ICELAND & THE HIGHLANDS

Get ready for the thrill of a lifetime as you discover the untamed beauty of Southern Iceland on horseback. Ride through lava fields and volcano ash, and gallop at the footsteps of glaciers as you fall in love with the small but mighty Icelandic horses! You will be charmed by the hospitality of your hosts, learn about the history of the magical land of ice and fire, and leave knowing this trip will have changed you forever!

Adventure riders: This one is for your bucket list!

You can also join us on a World on Horseback Exclusive Hekla Volcano expedition from Aug 8-13, 2025.

QUICK GUIDE:

Fly to Reykjavik
Suitable for strong intermediate to advanced riders
Itineraries available from 2-6 days
Starting at €890 per person
From June to August only!

HIGHLIGHTS:

Ride with a herd of 60 free-running horses
Discover the incredible strength, stamina, and heart of Icelandic horses and enjoy their unique and comfortable gaits
Ride through deserts of volcanic ash, between mountains, glaciers, and volcanoes

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4 Iceland ITINERARIES

Löngufjörur Beach Ride

2 nights / 2 riding days
17-19 June, 2025
From €890 per person

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HEKLA VOLCANO EXPEDITION

5 nights / 6 days / 5 days riding
Dates available in June, July & Aug 2025
€2690 per person

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Chasing Waterfalls Tour

6 nights / 5 riding days
Dates available in June, July & Aug 2025
€2,590 per person

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Landmannalaugar Adventure (Highlands)

6 nights / 7 days / 6 riding days
1-7th July, 2025
€3,200 per person

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Midsummer Beach & Mountain Special

5 nights / 5 riding days
June 21-26, 2025
€2890 per person

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Information Concerning all Rides in Iceland

Small but mighty! The Icelandic horse is a symbol of national pride and cultural heritage. They are known for their surefootedness and gentle nature, and they are famous for the Tölt, a gait unique to the breed, which makes them incredibly comfortable over great distances and rugged terrain. Riding an Icelandic horse in its homeland is an authentic experience you won’t forget. These horses are not only strong but also friendly and affectionate- they love a good cuddle!
On this tour, we’ll also be herding alongside free-running horses, a traditional way of traveling in Iceland. With a fast pace, you’ll switch horses at least once or twice a day!
Max rider weight: 110kg / 240 lbs
Individual travel insurance is not included in the tour price. We encourage all guests to contact their travel insurance before visiting Iceland.
Fly to: Keflavík Airport (Reykjavik International Airport)
Airport Transfer
We recommend booking your transfer from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík (and back) with Reykjavik Excursions using their Flybus service.
Departure Times: The Flybus departs approximately 35-40 minutes after each flight arrival.
Booking: You can book your Airport Direct Ticket to and from Reykjavík
Buses are located just outside the terminal building.
Liability:
Our operator, Íshestar reserves the right to alter routes, itineraries or timetables without prior notice, should the necessity arise and depending on road or weather conditions.

Curious to learn more? Read about my first-hand experience riding in the highlands on the blog.

Löngufjörur Beach Ride

2 nights / 2 days riding

From €890 per person
Intermediate to experienced riders

Experience the legendary beauty and dramatic landscapes of Snæfellsnes Peninsula, where the Snæfellsjökull volcano dominates over its national park. You get the chance to experience the smooth gait tölt over long distances on wide-open, light-colored sand at Löngufjörur beach, where only the tide sets a boundary to the freedom of horse and man.

The remarkable crater Eldborg is a distinctive landmark, where the light sand turns black once you reach its lava field.

Day 1: Reykjavík – Minni Borgir – Kolviðarnes
After a morning drive (pick up around 8:30, ready in riding gear) from Reykjavik to the start point of the ride and meet the staff and the other participants that are doing the longer version of the tour. We ride down to the beach and enjoy our horses tolting on the sea floor at low tide.
Day 2 Kolviðarnes – Stóri-Kálfalækur
Another stunning day at the Atlantic Ocean. The sand turns black as we follow the outline of the Eldborg lava field. The coast is rugged and we ride through vast, spectacular fjords at low tide and cross rivers on the way. Watch out for eagles on the rocks and horses running free in the dunes!
Day 3: Return to Reykjavik after the breakfast
– We reserve the right to alter the itinerary if necessary –
Stóri Kálfalækur Farm
Stóri-Kálfalækur Farm, the home of farmers Siggi and Ólöf is situated in rich farmland close to the ocean and the wonderful beaches of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. It’s a renovated farmhouse with a sleeping up to 20 persons so it’s plenty of space for everybody. Large kitchen and a spacious dining room. Together with the well-known hospitality of your hosts this will make an excellent place to stay.
- Number of rooms: 8 (2-4 bedded)
- Number of beds: 20
- Outdoor jacuzzi: Yes
- Number of showers: 5
- GSM connection: Yes, but not good
- WiFi: No
- Made up beds: Yes
- Number of WC: 5
17-19 June, 2025
From €890 per person
What is included on your tour:
- Food & Accommodation
- Bus transfer from Reykjavík to the farm.
- Rain wear, water bottle, saddle bag, riding helmet.
Not Included:
- Alcoholic beverages are not included in the tour price and are hard to get in the highlands.
- Sleeping bags are not included but are available for rent upon request

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LÖNGUFJÖRUR BEACH GALLERY

HEKLA VOLCANO EXPEDITION

5 nights / 6 days / 5 days riding

€2690 per person
Intermediate to experienced riders

Hekla, one of the most active volcanoes in Iceland, was once considered by Icelanders to be the 'Gateway to Hell' due to regular and powerful eruptions. Despite this fearsome reputation, the lava and ash from these eruptions enriched the soil, which with time created rich pastures around the volcano. The ash and light pumice lava stone have formed incredibly smooth paths ideal for riding adventures in the land of fire and ice. On this exciting 5 day tour, you traverse trails through lava fields and lush lands and travel with a herd of horses - always with Hekla in sight! Riders on this tour will have the opportunity to get great insight into the history of the area through local activities in the afternoons as well as the option to try different horses each day and stay at a beautifully renovated farmhouse.

Day 1: We will pick you up at the BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavik around noon and drive to the Ishestar riding center. There we will start to pick out our riding equipment (helmet, saddle), that we will keep for the rest of the tour. Then we will meet our horses of the day and start our introductory ride. We will venture through vast lava fields and hills covered in lupins towards the volcano Helgafell. This mountain was formed through an eruption under a glacier during the last ice age and though not very high (338m), it is a landmark towering over its surroundings. Our ride will take us around it through outlandish landscapes and surprisingly green oases. After the ride we will pack our gear (plus rain gear, just in case) into the trailer and then enjoy a coffee while watching the horses and waiting for dinner. After the dinner we embark our bus for a 1,5 hour drive to our base for the following days: The farmhouse Minnivellir. There we move in and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding volcanoes Hekla, Eyjafjallajökull and Burfell.
Day 2: Today we get ready after breakfast for our first day of riding with the herd. Our group will go ahead of the heard leading the way into lush green farmland, riding through woodlands, crossing beautiful streams, and passing by the magnificent Thjofafoss waterfall. We will wrap up our day at Rjupnavellir, where the horses will rest for the night.
After the ride, we will have the opportunity to visit the longest manmade cave in Iceland. Here, a local farmer will meet us and share insights about the history of the cave and the sinister lore behind Hekla's nickname, 'Gateway to Hell'.
Day 3: As we get to know our horses, and their gaits, we venture closer to Hekla. The journey starts with a river crossing into a remote area under the roots of the volcano. After lunch, we part with the herd to tour private farmland at the base of Hekla, joined by the landowner. This ride takes us to hidden spots rich with mystical local tales.
Evening options include a hike around Minni-Vellir with Dora or a calming dip in the local pool.
Day 4: Today we descend from Hekla, enjoying smooth paths through the impressive and ever-changing lava fields reinforcing the 'Gateway to Hell' epithet. Our route takes us down-stream along the river Rangá which we will cross before arriving at Hrólfstaðahellir, where the horses rest for the night. After the ride, we have the option to explore woollen goods hand-made by local women in a craft shop situated on a nearby farm.
Day 5: Departing from Hrolfstaðahellir, we journey towards Rettarnes, an ancient sheep roundup site. The ride now takes us up along the Rangá river, alternating between green expanses, rugged lava terrains and ash dunes, until we circle back home to Minni-Vellir. We round our tour up with a dinner and one last night of having fun together in Iceland.
Day 6: Today we pack, bid our horses farewell, and return to Reykjavik.
Accommodation: You’ll stay 5 nights in a beautifully restored farmhouse. There are 3 private rooms available (upon request for an extra cost) and a cozy sleeping loft that sleeps up to 14 people. The house has a spacious bathroom, a separate restroom, and a comfy living room where you can relax after a long day of riding.
We suggest bringing your own sleeping bag, but if needed, you can rent one at an additional fee.
Food: The menu consists of a large breakfast and traditional Icelandic meals (fish or lamb). Vegetarian meals are available on request when booking. All riders make their own packed lunch from the breakfast table.
2025 DATES:
- June 19-24 (fully booked)
- July 14-19
- Aug 8-13, 2025 (World on Horseback dates)
PRICE:
€2690 per person
What is included on your tour:
- Food & Accommodation
- Bus transfer from Reykjavík to the farm.
- Rain wear, water bottle, saddle bag, riding helmet.
Not Included:
- Alcoholic beverages are not included in the tour price and are hard to get in the highlands.
- Sleeping bags are not included but are available for rent upon request

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HEKLA EXPEDITION GALLERY

CHASING WATERFALLS TOUR

Mountains, Glaciers, and Waterfalls of the Southern Highlands

6 nights / 5 riding days

€2,590 per person
Intermediate to experienced riders

Waterfalls, mountains, caves, lava fields, lupins and lush green grass: There is nothing you don't see on this tour that leads South of Tindfjallajökull into the Southern Highlands. You will ride with a small group and get to explore this remote area on horseback and enjoy amazing views over the mountains, lava fields, rivers and canyons. We will also pass an abandoned farm and visit a man-made cave that used to be a sheepfold!

Distance: 10-20 miles/15-30 km per day
Ride Time: 5-7 hours/day
Day 1: Arrival:
Pick up at 17:30 in Reykjavik and then drive to the farm Grimstaðir. We will get to know each other and go through the program of your riding holiday.
Day 2: Crossing the creeks: (Bakkakot – Stóra-Hof app. 17 km):
After breakfast we saddle up and prepare for the tour. We start in the paddock to get to know the horses. Then we will head off across the bridge over Þverá and ride on riding paths through green fields and along the road Northwards. We will be surrounded by magnificent views, with the volcano Hekla ahead of us and Eyjafjallajökull to our right. Our first riding day ends at the farm Stóra-Hof, where our horses will be staying until the next morning. On our way back we will stop at one of the most famous and photographed waterfall in Iceland: Seljalandsfoss. You get to walk behind it and see it in the most amazing afternoon light, before we return to our farm house and enjoy dinner there.
Accommodation: Made up beds in shared rooms with shared bathroom and other facilities
Day 3: On the trail of the Vikings (Stóra-Hof - Foss, app. 18 km)
Our second riding day will take us closer to the highlands. Riding on ancient Viking paths surrounded by old lava and purple lupin fields; we follow gravel roads and soft grass paths up and have a stop close to Keldur, the largest preserved turf farm in South Iceland, that dates back to the 12./13. century. After that we will ascend further until we reach our our mountain cottage by the river Eystri-Rangá. This is where we will spend the next two nights.
Accommodation: Mountain cottage Foss
Day 4: Chasing Waterfalls (Around Foss):
Today we take one horse each and explore the area around our hut further. We leave the herd behind to venture into the beautiful landscape around Foss. We ride off trail and enjoy amazing views over the mountains, lava fields, rivers and canyons. We will pass an abandoned farm and visit a man-made cave that used to be a sheepfold. Like the day before, we will go for a rides from our hut. We will ride up the hills south of Foss, where we will meet beautiful waterfalls, and enter a small cave called Thieves' Cave. If the sky is clear we’ll get a great view over the lowlands and the mountains.
Accommodation: Mountain cottage Foss
Day 5: Winding down (Foss - Bakkakot, app. 35 km):
Time to leave Foss and head back to the lowlands. You will feel the spirit and growing excitement of the horses who know they are on the way back home! Tölting on a joyful horse, on soft grounds, in their natural environment surrounded by mountains and glacier views, is an unforgettable experience! You’ll feel invincible! Finally, we arrive back in Bakkakot where we enjoy coffee and cake and dinner later.
Day 6 Let the sea set you free (Bakkakot - Grimstaðir - Beach)
Today we will be riding on a black sand beach. In the morning we ride alongside a river down to Grimstaðir,where we have lunch. In the afternoon we ride to the beach, with the sea on one side and mountain panorama with the spectacular Eyjafjallajoekull on the other side. We tölt through the dunes (if the deep sand allows) and cross tidal rivers, and enjoy the company of curious seals or the abundant bird wildlife.
Day 7: Driving back to Reykjavik after the breakfast
ACCOMMODATION: This unique tour combines guesthouse accommodations with remote mountain huts, allowing riders to experience both Icelandic hospitality and the tranquility of the remote wilderness.
Guests will stay in shared rooms in a farmhouse (4 nights) and bunk bed accommodation in a mountain hut (2 nights) and sleeping bag arrangement during the ride. Showers available. Please bring your own sleeping bag. Accommodation before and after the ride are to be arranged individually.
FOOD: The menu consists of a large breakfast and traditional Icelandic meals (fish or lamb). Vegetarian meals are available on request when booking. All riders make their own packed lunch from the breakfast table.
Dates available in June, July & August 2025:
- 14-20 June
- 25 June - 1 July
- 8-14 July (fully booked)
- 20-26 July (fully booked)
- 15-21 August (fully booked)
PRICE:
€2,590 per person
What is included on your tour:
- Food & Accommodation
- Bus transfer from Reykjavík to the farm.
- Rain wear, water bottle, saddle bag, riding helmet.
Not Included:
- Alcoholic beverages are not included in the tour price and are hard to get in the highlands.
- Sleeping bags are not included but are available for rent upon request

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WATERFALLS TOUR GALLERY

Landmannalaugar Adventure (Highlands)

Multi-Colored Landscapes of the Landmannalaugar Trail

6 nights / 7 days / 6 riding days
€3,200 per person
Intermediate to experienced riders

On this tour, we will take you along the powerful Thjorsá river and the lava fields of Hekla into Iceland's Southern Highlands and on some of the wonderful hidden bridle paths of Iceland. We take you through ash and sand dunes, rivers and into the highlands. We ride through multi-coloured landscapes with its yellow, reddish and greenish rhyolite mountains, the towering glaciers and extensive lava fields give the area a magical touch all the way to Landmannalaugar, a geothermal area located in the Highlands of Iceland. This area is only accessible in the summertime and is renowned for its vivid mountains, where volcanic activity has created a spectrum of colours. This geologically unique area also features geothermal hot springs where we will enjoy a refreshing bath.

Distance: 10-20 miles/15-30 km per day
Ride Time: 5-7 hours/day
Day 1: Getting started (Reykjavik - Hafnarfjörður- Minnivellir)
We will pick you up at the BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavik around noon and drive to the Ishestar riding center. There we will start to pick out our riding equipment (helmet, saddle), that we will keep for the rest of the tour. Then we will meet our horses of the day and start our introductory ride. We will venture through vast lava fields and hills covered in lupins towards the volcano Helgafell. This mountain was formed through an eruption under a glacier during the last ice age and though not very high (338m), it is a landmark towering over its surroundings. Our ride will take us around it through outlandish landscapes and surprisingly green oases. After the ride we will pack our gear (plus rain gear, just in case) into the trailer and then enjoy a coffee while watching the horses and waiting for dinner. After the dinner we embark our bus for a 1,5 hour drive to our base for the following days: The farmhouse Minnivellir. There we move in and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding volcanoes Hekla, Eyjafjallajökull and Burfell.
Accommodation: Minnivellir
Day 2:  Towards the Volcano (Minnivellir – Rettanes – Rjupnavellir)
Today we ride towards the majestic Hekla volcano. The landscape changes from lush fields to ash and sand dunes with sharp lava rocks: Both testimonies of the power of Hekla's eruptions. We reach Rangá river and have our lunch break at a historical sheep round-ups. After lunch we cross Rangá river and ride closer to Hekla until we reach Rjúpnavellir, where we leave our horses and drive back to Minnivellir for the night.
Accommodation: Minnivellir
Riding distance: ca. 30 km.
Day 3:  Entering the Highlands (Rjupnavellir - Landmannahellir)
After a nice breakfast and a short drive we start our ride into the highlands. With a view of the Hekla volcano we climb up into the mountains, through black sand and past small lakes until we reach the remote valley Landmannahellir.
Accommodation: Landmannahellir
Riding distance: 35 km.
Day 4:  The Kaleidoscope of Iceland's colors (Landmannahellir)
After an exhilarating ascent up to the highlands, we leave the herd behind for a well deserved rest and go on a single horse ride exploring the area. After a warm lunch in the hut we go by bus to Landmannalaugar passing through an obsidian field and experiencing the colors change from greenish black lava fields to the blue-yellow-reddish of the rhyolite mountain ranges in Landmannalaugar. In Landmannalaugar we will have time to enjoy a soak in the thermal hot spring as well as a hike through the area. Then we return by bus to out hut in Landmannahellir for a warm dinner and a cozy evening.
Accommodation: Landmannahellir
Riding distance: 40 km.
Day 5:  The Gateway to Hell (Landmannahellir – Rjúpnavellir Summer Cottages)
We leave the scenic Landmannahellir area and ride north of Mt. Hekla volcano, down from the highlands. A desert of black ash and light pumice is a witness to numerous eruptions of this volcano, the most active one in Iceland and known as the Gateway to Hell. Rjúpnavellir cottages are our first step back into “civilization”. We leave the horses there and drive back to Minnivellir for a cozy evening.
Accommodation: Minnivellir
Riding distance: 35 km.
Day 6:  Winding Down: (Rjúpnavellir – Skarfanes - Minnivellir)
Our last riding day leads us west of Mt. Hekla volcano and around the big lava field ‘Merkurhraun’, that is about 6000-8000 years old. We ride alongside the mighty river Þjórsá and past the beautiful waterfall Þjófafoss that shows another, rather positive side of Mt. Hekla's eruptions: fertile farmland. We ride through lush green fields and cross the rivers Ytri-Rangá and Eystri-Rangá.
Riding distance: 35 km
Day 7: Returning to Reykjavik
Today we pack, bid our horses farewell, and return to Reykjavik.
Accommodation: 4 nights in comfortable shared rooms in farm house accommodation, and 2 nights in mountain huts with sleeping bags. Please bring your own sleeping bag or let us know in the booking that you want one from us (free of charge). Accommodation before and after the ride are to be arranged individually.
Food: The menu consists of a large breakfast and traditional Icelandic meals (fish or lamb). Vegetarian meals are available on request when booking. All riders make their own packed lunch from the breakfast table.
2025 DATES:
- 1-7th July (fully booked)
- July 26- Aug 1
- Aug 6-9 (highlands express- shorter itinerary)
- 23-29 August
PRICE:
€3200 per person
What is included on your tour:
- Food & Accommodation
- Bus transfer from Reykjavík to the farm.
- Rain wear, water bottle, saddle bag, riding helmet.
Not Included:
- Alcoholic beverages are not included in the tour price and are hard to get in the highlands.
- Sleeping bags are not included but are available for rent upon request

ENQUIRE OR BOOK

LANDMANNALAUGAR GALLERY

Midsummer Beach & Mountain Special

June 21-26, 2025 (5 nights / 5 riding days)
€2,890 per person
Intermediate to experienced riders

The beautiful Snæfellsnes Peninsula stretches far into the Atlantic from Iceland's west coast, showcasing many of the country's natural wonders. Our ride will take us through lava fields and along hillsides, as well as on light-coloured Löngufjörur, one of the world’s most renowned beaches for riding. This long stretch of coastline is a dream for Icelandic horse enthusiasts. It offers a unique experience of tölting, with the majestic Snæfellsjökull glacier standing proudly in the distance.

June 21 Day 1. Stóri Kálfalækur – Grímsstaðir
Pick up in the morning in Reykjavik. Today we’ll tölt and trot across grassy plains and walk through rocky terrain at the base of a mountain range. We’ll pause for lunch at a traditional sheep round-up site, offering a glimpse into Icelandic farming heritage. We’ll ride in the area of fertile farmlands,
soaking in the peaceful colours of the surrounding landscape. We can celebrate the shortest night of the year with a relaxing soak in the farm’s hot pot - a perfect way to unwind and reflect on the adventure we’ve shared so far.
Approx. 25 km / 5 hours to reach the
destination
June 22 Day 2.
Grímsstaðir – Staðarhraun
Today’s journey takes us through rocky terrain, so we’ll be moving at a more leisurely pace. After crossing a mountain pass, we’ll ride through colourful hillsides and alongside a fertile fishing river. This day is all about appreciating the varied landscapes of this magnificent region of the country.
Approx. 22 km / 6 hours to reach the destination
June 23 Day 3: Staðarhraun – Kolviðarnes
We continue our ride through the mystical volcanic valley enjoying the scenery and local myths of trolls and outlaws. We cross rivers and enjoy great views over the grasslands against picturesque rocks and as far as the Atlantic Ocean. On a clear day you can even see the snowcapped Snæfellsjökull glacier at the tip of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Our destination today is a field at the shore of the Atlantic Ocean.
Approx. 32 km / 6 hours to reach the destination
June 24 Day 4: Kolviðarnes – Gaul
Today’s adventure takes us along the magnificent Löngufjörur beach, following the coastline eastward. With the herd at the distance ahead of our group and the sound of the ocean as the backdrop, you’ll get to enjoy the landscape like a local rider. We’ll experience the
smooth tölt gait of our horses as they splash through the shallow waters of the shore. This firm sand provides the ideal terrain for long-distance tölting. We follow the coast westerly direction on soft ground, splashing water under our horses hooves and with the view of majestic Snæfellsjökull Glacier ahead of us. Our destination is a farm field located right by the Atlantic shore, where the horses will rest for the night.
Approx. 35 km / 5 hours to reach the
destination
June 25 Day 5. Gaul
We enjoy another day on the beach with a single horse ride. Carefree tolting with views of the glacier ahead. (app. 15km or 3-4 hours)/ After the ride we go for a scenic drive with sightseeing stops on Snæfellsnes peninsula, including the famous “Arrow mountain” from Games of Thrones
June 26 -Day 6:
After breakfast we head towards Reykjavik and stop at the beautiful SPA in Hvammsvik to relax in the hot
pools or take a refreshing dip in the cold Fjord. We continue to drive to
Reykjavik and drop off at the hotels in the early afternoon.
NOTE:
Knee-high rubber boots are recommended for the beach ride. On the days we ride along Löngufjörur beach, the start time will depend on the ocean tides. This means we may set off early in the morning or wait until midday or even the afternoon.
ACCOMMODATION: Beds with linens in shared (2-4 persons) rooms at Stóri-Kálfalækur (farmhouse with hot tub)
5 Twin rooms, 2 double rooms, 2 quadruple rooms
FOOD: The menu consists of a large breakfast and traditional Icelandic meals (fish or lamb). Vegetarian meals are available on request when booking. All riders make their own packed lunch from the breakfast table.
This is a special itinerary that will run on a single date from June 21-26, 2025.
The price is €2,890 per person.
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
1) Bus transfer from Reykjavík to Stóri-Kálfalækur, and back
2) Full board
We have breakfast and dinner at our accommodation, while lunch is on-the-go (at a longer break during the ride). All riders make their own packed lunch from the breakfast table. Vegetarian meals are available on request when booking.
3) Rain wear, water bottle, saddle bag, riding helmet
4) Entrance to Hvammsvík Spa
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
1) Individual travel insurance
We encourage tour participants to obtain relevant travel insurance before visiting Iceland.
2) Flight to and from Iceland
3) Alcoholic beverages
You are welcome to bring your own drinks to enjoy in the evening. Alternatively, our chef typically offers a limited selection of beer and wine for purchase. You can pay in ISK (cash), or if needed, we can stop by an ATM after the tour. Riding under the influence of alcohol is not permitted.