Northern Exposure

Northern Exposure– Iceland –8 days / 7 nights, Reykjavik - Akureyri - Godafoss - Hvammsheidi - Geldingadalur - Theistareykir - Skjolbrekka - Lake Myvatn - Dimmuborgir - Lake Vestmannsvatn - Hvammsheidi - ReykjavikThis Tour was nominated by the Sunday Times as one of the 10 best trails in the World! From Saltvik Farm near Husavik to the Lake Myvatn area. And from the black sand deserts of Holssandur to the hillsides at Vatnshlidarskogur. Our last riding day over Hvammsheiði Heath towards the shore offers a terrific view of Skjalfandi Bay before we get back to Saltvik Farm. After this amazing tour in an ever changing landscape we can relax in outdoor hot tubs!


Operation	June 19 - August 21, 2011
Departure	Sundays: June 19, 26 July 17, 24 August 21
Price	$2,295 per person in double room
Included	7 nights accommodation in guesthouse, based on double room Scandinavian breakfast buffet daily Hotel taxes and service fees During the ride full board is included, along with water and coffee/tea Dinners, from day 1 Lunch packs (riders make their own from breakfast table) Full guidance, English and Scandinavian speaking Use of saddle bags, rain wear, riding helmet and sleeping bag (where necessary)
Not Included	Airfare & Airport taxes Gratuities Personal insurance / personal items Alcoholic beverages $25 Service fee
Please Note	Difficulty: Strong intermediate riders (3 horses) Group size: maximum 18 participants Accommodation: 2 - 4 bed units in Reykjavík. Sleeping bag accommodation in shared rooms during the ride. Meeting place: Keflavík International Airport Our partners in Iceland have been a leading, fully licensed tour operator for almost 25 years. The tours introduce the traditional way of traveling in Iceland and support nature, culture and the economy of each district we cover. They were rewarded with the Environmental Award by the Icelandic Tourist Board in 2001 and is a Green Globe Affiliate.
Tour Options	Additional nights in Reykjavik Optional excursions Optional Whale watching trip Blue Lagoon with transfer to Keflavik Airport East Greenland Excursion, 1 - 3 days Extending your stay in Reykjavik We offer an extensive range for 2, 3 and 4 star accommodation in Iceland's capital city and a wide range of Iceland excursions throughout the country
More Information	Iceland Riding Equipment (PDF) Icelandic Horse History

Day 1 ARRIVAL IN ICELAND Sunday
Early morning arrival in Iceland. After clearing passport control, head downstairs for your luggage and customs. A representative from your tour will meet you at Keflavik Airport and drive you to a guesthouse in Reykjavik. At 17:30 we invite you to a Welcome Meeting including traditional Icelandic soup. Receive details of your tour and meet your fellow riders.

Please note: If you plan on arriving in Iceland before the actual tour start date, you must arrange your own airport/hotel transfers.

Day 2 REYKJAVIK - AKUREYRI - GODAFOSS - HVAMMSHEIDI (B, L, D) Monday
Domestic Flight in the morning to Akureyri and transfer to Saltvik Farm. On the way we stop at majestic Godafoss waterfall. At Saltvik, we start our ride after a short introduction to the Icelandic horse and its special gaits. We cross the mountain plateau Hvammsheidi 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 Saltvik farm and overnight stay. (20 km)

Day 3 HEIDABAER - THEISTAREYKIR (B, L, D) Tuesday
Through the Geldingadalur valley and over the plateau Reykjaheidi 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 mid Atlantic ridge! It is a fascinating area with deep earthquake fissures, multi-colored mountains and geothermal energy. With all this volcanic activity going on here, it is easy to understand that Iceland is still under "natural construction"! Overnight at the Theistareykir Mountain Cabin (40 km)

Day 4 GRIMSSTADIR - JARDBOD - HRAUNBRUN (B, L, D) Wednesday
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 Grimsstadir Farm we leave the horses behind and take a nice hot bath in Jardböd, an outdoor pool with geothermal water. We continue to Hraunbrun Guesthouse where we stay over night. (40 km)

Day 5 HRAUNBRUN - LAXARDALUR - SALTVIK FARM (B, L, D) Thursday
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 mud pools and steam vents. We saddle up again and head out of the Myvatn area. Through a black sand desert we ride into colorful Laxardalur valley with glittering salmon River Laxa in the middle. A true day of contrasts in the ever changing Icelandic nature. Overnight at Saltvik Farm for the last two nights. (30 km)

Day 6 BREIDAMYRI - SALTVIK FARM (B, L, D) Friday
Enjoy excellent riding paths in the lovely birch wood area of Vatnshidarskogur and the great views on the shores of Lake Vestmannsvatn. We cross Laxa river on our way to Hraunsrettir, a place used by the farmers for their annual sheep round-up every autumn Over Hvammsheidi heath we ride back to Saltvik Farm where the warm outdoor tub is waiting. (40 km)

Optional (available at extra charge):
Whale Watching - At Husavik 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: $80 for three hour cruise.

Day 7 SALTVIK - AKUREYRI - REYKJAVIK (B) Saturday
In the morning return to Akureyri by bus and flight back to Reykjavik Domestic Airport with arrival at approx. 13:30. Last night in a guesthouse in Reykjavik.

Day 8 DEPARTURE (B, D*) Sunday
Morning at leisure. Afternoon transfer by bus to Keflavik Airport for your flight to North America.

* Dinner on flight.