2 days Private tour: Golden circle and South coast

Exploring Iceland in just two days sounds ambitious, but this private tour from Red Planet Adventure makes it possible—delivering a well-balanced taste of the country’s most iconic sights. Designed for small groups of up to four, the experience promises intimacy, flexibility, and personalized attention, letting you savor each stop at your own pace. Whether you’re a first-time visitor eager to see the highlights or a seasoned traveler craving a more tailored journey, this tour offers a practical way to soak in Iceland’s natural beauty and cultural treasures.

What we particularly appreciate about this experience is how it combines two of Iceland’s most celebrated routes: the Golden Circle and the South Coast. The Golden Circle covers historic and geothermal marvels, while the South Coast offers stunning waterfalls, glaciers, and black sand beaches—all in one seamless, private package. The second big plus? The inclusion of local stops like a hot spring bakery and a tomato farm which add flavor (literally and figuratively) to the journey.

A potential consideration is that, with only two days, you’ll need to be okay with a packed schedule and early starts. Also, the tour is not suitable for children under 10 or those with mobility challenges, so it’s best for travelers prepared for some walking and uneven terrain.

This tour seems perfect for curious travelers who love a mix of natural wonders, cultural insights, and the comfort of a private guide. If you value the chance to customize your Iceland adventure and want to avoid the crowds, this could be just the ticket.

Key Points

• Exclusive Private Experience: Small group size (up to 4) ensures a personalized, flexible experience.
• Rich Itinerary: Combines the Golden Circle with South Coast highlights for a comprehensive Iceland overview.
• Cultural & Culinary Stops: Visit a historic national park, geothermal bakery, and a tomato farm for local flavors.
• Stunning Landscapes: Waterfalls, glaciers, and black sand beaches deliver iconic Icelandic scenery.
• Convenience & Comfort: All transportation, entrance fees, and pickup/drop-off included, simplifying logistics.
• Value for Money: While priced at $2,826, the personalized nature and all-inclusive touches offer good value for a private tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Itinerary and Highlights

Day 1: The Golden Circle

Our journey begins in the heart of Iceland’s history and geothermal activity. The first stop, Þingvellir National Park, is a place where geology and history meet. Standing between the plates of North American and Eurasian tectonic zones offers a tangible sense of the Earth’s restless nature. It’s also where the Vikings held their historic parliament, the Alþingi, over a thousand years ago. Here, you can imagine ancient figures debating laws while you enjoy sweeping views of rugged landscapes that tell stories of volcanic activity and continental drift.

Next, you visit a Hot Spring Bakery, a delightful example of Iceland’s sustainable energy use. Traditional rye bread is baked overnight in the earth’s natural heat, filling the air with an unmistakably earthy aroma. Sampling the warm, freshly baked bread adds a tactile, edible connection to Iceland’s geothermal power.

In the Geysir geothermal area, watching Strokkur erupt every few minutes, shooting boiling water up to 30 meters, is a highlight. The sight is both mesmerizing and slightly humorous—like nature’s own fireworks show. The Geysir area also offers insight into Iceland’s volcanic forces, which have shaped much of the landscape.

A visit to Gullfoss, the so-called Golden Falls, allows you to stand close enough to feel the force of water thundering down into a deep canyon. The sheer power of this waterfall is impressive, and its beauty is enhanced by rainbows on sunny days. This is a quintessential Icelandic sight, capturing the raw energy of nature.

The day concludes at Friðheimar Tomato Farm, where a lush greenhouse filled with tomato plants offers a glimpse into Icelandic sustainable farming. You’ll love tasting fresh tomatoes and learning how Icelanders grow produce in a climate that seems inhospitable for such crops.

Day 2: The South Coast

The second day is a visual feast of waterfalls and icy landscapes. First, you’ll walk behind the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which offers a unique perspective—you can stand behind the cascade and feel the mist on your face. Nearby, Skógafoss dazzles with its thunderous drop and the chance to see rainbows arching through the spray.

The glacier at Sólheimajökull offers a glimpse into ancient ice formations and volcanic activity beneath the surface. The scenic walk between volcanoes and glaciers is a highlight for many, providing striking contrasts of fire and ice.

The day’s climax is the legendary Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. The contrast of Reynisfjara’s dark sands, basalt sea stacks (the iconic Trolls Fingers), and crashing waves makes it one of Iceland’s most photogenic spots. If weather permits, a stop at Dyrhólaey Peninsula offers breathtaking views of the coastline, with its towering cliffs and puffins during the season.

Throughout the tour, the small group setting allows for relaxed exploration and plenty of opportunities for questions, photos, and personal discovery. The flexible schedule means you can linger longer at favorite sights or move swiftly through others.

Practical Aspects of the Tour

The transportation is comfortable, and since everything is included—entrance tickets, parking, and road fees—you won’t have to worry about hidden costs or logistics. The tour starts and ends with convenient pick-up and drop-off in Reykjavik, saving you the hassle of navigating Iceland’s roads alone.

With a total price of $2,826 for up to four people, the cost might seem steep at first glance. But considering the inclusive nature, private guide, and tailored experience, it’s quite competitive for a multi-day, private adventure. It’s especially appealing for travelers who prefer a more intimate setting, personalized itinerary, and the flexibility to explore at their own pace.

More Great Tours Nearby

What’s missing?

Food isn’t included, so packing snacks or planning meals is essential. Also, accommodations are not part of this package, which means you’ll need to arrange where to stay in Reykjavik beforehand. The tour isn’t suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues, given the walking involved and uneven terrain.

Authentic Guest Perspectives

Reviewers highlight how much they appreciated the combination of stunning views and local flavor. One mentioned, “We loved the way the tour balanced natural beauty with cultural sites like the tomato farm and Þingvellir.” Another added, “Seeing the geysers erupting every few minutes was breathtaking—and the small group made it feel like a private adventure.”

People also find value in the flexibility and the chance to avoid crowded tour buses. The private guide’s insights, combined with the chance to ask questions, make the experience more engaging and educational.

Final Thoughts

This 2-day private tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of Iceland’s most celebrated landscapes and cultural sites. Its personalized approach makes it ideal for travelers who want to avoid cookie-cutter group tours and seek a more tailored, immersive experience. The inclusion of stops like Friðheimar and the tomato farm adds a nice local touch, balancing natural wonders with Icelandic ingenuity.

While the price might seem high, the value lies in the small group intimacy, flexibility, and the chance to see a broad swath of Icelandic scenery without feeling rushed. If you’re looking for an efficient, comfortable, and authentic way to experience the highlights of Iceland’s Golden Circle and South Coast, this tour is a solid choice.

For those who prioritize stunning landscapes, cultural insights, and the comfort of a private guide, this tour delivers. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy natural beauty, engaging stories from guides, and the ability to customize their adventure in a country renowned for its breathtaking scenery.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not recommended for children under 10 due to the physical nature of some stops and walking involved.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers a professional private guide, comfortable transportation, entrance tickets, parking, and road fees. Food, accommodation, and personal expenses are not included.

How flexible is the schedule?
Since it’s a private tour, the schedule allows some flexibility. You can spend more time at spots you love or move quickly through others, within the day’s framework.

Can I book and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve your spot now and pay later, giving you flexibility to plan your trip without immediate financial commitment.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making this a low-risk choice if your plans might change.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, it’s not recommended for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users due to the walking involved and uneven terrain.

What should I bring?
Bring weather-appropriate clothing, sturdy shoes, snacks, and camera gear to capture the stunning sites. Food is not included, so plan accordingly.

To sum it up, this private two-day Iceland tour strikes a compelling balance between comfort, flexibility, and authentic encounters with Iceland’s most famous sights. It’s an excellent way for small groups to enjoy Iceland’s natural beauty, local flavors, and cultural highlights with a personal touch. If you’re after a memorable, well-organized adventure that offers both stunning scenery and insightful commentary, this experience is worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: