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, 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 ability 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 3 bedrooms, each with a shared bathroom. Although you may share a bathroom with just 1 other guest, please be prepared to share with up to 5 other guests. Assignment of rooms is at the hosts’ discretion, although special requests will be considered.
On 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

Frances Lipschitz
‘The Touch of the Highlands ride was absolutely incredible! The horses were amazing, our hosts and guides top-notch, and the scenery was fascinating and beautiful, particularly when the sun came out! We enjoyed long, fast tolts up and down rocky mountain passes and across wide meadows and streams, all the while pushing or leading a herd of 64 free Icelandic horses – that was really an unforgettable experience. We finished the week trying our luck at the famous flying pace, which was just the cherry on top of a week of amazing riding. We couldn’t recommend this trip more highly and would love to do it again!’

Kate Testerman
‘I’m not sure if I can adequately convey how amazing, wonderful, spectacular, and life-changing this ride was! From the moment I was picked up in Reykjavik, every moment was perfection! The food was wonderful, the guides and staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful, the scenery was jaw-dropping, and the horses! My god, I will dream about those horses for years to come. I know it seems like hyperbole, but every day was more amazing than the next. I loved riding up into the highlands through fog and across what seemed like a lunar landscape, as much as I enjoyed riding through a valley next to a bubbling stream, looking up at cliffs that seemed to be hiding dragons in their depths. And the final day, riding across the river delta, was like something out of a dream. I can’t wait for my next Globetrotting adventure, and my next trip back to Iceland!’

Thea Evans
‘As someone who grew up riding but now doesn’t have much access to it, I was nervous before this ride – I honestly didn’t know what to expect. But it turned out to be one of the coolest things I have ever done in my life. The Icelandic horse is such a unique and wonderful breed. The guides were amazing, the views were outstanding, and the food far exceeded our expectations. It was really cool to see the different landscapes of Iceland while enjoying the serenity of riding horses. I have a super stressful job and this ride helped me calm down and get back into balance. I would highly recommend it to everyone!’

Jackie Mathison
‘The Icelandic horses are so fun. I loved every minute of riding them. They are willing, agile and very well taken care of, and the tölt is amazing to ride. The guides were excellent. Riding with the herd was a really cool experience and Iceland is a very striking country to ride in. I’d highly recommend this trip!’

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.’
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