Horseback Iceland Riding tours, Riding vacation Iceland, horseback equestrian adventures, ranch riding

Iceland


	Iceland Riding Tours
	Icelandic Riding Adventures
	Icelandic Riding Tours for Creature Comfort

Europe: Iceland: Icelandic Riding Adventures

What:

7-9 day horseback riding adventures with some sleeping bag accommodations through as many as 5 different locations in Iceland. 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!

Dates and Rates: 2008

Dates & Rates-
1. Northern Exposure: Wonders of Lake Mývatn: Tour 3
Difficulty: Strong intermediate riders
Duration: 8 days – 7 nights – 5 riding days – 170 km
Dates 2008: Sunday–Sunday: June 29-July 6, July 6-13, July 20-27, Aug 3-10, 24-31
Rates: $2580 US/1292 GBP/1845 E

2. Snæfellsnes: Magical and Mysterious: Tour 5
Difficulty: Strong intermediate riders
Duration: 9 days – 8 nights – 6 riding days – 215 km: Strong intermediate riders
Dates 2008: Saturday – Sunday: June 21-29, July 12-20, July 19-27. August 2- 10, Aug 9 – 17
Rates: $2655 US/1327 GBP/1896 E
Reservation code: IH - 5

3. Kjölur: Between the Glaciers: Tour 7
Difficulty: Strong intermediate riders
Duration: 9 days – 8 nights – 6 riding days – 225 km
Dates 2008: Saturday – Sunday: June 21 - 29 • June 28 - July 6 • July 5 - 13 • July 12 - 20 • July 19 -27, July 26-Aug 3, Aug 2-10, Aug 9-17 16-24 • 23 – 31.
Rates: $2655 US/1327 GBP/1896 E
Reservation code: IH - 7

4. Egilsstaðir: Secrets of the East: Tour 8
Difficulty: Strong intermediate riders, capable of handling horses in open country
Duration: 9 days – 8 nights – 6 riding days – 245 km:
Dates 2008: Sunday – Monday: July 6 - 14 • July 13 - 21 • August 10 - 18 • Aug 17 – 25
Rates: $2504 US/1252 GBP/1789E
Reservation code: IH - 8

5. Landmannalaugar:Mountain Spirit: Tour 19:
Difficulty: Strong intermediate riders
Duration: 7 days – 6 nights – 5 riding days – 180 km
Dates 2008: Monday – Sunday: June 30- July 6, July 7–13, Aug 11–17, 18 – 24
Rates: $2352 US/1176 GBP/1680 E
Reservation code: IH - 19

6. Grand Tour:
Difficulty: Experienced riders
Duration: You may combine any of the above tours
Rates: $4605 US/2302 GBP/3288 E
Reservation code: IH – 9

Children’s discount (under 12 years): 25%

Family discount: 5% available for parents and older children travelling together, 3 or more.
*On tour no. 45 children under 8 years receive 50% discount, children 8 – 12 receive 25% discount.

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.
	3 – 4 horses per person and local guidance.
	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).

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.

Everything is vehicle supported including your luggage.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Shared adventures build a sense of community. The pace and time in saddle will keep you actively involved in the riding process while the changing and often startling areas you ride through will reward their uniqueness. If you end up shamelessly singing songs from the Great Icelandic Sagas you will have caught the fever. If you can properly pronounce those tongue twister destinations you will be ready to chuck it all and move to Iceland. Reykjavik, is a city worthy of at least one overnight stay, quite pretty, clean, good shopping, plenty to do at night.

Getting There :
All of the above tours include airport transfers to and from Keflavik Airport and throughout the adventure

Room and Board :
Typical of the accommodations are these descriptive words “ Accommodation on this tour is in sleeping bags. One night in a remote mountain cabin is 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

ITINERARIES:

Summary of all the rides: in this section. The complete itineraries will be at bottom of this long web page.

1. Northern Exposure: Wonders of Lake Mývatn.Tour 3

Difficulty: Strong intermediate riders
Duration: 8 days – 7 nights – 5 riding days – 170 km
Dates: Sunday - Sunday
June 29 - July 6 • July 6 - 13 • July 20 - 27 • August 3 - 10 • August 24 - 31
Accommodation: 2 - 4 bed units in Reykjavík. Sleeping bag accommodation in shared rooms during the ride.
Group size: Max. 18 guests
Meeting place: Keflavík International Airport
Optional: Whale watching boat trip, extra cost ISK 4.000.
Reservation code: IH - 3

* This tour was nominated by the Sunday Times as one of the 10 best trails in the world.

The North of Iceland is known for its great natural sights and varied landscape. Our tour leads from Saltvík Farm near Húsavík to the Lake Mývatn area, known for its volcanic features and countless numbers of breeding ducks. An optional whale watching tour concludes the circle of natural highlights on and off shore.

Our hosts on this tour are Bjarni Páll and his wife Elsa. Bjarni Páll or his friend Sævar will lead most of the tours. They both take special interest in geology so you can expect to learn a lot about Icelandic nature! A visit to picturesque Goðafoss Waterfall is just one of the highlights on your first day in the north. We ride along soft riding tracks ideal for “tölt”, the unique gait of the Icelandic horse. From fertile farm land we turn towards the Gæsafjöll Mountains and spend a night in a mountain cabin at Theistareykir, a place with bubbling hot water and white clouds from steam vents rising to the sky.

Through an area covered with cracks and fissures from earthquakes and volcanic activity the route leads towards Lake Mývatn where boiling mud pools and eerie lava formations remind you of the volcanic energy hidden beneath. We can take a relaxing bathe in an outdoor bathing facility with hot geothermal water in Jarðböð. The next riding days will take us from the black sand deserts of Hólssandur to the forested hillsides at Vatnshlíðarskógur. Our last riding day over Hvammsheiði Heath towards the shore offers a terrific view of Skjálfandi Bay before we get back to Saltvík Farm. After this amazing tour in an ever changing landscape we can relax in outdoor hot tubs with a great view over to the ocean and the Kinnafjöll Mountain Range.

Accommodation on this tour is in sleeping bags. One night in a remote mountain cabin is 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.

2. Snæfellsnes: Magical and mysterious:Tour 5

Difficulty: Strong intermediate riders
Duration: 9 days – 8 nights – 6 riding days – 215 km
Dates: Saturday - Sunday
June 21 - 29 • July 12 - 20 • July 19 - 27 • August 2 - 10 • August 9 - 17
Accommodation: 2 - 4 bed units in Reykjavík. Shared rooms for all nights during the ride, sleeping bags accommodation for two nights.
Group size: Max. 20 guests
Meeting place: Keflavík International Airport
Notes: Knee-high rubber boots are recommended for the beach ride!
Optional: Bus tour to sights on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, extra cost ISK 3.000.
Reservation code: IH - 5

The national park of Snæfellsnes Peninsula is where you find one of the most recognised sights in Iceland; the glacier covered cone volcano Snæfellsjökull. Its mythical atmosphere became famous through Jules Verne’s novel “Journey to the Centre of the Earth”. Many of the famous Sagas unfolded in this spectacular area; a home to elves, trolls and ancient sorcerers. Today rich bird life attracts visitors from all over the world. The peninsula itself is often called “Iceland in a nutshell” because of its diversity of landscape.

We ride through mighty lava fields, craters and ashes of ancient eruptions enjoying wide-open stretches of light-coloured sand on the beaches where only the tide sets a limit to the freedom of horses and riders. Hítardalur Valley comes as a surprise with multicoloured mountains. Majestic Snæfellsjökull rises ahead of us when we traverse the beach on a traditional trail only known by the locals. Crater Eldborg is a landmark, where the light sand turns black once you reach its lava field. On our last riding day we follow the outskirts of the lava flow along the shore before we return the horses to the farm.

Our hosts and partners on this tour for 20 years, Sigurður (Siggi) and Ólöf are proud of their large selection of well-trained horses. Whether you like an easy-going horse or a more spirited one, you can be sure to find the right horses to suit your liking. Experiencing “tölt”, the unique gait of the Icelandic horse is made easy for you since we follow good riding tracks on land. The smooth sand of the beach makes this tour a delight for both horses and riders.

Stóri-Kálfalækur Farm offers cosy rooms and a warm outdoor tub where we can relax after an exciting riding day. Accommodation is in beds in shared rooms. We spend two nights at different locations in sleeping bag accommodation. Enjoy not having to pack and unpack every day yet experience a challenging ride herding free running horses alongside.

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 - 7

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.

4. Egilsstaðir: Secrets of the East: Tour 8

Difficulty: Strong intermediate riders capable of handling horses in open country
Duration: 9 days – 8 nights – 6 riding days – 245 km
Dates: Sunday – Monday: July 6 - 14 • July 13 - 21 • August 10 - 18 • August 17 - 25
Accommodation: 2 - 4 bed units in Reykjavík. Sleeping bag accommodation in shared rooms during the ride.
Group size: Max. 16 guests
Meeting place: Keflavík International Airport
Reservation code: IH - 8

Discover the incredible wild beauty of East Iceland in an area not known by many people. Even among Icelanders this part of the interior is a well-kept secret. An endless variation of landscape, from fertile valleys and deep canyons to some of Iceland’s highest mountains, will warm the heart of every nature lover.

Our hosts, Jón Thór and his wife Margaret, have been our partners for many years. There are probably very few people who know the rugged wilderness better than Jón Thór, a sheep farmer, a true natural horseman and a unique character with a passion and respect for the rough landscape of the East. With warmth and dedication, Jón Thór takes good care of his guests. His horses are used to managing all obstacles with determination and power. The surefooted Icelandic horse is the best way of transportation in the untamed nature.

The ride ascends from sea level to the great highland plateau where vegetation and landscape bear an arctic character. Hrafnkelsdalur Valley is where the Hrafnkels Saga unfolded in the Middle Ages. We hear about these historic events and view Faxafoss Waterfall, named after Faxi, a horse with a mane of a special colour. The gigantic Hafrahvammagljúfur Canyon is an unforgettable sight. The ride leads towards Snæfell – the second highest mountain in Iceland – where a 4wheel-drive vehicle takes us to Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe. We enjoy watching large herds of reindeer roam free before we follow Jökulsá River that runs down Norðurdalur Valley in a number of beautiful waterfalls until we reach green meadows again.

True to the character of this ride accommodation is in rustic mountain cabins with limited facilities. In these remote surroundings a natural hot pool is waiting for us and the last night of the ride is spent at a comfortable holiday farm. Two nights at a guesthouse with shared facilities in Reykjavík are included, one night before and one after the tour.

5. Landmannalaugar: Mountain Spirit: Tour 19

Difficulty: Strong intermediate riders
Duration: 7 days – 6 nights – 5 riding days – 180 km
Dates 2008: Monday - Sunday
June 30 – July 6 / July 7 – 13 / August 11 – 17 / August 18 – 24
Accommodation: 2-4 bed units in Reykjavík. Sleeping bag accommodation in shared rooms during the ride.
Meeting place: Keflavík International Airport
Reservation code: IH - 19

Landmannalaugar, colourful beauty in the southern highlands. We are proud to launch again an adventurous ride to visit the Landmannalaugar area. A natural bathing spot is only one of the highlights which make this area one of Iceland’s most popular destinations for all lovers of nature and adventurous souls.

Our new itinerary starts close to the Geysir area. We see the white steam column rising into the sky before we arrive at Myrkholt Farm, home to our partner Gústaf (Gústi) who has been working with us for a couple of years on other tours already. His well trained horses have been the joy of many clients and will excel on the good riding tracks of this tour.

Green countryside changes into rugged mountains as we start our ride. Black ashes await us closer to Mt. Hekla volcano. An outpost in the central highlands is our shelter before we enjoy the colourful rhyolite mountains in Landmannalaugar, surrounded by black lava fields where hot water streams have just the right temperature for a refreshing bath. A long riding day brings us back to civilisation and an outdoor hot tub offers relaxation after a good day in the saddle. Another day through the mountains brings us back home to Myrkholt Farm.

Accommodation on this ride is in mountain cabins and a holiday farm in sleeping bags. Warm showers are available most of the nights. Two nights in Reykjavík are included as well, in a guesthouse in rooms with shared facilities.

6. Grand Tour: Tour 9

Category: Experienced riders
Duration: Combine any two departures of our tours 3, 5, 7, 8 and 19 starting on two following weekends.
Accommodation: According to the tours chosen
Group size: According to the tours chosen
Meeting place: Keflavík International Airport
Reservation code: IH - 9

Why not discover more than one part of Iceland during your visit? Imagine the remote highland grasslands on the Egilsstaðir Tour in the East. Crossing the interior on the Kjölur Trail and viewing the natural wonders at Lake Mývatn in the North. Enjoy Snæfellsjökull Glacier in the West and the multi-coloured mountains of Landmannalaugar in the South. All our longer tours can be combined where you can choose the two parts of Iceland you wish to discover. Take a look at the detailed description of each tour and find the two you have been dreaming about.

Day by Day Itineraries:

1. Northern Exposure: Wonders of Lake Mývatn.Tour 3

Sunday:	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.
Monday:	Reykjavík - Akureyri - Goðafoss - Hvammsheiði - Saltvík Holiday Farm Domestic Flight in the morning to Akureyri and transfer to Saltvík Farm. On the way we stop at majestic Goðafoss waterfall. At Saltvík, we start our ride after a short introduction to the Icelandic horse and its special gaits. We cross the mountain plateau Hvammsheiði towards the Reykjahverfi area with its white steaming hot springs. Surely you will enjoy a relaxing bath in a warm outdoor tub before dinner at Saltvík farm and overnight stay. (20 km)
Tuesday:	Heiðabær - Theistareykir Mountain Cabin Through the Geldingadalur valley and over the plateau Reykjaheiði heath our trail leads us to the geothermal area of Theistareykir. At one point we will practically cross over from one continental plate to another as we ride over the midatlantic ridge! It is a fascinating area with deep earthquake fissures, multi-coloured mountains and geothermal energy. With all this volcanic activity going on here, it is easy to understand that Iceland is still under “natural construction”! (40 km)
Wednesday:	Theistareykir - Grímsstaðir - Jarðböð – Hraunbrún Guesthouse Enjoy today’s ride from the Theistareykir area past the mountains Gæsafjöll and Hrafnabjörg. We follow good riding tracks through the mountains, past lakes and through bushy vegetation. At Grímsstaðir Farm we leave the horses behind and take a nice hot bath in Jarðböð, an outdoor pool with geothermal water. We continue to Hraunbrún Guesthouse where we stay over night. (40 km)
Thursday:	Hraunbrún – Laxárdalur – Saltvík Holiday Farm We start the day with an exciting sightseeing tour by bus. Visit Dimmuborgir, fantastic black lava formations with rich vegetation. Our next highlight is the geothermal area of Hverarönd with boiling mudpools and steam vents. We saddle up again and head out of the Mývatn area. Through a black sand desert we ride into colourful Laxárdalur valley with glittering salmon River Laxá in the middle. A true day of contrasts in the ever changing Icelandic nature. Overnight at Saltvík Farm for the last two nights. (30 km)
Friday:	Breiðamýri – Saltvík Holiday Farm Enjoy excellent riding paths in the lovely birch wood area of Vatnshlíðarskógur and the great views on the shores of Lake Vestmannsvatn. We cross Laxá river on our way to Hraunsréttir, a place used by the farmers for their annual sheep round-up every autumn Over Hvammsheiði heath we ride back to Saltvík Farm where the warm outdoor tub is waiting. (40 km) Optional (available at an extra charge): Whale Watching At Húsavík harbour a boat is waiting to go out on a whale watching cruise. There is no better way to end a great tour than by sailing into the evening sun with, hopefully, whales swimming alongside. (Price per person ISK 4.000)
Saturday:	Saltvík - Akureyri - Reykjavík In the morning return to Akureyri by bus and flight back to Reykjavík Domestic Airport with arrival at approx. 13:30. Last night in a guesthouse in Reykjavík.
Sunday:	Departure from Iceland - Reykjavík - Keflavík Airport Transfer by bus to Keflavík Airport in time for the flight back home.

2. Snæfellsnes: Magical and mysterious: Tour 5

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.
Sunday:	Reykjavík – Stóri-Kálfalækur – Grímsstaðir Morning transfer to Stóri-Kálfalækur Farm, where horses and staff are waiting for us. After an introduction to the Icelandic horse and its special gaits we start our ride into the mountains through fertile farmlands and along good riding tracks to Grímsstaðir Farm with its proud history dating back to medieval times. Overnight at Stóri-Kálfalækur in made up beds, Showers and a hot tub on site. (30 km)
Monday:	Grímsstaðir – Hítarhólmur The ride today leads through multi-coloured mountains and along low bushy hillsides. Hítardalur is a geological paradise. Vast lava fields, soft tracks through ashes and the high palagonite (tuff) mountains give you the impression of taking a ride on the moon! We leave the horses at the Hítarhólmur mountain and drive back to Stóri-Kálfalækur, where the hot tub is waiting. (30 km)
Tuesday:	Hítarhólmur – Kolviðarnes – Laugagerði Schoolhouse We continue our ride through this mystical volcanic valley. We stop at the sheep gathering place Hítardalsrétt and if you take a good look you can see the troll woman Hít who was turned into stone returning late from a date. We proceed west across Hítará River and travel trough an area well known as the hideout of Iceland’s most famous outlaw, Grettir. At Kolviðarnes Farm we leave the horses and spend the night at Laugagerði Schoolhouse where a swimming pool heated with geothermal water awaits us. (45 km)
Wednesday:	Laugagerði Schoolhouse – Traðir – Hof Farm After rejoining the horses we start our beach ride on Löngufjörur, the famous horse trail on the seashores of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. View majestic Snæfellsjökull Glacier ahead of you and feel the horses’ excitement and take part in their joy on this extraordinary trail released by the tide. Our horses spend the night at Traðir Farm while we stay at Hof Farm with a geothermal hot tub on site. (40 km) Optional (available at an extra charge): Drive along the coast towards the romantic fishing villages of Arnastapi and Hellnar. Here we are right underneath magical Mt. Snæfellsjökull. Visit the Information center of the Snæfellsnes National Park and learn about its mysterious powers. View beautiful bird cliffs along the shore, shaped by powerful waves. Meet giant Bárður Snæfellsás and hear about historic celebrities like the far travelled Guðríður Þorbjarnadóttir and mass murderer Axlar Björn! (Price per person: ISK 3.000)
Thursday:	Hof – Traðir – Kolviðarnes – Stóri-Kálfalækur Another day´s ride on the yellow coloured, sandy beach. Direction changes and we head back towards mighty Eldborgarhraun lava field. An unique experience for everyone with lava-fields and mountains on one side of the trail and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. We leave the horses at Kolviðarnes Farm and drive to Stóri-Kálfalækur, where we spend the last two nights. (40 km)
Friday:	Kolviðarnes – Stóri-Kálfalækur Farm Last day on the beach and yet a new experience. The sand turns black as we follow the outline of Eldborgarhraun lava field. Imagine the black lava still on the move on your way back to dry land. The ride ends at Stóri-Kálfalækur Farm, where we enjoy Ólöf’s farewell dinner. (30 km)
Saturday:	Stóri-Kálfalækur – Reykjavík Transfer back to Reykjavík for an overnight stay in a guesthouse. Approx. arrival in Reykjavík at 11:00.
Sunday:	Dep. from Iceland – Reykjavík – Keflavík Airport Transfer by bus to Keflavík Airport in time for the flight back home. Knee-high rubber boots are recommended for the beach ride!

3. Kjölur: Between the Glaciers: Tour 7

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.
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)
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)
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)
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)
Thursday:	Hveravellir – Galtará Mountain Cabin This 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)
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)
Saturday:	Saturday: Lauftún Holiday Farm – Reykjavík Transfer back to Reykjavík for the last overnight stay. Approx. return to Reykjavík at 14:00.
Sunday:	Sunday: Departure from Iceland – Reykjavík – Keflavík Airport Transfer by bus to Keflavík Airport in time for the return flight home. Some of our departures are operated from the North. Reversed itinerary available upon request.

4. Egilsstaðir: Secrets of the East: Tour 8

Sunday:	Arrival in Iceland - Keflavík Airport - Reykjavík Transfer from Keflavík Airport to a guesthouse in Reykjavík. We will invite you to a Welcome Meeting including traditional Icelandic soup. Receive details of your tour and meet your fellow riders.
Monday:	Reykjavík – Egilsstaðir – Skriðuklaustur – Fjallaskarð Mountain Cabin Flight to Egilsstaðir town in the morning and a drive to Skriðuklaustur Farm where we meet horses and staff. After a short introduction to the Icelandic horse and its special gait we start our ride. We ascend from a valley at nearly sea level to the great highland plateau, where vegetation and landscape have already an artic character. Enjoy magnificent views on this ride. We stay overnight at the mountain cabin Fjallaskarð, at the foot of the mountain Eyvindarfjöll. (45 km)
Tuesday:	Fjallaskarð – Aðalból Farm We ride from Fjallaskarð mountain cabin to Aðalból Farm. Here we leave the herd behind and ride our horses through the beautiful Hrafnkelsdalur valley, location of the famous Hrafnkelssaga during the Viking Age. Imagine life at the adventurous Saga times while our guides will tell you about historic events and make the Saga come alive. Among other sites we visit the waterfall Faxafoss named after one of the most famous horses in Icelandic literature. (35 km)
Wednesday:	Aðalból – Hafrahvammagljúfur – Sauðá Mountain Cabin A highlight of today is the ride to the gigantic canyon Hafrahvammagljúfur. This huge, narrow, steep canyon is an unforgettable sight. Enjoy far-reaching views over Iceland's rugged interior, when we ride across the fertile landscape of Vestur-Öræfi. Overnight stay at Sauðá Mountain Cabin, situated 5 km north of Vatnajökull glacier, in the main summer pastures of reindeer in Iceland. (45 km)
Thursday:	Sauðá – Snæfell – Vatnajökull Glacier – Snæfell Mountain Cabin Our ride continues towards the magnificent Mt. Snæfell, one of the highest mountains Iceland. In the afternoon we change to 4Wheel-drive transportation and drive towards Europe’s biggest glacier, Vatnajökull. View endless stretches of ice and snow and explore the glacier, a truly thrilling experience. Overnight stay at the foot of Mt. Snæfell in a spacious mountain cabin. (30 km)
Friday:	Snæfell – Eyjabakkar – Laugarfell Mountain Cabin A good chance to see more reindeer herds and countless numbers of pink-footed geese on our way round Mt. Snæfell and into the beautiful pastures of Eyjabakkar, with Eyjabakkajökull glacier towering over us. Relax in a natural hot pool after your ride, close to Laugarfell Mountain Cabin where we spend the night. (45 km)
Saturday:	Laugarfell – Skriðuklaustur – Útnyrðingsstaðir Farm View beautiful waterfalls in the glacier fed river Jökulsá in Fljótsdalur as we descend to Norðurdalur valley. The riding tour ends at Skriðuklaustur Farm where we say good bye to the horses. Overnight at Útnyrðingsstaðir Farm. (45 km)
Sunday:	Útnyrðingsstaðir - Egilsstaðir – Reykjavík Flight back to Reykjavík in the morning with arrival at approx. 11:00 at Reykjavík Domestic Airport. Overnight stay at a guesthouse in Reykjavík.
Monday:	Departure from Iceland - Reykjavík - Keflavík Airport Transfer to Keflavík Airport in time for the return flight home.

5. Landmannalaugar:Mountain Spirit: Tour 19

Monday:	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.
Tuesday:	Reykjavík – Geysir – Myrkholt – Gullfoss –Helgaskáli Cabin We drive to Myrkholt Farm, visiting the well-known Geysir hot spring area on our way. After an introduction to the Icelandic horse and its special gaits we start our ride along pleasant tracks through fertile famland. View majestic canyon Brúarhlöð where milky glacier fed water passes through bizarre rock formations. Now we head towards the interior and follow beautiful Tungufellsdalur valley onto Hrunaheiði heath. Here we get a great view over to majestic glacier Langjökull and Gullfoss waterfall. The night is spend in Helgaskáli Mountain Cabin situated on the banks of Stóra-Laxá River. (35 km)
Wednesday:	Helgaskáli – Hólaskógur Cabin We ride past Mt. Helgafell towards the interior. Today we visit the 2nd highest waterfall in Iceland, Háifoss. See the water tumble down for 122 m. Our accommodation for tonight is located close to Iceland’s longest river, Thjórsá. This river is the source for several hydro-power plants which provide Iceland with clean electricity. Hólaskógur is a spacious mountain cabin and offers hot showers.(30 km)
Thursday:	Hólaskógur - Hrauneyjar Highland CentreLandmannalaugar On a bridge we cross mighty River Thjórsá and ride north of Mt. Hekla volcano, following good riding tracks through fields of ashes and lava from numerous eruptions. Our ride ends in the Thóristungur area. Here we keep the horses, but continue ourselves to Hrauneyjar Highland Centre, where we spend the night in double rooms. A bus brings us to the Landmannalaugar area with its natural hot pool, surrounded by colourful mountains and black lava fields. We have time to relax in the natural hot pool, hike through black lava fields or climb a mountain in this wonderful area. This day will be without a doubt one of the highlights of the tour. Return to Hrauneyjar for dinner and an overnight stay. (25 km + bus drive)
Friday:	Hrauneyjar – Hólaskógur – Stöng - Fossnes We have a long riding day ahead of us and continue on good riding tracks down from the mountains to Hólaskógur, where we change horses and rest for a while. Now we follow the ancient route of Sprengisandur to Stöng, an ancient Saga farm from the 12th century and explore the many sights of the area, such as beautiful Gjáin Valley. Overnight at the Fossnes Farm (known from our Golden Circle tours), situated in beautiful surroundings. After a nice dip in the hot outdoor tub we are ready for a hearty dinner at the farm. (55 km)
Saturday:	Fossnes – Myrkholt - Reykjavík From Fossnes Farm we head off through fertile and across the salmon river Stóra-Laxá. We rest at the round-pen Hrunaréttir, where each autumn sheep are sorted after having spend the summer in the mountains. Return to Myrkholt farm and after having enjoyed refreshments it is time to say goodbye to staff and horses. A bus takes us back to Reykjavík for our last night of this tour. Approx. arrival in Reykjavík at 19:00. (35 km)
Sunday:	Departure from Iceland – Reykjavík – Keflavík Airport Transfer by bus to Keflavík Airport in time for the return flight home.