Our Destinations
Why travelling with Randocheval ?
ICELAND : VOLCANO VISTAS...
Guiding - Accommodation - Dates and rates - More infos / booking
Riding in an area shaped by two majestic volcanoes is an experience beyond compare. Notorious volcano Mt. Eyjafjallajökull towers the region and volcano Mt. Hekla is close by. We will be reminded of devastating eruptions through the ages and enjoy the smooth riding grounds created by ash and pumice eruptions. This tour also covers sights from the famous Njáls Saga so we can expect to hear from heroes and villains of the Saga ages. We visit the Geysir hot springs and Gullfoss waterfall on our way to Eyvindarmúli Farm in the historical Fljótshlíð area. |
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Our ride starts alongside Markarfljót River and we get a glimpse of Thórsmörk Natur Park as we ride into the mountains. Our horses stay behind and we return to the inhabited areas for our comfortable overnight stay. We continue on good riding tracks west of Tindfjallajökull Glacier and ride into lava fields created by volcano Mt. Hekla. We explore this amazing area and spend two nights in cosy summerhouses. During our last two riding days we follow the Hekla trail and ride back into the Fljótshlíð area where we finish our ride. Before returning to Reykjavík we take a detour along the south coast and enjoy a relaxing bath in the Blue Lagoon before we reach our hotel again.
ITINERARY
Saturday: Arrival in Iceland – Keflavík Airport – Reykjavík
Transfer from Keflavík Airport to a hotel in Reykjavík. We invite you to a Welcome Meeting including traditional Icelandic lambstew. Receive details of your tour and get to know your fellow riders.
Sunday: Reykjavík – Geysir – Gullfoss – Eyvindarmúli - Einhyrningur
We visit the well known sights of Iceland, Geysir hot spring area and Gullfoss waterfall on our way to Eyvindarmúli Farm, where we meet staff and horses and have lunch. We then start our ride alongside the Markarfljót River into the mountains to Einhyrningur Mountain where we leave the horses and drive back to Goðaland Guesthouse for our comfortable overnight stay. During this ride we will enjoy great views of Eyjafjallajökull Glacier and Thórsmörk Nature Park. (30 km)
Monday: Einhyrningur – Mosar – Hungurfit – Foss
This day takes us across the mighty Markarfljót River (on a bridge). We ride through the scenic Emstrur area to Mosar and on to the beautiful area Hungurfit. This sensitive grazing area in the highlands pleases our horses and we spend some time there before we head down to abandoned Foss Farm. Here we leave the horses and drive back to Goðaland for an overnight stay. This is our longest day but we are rewarded with a great riding tracks and the view of Mýrdalsjökull Glacier where notorious Katla crater is hidden. (45 km)
Tuesday: Foss – Galtalækur Holiday Farm
Today we ride towards Mt. Hekla volcano. We enjoy great riding tracks alongside huge lava fields, lush grassy hillsides and will cross many creeks and small rivers on our way. Overnight stay for the next two nights is at Galtalækur Farm in cosy summerhouses. The horses stay with us as well. The farm is situated in beautiful surroundings underneath towering Mt. Hekla. (35 km)
Wednesday: Galtalækur – Gunnarsholt – Galtalækur
This is a comfortable day when we ride south of the volcano through fertile farmland and cross the rivers Ytri-Rangá and Eystri-Rangá on our way. For most of the day we follow the so-called Hekla Trail, an excellent riding route through lava the lava fields that have emerged from the volcano throughout the centuries. Our horses stay in Gunnarsholt and we return back to Galtalækur for another night. (25 km)
Thursday: Gunnarsholt – Tumastaðaskógur – Eyvindarmúli
This is our last riding day and the scenery changes once again. We will for sure enjoy a great ride through the bushy hills of Tumastaðaskógur, an area with extensive reforestation efforts, and into the beautiful Fljótshlíð area. We end our ride at Eyvindarmúli Farm where we say goodbye to our horses and drive to Goðaland for our farewell dinner and overnight stay. (30 km)
Friday: Fljótshlíð – Blue Lagoon – Reykjavík
We return back to Reykjavík, but follow the scenic road along the south coast all the way to the Blue Lagoon. Here we can relax in the warm water of this well known spa (entrance fee is included), before driving back to our hotel. Estimated arrival in Reykjavík at 15:00.
Saturday: Reykjavik - Europe
Transfer by bus to Keflavík Airport in time for the flight back home.
EXTEND YOUR TRIP
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Explore Southern Iceland for a week before or after your equestrian adventure !
We propose two Self driving tours, with a car we rent for you Category A vehicle - Opel Corsa or similar, Category H 4wheels car - Hyundai Tucson auto or similar. For a shorter extension, we suggest you our "Whale Safari" from Reykjavik or to relax yourself at the famous geothermal center "Blue Lagoon". |
HORSES AND REQUIRED RIDING LEVEL
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Horses The Icelandic Horse is unique amongst horse breeds because it masters five gaits; walk, trot, tölt, canter/gallop and flying pace. The breed is best known for its fourbeat smooth gait, the “tölt”, that is very comfortable for the rider and elegantly displayed by the horse. The tölt is the specialty of the Icelandic Horse. It is a smooth four-beat gait in which the horse’s hind legs should move well under the body and carry more of the weight on the hind part, allowing the front to rise and be free and loose. Usually we change horses once or twice a day. On most of our longer tours we herd our spare horses along in a free running herd, the traditional way of riding in Iceland. All tours of the three and four horse categories are operated that way. For tours of the two horse category our guides may lead spare horses for parts of the ride. Source: The Icelandic horse, published by The Horse Breeders Association of Iceland (Félag hrossabænda) 2006 |
Tack The tack used for Icelandic horses is slightly different then the tack ordinarily used for other breeds. The saddle is built close to a dressage saddle and has a relatively flat seat. Saddles come with plain or quilted seats. On longer rides a crupper helps keeping the saddle in place. Riding style used on Icelandic horses is close to English riding style, but stirrups are worn long. Bits used are mostly simple snaffles. Bridles have a detachable noseband and clip on reins. Recommended riding level This popular tour is ideal for families and those who do not have the required riding experience for our other riding trails in Iceland. Still riding days can be long so you should be in good physical condition and have a basic knowledge of horsemanship. Also, you must be comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length trots (tölt) and short canters. Minimum age : 14 years, with the requested riding abilities and accompanied by an adult. See our special information sheet on Icelandic Rides. |
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YOUR GUIDES
ACCOMMODATION
In Reykjavik, you will be accommodated in hotel in rooms with shared facilities. 2 to 4 riders share a room.
On the ride, accomodation are mostly in guesthouse and holiday farm in double rooms with shared facilities. Single rooms available at an extra charge.
Indoor WC, warm showers and/or hot pools are available at most locations.
European plugs are used in Iceland so you don't need any adapter.
Meals
During the ride full board is provided. Our menu consists of a large breakfast and traditional Icelandic meals (fish or lamb). Vegetarian meals are available if requested in advance. All riders make their own packed lunch from the breakfast table : sandwich, cheese, fruits ...
In Reykjavik, lunch and dinner are not include but generfruitsally there are lots of restaurant available near the accomodation.
DATES AND RATES
| Volcano Vistas - 2012 | ||
| July 07 to 14 - 1 space left ! | 1895 € |
available |
| August 04 to 11 | 1895 € |
available |
| August 11 to 18 | 1895 € |
available |
Single room during the ride : + 360 €
This supplement apply only if you choose to be accomodate in a single room.
Children's discount (under 12 years old): - 370 €
- Family discount available for parents and older children travelling together,
3 or more: - 90 €
Not applicable if the children’s discount is used for one family member.
Flights to Reykjavik
Please contact us to check the best available rate from your country.
RATE INCLUDING
- the trail ride with 3-4 horses per rider
- full board (except at Hafnarfjordur - Reykjavik, breakfast)
- english-speaking equestrian guide
- the financial guarantee of the deposits you send to Randocheval
RATE NOT INCLUDING
- tips
- drinks
- meals at Reykjavik
- the organisation of a possible tour through another region before or after the trail ride (consult us)
- any other prestation
- insurrance (cancellation, luggage, repatriation). You can subscribe to these insurrances only if you are an european resident. If you live outside European Union, please check with your local insurrance company.
BOOKING - INFORMATION
Contact Jennifer, for any enquiry !
PRACTICAL INFORMATIONS
COUNTRY
Iceland
LENGTH
8 days – 7 nights – 5 riding days
LANGUAGE
English
GROUP SIZE
From 10 to 20 riders. Given the fact that we always move with a substantial herd of horses in freedom (on average 50 to 60 horses) in immense areas, a more substantial group than in our other destinations is not a handicap at all.
ACCESS
Reykjavik airport.
CLIMATE
However this period is really ideal seeing that the sun shines during the best part of the day.
Contact your embassy. For European people, the Identity card is enought.
Vaccination - health
No specific vaccinations. Don't forget your repatriation insurance.
We recommand to be update of usual vaccination, and especially tetanus.
Riding gear (riding boots, riding trousers, jackets, hats, gloves, etc.) needs to be washed (40°C), dry cleaned or disinfected before arriving in Iceland.
Saddles, bridles and other leather gear may not be brought into the country.
See our special information sheet on Icelandic Rides.
REFERENCE :
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