One-Day Iceland Itinerary: Golden Circle, Volcanic Craters & The Blue Lagoon

If you are planning a trip to the “Land of Fire and Ice,” you likely have a massive bucket list and limited time. How do you fit the historic tectonic rifts, exploding geysers, massive waterfalls, and a relaxing spa day into a single day?

I recently looked into the Golden Circle, Volcano Crater, and Blue Lagoon Small-Group Tour, and it might just be the most efficient (and enjoyable) way to tackle Iceland’s heavy hitters. Spanning approximately 11 hours, this tour combines the thrill of raw nature with the ultimate relaxation.

Here is a breakdown of what to expect, why travelers are rating it 4.7/5 stars, and everything you need to know before you book.

The Itinerary: A Whrilwind of Fire and Ice

This tour takes the classic “Golden Circle” route and adds two massive bonuses: the Kerid Crater and the world-famous Blue Lagoon.

1. Thingvellir National Park (45 Minutes)

The day starts with history and geology at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the only place in the world where you can clearly see the division between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates above ground. It’s also the birthplace of the Icelandic parliament, founded way back in the late 900s.

2. Strokkur Geyser (1 Hour 20 Minutes)

While the famous “Geysir” is currently dormant, its little brother, Strokkur, puts on a show every 7 to 10 minutes, blasting water high into the air. This stop is usually longer (about 80 minutes) because it doubles as a lunch stop where you can purchase food to fuel up for the rest of the day.

3. Gullfoss Waterfall (1 Hour)

Prepare to get a little wet from the mist! Gullfoss (Golden Falls) is one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. The sheer power of the Hvítá river crashing down two steps (11 and 21 meters) is breathtaking.

4. Kerid Crater (20 Minutes)

This is the “extra” stop that many standard tours skip. Kerid is a striking volcanic crater lake with red volcanic rock contrasting against the aquamarine water. It’s 55 meters deep and makes for incredible photos.

5. The Grand Finale: The Blue Lagoon (2 Hours)

After a day of hiking and sightseeing, the tour ends with a 2-hour stop at the Blue Lagoon. The admission ticket is included in this tour (specifically the “Comfort Admission”), which means you get:

• Entrance to the lagoon
• Use of a towel
• A Silica Mud Mask
• Your 1st drink of choice at the swim-up bar

Why Travelers Love This Tour

With over 1,700 reviews and a 4.7-star rating, this tour is a crowd favorite. Here is why people seem to prefer this over renting a car or taking the big bus tours:

• Small Group Comfort: The tour is capped at 18 travelers. You aren’t lost in a crowd of 50 people. Reviews highlight that the vans are warm, comfortable, and equipped with Wi-Fi—perfect for uploading those geyser videos instantly.
• Incredible Guides: The guides make or break the trip. Recent travelers have raved about Tom, Omar, Harold, and Roman. One reviewer noted, “On the way to each site [our guide] regaled us with stories about the people, history, and geology of the island.”
• Value for Money: As reviewer Tim_B noted in Dec 2025, it’s “absolute incredible trip, excellent value for money.” Considering it includes transport, the guide, and the pricey Blue Lagoon ticket, it bundles everything nicely.
• Bonus Sightings: Because it’s a small group, guides can be flexible. One traveler mentioned their driver, Roman, even made an additional stop to hunt for the Northern Lights during a November trip!

Important Practical Details

Before you book, keep these logistics in mind:

• Duration: Approx. 11 hours. It is a full day!
• Pickup: Offered from designated meeting points in Reykjavik. Be ready to wait up to 30 minutes, as they round up the group.
• Food: Meals are not included. However, there are stops (like at Strokkur) where you can buy lunch.
• Age Limit: The minimum age for this tour is 14 years old.
• What to Bring: Swimsuit (for the lagoon), warm layers, sturdy shoes for walking around the crater and waterfalls.

If you want to see the “Must-Sees” of Iceland without the stress of navigating icy roads yourself, this small-group tour is a fantastic option. Ending a day of hiking volcanic craters with a cocktail in the milky-blue waters of the Blue Lagoon is the definition of a perfect travel day.