The Best of the Golden Circle
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Port
Reykjavik, Iceland
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$270
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 8 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Thingvellir National Park is where the Althing, an open-air assembly representing the whole of Iceland, was established in AD 930 and continued to meet in the same place until 1798. Over two weeks a year, the assembly set laws and settled disputes. The Althing has deep historical and symbolic associations for the people of Iceland. Thingvellir National Park is home to the remains of the Althing itself -- fragments of around 50 booths built from turf and stone. Remnants from the 10th century are thought to be buried underground. The site also includes remains of agricultural use from the 18th and 19th centuries. The park shows evidence of the way the landscape was husbanded for a millennium.
See Reykjavík’s big three -- Gullfoss, Geysir and Thingvellir -- collectively known as the Golden Circle.
Travel across the Mosfellsheidi heath by coach towards Thingvellir National Park. Walk through the Almannagjá geological fault to the place where Europe’s oldest national legislative assembly, the Icelandic Althing, was established in AD 930. It convened here in naturally grandiose surroundings every summer for nearly eight centuries.
Nearby, Gullfoss is reputedly the country’s most beautiful waterfall. The volume of water passing over the falls is quite staggering.
A short journey brings you to Haukadalur and the Geysir geothermal area. Here, you’ll find numerous hot springs. The Strokkur geyser is the most active. Spouting abruptly every few minutes, it tends to simultaneously startle and thrill rapt observers.
A buffet lunch is served at a local restaurant.
Returning through the Grímsnes region, you’ll pass through Hveragerdi -- a town known for its greenhouses heated by natural geothermal activity.
Pass through Reykjavík by motorcoach en route back to the pier.
Please note: Terrain includes stairs and/or uneven surfaces. Dress warmly in layers with a windproof and waterproof outer layer; bring a warm hat, gloves and a scarf. Wear comfortable non-skid walking shoes. The guide will walk with the group through the Almannagja Rift as the coach picks you up at a different point from the drop-off. Guests who do not wish to walk with the guide through the rift are responsible for locating the coach and reboarding it on time.