Overview
This is the Golden Circle run at a family's pace, with an afternoon in hot water at the end of it. The tour is private and family-focused: your own vehicle, your own guide, and up to five people in the party. The walking is graded very easy throughout, so the day is made of viewpoints and short paths rather than anything strenuous. The start time is flexible rather than fixed, which helps when the morning does not go to plan.
Þingvellir National Park is the first stop, where the path runs through the rift between two tectonic plates. Next is the Geysir geothermal area: Strokkur erupts every few minutes, so there is no long wait for something to happen. Gullfoss follows, seen from the viewpoints above the canyon rather than at the end of a hike. Then comes a lunch stop at Friðheimar or a farmers' bistro on the route. The meal itself is not included, so budget for it.
The day finishes at Hvammsvík Hot Springs on the shore of Hvalfjörður, and entry is included in the tour. The pools sit by the shoreline, so the end of the day is spent in the water rather than walking anywhere. Bring swimsuits and towels for everyone in the party.
Pick-up is from any location in Reykjavík or nearby, with a drop-off at the end. Allow around nine hours in total, driving included. Snacks and bottled water travel with you in the vehicle. Guiding is available in English and in Polish. Infant seats can be fitted, and infants are not permitted to travel on an adult's lap. Cancelling more than 24 hours before departure is free of charge; inside 24 hours the full amount is charged.
