop!
      Written 22 August 2023
    • D1431XOpeterk
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Good option for a smaller more personalized tour
      Went on a 7 hour tour from Akuyeri. I enjoyed the smaller group (around 15 people). The driver / tour guide Hilly was excellent. He gave lots of interesting facts and stories about Iceland! He also allowed a part of the group interested to soak in the hot springs while he took the remaining non bathers to another attraction. One recommendation is to provide additional details about the option to soak in the hot springs (so can bring bathing suit). One spot we stopped had quite a bit of small non biting flies, it would be great if the tour recommended that we bring a headnet ( or even better, provide one for passengers). It didn't make sense for us to purchase an expensive headnet for just one short stop. Overall, I highly recommend this tour for those interested in a smaller group setting.
      Written 22 August 2023
    • 678beverlya
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great Private Guide for Reykjavik and Golden Circle
      If you are looking for a private guide to show you around Reykjavik and the Golden Circle I highly recommend Oli Omarsson (info@puffintaxi.is) We used him a couple of times before and after a Ponant cruise. He was fantastic. He picked us up at the airport and showed us around Reykjavik for a few hours until it was time to check in for our one night stay. He also picked us up in the morning and took us to the ship. It was a big help because it's not always possible to get a car big enough for 5 people with luggage. (He has a Mercedes SUV) The best was post cruise when he picked us up at the ship and took around the Golden Circle. HIs tour was so much more than the big bus tours. In addition to the regular stops... National Park, Geysir and Guilfloss.... we visited an interesting place with newly discovered cave that was occupied by a farming family in the early 1900's, a dairy farm (with ice cream), a volcano crater, a second waterfall with salmon run, the tomato farm and more. He is a wonderful guide!! You can't do better. His pricing is reasonable.
      Written 15 August 2023
    • fossman33
      0 contributions
      1.0 of 5 bubbles
      BEWARE! Do not uphold refund policy!
      Didn't get to go due to bad weather and ship not able to dock. Requested a refund as per policy and was very difficult to get any response. Gave plenty of time and finally went thru my credit card company and somehow they say services rendered and I have to pay! How???? Ship never made it in to port!! We missed 2 out of 3 ports due to weather and had no trouble with other companies reimbursing right away! Terrible business here at Iceland Guided Tours!! We, as ship passengers have no control what the ship does!!
      Written 6 August 2023
    • G512QXlukew
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great day trip from Akureyi
      We did the Lake Myvatin tour from Akureyi. We were met at the cruise ship on time. The driver was very informative and helpful. The minibus was not overcrowded. All in all a very enjoyable daytrip. We were then meant to do the Dynjandi waterfall trip from Isafjorour but our NCL cruise cancelled the schedueled stop with only 3 days notice. After contacting both Iceland Guided Tours and there affiliate Fabtravel they happily agreed to refund our money in full. Great customer service. Would highly recommend.
      Written 28 July 2023
    • debbiebX1934IF
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Golden Circle Tour from Cruise Port - Amazing. You're in for a treat if you get Ian the tour guide
      Golden Circle Tour. Absolutely amazing! We arrived into the cruise port in Reykjavík with a short walk to the bus/coach park to locate our guide Ian. He made this tour the best. He took us on the full circle including Faxi and Gullfoss waterfalls, Geyser, Thingvellir National Park with a stop by the lake as well as the Hveragerdi Earthquake centre (and other places). He was so informative about the area, the history, ecology, the locals and his life in Iceland. He was very kind to the ladies who couldn't walk up the stairs/incline and let them stay on the minibus to meet us at the top at a couple of places. A thoroughly amazing trip and one we will talk about for years to come. Thank you Ian for a memorable day.
      Written 28 July 2023
    • 194graemer
      0 contributions
      1.0 of 5 bubbles
      Avoid them
      Avoid at all cost. First trip was in a crammed small van 8 people, no microphone, dirty windscreen, amatureish driver. Second trip was cancelled by them night before. No attempt by them to find a replacement tour. So bad we're not paying. Recommend East/West Tours who although a little more expensive proved to be very good.
      Written 22 July 2023
    • Sooners77
      0 contributions
      2.0 of 5 bubbles
      Cannot Recommend
      I cannot recommend this tour company for several reasons. We booked tours with them in conjunction with our recent cruise in Akureyri, Isafjordur and Reykjavik. I had to initiate all communications ahead of our tours on the meeting logistics, etc. Our tour "guides" were the van drivers who shared information but did not guide us as such at the locations. The guide for the tour from Akureyri was very poor. He talked more about himself and not nearly enough about Iceland. He did a horrible job of explaining our itinerary at the beginning or along the way. At one stop, he couldn't remember the name of where we were. The lunch break location was basically out of food. He either didn't know how to work the air conditioner in the 20 passenger mini-bus or it was broke. Air flow was a constant problem throughout the day. The locations, except for lunch, were very good however....no thanks to our guide. AT 9 pm the night before our tour from Isafjordur, we received an emai telling us the tour would start around 11 am instead of 8:30 - 9 because they had to fly in a guide from Reykavik. This was a tender port so we got off early to walk around town. At 10:30 we were back at the dock and I noticed an email from 9:50 am telling us the tour would start a 10 am with a drive around town. They didn't explain they would be back at 11 to pick us up if we were not there at 10. I called the office and the two numbers they gave us the night before but no answers. Finally at about 11:10 a driver and van arrived. This was a 9 passenger van and once again the air conditioning didn't work. It was a constant dialogue with the driver to crack his window to give us some air flow. This guide was decent but it wasn't until the last part of the tour that he put his headset and speaker on so everyone could hear him. The Dynjandi waterfall was the highlight of this tour. The tour the last day from Reykavik had a very good guide and everything worked on the bus. The one bad thing was actually locating the bus at the port. It turned out they were the first in line of all the private tours, but no where in the window or on the van didi it mention Iceland Guided Tours. In fact, it actually mentioned at least one or two other tour companies. Sorry for the length of this review, but it was something different every day.
      Written 20 July 2023
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    5.0
    5.0 of 5 bubbles37 reviews
    Excellent
    34
    Very good
    3
    Average
    0
    Poor
    0
    Terrible
    0

    Moira M
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2022
    Great family owned company who not only offer wonderful excursions at a very reasonable price but offers very professional service from start to finish. I booked through their website, paid on arrival and thoroughly enjoyed the excursions in both Akureyri and Reykjavik. It was a bonus to be picked up from the cruise terminals, travel a minibus with great visibility and be transported to a variety of uniquely interesting locations. It is difficult to say which were my favourites as all were fascinating, but the Myvatyn baths were definitely a highlight. Thanks to all the team for their dedication and I hope this review will encourage tourists to book with you in future.
    Written 17 August 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Lynny B
    Iceland2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Dec 2021
    We asked IGT to pull together an itinerary for our 7 night stay whilst in Iceland.
    They were very helpful and provided everything we asked for and more besides.
    Drivers were very prompt, knowledgable and friendly and they even did our airport collection / drop off too.
    We would highly recommend this company to anyone wishing to visit Iceland !
    Written 1 January 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Lindsey W
    Seminyak, Indonesia15 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oct 2017 • Family
    My mum and I did two separate tours with Icelandic Guided Tours.

    We did the Northern Lights tour the night we arrived. The beauty of the small buses for both tours is the tour groups aren't too big so for the NL tour we could go faster and further than the coaches or boats. We were very lucky to see the lights several times, our tour guides knowledge was fantastic and he knew exactly where to head even on a cloudy night. This was the best part of my trip by far!

    We also went on the Golden Circle day tour which again was fantastic. We has a small party of 6 so got to stop lots and explore different parts of Iceland. The weather was tough (very cold and a bit rainy) so bring warm clothes but it brightened up in time for a walk in the National Park.

    Definately recommend this tour company for anyone visiting.
    Written 8 November 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    burta01
    Deal, UK1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Apr 2018 • Family
    Myself, and my teenage son and daughter, stayed in Iceland for 5days from 10th April. Having looked at earlier reviews we decided to book with IG Tours as we liked the fact that excursions would be in a minibus (rather than a coach) and therefore spent with a small group. Unfortunately the weather was not good enough to see the Northern Lights but the company emailed every day that we were there, to keep us informed and refunded the money promptly. We did both the Golden Circle tour and the South Coast tour, and both were fabulous. We had different tour guides for each trip and they were both great. Knowledgeable, helpful, chatty and good drivers, (given how windy it was!) Pickups were punctual and they replied promptly to emails. U would definitely use IT tours again.
    Written 29 April 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    sazza6691
    Plymouth, UK3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Dec 2017 • Friends
    We did the golden circle, northern lights and south coast tour with this company and they were brilliant. The minibus guides/drivers were incredibly knowledgeable and full of interesting facts and stories. We didn't see the northern lights on our first northern lights hunt but did on the free second trip and that was down to the determination of the tour drivers who wouldn't give in.We saw the lights that night when other tours did not. The costs are very much inline with other providers but what you get is much better value and quality.They collected us from our rented apartment in a suburban neighbourhood and dropped us back after each trip. Would highly recommend this company. they are also eco-focused, which was great to see and is the true Icelandic way.
    Written 2 January 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    tammybear103
    Sucre, Bolivia13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I did the northern lights tour as well as the Golden Circle and South Coast Tour with IGTours. All were highly enjoyable with experienced guides... and best of all we saw the lights. Our guide took photos and I had them in my inbox the next morning. Great trips.
    Written 19 March 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    anastasiagregoryx
    Mansfield, UK14 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oct 2017 • Family
    All of our tours were with this tour guide and we enjoyed every single one. The tour guides were very friendly and kept us entertained throughout each journey by teaching us so much about Iceland; its history, culture, cuisine, and traditions! I would highly recommend this tour guide for the Northern Lights tour especially as due to travelling in a smaller bus (compared to the other tour guides) they are able to go further out of the city and find the best possible place to see the Northern lights. They also take photographs for you too.
    Written 14 February 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    hippolilo
    Singapore, Singapore12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Dec 2017 • Family
    We are extremely happy and grateful to be hosted by IG tours during our 6 days stay at Reykjavik. We had an awesome time knowing more about Iceland's famous tour places... All our tour driver guides Berglind (South Coast Tour), Marek ( Golden Circle Tour) and Viggio ( Northern Lights Tour) are very knowledgeable and they took good care of all in their mini bus. Berglind especially, she is a very professional driver cum tour guide and she told us a lot of stories about Iceland... she manages her our time well and keeps us entertained throughout our journey!! Well Done!! Viggo is a very good guide too... he is also a photographer who offered to help and teach us how to take the norther lights pics.. he relentlessly tries to find the best location where the northern lights is ... and he made us all a good cup of hot chocolate... Marek our driver for Golden Circle also put in his best effort to bring us all around... All of them gave their utmost performance in holding up the reputation of IG tours!! We thoroughly enjoyed our tours and will recommend IG tours to our friends...
    Written 18 December 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Janice S
    Brisbane Region, Australia32 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Feb 2017 • Family
    Iceland has always been a dream. It came true.
    First time to attempt the northern lights - spot on. Amazeballs.
    Golden Circle tour is well worth doing. It was freezing cold but most enjoyable.
    Bucket List - Checked.
    Written 7 November 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    SAKaplan
    Tenafly, New Jersey39 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oct 2017 • Solo
    Having been a high end travel agent for over a decade, I can say without hesitation, that Iceland Guided Tours is an exceptional tour company in so many ways.
    Back in May, my son booked the 3 day Northern Tour. He was informed days before the tour that he was to be the only passenger. Another company might have refunded him without fail, but IGT decided to give my son an amazing personal experience. They did all they could to make it extremely memorable. THAT'S what separates them from others. Even when the tour was complete, they contacted him to take him out again to look for the Northern Lights. All this could have been an unfortunate event, but instead it became some of the best times my son ever had on a vacation. I cannot say thank you enough to this very wonderful family run tour company. They truly walk the walk. I have and will continue to rave about them and suggest them to anyone I know who is going to Iceland.
    So many thanks again IGT!
    Written 20 October 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Showing results 1-10 of 37

    Full-Day Golden Circle and Northern Lights Tour provided by Iceland Guided Tours