Golden Circle Tour with Extra Waterfalls Small Group Tour

This Golden Circle day is interesting because it does not just hit the usual icons. You also get extra waterfalls and a route that keeps adding new scenery without turning into a marathon.

I love two things about this tour right away: the guide Evó who makes you feel included fast, and the extra waterfall stops like Seljalandsfoss that give you more time to soak in the wow factor than a basic loop.

One possible drawback to plan for is the pace. You move stop to stop all day, with short time windows, so if you want long hikes or a slow, sit-down day, this style may feel a bit rushed.

Key things I’d bookmark before you go

• Evó as the real engine of the day: warm, funny, and big on making the group feel comfortable and up to speed.
• Walk-behind Seljalandsfoss: you’ll get the chance to see the waterfall from an unusual angle, but you must be ready to get splashed.
• More than the standard Golden Circle: Kerið and Faxafoss help break up the big-ticket hits.
• Comfort that matters on a long day: air-conditioned vehicle and WiFi on board.
• A manageable group size: up to 40 people, and you may not always feel like you’re on a giant bus.

Golden Circle with Extra Waterfalls: what you’re really buying

For the price, you’re not just paying for famous sights. You’re paying for a guided day where the timing is handled, the stops are grouped efficiently, and you get enough structure to see a lot without thinking too hard about roads, parking, or what to do next.

This tour also adds small touches that make Iceland feel less like a checklist. You start with an easy stop for coffee and snacks in Hveragerði, then you go waterfall-heavy early, so your eyes stay rewarded right from the first hour.

You’ll be in the car for hours, but you’ll also get a steady rhythm: a quick reset, a big view, a short walk, then back on the road. That pacing works best if you enjoy seeing a lot and you’re okay with short visits instead of long stays.

Reykjavik pickup and the pace of an 11-hour day

The tour starts at 8:00 am, with pickup happening between 8:00 and 8:30. That means you want to be at your pickup point on time, not ten minutes late, because tight schedules are how these days work.

Pickup from some downtown Reykjavik hotels may not be possible due to traffic restrictions. You’ll be told where to meet by email ahead of time, and pickup outside Reykjavik may not be possible, so plan around that if you’re staying farther out.

The day runs about 11 hours total. Each stop is designed to give you a taste, not a full day in one place. Expect short photo sessions and short walks, especially at the waterfalls where the weather can change your experience quickly.

Waterfall run: Hveragerði coffee, Skógafoss power, and Seljalandsfoss behind-the-waterfall

This is where the tour earns its name. The morning is built around big waterfalls, and the timing is set so you hit your first serious wow before the day gets too crowded.

Stop 1: Hveragerði (coffee and snacks)

You get a quick 15-minute break in Hveragerði. It is not about sightseeing here, it’s about energy. Grab coffee, use the restroom if you need to, and snack so you are not hungry when the waterfalls start demanding your attention.

This small stop also helps you transition from the city mindset into the driving mindset. Iceland moves fast, and this little reset makes the rest of the day feel smoother.

Stop 2: Skógafoss (the wall of water)

Skógafoss is one of those waterfalls where photos do not fully communicate scale. You’ll get about 30 minutes, which is usually enough for a close-up viewing area and a moment to breathe in the mist.

What I like about Skógafoss on a day like this is that it gives you a major reference point early. You can feel the power, take the big pictures, then move on confident that the rest of the day will keep delivering.

Stop 3: Seljalandsfoss (walk behind the waterfall)

You’ll spend about 30 minutes at Seljalandsfoss. This is the stop where you should bring a rain jacket, because the experience involves walking close and going behind the falls.

Do not think of this as a quick “stand and look” waterfall. You will likely get splashed while you move around, and that means comfortable shoes and a willingness to get a little wet.

If you want the most memorable photo moment, this is often the one. The angle behind the waterfall gives you a different story than the front view.

Kerið crater and Faxafoss: the “extra waterfalls” that change the mood

After the headline falls, the route shifts. You still get dramatic scenery, but it feels less like you are chasing the main act and more like you are exploring Iceland’s different waterfall personalities.

Stop 4: Kerið volcanic crater

Kerið gets about 20 minutes. You’ll walk around the crater rim and see the mix of red slopes with a teal-blue lake inside.

This stop is valuable because it breaks the day into geology, not just water. You go from roaring flows to a volcanic crater setting, and it helps your brain reset between stops.

Also, the Kerið admission fee is covered as part of your tour, which is one less thing to plan or pay for during the day.

Stop 5: Faxafoss (quiet, and easy to miss)

Faxafoss is about 20 minutes and is known for a more peaceful vibe. If you’ve only seen the biggest name waterfalls, this kind of stop can feel refreshing.

It’s not trying to compete with the huge, attention-grabbing falls. It gives you breathing room, and it helps you end up with a more varied day instead of eight hours of the same kind of photo.

Gullfoss and Geysir: the “big icons” plus hot-spring timing

After Kerið and Faxafoss, the tour turns back toward the Golden Circle’s signature hits. This is where you feel like the day has a clear center of gravity.

Stop 6: Gullfoss (Iceland’s icon)

Gullfoss is about 45 minutes and is often the anchor for Golden Circle trips. You’ll get time to see the waterfall from the main viewpoints and take in the drop in a way that feels more complete than the quick photo stops.

I like that this stop has more time than some others on the list. It lets you slow down a bit, because Gullfoss deserves it.

Stop 7: Geysir and Strokkur (hot springs show)

You’ll spend about 1 hour at Geysir, focused on the hot springs area. The big moment here is Strokkur, which puts on a show every few minutes.

This is a great stop for people who want a bit of motion. It is not just a static view, it is a repeating burst of steam and power. Even if you miss one eruption by seconds, you still have time to catch another.

If you’re the type who loves photos, bring patience. The best shots happen when you wait and watch, not when you rush in for the first moment.

Þingvellir National Park: parliament ground before the wrap-up

The final stop is Þingvellir National Park, and it runs about 45 minutes. This place matters because it is protected and historic, and it is where Iceland’s first parliament was born.

Even if you only have a short time window, this stop has a different feel from the waterfalls and geysers. The setting is about the land itself and what happened there, not just what is actively happening right now.

If the weather is good, it is also a nice way to end the day. You finish with a grounded sense of place, not only steam and spray.

Guide Evó: why this tour feels welcoming, not just scheduled

The guide is the biggest reason this tour earns a top rating. Evó comes across as friendly and organized, and he focuses on keeping the group engaged without making it feel scripted.

One thing I really appreciate from the way this experience is described is the sense of inclusion. If you are traveling solo, you should expect to feel part of the group, not like a passenger who got dropped into a bus tour.

He also adds personality. Guests mention humor, good music, and the kind of storytelling that helps you connect the dots between stops instead of treating each place as a separate postcard.

There is even a hint of flexibility, like adding an extra waterfall along the way. That’s not something you can guarantee every time, but it tells you the guide is paying attention to the day and making choices to improve it.

What to bring for Iceland weather, since waterproof gear is not included

Your tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle and WiFi, but you still need to handle the outdoors yourself. Lunch is not included, and tips are not included, so you should plan for both mentally and practically.

Here is the reality check:

• Bring lunch or extra snacks if you want real food later. The day is long enough that you can get hungry.
• Bring a rain jacket. Seljalandsfoss is where you will feel it.
• Wear shoes you do not mind getting wet. You’ll be walking around uneven, damp areas.
• Bring layers. Even in good weather, Iceland can shift quickly.

If you pack smart, the short time windows feel easier. If you show up underprepared, you’ll spend valuable minutes dealing with discomfort instead of enjoying the views.

Value check: is $167.37 a smart deal?

At $167.37 per person, this tour is not the cheapest way to see the Golden Circle. But it is also not charging like you’re getting only basic sightseeing.

Here is what you get that usually costs money or time on your own:

• Pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik
• A professional English-speaking guide
• Kerið admission included
• Air-conditioned vehicle (comfort matters in Iceland)
• WiFi on board
• A route that stacks major waterfalls plus quieter added stops

You’re also going during a period when lots of people book far ahead, with many reservations made about 82 days in advance. That’s often a sign the experience is filling up, and it helps explain why paying for organization can be worth it.

The only real trade-off is the pace. If you want to linger for hours, you’ll feel the structure. If you like a guided, efficient day where the guide helps you see and move, the price can feel fair.

Who this Golden Circle tour is best for

You should strongly consider this tour if you:

• Want a guided Golden Circle day without planning roads, timing, and logistics.
• Like waterfalls and want more than the bare minimum number of stops.
• Enjoy a friendly group vibe, especially if you’re not sure what to do on your own.
• Prefer short walks with big payoffs, not long hikes.

It might be less ideal if you:

• Need long, quiet time at each viewpoint.
• Have trouble with wet conditions or dislike getting splashed at a waterfall.
• Want a day with a full meal included and no planning around food.

Should you book this Golden Circle Tour with Extra Waterfalls?

I’d book it if your goal is a high-impact day where you see the Golden Circle’s heavy hitters plus extra waterfall variety, and you want a guide like Evó who keeps things fun and organized.

If your travel style is slow, private, or highly flexible, you might prefer doing a self-drive route. But if you want someone to handle the flow, keep you on schedule, and deliver a day that feels more like a shared experience than a checklist, this one is a solid choice.

FAQ

What time does the tour start and when does pickup happen?

The tour start time is 8:00 am. Pickup takes place between 8:00 and 8:30, so you should be ready at your pickup location at 8:00.

Does the tour include pickup in Reykjavik?

Yes, pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik are included. Due to traffic restrictions in downtown Reykjavik, direct pickup from some hotels may not be possible, and your pickup location is confirmed by email. Pickup outside Reykjavik may not be possible.

What are the main stops on the day?

You’ll visit Hveragerði, Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, Kerið, Faxafoss, Gullfoss, Geysir, and Þingvellir National Park.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Is admission included for Kerið?

Yes. The Kerið admission fee is included.

What if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.