Summer Horseback Riding in Iceland - US 2699 Including Air plus taxes

June 4, 7:04 PMBest Value Travel ExaminerDT Regula

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Icelandair is presenting a week-long horseback tour of the "Five Rivers" of Iceland this summer. The trip includes most food and all lodging, guides, some equipment, and the use of the amazing Icelandic horses themselves. (Don't call them ponies unless you want to slightly rile the usually magnaminous Icelanders - these horses are just above the specified heights to be called "ponies". )

If you want to free your inner Viking, this is a great way to do it while exploring some of the most unspoiled countryside on earth - during the mild summer season. You'll enjoy some of the freshest air and cleanest wates on the planet. The trip is guided in English, and my experience of Icelandic guides is that they tend to have a better grasp of the language than I do.  At night, you'll listen to excerpts from the sagas and enjoy delicious Icelandic foods. The trip is based at a single family-run guest farm, so you're free from packing and repacking - and if that seven hours in the saddle proves too much for your bum one day, you could theoretically give it a rest. Just be sure you don't do it on the day they visit the natural hot spring for a swim and a soak.

There are some restrictions - a weight limit of 243 pounds to be kind to the po - I mean, the horses. Participants also must have previous riding experience and the ability and willingness to spend about 7 hours a day total in the saddle. It's not recommended for pregnant women, and existing kids must be  at least 10 years of age to participate. But overall, this sounds like one of those trips you'll remember forever.

While Iceland in winter is a, um, icy but wonderful winter wonderland, in summer it's filled with festivals, concerts, whale watching cruises, and special events. If you can, add a few extra days onto your trip to enjoy more of Iceland.

Icelandair Five Rivers Ride

Or call 1 800 779 2899 or email holidays@icelandair.is.