Southern Highlights
The famous Golden Circle with hotel accommodation
Dates 2020 / 2021
Upon request for private tours
Upon request for private tours
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Golden Circle Riding Tour with Hotel accommodation -
Riding between hotels This tour combines a wonderful riding tour with 5 riding days of 20 to 30 km daily rides to the main sightseeing highlights in the South of Iceland with cozy Country Hotel accommodation. During the ride we enjoy marvelous views of volcanoes and glaciers, visit on horseback the Golden Waterfall Gullfoss, the majestic canyon Brúarhlöð and ride all the way up to the erupting hot springs of the Geysir field. Enjoy tölting along the mighty salmon river Stóra-Laxá sided by fantastic basalt columns on wonderful tölting tracks. Accommodation is offered in double or single rooms with private sh/wc at three different cozy country hotels. Three nights are spend at the Icelandair Hotel Fludir. The Hotel is situated in walking distance to the natural hot bathing springs of the Secret Lagoon. One night each are spend at Hotel Gullfoss and Hotel „Litli Geysir“, perfectly situated for walks to the main sights of Gullfoss and Geysir. Please note: Dinner is not included on this tour except for the first evening and only the riding tour is guided. Guide is not staying at the hotel. |
Type: Multi - day tour
Operated by: Exploring Iceland Duration: 5 days / 4 nights / 5 riding days. Level of expertise required: Medium experienced riders in good physical shape Area: South Iceland Accommodation: Hotel accommodation in double/twin/single rooms (single supplement surcharge applies) with private facilities at cozy Country Hotels. Accommodation in Reykjavik not included but can be arranged. Meals: Breakfast and lunch Min: 2 riders Max: 4 riders (larger groups upon request) Guide: English speaking. Other languages upon request. Maximum Weight: 110 kg Please contact us for more information and offers for this tour: info@exploringicelandl.is |
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Day by day itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival – Thingvellir – Ride to Flúðir Village – Secret Lagoon Pick up at 9 am at your accommodation in Reykjavík by a member of our Exploring Iceland Team and drive to the fascinating UNESCO Heritage site Þingvellir, situated right on top of the Midatlantic Ridge. This place is heaven for everybody who is interested in Geology and History. We can clearly see the landdrop caused by the plates drifting apart. At Þingvellir, the ancient parliament was founded and our guide will take you to major points of interest and tell you about the amazing judical system of the past. We continue to Hotel Flúðir for a light lunch before meeting up with the horses. After a good introduction into the Icelandic Tack and the special gait „tölt“ we head off for our first gentle riding tour along good riding tracks through lovely green countryside with its numerous little farms, sheep, horses and cattle. Our ride ends at Flúðir village and tonight we will invite you to the natural bathing springs of the Secret Lagoon. The Lagoon´s natural surroundings and steam rising into the air gives the place a magical feeling. The warm water holds 38-40 Celsius all year. In the whole area there are several geothermal spots and a little Geysir which erupts every 5 minutes, showing off for the guests relaxing in the hot spring. We recommend a dinner at the lovely hotel restaurant which uses mainly locally sourced, organic produce and meats. (riding distance ca. 15 km) Optional tour: River Jet Adventure http://www.icelandriverjet.com/ Day 2: Flúðir – Hrunaréttir - Brúarhlöð Canyon – Hotel Gullfoss After breakfast and check out at the hotel we start off to our first long riding day. Equipped with a good picknick lunch we leave the lovely Flúðir village and take our first stop at the Hrunaréttir Sheep corral, used for separating the sheep when they return from their summer stay in the highlands. We continue on country lanes perfect for tölting through the green and hilly countryside. Be prepared for some thrilling views of the Hvítá river as it runs through the mighty Brúarhlöð canyon. We follow along the narrow paths of the steep canyon ridge with perfect sight of the Langjökull glacier and the volcano Bláfell. Overnight at Hótel Brattholt by the Hvítá Canyon. After dinner at the hotel we recommend a walk in this amazing scenery. (riding distance ca. 25 km) Day 3: Gullfoss – Haukadalur Forest – Geysir hot springs Today is going to be a day full of attractions. After breakfast and check- out at the hotel we continue along the canyon for a couple of km until we reach the majestic Gullfoss waterfall. Plenty of time explore the waterfall from above at the viewing platform and close by on the waterfall walk. Lunch and coffee at the Gullfoss café. We continue our ride through the lovely Haukadalur forest with its cute little parish church and romantic churchyard and hear the story of Bergþór the Giant! We continue our ride around the Geysir area with its boiling hot springs and the famous Geysir Strokkur erupting on a 6-10 minutes interval with a 30 m fontaine! Tonight you spend the night at the „Little Geysir Hotel“ in easy walking distance to the Geysir site. So you will have plenty of time to explore the geothermal field, the local exhibition and of course enjoy the indoor jacuzzi! Plenty of dinner options on site. (riding distance ca. 20 km) Day 4: Geysir Hotel – Waterfall Faxi – Flúðir Village By now you are an expert in the saddle and the next long riding day will be a piece of Icelandic cake! From Geysir we ride on lonely country lanes on super good tölting tracks towards the Faxi waterfall, where we will leave the horse at another sheep corrall while enjoying lunch at the Faxi Café with perfect view of the surrounding Tungufljót river! We continue over the Hvítábridge to our lovely Icelandair Hotel Flúðir for two more nights. Evening at your own disposal – you might want to check out the local pool with jacuzzi and sauna, revisit the Secret Lagoon or simple relax in the hotel´s hot tub in the beautiful garden. (riding distance ca. 30 km) Day 5: Flúðir – Stóra-Laxá Canyon – Basalt columns of Hreppholar Today we close the circle when we ride from Flúðir via the romantic parish church Hruni along the Stóra-Laxá canyon with beautiful views of the famous salmon river. We stop at the local Samansafn Museum, taking a step back in time! We continue our ride underneath the majestic basalt columns of Hrepphólar and enjoy a treat of coffee and home made cake at the farm. Transfer back to the hotel and evening at own disposal. Private transfer back to Reykjavik and arrival in Reykjavík in the evening. Drop off at BSÍ or accommodation in the capital area. We are more than happy to arrange your Reykjavík accommodation for you! (Riding distance ca. 20 km) Exploring Iceland reserves the right to alter routes, itineraries or timetables should the necessity arise. The estimated duration of tours as indicated by km or timing can change according to road or weather conditions |
Please contact us for more information and offers for this tour: info@exploringiceland.is
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