Iceland’s Golden Circle and South Shore, nature unveils its true magnificence, captivating travelers from every corner of the world.

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker craving adrenaline-pumping escapades or an explorer in search of awe-inspiring wonders, this blog post is your guide to the best full day tours that will leave an indelible mark on your soul.

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ICELAND’S GOLDEN CIRCLE AND SOUTH SHORE

As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland, the Golden Circle receives a lot of visitors throughout the year.

For first time visitors, the Golden Circle can be a great introduction to some of the country’s most stunning natural wonders.

From Reykjavik, the Golden Circle route takes you to Thingvellir National Park, home to the world’s oldest parliament, Gullfoss waterfall, one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls, and Geysir geothermal area, where you can witness an erupting every few minutes.

To make the most out of your visit to the Golden Circle, I recommend adding on a tour of the South Shore. This will take you to even more impressive natural sights including Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which you can walk behind; Skógafoss waterfall, one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls; and the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara.

Top Attractions

Iceland is home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world. From its towering glaciers and picturesque waterfalls to its bubbling hot springs and dramatic coastline, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this beautiful country.

The best way to experience all that Iceland has to offer, when you don’t want to rent a car, is on a full-day tour.

These tours typically include stops at some of the country’s most popular attractions, such as the Golden Circle and South Shore.

The Golden Circle: This popular tourist route takes you through some of Iceland’s most iconic landscapes, including the Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and geothermal area of Haukadalur.

South Shore: A full-day tour of Iceland’s South Shore will take you along the scenic coastal drive from Reykjavik to Vík í Mýrdal. Along the way, you’ll see highlights such as Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Reynisfjara black sand beach, and Skógafoss waterfall.

ADVANTAGES OF TAKING A FULL DAY TOUR

There are many advantages to taking a full day tour, including the ability to see more of the country and learn more about its history and culture.

Full day tours also typically include meals and transportation, so you can relax and enjoy your surroundings without having to worry about planning or logistics.

And of course, with a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.

WHAT TO PACK FOR A DAY TRIP IN ICELAND

–A good pair of hiking shoes: Even if you’re not planning on doing any serious hiking, a good pair of shoes is essential for exploring Iceland. The terrain can be uneven and slippery, so make sure your shoes have good grip.

–A rain jacket: As mentioned, the weather can be unpredictable. A rain jacket will come in handy if the weather turns bad.

-Warm clothing: Even in summer, the temperature can drop at night or when it rains. So, it’s always a good idea to pack a sweater or other warm clothing.

-Sunscreen: Despite its northerly location, Iceland actually gets quite a lot of sunshine in summer. So don’t forget to put on sunscreen, especially if you plan on doing any hiking.

How to Make the Most of Your Day Tours

Assuming you have a full day to spare while in Iceland, there are a number of different ways to make the most out of your time. Not everyone is the same and therefore, each person will have unique interests. However, I’ve compiled a list of our best day tours that show off Icelandic culture, landscapes, and history all in one action-packed day!

Golden Circle & South Shore Combo Tour: This tour is great for first-time visitors as it hits all of the major highlights in one go.

Starting off from Reykjavík, you’ll head south towards the Golden Circle. This section of the tour takes you through Thingvellir National Park, where you can walk through a rift valley that marks the divergence of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

Moments later, you’ll be standing at the edge of Gullfoss waterfall – one of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders.

From there, it’s on to Geysir Hot Spring Area to witness active geysers shooting hot water and steam high into the air. The final stop on the Golden Circle portion of this tour is at Kerið volcanic crater – a stunning example of Iceland’s otherworldly landscape.

Afterwards, it’s time to explore Iceland’s dramatic south shore. This part of the island is famous for its black sand beaches which were formed by lava flowing into the ocean

Tips for Splurging On Excursions

When it comes to full day tours in Iceland, there are a few things to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to splurge.

Think about what kind of experience you’re looking for. Do you want something that’s all-inclusive with plenty of options, or do you have a specific activity or sightseeing destination in mind?

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive tour, then it’s definitely worth splurging on a group tour or private tour. These kinds of tours will usually include round-trip transportation from Reykjavik, as well as entrance fees and meals. They’ll also typically have a smaller group size, which means more personalized attention from your guide.

On the other hand, if you know exactly what you want to do and see during your full day tour, then you might be able to save some money by booking a la carte activities.

For example, many companies offer super jeep tours of Iceland’s interior Highlands that can be combined with other activities like glacier hikes or visits to geothermal pools.

No matter what kind of full day tour you’re interested in, always do your research before booking anything. Read reviews, compare prices, and make sure the company you’re dealing with is reputable.

Don’t forget to factor in the cost of transportation to and from your tour starting point.

Safety and Comfort

When planning your full day tour in Iceland’s Golden Circle or South Shore, there are a few things to keep in mind for the safety and comfort of you and your group.

Be sure to check the weather conditions in advance and dress appropriately for the conditions. Iceland’s weather can change quickly, so it’s important to be prepared.

Make sure you have a good pair of walking shoes or hiking boots as you will be doing a lot of walking on your tour. third, packed snacks and drinks for the day as there are often limited stops along the way.

Use sunscreen and lip balm even on cloudy days, as the sun can be strong in Iceland.