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ICELAND : HORSE DRIVE IN EGILSSTADIR REGION, DRIVING A 60 HoRSE HERD...
Itinerary - Extensions - Horses and required riding level
Guiding - Accommodation - Dates and rates - More infos / booking
Guiding - Accommodation - Dates and rates - More infos / booking
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Discover the best-kept secret of Iceland on the Egilsstaðir Tour and explore this area not known by many. From fertile lowlands this tour leads you to remote highland moors, the main grazing areas of the reindeer. Step on Vatnajökull glacier, the largest glacier in Europe and be amazed by some of the highest mountains of the country. The highland plateau stretches onto steep canyons and descends into fertile valleys, home of heroic Vikings during the Saga-ages (name given to the heroic age of the history of Iceland). Legends about their struggle for life and land will go with you during your ride. |
ITINERARY
Sunday: Europe - Reykjavík
Transfer from Keflavík Airport to a guesthouse in Reykjavík. We will invite you to a Welcome Meeting including traditional Icelandic soup. Receive details of your tour and meet your fellow riders.
Monday: Reykjavík – Egilsstaðir – Skriðuklaustur – Fjallaskarð
Flight to Egilsstaðir town in the morning and a drive to Skriðuklaustur Farm where we meet horses and staff. After a short introduction to the Icelandic horse and its special gait we start our ride. We ascend from a valley at nearly sea level to the great highland plateau, where vegetation and landscape have already an artic character. Enjoy magnificent views on this ride. We stay overnight at the mountain cabin Fjallaskarð, at the foot of the mountain Eyvindarfjöll.
Tuesday: Fjallaskarð – Aðalból
We ride from Fjallaskarð mountain cabin to Aðalból Farm. Here we leave the herd behind and ride our horses through the beautiful Hrafnkelsdalur valley, location of the famous Hrafnkelssaga during the Viking Age. Imagine life at the adventurous Saga times while our guides will tell you about historic events and make the Saga come alive. Among other sites we visit the waterfall Faxafoss named after one of the most famous horses in Icelandic literature.
Wednesday: Aðalból – Hafrahvammagljúfur – Sauðá
A highlight of today is the ride to the gigantic canyon Hafrahvammagljúfur. This huge, narrow, steep canyon is an unforgettable sight. Enjoy far-reaching views over Iceland's rugged interior, when we ride across the fertile landscape of Vestur-Öræfi. Overnight stay at Sauðá Mountain Cabin, situated 5 km north of Vatnajökull glacier, in the main summer pastures of reindeer in Iceland.
Thursday: Sauðá – Snæfell – Vatnajökull Glacier – Snæfell
Our ride continues towards the magnificent Mt. Snæfell, one of the highest mountains Iceland. In the afternoon we change to 4Wheel-drive transportation and drive towards Europe’s biggest glacier, Vatnajökull. View endless stretches of ice and snow and explore the glacier, a truly thrilling experience. Overnight stay at the foot of Mt. Snæfell in a spacious mountain cabin.
Friday: Snæfell – Eyjabakkar – Laugarfell
A good chance to see more reindeer herds and countless numbers of pink-footed geese on our way round Mt. Snæfell and into the beautiful pastures of Eyjabakkar, with Eyjabakkajökull glacier towering over us. Relax in a natural hot pool after your ride, close to Laugarfell Mountain Cabin where we spend the night.
Saturday: Laugarfell – Skriðuklaustur – Útnyrðingsstaðir
View beautiful waterfalls in the glacier fed river Jökulsá in Fljótsdalur as we descend to Norðurdalur valley. The riding tour ends at Skriðuklaustur Farm where we say good bye to the horses. Overnight at Útnyrðingsstaðir Farm.
Sunday: Útnyrðingsstaðir - Egilsstaðir – Reykjavík
Flight back to Reykjavík in the morning with arrival at approx. 11:00 at Reykjavík Domestic Airport.
Meals at leisure.
Overnight stay at a guesthouse in Reykjavík.
Monday: Reykjavík - Europe
Transfer to Keflavík Airport in time for the return flight home.
Transfer from Keflavík Airport to a guesthouse in Reykjavík. We will invite you to a Welcome Meeting including traditional Icelandic soup. Receive details of your tour and meet your fellow riders.
Monday: Reykjavík – Egilsstaðir – Skriðuklaustur – Fjallaskarð
Flight to Egilsstaðir town in the morning and a drive to Skriðuklaustur Farm where we meet horses and staff. After a short introduction to the Icelandic horse and its special gait we start our ride. We ascend from a valley at nearly sea level to the great highland plateau, where vegetation and landscape have already an artic character. Enjoy magnificent views on this ride. We stay overnight at the mountain cabin Fjallaskarð, at the foot of the mountain Eyvindarfjöll.
Tuesday: Fjallaskarð – Aðalból
We ride from Fjallaskarð mountain cabin to Aðalból Farm. Here we leave the herd behind and ride our horses through the beautiful Hrafnkelsdalur valley, location of the famous Hrafnkelssaga during the Viking Age. Imagine life at the adventurous Saga times while our guides will tell you about historic events and make the Saga come alive. Among other sites we visit the waterfall Faxafoss named after one of the most famous horses in Icelandic literature.
Wednesday: Aðalból – Hafrahvammagljúfur – Sauðá
A highlight of today is the ride to the gigantic canyon Hafrahvammagljúfur. This huge, narrow, steep canyon is an unforgettable sight. Enjoy far-reaching views over Iceland's rugged interior, when we ride across the fertile landscape of Vestur-Öræfi. Overnight stay at Sauðá Mountain Cabin, situated 5 km north of Vatnajökull glacier, in the main summer pastures of reindeer in Iceland.
Thursday: Sauðá – Snæfell – Vatnajökull Glacier – Snæfell
Our ride continues towards the magnificent Mt. Snæfell, one of the highest mountains Iceland. In the afternoon we change to 4Wheel-drive transportation and drive towards Europe’s biggest glacier, Vatnajökull. View endless stretches of ice and snow and explore the glacier, a truly thrilling experience. Overnight stay at the foot of Mt. Snæfell in a spacious mountain cabin.
Friday: Snæfell – Eyjabakkar – Laugarfell
A good chance to see more reindeer herds and countless numbers of pink-footed geese on our way round Mt. Snæfell and into the beautiful pastures of Eyjabakkar, with Eyjabakkajökull glacier towering over us. Relax in a natural hot pool after your ride, close to Laugarfell Mountain Cabin where we spend the night.
Saturday: Laugarfell – Skriðuklaustur – Útnyrðingsstaðir
View beautiful waterfalls in the glacier fed river Jökulsá in Fljótsdalur as we descend to Norðurdalur valley. The riding tour ends at Skriðuklaustur Farm where we say good bye to the horses. Overnight at Útnyrðingsstaðir Farm.
Sunday: Útnyrðingsstaðir - Egilsstaðir – Reykjavík
Flight back to Reykjavík in the morning with arrival at approx. 11:00 at Reykjavík Domestic Airport.
Meals at leisure.
Overnight stay at a guesthouse in Reykjavík.
Monday: Reykjavík - Europe
Transfer to Keflavík Airport in time for the return flight home.
EXTEND YOUR TRIP
Self-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.
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 and 17:00.
From July 01st to August 10th two new departures are scheduled at 10:00 and 14:00.
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
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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. |
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 GUIDES
The ride is supervised by a team of professionals of the trail ride in Iceland that perfectly knows the Icelandic horses and the specificity of the ground.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation
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.
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
| Egilsstadir Trail 2010 | ||
| July 18 to 26 | 1598 € |
fully booked |
| July 25 to August 02 | 1598 € |
6 seats |
| August 08 to 16 | 1598 € |
fully booked |
- Children's discount (under 12 years old): - 400 euros
- Family discount available for parents and older children travelling together, 3 or more: - 80 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
- domestic flights in Iceland
- 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
- 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
- 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
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.
- 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
Options
| Self-driving tour in Southern Iceland, tourism car (7 days / 6 nights) - 2010 | ||
| Price per person in double room basis | from June 15 to August 15 |
975 € |
| Price per person in double room basis | from August 16 to Sept. 30 |
860 € |
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.
| Self-driving tour in Southern Iceland, 4 wheels car (9 days / 8 nights) - 2010 | ||
| Price per person in double room basis | from June 15 to August 15 |
1680 € |
| Price per person in double room basis | from August 16 to Sept. 30 |
1360 € |
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.
| Whale watching tour in Reykjavik | ||
| Price per person (adult) | 45 € |
|
| Price per person (children from 7 to 15 years old) | 20 € |
|
| Hotel pick-up in Reykjavik (adult) | 6 € |
|
| Hotel pick-up in Reykjavik (children from 7 to 15 years old) | 3 € |
|
| Extra night in Reykavik in guesthouse (Bed&Breakfast) | ||
| Price per person in double room basis | 65 € |
|
| Price per person in single room basis | 95 € |
|
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 - INFORMATION
Contact Yves for any inquiry
PRATICAL INFORMATIONS
COUNTRY
Iceland
LENGTH
9 days / 8 nights / 6 days on horseback.
LANGUAGE
English.
GROUP SIZE
Maximum 16 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
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.
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.
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 :
CH49-islande_egilsstadir_en
