AH23 Reykjavik Sightseeing and Golden Circle Express

Some of Iceland's greatest hit places

This is a combination of the tours AH10 Greater Area Reykjavík Sightseeing and AH11 Gullfoss & Geysir Express, ideal for those that want to make the most of their day.

We visit the Icelandic presidential residence at Bessastadir which was built in 1761 to 1766. From there we drive through Hafnarfjordur, Gardabaer and Kopavogur into Reykjavik where we go to the beautiful restaurant Perlan, which is built on six water tanks that used to hold the city’s hot water supply.

After enjoying the spectacular view over Reykjavík and its surroundings from the top of Perlan we go to Hofdi house where the all-important summit between former U.S. President Ronald Reagan and former U.S.S.R. Secretary General Mikhail Gorbachev took place in 1986. From here we go and see an Icelandic university and Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall, a building that will have its grand opening in the spring of 2011 and will become a significant icon in the city. 

We visit the tallest building in Iceland, the Hallgrimskirkja church which was designed by the state architect Gudjon Samuelsson, influenced by Iceland's mountains and glaciers. We also visit the old town centre where the house of Icelandic parliament Althingi, built 1881, and the modern City Hall are situated. The City hall, built in 1991 is located at Reykjavikurtjorn and its design is quite unique. We also show you the sports and recreation area in Laugardalur, a geothermally heated outdoor swimming pool and sculptures crafted by Asmundur Sveinsson.

We will take a look at down town Reykjavik which is always an interesting place.

The tour takes a break in the city centre where passengers are dropped off to take a stroll or have lunch (not included in the price). After the break we head for the countryside to the Thingvellir National Park, where the Great Atlantic rift is clearly visible, a rift that is slowly pulling Iceland apart. The Icelandic parliament Alþingi was established in the year 930 AD at Thingvellir. And In 2004 Thingvellir National Park was added to the UNESCO’s World Heritage List and is now one of eight hundred places in the world that have been honored by UNESCO.

From there we continue to Gullfoss waterfall meaning “Golden Falls”, in the river Hvita which originates from the lake Hvitarvatn on the south east side of Langjokull glacier. Gullfoss is Europe’s largest waterfall and it is always spectacular.

We visit the hot spring geothermal active valley of Haukadalur which contains the super Geysir which very rarely spouts, but when it does it can erupt steaming water 200 feet upwards. But don't worry - the more active one, the hot spring Strokkur, spouts hot water about 60-100 feet upwards every 5 minutes. In this area there are many wonderful walking paths where you can see steaming vents and colorful, mineral-rich mud formations at almost every footstep.

We also stop at the green house village Hveragerdi, a small and beautiful horticultural town before we head back over the Hellisheidi mountain heath to Reykjavik.

Departure: 09:00

Pick-up: 08:30

Duration: 10 hours

Operates: All year round.

Complimentary hotel pick-up service.

Children fares:

Child (0 - 11): Free

Youth (12 - 17): 50%

Max 2 children / youth per full paying adult.

Included: Bus & English Guidance.

Book online and receive 5% online discount.

Online booking: Up to 90 minutes prior to tour departure.