Riding Icelandic Ponies to viewing Africa's Amazing Wildlife

Day 1
DEPART US CITY

Day 2
REYKJAVIK
You are met at Keflavik airport in early morning and transferred directly to Reykjavik for breakfast.

Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland with the sophistication of a European city surrounded by some of the most dramatic scenery anywhere on earth. Reykjavik has the best of both worlds - the qualities of a modern, forward-looking society complemented by the beautiful and unspoiled nature in the city's vicinity. The world's northernmost capital looks over the blue waters of Faxafloi Bay and is framed by the majestic Mt. Esja.

After breakfast you visit a spectacular cathedral and take a cultural tour of the old city guided by a local art expert, making stops at a few of the museums and galleries for which Reykjavik is famous.

Your contemporary 'Scando-style' hotel is located in the heart of the city. Reykjavik is a wonderful city for wandering among the funky cafes and wine bars on every corner. In the evening you may choose to dine at one of the city's hot spots featuring Iceland's contemporary cuisine and amazing seafood.

At night the streets are lined with innumerable live music venues where the hottest new bands may be heard. A weekend in Reykjavik reveals why this is Europe's hottest night-life destination.

Day 3
MYRDALSJOKULL GLACIER
This morning after breakfast, meet with your guide and head east from Reykjavik through the farmlands of the south and up to base camp, where you prepare for a two-day snowmobile tour. Change into insulated winter gear and embark on a great adventure with Benni, master snowmobile driver and glacier explorer! This is one of the best ways to experience Iceland. (No experience necessary!)

This tour takes you across the massive Myrdalsjokull glacier and into the pristine mountains of Fjallabak beyond the glacier. Roar through snow-covered canyons and up mountain ridges for a stunning view of the area. In the early afternoon, stop for lunch in one of the mountain huts and head back across the glacier and down to base camp.

Your hotel is situated on a traditional Icelandic farm and guests are invited to visit the cowshed and learn about farm life in Iceland. On one side of the farm you may view the Eyjafjoll Mountains and on the other side enjoy an unrestricted view of the open farmlands to the south.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
While at the hotel, you may see (weather permitting) a stunning display of the indescribably beautiful Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights. The best time to witness the Northern Lights is September until the end of March.

Day 4
MYRDALSJOKULL GLACIER
This morning begins very early because you are traveling approximately 5-6 hours on the snowmobiles today. At the end of the day you cross the glacier down to base camp and drive back to the hotel.

Day 5
HESTHEIMAR / GULLFOSS / THINGVELLIR / REYKJAVIK
This morning travel west to Hestheimar in the heart of horse country. Here the best Icleandic horses are bred and trained. You are introduced to the Icelandic Viking Horse, which is known to be one of the best riding horses in the world.

You will choose your horse and take a two-hour scenic ride with one of the trainers through beautiful lush farmlands. Enjoy the ride along pleasant riding tracks and discover terrain shaped by the power of the earth.

After lunch you are driven to Gullfoss (approximately 1 hour) to experience the golden waterfall. This is Iceland's most famous waterfall and one of the natural wonders of the world. The enormous white glacial cascade drops 140 feet into a narrow canyon which is 230 feet deep and 5 miles long. Its spectacular two-tiered cataract hangs in the air like fine drizzle, which forms a rainbow in the sunlight. You also visit the Geysir area where spouting springs are blowing off boiling steam and water every few minutes.

Continue on to Thingvellir where the world's first democratic parliament was established in 930 AD. Thingvellier is a national park where you find geological wonders such as the rift between the two tectonic plates of Eurasia and America. The tour through this fascinating area will include some walking (not difficult).

Return to Reykjavik for dinner and overnight at your hotel.

Day 6
REYKJAVIK
In the morning transfer to the airport to board your flight homeward.

NOTE: This is just one example of many custom itineraries we can do for you in this diverse country.

GENERAL INFORMATION

There are no set departure dates for this trip. Please contact EXPLORE as to the time you would like to travel and we can book this itinerary or another customized itinerary for you.

Tour Includes:
Transfer to and from airport, Reykjavík culture tour with art guide on first day; entrance fee to museum; all accommodation in Iceland with breakfast and lunch; super jeep tour of 3 days with driver guide; snowmobile tour; horse riding tour.

Tour Excludes:
All airline flights; dinner and beverages throughout; rental of winter clothes (if you don't bring your own); medical immunizations; passport fees; laundry throughout; accident/baggage/medevac & cancellation insurance; telephone or fax charges; room service; gratuities to guides and staff; and other items of a purely personal nature.

Find A Trip | About Explore Africa | The Explore Africa Experience
Contact Explore Africa | Return to Explore Africa Home Page

Explore Africa Site Map