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ICELAND : HORSE AND SHEEP ROUND UP... |
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Itinerary - Extensions - Horses and required riding level Guiding - Accommodation - Dates and rates - More infos / booking
ITINERARYHORSES ROUND UP
Imagine free and spirited horses coming down from their highland summer pastures towards the inhabited areas to be returned to their owners. Mares and their foals, young horses and geldings make their way through rough territory, not really willing to give up their freedom yet before winter returns once again. This is a sight you will never forget! Join the farmers in this great adventure of the fall and participate in driving the herd, sorting the horses and celebrating the successful return of horses and men. We celebrate this tour’s 10th anniversary by making it a 7 day tour with 5 riding days. This tour take place in the Víðidalstungurétt area from Sept 28 to Oct 04, but we also provide another horse round up tour in Skrapatungurétt from Sept 15 to 21. Day 1 - Tuesday, Sept. 28: Arrival in Iceland – Íshestar Riding Center – Transfer to Reykjavík Transfer from Keflavík Airport to the Íshestar Riding Center. Make sure your flight arrives not later then 16:00 to be able to participate in an introductional riding tour towards Mt. Helgafell Volcano. (Clients arriving earlier that day are picked up upon arrival, driven to the hotel and picked up again in time for the ride.) After the ride we enjoy a traditional Icelandic soup. Receive details of the following tour before the day ends at your accommodation in a hotel in Reykjavík. (10 km) Day 2 - Wednesday: Reykjavík – Thingeyrar – Dæli Holiday Farm We drive to the North and meet guides and horses at historic Thingeyrar Farm, where we start our ride. Our first riding day takes us into Lake Hóp. We continue through Thingeyrar peninsula and follow black dunes towards the North–Atlantic ocean. This area is home to large numbers of seals and hopefully we see many of them resting and playing on the beach. After having spent some time there we follow a different route on our way back to Thingeyrar Farm, where we leave our horses and drive to Dæli Holiday Farm. This farm is beautifully located in Víðidalur Valley and will be our “home” for the next four nights. (25 km) Day 3 - Thursday: Dæli – Thingeyrar – Dæli This long and exciting riding day takes us alongside the Hóp and across the Gljúfurá River. Through the friendly countryside of Vestur-Hóp with a stop at Nípukot Farm where we will have warm lunch, and into the beautiful valley Víðidalur. We follow Víðidalsá River to Dæli Farm where we will enjoy the hospitality of Sigrún and Víglundur. The outdoor hot tub is waiting, as well as a hearty dinner. (45 km) Day 4 - Friday: Dæli - Kolugil – Víðidalstungheiði – Dæli Today we ascend towards the highland plateau Víðidalstunguheiði and meet the horses coming down from their pastures in the highlands. We enjoy a warm lunch at a mountain shelter or at Kolugil Farm (depending on the weather), before we join the farmers in driving the herd down from the mountains. Before ending our ride at Dæli Farm we stop at Kolugili Farm for refreshments. Following dinner that day, we spend time with the farmers and other guests in Dæli and join in their singing and celebrating of this great event of the fall. (35 km, 8-9 hours including lunch and coffee breaks) Day 5 - Saturday: Víðidalstungurétt – Bjargshóll - Dæli Our day starts at the round up place Víðidalstungurétt where horses are sorted out. An auction is held right on the spot and we can join the farmers in their joyful singing, celebrating the return of their horses. In the afternoon we ride to Bjargshóll Farm and return our horses to their meadows, before driving back to Dæli for a hearty dinner. (30 km) Optional (not included in the tour price): "Stóðréttardansleikur" dance at Víðihlíð, where everybody relaxes after the excitement of the day and celebrates yet another successful round up. Day 6 - Sunday: Return to the South – Reykjavík – Blue Lagoon (optional) Departure from the North and return to Reykjavík. We visit a factory outlet with woollen goods on our way. Approx. arrival at the hotel at 14:00. For those interested we can help you plan a tour to the Blue Lagoon (not included in the tour price). Day 7 - Monday, Oct 4: Departure from Iceland – Reykjavík – Keflavík Airport Transfer to Keflavík Airport in time for the return flight home. SHEEP ROUND UP The Icelandic Round Up is a genuine tradition and has its roots way back in the past when pastures and fields near the farms were very precious and had to be kept for the hay harvest. Join the farmers in South Iceland when they gather the thousands of sheep from the mountains. Experience Icelandic horses at their best, sure-footed and eager to fulfil the task set for them every autumn. Be a part of the singing and celebrating after the successful journey into the highlands to secure the livestock. Visit the many sights of the area, such as beautiful Gjáin valley, majestic waterfalls Gullfoss and Hjálparfoss, famous Geysir hot spring area and Thingvellir National Park! Accommodation in made up beds at Fossnes Farm. Enjoy the hot outdoor tub after each riding day! This year, we have added the fourth riding day to this popular tour, a day that will take us into the mountains and valleys in the homeland of Fossnes Farm. We also, provide a new and special sheep round up in Landmannaafréttur area, near Landmannalaugar. This tour is limited to 8 guests and offer a 6 days riding in a unique area from Sept 16 to 24. Day 1 - Monday, September 06 : Arrival in Iceland - Transfert to Reykjavík Transfer from Keflavík Airport to our Riding Centre in Hafnarfjörður, where we invite you to a Welcome Meeting including traditional Icelandic soup (Kjötsúpa). Receive details of the following tour and meet your fellow riders. At a approx. 19.00 transfer to a hotel, situated in the centre of Reykjavík. Those who have arrived earlier this day or the day before will be picked up at the hotel between 16.30 and 17.00 . Day 2 - Tuesday : Reykjavík - Thingvellir - Geysir - Gullfoss - Fossnes Transfer from Reykjavík via Thingvellir Nationalpark to Fossnes farm, situated in beautiful surroundings, where we meet horses and guides. After an introduction to the Icelandic horse and its special gaits we start our ride along pleasant trails and explore the colourful Gnúpverjahreppur countryside. This day is the perfect start to get to know your horse and the Icelandic way of trail riding in a relaxed atmosphere. During the ride you will enjoy the view of deep green mountains and valleys and the mighty glacial river Thjórsá. Relax in a hot tub before a hearty dinner at the farm. (25 km on horseback) Day 3 - Wednesday : Fossnes - Hólaskógur - Fossnes This day takes us into the mountains and fields of black ashes from numerous eruptions of volcano Mt. Hekla. At Hólaskógur mountain cabin we meet the farmers who have been riding in the mountains for some days already to gather the sheep. We leave the horses at Hólaskógur and drive back to Fossnes for an overnight stay and a relaxation in the hot outdoor tub. (35 km in the saddle) Days 4 and 5 - Thursday and Friday : Riding and rounding up the sheep During both days we join the farmers, ride along and help them with their flocks, yet sometimes leaving them to take a look at some of the interesting sights in the area, such as Gjáin valley with it’s rich vegetation, beautiful Hjálparfoss Waterfall and Stöng, the site of a 12 th century Viking farm . We participate in the round-ups, help the farmers sort out their livestock and join in their singing and celebrating after a successful ride into the mountains. (40 km + 20 km on horseback) Optional (not included in the tour price): "Réttardansleikur" dance at the community center Árnes, where everybody relaxes after the excitement of the day and celebrates yet another successful round up. Day 6 - Saturday : Fossnes – Reykjavík It is time to say goodbye to our hosts and horses. Transfer at approx. 10.00 to Reykjavík, where we spend the last night. Approx. arrival at the hotel at 11:30. You could spend your afternoon at the Blue Lagoon or to go at the Whale watching tour. Night at the hotel. Day 7 - Sunday, September 12 : Departure from Iceland - Reykjavík - Keflavík Airport According to your return flight, transfer to Keflavík Airport. EXTEND YOUR TRIPSelf-driving tour in the South of Iceland
We suggest you a 7 days / 6 nights self-driving tour in farmstays with breakfast and unlimited mileage car rental included. We also provide a new itinerary with a 4 wheels car and 2 extra days to go in the highlands, and especially in the Landmannalaguar part. This discover of the south coast of Iceland, including a hinterland incursion, will let you going through many different types of typical Icelandic landscapes and the amazing volcanic activity of the island. The geyser and geothermal activity of Blue Lagoon will enthousiast your imagination, Vik and Dirholaey black beach and basaltic cliff will be a delight for your eyes and ears. At Jökusarlon, you will discover the ice world and its cristal beauty. Skogar and Hvosvollur bring for their part, tame color : green meadows and bright stained farm as scandianvian people like to build. A simple and thoroughly itinerary for the whole family. The accomodation in the middle of nature, are owned by icelandic people who have switch to tourism industry. At the same time as their new host activity, most of the guesthouse farm still in agriculture production. Generally, you will be accomodated in original little shelter of 5 to 20 rooms, which are different in style and category. Some looks like countryside hotel, others are more rustic and other one's seems to be like pretty cabins. Whale watching tour in Reykjavik Take part in an adventure at sea with a trip into the world of whales and sea birds. Whale watching tours operate from the beginning of April through to the end of October, from the old harbour in Reykjavik. The whales most frequently seen on tours are the Minke whales, Humpback whales, Dolphins and Porpoises. Other speces are sometimes spotted. No two whale watching trips are the same, we need to be flexible and organize your trip taking sea conditions, weather and seasons into account. That why each trip takes about 2:30 to 3:30. The boats leave at 09:00, 13:00 on September and at 13:00 only on October if the weather is good enough to go out. Important : For your comfort and warmth, we have special suits on board we can lend you, but we do advise you to wear your warmest clothes - hats, scarves, gloves etc – as it can get very cold, even on the warmest of days. To take part in this adventure in the best condition, it's possible to book one extra night in Reykjavik or to take a later flight (upon availability). HORSES AND REQUIRED RIDING LEVEL
Required riding level It's necessary to have an outdoor equestrian experience and to be confident at all gaits to take part of this adventure. You will ride up to 7 hours per day. This is not a very technical ride, but ask a good physical condition. See our special information sheet on Icelandic Rides. YOUR GUIDESThe ride is supervised by a team of professionals
of the trail ride in Iceland that perfectly knows the Icelandic
h.orses and the specificity of the country.
ACCOMMODATIONAccommodation
In Reykjavik, you will be accommodated in guesthouses in rooms with shared facilities. 2 to 4 riders share a room. On the ride, accomodation are mostly in mountains cabins and guesthouse and offer simple accommodations in sleeping bags. Sometimes, the whole group stays together in one room. Indoor WC, warm showers and/or hot pools are available at most locations. 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
- Children's discount (under 12 years old): - 295 euros - Family discount available for parents and older children travelling together, 3 or more: - 60 euros per rider. Not applicable if the children’s discount is used for one family member.
- Children's discount (under 12 years old): - 245 euros - Family discount available for parents and older children travelling together, 3 or more: - 50 euros per rider. Not applicable if the children’s discount is used for one family member.
- Children's discount (under 12 years old):- 445 euros - Family discount available for parents and older children travelling together, 3 or more: - 90 euros per rider. 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 - flights to Reykjavik, - transfers from and to Keflavik airport on the special sheep roundup,
This option is only available for at leat 2 people who booked together. Price including - 6 nights in guesthouse farm or cottage in double room basis with breakfast, - 6x24h car rental (cat. A) with unlimited mileage and one extra driver, Price not including - lunch and diners, - fuel, - optionnal rent services (extra insurances for instance), - entrance and visit, - personal expense, - tips.
This option is only available for at leat 2 people who booked together. Price including - 6 nights in guesthouse farm or cottage in double room basis with breakfast, - 2 nights in cabin in dormitory basis (sleeping bag required), - 8x24h car rental (cat. H) with unlimited mileage, one extra driver and basic insurances, Price not including - lunch and diners, - breakfast in cabin (to organized before), - fuel, - optionnal rent services (extra insurances for instance), - entrance and visit, - personal expense, - tips.
In case you stay one or more extra nights in Reykjavik, before or after the riding tour, the transfers from and/or to the airport are not anymore include. But it's easy with the bus (flybus) or taxi. BOOKING - INFORMATIONContact Yves, for any enquiry ! |
PRATICAL INFORMATIONSCOUNTRY Iceland
LENGTH Horse round-up: 7 days / 6 nights / 5 days riding. Sheep round up:
LANGUAGE English. GROUP SIZE From 10
to 20 riders who join the farmers who gather their livestock. Several
horses per rider, so you move among a herd of free horses.
ACCESS Reykjavik airport. CLIMATE The rigour of the Icelandic
climate, which has formed the immense spaces that you cover, only allows
the trail rides from June to September. However this period is really
ideal seeing that the sun shines during the best part of the day.
Formalities
Contact your ambassy. 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 : ch44-islande-roundup_en ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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