Countryside Rides  Tour # 11
If you are not ready for many days in the saddle, yet an outdoor person with a basic knowledge of riding and good stamina, this tour might be what you are looking for. We follow fine bridle paths to the magnificent sights of Iceland, Geysir Hot Spring area and Gullfoss Waterfall. During three riding days our guide leads you to these wonders of Iceland.
Enjoy the view of glaciers in front of you while riding through a lovely birch forest and green meadows with grazing horses. “Tölt”, the special gait of the Icelandic horse will be introduced to you. We use this comfortable gait for parts of our tour, but also trot and walk the horses in between. On the way to Kjóastaðir Farm a visit to Thingvellir is made, a place of historic and geological importance and first national park of Iceland.
Kjóastaðir Farm is home of Hjalti and Åsa who also work with us for the Kjölur ride. Their capable staff will take good care of you and find a horse that will suit your liking. Two nights are spent in cozy summer cottages, 2 – 3 rooms in each, shared facilities.

Code: IT-ICRT11
Duration: 3 days / 2 nights - 3 riding days - 95 km

 US$ 1,158 per person
-- based on € 747 
Departures in 2008: 
06/30-07/02    07/07-07/09    07/14-07/16    07/21-07/23
08/04-08/06    08/11-08/13    08/18-08/20
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Meeting Point:  Reykjavík
Level:    Low intermediate +
Riding per day:  4-6 hours
Pace:  slow to moderate
Tack:   Icelandic
Horses:  Icelandic Horses

Accommodation: 2- 4 bed units in summer cottages.
Group size: up to 15 participants
Meeting place: Reykjavík. Accommodation before and after the ride to be arranged individually.

 

Itinerary

Monday: Reykjavík – Thingvellir – Geysir – Kjóastaðir Farm

We drive to Kjóastaðir Farm, visiting the historical site Thingvellir on our way. After having met our guides we check into our rooms and enjoy lunch. Our guide will introduce the Icelandic horse and its special gaits before we start our ride along pleasant trails of the Bláskógarbyggð district towards Geysir hot spring area. A perferct first riding day where we get to know the Icelandic horse and the way of riding in a relaxed atmosphere. While on our ride we enjoy the great view of mountain ranges, valleys and the glacier fed river Hvítá.  (25 km) 

Tuesday: Haukadalsheiði - Sandfell – Kjóastaðir

Today we ride through beautiful birch forrest  at Haukadalur valley. We cross small sparkling brooks and enjoy the vegetation blooming during the sommer. Watch the vegetation change as we proceed up onto a highland heath. From Haukadalsheiði heath we have a great view of mountains and glaciers in the interiour! (35 km)

Wednesday: Kjóastaðir –Gullfoss – Kjölur Trail – Reykjavík

We leave the farm and head off towards the majestic canyon Brúarhlöð where milky, glacier fed water passes through bizarre rock formations. We follow the ever deepening canyon to the impressive Golden Waterfall Gullfoss. After having spent some time there we saddle up again and follow the famous Kjölur highland trail for a while before we head back to the farm. After dinner it is time to bid farewell to horses and guides and we drive back to Reykjavík. Approx. arrival time in Reykjavík is 10:00 PM. (35 km)