horsebackriding riding tours in iceland

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www.Travels.is 1 Summer 2014 Iceland Incoming, DMC, Events, Luxury, FIT, Groups, City Breaks, Short & Long Tours Highland Riding Tours Countryside Riding Tours Autumn Riding Tours

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Page 1: Horsebackriding Riding Tours in Iceland

www.Travels.is 1

Summer 2014

IcelandIncoming, DMC, Events, Luxury, FIT, Groups, City Breaks, Short & Long Tours

Highland Riding Tours

Countryside RidingTours

Autumn Riding Tours

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CONTACT US

www.Travels.is

We’d love to hear from you! Feel free to contact us with any questions, concerns and accolades.

General Information [email protected]/ Individuals [email protected] [email protected]

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facebook.com/Travels.is

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EMAIL

Admin, Sales & Marketing +354-571-7400Finance Office +354-551-9000Fax +354-551-9003USA/Canada 1-888-682-4110UK 1-800-056-1912

TELEPHONE / FAX

Administration, Sales & marketingSudurlandsbraut 46108 Reykjavik Iceland

Finance OfficeArmuli 36108 ReykjavikIceland

ADDRESSES

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TABLE OF CONTENTSAbout Us...........................................................................................................................5Our guarantee...................................................................................................................5 Countryside riding tours................................................................................................ 7-13Highland riding tours...................................................................................................15-19Autumn riding tours.......................................................................................................21-24General informations.......................................................................................................25Map of Iceland...........................................................................................................26-27

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The Icelandic horse is a breed of horse developed in Iceland. Although the horses

are small, at times pony-sized, most registries for the Icelandic refer to it as a

horse.

Icelandic horses are long-lived and hardy. In their native country they have few diseases;

Icelandic law prevents horses from being imported into the country and exported ani-

mals are not allowed to return.

The Icelandic displays two gaits in addition to the typical walk, trot, and canter/gallop commonly displayed by other breeds. The

only breed of horse in Iceland, they are also popular internationally, and sizable

populations exist in Europe and North America.

The breed is still used for traditional farm work in its native country, as well as for lei-

sure, showing, and racing.

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Travel ehf is an incoming tour operator that assists you in organizing tours and activities for groups and individuals visiting Iceland.

We organize everything from short meeting breaks to extreme, outdoor experiences lasting several days.

We take care of all kind of service: Transport, Hotel accommodation, Booking of restaurants, Theatre tickets, Field trips, Guides and more.

Response on request for proposal within 48 hours Speed is one of the most important factors when pitching for an order.

We understand that fact, and provide you with a proposal for your RFP within 48 hours.

ABOUT US

OUR GUARANTEE

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COUNTRYSIDE TOURS

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The Thingvellir natural area has long been the location horseback riders come to when travelling through Iceland. This path stretches along Kaldidalur and Uxahryggir and leads to the Borgarfjörður inland zone in the west.

Another trail passes Gjábakki toward the eastern districts of pleasant southern countryside.

Thingvellir has the distinct historical honor of being the site of the Althing General Assembly from its beginnings in 930 all the way until 1798.

It has been where many major events have happened and is a favorite destination for both Icelanders and foreign visitors alike. It is situated right near the boundary between tectonic plates of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which makes it a unique geographical location to visit as well.

Tour numberDuration: 7 days – 6 nights – 5 riding days - 140 km

Dates: Sunday – SundayJuly 6 - 12 • July 20 - 26 • August 3 - 9

Accommodation: Hotel accommation in double rooms in the Capital area. Guesthouse and Holiday farm accommodation in a double room during the ride with shared facilities

Group size: Max. 14 guests

Meeting place: Keflavík International Airport

The bulk of this riding tour takes place on the well-groomed trails in Thingvellir National Park. Learn about the travels and triumphs of the Viking Egill Skallagrimsson as the guide regales you with stories of the distant past.

Also learn about Snorri Sturluson, a famous writer of Sagas, who lived in Reykholt in Borgarfjörður. Round out this interesting trip with a relaxing experience at the Fontana Spa.

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THINGVELLIR THE VIKING TRAIL

COUNTRYSIDE RIDING TOUR

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For those with less time, the shorter, 5 day long, Spe-cial Riding Tour will take visitors on the popular Golden Circle route past the Gullfoss Waterfall and Geysir natural springs area.

The group will stay at a comfortable farm with hot tub and a private hotel for different parts of the tour experience.

All the comforts of luxury will be available, but your time in the hotel will be short since the real attractions are outdoors.

The first stop will be the Thingvellir National Park.

This shorter tour joins people from the longer Gullfoss and Geysir tour for four days, so you will have the opportunity to share the experience with even more people.

Tour numberDuration: 5 days – 4 nights – 4 riding days – 95 km

Dates: 8 - 12 • Jun 15 - 19 • June 22 - 26 • June 29 - July 3 • July 6 - 10 • July 13 - 17 • July 20 - 24 • July 27 - 31 • August 3 - 7 • August 10 - 14 • August 17 - 21 • August 24 -28

Accommodation: 2 - 4 bed units, 2 nights in rooms with private facilities at Geysir.

Group size: Max. 18 guests

Meeting place: Reykjavík. Accommodation before and after the ride to be arranged individually.

Optional: Snowmobile drive on Lang-jökull glacier, fee to be paid locally.

COUNTRYSIDE RIDING TOUR

On the fifth day, this group returns to Reykjavik and preparations for the trip home.

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GEYSIR GULLFOSS SPECIAL

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Beginning riders who still long for a holiday filled with adventure and glorious outdoor scenery may like this 3 day countryside riding tour.

With some knowledge of horsemanship and enough stamina, you can come along these neat horse trails to some of the most wonderful scenery Iceland has to offer.

This riding tour visits the Gullfoss Waterfall and the hot springs area of Geysir.

Learn about the unique gait of the Icelandic horses called “Tölt” from an experienced and friendly guide. The tour will alternate between this gait, trotting and walking as the guide leads you past majestic landscapes.

Tour numberDuration: 7 days – 6 nights – 5 riding days - 140 km

Dates: Sunday – SundayJuly 6 - 12 • July 20 - 26 • August 3 - 9

Accommodation: Hotel accommation in double rooms in the Capital area. Guesthouse and Holiday farm accommodation in a double room during the ride with shared facilities

Group size: Max. 14 guests

Meeting place: Keflavík International Airport

The tour is complete with a stop in the Thingvellir Na-tional Park to experience some of its trails and natural beauty.

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COUNTRYSIDE RIDING ADVENTURE

COUNTRYSIDE RIDING TOUR

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Beginning riders who still long for a holiday filled with adventure and glorious outdoor scenery may like this 3 day countryside riding tour. With some knowledge of horsemanship and enough stamina, you can come along these neat horse trails to some of the most wonderful scenery Ice-land has to offer.

This riding tour visits the Gullfoss Waterfall and the hot springs area of Geysir.

Learn about the unique gait of the Icelandic hors-es called “Tölt” from an experienced and friendly guide. The tour will alternate between this gait,

Tour numberDuration: 3 days – 2 nights –3 riding days – 60 km

Dates: June 15 – 17 • June 29 - July 1 • July 13 – 15 • July 27 – 29 • August 10 - 12 • August 24 - 26 • August 31 - September 2Accommodation: 2-bed units,beds with bed linen, shared facilities.

Group size: Max. 16 guests

Meeting place: Reykjavík. Accommodation before and after the ride to be arranged individually.

trotting and walking as the guide leads you past majestic landscapes.

The tour is complete with a stop in the Thingvellir National Park to experience some of its trails and natural beauty.

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COUNTRYSIDE TOUR

COUNTRYSIDE RIDING ADVENTURE

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The western edge of Iceland includes the pictur-esque S Peninsula, which boasts many of the classic features of this country’s natural beauty.

The tour begins At Stóri-Kálfalækur Farm where we will gather the horses to begin the ride into the colorful Hítardalur valley and surrounding mountains.

From the green hillsides to the stark lava fields, the horseback tour continues down to the shore-line.

Tour numberDuration: 5 days – 4 nights – 4 riding days – 145 km

Dates 2013: June 5 - 9* • June 15 - 19 • June 22-26 • August 24 - 28 *This departure is from Thursday - Monday

Accommodation: Shared accommodation, two nights in beds with bed linen and two nights in sleeping bags.

Group size: Max. 18 guests

Meeting place: Reykjavík. Accommodation before and after the ride to be arranged individually.

Note: Knee-high rubber boots are recommended for this ride.

Optional: Bus tour to sights on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, fee to be paid locally.

This beach trail, only available at low tide, pro-vides a chance for riders to experience the unique “tölt” gait of Icelandic horses.

This shorter Snæfellsnes tour travels along with the longer tour for four days, but returns to Reykjavik after that to start the journey home again.

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COUNTRYSIDE TOUR

BEACH AND MOUNTAIN RIDE

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This riding tour combines comfort, beautiful and inter-esting variety of landscape and tales from the Saga ages of Iceland’s history. It is ideal for people who are interested in culture and information and for those who are not as experienced at horseback riding.

The sandy ground helps make the horseback riding a pleasure for both horse and rider, and you will be able to experience tölt, the unique gait of Icelandic horses. Combine the pleasure of a ride with stunning natural beauty and entertaining history lessons makes this a tour to remember.

From the Hyammur Farm in the Vatnsdalur Valley, we will travel north to a small lake called Lake Hóp, where we will actually ride in the water for part of the

Tour numberDuration: 5 days – 4 nights – 4 riding days – 120 km

Dates: June 29 - 3 July • July 13 - 17 • July 20 – 24 • July 27 - 31 • August 3 - 7 • August 10 - 14 • August 17 - 21Accommodation: 2 – 4 bed units, beds with bed linen.

Group size: Max. 16 guests

Meeting place: Reykjavík. Accommo-dation before and after the ride to be arranged individually.

Note: Knee-high rubber boots are recommended for this ride.

Please note: * The last departure starts on Monday and ends on Friday.

journey. In front, a herd of free range horses will run, play and graze on the green grasses. This tour will also visit the Northern Atlantic shoreline where you will get to see a busy seal colony.

After the horses are back on the farm, visitors on this tour will enjoy the comfort of bus travel as we journey back to Reykjavík through the Kjölur highlands. View glaciers up close and spend some time at the natural hot spring area in Hveravellir. The waterfall Gullfoss and the Geysir hot spring area will be highlights of the trip.

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COUNTRYSIDE TOURNorth - West Explorer

RIDING THE TRAIL OF HOPE

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Horseback riding provides a perfect way to experience the Geysir and Golden Waterfall, or Gullfoss, hot spring natural locations in southern Iceland. The journey to the horse farm will pass through glorious vistas of Thingvellir National Park.

While some other tours require more advanced horse riding skills, this one is perfect for beginners and families with children. Because riding a horse all day can still be difficult, we recommend basic horsemanship skills and a healthy physical condition.

The Golden Circle riding tour begins with a relaxed day along the Thjorsa River. This will help visitors get used to the gaits and feel of their Icelandic horse mount.

Then the group will journey further away from civilization into the hot springs areas of Geysir and the awe-inspiring Gullfoss Waterfall.

Tour numberDuration: 8 days – 7 nights – 5 riding days – 170 km

June 7 - 14 • June 14 - 21 • June 21 - 28 • June 28 - July 5 • July 5-12 • July12-19 • July 19 - 26 • July 26 - August 2 • August 2 - 9 • August 9 - 16 • August 16 - 23 • August 23 - 30

Accommodation: Hotel accommoda-tion in Reykjavík. 2 – 4 bed units with shared facilities at the farms.Group size: Max. 18 guests

Meeting place: Keflavík International Airport

Optional: Snowmobile drive on Lang-jökull glacier, fee to be paid locally.

COUNTRYSIDE RIDING TOUR

On the way back to the Kálfhóll Farm, the horseback riding group will take to the trails across the Hrunaheiði moors. The Hrepphólar basalt columns are particularly interesting to see.

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RIDING THE GOLDEN CIRCLE

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HIGHLAND TOURS

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Northern Iceland is famous for beautiful natural scenery and many different types of landscapes to experience. This riding tour starts at Bjarnastaðir Farm near Húsavík and continues into the Lake Mývatn area where you can view huge flocks of wild ducks. The landscape has been shaped by volcanic activity in the past. You will also get to visit the natural wonders of Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi Canyon, which is the largest waterfall in all of Europe. Hljóðaklettar will thrill you with unusual rock formations as well.

You may also like to include a trip out on a boat to view whales swimming in the ocean. This whale watching tour is optional.

The horseback riding trails are smooth and soft, perfect for experiencing the unique “tölt” gait of Icelandic ponies. Travel through green fields up to the Gæsafjöll Mountains where the group will spend a cozy night in a Theistareykir mountain cabin. The next day, see the results of tectonic

Tour number

Wonders of Lake Mývatn

Duration: 8 days – 7 nights – 5 riding days – 170 km

Dates 2013: Sunday – Sunday

June 29 – July 06 • July 6 - 13 • July 20 - 27 • July 27 - August 3 • August 10 – 17

Accommodation: Hotel accommodation in shared rooms in the Capital area. Sleeping bag accommodation in shared rooms during the ride.

Group size: Max. 18 guests

Meeting place: Keflavík International Airport

Optional: Whale watching boat trip, fee to be paid locally.

HIGHLAND TOUR

and volcanic activity as you ride past fissures and cre-vasses on the way to Lake Mývatn. Once there, be awed by the strange lava formations and boiling hot pools of mud.

Relax after a long ride in the natural hot springs outdoor bathing facility at Jarðböð. Then you will be renewed to continue the horseback riding tour into the Laxárdalur Valley to the next night’s stay in Heiðabær. The last part of the journey leads the group over the Reykjaheiði Heath on the way back to the farm. The final day of the tour is spend in Jökulsárgljúfur National Park where we can visit the Dettifoss Waterfall and Ásbyrgi Canyon.

When the full tour is complete, take some time to wind down in a hot tub at Lundur Swimming Pool before the last dinner together at the farm. A perfect time to remem-ber all the wonderful sights with your new friends.

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NORTHERN EXPOSURE

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Journey backward through time for a trip down the historical Kjölur Trail. This is the same path the

Icelandic people took ever since 930 AD when the first summer parliament was held at Thingvellir.

Since then, this site of historic importance has been turned into a National Park. The horseback riding tour makes a stop at the popular Gullfoss Waterfall and Geysir hot springs before continuing into more unspoiled wilderness.

As you traverse the heart of Iceland from the north or the south, you will experience a variety of landscapes and stunning vistas.

Tour number

North - South / South - North

Duration: 9 days – 8 nights – 6 riding days – 210 km

Dates 2013: Saturday – Sunday June 22 – 30 • June 2June 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: Hotel accommodation in shared rooms in the Capital area. Shared rooms in simple mountain cabins and sleeping bag accommodation 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 fromsouth to north.

Optional: Boat trip on Hvítárvatn glacier lagoon, fee to be paid locally.

HIGHLAND TOUR

Experience unique sandy deserts right next to the massive Langjökull and Hofsjökull Glaciers. Thrill to the discovery of hidden valleys full of green vegetation.

We will journey on to the highlands to visit a natural geothermal area called Hveravellir where an hour or so of relaxation in a hot tub may be perfect after a long day’s ride.

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KJÖLUR

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Even native Icelanders rarely journey to the wild country in Eastern Iceland. This glorious secret is best toured on sturdy and careful Icelandic horses. On this tour, you will get to experience the most mag-nificent untamed beauty of mountains, valleys and rivers.

This ride begins at sea level and goes up to the flat highlands that give visitors a taste of a truly arctic landscape. Hrafnkelsdalur Valley has historical sig-nificance from the medieval time period when the great Hrafnkel Saga unfolded.

You will be thrilled to see a variety of the most stun-ning landscapes Iceland has to offer: massive Ha-frahvammagljúfur Canyon, Mount Snæfell and Vat-

Tour number

Secret of the East

Duration: 9 days – 8 nights – 6 riding days – 215 km

Dates: Sunday – MondayJuly 6 - 14 • July 20 - 28 • July 27 - August 4 • August 10 - 18

Accommodation: Hotel accommo-dation in shared rooms in the Capital area. Shared rooms in simple mountain cabins and sleeping bag accommoda-tion during the ride.

Group size: Max. 16 guests

Meeting place: Keflavík International Airport

Please note: *The first departure is dif-ferent and ends in Höfn in Hornafjörður.

Optional: 4x4 Jeep Safari to Vatna-jökull glacier, fee to be paid locally.Note: Some walking might be involved at steep hillsides.

HIGHLAND TOUR

najökull Glacier. This stunning ice cap will be visited by bus. Not only will the scenery be glorious to be-hold, but you will have a chance to see some of the wild birds and animals as well.

The wild geese fly overhead and eat on the ground while herds of reindeer roam across the fields. Final-ly, the riding tour travels next to the J River in the N Valley.

Several lovely waterfalls will peak your interests on the return journey to the green valley fields once more.

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EAST ICELAND RIDING TOUR

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This horseback riding tour encompasses a variety of Iceland’s natural areas, impressive geological dis-plays and riding trails that are fun for both tourists and horses. The steady horses are trained to car-ry visitors through beautiful valleys full of greenery, across sandy desert vistas and into the mountains.

Riding trails lead from the Eyvindarmúli Farm to the Markarfljót River, which we travel along for a while until we begin the ascent into the mountains.

Riders can view the black ash ground left over from an 18th century volcanic eruption of Mt. Hekla.

The night will be spent near the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier. The next day brings the horse tour into a new type of

Tour number

EAST - WEST / WEST - EAST

Duration: 9 days – 8 nights – 6 riding days – 195 km

Dates: July 14 - 22 • July 21 - 29 • August 11 - 19 • August 18 - 26

Accommodation: Hotel accommodation in shared rooms in the Capital area. Shared rooms in simple mountain cabins and sleeping bag accommodation during the ride.

Group size: Max. 16 guests

Meeting place: Keflavík International Airport

Note: Tours operate alternatively from west to east,the next tour being from east to west.

HIGHLAND TOUR

landscape: sand desert land in Mælifellssandur and Skaftáreldar lava fields. You can definitely see the work of volcanic activity on Iceland’s landscape.

More natural beauty can be seen on the next leg of the horseback riding tour as the group journeys to the Lakagígar craters.

This tour can be taken from West to East or the oppo-site direction, but the beauty and interest of the Fjal-labak landscapes will delight and amaze you either way.

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POWER OF CREATION

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Sometimes called “The Queen of Iceland,” Mount Hekla volcano rises above the unique area of Landmannalaugar. The surrounding landscape holds many reminders of the horrible eruptions through history in the form of black ash, lava flows and fields.

But there is more beauty and interest in the area surrounding Mt. Hekla as well. Many come here to experience the soothing waters of the natural baths, or to just explore the fascinating Icelandic countryside.

This tour makes a stop at the popular Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir natural hot springs area on the way to the Eyvindarmúli Farm.

Tour numberDuration: 8 days – 7 nights – 6 riding days – 225 km

Dates: June 21 - 28* • July 7 – 14 • July 28 – August 4 • August 4 - 11 • August 25 – September 1 *This departure is from Saturday to Saturday

Accommodation: Hotel accommodation in shared rooms in the Capital area. Shared rooms in simple mountain cabins and sleeping bag accommodation during the ride.

Group size: Max. 16 guests

Meeting place: Keflavík International Airport

HIGHLAND TOUR

It continues up in the mountains where riders will thrill to experience the massive glaciers and icy river Markarfljót. The landscape is colorful and majestic, with red, yellow and green rhyolite mountains, black fields of cooled lava and lush green valleys surround-ing them.

The lively horses will carry anyone ready to take an adventure holiday in this beautiful country.

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VOLCANO HEKLA - LANDMANNALAUGAR

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AUTUMN TOURS

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A short 4 day tour in autumn can delight with sights you cannot see anywhere else in the world other than Iceland.

Not only will you visit some of the finest landscapes and most geologically-interesting places in this coun-try, but you will also have the opportunity to view the mysterious Northern Lights stretching across the sky.

The tour starts during the day with a visit to the Blue Lagoon mineral baths area. Very relaxing and luxu-rious!

The next stop is the Kjóastaðir farm, where you will get to learn about Icelandic horses and their unique “tolt” gait. The tour takes you along the Gullfoss Wa-

Tour numberDuration: 4 days – 3 nights –2 riding days – 45 km

Dates: September 18 – 21 • September 25 – 28 • October 2 – 5 • October 9 – 12 • October 16 – 19 • October 23 – 26

Accommodation: 2-bed units, beds with bed linen, shared facilities. Hotel accom-modation in Capital area for one night.

Group size: Max. 16 guests

Meeting place: Keflavík Int. Airport, suggested arrival time not later than 16:00/04:00 PM.

AUTUMN TOUR

terfall and the Geysir hot springs area.

As the sun sets and the stars come out you can ex-perience one of the most unique and thrilling natural events in the world: the Northern Lights.

Weather permitting, you will see green lights swirl and shift across the night sky.

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RIDING UNDER THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

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This interesting autumn adventure brings the group together with southern Icelandic farmers ready to gather their sheep together out of the mountains.

This occurs in the historical grazing lands of Land-mannaafréttur near the Landmanna¬laugar region. Thrill to the stunning vistas of the red, green and yellow mountains formed from rhyolite and view the black ash and sand left over from a long ago eruption of Mount Hekla.

The farmers that live in these regions have been herding sheep here for many generations. Not only will you get a truly unique, hands-on experience, but you will be able to learn about history and the way of life for true Icelandic people.

It is quite an adventure to herd sheep down steep

Tour numberDuration: 7 days – 6 nights –6 riding days

Date: Friday – Thursday, September 19 - 25

Accommodation: Sleeping bagacco. (bring your own!) in simplemountain cabins, shared by thelocal farmers participating with you in rounding up the sheep.

Group size: Max. 8 guests

Meeting place: Reykjavík. Accommo-dation before and after the ride to be arranged individually.

Note: Some walking will be involved.

hills, ford across rivers and drive them out of their valley shelters to bring them safely to the nighttime resting place.

Everyone who comes on this Icelandic Adventure holiday should be ready to get tired and dirty as you will be working alongside the farmers and other vis-itors.

A good attitude, physical health and the spirit of co-operation are needed to make this tour an enjoyable success.

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AUTUMN TOUR

AUTUMN RIDING ADVENTURE

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This week-long adventure in Iceland’s highland moors is perfect for active folk who love to experience true culture and history.

This autumn tour will let you ride along with the locals while they round up the horses that have been out to pasture in the summer months, assist in sorting the horses in the great corrals and also view stunning natural landscapes and unique vistas. Rolling moors, lush, autumn-hued valleys, shimmering blue lakes and rivers and more will delight your eyes.

You can even visit Kolugljúfur Gorge, where it is rumored a troll woman used to live!

The first day of this adventure will prepare you for more riding to come with a short journey from the Hafnarfjörður Riding Centre. You can get to know your horse and the

Tour numberDuration: 7 days – 6 nights – 4,5 riding days – 130 km

Date: Tuesday – Monday, September 30 - October 6

Accommodation: Hotel accommodation in shared room in the Capital area.

Group size: Max. 20 guestsMeeting place: Keflavík International Airport

Optional: Dance at the community centre in Víðihlíð,entrance fee to be paid locally.

Important: To be able to join the introductory ride, arrival needs to be before 16:00/04:00 PM.

unique Icelandic gait called “tolt.” From the Bjargshóll Farm, we will travel southward to where the Icelandic herders are hard at work gathering the horses together. Be prepared to do your part to drive the herds into the Víðidalstungurétt corrals.

When all the hard work is complete, celebrate with the lo-cals at the festive “réttardansleikur” ball. The following day is for sorting the herds of horses for their individual owners and determining which foal belongs to which mare. This experience is exciting, and educational. A truly unique ad-venture holiday!

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AUTUMN TOUR

HORSE ROUND-UP

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Northern Iceland is the only location that preserves the old time tradition of a horse round up. When you arrive at the Riding Centre in H, you will begin your adventure with a short ride.

Not only is this enjoyable, but it will also give you time to get used to the unique gaits of the Icelandic horses and renew your horsemanship skills. After that, you will journey northward to continue the riding tour.

Just think of the beauty and power of free horses gallop-ing down the hills from their summer pastureland. You will witness young geldings, adolescents and mares with their new foals carefully traveling over the rough terrain.

This is truly a one of a kind experience for your Iceland holiday.

Tour numberDuration: 7 days – 6 nights – 4,5 riding days – 130 km

Date: Wednesday – Tuesday, September 10 – 16

Accommodation: Hotel accommodation in shared room in the Capital area.

Group size: Max. 16 guestsMeeting place: Keflavík International Airport

Optional: Dance at the community centre in Blönduós, entrance fee to be paid locally.

Important: To be able to join the intro-ductory ride, arrival needs to be before 16:00/04:00 PM.

AUTUMN TOUR

The Horse Roundup journey begins in an area named Vatnsdalur that is graced with majestic mountains and the lush valley Laxárdalur where we will join the farmers.

The group then becomes honorary Icelanders and begins the work of gathering the horses from their summer pas-tures in the mountains.

They are rounded up into the Skrapatungurétt corral. After all the horses are gathered, join the locals for a celebration or r for lots of fun and revelry.

The next day more work commences as the horses need to be sorted so individual owners can take theirs to smaller corrals.

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HORSE ROUND-UP

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What is included in our multi day tours:

• Accommodation in Reykjavík (included in many of our tours) includes breakfast only, not lunch and dinner. If your tour package includes our welcome meeting, a traditional Icelandic stew is served on the arrival day. • During the ride full board is provided. Our menu consists of a large breakfast and traditional Icelandic meals (fish or lamb). Vegetarian meals are available if requested in advance. All riders make their own packed lunch from the breakfast table. • Alcoholic beverages are not included in the tour price and are hard to get in the highlands. They can be bought at a reasonable price in the Duty Free Store at Keflavik Airport upon arrival. • Rain wear, water bottle, saddle bag, riding helmet and sleeping bag with a sheet (where necessary).• Individual travel insurance is not included in the tour price. We encourage clients to obtain relevant travel insurance before visiting Iceland.

AccommodationAccommodation in Reykjavík, included in many of the longer tours, is in rooms with private facilities. 2 - 3 clients share a room but a limited number of single rooms are available for additional cost af EURO 50 per night.

Artic Comfort Hotel, Síðumúli 19, 108 Reykjavík, www.arcticcomfortho-tel.is IH-8 Egilsstaðir

Fosshotel Barón, Baronsstígur 2-4, 101 Reykjavík, www.fosshotel.is IH-3 Northern Exposure, IH-5 Snaefellsnes, IH-10 Íshestar Special, IH-14 Twilight Zone

Hotel Cabin, Borgartún 32, 105 Reykjavík, www.hotelcabin.is IH-12 Power of Creation, IH-19 Landmannalaugar

Hotel Hafnarfjörður, Reykjavíkurvegur 72, 220 Hafnarfjörður, www.hhotel.is IH-7 Kjölur, IH-17 Northern Odyssey

KEA Hotel Björk, Brautarholt 22-24, 105 Reykjavík, www.keahotel.is IH-21 Riding under Northern Lights, IH-25 Horse Round Up, IH-26 Horse Round Up

Hótel Klettur, Mjölnisholt 12-14, 105 Reykjavík, www.hotelklettur.is IH-4 Volcano Vistas

Hotel Park Inn, Ármúla 9, 108 Reykjavík, www.parkinn.is/hotel-reykjavik IH-6 Golden Circle

During the ride all accommodation and facilities are shared. Tours 4, 6, 11, 13, 14, 18, 21, 25 and 26 offer accommodation in beds with bed linen throughout the ride. Tour 4 is operated in double room accommo-dation throughout the tour. Single room accommodation is available for tour 4 as well at an extra charge. Tours no. 6 and 13 include two nights in rooms with private facilities at the Geysir Hotel.

Our mountain rides no. 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 17 and 19 offer simple accom-modations in sleeping bags, tour 5 only for two nights. Sometimes the whole group stays together in one large room. Tour 68 offers accommo-dation in tents and basic cabins.

Accommodation is equipped with beds, bunk beds and shared bunk beds depending on the size and location of each mountain cabin. Indoor WC, warm showers and/or hot pools are available at most locations.

Íshestar provides detailed descriptions of the accommodation for each tour upon request.

LuggageLuggage will be transported in the kitchen van.• Bring bags rather than hard cover suitcases. • Pack light because transport space is limited.

How much money to bring with youÍshestar offers optional sightseeing tours and/or activities on some of the rides. These are mentioned in the tour description with the price in Icelandic currency and should be paid for in cash on the spot.

Group sizeNumber of participants varies from 12 to 20 guests. Please check tours for listed maximum of riders. Our staff consists of the tour leader, our associate in charge of the horses, additional people to take care of the horses and a cook.

Changing horsesUsually we change horses once or twice a day. On most of our longer tours we herd our spare horses along in a free running herd, the traditional way of riding in Iceland. All tours of the three and four horse categories are operated that way. For tours of the two horse category our guides may lead spare horses for parts of the ride.

Airport transferAirport transfer to a hotel in Reykjavík for tours 3 - 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 25 and 26 is arranged in a Flybus, public bus. Flybus runs between the International Airport and Reykjavík upon every arrival of a flight and leaves Reykjavík approx. 2 ½ hrs. prior to every flight departure. If you arrive between 3PM and 4PM you will be picked up in a private bus and transferred to our Riding Center where the introduction meeting take place.

Introduction meeting For clients on our tours no. 3 - 8, 12, 17, 19, 25 and 26 we offer an introduction meeting at the Íshestar Riding Centre on the scheduled arrival day of the tour at approx. 17:00 hrs. Tours 10 and 14 will have a meeting in Reykjavík. For those who either arrive late or choose not to attend the meeting, Íshestar’s representative will be at the accommoda-tion the following morning to send the riders on their way.

Emergency phone numberIn case of any emergency or problem before you meet our representa-tives please call +354 860 7006.

Terms & conditionsIf you book the tour through the website the full amount is requested.

If you book via e-mail or phone. We request a 30% confirmation payment upon booking to be able to confirm a seat. When we have received the confirmation payment the seat is secure. The remaining balance is due six weeks before the tour starts.

Our cancellation terms are as follows:• A cancellation made (by letter, fax or e-mail) with more than six weeks notice is subject to 10% of the tour price. • A cancellation made (by letter, fax or e-mail) with less than six weeks but more than three weeks notice is subject to 30% of the tour price. • A cancellation made with less than three weeks and more than one week notice is subject to a 50% cancellation fee. • A cancellation made with less than one weeks notice means that the full price will be collected.

Íshestar reserves the right to change a day’s itinerary, if road or weather conditions prove unfavourable.

A cancellation of tour due to insufficient participation must be made with at least 4 weeks notice. Íshestar shall make every effort to provide similar alternative arrangements without additional cost to the buyer. Should the alternative not be to the buyer’s satisfaction a full refund will be made. Still we are proud to confirm that this has rarely happened since we started our operation in 1982.

GENERAL INFORMATION ON OUR RIDING TOURS

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Landmannalaugar

GullfossGeysir

Blue Lagoon

Thingvellir

Arnarstapi

Thorsmork

Skógarfoss

Hveravellir

Flatey

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www.Travels.is 27

Landmannalaugar

Lake Mývatn

Glacier LagoonSkaftafell

Ásbyrgi

Dettifoss

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Reykjavik Capital City

Page 28: Horsebackriding Riding Tours in Iceland

28 www.travels.is

Administration, Sales & Marketing Office Sudurlandsbraut 46 19 - 108 Reykjavík - Iceland Tel: +354 571 7400 - Fax +354 551 9003 Finance Office Ármuli 36 - 108 Reykjavik - IcelandTel: +354 551 9000 - Fax +354 551 9003

Internet homepage: www.travels.is Information e-mail: [email protected]

Booking addressesFIT / individuals: [email protected] Groups: [email protected]

Published: September 2013