Trip Overview

Velkomin! Welcome to Iceland, a geological wonderland so wild and spectacular it sets an unparalleled standard for adventure—for every generation. Experience the unbridled joy of horseback riding in Iceland on our version of the “pony express,” tölting across volcanic landscapes draped in wildflowers! Gallop on the beaches and ride your Icelandic horse to explore glaciers, hot springs, and waterfalls, learn about Icelandic history, and discover Reykjavik’s vibrant foodie scene.

Upon arrival at Reykjavik Airport, meet your guide and the women who’ll be joining you for this amazing week of active adventure, food, and fun. In the charming capital of Iceland, Reykjavík, you’ll sightsee on foot and enjoy food tastings of local cuisine.

You’ll fall in love with your Icelandic horse at first sight. This iconic breed is best known for its comically shaggy coat and long mane, although experienced riders also praise it for its famously smooth gait, a fast but very smooth trot or “tölt.” While it is known for its explosive acceleration and speed; it is also comfortable for ground-covering. There is considerable variation in style within the gait, and thus the tölt is compared to similar lateral gaits such as the rack of the Saddlebred, the largo of the Paso Fino, or the running walk of the Tennessee Walking Horse. Like all lateral ambling gaits, the footfall pattern is the same as the walk but differs from the walk-in that it can be performed at a range of speeds, from the speed of a typical fast walk up to the speed of a normal canter.

On this scenic tour of Iceland by saddle, you can ride free as the Vikings once did, exploring this island in the company of your trusty steed and his or her companions. First brought to Iceland by Norse settlers in the 9th and 10th centuries, the Icelandic horse is mentioned in literature and historical records throughout Icelandic history.  Now it is your turn to explore Iceland by horseback!  During your rides you will cross Southern Iceland  – some of the country’s most diverse landscapes, including glaciers, volcanoes, volcanic islands, geothermal areas, glacial rivers, black sands, vast meadows, marshes, lakes, untouched highlands, and long black beaches. This ride is for intermediate to advanced riders who relish 3-5 hours a day in the saddle.

It’s a rare moment when women can stop their busy lives to venture far for fun, so take a moment at your farewell dinner to reflect on how richly rewarding it has been to travel with women who share your passion for horses and adventure.

Please note: All women riders on this trip must be strong intermediate to experienced riders with English and/or Western riding experience and be in very good physical condition.

Main Attractions

  • Unforgettable tölting on an Icelandic horse
  • Soak in a natural pool and enjoy a dip in the Secret and Sky Lagoons
  • Visit Thingvellir National Park and Gulfoss Waterfall
  • Meet local women - from a farmer to artisans - and learn about their craft

What You'll See and Do

  • Cultural Exploration
  • Horseback Riding
  • Hot Springs
  • Natural History
  • Photography
  • Sightseeing
  • Spa Element
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If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

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Trip Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in South Iceland
Arrive at Keflavik International Airport (KEF) today before 7:00am.

Meet your guide at Keflavik International Airport at 7:00am. Drive to Reykjavík for breakfast. After breakfast, stop at an Icelandic tack shop to buy riding gloves and any other last-minute equipment you might need.

Your next destination is historic Thingvellir National Park. You will see the spectacular natural amphitheater, where almost every important moment in Iceland’s history has taken place. Today Thingvellir is still regarded with reverence by Icelanders, its historical weight reinforced by a serene natural beauty. Thingvellir sits right on top of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and you can clearly see the dividing plates and the lake-filled valley that has developed between the plates.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at a very special restaurant in Friðheimar followed by a stable visit. Continue to the Geysir hot springs and the beautiful Gullfoss waterfall.

Check in to the hotel which will be your home for the next 6 nights. Tonight, you will enjoy a welcome dinner to kick off the start of an amazing trip!

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Álftröð Country Hotel

Day 2

South Iceland

After breakfast, drive to a local farm for a riding lesson to learn to ride the tölt gait. Each group will have a 30-minute lesson. While you are not riding, you can watch the other riders while enjoying coffee and Icelandic cakes. You can also learn from a local
woman how to comb, spin, and dye the wool from Icelandic sheep.

Enjoy Langoustine soup at Mika Restaurant – a real specialty!

Set out from the farm after lunch and enjoy your first 2-hour ride with your horse.

Enjoy a soak this afternoon in the geothermally heated water at the Secret Lagoon. The pool’s steam rising into the air gives the place a magical feeling and the warm water stays at a temperature of 100-104°F all year round. Nearby there is even a little Geysir which erupts every five minutes, showing off for you as you relax in the hot spring. Changing rooms with showers are available on-site.

Enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Álftröð Country Hotel

 

Day 3

South Iceland

After breakfast, head out for today’s ride which will last for about 3-4 hours through the beautiful countryside of Iceland. Stop along the way for a picnic lunch.

This afternoon you will have the opportunity to meet with a local fashion designer who also happens to love horses! Visit her farm and hear about the inspiration for her unique clothing designs.

Enjoy dinner at the hotel and relax in the hot tub this evening.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Álftröð Country Hotel

 

Day 4

South Iceland

After breakfast at the hotel, return to the farm and head off on today’s riding adventure. Ride underneath basalt columns along the canyon of the river. Stop at a little local museum along the way where you will peek into the old days of farming life in Iceland. Enjoy a picnic lunch before setting out.

Icelandic costume design is a tradition that has lasted since the 19th century. Meet with a local woman who will teach you about this creative pastime before heading back to the hotel for dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Álftröð Country Hotel

Day 5

South Iceland

Enjoy a wonderful 3-5 hour ride into the uninhabited wilderness and take in wonderful views of the wild green mountainside, follow little creeks with spring water, and get a wonderful feeling of freedom while atop your horse!

On your way back to your hotel, stop for a soak in one of Iceland’s many natural pools. This is a truly authentic experience without changing or other facilities, so enjoy the thrill of being one with nature!

Rest at the hotel this evening. Enjoy a delicious dinner and maybe a soak in the hot tub!

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Álftröð Country Hotel

Day 6

South Iceland

After breakfast, return to the horses for a thrilling 3-plus hour ride through breathtaking wilderness, only greeted by sheep, wild geese, and the occasional arctic fox! Enjoy a picnic lunch along the way.

Relax at your lodge this evening. Kick up your feet and share stories with the women in your group.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Álftröð Country Hotel

Day 7

South Iceland to Reykjavik

Leave the hotel after breakfast to meet the horses for one last ride! Today they know that they are on their way home and will show you how fast an “Icy” can tölt! The lanes through the charming countryside with small dairy and sheep farms make
for a fast ride!

Stop for a picnic lunch at a local farm before saying goodbye to your wonderful horses and driving back to Reykjavik.

After arriving in Reykjavík, spend some time at the brand-new Sky Lagoon for a soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters of this surreal outdoor spa. Just opened in 2021, this new oceanfront geothermal lagoon is a great way to relax after a busy day.

Have a farewell dinner with your new AdventureWomen friends. Reminisce over all of the memories you have made and celebrate the end of an amazing journey through this truly spectacular country.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Skuggi Hotel

Day 8

Depart Iceland

Enjoy your last few hours in Reykjavik this morning before you check out of the hotel.

Say goodbye to your new AdventureWomen friends as you transfer to the airport for your flights home. Depart from Keflavik International Airport (KEF) today after 5:00 pm.

Breakfast

Please note: AdventureWomen will attempt to adhere to the itinerary as much as possible. However, certain conditions (political, climatic, environmental, and cultural) may necessitate changes in the itinerary. AdventureWomen reserves the right to alter any itinerary at any time, if necessary. We will attempt to notify participants of changes as far in advance as possible. Costs incurred by such changes will be the responsibility of the participants. 

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
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Traveling to Iceland



Arrival and Departure Information

June 19, 2024 Departure

Arrive:  Arrive at Keflavik International Airport (KEF) on June 19, 2024 before 7:00AM

Depart: Depart from Keflavik International Airport (KEF) on June 26, 2024 after 5:00PM

We are happy to help you make your flight and travel arrangements. If you’d like to do anything prior to or following the AdventureWomen trip, we’d be delighted to help you arrange any trip extensions you’re interested in.

Note: The recent trend in travel is for travelers to finalize their plans much closer to departure time than was customary in the past. While we try to be as flexible as possible booking last-minute registrants, we must release hotel rooms two to three months prior to departure! Please keep this in mind when making your travel plans.

Preparation and Packing  

Please use the following guides as a reference when preparing for your adventure. We also encourage you to adapt the guides to your travel style as well as the destination’s forecasted weather.  

Gratuities  

Gratuities are a personal decision and are at your own discretion based on your level of satisfaction with the service provided. Gratuities are dependent upon the number of guests on your departure, and they vary greatly from trip to trip. As a general reference, AdventureWomen suggests you plan for $90-$140 (or more) worth of gratuities for this adventure. Specific tipping recommendations for your trip will be provided to you closer to your departure date and may fluctuate due to inflation, exchange rates, and the number of travelers on your trip. 

Passports and Visas

Citizens of the United States must have a passport valid for six months beyond your travel dates with at least two blank facing pages. If you do not have a passport, please apply now!

Activity Level

We rate this trip as High Energy. You should be in good physical condition and horseback ride on a regular basis. You should meet these requirements:

  • You feel comfortable and safe in the saddle in all gaits
  • You feel comfortable riding at higher speeds over rugged terrain
  • You feel comfortable following the speed of the herd over long distances
  • You are not afraid of riding uphill or downhill at higher speeds
  • You have compassion and understanding for the horse’s abilities and limits.
  • You don’t mind long hours outside in any weather

Please note: You do not need any prior knowledge of Icelandic Horses or the special gait tölt. You will ride English Style, but Western Style riders will get used to the riding. You will ride four to six hours a day, with breaks for lunch and shorter stops in between.

You must notify us if you weigh more than 209lbs. We need to make sure we can find a horse suitable for you.

We recommend training before your trip (with your doctor’s permission) to make the most of your adventure. With this itinerary in mind, we have a partnership with Trailblazer Wellness, a woman-owned, women-run company that will design an individualized fitness plan just for you! Best of all, AdventureWomen guests get a 10% discount with the code AVW. Learn more on the Trailblazer Wellness website.

Health Considerations

Make an appointment with a travel clinic, as they may have recommendations for vaccines and medications based on the destination as well as your age, health, and past vaccination history.

For more health information, go to www.cdc.gov/travel and navigate to the page about Iceland.

How to Register

Call the AdventureWomen office at (800) 804-8686 to determine space availability and register for this trip. We can complete your registration, including taking your credit card deposit over the phone.

If you prefer, you can register online by clicking “Sign Up for this Trip” on the trip page.

Please be sure to read the AdventureWomen policies before registering!

Forms and Final Payment

The deposit for this trip is $800. You can transfer your deposit to another trip with no additional fee if you notify us within 120 days of the original trip departure date. We can hold your deposit for up to six months as a credit. Failure to book a new trip within this timeframe will result in the forfeiture of your deposit.

Once you book, you will need to fill out and return to AdventureWomen:

  • Information Form
  • Booking Conditions Form
  • Copy of Flight Information
  • Copy of Issuing Page of Passport (Photo Page)
  • Supplemental Release for COVID

Final payment is due to AdventureWomen in a cash form (check, money order, or wire transfer). A maximum of $1,500 per person can be put on a credit card, which includes your deposit.

June 19, 2024 Departure Final Payment Due Date: March 21, 2024

 

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
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What's Included

Included

  • Accommodations as per itinerary based on double occupancy
  • All meals as listed in the itinerary
  • Activities as indicated in the itinerary
  • English-speaking guide(s) throughout the trip
  • All ground transportation
  • One group transfer on arrival and departure
  • Drinking water available from taps to refill personal bottles
  • Gratuities for hotel staff and waitstaff

Not Included

  • International airfare to and from Iceland
  • Optional activities
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages (unless otherwise specified)
  • Fees for passport, visas, immunizations, or travel insurance
  • Cost of hospitalization or evacuation
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities for main guide and driver

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

Accommodations

 

Skuggi Hotel 

The comfortable 3-star Skuggi Hotel offers an ideal spot in a shopping area just outside shopping streets and bars. Guests will benefit from 24-hour reception, ironing service and room service and also appreciate a lift, a safe deposit box and free parking available on-site.

Alftröð Country Hotel
Alftröð is a 30-minute drive to Geysir and Gullfoss Waterfall and a 40-minute drive to the Thingvellir National Park. There is a 360° mountain view from the guest house and views of the most famous volcanoes in Iceland including Hekla, Eyjafjallajökul, and Tindfjöll. Enjoy the hot tub under the midnight sun!

 

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary