Golden Circle Secrets: Iceland’s Hidden Gems

by Your Friend in Reykjavik · Airport transfers · Golden Circle

4.90· 1,779 Google reviews of the operator
  • Luxury
  • Works in the rain
  • Eco-certified
  • Skip the queue
  • Can be tailored

from €1,769 per vehicle

Next departure: Fri 23 Oct

Book Fri 23 Oct · €1,769 the vehicleOther dates
Golden Circle Secrets: Iceland’s Hidden Gems — Your Friend in Reykjavik
A traveller entering a tour vehicle from Your Friend in Reykjavik
A picture of a waterfall that formed a rainbow in the centre.
A picture of a Geysir in Iceland.
A tour vehicle from Your Friend in Reykjavik in front of the Harpa Concert Hall
A small waterfall running into a creek.
A picture of Þingvellir National Park
A picture of Gullfoss, one of the biggest waterfalls in Iceland.
Another picture of a Geysir in Iceland.
Golden Circle Secrets: Iceland’s Hidden Gems, photo 10
Golden Circle Secrets: Iceland’s Hidden Gems, photo 11
Golden Circle Secrets: Iceland’s Hidden Gems, photo 12
Golden Circle Secrets: Iceland’s Hidden Gems, photo 13
Golden Circle Secrets: Iceland’s Hidden Gems, photo 14
Golden Circle Secrets: Iceland’s Hidden Gems, photo 15

1 / 15

  • Duration

    10 hours

  • Difficulty

    Easy

  • Season

    All year

  • Starts in

    Reykjavík

  • Pickup

    Hotel pickup included

  • Guide

    Guided in English, French, Italian, German, Spanish

  • Departs

    09:00

  • Cancellation

    Free until 24 hours before

About this experience

Join us on a private, bespoke Golden Circle tour in a luxury vehicle.

The Golden Circle is one of Iceland's most iconic sightseeing routes, featuring incredible landscapes, rich history, and remarkable geological wonders. On this private tour, we’ll explore not only the traditional highlights but also add a special stop at the Secret Lagoon for a truly unique Icelandic experience.

Main Stops on the Golden Circle Tour

  • Þingvellir National Park
    Explore the historical and geological heart of Iceland at Þingvellir, the site of Alþingi, the world’s oldest parliament, founded in 930. Walk through the Almannagjá tectonic rift, view the mid-Atlantic ridge above ground, and enjoy the beauty of Öxaráfoss waterfall. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is also where Icelanders embraced Christianity, adding to its historical significance. Þingvellir is also home to Þingvallavatn, Iceland's largest natural lake, and provides an up-close view of the area’s stunning, rugged beauty.
  • Gullfoss Waterfall
    Known for its dramatic cascade into a deep canyon, Gullfoss is one of Iceland's most famous waterfalls. Its powerful three-step drop creates an illusion of water disappearing into the earth’s depths. The waterfall was saved from industrial development thanks to a dedicated landowner’s daughter, Sólveig Tómasdóttir, making it a symbol of Iceland’s commitment to preserving natural wonders.
  • Geysir Geothermal Area
    Experience Iceland’s geothermal wonders at the Geysir area, where the Strokkur geyser erupts every few minutes, shooting boiling water up to 30 meters into the air. Though the original Geysir has been mostly dormant, Strokkur offers a fantastic display of the earth’s energy in this iconic geothermal landscape.
  • Kerið Crater Lake
    This striking volcanic crater, known for its vibrant blue lake surrounded by red volcanic rock, is an impressive sight. Formed about 3,000 years ago, Kerið offers a unique landscape with panoramic views and a chance to see another of Iceland's fascinating natural features up close.
  • Secret Lagoon
    Your Golden Circle journey will include a visit to the Secret Lagoon, Iceland’s oldest swimming pool, located in the geothermal area of Flúðir. Known locally as Gamla laugin, the lagoon has retained its natural charm since opening in 1891. The pool is continually replenished by geothermal hot springs, keeping the water warm year-round at 38-40°C (100-104°F). Enjoy a relaxing soak in this natural pool, surrounded by bubbling hot springs and an active geyser, which adds to the unique experience.

Optional Stops (Additional Fees Apply)

  • Skálholt – A historical site and former bishopric.
  • Laugarvatn Lake – Known for its scenic beauty.
  • Friðheimar Tomato Farm – Dine in a greenhouse restaurant with fresh tomato-based dishes in an unforgettable setting.

This private Golden Circle tour offers flexibility to cater to your preferences, so please contact us at info@yourfriendinreykjavik.com for customization options and details. Additional activities that extend the tour’s standard duration, like visiting the Blue Lagoon, glacier hiking, or snowmobiling, will incur extra charges.

Description from the operator, Your Friend in Reykjavik. Prices and availability in the booking panel are live.

Where you go

  1. Hotel Pick-Up
  2. Þingvellir National Park
  3. Gullfoss Waterfall
  4. Geysir Geothermal Area
  5. Kerið Crater Lake
  6. Laugarvatn Fontana (Optional - Extra Charges)
  7. Secret Lagoon (Optional - Extra Charges)
  8. Friðheimar Tomato Farm
  9. End of Tour

Included

  • Expert guide from Your Friend In Reykjavik
  • A very comfortable luxury vehicle
  • Admission to the Secret Lagoon
  • Electricity or Gasoline depending on the car
  • Parking fees

Not included

  • Tips are welcome in Iceland if you feel the tour is of good quality but not a requirement
  • Food & Drink

Good to know

  • Please wear warm clothes, waterproof layers, and solid shoes
  • Please contact us for any extras you want to add to the tour
  • Tips are welcome in Iceland if you feel the tour is of good quality but not a requirement

Cancellation for this tour

Free cancellation until 24 hours before departure; no refund after that. If the operator cancels for weather or safety, you get a full refund or a new date.

Who this is not for

  • Priced per vehicle, so it is poor value for one or two people and good value for four or more sharing.

Read off the operator's own conditions. If none of it applies to you, this is a good one.

Why we list it

Your Friend in Reykjavik is one of 204 operators we work with — chosen for reliability, honest descriptions and how they treat guests when weather changes plans. We don't list everything; we list what we'd book ourselves. The six checks every operator passes →

What travellers say about Your Friend in Reykjavik

Read all 1,779 reviews on Google →

Operator rating 4.9/5 from Google — these are reviews of the company, not this specific tour. Shown as Google returns them, unedited.

  • Sanket Das

    ★★★★★ · 2 months ago

    Your Friend in Reykjavik is the best tour company in Reykjavik . I took Walk with a Viking Tour , Snaefellsnes Peninsula day tour and 6 days around Iceland Adventure tour . I spent 8 Nights in Iceland . I stayed 2 nights at Hotel Reykjavik Grand , 1 night at Hotel Geirland , 1 night at Hotel Hofn , 1 night at Wilderness Center , 1 night at Akureyri Berjaya Iceland Hotels , 1 night at Hotel Laugarbakki , 1 night at Hotel Keflavik . It was an amazing tour . My experience in Iceland was magical and heavenly . I also visited Blue Lagoon and it was a nice experience. I enjoyed my every second in Iceland . Iceland is one of the most beautiful country on our planet . I would keep visiting Iceland in the future . Thank you for making my Iceland journey special and memorable .

  • Wendy Uhlig

    ★★★★★ · 2 months ago

    We had a great time on our Iceland Folklore tour. Our guide was Einar. He was a fantastic storyteller!! Hidden people/elves, trolls and ghost stories - and a lot of Icelandic history. Thank you Einar!!

  • Nanci Ritter

    ★★★★★ · 2 months ago

    Petra was an incredible guide. We asked her to show us as much as she could before taking our crazy family of 10 to the airport for our flights to three different cities ! First stop was the beautiful church in downtown Reykjavik that had just opened with an organ recital. Next stop a lovely spot and observation sight overlooking the city by the Pearl. Cold and wet she found us a lovely coffee shop with the best pastries for a welcome mid morning rest next to the sea. Back in the van we drove for a bit before having the opportunity to explore a geothermal field on our way to the airport. A perfect day and ending to our time in Iceland. Petra shared alot of history and information from the perspective of a local which we all appreciated and enjoyed!

  • Vincent Damas

    ★★★★★ · 4 months ago

    Nice walking trip in Reykjavik city centre with our local guide Hrafn, very friendly and knowledgeable. A good introduction to Iceland on the very first day of our 2 weeks road-trip around the island 👍

Reviews from Google · updated 21 Oct 2026

Read before you book

Reviews from our travellers

Only people who booked this tour through us can write here. We publish every review in full — good or bad.

Reviews arrive the day after each trip — none yet for this one. After your tour we send one email asking how it was, and what you write goes here, unedited.

Airport transfers — questions people ask

How do I get from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík?

It is about 50 kilometres and 45 minutes by road; there is no train. Scheduled airport coaches run to the BSÍ terminal after every arrival and are the cheapest option. Private transfers (/experience/942190/, /experience/1193487/) meet you at the door and drop you at your hotel, worth it for families or late arrivals. Taxis are expensive. If you are stopping at the Blue Lagoon, book a transfer that includes it (/experience/1036423/).

How early should I be at Keflavík Airport for my flight?

Two and a half hours before a European flight and three before North America; the airport is small and queues bunch around the morning and afternoon departure waves. From central Reykjavík allow 45 to 60 minutes' driving plus a buffer in winter weather. That means leaving your hotel three and a half to four hours before departure. Coaches and transfers work backwards from your flight time when you book.

How do I get to Landmannalaugar without a 4x4?

By highland bus. From late June to September, scheduled transfers run from Reykjavík to Landmannalaugar (/experience/247406/, /experience/914986/) and back, about four hours each way on gravel and river crossings. The return-in-a-day option (/experience/270187/) gives you several hours at the site. Rental cars without 4x4 are not insured on these roads and get stuck. If you are hiking Laugavegur, the luggage transfer (/experience/1036525/) moves your bag hut to hut.

Is a private airport transfer worth it?

For three or more people, or a night arrival, yes. The coach drops you at a terminal or a hotel bus stop and you may need a shuttle or a walk with luggage; a private car goes door to door and waits if your flight is late. For a couple on a daytime flight with light bags, the coach is fine and much cheaper. Check the tour page for what happens if your flight is delayed.

Hotels

Where to stay for this tour

From the cheapest to the top end of what is near Reykjavík, from our hotel partners. Rooms are booked on our hotels site.

All hotels in Reykjavík →

  • One checkout, any number of operators

  • Rankings are not for sale

  • 203 operators vetted, and not all of them accepted

  • If it falls short, we fix it

Pairs well with

Add any of these to this tour and 3 % comes off both at checkout. One basket, one payment, however many operators they come from.

Try Iceland Tours

Golden Circle Extended

from €238 per person4.8· 25 Google reviews of the operator

16% above the €205 typical for lagoon & spa visits

pickup included · works in rain

12 h · from Reykjavík

  • Family friendly
Check dates

from

€1,769 per vehicle

Book Fri 23 Oct · €1,769 the vehicle