The Golden Circle is the day trip almost everyone does from Reykjavík, and for good reason. Rift valley, spouting hot spring, huge waterfall, all within reach of the capital. BusTravel Iceland's version adds a fourth stop, Kerið volcanic crater, under their motto "More nature, more fun".

What you'll see on the Grand Golden Circle tour

• Þingvellir National Park, where Iceland's old parliament met and the continental plates pull apart
• The geothermal area at Geysir, home of the active hot spring Strokkur
• Gullfoss, the golden waterfall
• Kerið volcanic crater, with the entrance fee included

One important catch: Kerið is only visited on the earlier departures. On the 12:00 departure and later ones, the tour skips Kerið. If the crater is part of why you're booking, choose a morning departure.

Good to know before you go

The tour lasts about eight and a half hours, so it's a full day. There's time for lunch in the Geysir area, but food and drinks aren't included, so bring money or a packed lunch. Pickup and drop-off aren't included either; check your booking details for where the tour starts.

Your professional guide handles the driving commentary and the history between stops, and there's free WiFi on board for sending those waterfall photos home. Tickets are e-tickets, so no need to print anything.

It's rated easy, with short walks at each stop. Iceland's weather can change several times in a day on this route, so warm, water- and windproof clothing is always useful, especially at Gullfoss, where the spray carries.

What's included

• Professional guide
• Entrance fee to Kerið crater (earlier departures only)
• Free WiFi

Pro tip: grab a spot on the bus early and keep a waterproof layer in your daypack rather than your suitcase. You'll want it at Gullfoss even on a dry day.