golden circle river cruises

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Grand Circle Cruise Line

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Grand Circle Cruise Line fleet

• MV Arethusa
• MV Corinthian
• MS River Adagio
• MS River Chanson
• MS River Aria
• MS River Harmony
• MS River Rhapsody
• MS River Allegro

Review of Grand Circle Cruise Line

One of the industry's  small cruise companies , GCCL-Grand Circle Cruise Line (gct.com) was established in 1958 as a travel company serving the American Association of Retired People (AARP). Since then, Grand Circle has expanded as an independent cruise company offering meaningful experiences for the "over-50's". Today GCCL offers a full range of cruise tours and land tour programs. The company's main business is discounted, extended-stay travel vacation programs in Europe, most occurring during winter in the south of Spain. Grand Circle also provides escorted tours all around the world, with a strong emphasis on enrichment.

In 1985 the company was acquired by Alan and Harriet Lewis. They took operations to higher levels by building on the company's original base and expanding the destinations and offerings available. A continuing feature has been the right decision to avoid public advertising, focusing on referrals, past guests and direct requests for information. The Program Directors of the company started out as resident hosts, lecturers, and guides and developed over the years into hallmark service for the Grand Circle company. With each new program and destination, regional offices were opened across the globe, providing support and monitoring operations in an area. The new options often came at request or suggestion of past passengers, who form sort of an "alumni" association. 

Starting in 1997, the company began promoting European river sailings on partially or fully chartered ships to its clientele. Due to the enthusiastic response, Grand Circle tried to ensure both excellent qualities of the product and control of the operations by deciding to have its own ships built - River Symphony was the first one in 1998, followed by a series of constantly improved ships over the years in various regions of the Mediterranean, Europe, Russia, and Egypt. Grand Circle also runs chartered operations in Antarctica, Europe, Panama, China, and Burma, under both the Overseas Adventure and Grand Circle brands.

Along with the current operations, mention should be made of company's sense of commitment to responsible tourism in the regions where it operates. During the last 20 years, the Grand Circle Foundation has committed more than US$92 million to advance education and preserving cultural traditions. In Egypt's Valley of the Kings, Grand Circle has funded the construction of shade/information pavilions to make the travel experience more worthwhile. The Foundation also supports around 100 schools in 30 different countries. 

Grand Circle Cruise Experience

Grand Circle Cruise Line offers a full range of small-ship cruises for the over-50 set. 

As with all Grand Circle Cruise Line's programs, company's passengers are over 50, in some cases even much more so. The line doesn't market to families and doesn't accept kids as passengers. Its guests are generally well traveled, with large percentage repeat passengers and members of their Inner Circle loyalty program, an organization for those who have made 3 or more trips with the line. The majority of passengers are married couples, though clusters of friends sailing together and singles are not unusual. Given Grand Circle's focus on learning experiences, most of the company's guests are open-minded and curious, eager to try new things.

Since Grand Circle is an American cruise line and generally does whole-ship trips, the language of the day at all times is the English. The crews, and most especially the company's Program Directors, are at the very least conversationally fluent. Most of Grand Circle passengers are Americans or American-connected.

While the ships of the line are designed for the regions in which they operate, they are as much about comfort as a destination. All cabins are well-appointed and quite spacious. On the ships operating in Western Europe, the upper-deck staterooms have true balconies, while the lower decks feature large windows. Generally, Grand Circle's Europe-based ships have twin beds only. Shipboard bathrooms are excellently fitted out, and rooms are kept spotless. CNN, movies, alternative music, and language channels are available, along with line's onboard info channel.

Dining is also professionally handled. Depending on the ship, there is a mix of a buffet (breakfast and lunch) and served (dinner). Though menu options vary, regional and local specialties are always included. Specialty evenings are also offered - for example, an Egyptian buffet - depending on the itinerary.

General entertainment is casual and low-key. Nobody goes on a cruise by Grand Circle for bingo or karaoke, though both may be offered. Sometimes there may be a costume night, black-and-white dress evening, or passenger talent show. 

The real focus of any voyage by Grand Circle Cruise Line is the chance to experience other histories, traditions, cultures, and people. Through excursions ashore and onboard lectures, meals and talks with local people, demonstrations by or visits with local artisans, passengers truly have the chance to expand their understanding and knowledge of other places. 

Itinerary of Grand Circle Cruise Line

Currently, Grand Circle Cruise Line's fleet includes the following vessels:

• MV Clio (Tere Moana)
• MV Athena (currently CMV Astoria - CMV charter)
• MV Artania (Phoenix Reisen charter)
• MS Provence barge
• MS River Anuket

Note: You can see the CruiseMapper's list of all river cruise ships and riverboats in the "itinerary" section of our River Cruises hub. All river passenger shipping line companies and their fleets are listed there.

Grand Circle cruises to Cuba

Grand Circle Cruise Line offers Cuba cruises on the MV Clio ship (former Tere Moana). The itineraries are 11-nights in length, leaving one-way from Miami Florida to Havana , or the reverse from Havana to Miami. The sailing part is 7 days, visiting the Cuban ports of call Caibarien, Cienfuegos, Matanzas, Remedios, Santiago de Cuba, Trinidad. Passengers will disembark in port Cienfuegos and will be transported overland to the capital Havana (with included 3-night hotel stay there). Then cruise passengers fly back to the USA. The reverse 11-night itinerary starts in Havana and ends in Miami.

• Grand Circle Cruise Line's Cuba cruise prices start at USD 6,800 pp. fares are inclusive of visas, accommodations, meals, guided land tours, gratuities, port fees, airfare (Miami-Havana, or Havana-Miami), also of airport transfers in Miami.
• The 89-passenger MV Clio (formerly known as Tere Moana) was acquired in 2015 from Paul Gauguin Cruises. Grand Circle invested over USD 5 million in the following refurbishment. The vessel entered into service in May 2016.

The list of passenger shipping lines offering cruises to Cuba included:

• Carnival Paradise leaving from Tampa Florida - cheapest prices (from USD 480 pp)
• Royal Caribbean (ship Empress of the Seas , leaving from Miami Florida)
• Holland America (ship Veendam ) leaving from Fort Lauderdale since December 2017
• MSC Cruises (ship MSC Opera , leaving from Havana)
• Oceania Cruises (ships Marina and Regatta ) starting in 2017, Cuba circumnavigation, stops in Cienfuegos and Havana, also part of some Panama Canal transition itineraries.
• NCL (ship Norwegian Sky , 4-day itineraries with Havana overnights - starting May 2017
• Azamara Cruises (ship on Azamara Quest from Miami)
• Thomson UK / Marella Cruises (ship Marella Dream ) 7-day, leaving roundtrip from Jamaica (Montego Bay) to Havana
• Ponant Cruises (superyacht Le Ponant , leaving from Miami Florida)
• Pearl Seas Cruises (ship Pearl Mist , leaving from Fort Lauderdale Florida)
• Lindblad Expeditions (chartered sailing ship MS Panorama II, leaving from Havana)
• Celestyal Cruises (ship Celestyal Crystal , leaving from Havana and Montego Bay Jamaica)
• International Expeditions (leaving from Havana, charter flights out of Miami)
• Victory Cruise Lines - MS Victory I - fly-cruises from Miami to Havana (home-port Cienfuegos /departures)

Note: According to the current Cuban law, US citizens of Cuban origin (born in Cuba) are not allowed to visit the island country (including on cruise ships). Regardless of their US citizenship status, Cuban-born Americans were denied booking on cruise itineraries visiting ports in Cuba. However, the situation changed in April 2016, after Carnival Corporation negotiated with the Cuban government for allowing ships with Cuban-born passengers, as such US citizens are allowed to visit the country on USA-Cuba charter flights. The Carnival-fathom line started Miami to Cuba cruises in May 2016.

Alaska Airlines offers regular nonstop flights to Havana from Los Angeles (California USA). An 80-min ling JetBlue flight from Fort Lauderdale (Florida) to Havana costs less than USD 100. Previously, air travel from the USA to Cuba was thought charter flights only.

The Great Rivers of Europe

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• Unpack just once, journey 948 miles through three countries, and enjoy an abundance of included features—from all meals to 11 guided tours, and more—on our #1 River Cruise for more than a decade
• Cruise aboard our award-winning 140- to 164-passenger ships with a dedicated English-speaking crew
• Experience this European itinerary, and uncover a local and American perspective in destinations like Nuremberg’s Room 600
• Explore with an expert, local Program Director—a native or resident of Europe—who will be dedicated to your group of no more than 47 from the start to the end of your trip

What's this trip about?

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Travel themes.

• National Parks
• Nature & Wildlife
• Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

• Netherlands

Attractions

• Historic sightseeing

Trip includes

• Accommodations: 14 nights aboard a private Grand Circle river ship in an outside cabin
• ALL meals, including Captain's Welcome and Farewell receptions and dinners: 14 breakfasts, 14 lunches, and 14 dinners (and beverages—including beer, wine, and soft drinks—during all onboard lunches and dinners)
• 11 exclusive, included tours with personal headsets: Amsterdam • Cologne • Koblenz • Heidelberg • Wertheim • Wurzburg • Bamberg • Nuremberg • Regensburg • Passau • Vienna
• Exclusive Discovery Series events: Glassblowing demonstration • Home-Hosted Kaffeeklatsch • Rhine-Main-Danube Canal discussion and transit
• Airport transfers upon arrival and departure with the purchase of Grand Circle's airfare
• All port charges—a value of $165 per person
• Gratuities for local guides and motorcoach drivers on your main trip
• Baggage handling for 1 piece of luggage per person, including tips
• 5% Frequent Traveler Credit on your next Grand Circle trip—an average of $315

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Accessible Germany River Cruise

Germany, Czech Republic, Austria & Hungary in 11 days - Capitals of Central Europe - SUPERIOR BY BUS

Depart today on your flight to Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Please refer to your individual air itinerary for exact departure and arrival times.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Private Grand Circle River Ship

Arrive today in Amsterdam. You are met at the airport by a Grand Circle representative and transferred to the pier to board your river ship.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, your ship will continue sailing toward Germany.

As you cruise, enjoy an onboard glassblowing demonstration, an exclusive Discovery Series event and fitting introduction to your next port of call: Wertheim.

Early this morning, your ship will set off from Wertheim as your European River Cruise continues.

Spend the day on the water as we cruise the Main River and sail into Schweinfurt this afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, you'll disembark the ship, and you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight home. Or, you may opt to begin your post-trip extension in Vienna, Austria or Prague, Czech Republic.

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:.

• You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
• Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics

Dates & Availability

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Grand Circle Cruise Line .

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Grand Circle Cruise Line Reviews & Ratings

Other grand circle cruise line reviews, company has gone downhill.

I am a 12 time traveler with Grand Circle and OAT. But maybe no more. They are impossible to reach by phone without waiting for hours. I even tired their emergenc...

Constance B.

A great trip, we really

A great trip, we really enjoyed it a lot.

Considered the Best of the Best!,,,,

The Places covered by the trip were full of historical facts worthy of remembering till the last days of our lives!,,,, Our Travel Director, RENE BAUER , is super kn...

See all Other Grand Circle Cruise Line reviews

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Tour operator, grand circle cruise line.

Grand Circle Small Ship Cruises serves both our Grand Circle Travel and Overseas Adventure Tour (OAT) brands with an award-winning fleet known for exceptional value and high-quality experiences in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. Custom-designed according to our travelers’ specifications, our fleet includes 50+ small river and ocean-going ships that we own or privately charter.

Grand Circle Foundation

Grand Circle Foundation was established in 1992 as a means to give back to the world that had already given us so much. Since its inception, our Foundation has donated or pledged more than $50 million to educational, humanitarian, and cultural organizations worldwide.

Grand Circle Travel—Worldwide Discovery by Land & by Ship

Traveling with Grand Circle is about more than sightseeing. It’s about immersing yourself in other cultures, sharing the warm camaraderie of like-minded American travelers, and feeling comfortable, safe, and well-cared for every step of the way. It’s not simply a destination you’ll find, but a profound awareness of the life-changing joy of cultural connections, and we’ve been creating those connections for more than 50 years.

Explore by land

Travel by Ship

Meet cogenial, like-minded friends

Our Program Director's share an insider's perspective

Meet local people where they live, work and play

Travel safe, confident, and carefree

Traveling for change: One village, one leader, one life at a time

Travel with the Leader in Worldwide Learning & Discovery

Bring your travel dreams to life: witness the breathtaking expanse of China from atop the Great Wall … visit centuries-old windmills in Holland, and meet those who call the iconic structures home … ride a donkey to the top of ancient isles in Santorini, Greece... Visions like these are everyday realities for Grand Circle travelers, thanks to the principles that ground every one of our vacations: value, choice, discovery, and careful pacing.

Our VALUE puts your travel dreams within reach

Grand Circle can help you realize your travel dreams for a lot less than you ever thought possible. That’s because each of our Small Ship Cruise Tours, River Cruise's, and Land Tours includes full-service accommodations, included tours, exclusive Discovery Series events, and so much more. And, because we work with our regional offices located throughout the world, we’ve been able to establish long-term relationships with many local vendors and hotels. Buying direct brings down our costs—and allows us to pass the savings on to you. And negotiating directly for hotel space also allows us to secure as many single room allotments as possible for our solo travelers. That way, we can also extend our great value to  solo travelers , too! In fact, we offer the best value and benefits for solo travelers, guaranteed.

The CHOICE is yours

You’ll always have plenty of choices with Grand Circle. We offer you a breadth of awe-inspiring travel destinations—from Europe’s great, culture-laden capitals and the lush vineyards of French and German wine regions, to the scenic natural beauty of Chile's Lakes District and Australia's Great Barrier Reef. You’ll also enjoy more optional trip extensions—such as excursions to Phnom Penh & Angkor Wat, Cambodia or Prague, Czech Republic—enabling you to enhance your regional discovery and maximize the value of your already included airfare. You have plenty of choices within each vacation, too, enabling you to follow your own pace and tailor your experience to your own interests with our optional tours. And the free time we’ve woven into our itineraries gives you the opportunity for independent exploration. You can shop, linger at a sidewalk cafe, visit an art gallery or museum, or perhaps explore a cobbled street that caught your eye earlier in the day. You can do as much or as little as you want on Grand Circle vacation—the choice is yours.

DISCOVERIES that enrich and inspire

Wherever you travel with Grand Circle, you can always count on us to provide a rewarding, discovery-rich experience. With regional offices around the globe, we maintain a strong local presence in all the regions you’ll visit. Being a part of local communities means we offer the most illuminating cultural encounters and widest array of learning activities that reflect your destination. Participate in a discussion about life under communism in Eastern Europe. Try your hand at painting in Impressionism’s homeland. All these experiences, and others, have been designed to offer you a deeper understanding of the places you’ll visit—even as you have fun in the process. And because we know you’ll want to experience local life through the people who call your destination home, we’ve arranged for you to meet them where they live, work, and play. From Home-Hosted meals with local families and demonstrations by regional artisans, to touring a family-run winery or visiting a local school, we make sure you enjoy firsthand perspectives on everyday life, while forming connections you’ll never forget.

Well PACED—with an emphasis on comfort

Travel shouldn’t feel like a race from one site to the next. We know that you enjoy both visiting memorable locales and the chance to enjoy them at your own pace. We’ve planned itineraries that blend regional discovery with “down time,” during which you can explore as little or as much as you like—at your leisure. With well-located accommodations on land and conveniently situated docks for our small ships, you’ll be poised for discoveries of all kinds. While walking is our signature mode—allowing access to many of the most unmissable sites, we always balance any lengthy walking tours with plenty of time to refresh and rejuvenate. Plus, you can always rest assured that your safety and comfort are our top priority, with a resident Program Director along, and our local staff in a regional office nearby.

It's included with Grand Circle ...

• Choose to purchase Grand Circle's airfare, and your airport transfers and government taxes, fees, and airline fuel surcharges are included. Or, make your own air arrangements
• The services of expert, resident Program Directors who speak fluent English, as well as the native language
• Accommodations at comfortable hotels and on private, Grand Circle-owned or chartered vessels
• Most meals, including all meals during the cruise portions of our Grand Circle Cruise Line vacations
• Guided sightseeing tours
• Personal headsets on included and optional tours
• Exclusive Discovery Series events
• All internal transportation

Now included for 2016

• Gratuities for local guides and motorcoach drivers on all Grand Circle main trips, most optional tours, and most optional pre- and post-trip extensions
• Beverages during lunch and dinner onboard Grand Circle Cruise Line ships, including beer, wine, and soft drinks
• All port charges—a value of up to $250 per person

Associations

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip, travel confidently, what's excluded.

• Internation airfare
• Personal expenses
• Passport and visa fees

Cancellation Charges for River Cruises and Small Ships:

Prior to departure and charges

121 days or more is 10% of selling price or $300—whichever is greater

120-90 days is $300

89-60 days is 40% of selling price

59-30 days is 65% of selling price

29 days–departure is 100% of selling price

14 Breakfasts, 14 Lunches, and 14 Dinners

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Tour Companies

Things to do, itineraries.

4-Star Russian River Cruise - St. Petersburg - Golden Ring - Moscow - 11 Days (CR-46)

• International flights
• Accommodation
• Full board meals
• English – speaking guides
• Guided tours & entrance fees
• Evening entertainment
• Airport transfers
• Visas: checking service
• Personal travel insurance
• Optional excursions
• Theatre and circus tickets
• Sample daily programme
• River cruises: practicalities
• Download cruise schedule
• FAQ: travelling in Russia
• FAQ: river cruises
• Russian visa procedure
• Book with Confidence - Covid FAQs

Note on pricing:

• All prices are per person, in British Pounds. All included services are listed in the tour dossier and the section "Included" in the tour description.
• Price "Including flight" is subject to airfare availability and will be reconfirmed upon your booking. We advise not to delay with booking your tour as airfares may go up.
• Price "Excluding flight" does not cover airfare, you are free to book your own flights.
• Single supplement goes towards single room (cabin for cruises) accommodation.
• Discouns for children .

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Discover the Wonders of Iceland’s Golden Circle

Embark on a captivating journey through Iceland's Golden Circle, where you'll witness roaring waterfalls, bursting geysers, and landscapes that have inspired countless legends. A true treasure of the North Atlantic, the Golden Circle showcases some of Iceland's most iconic and enchanting attractions. Learn more about the Golden Circle below and find out how you can tour this spectacular destination on a  European cruise with Holland America Line.

What is the Golden Circle?

The Golden Circle is a renowned tourist circuit in southwest Iceland, where history, geology, and natural beauty collide. This 190-mile (300-kilometer) route consists of three primary stops: Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall. Each destination offers its own unique charm, making the Golden Circle an unforgettable experience.

Golden Circle attractions 

The wonders of the Golden Circle include the historic Thingvellir National Park, the vibrant Geysir Geothermal Area, and the mighty Gullfoss Waterfall. Let's explore these remarkable points of interest.

Thingvellir National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Thingvellir National Park is steeped in history and geological splendor. The park is home to the Althing, the site of Iceland's first parliament dating back to 930 AD. It also straddles the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, offering visitors the rare opportunity to walk between two continents.

Geysir Geothermal Area

A geothermal hotspot, Geysir Geothermal Area features the famous Strokkur geyser that erupts every 4-10 minutes, spouting water 49-66 feet (15-20 meters) in the air—sometimes up to 130 feet (40 meters)! This natural phenomenon, along with fumaroles and hot springs, provides a mesmerizing insight into the earth's powerful forces.

Gullfoss Waterfall

Gullfoss, which translates to "Golden Falls," is an awe-inspiring sight. This two-tiered waterfall cascades into a rugged canyon, creating a thunderous roar and a mist that often generates rainbows, adding to its majestic charm.

When is the best time to visit the Golden Circle?

Although you can tour the Golden Circle year-round, the best time to visit is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is milder, and Iceland's days are the longest. This season offers ideal conditions for exploring the magnificent landscapes and soaking up the vibrant colors of the Icelandic countryside.

How do you get to the Golden Circle?

Visitors can get to the Golden Circle by renting a car or joining a guided tour. Thingvellir National Park, typically the first stop on a Golden Circle tour, is located just an hour's drive from Reykjavik . On a Golden Circle shore excursion with Holland America Line, we’ll take care of the logistics and transportation details. All you need to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. 

Golden Circle Tours

Holland America Line's Golden Circle shore excursions provide guests with an immersive, unforgettable experience. Each of our carefully curated excursions showcases the best of this enchanting region.

Best Of The Golden Circle: Thingvellir, Waterfalls & Geysirs

Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Thingvellir National Park, marvel at Gullfoss Waterfall, and witness the power of the Strokkur geyser on this unforgettable adventure.

Best Of The Golden Circle By Private Accessible Van

Discover the Golden Circle in comfort and style with our accessible van tour, designed to accommodate mobility needs while still providing an immersive experience.

Best Of The Golden Circle: Evening Edition

Experience the magic of Iceland's Golden Circle under the enchanting light of the midnight sun, offering a unique perspective on this extraordinary natural wonderland.

Embrace the allure of Iceland's Golden Circle and let Holland America Line guide you on an unforgettable journey. Learn more about our Iceland shore excursions and book your dream cruise today.

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• Iceland and Greenland

Golden Circle from Reykjavik

By cinnam0n , February 28 in Iceland and Greenland

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Doing an Iceland/Scotland cruise in August - this will be our first time in this part of the world.  Normally, we're not ones to do "touristy" things when on shore during a cruise, and rarely take the cruiseline excursions.  I typically do lots of research and we've done some really interesting things over the years. We will be in Reykjavik for one day only (7am-5pm), and a Golden Circle tour seems to be "the" tour to experience the best of Iceland.  Obviously there are tons of companies doing the tour, and they all seem very similar.  So, for you who have visited Iceland, is this what you would recommend?

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We are going to Iceland end of May, and I reserved us a tour from NICE TRAVEL. Been reading on the forum, that they are good and they do a small group tour.

Those tours look awesome - I hadn't looked at that company. However, I'm not seeing any time frames that will fit. We're in port from 7-5.I would for sure rather have a small group.

Troll is regularly recommended on TripAdvisor.

edinburgher

On 2/28/2024 at 1:29 AM, cinnam0n said: Obviously there are tons of companies doing the tour, and they all seem very similar.  So, for you who have visited Iceland, is this what you would recommend?

Absolutely. 😀

On 2/27/2024 at 8:29 PM, cinnam0n said: We will be in Reykjavik for one day only (7am-5pm), and a Golden Circle tour seems to be "the" tour to experience the best of Iceland

Of course, you won't get " the best of Iceland" in a single day, but that tour will include some major highlights and it will be an interesting and good way to spend that day; it's what I would do if I were in port for just that day.  (The South Coast tour from Reykjavik is awesome and stunningly beautiful, but I don't think you really have time for that.) 

Check these folks out for private tours:

https://geoiceland.is/

https://sagatravel.is/

(read reviews here on CC as well as Trip Advisor.  Pay attention to post-pandemic reviews, as these terrific companies I believe reorganized during/after the pandemic.) 

On 3/9/2024 at 4:24 PM, Turtles06 said:   Of course, you won't get " the best of Iceland" in a single day, but that tour will include some major highlights and it will be an interesting and good way to spend that day; it's what I would do if I were in port for just that day.  (The South Coast tour from Reykjavik is awesome and stunningly beautiful, but I don't think you really have time for that.)    Check these folks out for private tours: https://geoiceland.is/   https://sagatravel.is/   (read reviews here on CC as well as Trip Advisor.  Pay attention to post-pandemic reviews, as these terrific companies I believe reorganized during/after the pandemic.) 

No, we're only in Reykjavik until 5 pm, so that limits the options.  We booked with Iceland Everywhere. 

Trying to make the most of the 4 days we have in Reykjavik before our ship sails...We arrive at KEF about 8:30am and I do have a rental car arranged for the 4 days. My original thinking was to do the shorter South Shore loop on day way because we are flying overnight and then do the Golden Circle the next day and save the town touring for the next 2 days since we have to check in at the ship on Day 3 and then be back to drop the car and get back to the ship by 2pm on Day 4.  Then I read about Glacier Lake....and I really want to go up there so is is reasonable, doable to  start the Golden Circle on Day 1, do an overnight out towards the end of it and then combine Glacier Lake and the rest of the Golden Circle on Day 2 and just do one hotel night in Reykjavik?  Night 3 we are on the ship.  Not thinking about ice caves or glacier hikes, those days are pretty much gone but a chance to do a boat tour up there appeals to me.

Has anyone used Prime Tours in Reykjavik? We are thinking of using them for a private tour of the Golden Circle

Tours are great for those who love tours.  Of course there are differences between large group tour (such as what is sold by cruise lines) and small group tours booked privately.  Our own preference, when it comes to the Golden Circle, has been to simply rent a car and drive it on our own.  Why?  It allows us to go where we want, stay as long or as short as we please, eat where want, etc.  Since we also have driven to many of the same places flooded by large bus tours, we do often listen-in on the explanations rendered by the professional tour guides (who often have different things to say about the same sites).

I will say that driving the Golden Circle is quite easy given the decent signage and use of GPS (on our phones).  Like most DIY driving trips the biggest advantage is not having to wait on others to go to the rest facilities, finish their shopping, their meal, etc.  

We really enjoyed our Golden Circle tour.  I agree with Hlitner that self driving is easy in Iceland, but we learned SO MUCH from our tour guide, that we found the price more than worth it.  Having a driver (it was a minivan tour, just a few bucks more expensive than a full sized bus) take us around on our first day in Iceland and hearing him talk about the country as a whole and the history involved with the Golden Circle really turned it from a great day to a memorable one, that has led to us returning to Iceland again and again.

We self drive now, but we always take at least one tour to learn more and to be able to ask questions and meet more people.

On 3/18/2024 at 10:46 AM, Nitemare said: We really enjoyed our Golden Circle tour.  I agree with Hlitner that self driving is easy in Iceland, but we learned SO MUCH from our tour guide, that we found the price more than worth it.  Having a driver (it was a minivan tour, just a few bucks more expensive than a full sized bus) take us around on our first day in Iceland and hearing him talk about the country as a whole and the history involved with the Golden Circle really turned it from a great day to a memorable one, that has led to us returning to Iceland again and again.   We self drive now, but we always take at least one tour to learn more and to be able to ask questions and meet more people.

Would you please tell us which company you used for your minivan tour? Thinking of doing the same.

Thanks in advance,

17 hours ago, scolyer said: Would you please tell us which company you used for your minivan tour? Thinking of doing the same. Thanks in advance, Sue 

It was enough years ago that I won't mention them as they may no longer be as good as they once were.  If you visit the Iceland forum at Tripadvisor, you will see the same few agencies recommended over and over again

Thanks we often use TripAdvisor and have had mostly good experiences with the companies that they promote.   Will check them out for Iceland.

Happy Thursday 🙂

On 3/21/2024 at 9:00 AM, scolyer said: Thanks we often use TripAdvisor and have had mostly good experiences with the companies that they promote.   Will check them out for Iceland.   Happy Thursday 🙂    

Don't go by who they promote, those are just ads, and don't book thru them as they are a third party.  Use the Iceland Forum where travelers discuss touring options and book directly with a local provider

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