Iceland : Northern Exposure

Day 1 transfer from Keflavik Airport to a guesthouse in Reykjavík. Attend an evening welcome meeting including a light supper of traditional Icelandic soup. 

Day 2 take a morning flight to Akureyri and transfer to Saltvik Farm. En route stop at majestic Godafoss. At Saltvik, the ride begins after a short introduction to the Icelandic horse and its special gaits. Cross the mountain plateau towards an area with its white steaming hot springs. Enjoy a relaxing bath in the local swimming pool before heading home to Saltvik farm for the overnight stay. Dinner is followed by an interesting introduction to the extraordinary geology of the area. (4 - 5 hours)

Day 3 the trail takes you through a valley and over a plateau to a geothermal area. At one point you will practically cross over from one continental plate to another as you ride over the mid Atlantic ridge! It is a fascinating area with deep earthquake fissures, multi-coloured mountains and geothermal energy. With all this volcanic activity going on here, it is easy to understand that Iceland is still ‘under construction’. (6 - 7 hours)

Day 4 enjoy today’s ride following good riding tracks through the mountains, past lakes and through bushy vegetation. Enjoy the magnificent view over the Lake Mývatn area, surrounded by mighty volcanoes, before riding down towards the guesthouse Hraunbrún, located near the lake. Before dinner relax and enjoy a nice hot bath in an outdoor lagoon with geothermal water.  (6 - 7 hours)

Day 5 start the day with an exciting sightseeing tour by bus. Visit Dimmuborgir, fantastic black lava formations with rich vegetation. The next highlight is the geothermal area of Hverarönd with boiling mud pools and steam vents. You then saddle up again and head out of the Mývatn area. Through a black sand desert ride along a colourful valley with glittering salmon River Laxá in the middle. A true day of contrasts in the ever changing Icelandic nature. Overnight at Saltvík Farm for the last two nights.

Day 6 today you cross Laxá river and ride alongside it for a while through beautiful countryside and heath. Visit a waterfall and finish the ride on the shore of Skjálfandi bay before returning to Saltvík Farm where the warm outdoor tub is waiting. (30 km) Option to go whale watching (available at an extra charge) - at Husavík harbour a boat is waiting to go out on a whale watching cruise. There is no better way to end a great tour than by sailing into the evening sun.

Day 7 in the morning return to Akureyri by bus for the flight back to Reykjavík. Overnight stay in a guesthouse.

Day 8 transfer by bus to Keflavik Airport in time for the flight back home.