Private Grand Golden Circle Tour

Thingvellir National park. This national park is imprtant in an geological sense as well as a historical and cultural sense. Thingvellir sits in the rift valley that marks the boundary between the North-American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Continental drift is clearly visible here with the plates drifting apart by up to 2cm every year, resulting in a dramatic and unique landscape. A canyon called Almannagjá sits between the plates, allowing visitors to stroll leisurely back and forth between the two continents.

One of the attractions most assosicated with our country, no visit to Iceland is complete without a stop at Geysir in Haukadalur valley. The very name for this type of geological marvel derives from the The original Geysir itself no longer erupts regularly. It is believed that it was damaged by human explotiation when locals threw a type of soap into the chasm to encourage eruptions on demand. Soap acts to lower the surface tension on the water thereby making it easier for the water to boil and erupt. But it is believed that the build up of soap deep below the surface blocked the the Geysir. But fear now as the nearby Strokkur Geysir erupts every 5 to 10 minutes. The surface water bubbles and boils for several minutes, building suspence for the wathing visitors. You will have plenty of time here to enjoy several eruptions. word. Geysir is Icelandic becomes geyser in English.

Gullfoss is one of Iceland´s most powerful waterfalls and certainly it´s most visited. Gullfoss translates to English as the Golden Falls although no one knows for sure the reason for this name. One story goes that a wealthy local farmer named Gýgur threw his gold into the falls rather than have anyone enjoy it after his own death. Another explanation could be the hue of the light seen at the falls in sunshine. The falls are on the river Hvitá which is fed by meltwater from Langjökull glacier, siktuated to the north. Gullfoss is this more powerfall in summer due to higher temperatures. Upto 140 cubic meters of water fall per second pass at that time of year. The falls can be enjoyed from several viewing platforms or from a trail leading alongside the falls.

Estimated to be around 6500 years old, the Kerið volcanic crater is an impressive sight to behold. The remarkably intact caldera measures 170 meters in diameter and is 55m deep. At the base of the crater is an aquamarine blue lake. Visitors to Kerið can study this natural phenomenon from the rim or else descend towards water level via a wooden staircase. Either way, one can´t help but be impressed by the grand scale of Kerið. In recent years a small entrance fee has been introduced in order to maintain and protect the site. This entrance fee is included in your tour price.

A stop at Geysir Restaurant for a complimentary lunch.