Combination 10 Hour Tour with Golden Circle, Whale Watching & Transfer from Reykjavik
Description
Summary
Description
Jump aboard this tour, to see the classic sites of the Golden Circle, as well the incredible whales and dolphins that live just off of Reykjavík's coast. This excursion appeals to nature lovers and those looking to get the most out of every day they have in Iceland.
Your tour will begin with you being picked up from your Reykjavík accommodation in a modern bus or meet up with your guide at Reykjavík Terminal, if you have not chosen hotel pick up. Each guest has a tablet to use, wifi on board, and an in-Bus Audio Guide; using this, you can listen to commentary about the Golden Circle in one of three different languages.
You will then set off on this legendary trail around West Iceland. The first stop is at Þingvellir National Park, the name of which translates to 'fields of parliament'. The reason for this is its history; this was the site where Icelanders founded their first parliament in 930 AD, which continues to this day in Reykjavík. Because of this institution's endurance, being the longest-running of its kind in the world, Þingvellir has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Þingvellir also draws guests due to its beauty. It is verdant, partly forested, has many trickling streams, and some incredible geology. This geology comes from the fact that Þingvellir is located between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The rift between these plates runs all the way through Iceland but is most apparent here.
The next stop on the Golden Circle is Haukadalur Valley; this geothermal area is renowned for its hot springs, fumaroles, mud pools, and geysers. The largest of these, Geysir itself, is largely inactive, but its neighbour, Strokkur, erupts every ten minutes or so, to heights of up to 40 metres (131 feet).
The third and final stop of the Golden Circle is Gullfoss. This is Iceland's most iconic waterfall, and you will not need to guess why. It is immensely powerful, cascading in two tiers into a beautiful canyon. There are several platforms from which to view it from, including one right where the water is falling.
Once the circle is complete, you will take the scenic drive to Reykjavík's Old Harbour; you will usually arrive a little early, giving you a chance to explore the marina. At 16:45, however, you will need to board your whale-watching boat for a 17:00 departure.
You will sail into Faxaflói Bay, and spend up to three hours in hunt of the gentle giants of the deep. On these tours, regular species include white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, minke whales and acrobatic humpback whales. Seeing species such as blue, fin and killer whales, however, is not unheard of.
Whale-watching is an incredible experience; but if you are unfortunate, and do not get to see one, you will have another opportunity to do this part of the tour again for free.
So do not hesitate. Jump aboard for an exciting Golden Circle tour and spectacular whale watch. Check availability by choosing a date.
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Good to know
If no whales, dolphins or porpoises are spotted, you will get another whale watch for free. The same applies if this component of the tour is cancelled due to inclement weather.
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