Iceland Summer Trail

4 Days  |  From £859pp

Iceland ( Best airport: Reykjavik)

Stay in a unique area of exceptional beauty with volcanic formations, green valleys and hot springs, riding on scenic routes in varied terrain. Participants stay at Hótel Eldhestar and ride in the area surrounding the farm. Discover the fast-flowing, glacial waters of the Ölfusá river and see the hot, geothermal streams of Reykjadalur. At the end of each day, you can enjoy a soak in the hot tub, a good dinner and comfortable accommodation.

The Riding

Ride one of the friendly and willing Icelandic horses in its natural environment, far from civilization. Every rider gets the chance to try 2 or 3 different horses each day. You’ll be covering 70 km over the course of the 3 days with between 4-6 hours riding per day.

In Iceland you’ll ride mostly in the tölt, a comfortable, smooth gait somewhere between trot and canter. Participants must be able to mount a horse with little assistance and hard hats are mandatory.

Level of Riding and Fitness

The weight limit is 95kg.

Guides and Group Size

You’ll be accompanied by professional guides who will show you the ropes with the Icelandic horses and help you to get used to their special gait, tölt. There can be up to 20 riders in your group.

The Horses

During this holiday you will be riding Icelandic horses. This native breed is known to be tough, robust and hardworking, ideal mounts for the challenging terrain and changing weather. The horses are home-bred and live in a natural herd roaming large meadow expanses. All the horses are ridden in simple, Icelandic style tack. The saddles are built close to a dressage saddle, with a relatively flat seat. The riding style is very close to English riding, but stirrups are worn longer.

Iceland Summer Trail

Accommodation and Dining

Accommodation during the trail is at a cosy countryside hotel in the south of Iceland, close to your host’s farm. There are double, twin and family rooms available, all are spacious, warm and light-filled. There is an onsite restaurant and traditional hot tubs to relax in at the end of the day. The hotel’s interior is inspired by the colours and materials found in Icelandic nature, genuine craftsmanship and age-old traditions. It was built in accordance with ecological guidelines and is the first lodging in Iceland to be awarded the Nordic Swan Ecolabel. All rooms are fitted with luxurious Hästens beds, offering unrivalled comfort and each room has a door to the garden, allowing you to step outside and observe the scenery and northern lights depending on the time of year.

Full board is included starting with dinner on arrival day and ending with lunch on the last riding day. Dinner is traditional Icelandic home cooking, stews and casseroles are common and ingredients are locally sourced with an emphasis on fresh produce. Lunch is either a picnic packed in your saddle bags or the cook meets the group. Allergies or special dietary requirements can be catered for with advance notice.

Get a free Iceland Summer Trail mini-brochure in PDF format.

Itinerary

Iceland Summer Trail

4 days / 3 nights / 3 days riding
£859pp

Flights & Airport transfers

Do not book flights until you have received the Booking confirmation email from saddletravel.com.

Please arrange to arrive at Reykjavik Airport on the first day by 15.30. You will be collected from the meeting point in Reykjavik at 17.30.

Please book your departure flights on the last day after 19.30 or add an extra night in Reykjavik.

Price Includes
  • 3 days riding
  • 3 nights accommodation in shared rooms
  • Meals from dinner on day 1 to lunch on day 4
  • Tea, coffee, water
  • Luggage transport
  • Return transfer from Reykjavik to the farm
Price Excludes
  • Airport transfers
  • International flights
  • Alcoholic drinks

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