Reykjavík: Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon Day Trip with Lunch

Exploring Iceland’s Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon with a twist

This guided day trip from Reykjavík promises more than just the typical Golden Circle experience. It combines iconic sights like geysers, waterfalls, and volcanic craters with a unique visit to the Secret Lagoon, Iceland’s oldest natural swimming pool, and an authentic stop at the Friðheimar tomato farm for a delicious lunch. With a small group capped at just 15 people, it aims to deliver an intimate, personalized adventure—something we know many travelers crave when exploring such a popular destination.

What really makes this tour stand out is the focus on quality and local expertise. The guides, like Heimir, are praised for their knowledge and friendly demeanor, elevating what could be a standard sightseeing trip into a memorable experience. That said, the full 10-hour day is packed, so it’s perfect for those who love a busy itinerary and authentic, off-the-beaten-path moments. One potential consideration? The tour is only available from Reykjavík, so if you’re based outside the city, you’ll need to plan your pickup accordingly.

This experience is best suited for travelers who value small group intimacy, local insights, and authentic Icelandic experiences, rather than just ticking off photo stops. If you’re someone who enjoys a mix of nature, food, and relaxing hot springs, this trip might just be your ideal Icelandic day out.

Key Points

Limited group size: Only 15 participants, ensuring a more personal experience.
Unique stops: Secret Lagoon, Friðheimar Tomato Farm, Kerið Crater—more than just the usual Golden Circle.
Local expertise: Guides like Heimir bring stories, insights, and a genuine love for Iceland.
Tasty lunch included: The tomato soup at Friðheimar is renowned, with options for different tastes.
All about value: Entrance fees, a hearty lunch, and transport included make this a well-rounded day.
Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance, with the option to reserve now and pay later.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A deep dive into the Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon day trip

The itinerary explained

This tour covers the quintessential Icelandic highlights, but with thoughtful extras that elevate the experience. Starting from Reykjavík, you’re transported in a comfortable vehicle—likely a small group van—where a guide like Heimir introduces you to the day ahead with enthusiasm and local knowledge. The journey is carefully planned to maximize time at each site, ensuring no rushed moments.

First stop: the Kerið volcanic crater. As one of the stops, this colorful caldera offers striking views and some fantastic photo opportunities. The crater’s steep sides and vivid red, orange, and green hues make for a dramatic landscape. The entrance fee into Kerið is included, so you can explore freely and absorb the stark beauty of this volcanic feature.

Next, it’s on to the famous Geysir geothermal area. Here, the erupting Strokkur geyser shoots boiling water skyward every 5-10 minutes. The guide will likely share stories about geothermal activity and Iceland’s tectonic boundaries, making the sight not just a photo op but an educational experience.

A short drive leads to Gullfoss, the ‘Golden Waterfall,’ where the double cascade plunges into a rugged canyon. The sheer power and mist make it a mesmerizing stop, and the guide’s commentary helps you appreciate the forces shaping Iceland’s landscape.

Unique stops that matter

The real highlight, however, is the Secret Lagoon. As the oldest natural swimming pool in Iceland, this geothermal pool offers a warm, relaxing soak amidst untouched nature. Visitors often mention how the experience of bathing here feels authentic, not overly commercialized, adding a soothing end to the busy sightseeing. Reviewers highlight how the lagoon’s natural surroundings and mineral-rich waters create a calming atmosphere—something that photos rarely capture.

“Bathing in the Secret Lagoon was one of the most authentic experiences,” shared a traveler. The entrance fee is included, and you’ll want to bring your swimwear, towel, and some warm clothes for after. Rented towels are available for a small fee if you forget yours.

The Friðheimar tomato farm is the culinary highlight of the day. This small yet vibrant farm is still a hidden gem, thriving inside a greenhouse heated by geothermal energy. Here, you’ll enjoy a hearty tomato soup served with fresh, home-baked bread—widely praised as some of the best in Iceland. The guide often shares stories about the farm’s history and innovative practices, making lunch a blend of good food and local charm. The farm also offers some vegetarian options, catering to different dietary preferences.

How the tour feels in practice

Reviews reveal that guides like Heimir are well-loved for their friendliness and knowledge, adding a personal touch that turns a sightseeing trip into a storytelling experience. Travelers appreciated the smaller group setting, which meant more personal interaction and flexibility in stops.

What we love is how this tour balances iconic sights with lesser-known experiences. For instance, many standard Golden Circle tours skip the Secret Lagoon, opting instead for the Blue Lagoon—a pricier and more commercial alternative. Instead, this tour offers a genuine hot spring experience, perfect for those wanting a more authentic Icelandic soak.

Timing-wise, the full day runs around 10 hours, starting with a pickup from Reykjavík (with options from most hotels or the BSI bus terminal). The inclusion of WiFi on board is a nice bonus, allowing you to share your adventure in real time.

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The practical side: value and logistics

In terms of cost, the tour covers entrance fees, lunch, and transport, which adds up if you’re paying separately. The guide’s insights and small group size make it a good value for travelers seeking an intimate and comprehensive experience. The flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours before adds peace of mind, especially if your plans change.

For those concerned about what to bring: comfortable walking shoes, warm clothing, swimwear, and towel are recommended—standard gear for Iceland’s unpredictable weather and geothermal bathing.

Authentic touches and insider info

One of the best parts, based on reviews, is the guide’s ability to share local stories and hidden gems. For example, how the Friðheimar farm is still operated by a local family, or that the Secret Lagoon’s mineral-rich waters are believed to have healing properties. These details transform a sightseeing trip into a richer, more meaningful experience.

Who should consider this tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a small-group, authentic Icelandic adventure that combines iconic sights with local flavor. If you’re keen on visiting geothermal hot springs that aren’t overly commercialized, and enjoy a good story, this tour is perfect.

It’s also well-suited for those who appreciate delicious local food, as the lunch at Friðheimar gets glowing reviews. If you prefer a more relaxed, less crowded hot spring experience, and value knowledgeable guides who bring the landscape alive, you’ll find this tour very rewarding.

However, if you’re just after the absolute cheapest way to see Iceland’s highlights or prefer a longer, more leisurely pace, you might want to explore other options. But for a well-rounded, authentic, and memorable day, this trip hits all the right notes.

The Sum Up: The value and who benefits most

This tour offers a thoughtfully curated blend of Iceland’s most beloved sights with some unique, lesser-known experiences. The small group size, engaging guides, and inclusions like lunch and entry fees make it a very good value for travelers eager to make the most of their day in Iceland.

It’s especially suited for those who love authentic local experiences—whether that’s bathing in a historic hot spring or enjoying a homemade tomato soup on a geothermal farm. If you’re after a mix of adventure, education, and relaxation, this trip will meet those expectations.

Plus, with the ability to cancel easily and the convenience of hotel pickup, it’s designed to fit smoothly into your Iceland itinerary. Overall, a well-balanced, memorable way to explore the highlights of south Iceland beyond the typical tour routes.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour doesn’t specify age restrictions, the 10-hour duration and walking involved suggest it’s best for older children or teens comfortable with a full day of sightseeing and outdoor activity.

What should I bring for the Secret Lagoon?
Bring your swimwear, towel (available for rent), warm clothes for after, and comfortable shoes suitable for walking.

Can I join the tour if I am staying outside Reykjavík?
The tour offers free pickup from Reykjavík hotels, larger guest houses, and the BSI Bus Terminal. If you’re outside the city, you’ll need to arrange for pickup at one of these locations.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour includes a main meal at Friðheimar, which features the renowned tomato soup and baked bread. Drinks, desserts, or alcohol are not included.

What is the group size?
Limited to a maximum of 15 participants, ensuring a personal experience and more flexibility during stops.

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, depending on the group and conditions.

Is WiFi available on the bus?
Yes, free WiFi is provided onboard, making it easy to share your adventures or stay connected.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is recommended, and you can cancel up to 24 hours before if needed. There’s also an option to reserve now and pay later.

Can I customize the stops or the itinerary?
Since this is a guided tour with a set itinerary, customization isn’t typically offered. However, the small group size enhances the opportunity for personalized commentary and flexible stops.

This Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon tour strikes a great balance between popular sights and genuine Icelandic experiences, perfect for travelers who want a rich, personal, and memorable day exploring south Iceland’s natural beauty and local hospitality.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby