Europe:Iceland:Icelandic Riding Tours

Highlights of

Europe: Iceland: Icelandic Riding Adventures: Eldhestar

What:

5, 8 and 9 day horseback riding adventures await you on fabulous Icelandic Horses. Ride with an accompanying herd of horses switching mounts every few hours.

Dates and Rates:

Dates & Rates- 2009
Pearls of the North.World of Lake Mývatn: Tour 16
Difficulty: Strong intermediate riders
Duration: 8 days – 7 nights – 5 riding days – 210 km
Dates 2009: Departures: July 3, 20,Aug 3, 19
Rates: $1985 USE

2. Golden Highlights of the South: Tour 13
Difficulty: Strong intermediate riders
Duration: 9 days – 8nights – 7 riding days – 245 km: Strong intermediate riders
Departure Dates: July 28, August 4
Rates: $11860 US
Reservation code:Tour 14

3. Kjölur: Between the Glaciers: Tour 20
Difficulty: Strong intermediate riders
Duration: 8days – 7 nights – 6 riding days – 225 km
Departure Dates : June 20, 28, July 13, 21, Aug 8, 16.
Rates: $1980 US
Reservation code: IH - 20

4. Thorsmork: Tour 10
Difficulty: Strong Intermediate
Duration: 5 days-5 nights-4 riding days
Depature Dates: May 31, June 11, 21, july 4,27, Aug 15, 26, Sept 7, 16/
Rates: $1175 US
Reservation Code: 10

5: Krysuvik and Blue Lagoon: Tour 11
Difficulty: Stron Intermediate
Duration: 5 days-5 nights-4 riding days
Departure Dates: June 6, 15, and Aug 23.
Rates: $1075 US
Reservation code: 11

General Description: Tough long hours in saddle are eased by both the magnificent settings that Iceland’s wilderness offers and the magnificent Icelandic Horse and their smooth tolt(gait). Expect fast paced rides, some challenging terrains, delicious hot springs or hot tubs to soak weary bones in and the companionship of a large group of fellow adventurers from around the world. Sleeping bag accommodations refers to the fact that to ride the most exciting routes to remote destinations in an uncompromised manner sometimes means accommodations which are always indoor, require small community sleeping rooms where mattresses and sleeping bag welcome weary riders after a long days ride and a hearty meal. Most of the trips into these destinations require a willing adventurer who is looking for a rewarding riding experience. Our outfitter, certainly operates one of the largest and most successful horseback riding holidays in the world. There is a reason. Find out why a shared adventure on horseback builds a community.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Horsesense:

The Icelandic Horse stands pony size, Previous breeding attempts to create a larger horse did not create a better horse and were abandoned. They can easily carry over 200 pounds for long distances at an incredible pace. They are the product of a 1000’s of years of isolation, bred for a tough environment, normally living herd style in basically wide open unfenced fields in the winter. They are pictured as being terrifically cute – they do admittedly wash up good - but they are basically wild, well-trained trail horses that run with a gait, that can make an experienced rider who has never felt their gait, feel like heaven on horseback. Their short legged canters will make you smile, but it those long hard tolts that let you know you are moving. Flat Icelandic saddles are used, the learning curve for intermediate riders of Western or English takes less then a few minutes to produce rider if not horse comfort. I have sent properly warned, youngish novices, including my son and his buddies and they did just fine. All of the above tours are advised for intermediate riders due to the length of each riding day, and the terrains and mileage covered on horseback.

All rides are vehicle supported

Getting There:

Flights arrive into Keflavik Airport. Once you clear customs you will take your luggage to exit where there are low fare shuttle buses that will take you to BSI Station in Reykjvaik where you will be greeted by ride representatives.

Room and Board:

Accommodations on these tour involve sleeping bags. One night you are in remote mountain cabin itself an adventure, while the other nights are spent at holiday farms or guesthouses with an outdoor hot tub nearby. Two nights in a guesthouse with shared facilities in Reykjavík are included, one at the beginning and one at the end of this tour.” In short this is a truly shared adventure and fear not, the riding will make irrelevant the business of counting sheep to sleep.

Throughout your journey luggage will be moved for you, three meals appropriate for the setting and your hunger are served every day. The service is professional, courteous and multi-lingual.

Weather:

Temperatures will be surprisingly mild, even t-shirt weather during the day when the sun is out. Rain of short durations may be a frequent short companion of riders followed by sun, the pattern repeated over the course of a week. Of course you are riding in milder seasons, but even winter in Iceland, is surprisingly mild on the southern half of the island-country. Layered easy on-easy off clothing are the way to go on these tours

ITINERARY

1.Pearls of the North: Wonders of Lake Myvatn Tour 16

2. Golden Highlights of the South:Tour 13

3. Kjolur: Between the Glaciers: Tour 20

4. Thorsmork: Tour 10

5. Krysuvik and Blue Lagoon: Tour 11

II- DAY BY DAY SAMPLE TOUR ITINERARY:

Pearls of the North.World of Lake Mývatn: Tour 16 Difficulty: Strong intermediate riders Duration: 8 days – 7 nights – 5 riding days – 210 km Dates 2009: Departures: July 3, 20,Aug 3, 19 Rates: $1985 US This wonderfully diverse ride takes us through many of the green valleys of Northern Iceland. We pass lake Ljósavatn, the lake of the lights, and Godafoss, the waterfall of the gods. Through Báradalur Valley we ride alongside the magnificent Skjálfandafljót River and farther on the well-known pearl in Iceland; the Lake Mývatn area. We have the opportunity to explore this fascinating area with its unique variety of natural features and plentiful colours. We also show you Europe's most active volcanic region with all its beauty. Then the tour continues through the idyllic Laxá Valley and through an amazingly thick forest Fellskógur. From a distance Ullarfoss and Barnafoss waterfalls can be seen. The ride will circle back past Skuggabjörg, a picturesque landscape in the valley of the Fnjóská River.
Day1:	Day 1 - Arrival The tour members arrive at Keflavík Airport, Iceland. They take the bus from Keflavík to Reykjavík (BSÍ). They will be greeted by representatives of Eldhestar at 17.30 - 18.00, who will arrange further transportation to the airport in Reykjavik, there you will go onto a plane that leaves to the north. In the late afternoon transfer to Grytubakki farmhouse - dinner and overnight. You will be provided with details for the following days.
Day2:	Day 2 - Grýtubakki - Birkihlíð After breakfast we show our guests the famous waterfall of the Gods. According to the sagas Þorgeir of Ljósavatn threw his statues of the gods into the falls when Iceland converted to Christianity in the year 1000, hence the name. Then we drive to Fremstafell farmhouse, where we catch the horses and saddle up. We ride to the Bardardalur valley, follow the river Skjálfandafljót and stay overnight at Hotel Kiðagil.The river Skálfandafljót flows through the valley over the Bárðardalshraun lava field that probably came all over the way from Trölladyngja in Ódaðahraun north of Vatnajökull more than 7,000 years ago. Today we will be 5 - 6 hours in saddle.
Day3:	Day 3 - Birkihlíð - Kiðagil We leave Kiðagil, ride over the bridge at Stóruvellir to the other side of the valley and reach the old farmhouse of Stóratunga. Here we are very close to the entrance of Ódaðahraun, the enourmous lava field, believed to be the home of outlaws, elves and trolls in the old days. At Stórutunga we leave part of the horses and ride then on to the impressive waterfall Aldeyarfoss.Here we enjoy this wonderful natur paradise. Overnight at Stóratunga.We ride 5 hours.
Day4:	Day 4 - Kiðagil - Stöng Today we enjoy rides in the breathtaking surroundings of Stóratunga. In the morning we ride direction Northeast, alongside river Skjálfandafljót over to the old lava of Tunguhraun. We continue to Tunguhamri and south alongside river Svartá back to Stóratunga farmhouse. Here we have our lunch. In the afternoon we ride towards the highland and south river Suðurá to the area of Réttartorfur up to the waterfalls of Hrafnabjörg. We ride over lava and sand. In the morning we ride about 12km, in the afternoon about 16km. Destination of this day is farmhouse Stöng where we stay for two nights. A hot pool awaits us for relaxing! 5 1/2 hours in saddle.
Day 5 -	Day 5 - Stöng - Breiðimýri We say good bye to Stóratunga and ride over Landsmelar at Viðiker into the area of Myvatn. We ride over sandy hills and moorland. A tremendous view awaits us reaching the highest point. If we are lucky we might see the queen of the Icelandic mountains in a distance: Herdubreið. After dinner we have a look at the Perles of the North by bus: The pseudocraters of Skutustaðir, the bizarre lavaformation of Dimmuborgir and the bubbling mud pools of Námaskarð. 3 to 4 hours in saddle.
Day6:	Day 6 - Breiðimýri - Birkihlíð We leave Stöng first to the south close to the old farmhouse of Hörgsdalur and ride then along Myvatnsheiði to the valley of the smoke - Reykjadalur. Smooth tracks, adventurous tracks and a diversified landscape await us. Mountain Kinnarfjöll to the west side and mountain Gaesafjöll to the east side are visible if the weather allows it. We stay overnight at Breiðimyri, close to the little village Laugar.We ride 6 hours.
Day7:	Day 7 - Birkihlíð - Grýtubakki We ride along Vatnshlið a wooded way.There is a wonderful view over the valley Reykjadalur and the lake Vestmannsvatn. After the hill Fljótsheiði a terrific and diversified ride awaits us along the river Skjálfandafljót and through the forest Fellskógur. On the way the waterfalls Ullarfoss and Barnafoss are greeting us. We leave the horses at Fremstafell farm and drive home. Overnight at farmhouse Grytubakki.We are 6 hours in saddle.
Day 8:	Day 8 - Departure Tour members take their flight back home or to travel further to see more of the country. Tip: Ask your hotel or guesthouse about the possibilities to order the flybus that will take you to the airport, especially if you have an early flight. Please note: Depending on your flight back home you will be travelling back to Reykjavik on day 7 or day 8. Please let us know your flight schedual while booking this tour.
2. Golden Highlights of the South: Tour 13 Difficulty: Strong intermediate riders Duration: 9 days – 8nights – 7 riding days – 245 km: Strong intermediate riders Departure Dates: July 28, August 4 Rates: $11860 US Reservation code:Tour 14 This tour through varied nature takes us to the most popular attractions in the South of Iceland. We leave from Vellir and follow paths between lava and hills to the Valley of Horses. Through soft grass, we proceed to the beautiful and shimmering Lake Thingvallavatn. We visit the ancient site at the Thingvellir gorge, where Icelanders gathered from 930 to hold their parliament. We ride across the heather and continue to the hot springs at Geysir. We proceed to the fierce, giant waterfall Gullfoss with Langjökull glacier in the background. We cross lava fields to Thjórsá, Iceland's longest river and visit the Waterfall of the Thieves. We ride through an Icelandic forest to the still active volcano Hekla where we complete our tour riding alongside the volcano.
Day 1	Day 1: Arrival The tour members arrive at Keflavík Airport, Iceland. They take the bus from Keflavík to Reykjavík (BSÍ). They will be greeted by representatives of Eldhestar at 17.30 - 18.00, who will arrange further transportation to the farm Vellir in the neighborhood of Hveragerði. In Hveragerði the tour members will be lodged in guesthouses. The first evening we all have dinner together and Eldhestar provides details about the next few days.
Day 2	Day 2: Hveragerði - Kolviðarhóll From Hveragerði, in Ölfus municipality, we follow the old route to Hellisheiði. When we reach the moor we continue to the volcano Hengill along the lavafield Kristnitökuhraun. This lava came from the eruption of Hengill during the year 1000, the same year Iceland officially became Christian. The old folkstories say that the eruption was a revange of the old gods Thór, Óðinn and Freyr. We continue on the track between lava and hills "milli hrauns og hlíðar", down to Kolviðarhóll where people have stopped for a rest for hundreds of years. We spend the night at Vellir. 21 km, 4 hours.
Day 3	Day 3: Kolviðarhóll - Thingvellir We continue north below the mountains Húsmúli and Hengill. We dismount and lead the horses through the narrow cleft to Marardalur (Valley of Horses). We ride through Dyrfjöll (Door mountains) and when we reach the mountain top we can overlook lake Thingvallavatn. The track continues along the lake past Hestvík to the farm Heiðarbær. After that we take sightseeing at the old Althing (Icelandic legislative assembly). From here it is not far to Skógarhólar where we spend the night. The big national horse competition was held at Skógarhólar until 1978. 38 km, 6-7 hours.
Day 4	Day 4: Thingvellir - Geysir This day we ride across the National Park Thingvellir. From Gjábakki we got an exceptionell view over the park. We can see the lake Thingvallavatn, the largest lake in Iceland. This is also the area where the North American and the European crustal plates meet. We cross the moor Lyngdalsheiði, where we make a stop at the caves Laugarvatnshellir. We finish this day´s ride outside the village Laugarvatn, named after the lake nearby. The lake is heated up of underwater hotsprings. The bus takes us to our guesthouse in Haukadalur, near the hot springs of Geysir. From here we make a trip to Gullfoss, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Europe. 35 km, 6-7 hours.
Day 5	Day 5: Geysir - Helgaskáli From Geysir we continue up towards the highland of Iceland. From Brúarhlöð we have a magnificent view over the white river Hvítá and we can see how the river during hundreds of years has shaped the mountain and flows deeper and deeper into it. We spend the night in a hut called Helgaskáli beside the river Litla-Laxá. 35 km, 6-7 hours.
Day 6	Day 6: Helgaskáli - Hólaskógur We ride through the highland and listen to the silence until we reach Háifoss, which is the second highest waterfall in Iceland, 122 metres high. Our goal is the hut Hólaskógur around which the nature is very special and varied. We hear the goast story about the old hut, which is located a few hundred metres away from the newer one, and can take a bath in the clean and cold river Fossá. 20 km, 4 hours.
Day 7	Day 7: Hólaskógur - Fellsmúli The tour goes on along Icelands longest river Thjórsá. We pass the mountain Búrfell, which in the old days was the home of trolls, and Tröllkonuhlaup (the place where the trollwoman jumped over the river). After some kilometres along the river we get a magnificent view over Thjófafoss (the Waterfall of the Thiefs), around which many stories are told. We can see the volcano Hekla when we leave the horses at the farm Fellsmúli. We spend the night at Laugaland school. Here we have the possibilities to swim or just relax in the hot pots. 45 km, 8 hours.
Day 8	Day 8: Fellsmúli - Fellsmúli We go on along Eystri-Rangá and enjoy the riding on soft grass. The whole day we have the volcano Hekla in view, the volcano which once was called the way from earth down to hell. We ride in a circle and leave the horses at Laugarland and around 15.30 we go by bus back to Reykjavík where we spend the evening together and sleep in bed & breakfast accommodation.. 24 km, 4 hours.
Day 9	Day 9: Departure The tour members take the bus to Keflavík Airport on their own. Tip: Ask your hotel or guesthouse about the possibilities to order the flybus that will take you to the airport, especially if you have an early flight
3. Kjölur: Between the Glaciers: Tour 7 Difficulty: Strong intermediate riders Duration: 9 days – 8 nights – 6 riding days – 225 km Dates: Saturday - Sunday June 21 - 29 • June 28 - July 6 • July 5 - 13 • July 12 - 20 • July 19 - 27 • July 26 - August 3 • August 2 - 10 • August 9 - 17 • August 16 - 24 • August 23 - 31 Accommodation: 2 - 4 bed units in Reykjavík. Sleeping bag accommodation in simple mountain cabins during the ride. Group size: Max. 20 guests Meeting place: Keflavík International Airport Note: Tours operate alternatively from north to south, the next tour being from south to north. Reservation code: IH - Move back in time and ride along the historic Kjölur trail as Icelanders did throughout the centuries while travelling to the big summer parliament at Thingvellir, first held in 930 AD. We visit this historic place which has since become a national park, famed for its beauty and its position right on top of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the continental plates drift apart. We stop at the Geysir Hot Spring area and admire the majestic Gullfoss Waterfall before leaving civilisation for the rugged wilderness of the interior. Travelling from south to north or vice versa right across the heart of Iceland you will find yourself in remote desert-like areas surrounded by huge glaciers, and yet again in vast green meadows where only young horses and sheep roam free during summer. Our hosts Hjalti and Åsa lead us past extinct volcanoes and glacier lakes and across wild glacial rivers. Riding up into the highlands the green meadows in the south change to barren sand deserts close to mighty Langjökull and Hofsjökull Glaciers. Sheltered green valleys come as a surprise in this rugged terrain. Feel that you are part of Iceland’s history when you follow the same tracks people have used all the way back to the early days of settlement. Accommodation on this ride is in rustic mountain cabins in the middle of Iceland’s untamed nature. At Hveravellir, a geothermal area in the highlands, we can relax in a long hot bath under the Midnight Sun! If you want to see as much as possible of the Icelandic highland, this tour, which has been in operation for 26 years, might be the perfect choice for you.
Day 1	Saturday: Arrival in Iceland – Keflavík Airport – Reykjavík Transfer from Keflavík Airport to a guesthouse in Reykjavík. We invite you to a Welcome Meeting including traditional Icelandic soup. Receive details of your tour and meet your fellow riders.
Day 2	Sunday: Reykjavík – Thingvellir – Geysir – Gullfoss – Kjóastaðir Farm We drive to Kjóastaðir Farm, visiting the historical site Thingvellir and the well-known Geysir Hot Spring Area on our way. The ride starts off towards the majestic glacier Langjökull onto Haukadalsheiði heath. We leave the horses at Sandá River for the night. On our way back to Kjóastaðir Farm we stop at the beautiful Gullfoss waterfall. The night is spend in several summer houses, showers and an outdoor hot tub on site. (30 km)
Day 3	Monday: Kjóastaðir – Sandá – Árbúðir Mountain Cabin Our ride continues along the slopes of Mt. Bláfell. This area was roamed by outlaws in the old days. To be on the save side you might want to take a little stone along today as a special token for safety during the ride. You might need it later today... We cross River Hvítá and enjoy the view to the glacier fed lake Hvítárvatn with its floating icebergs. Tonight we stay at Árbúðir, situated right at the banks of river Svartá. (30 km)
Day 4	Tuesday: Árbúðir – Svartárbotnar Mountain Cabin Today we explore Lake Hvítárvatn closer and ride without the herd towards this magnificent lake emerging from Langjökull Glacier. When we return to our herd we continue our ride along Svartá River, passing through the Gránunes area. The area was named after the horse Grána and you will hear about the tragic story which happened centuries ago. The day ends at the Svarárbotnar Mountain Cabin, a new cabin with a warm shower. (30 km)
Day 5	Wednesday: Svartárbotnar – Hveravellir Mountain Cabin We ride along the huge rugged lava fields of Kjalhraun that the sure footed Icelandic horses master with such bravery. During the ride we enjoy splendid views of the glacier Langjökull and follow the glacier fed river Fúlakvísl. We leave the herd for a couple of hours to enter into the world of Thjófadalir, or Valley of Thieves, a grassy valley surrounded by high mountains, a true oasis in the wilderness. On to Hveravellir, a unique geothermal area between Hofsjökull and Langjökull glaciers. A natural hot pool invites us to a deserved relaxing bath. (40 km)
Day 6	Thursday: Hveravellir – Galtará Mountain CabinThis day will be a very special one, since we cross the large glacial rivers, Blanda, Svartakvísl and Strangakvísl on our way to the North. No need to worry, most Icelanders would rather choose a trusted Icelandic horse than a vehicle to cross a river! Up to mid July the sun hardly sets in this part of the country. From the mountain cabin Galtará we can overlook the big man made lake Blönduvatn. (45 km)
Day 7	Friday: Friday: Galtará – Aðalmannsvatn – Lauftún Holiday Farm We descend past beautiful Lake Aðalmannsvatn towards the fertile Mælifellsdalur valley in the Skagafjörður area. Enjoy endless herds of horses grazing on striking hills. In good weather conditions you can see all the way to the Atlantic Ocean at the North coast. Good riding tracks give you the opportunity to enjoy a fast ride in the soft tölt! We end the day at Lauftún Holiday Farm with a hot pot heated with geothermal water. (40 km)
Day 8	Saturday: Saturday: Lauftún Holiday Farm – Reykjavík Transfer back to Reykjavík for the last overnight stay. Approx. return to Reykjavík at 14:00.
4. Thorsmork: Tour 10 Difficulty: Strong Intermediate Duration: 5 days-5 nights-4 riding days Depature Dates: May 31, June 11, 21, july 4,27, Aug 15, 26, Sept 7, 16/ Rates: $1175 US Reservation Code: 10
This tour provides the opportunity to experience the variety and beauty of Icelandic nature. We ride through Thórsmörk, one of the most beautiful places in Iceland. In the valley, we are surrounded by both green forest and glaciers. We ride through the unforgettable Stakkholtsgjá gorge and continue along a glacial river onto the black beaches of the southern-most coast of Iceland. On the way back we stop at Seljalandsfoss waterfall
Day 1	Day 1: Arrival The tour members arrive at Keflavík Airport, Iceland. They take the bus from Keflavík to Reykjavík (BSÍ).They will be greeted by representatives of Eldhestar at 17.30 - 18.00, who will arrange further transportation to the farm Vellir in the neighborhood of Hveragerdi. In Hveragerði the tour members will be lodged in guesthouses. The first evening we all have dinner together and Eldhestar provides details about the next few days.
Day 2	Day 2: Hveragerði - Skálakot The tour members will go by bus to the farm Skálakot in south part of Iceland, where the tour starts and we get aquainted with the mounts. The first day´s ride takes us to the delta of Markarfljót river where a colony of seals is to be seen. Then we turn inland with a fine and imposing view of mountains and towering glaciers in front of us. 22-25 km, 4 hours.
Day 3	Day 3: Skálakot - Thórsmörk On the first part of the way from Skálakot we pass the Paradisecave which once was an outlaw hideout and around which a beautiful story is told. We stop to take a walk behind the 70 metres high waterfall Seljalandsfoss. Continue along and cross the river Markarfljót (known from the saga of Njal) under the sheer sides of the glacier Eyjafjallajökull. We go on crossing some small rivers and then the glacial torrent Krossá. At last we reach Thórsmörk, a wild and beautiful valley that once upon a time was dedicated to the old god Thór. Here we spend the night in a mountain hut. 40 km, 6-7 hours.
Day 4	Day 4: Thórsmörk This day we spend the whole day riding in the national park Thórsmörk, The woods of Thór. The park offer us an unforgetable scenary. It is a broad valley there we find a birch forest, plenty of canyons, caves and powerfull waterfalls. The valley is surrounded of three glaciers, Eyjafjallajökull, Tindafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. A visit to the giant cleft Stakkholtsgjá will be an unforgettable experience. 25 km, 5 hours.
Day 5	Day 5: Thórsmörk - Heimaland We start the day by riding over fine trails in Thórsmörk, a beauty spot of unique interest. In the afternoon we retrack over a part of our previos route and over Hamragardaheidi moors. Around 14 hrs we drive back to the farm Velllir and after a short stop we drive further to Reykjavík, where we spend the evening together. We spend the night in a guesthouse in Reykjavik in sleeping bag accommodation. 25 km, 5 hours. Tour members take their flight back home or to travel further to see more of the country. Tip: Ask your hotel or guesthouse about the possibilities to order the flybus that will take you to the airport, especially if you have an early flight.
5: Krysuvik and Blue Lagoon: Tour 11 Difficulty: Stron Intermediate Duration: 5 days-5 nights-4 riding days Departure Dates: June 6, 15, and Aug 23. Rates: $1075 US Reservation code: 11
Beaches, green meadows and a steaming "moonscape" We begin at Vellir and follow one of Iceland's largest rivers, the Ölfusá . We ride through the mouth of the river to the west coast where we visit the beautiful Strandarkirkja Church. We continue to Krýsuvík, a colourful hot- springs area, which contrasts sharply to the sand and the lava fields of the area. The landscape contrast continue as we ride down to the sea towards a green bay and then up towards the mountains through lava and lush green meadows. We end the tour in the Blue Lagoon, where we have the opportunity to relax in the soothing geothermal water.

Day 1	Day 1: Arrival The tour members arrive at Keflavík Airport, Iceland. They take the bus from Keflavík to Reykjavík (BSÍ).They will be greeted by representatives of Eldhestar at 17.30 - 18.00 who will arrange further transportation to our farm Vellir in neighborhood of the town Hveragerði. There the tour members will be lodged in guesthouses. The first evening we all have dinner together and Eldhestar provides details about the next few days.
Day 2	Day 2: Vellir - Ölfusárós - Vellir We start the day by getting to know the horses in the paddock. After lunch we ride from Vellir over green meadows in the bird sanctuary Ölfusforir. We ride over sand and water in a ground part of the delta of the river Ölfusá. From the delta we ride back to Vellir where both the participants and the horses spend the night at Vellir. 27 km, 4-5 hrs
Day 3	Day 3: Vellir - Selvogur - Krýsuvík From Vellir we drive south to Selvogur where we visit the church Strandarkirkja. The church is right by the shore and has it´s own special history. We continue on the beach and go after that up near the mountains. We ride between the contrasts of mountains, lava and the ocean. We pass the green lake Grænavatn and reach Krýsuvík with it´s hot springs and mountains in rich colurs. The night is spent in the cosy house Ísólfsskáli right by the shore. 40 km, 8 hrs
Day 4	Day 4: Krýsuvík - Ísólfsskáli We start by visit the bird mountain Krýsuvíkurberg. There we can see many different birds, for example puffins. Then we ride over the mountains to Vigdisarvellir. Vigdisarvellir is a green oasis between the mountains, once the land of three farms. From there we follow the old road between lavafields down to the coast and Ísólfsskáli where we spend the night together with the horses. 25 km, 5 hrs
Day 5	Day 5: Ísólfsskáli - Krókamýri - Blue Lagoon The last day is a mixture of everything that characterizes the tour. We start by the shore and ride up the mountains. The old path goes between lava and green spots before we climb up the mountain and get a beautiful view over the south-west part of Iceland. We ride down again and leave the horses in Krókamýri. After that we drive to the Blue Lagoon where we take a bath in the blue water which is a mixture between hot spring water and sea water. The tour members will be back in Reykjavik around 18.00. Where they spend the night in bed & breakfast accommodation. 20 km, 4 hrs. Tour members take their flight back home or to travel further to see more of the country. Tip: Ask your hotel or guesthouse about the possibilities to order the flybus that will take you to the airport, especially if you have an early flight.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a sample itinerary, planned several months in advance. Accordingly, arrangements (routes or facilities) are subject to change depending on local conditions and hotel choice may vary due to availability. Also, the tour may be arranged in different order than is described above.

III –SERVICES INCLUDED:

Included in tours

All transfers during the riding tour, also domestic flights. Room and full board, while on riding tour.

Accommodation and full board (Icelandic breakfast, packed-lunch and dinner while on the riding tour..

Rainwear, sleeping bag (with a sheet) where necessary while on riding tour, saddle bag and a safety helmet

Transfer from and to Keflavík Airport

One night in a guesthouse/hotel before and after the riding tour incl. of breakfast and welcome meal. (Accommodation varies depending on choosen tour – see itinerary for furter details).

IV–NOT INCLUDED:

Transfer costs from Kevalivik Airport to Reykjavik, airfares, discretionary gratuities, and insurance.