Our Destinations
Why travelling with Randocheval ?
ICELAND : DIAMOND CIRCLE IN NORTHERN ICELAND...
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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As our riding trail Northern
of the Isle, this tour leads through an ever-changing landscape and offers
each day new scenery and impressions. The lake Mytvan 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-coloured 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. On this tour we exchange the usual mountain cabins for 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. |
At the end of this trail, you will have the opportunity to make a whale watching
tour (option in supplement to be paid on the spot)
See our special information sheet on Icelandic
Rides.
ITINERARY
Saturday: Arrival in Iceland – Keflavík Airport – Reykjavík
Transfer from Keflavík 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 – Hvammsheiði – Saltvík Holiday Farm
Flight to Akureyri and drive to Saltvík Farm. Ride into the mountains along the river Laxá to the highland plateau Hvammsheiði. We stay overnight at Saltvík Farm where the hot outdoor tubs are waiting.
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. Bustour at Lake Mývatn, famous for its geological wonders and rich bird life. Enjoy a nice hot bath in Jarðböð, a geothermal outdoor pool.
Tuesday: Vogar – Guesthouse Kiðagil
We continue our ride towards Mt. Sandfell, through the valleys of Engidalur and Bárðardalur, enjoying excellent riding paths throughout most of the day. Today we will view parts of the mighty Odáðahraun lava field, the largest lava field in Iceland and stay overnight at the cozy Guesthouse Kiðagil on the banks of the glacial river Skjálfandafljót.
Wednesday: Kiðagil – Goðafoss – Torfunes – Saltvík Holiday Farm
We ride through Bárðardalur valley towards magnificent waterfall Goðafoss. 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.
Thursday: Torfunes – Aðaldalshraun – Saltvík Holiday Farm
Enjoy a last riding day through beautiful landscape characterized by the vast lava fields of Aðaldalshraun and rich birch forest. We cross Hvammsheiði heath before bringing the horses home to Saltvík farm where we spend another night and enjoy the hot outdoor tubs!
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 EUR 60)
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 - Keflavík Airport
Transfer by bus to Keflavík Airport in time for the flight back home.
Transfer from Keflavík 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 – Hvammsheiði – Saltvík Holiday Farm
Flight to Akureyri and drive to Saltvík Farm. Ride into the mountains along the river Laxá to the highland plateau Hvammsheiði. We stay overnight at Saltvík Farm where the hot outdoor tubs are waiting.
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. Bustour at Lake Mývatn, famous for its geological wonders and rich bird life. Enjoy a nice hot bath in Jarðböð, a geothermal outdoor pool.
Tuesday: Vogar – Guesthouse Kiðagil
We continue our ride towards Mt. Sandfell, through the valleys of Engidalur and Bárðardalur, enjoying excellent riding paths throughout most of the day. Today we will view parts of the mighty Odáðahraun lava field, the largest lava field in Iceland and stay overnight at the cozy Guesthouse Kiðagil on the banks of the glacial river Skjálfandafljót.
Wednesday: Kiðagil – Goðafoss – Torfunes – Saltvík Holiday Farm
We ride through Bárðardalur valley towards magnificent waterfall Goðafoss. 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.
Thursday: Torfunes – Aðaldalshraun – Saltvík Holiday Farm
Enjoy a last riding day through beautiful landscape characterized by the vast lava fields of Aðaldalshraun and rich birch forest. We cross Hvammsheiði heath before bringing the horses home to Saltvík farm where we spend another night and enjoy the hot outdoor tubs!
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 EUR 60)
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 - Keflavík Airport
Transfer by bus to Keflavík Airport in time for the flight back home.
EXTEND YOUR TRIP
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". |
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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. See our special information sheet on Icelandic Rides. |
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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 country.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation
In Reykjavik, you will be accommodated is in hotel rooms with private facilities.
On the ride, you will be in double room with shared facilities accommodation throughout the tour.
Single room accommodation is available at an extra charge.
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 is in hotel rooms with private facilities.
On the ride, you will be in double room with shared facilities accommodation throughout the tour.
Single room accommodation is available at an extra charge.
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
| Nord Confort 2011 | ||
| Next departure in 2012 | ||
Single supplement for the entire trail : + 380 €
This single supplement is only for people
who request for a single room during all nights of the trail, clients who are willing to share does not
have to pay for the single supplement.
Single supplement : + 120 €
This single supplement is only for people
who request for a single room at Reykjavik, clients who are willing to share does not
have to pay for the single supplement.
- Family discount available for parents and older children travelling together,
3 or more: - 99 €
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) on double room bases,
- english-speaking equestrian guide,
- the financial guarantee of the deposits you send to Randocheval.
RATE NOT INCLUDING
- flights from / to Reykjavik,
- tips,
- drinks,
- the meals at Reykjavik,
- the single room supplement for nights 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.
- tips,
- drinks,
- the meals at Reykjavik,
- the single room supplement for nights 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
14 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 :
CH57-islande_nordconfort_en
