Iceland Horses Adventure Retreat

“This truly is the land of soul-enriching, breath-taking, and life-affirming natural sights!”

This eight day, seven night retreat is packed with adventurous activities and stunning sights. We will be horseback riding in Iceland, hiking to beautiful waterfalls, lounging in geothermal hot springs, and visiting charming villages. Ride across the untamed countryside on the back of our Icelandic horses and experience a world like you have never seen before with breathtaking views around every corner. The Icelandic culture is warm and inviting, and we will get the chance to spend time getting to know the local community members and artisans. Along with Jacqueline Stanford, you are joined by our superhero guide Oli (and other Icelandic guides) and his herd of amazing Icelandic horses which you will ride with the whole week. 

This beautiful country, which is known as the Land of Fire and Ice, is brimming with contrasts: glaciers meet volcanoes, rugged mountains meet cascading waterfalls, and light meets dark. The people from this isolated and secluded Northern Island radiate the warmest, most vibrant energy that screams live life fully. From the lively Reykjavik city center that runs on geothermal power to the rural fishing villages, the unique Icelandic culture blends old and new. And despite the country‘s name, Icelandic summers are surprisingly mild and green, with nonstop daylight thanks to a phenomenon known as the midnight sun. Join us as we play all day and night, exploring Iceland’s dramatic landscapes!

What to Expect:

Every morning, we will awaken at our guesthouse to breathtaking views. Our days will begin with a gentle Qi-Gong, yoga, and centered riding practice followed by a healthy and hearty Icelandic breakfast. On the first day of our retreat, we will enjoy a hike to the top of Iceland’s second tallest waterfall, Glymur waterfall. The next six days of horseback riding will be thrilling and invigorating as we cross mountains, rivers, and streams with the herd. Our last 2 days we ride on the beach (with a fun river crossing where the horses swim). The Icleandic horses are known for their incredibly smooth four-beat gait called the tölt, which allows the rider an almost bounce-free ride. Each day, we will ride with a herd of 30 horses, which is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and gives us the chance to change horses along the way. We will make our way from Breiðabólsstaður farm to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, enjoying 6+ hours of riding through the Icelandic countryside a day. Along the way, we will stop at various swimming pools, hot-springs, and other attractions, and we will spend the last two days riding on the beach. Our very last day we will hike to the Fagradalsfjall volcano were we will get up close and personal to the LIVE LAVEA FLOW..We will conclude our days with inspirational talks, heartfelt discussions, and lots of laughs. *Riding experience is necessary.* 

Highlights:

• 7 nights lodging at  Breiðabólsstaður farm with healthy, organic food and 6 days of guided horseback rides
• Private showing at Kirsuberjatréð Vesturgötu 4 www.kirs.is. Arndís Jóhannsdóttir, is the owner of this magnificent hidden jewel in Reykjavik. This is a co-op of 11 female artists which handmade amazing local arts and crafts
• Daily relaxation practices including yoga for centered riding, meditation, and Qigong, designed to relax and empower
• Hiking Glymur, the second highest waterfall in Iceland
• Colleen’s favorite day: Afternoon with Bjork Ingadottir: “Into the Fairy Realms of Iceland.”
• Entry to the Krauma Hot Spring and Spa
• Visit the highest-flow hot spring Europe: Deildartunguhver
• Tour of Reykholt where we will visit Borgarfjörður, which is a museum, rich in the culture and history of the sagas, music, geology, and the life story of Snorri Sturluson that lived in the valley near our farm
• An evening of sound meditation
• Amazing organic, locally sourced meals and cooking class with Birta, our culinary expert for the week at Breiðabólsstaður farm. All food will be made with local Icelandic ingredients and medicinal herbs. Birta prepares delicious food at every meal with sack lunches for our horse rides. She will even teach us how to bake the BEST BREAD ON EARTH!
• Transportation during the week
• Lifelong friendships and unforgettable experiences
• Professional instruction and guidance

Included in the Price:

• 7 nights, 8 days at our newly built guesthouse: Breiðabólsstaður farm
• Healthy, nourishing, and delicious food at every meal with sack lunches for our horse rides
• 6 days of guided horseback riding with the 30+ horse herd, ending with 2 full days of epic riding on the beach. Dreamy!
• Reykjavik: Private showing at Kirsuberjatréð Vesturgötu (The Cherry Tree), which is an Icelandic Design store run by 11 female artists. The house is full of local art and handicrafts which is designed and created locally by the artists. We will meet Arndís Jóhannsdóttir who is the owner of this magnificent hidden jewel in Reykjavik. 
• Beautiful hikes through stunning landscapes that feature cascading waterfalls, Glymur (the 2nd tallest waterfall)
• After every ride, we will stop at local swimming pools and geothermal hot springs to unwind and heal. Not only is the Icelandic water refreshing, but it also has healing properties. Entry into Krauma Hot Spring and Spa which is next door to our guesthouse.
• Organized cooking lesson with Birta at Breiðabólsstaður farm using local Icelandic ingredients including medicinal herbs and the special sourdough rye bread
• Afternoon discussion with Bjork Ingadottir: “Into the Fairy Realms of Iceland”
• Evenings of sound meditation
• Daily relaxation practices, including riding-centered yoga riding, meditation, and Qigong, designed to calm and empower you
• Transportation during the week: pick up in Reykjavik on June 25th at 9 am, and drop off back at the airport on July 2nd at 1 pm. We will plan to go to the Blue Lagoon in the morning.
• Lifelong friendships and memorable experiences

What is not included in the price:

• First lunch on June 25th, when we hike Glymur
• Entry in to the Pools and Hot Springs after every ride
• Entry into the Blue Lagoon on July 2nd and Sky Lagoon on June 24th when you arrive
• lodging on June 24th, the night before the retreat starts
• Tips for guides and drivers
• Airfare

What are the accommodations?

7 nights at Breiðabólsstaður farm.

Breiðabólsstaður farm will be our home near Snaefellsnes for our horseback riding adventures. Family owned and operated, this is a great place for us to experience the local culture! We are staying on this farm with Oli and Beta. We will overtake the whole place and we get to be immersed in Icelandic home culture. The best part is that Beta is an amazing chef and will lead us in a cooking class prepared with fresh medicinal herbs and veggies from her garden.

What will the food be like?

The food is the BEST PART (besides horseback riding in Iceland)! Amazing culturally and locally sourced meals at Breiðabólsstaður farm with cooking class by our gourmet chef, Birta. We will learn how to make the best bread on earth! The Iceland bread is a highlight and even if you are gluten free you can eat this bread.

Throughout the retreat we will experience Icelandic cuisine based on locally sourced ingredients. Seafood, lamb and dairy are very common in Icelandic meals, so please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions. We make sure the food is VERY GOOD!

What is a typical day?

Each day will be magical but not very typical.

We will start each day with our “Awakening the Senses” Yoga for centered riding. We will then have a hearty breakfast and pack our lunch for the riding adventure. We will ride with the herd from Reykolt to Syaefellsness and each night the horses stay at a different barns along the way, but we drive back. After our FANTASTIC rides we will be stopping on the way home at different hot springs to soak and swim. Great way to end the day!!

We will be hiking:

• Beautiful hikes with waterfalls and along river hot springs. We will be hiking Glymur, the second-highest waterfall in Iceland on our way to the farm on our first day (June 25th), 
* If anyone would like to come in early you can spend a day exploring the capital on June 24th, Reykjavik, learning about the culture and maybe stopping to grab a world-famous hot dog for lunch. We will all come in on the 24th, go to the SKY Lagoon for a hot spring soack and stay at Hotel Borg on June 24th.

We will be horseback-riding:

* 6 beautiful days of guided Icelandic horseback rides. We will ride for 6 hours or more a day.

We will ride with the herd each day crossing mountains, rivers and streams and experience Iceland by horseback. our last two days will be riding on the beach towards Snaefellsness Peninsula  Riding experience is necessary.  Riding in Iceland is at the TOP OF THE BUCKET LIST!!!

* Yoga and Qi Gong practice for centered riding will be woven into our daily activities, plus a sound gong bath healing, fairy realm circle with Bjork and other special guests.

When does the retreat begin and end?

Please arrange to arrive at least one day before the retreat starts, on July 8th. The retreat will formally begin on July 9ht at 9:00am and end on July 16th after 4:00pm. We will plan to go to Fagradalsfjall volcano on our way to the airport.

What is Iceland like?

Unlike its name, Iceland in the summer is green and full of life! There are waterfalls and breathtaking views around every corner. The food is rich with history and the locals are friendly. We will see a great deal of the country while horseback riding which is the very best way to see it. We promise, there will be no shortage of stunning views, local food, and culture.

What will the weather be like?

July is the main summer month in Iceland with an average temperature of (51°F), though it is usually warmer than that and sometimes hits 20°C (68°F) or higher.  

Don’t be surprised if you see most Icelanders only wearing shorts and t-shirts in July, sunbathing on their front porch or in the local swimming pools.

The sun is up for close to 20 hours during July, so it’s basically daylight all day and all night! (Make sure to bring a sleeping mask if you want to get some sleep). Remember that it can rain anytime in Iceland and the summer nights can be cold.

The lush vegetation is in full bloom during July and the diverse wildlife, especially birdlife, is rampant. It is a great month to go birding or whale watching.

Do I have to do all of the activities?

No! All activities and outings are optional. This is YOUR retreat. We encourage you to do what feels most nurturing and right for you. You will be fully supported in doing as much or as little as you choose. All of our activities will be guided by expert staff, and instruction and support will be offered for every activity according to your experience level.

What will the hikes be like?

Iceland is known for hiking and the trails are maintained very well, with the inclusion of ropes and rails to help on steeper sections. We will be hiking to amazing spots including the Glymur Waterfall (a steeper but safe and impressive hike) and going to Fagradalsfjall volcano. Hiking shoes or shoes with “4 wheel drive” are a must since the trails can be rocky and muddy.

What is the average age on this retreat?

We have a wide range of women who attend our retreats, from 15-75 years young. Each retreat will vary but Iceland is for EVERYONE.

What if I am coming alone?

The majority of the women who attend our retreats come by themselves. Iceland is a safe and easy country to travel in as a single woman. English is widely spoken, and we are here to answer any questions about travel that you may have. Although you may come alone, you will leave the retreat with new, lifelong friends!

How do I change money in Iceland?

The Icelandic króna is the local money in Iceland. You can travel with US Dollars and exchange them at the banks either in the airport, Reykjavik, or any other major city. ATM’s may be the best option as they may give you a better exchange rate and allow you to travel with less cash in hand. Make sure to let your card company know where and when you will be traveling so they do not put any holds on your account for unusual transactions.

What about communications?

You can find Wifi everywhere in Iceland. The best way to communicate with home is through an online communication program (we recommend Skype or WhatsApp). You can also buy minutes with Skype and make calls to US phones through Wifi. Please check with your cell phone provider if you choose to use your phone. They will most likely charge foreign use fees (either a flat rate or by use).

Payment Policy

A deposit is required to hold your reservation at a retreat. Deposits are $500 for domestic and $1,000 for international retreats. Additional deposits may be required to reserve a single room. All deposits are non-refundable.

We cannot hold your reservation until we have received your deposit. If you would like to reserve an available spot in a retreat 90 or fewer days prior to the retreat date, we require payment in full for the retreat to hold the spot. This is in accordance with our payment policy below.

Payment in full for all retreats is due 90 days prior to the retreat date. If you do not provide payment in full by 90 days prior to the retreat you risk losing your reservation.

A 4% payment processing fee will be added to all payments made using PayPal, Stripe or Venmo. 

You are welcome to send in a check or pay by Zelle to avoid this fee.

Cancellation Policy

If you must cancel a reservation, a full refund, less your deposit which is non-refundable, will be provided for any cancellation we receive in writing at least 91 days prior to the commencement date of the retreat. We are sorry but we cannot refund any payments for cancellations made 90 or fewer days prior to the commencement of the retreat.

We reserve the right to cancel retreats with inadequate participant interest. Women’s Quest IS NOT responsible for any personal expenses, such as airline tickets due to changes in schedules or tour cancellations.

Covid-19 Policy

Cancellations by Women’s Quest: Women’s Quest reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to cancel or reschedule any retreat due to concerns over Covid-19. As a small company Women’s Quest is unfortunately not able to provide refunds of payments for retreats cancelled by Women’s Quest due to the Covid pandemic. This is primarily due to our financial commitments with the various retreat venues. As a result, in the event Women’s Quest cancels or reschedules a retreat due to Covid-19 Women’s Quest will apply all payments to the rescheduled or following year’s retreat, or to any other Women’s Quest retreat of your choosing through the end of the next year after the year in which the retreat was cancelled by Women’s Quest.  Because of the unforeseen and unprecedented circumstances of the outbreak, this policy supersedes earlier policies.

Cancellations by You: If you need or desire to cancel your reservation due to Covid-19, or failure to comply with the requirements of a negative test and being symptom free, this cancellation is subject to the Cancellation Policy above.  This is why we urge everyone to purchase travel insurance when signing up. 

Covid Waiver and Release
This waiver, release and acknowledgement of responsibilities is unfortunately necessary during this unique time of the Covid 19 pandemic. By signing up for and or attending any Women’s Quest retreat you agree to be bound by the terms of this document. We understand these times are challenging, however, these provisions are necessary to protect all attendees and staff members of Women’s Quest.

Testing For and Symptoms of Covid 19.  Irrespective of vaccination status you are required to provide a negative test for Covid 19 taken within 3 days of the commencement of the retreat. This test can be either a PCR test or a home antigen test. Also, irrespective of your vaccination status, you agree you will not attend the retreat if you have any symptoms of Covid 19 immediately prior to the beginning of the trip. These symptoms include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea (these, along with symptoms outline in the following link and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control shall be collectively referred to as the “Symptoms”.) More information on symptoms of Covid 19 can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

Symptoms During the Retreat. In the event you develop any Symptoms during the retreat you must immediately leave the retreat and follow protocols outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and all local regulations. We understand this may result in you incurring significant expenses associated with separate accommodation and travel, however, you understand these expenses are not the responsibility of Women’s Quest and must be incurred by you. You agree to be fully honest with Women’s Quest staff in regard to any Symptoms you may develop and agree to comply with a request by Women’s Quest staff to depart as determined by Women’s Quest staff in their sole discretion. As provided below, this is why we strongly urge everyone to get travel insurance covering these and other expenses prior to departure.

Procedures During the Retreat. During the retreat Women’s Quest may, but need not, endeavor to practice social distancing and wearing of masks when traveling in close proximity. You agree to comply with all requests of Women’s Quest staff during the retreat related to these procedures. Any such procedures implemented by Women’s Quest are not a guaranty you will not be exposed to Covid 19 and you understand you are responsible for taking any precautions you deem necessary and providing your own personal protective equipment during the retreat. You also agree to comply with any reasonable requests by other attendees to respect their social distancing and other protective measures (“Participant Requests”.) Notwithstanding the foregoing, you are responsible to comply with all laws and regulations of the locality visited relating to protections against Covid 19.

Waiver of Coronavirus Related Illness; Indemnification. You understand that irrespective of protective measures that Women’s Quest or you may or may not take, you may be exposed to Covid 19 by another retreat attendee, a Women’s Quest staff member and or an individual to whom you may be exposed during, or traveling to or from the retreat. You agree to waive and release Women’s Quest, its officers, directors, staff, employees, contractors, and partners from any claims, liabilities or damages you may incur in the event you contract Covid 19 at any time during travel to, attending or after attending the retreat. You further agree to indemnify and hold harmless Women’s Quest, its officers, directors, staff, employees, contractors, and partners from any loss, liability or damages it or they may incur as a result of your failure to receive a negative test for Covid 19 prior to the retreat as provided above, attending the retreat with any Symptoms, not respecting Participant Requests, and not immediately departing the retreat if you develop any Symptoms.

Cancellation. In the unfortunate event you need to cancel your trip, cannot attend due to contracting Covid 19 or developing Symptoms prior to the retreat, or must leave the retreat due to contracting Covid 19 or developing Symptoms, Women’s Quest cannot provide any refund of any amounts you paid.

Travel Insurance. As provided in this document you could incur significant personal expense in the event you contract Covid 19 or develop any Symptoms during the retreat. As such, you are strongly urged to obtain travel insurance that provides adequate protections against these risks.

Additional Waiver. This waiver is incorporated into and made a part of other waivers you agreed to in connection with signing up for the retreat. In the event of a conflict between these terms and the terms of any other waiver, this waiver shall govern.

Purchasing Travel Insurance

We highly, highly recommend you get travel insurance to cover your expenses and losses, in the event you cannot make the Women’s Quest retreat for any reason or if  you test positive or come down with Symptoms prior to the retreat, develop Symptoms during the retreat, or cannot return home due to Covid related issues.  We recommend getting insurance that covers the cost of your trip, medical care while at the retreat, and coverage to pay for the necessary quarantine period if you test positive or come down with Covid.  Please remember, if you have to cancel your trip in the unfortunate event you come down with Covid, test positive, or suffer Symptoms prior to or during the retreat and need to leave, Women’s Quest cannot provide a refund since we have to pay your trip expenses well ahead of time.

If you are concerned about travel and the changing environment in which we are living irrespective of your Covid status, we recommend getting travel insurance that allows you to cancel for any reason. This coverage is more expensive, however, may provide you with the coverage and flexibility you desire.

Irrespective of the travel insurance you get, please make sure you talk to a travel insurance agent prior to buying any insurance and make sure you have the coverage you desire and that the policy will cover trip cancellation, medical expenses and trip interruption due to Covid. 

You can do your own investigation by checking out Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison company that helps travelers search, compare and buy travel insurance online https://www.squaremouth.com/22393

Are you ready to join Women’s Quest on our Icelandic horseback riding retreat? Sign up today!