I am spending 2 full days in Reykjavík before a RS Scandinavia Tour in June of this year.
My plan is to explore the city on my first day and do a tour (Golden Circle) on the second day. For a tour company I am looking at Nicetravel and Geo Iceland.
Does anyone have an experience with either company?
I used Bus Travel Iceland as they use mini-vans. My tour ended with a visit to Sky Lagoon, which was well worth visiting. Their eternity pool looks over the ocean.
I used GeoIceland for a South Coast tour. It was a small minivan. Great guide and I enjoyed my day with her. I also did a a big bus tour of Golden Circle (Reykjavik Excursions) and it was fine but not terribly informative.
I also did a food tour with Your Friend in Reykjavik that was excellent way to try out a bunch of different foods. They usually have at least two or three times - I did a mid-afternoon tour and was completely stuffed and skipped dinner. I also did the "free" city walking tour which covered some of the same ground as the food tour.
I have not used either one, but we have used Troll which is very good, FWIW.
I agree that the food tour in Reykjavik is not to be missed. I also highly recommend doing the Citywalk "free" walking tour (tip at the end). Both are wonderful ways to learn about the city/country and are just a lot of fun.
The Golden Circle is fine, but have you considered a south coast tour instead? That area is more impressive, IME. If you do the GC tour, be sure to do one that includes Fridheimer and if you can also go Secret Lagoon or Fontana, even better.
I have not used either of the companies you mentioned but I have used Arctic Adventures (https://adventures.is/) and they were fantastic! If you are open to vetting a third company, I'd highly recommend you check them out. We did the Golden Circle tour with them but they also offer other day tours.
Thank you so much for the ideas. I have also been on the fence choosing between Golden Circle and South Coast.
I have also been on the fence choosing between Golden Circle and South
Coast.
I’ve just started to research for a trip for next year and one thing I have noticed is that the Golden Circle tours seem to be 8-9 hours and the South Coast tours 10-11 hours. I’m a little concerned a South Coast tour might be too long for my sister, who has some medical issues. But, it might not be an issue for you.
Good luck!!! Let us know what you decide.
The south coast is so worth the extra time! If I had to choose, it would be a no contest as there is just so much more to see along the south coast. Don't worry, the tours stop often so it isn't like you are sitting for long stretches.
The South Coast was spectacular. I enjoyed it more than the Golden Circle. It is a long time riding though. We were in a mini van that held 18 and we made a number of stops to get snacks, pee, and stretch our legs, plus photo ops. If someone has medical issues, then perhaps this is not the right tour though.
With the Golden Circle, the lunch stop at the tomato farm was a lot more interesting and fun than what I expected. Plus, we got to see the horses up close and pet them.
mikliz97 and Ms. Jo, I absolutely agree. The south coast tours do look more impressive. I’m considering a private tour even though I know it will be $$$$. That way, we have the option to cut it short if my sister is not feeling well. I may pick your brains later for some suggestions on sights if we go with the private tour option.
carrie--if that is in your budget, I would absolutely do that. You will get much more out of it that way, so think about that which you really can't put a price on.
