Northern Exposure
Northern Exposure– Iceland –8 days / 7 nights, Reykjavik - Akureyri - Godafoss - Hvammsheidi - Geldingadalur - Theistareykir - Skjolbrekka - Lake Myvatn - Dimmuborgir - Lake Vestmannsvatn - Hvammsheidi - ReykjavikNorth Iceland is known for its great natural sights and varied landscape. Our tour leads from Saltvik Farm near Husavik to the Lake Myvatn area, known for its volcanic features and countless numbers of breeding ducks. From fertile farm land we turn towards the Gæsafjöll Mountains to Lake Myvatn, with boiling mud pools and eerie lava formations, Ride from the black sand deserts of Holssandur over Hvammsheidi Heath with terrific view of Skjalfandi Bay.
| Operation | June 17 - August 26, 2012 |
| Departure | Sundays: June 17 - 24 / June 24 - July 01 July 1 - 8 / July 15 - 22 / July 22 - 29 August 19 - 26 |
| Price | $2,395 per person in double room |
| Included | 7 nights accommodation in guesthouse, sleeping bag accommodation Scandinavian breakfast buffet daily Taxes and service fees During the ride full board is included, along with water and coffee/tea 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 Whale watching boat trip Gratuities Personal insurance / personal items Alcoholic beverages $25 Service fee |
| Please Note | Difficulty: Strong intermediate riders, comfortable and in control at all paces, firm seat, comfortable in the saddle for up to 7 hours per day. Group size: maximum 18 participants Hotel accommodation in Reykjavik. Sleeping bag accommodation in shared rooms during the ride. Meeting place: Keflavik International Airport |
| 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 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) The Icelandic Horse |
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Day 1 ARRIVAL IN ICELAND Sunday
Early morning arrival in Iceland. Transfer from Keflavik Airport to a hotel in Reykjavik. We invite you to a Welcome Meeting including traditional Icelandic soup. Receive details of your tour and meet your fellow riders.
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-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)
Day 4 GRIMSSTADIR - JARDBÖD - 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 along colourful Laxárdalur 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. (40 km)
Day 6 REYKJAHVERFI - SALTVIK FARM (B, L, D) Friday
Our ride continues over Hvammsheidi heath. Today we cross Laxa river and ride alongside it for a while through beautiful countryside. We visit Ædarfossar waterfalls and finish our ride on the shore of Skjalfandi bay before returning to Saltvik Farm where the warm outdoor tub is waiting. (30 km)
Optional (available at an 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.
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 hotel 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.