Best of the Golden Circle & Icelandic Horse Show
Moderate Activity
Includes meal
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
Contrary to popular opinion, the Golden Circle isn't made of the precious metal nor is it a perfect circle. But its three famous landmarks and the eye-popping scenery that surrounds them that has earned the area recognition as one of National Geographic's 'Drives of a Lifetime: 500 of the World's Most Spectacular Trips.' You can behold the Golden Circle's beauty during this full-day excursion that begins with a scenic drive.
En route to your first destination, you'll drive through the dramatic countryside across the Moorlands Mosfellsheidi, an ancient undulating field of lava. Once you arrive in Thingvellir National Park, you'll be amazed at its geologic and historic beauty. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park offers incredible views of the Reykjanes Ridge, an above ground portion of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which separates the Eurasian and North American plates. Thingvellir, Icelandic for 'Parliament Fields,' is the site where the Vikings established the world's first 'Althing' or parliament in 930 A.D.
The second sight on the Golden Circle tour is Gullfoss Waterfall. This spectacular three-tiered waterfall plunges 104 feet while spanning the 105-foot wide Hvita River. Soak up the splendor of Iceland's most famous waterfall from afar or bravely wander out along the gravel paths for a closer look. By now, you've probably worked up an appetite so you'll head to a local restaurant for a traditional Icelandic meal before continuing the journey.
Next, travel to the Golden Circle's final stop, Strokkur, an amazing geyser that erupts every few minutes. Witness the mind-blowing power of the steamy spouts, which erupt from the ground at boiling temperatures and blast as high as 60 feet. Take in the algal deposits and hot springs, best seen while walking through the enclosure.
Now it is time to visit the Friðheimar Farms where you will enjoy a fantastic horse show. Enjoy the scenic ride from the Geysir geothermal area, ending at Friðheimar Farms.
Did you know that the Icelandic horse is a pure breed dating back over 1,000 years because the Althing prohibited the import of horses in A. D. 930? Learn many more facts about this small and sturdy horse at a horse show at Fridheimar Farms. After the show, you're invited to visit the stables, touch the horses, take pictures and talk to the riders while enjoying a cup of coffee.
Points of interest
Thingvellir National Park
Gullfoss Waterfall
Strokkur
Schedule
Special Notes
The weather in Iceland is very unpredictable. TO recommends wearing sturdy, closed toe footwear with a non-skid sole, and waterproof outerwear.
The order of sights may vary.
At Thingvellir National Park, the coach parks on an upper level (aka Hakid) where guests can have a great view of the park. The guide will walk with the group through the tectonic rift. The coach picks up group at the lowel level parking lot. Guests can opt to stay on the upper level and skip walking through the rift, but they are responsible on getting back to the coach on time and go with the driver to pick up rest of the group. Guests thus need to pay special attention to the guide explaining when to be at the bus, and remember the bus number. Guides usually wait 15-20 minutes for missing guests, then continues the tour. This tour may not be available on all sailings. Kindly note that the running order of visited sites might vary. This tour is not suitable for those completely confined to wheelchairs due to the transportation utilized (no lifts etc.)
All dietary requests shall be sent to TO 48 hours prior to call.
Exceptional Value
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Moderate Activity
Includes meal
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
Contrary to popular opinion, the Golden Circle isn't made of the precious metal nor is it a perfect circle. But its three famous landmarks and the eye-popping scenery that surrounds them that has earned the area recognition as one of National Geographic's 'Drives of a Lifetime: 500 of the World's Most Spectacular Trips.' You can behold the Golden Circle's beauty during this full-day excursion that begins with a scenic drive.
En route to your first destination, you'll drive through the dramatic countryside across the Moorlands Mosfellsheidi, an ancient undulating field of lava. Once you arrive in Thingvellir National Park, you'll be amazed at its geologic and historic beauty. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park offers incredible views of the Reykjanes Ridge, an above ground portion of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which separates the Eurasian and North American plates. Thingvellir, Icelandic for 'Parliament Fields,' is the site where the Vikings established the world's first 'Althing' or parliament in 930 A.D.
The second sight on the Golden Circle tour is Gullfoss Waterfall. This spectacular three-tiered waterfall plunges 104 feet while spanning the 105-foot wide Hvita River. Soak up the splendor of Iceland's most famous waterfall from afar or bravely wander out along the gravel paths for a closer look. By now, you've probably worked up an appetite so you'll head to a local restaurant for a traditional Icelandic meal before continuing the journey.
Next, travel to the Golden Circle's final stop, Strokkur, an amazing geyser that erupts every few minutes. Witness the mind-blowing power of the steamy spouts, which erupt from the ground at boiling temperatures and blast as high as 60 feet. Take in the algal deposits and hot springs, best seen while walking through the enclosure.
Now it is time to visit the Friðheimar Farms where you will enjoy a fantastic horse show. Enjoy the scenic ride from the Geysir geothermal area, ending at Friðheimar Farms.
Did you know that the Icelandic horse is a pure breed dating back over 1,000 years because the Althing prohibited the import of horses in A. D. 930? Learn many more facts about this small and sturdy horse at a horse show at Fridheimar Farms. After the show, you're invited to visit the stables, touch the horses, take pictures and talk to the riders while enjoying a cup of coffee.
Points of interest
Thingvellir National Park
Gullfoss Waterfall
Strokkur
Schedule
Special Notes
The weather in Iceland is very unpredictable. TO recommends wearing sturdy, closed toe footwear with a non-skid sole, and waterproof outerwear.
The order of sights may vary.
At Thingvellir National Park, the coach parks on an upper level (aka Hakid) where guests can have a great view of the park. The guide will walk with the group through the tectonic rift. The coach picks up group at the lowel level parking lot. Guests can opt to stay on the upper level and skip walking through the rift, but they are responsible on getting back to the coach on time and go with the driver to pick up rest of the group. Guests thus need to pay special attention to the guide explaining when to be at the bus, and remember the bus number. Guides usually wait 15-20 minutes for missing guests, then continues the tour. This tour may not be available on all sailings. Kindly note that the running order of visited sites might vary. This tour is not suitable for those completely confined to wheelchairs due to the transportation utilized (no lifts etc.)
All dietary requests shall be sent to TO 48 hours prior to call.