Golden Circle Cruise Arrival: Exclusive Small Group Tour
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 89 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Golden Circle Cruise Arrival: Exclusive Small Group Tour worth booking?
Golden Circle Cruise Arrival: Exclusive Small Group Tour is a 6-hour experience in Reykjavik, Iceland, from $120 per person. It scores 81 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 89 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 81 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (89)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $120 per person
Explore Iceland's breathtaking nature on a Golden Circle tour departing from Skarfabakki port. Unlike traditional tours, we don't have a set departure time. We wait for your cruise to dock before beginning, allowing up
What you get
About this experience
Explore Iceland's breathtaking nature on a Golden Circle tour departing from Skarfabakki port. Unlike traditional tours, we don't have a set departure time. We wait for your cruise to dock before beginning, allowing up to 2 hours after arrival. Our small group approach ensures a more personal experience, allowing our knowledgeable guides to provide exceptional service and share Iceland's fascinating history, culture, and geology. The Golden Circle is Iceland's most famous sightseeing route, combining stunning landscapes with stories that span from the settlement era to the present day. Highlights include the powerful Gullfoss Waterfall, the erupting hot springs of Geysir, Thingvellir National Park and the beautiful Öxarárfoss waterfall. We also visit the striking Kerið volcanic crater, where colorful red slopes surround a tranquil blue lake, creating one of Iceland's most picturesque natural landmarks.
What's included
Included
- On-board WiFi
Not included
- Lunch
- Snacks
What you'll see and do
Gullfoss Falls
We head towards the thundering Gullfoss waterfall, which tops many lists as a powerful and hypnotizing natural phenomenon. There is a spot at Gullfoss where you are able to buy yourself a lunch.
45 minutes here
Geysir
Geysir geothermal area is quite stunning where we can witness the geyser Strokkur erupt every five minutes. There is a spot in Geysir where you are able to buy yourself a lunch.
55 minutes here
Thingvellir National Park
Thingvellir National Park, a jewel with both historical and geological value. This is the place where Iceland’s parliament was founded in 930 A.D; every year, and until the Danish colonialism, around 30 ruling chiefs met to discuss the law on the island. It also holds the meeting of the North-American and Eurasian tectonic plates, and that’s the reason why we say that we can walk between continents at this specific location. To top it off we take an easy hike to the beautiful Öxararfoss waterfall, one of the very few human-made waterfalls in Iceland. The channel of the river Öxará was moved in the 10th century in order to provide water for all the parliament assistants.
55 minutes here
Kerid Crater
We continue to the striking Kerið volcanic crater, where vivid red volcanic slopes surround a tranquil turquoise lake, creating one of Iceland’s most colorful and captivating natural landmarks.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Reykjavik
Disembarkation Instructions: Exit through the security gate. Turn right and follow the "Pick up for tours" sign. Locating Us: Look for our guide/driver by the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with the EastWest logo in the bus parking lot.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Disembarkation Instructions: Exit through the security gate. Turn right and follow the "Pick up for tours" sign. Locating Us: Look for our guide/driver by the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with the EastWest logo in the bus parking lot.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- EastWest
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The tour will take approximately 6 to 7 hours in total. It will take around 1 hour and 47 minutes to reach our first stop, "Gullfoss," from Reykjavik, where we start. The travel time in total should be approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, and we will also spend additional time at each location, which adds up to a total of about 6 to 7 hours.
- Please be aware that we do not offer luggage storage.
- Please note that not all cruises are included. Always check with us to confirm if we have a departure available for your cruise.
- Infants and children under 4 years old are not permitted on this tour. For safety and operational reasons, they cannot be accommodated, and boarding will be denied if a booking is made with a child under the minimum age.
- Passengers must fit safely and comfortably within their allocated seat or arrange additional seating in advance. Guests must be able to board, disembark and walk independently.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 89 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
89 verified traveler reviews for Golden Circle Cruise Arrival: Exclusive Small Group Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Well-paced Golden Circle tour
Drove Golden Circle out of Reykjavik in opposite direction of big tour buses. Our driver Gon took us to the major sites with additional brief stops to get a flavor for life in rural Iceland
Response from the operator: Dear Mark, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your Golden Circle tour with Goncalo. It is fantastic to know that travelling in the opposite direction to the larger tour buses helped make the experience even more enjoyable, and that you appreciated the extra stops that offered a glimpse into life in rural Iceland. We will be sure to pass along your kind words to Goncalo. Thank you for travelling with us, and we hope to welcome you back to Iceland again in the future. Kind Regards, Clare EastWest Team Member
via Tripadvisor
Excellent small group trip.
Excellent small group trip around the golden circle. Our guide Gon was very friendly and helpful and gave us a lot of information. We enjoyed all of the stops and being a small group we were not rushed and had plenty of time to enjoy it all.
Response from the operator: Hi Sandra, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear you had such an enjoyable Golden Circle experience and appreciated the relaxed pace that comes with travelling in a small group. It is especially great to know Gon’s friendly and helpful approach, along with all the information he shared throughout the day, added so much to the experience. Having plenty of time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed is exactly what we aim for. Gon will be very pleased to hear your kind words! Thank you for choosing EastWest, and we hope to welcome you back to Iceland for another adventure in the future. Warm regards, Marc EastWest Team Member
via Viator
Golden Circle in Reverse
The small group tour of the Golden Circle with Gon was amazing. There were only 9 people in a van. This allowed us to get to know each other. We travelled the opposite direction of the coaches and, therefore, avoided a lot of traffic at the sites. We were given plenty of time at each stop and managed to fit in a few extra stops. I got some amazing photos! Gon has a wealth of knowledge about Iceland. He allowed some commentary-free time for observation and reflection. I highly recommend this tour.
Response from the operator: Hi there, Thank you so much for your wonderful and detailed review! We are delighted to hear you had such an amazing Golden Circle experience and enjoyed the advantages of travelling in a small group. Having plenty of time at each location, avoiding some of the larger crowds, and even fitting in a few extra stops sounds like a great day! It is especially lovely to hear how much you appreciated Gon’s knowledge and his balance between sharing stories and information while also allowing quiet moments to simply take in Iceland’s incredible landscapes. Gon will be very pleased to hear your kind words, and we are glad you came away with some amazing photos and memories! Thank you for recommending EastWest, and we hope to welcome you back to Iceland again in the future. Warm regards, Marc EastWest Team Member
via Tripadvisor
Perfect tour for families
Perfect tour for families with kids and couples alike. Perfect amount of time at every stop. Our guide, Einar, was knowledgeable and very funny! Our kids loved the tour, and so did we.
Response from the operator: Hi there, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear the Golden Circle tour was such a great experience for the whole family and that both the adults and kids enjoyed the day. It is especially great to know the pace gave you just the right amount of time at each stop and that Einar’s knowledge and sense of humour kept everyone entertained along the way. Einar will be very pleased to hear your kind words! Thank you for choosing EastWest, and we hope to welcome the whole family back for another Icelandic adventure in the future. Warm regards, Marc EastWest Team Member
via Tripadvisor
Golden Circle
Stavi was a fabulous guide. He was very friendly, knowledgeable and heaps of fun. The Golden Circle was a must see. Eastwest provided very comfortable, clean transport.
Response from the operator: Hi Joan, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear you had such a great time exploring the Golden Circle and enjoyed travelling in the comfort of our small group vehicle. It is especially lovely to know Slavi’s friendly personality, knowledge, and sense of fun made the experience even more memorable. He will be very pleased to hear your kind words! Thank you for choosing EastWest, and we hope to welcome you back to Iceland for another adventure in the future. Warm regards, Marc EastWest Team Member
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $120 to $145
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 31
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 81
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Golden Circle Cruise Arrival: Exclusive Small Group Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Reykjavik.
How much does Golden Circle Cruise Arrival: Exclusive Small Group Tour cost?
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Prices start at $120 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Reykjavik usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Golden Circle Cruise Arrival: Exclusive Small Group Tour take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Reykjavik is not rushed.
Is Golden Circle Cruise Arrival: Exclusive Small Group Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 81 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 89 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Reykjavik, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Golden Circle Cruise Arrival: Exclusive Small Group Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Golden Circle Cruise Arrival: Exclusive Small Group Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Golden Circle Cruise Arrival: Exclusive Small Group Tour?
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Around 31 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Reykjavik can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Reykjavik and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Golden Circle Cruise Arrival: Exclusive Small Group Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Reykjavik within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Reykjavik?
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On Outty we rank every Reykjavik experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Reykjavik Food Walk - Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland, Small-Group Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon with Ticket & Kerid Crater, Reykjavík Small group Walking Tour - by CityWalk. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Reykjavik?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Reykjavik?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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