The 2-Day Reykjavik and Golden Circle Tour is an excellent choice for travelers who have limited time but want to experience the most iconic highlights of Iceland. This short yet comprehensive tour is designed to give visitors a rich taste of Iceland's natural beauty, vibrant culture, and fascinating history. From the charming streets of Reykjavik to the stunning geological wonders of the Golden Circle, this package offers a seamless combination of city exploration and countryside adventure.
Spanning two action-packed days, the tour begins in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, where guests explore architectural landmarks, local culture, and historical sites. The second day is dedicated to the Golden Circle, which encompasses three of the most visited and awe-inspiring locations in Iceland: Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall. The package is ideal for layover visitors, weekend travelers, and anyone seeking a compact yet immersive Icelandic adventure.
Reykjavik is more than just a base for Icelandic adventures—it is a destination in its own right. The city is full of charm, color, and creativity. With its vibrant street art, cozy cafés, Nordic architecture, and rich cultural institutions, Reykjavik offers something for every type of traveler. Upon arrival, you will check into your accommodation and begin a guided tour or self-paced exploration of the city..
Read More
Hallgrímskirkja Church: This iconic Lutheran church dominates the Reykjavik skyline. Visitors can ascend to the observation deck for panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes. Inspired by Icelandic basalt formations, the architecture of the church is one of the most photographed landmarks in the country.
Harpa Concert Hall: Located near the Old Harbor, Harpa is a stunning modern glass structure that hosts concerts, cultural events, and exhibitions. Its geometric design reflects sunlight during the day and glows with artistic lighting at night.
Old Harbour Area: The harbor area has transformed into a lively cultural hub filled with restaurants, galleries, and whale-watching tour operators. It is an ideal place to enjoy fresh seafood and Icelandic hospitality.
Reykjavik City Hall and Lake Tjörnin: Located downtown, City Hall is adjacent to a tranquil pond frequented by swans and ducks. The building also houses a large 3D map of Iceland.
National Museum of Iceland: This museum offers a comprehensive look into Icelandic history, from Viking settlements to modern times. It is a great starting point to understand the cultural context of your travels.
Laugavegur Street: Reykjavik’s main shopping and dining street, Laugavegur is the perfect place to browse for souvenirs, grab coffee, and enjoy the city’s unique style.
Optional activities on Day 1 include a visit to the Sky Lagoon or a Northern Lights tour in the winter season. If you're interested in local cuisine, you can also join a Reykjavik food walk to taste traditional Icelandic dishes like lamb soup, skyr, and seafood delicacies.
On the second day, you embark on a full-day guided tour of the Golden Circle. This popular route takes you through southwestern Iceland’s most remarkable natural and historical landmarks. With expert commentary and comfortable transportation, the tour ensures a deep appreciation of the landscapes and their significance.
Þingvellir (Thingvellir) is not only a geological marvel but also a historic site of great national importance. It is the location of Iceland’s first parliament, the Althing, which was established in 930 AD, making it one of the oldest democratic assemblies in the world. Þingvellir sits in a rift valley formed between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, and visitors can literally walk between continents. The park is also home to the Silfra fissure, where clear glacial waters allow for snorkeling and diving.
Located in Haukadalur Valley, the Geysir geothermal area is one of the highlights of the Golden Circle. While the original Great Geysir is largely dormant, its nearby neighbor, Strokkur, erupts every 5 to 10 minutes, sending jets of hot water high into the air. The area is also dotted with steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and mineral-rich landscapes that illustrate the powerful geothermal energy of Iceland.
Often described as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland, Gullfoss (“Golden Falls”) is a two-tiered cascade fed by the Hvítá River. In summer, the waterfall is surrounded by lush green landscapes, while winter brings dramatic icy formations and a magical atmosphere. A walking path allows you to get close to the falls, and viewing platforms offer outstanding photographic opportunities.
Throughout the day, your guide will share stories and insights about Iceland’s geology, folklore, and environmental stewardship. Stops for lunch and rest are included, usually at local farms or cafés offering traditional Icelandic meals.
If your schedule allows, you can enhance your 2-day tour with optional activities. These may include:
The tour is available year-round, and each season offers unique advantages. Summer (June to August) brings mild weather, long daylight hours, and lush greenery. Winter (November to March) offers the chance to see the Northern Lights and experience Iceland’s snowy landscapes. Spring and autumn are quieter seasons with fewer tourists and lower prices, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
Booking this 2-day tour in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak travel periods. You can book directly through our website or contact our travel specialists for a customized itinerary or group arrangements. We offer secure payment methods and flexible cancellation policies for your peace of mind.
Our team consists of local travel experts with deep knowledge of Iceland’s attractions and travel logistics. We design every tour with attention to detail, ensuring comfort, safety, and an unforgettable experience. From high-quality guides to responsive customer service, we strive to make your trip seamless and memorable.
Read Less
Yes, the tour is available year-round. In winter, the landscapes are snowy and beautiful, but you should wear proper thermal clothing. Roads are well-maintained, and tours operate with weather considerations.
Breakfast is included with your hotel stay. Lunch and dinner are not included but can be purchased during the tour at local restaurants or cafes.
Swimwear is only necessary if you choose an optional visit to the Blue Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, or other geothermal spa as an add-on to the tour.
Yes, most Reykjavik hotels offer luggage storage. You can also leave large items with your hotel while on the Golden Circle tour, as you will return to the city in the evening.
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included for all planned activities during the two-day itinerary. Transportation is provided in comfortable, heated minibuses or coaches.
The 2-Day Reykjavik and Golden Circle Tour is a perfectly balanced itinerary for those wanting to see Iceland’s urban culture and natural wonders in a short time. It provides everything needed for a rewarding introduction to Iceland: the historic capital, breathtaking waterfalls, active geysers, and dramatic national parks. Whether you’re stopping over for a couple of days or planning a short getaway, this tour delivers an exceptional experience filled with lasting memories.
See what makes our Iceland trips special with testimonies from our lovely customers.
A truly amazing experience! With Iceland Packages, I reserved an Iceland trip package for my honeymoon, and it well above all my expectations. Everything about the experience was beautiful, from the breath-taking scenery to the flawless setups. Strongly advise anyone organizing a romantic gateway to use their services.
A Memorable Iceland Journey! I had the most amazing holiday ever with my family. All the must-see locations and activities were included in the thoughtfully designed tour package. The local guides were immensely informative, and the accommodations were excellent. I'm eager to make another reservation with them.
A Fantastic Trip to Iceland! I am so grateful to Iceland Packages for planning the ideal trip for me. Everything was handled perfectly from the time I landed until I left. I was able to take my time discovering Iceland's hidden treasures because I could alter my schedule to suit my needs. Absolutely once in a lifetime!".
Easy Reservations and Top-Notch Support! It was really easy to book my flights and vacation package to Iceland. Their customer service team was really helpful throughout the entire process. The trip itself was excellent; every aspect had been carefully thought out. Strongly advised for hassle-free trip preparation!.
The best deals straight to your inbox
