8-Day Guided Culture Tour: Horse & Sheep Gathering in Iceland

Duration

8 Days

Availability

Sep - Oct

Difficulty

Moderate??

Minimum Age

None

Overview

Combine breathtaking nature with authentic culture on this 8-day guided tour. Travel around the Golden Circle, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and the Highlands and hunt for the Northern Lights in the evening. You’ll also go on a whale-watching tour and take part in the ancient tradition of gathering sheep and Icelandic horses from the mountains. If you’re an animal lover, you won’t want to miss this unforgettable wildlife vacation.

Experience ancient traditions, amazing wildlife, and beautiful nature this autumn with this 8-day tour. Book now to secure

Included

  • 6-day small group guided tour (Max 10 passengers)
  • 5 nights in countryside accommodation (breakfast included, private bathroom)
  • 2 nights of accommodation in Reykjavik (different levels available; breakfast included for Comfort and Quality levels; more details in accommodation tab)
  • Whale Watching tour
  • Professional local English-speaking guide
  • Airport transfers (Arrival and Departure)
  • Northern Lights hunting
  • Detailed Itinerary with fun and practical information on the nature, history, and culture of Iceland
  • Hands-on travel agent to oversee your itinerary
  • Taxes

Not included

  • Flights to/from Iceland
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Meals & drinks (unless otherwise stated)
  • Any services not listed as “Included”

Itinerary

Swan at Tjornin Lake, Reykjavik, Iceland,

Day 1 – Welcome to Iceland

You’ll arrive at Keflavík International Airport, located in the middle of a lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Once you’ve collected your bags, hop aboard a bus that will take you to Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík, where you can spend the rest of the day unwinding or exploring.

Highlights:

  • Reykjanes Peninsula
  • Reykjavík
  • Hallgrímskirkja Church
  • Blue Lagoon Comfort Entrance: Includes entrance to the Blue Lagoon, silica mud mask, use of towel, and 1st drink of your choice.
  • Blue Lagoon Premium Entrance: Includes entrance to the Blue Lagoon, silica mud mask, use of towel, 1st drink of your choice, second mask of choice, slippers, use of bathrobe, table reservation at Lava Restaurant, and sparkling wine if dining.
Tectonic plate boundery at Thingvellir National Park in Iceland in autumn.

Day 2 – Þingvellir National Park & West Iceland

You’ll meet your guide for the next few days when they pick you up in the morning in a spacious and comfortable 4×4 vehicle. They will whisk you away into the beautiful countryside, where your first stop is at Þingvellir National Park. You’ll then spend the day exploring West Iceland before spending the night at a cozy accommodation in the region.

Highlights:

  • Þingvellir National Park
  • Hraunfossar & Barnafoss Waterfalls
  • Kaldidalur Valley
  • Viðgelmir Lava Cave: One of the largest caves in Iceland. The tour includes an English-speaking guide and the use of caving equipment such as a helmet and headlamp. No age limit.
Humpback whale tail, peaking out of the ocean in Iceland.

Day 3 – Snæfellsnes Peninsula & Whales

The beautiful Snæfellsnes Peninsula is on your itinerary today. The area is known for inspiring novels, its mystical energy, and stunning beauty. After exploring waterfalls, beaches, and mountains, you’ll hop on a boat for a whale-watching tour. At the end of the day, if conditions are right, you’ll go searching for the Northern Lights.

Highlights:

  • Djúpalónssandur Beach
  • Mt. Kirkjufell
  • Whale Watching
  • There are no optional activities for this day.
Icelandic sheep near the main coastal road on the south coast of Iceland.

Day 4 – Sheep Gathering

Today, you will participate in the annual gathering of sheep or ‘réttir.’ Icelandic sheep spend their summers roaming free around the countryside, grazing on fresh grass and herbs. In the autumn, farmers on horseback herd them from the plateaus and into a sorting fold. Here, farmers and other helping hands begin sorting the sheep. If you wish, you can help out wrestling the sheep. Alternatively, you can sit back and enjoy the scene.

Highlights:

  • Hvítserkur Rock
  • Vatnsnes Peninsula
  • Réttir Sheep Gathering
  • There are no optional activities for this day.
A group of multi-colored Icelandic horses outside.

Day 5 – Horse Gathering

The age-old tradition of rounding up horses in the autumn is only kept alive in North Iceland. Much like the sheep, Icelandic horses roam the countryside in the summer. They are only brought back to the stables in the autumn. Just like yesterday, you can help out or just observe if that’s more your speed.

Highlights:

  • Horse Gathering
  • Northern Lights Hunting
  • There are no optional activities for this day.
Smoke coming from the ground at Hveradalir Geothermal Region, Iceland.

Day 6 – The Icelandic Highlands

Today, you’ll explore the Icelandic Highlands, where you’ll spend the night in a mountain hut surrounded by nothing but untouched nature. On your way there, you’ll travel on gravel roads through black sand deserts, seeing glaciers, volcanoes, and geothermal areas. You will end the day in a mountain hut surrounded by the mountain range, Kerlingarfjöll.

Highlights:

  • Kjölur Road
  • Hveradalir Geothermal Region
  • Kerlingarfjöll Mountains
  • There are no optional activities for this day.
Strokkur geyser erupting on Iceland's Golden Circle route, pink skies.

Day 7 – The Golden Circle

You’ll wake up among the mountains, but now it is time to return to the city. First, however, you will visit two of the attractions that make up the Golden Circle along with Þingvellir National Park. At the end of the day, your guide will drop you off in Reykjavík, and after you’ve bid farewell to them, you will have the rest of the day to explore the city.

Highlights:

  • Geysir Geothermal Area
  • Gullfoss Waterfall
  • Strokkur Geyser
  • Snowmobiling on Langjökull Glacier: An exhilarating tour on top of a glacier, no previous riding experience needed. Included is a one-hour snowmobile ride with a guide and use of overalls. Two people share a snowmobile, and the driver needs to bring their driving license. The age limit for passengers is 8 years.
  • Secret Lagoon: Unwind in the warm, geothermal waters of the Secret Lagoon. The natural hot springs are located only a short distance from Iceland’s famous Golden Circle, providing a relaxing respite for weary travelers. Swimsuits and towels can be rented onsite if you do not have your own. Snacks and drinks are also available for purchase.
A woman enjoying a soak in Iceland's Blue Lagoon spa.

Day 8 – Departure

Now, it is time to pack your bags and return to Keflavík Airport. When it is time to leave, you’ll board a bus that will take you through the lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula in time for your flight. If you have a later flight, you can explore the city or visit the Blue Lagoon.

Highlights:

  • Laugavegur Shopping Street
  • Harpa Concert Hall
  • Hallgrímskirkja Church
  • Blue Lagoon Comfort Entrance: Includes entrance to the Blue Lagoon, silica mud mask, use of towel, and 1st drink of your choice.
  • Blue Lagoon Premium Entrance: Includes entrance to the Blue Lagoon, silica mud mask, use of towel, 1st drink of your choice, second mask of choice, slippers, use of bathrobe, table reservation at Lava Restaurant, and sparkling wine if dining.

Accommodation

You’ll have a choice of three accommodation levels. See details about each one in the boxes below. All accommodations for this tour have been hand-picked by our local travel experts.

Please keep in mind that hotel quality in Iceland varies between regions and that not all locations offer quality-level accommodations

Budget

Nice and comfortable rooms with shared bathroom facilities and shower located in farmhouses, guesthouses or hostels, in good locations with breakfast included. An example of this in Reykjavík would be Kex Hostel. 

Comfort

Comfortable rooms in three-star hotels or quality guesthouses, centrally located, very close to popular attractions. Private bathroom and breakfast included. An example of this in Reykjavík would be Fosshotel Rauðará. 

Quality

Rooms in four-star hotels or superior rooms in quality three-star hotels at fantastic locations near popular attractions. Private bathroom and breakfast is included. An example of this in Reykjavík would be Icelandair Hotel Marina. 

Transportation

Personalize your Icelandic adventure by selecting from our three transportation options: a minivan, a large SUV, or a rugged super jeep. See details for each option in the boxes below. These choices represent the most common vehicles used on privately guided tours. If you have special requests or specific needs, we’re here to cater to them, ensuring your journey is uniquely tailored to you.

Mini Van

For around 7-9 passengers, ideal for small groups and families. The comfortable minivans provide a smooth and intimate ride as you discover Iceland's wonders together.

Large 4WD

For 4-5 passengers seeking a spacious and versatile option. The large SUVs are equipped to handle diverse terrains while ensuring ample room for both passengers and gear.

Super-Jeep

For up to 19 passengers. Take your adventure to the next level with a rugged super jeep. Designed to conquer Iceland's challenging landscapes, these powerful vehicles provide an exhilarating ride for the more adventurous traveler.

Map

Good to know

  • Please note that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. However, outside of Reykjavík, you will be staying at rural hotels, which increases your chances of seeing them when the weather allows.
  • Note that the itinerary may have to be rearranged to fit your arrival date and time better.
  • The itinerary depends on road and weather conditions, so it may be altered if conditions are not favorable. This includes optional activities as well. If extreme weather affects your travel plans, you will be notified, and we will do our best to assist you with rearranging or booking other activities when applicable.
  • Some optional activities may need a valid driving license, or you may need to send additional information to your travel agent.

What to bring

  • Warm and waterproof clothes
  • Good, waterproof hiking shoes
  • Swimsuit and towel
  • Camera
  • More information on what to pack HERE
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