Iceland itinerary
Iceland – A Historical Adventure on Horse Back
23rd – 30th August 2009
The old volcano Snæfellsjökull is covered with a majestic top of ice and snow and towers over the peninsula named after it. Its mystic atmosphere surrounds you on this spectacular ride from Stóri-Kálfalækur Farm into the valleys and mountains, former shelters and hide-outs for outlaws, giants and trolls. Cross salmon rivers and ride alongside deep blue lakes. See mighty lava fields, craters and ashes of ancient eruptions. Enjoy wide-open stretches of sand on the beaches where only the tide sets a limit to the freedom of horses and riders.
Sunday 23rd August – London to Reykjavik
Flight from London to Reykjavik. Transfer by bus (approx. 2 hours) to Stori Kalfalakur for dinner and overnight. This is the farm where our adventure starts. After dinner our guide will give a talk about the historical aspect of our riding tour and the Icelandic horse. We will also meet our team for the week.
Monday 24th August
After a good wholesome breakfast we meet our steeds and set off in the direction of scenic mountains riding through fertile farmland and along good riding tracks, through lava-fields and along low bushy hillsides. Overnight stay in the Hítarhólmur mountain cabin situated in Hítardalur valley. The valley is renowned for its lava formations and multi-coloured rocks and is considered by Icelanders to be the most beautiful on the island. (6 - 7 hours). Accommodation is basic with double bunk beds and only cold water for washing. There is no mobile phone reception here.
Tuesday 25th August
We start today with a ride to the round-up place in Hítardalur and proceed west across Hítará River. Be surprised by the change to black ashes and lava covering an area well known as the hideout of Iceland’s most famous outlaw, Grettir. At our finish point for the day we cross a wide river and ride to Kolviðarnes Farm where we leave the horses for the night and walk to Laugargerði Schoolhouse building where we stay overnight. We can enjoy a swim in a pool heated with geothermal water. (7 - 8 hours)
Wednesday 26th August
After rejoining the horses we start our ride on Löngufjörur, the famous horse trail on the seashores of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. View Snæfellsjökull Glacier ahead of you, known in literature to be the entrance to the centre of the earth and where Jules Verne wrote his famous book Journey to the Centre of the Earth. Feel the horses’ excitement and join in their joy on this extraordinary trail courtesy of the low tide. Our horses spend the night at Traðir Farm while we stay at Lýsuhóll schoolhouse with a geothermal swimming pool on site. (6 - 7 hours) Approx 40 kms
Thursday 27th August
Another day on the yellow coloured, sandy beach. Direction changes and we head back towards mighty Eldborgarhraun lava field. A unique experience for everyone with lava-fields and mountains on one side of the trail and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. Overnight again at Laugargerði. (6 – 7 hours.)
Friday 28th August
Our last day takes us along the beach and yet a new experience. The sand turns black as we follow the outline of Eldborgarhraun lava field. Imagine the black lava still on the move on your way back to dry land. (5 – 6 hours.) The ride ends at Stóri-Kálfalækur Farm where we enjoy our fare well dinner and overnight.
Saturday 29th August
After a leisurely start we transfer back to Reykjavik and have the option of exploring this delightful city or taking an optional whale watching tour or going to the Blue Lagoon. Evening free and overnight Reykjavik Youth Hostel.
Sunday 30th August
Early morning start to catch our return flight to the UK
This itinerary is complex and may be subject to change.
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