Iceland's Golden Circle

Gullfoss Waterfall

Iceland has only been accessible for large-scale tourism since 2010, ironically following the Eyjafjallajökull volcanic eruption that halted air travel across much of Europe. Despite being just a two and a half hour flight from Scotland (three and a half from more southern parts of the UK), it isn't swamped with tourists. Perhaps it's due to the expense, since Iceland is among the most expensive destinations in Europe. Perhaps it's the weather, which can change suddenly and unpredictably. Perhaps it's that touring here requires you to be ready for pretty much anything.

However, if there's a destination that rewards the resilient and adventurous, it's Iceland, especially the Golden Circle. You'll find the extraordinary, almost other-worldly beauty of Thingvellir National Park, the raw power of Gullfoss Waterfall, the incredible natural spectacle of geysirs shooting boiling water skyward, and the chance to descend into Kerid crater to see how nature has transformed it into a lovely lake.

All this is experienced while traveling through wind, rain, and occasional sunshine, in landscapes reminiscent of fantasy movies and TV shows like 'Game of Thrones'—and rightly so, as they were filmed here.

If you've ever wanted to tour an ancient lava field, observe the fault line where Europe and America are gradually drifting apart, or delve into Iceland's uniquely distinct culture, this tour is definitely for you.

Thingvellir National Park

How to get there

Both EasyJet and IcelandAir offer flights from Scotland to Keflavik. British Airways offers flights from London Heathrow; EasyJet from Manchester. For other places, we recommend checking Kayak and Skyscanner.

Transfers from Keflavik Airport are expensive, but can be booked online through FlyBus and Grayline. Local bus company Straeto also provides a bus, with one change, to Reykjavik which is cheaper, but much less regular. Although it is possible to self-drive the Golden Circle, driving conditions in Iceland are unique, so we recommend taking a tour.

Strokkur Geyser

How we did it

Flights: EasyJet from Glasgow to Keflavik.

Hotel: Center Hotels Klopp

Transport: We booked a tour through Viator

Location: Thingvellir National Park - https://w3w.co/immune.pushed.shabbier

Gullfoss Waterfall - https://w3w.co/hunch.knowhow.herald

Kerid Volcano - https://w3w.co/constructive.retinas.actor

Kerid Crater

Our top tips

• Take a warm, waterproof jacket, waterproof walking shoes and layer your clothes. The weather will change a lot in Iceland - be prepared for it.

• Tours invariably start from Reykjavik. We recommend basing yourself there rather than staying closer to the Golden Circle, even if accommodation is likely to be more expensive.

• Tours are likely to move fast. You are likely not going to stop anywhere long enough to eat a sit-down meal. Bring your own snacks from supermarkets such as Bonus in Reykjavik.