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 Absolute IcelandAdventures - Horses - Highlands - Culture and Local Food |
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| Duration | 9 days / 8 nights - 6 riding days |
| Departure | 03.07. - 11.07.2012 |
| Daily rides | ca. 20 - 40 km |
| Riding skills | Medium riding skills and quite good physical condition are required |
| Accomodation | Hotel in Reykjavík, on the tour 5 nights in made up beds in Hestasport Cottages and 2 nights in a mountain hut, in sleepingbag accommodation always in double / twin rooms. |
| Number of participants | min: 6, max: 12 |
| Itinerary |
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| Friday, Day 1 |
| Your flight to Iceland should arrive at International Airport Keflavík ideally between 2 pm and 4 pm. From here you will
be taken directly to the domestic airport in Reykjavík right in time for the domestic flight to Sauðárkrókur in North Iceland.
We welcome you at Sauðárkrókur Airport and drive to our cottages in Varmahlíð where you spend the first night of your holiday.
After a welcome dinner we meet in the hot tub for a relaxing bath and a first get-together.
In case you arrive earlier in Iceland, please let us know where we can meet you. |
| Saturday, Day 2 |
| After a long sleep and a good breakfast our guides introduce you to our horses. You saddle for a 2-3 hours ride this morning.
This gives you the chance to get used to the Icelandic Horse with its special gaits. After a lunch break we head out for a boat trip to the island Drangey, a bird paradise in the fjord. In ancient times this island was called the "food chest" of Skagafjörður, since it provided a lot of birds and eggs for the poor population. The climb onto the top is a bit demanding, so you should be prepared with good hiking boots. On the way back the captain may stop to give you the opportunity for deep sea fishing. The sea is at some spots full of cod and you might bring a good dinner home. In case the weather conditions don´t allow a boat trip that afternoon, we head for a white water adventure. We chose a river that is suitable for everybody, so all of us can enjoy a new experience and an unusual perspective to watch an amazing gorge. More information about the rafting tour you find here . After this adventurous afternoon we look forward to the hot tub and a good dinner. |
| Sunday, Day 3 |
| Today we start travelling with our horses. Passing the waterfall Reykjafoss right after we leave our base, we enter the valley Mælifellsdalur before we mount the pass Kíðaskarð. A beautiful scenery welcomes us and we have the feeling as if the mountains embrace us. At the top of the pass the view is wide and we might even see the glaciers Hofsjökull and Langjökull in the distance. When descending into Svartádalur valley we see the coral Stafnsrétt where every year the sheep are gathered. This is our destination and here we leave our horses for tonight whereas we drive ½ an hour back to our cottages. |
| Monday, Day 4 |
| Before we leave this morning, we have to pack our luggage for the next two days. We can leave all unnecessary equipment at home. Our horses wait for us at Stafnsrétt and soon after leaving this secluded place we ascend the ridge Háatunga. Nature pure awaits us and for the next hours we possibly meet some sheep, but neither human beings nor cars. For a delicious picnic we meet our van and we continue well stained through the highlands to the mountain hut Galtará, located not far from the lake Blöndulón. We make ourselves comfortable for the next two nights. This convenient cabin provides even hot water and showers. We stay in twin rooms. |
| Tuesday, Day 5 |
| Fortified by a hearty breakfast, we set out on a round trip in the highlands. We pass stone cones from the time of our ancestors who used them as markers when travelling to the yearly parliament session at Þingvellir. Pleasant tölt paths alternate with more difficult terrain. In the evening we reach Bugar, where we keep the horses tonight. We drive 20 minutes back to Galtará after a whole day highland adventure with many new impressions. |
| Wednesday, Day 6 |
| After having packed our luggage we leave Galtará today, catch our horses at Bugar and ride back into civilization. We pass by Lake Aðalmannsvatn before we descend into the fertile and beautiful valley Gilhagadalur. To our left we see the mountain Mælifellshnjúkur that is, just like Drangey island, a landmark of the Skagafjörður area. In the evening we keep our horses at Gilhagi whereas we drive 30 minutes to our Hestasport Cottages, where the Hot Pot is awaiting us. |
| Thursday, Day 7 |
| We saddle our horses a last time for the ride home. Over the ridge Eggjar we reach soon the river delta of Héraðsvötn. We cross several small streams
and enjoy excellent riding trails until we come home to Vindheimamelar.
Now it is time to say goodbye to our horses. We release our trusted companions into the meadows and drive to our cottages where we enjoy an excellent farewell dinner. What better way to end a riding tour than with a relaxing bath in a naturally heated hot tub! |
| Friday, Day 8 |
| Time to say good bye! With the scheduled "Kjölur Bus" you travel over the highlands back to Reykjavík and visit the
geothermal area Hveravellir, the golden waterfall Gullfoss and the famous hot spring area Geysir on the way. After arrival in the afternoon you check in at the hotel. Reykjavik is known for its wide range of entertainment so make the best out of being back in civilization and enjoy a last night out with your fellow riders. If you prefer another transportation back to Reykjavík, we are happy to change your itinerary. Please inform us about your wishes. |
| Saturday, Day 9 |
| Transfer from the hotel to Keflavík airport, right in time for your flight home. |
Price 2.190 EUR per person
Included in the price:
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- all ground transportation from Keflavík to Keflavík
- domestic flight Reykjavík - Sauðárkrókur
- scheduled bus ride over Kjölur from Varmahlíð to Reykjavík through the highlands, Hveravellir, Gullfoss, Geysir
- all ground transportation through the tour
- 5 nights in made up beds in twin rooms in Hestasport Cottages
- 2 nights sleeping bag accommodation in twin rooms in a mountain hut
- 1 night in a hotel in Reykjavík, twin room with private facilities, breakfast included
- full board on the riding tour, starting with dinner on day 1, ending with lunchpacket on day 8
- in Reykjavík is only breakfast included
- 6 riding days, 2-3 horses per person
- transportation of luggage
- all needed saddle gear, helmets, rainwear
- boat trip to Drangey island OR white water rafting tour on the West Glacial River (alternatively)
- English and / or German speaking guidance
Picture Gallery 1 from Absolute Iceland
Picture Gallery 2 from Absolute Iceland
