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Diamond Circle  Tour# 4
Wonders of the magnificent North - without camping

The area around Lake Mývatn is often called Diamond Circle due to the high density of interesting sights. The lake itself is a famous breeding area for ducks, which nest in lush vegetation and raise their ducklings, sheltered by nature and protected by man. The area around the lake is a witness to the power of the Earth, a display of eerie lava formations, high rising steam clouds, black sand deserts and multi-colored boiling mud pools.
This tour is an alternative for those who want to experience the excitement of a highland ride while spending the nights in a higher standard of accommodation. You also have the advantage of being in a smaller group than we usually have on our tours since the maximum number for this tour is 14 guests. Our hosts for this tour are Bjarni Páll and Elsa from Saltvík, so well known from our popular Northern Exposure Tours. 
Like on the Northern Exposure Tour you enjoy the varied terrain surrounding Lake Mývatn Your ride starts over Hvammsheiđi Heath and you follow Laxá Salmon River toward Lake Mývatn. To explore the area in depth a sightseeing bus tour is included and brings you to Dimmuborgir, a true maze made by nature and Hverarönd boiling mud pools and steam vents. Natural warm water is harnessed at Jarđböđ geothermal outdoor pool where you can enjoy a swim in the mineral rich water of this new bathing facility. The riding leads further into the highlands and you catch a glimpse of Ódáđahraun Lava field, the largest lava field in Iceland, before the ride changes direction and leads towards the shore again. In Bárđardalur Valley you visit Gođafoss Waterfall and ride partly along the river banks back to Saltvík Farm again. Sail out into the evening sun on an optional whale watching boat trip on your last night in the North.
On this tour we exchange the usual mountain cabins for made up beds in double rooms. Single room accommodation is also possible. Bathroom facilities are shared but a hot shower is available every night. During the three nights spent at Saltvík Farm you will enjoy two outdoor hot tubs and the amazing view over the ocean and the Kinnafjöll Mountain Range.
 

IT-ICRT17
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights 
(5 riding days)   - 175 km

US$ 3,215 per person
-- based on € 2,074
Single+ $600   -based on € 388
2008 Dates:
07/12-07/19
07/26-08/02
08/02-08/09
 Check Availability

Meeting Point
:  Keflavik Airport
Level:    Intermediate
Riding per day:  4-6 hours
Pace:  moderate with long toelts
Tack:   Icelandic
Horses:  Icelandic Horses
Min/Max Riders: 8-14
Note: Lodging in holiday farm and guesthouse  (2 per room)

 

 
   Highland Tours

   Driving a Herd of  horses
Slide Show

 

Itinerary

Saturday: Arrival in Iceland – Keflavik Airport – Reykjavík
Transfer from Keflavik Airport to a guesthouse in Reykjavík. We invite you to a Welcome Meeting including traditional Icelandic soup. Receive details of your tour and meet your fellow riders. 
 
Sunday: Reykjavík – Saltvík – Hvammsheiđi – Saltvík Holiday Farm
Flight to Akureyri and drive to Saltvík Farm. Ride into the mountains along the river Laxá to the highland plateau Hvammsheiđi. We stay overnight at Saltvík Farm where the hot outdoor tubs are waiting. (20 km)
 
Monday: Laxárdalur – Lake Mývatn – Guesthouse Vogar
We continue our ride to Laxárdalur Valley, named by a famous salmon river, and follow the river all the way to Lake Mývatn where we stay overnight at the guesthouse Vogar situated in beautiful surroundings near the lake. Bus tour around Lake Mývatn, famous for its geological wonders and rich bird life. Enjoy a nice hot bath in Jarđböđ, a geothermal outdoor pool. (40 km)  
 
Tuesday: Vogar – Guesthouse Kiđagil
We continue our ride towards Mt. Sandfell, through the valleys of Engidalur and Bárđardalur, enjoying excellent riding paths throughout most of the day. Today we will view parts of the mighty Ódáđahraun Lava field, the largest lava field in Iceland and stay overnight at the cosy Guesthouse Kiđagil on the banks of the glacial river Skjálfandafljót. (35 km)
 
Wednesday: Kiđagil – Gođafoss – Torfunes – Saltvík Holiday Farm
We ride through Bárđardalur Valley towards magnificent waterfall Gođafoss. Partly on the river banks we ride to Fellsskógur Forest. Our horses rest at the farm Torfunes while we drive to Saltvík for the overnight stay. (45 km)
 
Thursday: Torfunes – Ađaldalshraun – Saltvík Holiday Farm
Enjoy a last riding day through beautiful landscape characterized by the vast lava fields of Ađaldalshraun and rich birch forest. We cross Hvammsheiđi Heath before bringing the horses home to Saltvík Farm where we spend another night and enjoy the hot outdoor tubs! (35 km)
 
Optional (available at an extra charge): Whale Watching
At Húsavík harbour a boat is waiting to go out on a whale watching cruise. (Price per person ISK 4.000)
 
Friday: Saltvík – Reykjavík
Return to Akureyri and flight back to Reykjavík Domestic Airport with arrival at approx. 13:30. Last night in a guesthouse in Reykjavík.
 
Saturday: Departure from Iceland - Reykjavík - Keflavik Airport
Transfer by bus to Keflavik Airport in time for the flight back home.
Transfer by bus to Keflavík Airport in time for the flight back home.
 

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