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Between the Glaciers

9 days - London to London

Move back in time and ride along the historic Kjolur trail as Icelanders have throughout the centuries. Visit this historic land, famed for its beauty and its position right on top of the Mid Atlantic ridge, where the continental plates drift apart. Stop at the famous Geysir Hot Spring area and enjoy 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 between huge glaciers, remote desert-like areas, and in vast green meadows where only young horses and mountain sheep roam. Your hosts Hjalti and Asa will lead you past extinct volcanoes and glacier lakes and across wild glacial rivers. You will be accompanied by a herd of free running horses, enabling you to change horse daily.

Your ride up into the highlands introduces you to a variety of landscape. Green meadows in the South change to barren sand deserts close to the mighty Langjokull and Hofsjokull 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 been using all the way back to the early days of settlement.

If you want to see as much as possible of the Icelandic highland, this tour is the perfect choice for you.

Day 1 (D)
Depart London for Keflavik. On arrival you will be met and transferred to a hostel in Reykjavik. Enjoy a Welcome Meeting including traditional Icelandic soup. Receive details of your tour and meet your fellow riders.
Day 2 (B,L,D)
Drive to Kjoastaoir Farm, visiting the historical site of Thingvellir and the well-known Geysir Hot Spring Area on your way. The ride starts off towards the majestic glacier Langjokull onto Haukadalsheioi Heath. Leave the horses at Sanda River for the night. On your way back to Kjoastaoir Farm stop at the beautiful Gullfoss Waterfall. The night is spent in several summer houses that have showers and an outdoor hot tub on site.
Day 3 (B,L,D)
The ride continues along the slopes of Mt. Blafell. Cross River Hvita and enjoy the view of the glacier fed Lake Hvitarvatn with its floating icebergs. Tonight stay at Arbuoir, situated right at the banks of the Svarta River.
Day 4 (B,L,D)
Today there is an opportunity to explore Lake Hvitarvatn. Ride without the herd towards this magnificent lake emerging from Langjokull Glacier. When you return to the herd , continue the ride along Svarta River, passing through the Granunes Area. The area was named after the horse Grana and you will hear about the tragic story, which happened centuries ago. The day ends at the Svartarbotnar Mountain Cabin.
Day 5 (B,L,D)
Ride along the huge rugged lava fields of Kjalhraun, that the sure footed Icelandic horses master with such bravery. During the ride enjoy splendid views of the glacier Langjokull and follow the glacier fed river Folakvosl. Leave the herd for a couple of hours to enter into the world of Thjofadalir, 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 Hofsjokull and Langjokull Glaciers. A natural hot pool provides a deserved relaxing bath.
Day 6 (B,L,D)
This day will be a very special one, since you cross the large glacial rivers, Blanda, Svartakvisl and Strangakvisl 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! The location of tonight's mountain cabin offers great views of the big glaciers behind you and towards the high mountains of the North ahead of you. Up to mid July the sun hardly sets in this part of the country.
Day 7 (B,L,D)
Descend past beautiful Lake Aoalmannsvatn towards the fertile Maelifellsdalur Valley in the Skagafjorour 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 tolt! End the day at Lauftun Holiday Farm with a hot pot heated with geothermal water.
Day 8 (B)
Transfer back to Reykjavik for your final night, arriving early afternoon.
Day 9 (B)
Transfer to Keflavik Airport for your flight to London.
Please note this ride is also offered in the reverse direction. Reversed itinerary available upon request.
Iceland
  • Cost per Person :
  • Ride Only: £1,315
  • Includes: Includes transfers, accommodation and meals as specified, sleeping bag and all riding.
  • All Inclusive: From £1,600 depending on class of flight booked and the season.
  • Includes: Includes flights, taxes, transfers, accommodation and meals as indicated, sleeping bag and all riding.
  • Single Supplement: None, as you must be prepared to share.
  • Departure Dates: 21, 28 Jun, 05, 12, 19, 26 Jul, 02,09, 16, 23 Aug.
  • The Accommodation: Accommodation is basic throughout the tour. In Reykjavik the accommodation is in a hostel or guest house in twin or four-bedded rooms with shared facilities. Up country the accommodation is in mountain huts with bunk beds, sometimes shared by 2 clients to a bed or on mattresses on the floor. Facilities are extremely limited.Iceland
  • Food & Drink: Scandinavian breakfast buffet, packed lunch (which everyone makes for themselves) and two course dinner. Coffee, tea, water and cordials are included. Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are not available but may be taken.
  • Laundry: Not available.
  • Children: 8 - but they must have the necessary riding skills, be accompanied by an experienced adult rider and be able to cope with the basic accommodation. Children under 12 get a 25% discount off the ride only price.
  • Non-Riders: The ride is not really suitable for non-riders but arrangements may be able to be made if required. A non-rider would need to travel in the kitchen vehicle.