Iceland's quintessential day trip from Reykjavík…is the Golden Circle route. It’s a great way to venture through Iceland’s natural wonders at their best. Today, the weather’s great and we’re setting off on this classic 150-mile loop.

Within minutes we’re immersed in Iceland’s iconic wide-open spaces and enjoying the dramatic scenery of this island’s natural wonders.

Today we’ll see gorges, waterfalls, geysers, and more…with epic views all along the way. By the way, most people do this as a day-trip on a tour bus. But we’re driving.

Our first stop is Þingvellir. This national park is important to Icelanders for two reasons.

First, at this gorge, you can see the rift that marks that slow separation of tectonic plates. Walking along this fissure in the earth’s crust, travelers sense this meeting of two continents: America on the left, Europe on the right.

And second, Þingvellir — which means “Assembly Plains” — was the site of the original Alþing, an annual gathering of early settlers.

This is where the nation of Iceland was born. A thousand years ago, chieftains from isolated farms all over the island traveled great distances to meet right here every summer and make important decisions. In an age when almost no one could read or write, each meeting began by reciting the memorized highlights from last year’s gathering.

History aside, Þingvellir is inviting for a nature walk. In this evocative spot, waterfalls tumble and the river flows as geology does its slow-motion dance.

Just up the road is a geological site actually called Geysir. This geothermal field — colorful and steamy with scalding water — is home to the original geyser, which means “gusher” in Icelandic.

The site is otherworldly as pools bubble and steam fills the air, all with a whiff of sulfur. But the big show is the central geyser. Tourists line up, cameras poised with antici…pation, ready to capture the moment. They wait…and wait…and wait. Sometimes they wait so long the weather actually improves. And then, suddenly, with a gurgling belch the geyser explodes, rocketing skyward and thrilling the crowd.

As you drive the Golden Circle, remember to slow down and enjoy the scenery. And it’s not just about the famous natural sights. Along the way, you’ll see slices of Iceland’s unique agriculture.

With its efficient greenhouses, even with a lack of good topsoil and its difficult weather, Iceland grows plenty of tasty vegetables. The climate is harsh for conventional farming. But its expertise in greenhouse technology, and in putting geothermal energy to good use, yields an abundant harvest.

For lunch, we’re stopping at a working farm. It’s clear that frugal farmers here are tapping into the tourist boom. This family now serves hungry sightseers. The soup bar is a budget standby: It’s all you can slurp with fresh-baked bread and a glass of water and a cup of coffee. And you can finish with a farm-fresh dessert with a special twist: The cows actually watch the diners enjoying ice cream made from their very own milk.

For generations this family has raised horses. Horse lovers know that Iceland’s local breed is special. Small and sturdy, these were first brought over by Vikings in the Settlement Age — a thousand years ago — chosen because they could fit inside the hold of a ship, yet they were strong enough to work hard once they arrived.

Throughout the country you’ll see these wind-blown beauties. A long-established ban on importing other breeds means that today’s Icelandic horses are purebred and unique. They also have a distinctive gait that thrills equestrians.

The final stop on our Golden Circle loop is one of the most impressive waterfalls in a country famed for waterfalls: Gullfoss — the Golden Falls.

The churning glacial river plummets into a narrow gorge. Up close the cauldron comes with a deafening roar. And even from high above, visitors feel the spray, wonderstruck. Gullfoss is one of those places Iceland specializes in: where you feel the raw power of nature. It’s the perfect climax to a Golden Circle day.

This remote island — with its mighty nature, tiny population, and gritty love of life — brings out the explorer in all of us. And I’m inspired by both its wild beauty and its people. I hope you’ve enjoyed our look at Iceland: its capital city and its Golden Circle. Until next time, I’m Rick Steves. Keep on travelin’!