From the moment you swing a leg over an Icelandic horse, you’ll become swept up in the saga that is Iceland. The beating heart of The Touch of the Highlands Ride {and our Wilderness Expedition}, is hands down the horses. We can guarantee that by the end of your ride you’ll be ready to give your herd of 70 horses a standing ovation. BRAVO. Over the course of The Touch of the Highlands Ride you’ll have the pleasure of riding between 10 to 12 different Icelandic horses, each and every one as brave-hearted as the next.
As a synchronised riding group you’ll tölt across the black earth, the shifting valleys and the milky-blue river deltas of Iceland. Your focal point for the entire trip is the free-running herd of Icelandic horses gallivanting ahead or behind you at all times. Without your herd, there is no way you would be able to cover so many kilometres each day. We’ve been told by our guide and host, Magnus, that horse herding in Iceland is a dying art, so this is a UNIQUE PRIVILEGE to be part of.
Fast Facts
- Horse Breed:Icelandic horses - the jewel in the crown of this itinerary!
- Pace:The pace varies on a daily basis but it’s a fast-paced ride. Expect to mostly trot and tölt with the occasional canter.
- Weight Limit:A maximum of 100kg / 220lbs (depending on height, physical condition and riding ability).
- Type of tack:English all-purpose saddles.
- Seasons:July & August
- Group size:A maximum of 12 guests.
- Time in Saddle:4 to 6 hours in the saddle per day (this is also dependent on the weather, which could see you in the saddle for up to 8 hours).
- Riding Ability:The Touch of the Highlands Ride isn’t as physically intensive as our Wilderness Expedition. If you’re an intermediate to advanced rider with good physical fitness as well as saddle fitness, this is the ride for you. You'll need to be up for an adventure and able to handle up to 6 hours' riding a day. Not sure what your riding experience is? Watch THIS video to find out.
- Accommodation:Throughout the 7 day itinerary you’ll stay in varying accommodation. On 5 of the 6 nights, you’ll stay in comfortable cottages made up of 2 to 4 bedrooms with a shared bathroom. The remaining night you’ll stay in a remote, rustic mountain hut with 2 to 4 guests per room. There is warm running water for showering in this mountain hut. #winning
- Ride Length:7 days, 6 nights, with 6 riding days.
- Inclusions:
The price includes all ground transportation throughout the riding tour, private bus transfers between Reykjavik and Varmahlíð on days 1 and 7, and full board during the tour, starting with a light meal for lunch on the first day and ending with breakfast on the final day. Sleeping bags, mats, helmets, rain gear and saddlebags are also provided.
- Exclusions:
The price does not include alcoholic beverages, international flights, travel insurance and any additional activities outside the itinerary.
DEPARTURE DATES & RATES
NEW! Secure your saddle seat NOW with a 10% deposit - as part of our 10x 10% payment plan!WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price includes all ground transportation throughout the riding tour, private bus transfers between Reykjavik and Varmahlíð on days 1 and 7, and full board during the tour, starting with a light meal for lunch on the first day and ending with breakfast on the final day. Sleeping bags, mats, helmets, rain gear and saddlebags are also provided.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price does not include alcoholic beverages, international flights, travel insurance and any additional activities outside the itinerary.
Accepted payment is by credit or debit card only. There is a 2% surcharge on all card payments. Click HERE to read our recommendations on which cards are best to use to avoid international transaction fees.
WHY IS THE PRICE QUOTED IN EUR?
With our riding destinations, the currency is dictated by our ride partner in that country. Therefore due to fluctuating exchange rates we have to quote in the same currency.
Itinerary
Expand AllCollapse All*Please note, this is a suggested itinerary only and subject to change at the discretion of your guides due to weather (let’s be honest, this is Iceland) and other influencing factors.

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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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The difference between the Wilderness Expedition (W.E.) and the Touch of the Highlands Ride (T.O.H.) in a nutshell
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Transfer Information
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The Horses
What our valued Globetrotters say about The Touch of the Highlands Ride

Lindsey Barnes
‘I was nervous about traveling solo to Iceland at first, but I am so glad I decided to take the plunge. The scenery is take-your-breath-away spectacular. All of our hosts and guides were so friendly and amazing. We spent more than a few nights entertaining one another with our favorite songs. The real draw, however, was the horses. I have dreamed of riding these fabulous horses since I was a little girl, and the reality blew away my expectations. It was truly an experience where you have to pinch yourself to make sure it’s real. They were the friendliest, most curious herd I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with. Riding the tölt was a personal dream come true. It was like gliding around on a magic carpet! Traveling with and interacting with the herd of 70 horses made me remember why I fell in love with horses and riding in the first place. It was truly an amazing ride.’

Kathy Dusek
‘Absolutely the best trip of my lifetime (I am 58). The staff were wonderful and cheerful. Nele was exceptional – always happy and positive. She made sure you were comfortable and happy with your horse. All the horses were amazing. The accommodation was great – a beautiful location, very clean and neat, and all amenities available. It was just a wonderful time. We actually got to herd some of the horses – it was very exciting!’

Cassandra Monks
‘Iceland was amazing. It was worth every cent. I got to see and ride through amazing scenery like glaciers, mountains, rivers, canyons and amazing valleys, all while mounted on sturdy Icelandic horses. The horses were amazing, very well trained and well behaved. Some of the best I’ve ridden – they stole my heart. The guides were very knowledgeable, friendly and easy to talk to. Can’t wait to head back there and do it all over again!’

Josie Kleinitz
‘I still haven’t found the words to adequately describe my experience in Iceland. Incredible doesn’t quite cut it. So here is a quick run-down:
The horses – Absolute troopers! Getting to regularly swap horses was so much fun. Each was different in their own unique and quirky way. And despite being part of a huge herd, they were still interested and curious to spend time with us. Plus, there is nothing quite as peaceful walking through the herd at the end of an amazing day of riding and being greeted by curious faces nuzzling at your pockets in case you have treats.
The guides – Fantastic! Incredibly knowledgeable about the horses, the Icelandic Sagas and the history of the area. They took the time to get to know their guests and did a great job matching horses to guests.
The riding & scenery – WOW! There aren’t many places in the world where you can sit on a horse and look across a glacial valley to not one, but three massive glaciers! We rode over lava fields, through rocky desert country, into a valley untouched by the modern era and across grassy river plains. In some places it felt like we had travelled back in time to before human evolution.
The food – Magnificent! Fresh, local produce transformed into mouthwatering meals that showcased many traditional Icelandic dishes.
The whole experience was so much more than I expected!’

Rebecca Clemmey
‘The Icelandic weather gods smiled on us for our week’s riding, wanting us to see as much of this amazing country as possible. From lush green valleys to rocky volcanic deserts, riding through birch ‘forests’ through to riding in sight of three of the biggest glaciers in Iceland.
This ride is good for the soul. By the end of the week you will emerge from the wilderness refreshed in spirit (even if the body is exhausted and desperately seeking a soak in the hot tub!) The plucky Icelandic horses are incredibly surefooted. Within moments of mounting, you find yourself tölting along on an Icelandic horse, in Iceland!! (I was a little bit excited!) I would never ride any other horse over the terrain we covered at the speeds we rode, but those horses took us everywhere we needed to go and got us there safely. Travelling with the herd was an unforgettable experience and meant that we had the ability to ride a variety of different horses and have a selection of favourites to choose from on the last day.’

Sharon Rowles
‘The whole trek was a standout experience. I was happy with all the horses I rode. Such surefooted, willing, safe and affectionate wee souls. I loved the experience of all riding and being together. I felt included even before we set foot in the stirrups. Our guides, Nele, Gracina, Martin plus owner guides Hjalti and Magnus were all superb. Always fun, helpful and patient. Iceland is a very expensive destination; however, this ride was above and beyond what I expected, so I feel I had value for money, especially when you consider the high standards of the food, accommodation, tours, flights, horses, riding, etc.
Take the tölt and sign up for a ride in Iceland. Let Globetrotting handle the details. They will not disappoint.’

Peta Ruiter
‘I’ve been following Globetrotting for more than 12 years, dreaming of an adventure that would return me to the saddle. I spent almost the first 20 years of my life on the back on a horse, but not having ridden or been near a horse for the last 20 years, I was so reluctant (and frankly terrified) to return to the saddle. But… one day last November, on the commute to work, an email titled ‘Is it the right time?’ popped into my mailbox featuring the new tours to Iceland. By that afternoon, I had confirmed and paid a deposit! I am not an impulsive type, but this was THE best holiday decision I’ve ever made. Amazing, fantastic, incredible in every possible way. The Icelandic horses are the most beautiful creatures, each with their own personality. It fed my soul in every possible way, and I made meaningful connections with my fellow globetrotters and the team who looked after us. I even learnt how to sing Icelandic songs! I will be back – the hardest decision is where to next!’

Natalie Allen
‘Iceland, the land of fire and ice, is nothing short of spectacular. I had the best holiday of my life and can’t recommend it highly enough. I have never seen such a group of sad faces at breakfast on the last day of the tour! Everyone says, ‘Oh it’s on my bucket list.’ I say, stop dreaming and just book it. Today.
Icelandic horses are everywhere in Iceland and are a big part of the culture. I thought that I had arrived in Horse Heaven Happyland! Magnus and his team were fabulous. I learned so much about the rockstar Icelandic horses and the culture, history and people of Iceland. At one point, we were all singing a traditional Icelandic song in 4 or 5 languages! We had a small group of 5 guests who were from all around the world and we had the best time. Icelandic horses are such little goers, with amazing energy, spirit, and fun five gaits unique to them, and they are really surefooted. I fell in love with a few and wanted to pack them into my bag to take home with me. If you want an amazing experience filled with amazing horses, amazing people and memories for a lifetime, then just do it. I started planning a return trip before I had even left!’

Kat Spencer
‘Since I’ve come back from Iceland, whenever anyone asks me anything about it, all I can say is ‘amazing’. I find it so hard to put my feelings into words. Every single part of the holiday was incredible. The horses were beautiful little beings with such character, who gave everything they had for you – they taught me to trust again. The landscape is awesome, so enormous it makes you feel very small and insignificant. The people were so friendly, knowledgeable and passionate about their country. I absolutely loved Iceland – amazing.’
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