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Horseback riding tours
Rides in Iceland
Intro to Iceland
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Extensions:
Horses and Lagoon
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Norway
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Classic Wilderness Tour
Highland Tours
Iceland
The Classic Wilderness Kjölur route is an ancient riding trail, intimately associated with many impressive events in Icelandic history. We visit the popular attractions of Gullfoss and Geysir as well as uncover the more uninhabited tracts of land to experience the pristine glaciers, the real Icelandic wilderness and characteristic hot springs first hand. We will ride between dramatic glaciers and spend a night sleeping close to an authentic sliding glacier. The hot springs await us at Hveravellir, like an oasis in the desert! The route winds our way across many of Northern Iceland's rivers until we reach Blöndudalur, our final destination.
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Meeting:
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Reykjavik
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Airport:
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Keflavik Airport
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Transfer:
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Reykjavik BSI central bus station on Day 1 between 5:30-6 PM or hotels/guesthouse
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Riders:
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Min
6 riders
Max
18 riders
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Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2010
Rates include:
Sleeping bag accommodations, all meals (except dinner last night), 6 riding days
| A | 2010 | 8 day trip, AP except dinner last night | 8d / 7n | $2085 |
Transfer Option:
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2010
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Transfer from Reykjavik BSI is included
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From the airport, you take the official airport shuttle bus called FlyBus to the Reykjavik BSI central bus station for meeting between 17:30-18:00 hrs. The FlyBus transfer is not included, for details please see www.flybus.is .
Tour Dates
Check here for details and availability
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| A |
2010
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06/17
- 06/24
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP except dinner...
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6
/18
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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06/25
- 07/02
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP except dinner...
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6
/18
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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07/13
- 07/20
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP except dinner...
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6
/18
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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07/21
- 07/28
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP except dinner...
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6
/18
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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08/08
- 08/15
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP except dinner...
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6
/18
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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08/16
- 08/23
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP except dinner...
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6
/18
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Reserve
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Rates do not include:
Airport transfer into town - take the Flybus !
Dinner last evening.
Day 1: Arrival
Tour members arrive at Keflavik Airport, Iceland. They take the bus from Keflavik to Reykjavik (BSÍ). Our representatives will greet you at 17:30 - 18:00, and arrange further transportation to the farm Vellir near Hveragerdi. In Hveragerdi the tour members will be lodged in guesthouses. The first evening, we dine together, and Eldhestar provides details about the next few days.
Day 2: Hveragerdi – Reykholt - Geysir
We go by car to a place near the farm Reykholt in the beautiful area Biskupstúngur. We ride on soft paths until we reach a river which we cross. We end our tour at the farm Kjarnholt, just south of the hot springs at Geysir..
20 km, 4 hrs.
Day 3: Kjarnholt - Fremstaver.
We start the riding from Kjarnholt and our first stop will be at Gullfoss. From Gullfoss we ride into the wilderness, in a black desert of stones and sand. We follow the river Hvítá west until we come to the Mt. Bláfell, 1160 m above sea level, which gives us a beautiful view over Kjölur. We see the glaciers Eyjafjallajökull and Hofsjökull and the volcano Hekla and, on the right, Mt. Hlödufell and the Langjökull Glacier . We spend the night south of Bláfell in the mountain hut, Fremstaver. 35 km, 7 hrs.
Day 4: Fremstaver - Árbúdir
We continue east along Bláfell. We cross the Hvítá Rver over a bridge, pass the waterfall Ábóta, and there Kjölur starts. Kjölur is the oldest road between South and North Iceland. It is mostly even and is about 700 m above sea level. We have a view over the Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers and the Kerlingafjöll mountains - Kjölur's flagship. We follow the Svartá River to Árbúdir, where we spend the night. 40 km, 8 hrs.
Day 5: Árbúdir - Hveravellir
The tour starts toward Hvítárnes, a grass-rich area changing its character in the summer when the green flower Fifa gets white and fluffy. We come to the lava field, Kjalhraun, which many people think gave Kjölur its name. It looks like the keel of a ship. West of Kjalhraun we ride through a narrow cleft to the valley Thjófadalur (the Valley of Thieves). The valley is circular and hidden behind the mountains. It is one of the few places along Kjölur rich with grass. From the valley, we ride over a little mountain comb called Thröskuldur, and from there, we follow a smooth path to Hveravellir, where we can bathe in the hot springs.
40 km, 8 hrs.
Day 6: Hveravellir - Áfangi
Today we have enough time to explore the beautiful nature surrounding Hveravellir before we saddle the horses. Hveravellir is one of the biggest geothermal areas in Iceland. There was an outlaw hideout here in the old days, and south of the area we pass the ruin of the hut of the outlaw Fjalla-Eyvindur. We continue north over the river Seydisá and along the mountains Sandkúlufell, Hanskafell and Saudafell and spend the night in a mountain hut.
28 km, 5-6 hrs.
Day 7: Áfangi – Vatnsdalur
We continue north over the Eyvindarstadaheidi Moor . We are now not very far from civilization in North Iceland. We ride with the mountains behind us and the glaciers all around us. On our right we have the big lake, Blöndulón, which was made by the power plant by the Blanda River. We continue on soft riding paths and mountain roads and end up in the green valley Vatnsdalur. From there we return to Reykjavik and spend the evening together.
Day 8:Departure
The tour members take the Fly bus on their own to Keflavik airport.
Subject to change

Meeting:
Reykjavik
Airport:
Keflavik Airport
Transfer:
Reykjavik BSI central bus station on Day 1 between 5:30-6 PM or hotels/guesthouse
From the airport, you take the official airport shuttle bus called FlyBus to the Reykjavik BSI central bus station for meeting between 17:30-18:00 hrs. The FlyBus transfer is not included, for details please see www.flybus.is .
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Tack:
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Icelandic
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Horses:
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Icelandic Horses
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Pace:
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Daily rides are between 4-7 hours (20 - 35 km).
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(3
out of 5) Intermediate
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Riders:
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Min
6 riders
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Max
18 riders
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A very special experience seldom to be experienced anywhere else but in Iceland - except maybe on some of our horse drives. On this ride you will be riding with a free running herd of horses. You may switch horses from time to time.
The Icelandic Horse
The origin of the horse in Iceland is exactly the same as the arrival of the first settlers from Scandinavia in the ninth century. Clearly, the horse was the catalyst that allowed the settlement of Iceland to go forward and prosper. Since no other breed of horse has ever been imported to Iceland, this special animal is a pure-bred "Viking Horse".
The horse was used for everything. They worked tilling the farmlands from dawn to dusk and provided transportation between the farms as they were settled. They went on scouting expeditions into this new territory in search of everything from water to grazing areas. Strong and sure footed, the Icelandic horse adjusted and adapted to this new land certainly as fast and most likely faster than the new settlers.
Viking battles were fought on horseback and the animal quickly adjusted to any situation that was presented to it. Is it any wonder that many of the slain Vikings warriors of the many battles in earlier times were often buried with their horses as a sign of honor and respect.
The Icelandic horse has many characteristics unique unto itself. Perhaps the most noticeable would be its intermediate size and the mane of shaggy hair. The five gaits of the horse are also one of the special features that sets it apart form all other horses. These gaits are the fetgangur, the walk or step, the brokk or trot, the tölt, which is a faster type of walk, the skeið or the pace and the stökk, or gallop.
On large farm areas, perimeter fences keep in most of the horses, but many are also simply allowed to run free. This most naturally accounts for the spirited nature of the animal. All of them seem to adapt to the personality of their owner. It is essential to establish a trust between the Icelandic horse and the rider. Doing so literally guarantees a friend for life. The passion and spirit of the Icelandic horse is never broken only brought under control. As a result, the Icelandic pure-bred horse remains one the world's most unique animals to this day.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passports Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all except: (a) 1. nationals of Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembour. more
We provide the following:
· Safety helmets
· Rainwear
· During the wintertime we also provide winter overalls
· Rubber boots
You should bring:
· A waist bag is useful when riding. (A backpack is not good because it bumps around when you are riding and it may hurt you if you fall off).
· Please note, sleeping bags are not provided. Please bring your own with a pillow.
· Please bring your Travel Insurance Card information.
· Normal street-clothes are not necessary except for your stay in Reykjavik the last night.
It is not yet legally mandatory that riders need to wear riding helmets. Never-the-less we strongly recommend clients wear one. Clients will be experiencing a new breed of horses in new terrain, involving gravel, stones and rocks. Therefore it is in the clients best interest to take precautions. If they feel they do not want to wear a helmet after the first few days it is up to them. However, some insurance companies in Europe refuse to pay in case of an accident if the client has not been wearing a riding helmet. We provide helmets here in Iceland which clients are welcome to use but if you want to bring your own it is fine with us. If you bring your own it has to be sterilized before bringing it into Iceland.
Regarding the sterilization: What can be washed in a washing machine at medium temperature or dry cleaned is fine (even riding trousers). But what can not be washed or dry-cleaned or is a full leather garment needs to be sterilized.
You should be ready for all kinds of weather as it can change very quickly. We provide you with good rain-clothes, a riding helmet and at winter time a thermo overall, gloves and rubber boots.
Luggage that is not needed on the tour can be left at the office and recovered at the end of the tour.
Caution: Used boots, riding wear, saddlebags etc. must be disinfected before arrival to Iceland. That is because infectious diseases can easily be brought into the country, which pose a great danger for the horses. Riding wear is normally washed and shoes and cleaned with iodine or some other fluid disinfectant. All used leather articles are prohibited.
| this list is only a guideline for you |
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| Hidden Trails Travel Documents and TripVoucher (contains important local tour contact info.) |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
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| RIDING GEAR |
| Riding pants or Jodhpurs |
| Riding boots (rubber is best) |
| Riding helmet (provided, but bring your own if you like) |
| Riding gloves |
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| PERSONAL CLOTHING |
| Jacket or sweater for cool evenings, long underwear, scarf |
| Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
| Jeans |
| Underwear and warm socks |
| Pyjamas and slippers (Icelanders take off their shoes when entering a house) |
| Bag for dirty clothes |
| Comfortable shoes |
| Swimsuit and towel |
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| For Camping trips: |
| Sleeping Bag and Pillow!! (not provided) |
| Towel and small bar of soap |
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| ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
| Personal Toiletries |
| Insect protection |
| Personal medications |
| Sore cream and bandaids/ second skin plasters for chaffing |
| Sewing kit |
| Handkerchiefs |
| Adapter for electric appliances |
| Camera and extra film or batteries |
| Waist pack |
| Address book and pen (for postcards!) |
| Sun glasses with strap |
| Sun tan lotion and lip balm |
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
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| Name |  |  |  |  |  |  | Date |
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bruno roy
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9/7/2009
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dilys hewitt
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9/7/2008
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anneke hallebeek
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7/11/2008
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..view other reports for different trips
Sleeping bag accommodation (bring your own sleeping bag) with full board is included (apart from dinner the last evening). Lodging is in mountain huts, community centres and guesthouses.
You can choose to stay the first night in our hotel with private rooms instead of in sleeping bag accommodation (addition al charge).
Bed & Breakfast accommodation in Reykjavík is inclued the night after the tour. On departure day breakfast is included.
The chefs try and provide a nice variety of foods. Specialities include fish, kjötsúpa (an icelandic soup, with meat, vedgetable and rice) and BBQ.
A very special experience seldom to be experienced anywhere else but in Iceland - except maybe on some of our horse drives. On this ride you will be riding with a free running herd of horses. You may switch horses from time to time.
The Icelandic Horse
The origin of the horse in Iceland is exactly the same as the arrival of the first settlers from Scandinavia in the ninth century. Clearly, the horse was the catalyst that allowed the settlement of Iceland to go forward and prosper. Since no other breed of horse has ever been imported to Iceland, this special animal is a pure-bred "Viking Horse".
The horse was used for everything. They worked tilling the farmlands from dawn to dusk and provided transportation between the farms as they were settled. They went on scouting expeditions into this new territory in search of everything from water to grazing areas. Strong and sure footed, the Icelandic horse adjusted and adapted to this new land certainly as fast and most likely faster than the new settlers.
Viking battles were fought on horseback and the animal quickly adjusted to any situation that was presented to it. Is it any wonder that many of the slain Vikings warriors of the many battles in earlier times were often buried with their horses as a sign of honor and respect.
The Icelandic horse has many characteristics unique unto itself. Perhaps the most noticeable would be its intermediate size and the mane of shaggy hair. The five gaits of the horse are also one of the special features that sets it apart form all other horses. These gaits are the fetgangur, the walk or step, the brokk or trot, the tölt, which is a faster type of walk, the skeið or the pace and the stökk, or gallop.
On large farm areas, perimeter fences keep in most of the horses, but many are also simply allowed to run free. This most naturally accounts for the spirited nature of the animal. All of them seem to adapt to the personality of their owner. It is essential to establish a trust between the Icelandic horse and the rider. Doing so literally guarantees a friend for life. The passion and spirit of the Icelandic horse is never broken only brought under control. As a result, the Icelandic pure-bred horse remains one the world's most unique animals to this day.
|
Tack:
|
|
Icelandic
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Icelandic Horses
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Daily rides are between 4-7 hours (20 - 35 km).
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3
out of 5) Intermediate
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
6 riders
|
Max
18 riders
|
|
A very special experience seldom to be experienced anywhere else but in Iceland - except maybe on some of our horse drives. On this ride you will be riding with a free running herd of horses. You may switch horses from time to time.
The Icelandic Horse
The origin of the horse in Iceland is exactly the same as the arrival of the first settlers from Scandinavia in the ninth century. Clearly, the horse was the catalyst that allowed the settlement of Iceland to go forward and prosper. Since no other breed of horse has ever been imported to Iceland, this special animal is a pure-bred "Viking Horse".
The horse was used for everything. They worked tilling the farmlands from dawn to dusk and provided transportation between the farms as they were settled. They went on scouting expeditions into this new territory in search of everything from water to grazing areas. Strong and sure footed, the Icelandic horse adjusted and adapted to this new land certainly as fast and most likely faster than the new settlers.
Viking battles were fought on horseback and the animal quickly adjusted to any situation that was presented to it. Is it any wonder that many of the slain Vikings warriors of the many battles in earlier times were often buried with their horses as a sign of honor and respect.
The Icelandic horse has many characteristics unique unto itself. Perhaps the most noticeable would be its intermediate size and the mane of shaggy hair. The five gaits of the horse are also one of the special features that sets it apart form all other horses. These gaits are the fetgangur, the walk or step, the brokk or trot, the tölt, which is a faster type of walk, the skeið or the pace and the stökk, or gallop.
On large farm areas, perimeter fences keep in most of the horses, but many are also simply allowed to run free. This most naturally accounts for the spirited nature of the animal. All of them seem to adapt to the personality of their owner. It is essential to establish a trust between the Icelandic horse and the rider. Doing so literally guarantees a friend for life. The passion and spirit of the Icelandic horse is never broken only brought under control. As a result, the Icelandic pure-bred horse remains one the world's most unique animals to this day.
Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all except:
(a) 1. nationals of Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden who are only required to produce national identity cards issued by the competent authorities in their countries of origin.
Passport Note
Iceland is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.
Visas
Not required by all nationals of referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days.
2. EU nationals staying longer than 90 days will need to apply for a residence permit from the directorate of immigration in Iceland.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
A stay in another Schengen-Zone country counts as the same as a stay in Iceland.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes/1 |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
No |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Classic Wilderness Tour
Tour Code: IT-ICRT-E20
8 days /
7 nights
~$2,085.00
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Lodging:
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates |
Dates
Accomodation
Tack:
Icelandic
Horses:
Icelandic Horses
Pace:
Daily rides are between 4-7 hours (20 ...
Walk, Trot, Canter,
Airport:
Keflavik Airport
Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
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