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Iceland Adventure Retreat
Reykjavik, Iceland
July 17-24, 2025
Cost: $4850
🏡 What are the accommodations?
7 nights at Breiðabólsstaður farm
Breiðabólsstaður Farm will be our home base near the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Reykolt for our horseback riding adventures. Family-owned and operated, this special farm offers an authentic immersion into Icelandic life and culture.
We will be staying with Oli and Beta, and we will take over the entire property—creating a warm, communal atmosphere that truly feels like home. One of the highlights is Beta’s incredible cooking. She is an exceptional chef + yoga teacher, and will lead us in a hands-on cooking experience using fresh, medicinal herbs and vegetables.
🍽️ What will the food be like?
The food is the BEST part!
You can expect beautifully prepared, locally sourced meals that celebrate Icelandic culture and seasonal ingredients. Each dish is crafted with care and intention, offering flavors that are nourishing, grounding, and memorable.
Mornings are oats, eggs and food to keep you happy on the trail. We’ll pack our lunches and enjoy them out on the trail—surrounded by wide-open landscapes, fresh air, and the rhythm of the horses. Then we come home from a long ride and there is the most amazing candlelight dinner waiting for us.
🌅 What is a typical day like?
Each day is magical and not very typical—and no two days are exactly the same.
We begin with “Awakening the Senses” Yoga, designed to support centered, balanced riding. We’ll also spend time grounding and meditating with the herd—an extraordinary practice that gently resets the nervous system and deepens our connection to the horses. We do this the last 2 days when the herd is at the farm.
After a hearty breakfast, we pack our lunches and set out for our riding adventure. We typically ride 4 to 6 hours per day.
✨ Please don’t worry if that sounds like a lot of riding.
We stop every couple of hours to snack, stretch, and give the horses a rest. You’ll also have the opportunity to change horses, so it’s common to ride two or even three different horses in a single day.
After our fantastic day of riding, we head next door to the renowned Krauma Hot Springs to soak, relax, and let the body fully unwind. (Hot springs entrance fees are not included.)
One evening, we’ll gather for a magical gong sound meditation—a beautiful way to close the day in deep relaxation.
🐎 What will the horseback riding be like?
Each day includes 4 to 6 hours of riding, beginning at a walk and progressing into fast, flowing tölt and canter. This retreat is best suited for intermediate riders or above.
We begin our 7-day riding journey on the beach—spending two unforgettable days riding along Iceland’s black sand beaches. From there, we start our trek back to Breiðabólsstaður Farm, riding with the herd across Iceland’s diverse and breathtaking landscapes.
Over the following days, we’ll cross:
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Rivers
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Lava fields
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Scenic bridges
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Vast, open terrain that feels timeless and wild
Riding alongside a moving herd across Iceland is a rare and deeply moving experience—one that stays with you long after the journey ends.
Please connect with Colleen ahead of time to ensure you have the appropriate riding experience for this retreat. We want every rider to feel confident, supported, and fully able to enjoy this extraordinary adventure.
🌿 What is Iceland like?
Despite its name, Iceland in the summer is lush, green, and full of life (and fairies!). Waterfalls tumble everywhere, moss-covered lava fields glow in soft light, and the landscape shifts constantly—offering breathtaking beauty around every bend in the road.
The food is rich with history, the people are warm and welcoming, and nature feels both powerful and deeply calming. On this retreat, we’ll experience Iceland through horseback riding, hot springs soaking and swimming, and quiet moments of awe, moving through the land in a way that feels immersive and alive.
We promise there will be no shortage of stunning views, nourishing local food, and meaningful cultural experiences.
“The problem with driving around Iceland is that you’re basically confronted by a new soul-enriching, breathtaking, life-affirming natural sight every five minutes. It’s totally exhausting.”
— Stephen Markley
☁️ What will the weather be like?
Icelandic weather is beautifully unpredictable and can change quickly depending on location. Summer temperatures typically hover around the 50s°F, though on sunny days it can feel much warmer—sometimes even reaching the 70s°F.
Layering is key, and a waterproof rain jacket is essential. Think cozy, practical, and ready for anything—the weather is part of Iceland’s charm. The great thing is it is daylight ALL THE TIME!!
🌸 Do I have to do all of the activities?
Absolutely not.
This is YOUR retreat.
All activities are optional, and we encourage you to listen to your body and do what feels most nurturing in the moment. Whether you choose to participate fully or take time to rest and soak it all in, you will be completely supported. Sometimes people choose to take a day off of riding and go hiking or stay back and get a massage.
All experiences are guided by expert staff, with instruction and options offered to meet you exactly where you are.
🧘♀️ What will the yoga be like?
Each Women’s Quest day begins with a centered riding Qigong/Yoga practice designed to gently awaken the body and calm the mind.
This nourishing practice blends elements of Yoga, Qigong, and Tai Chi, helping you feel grounded, open, and present—perfect preparation for horseback riding and the day’s adventures.
🥾 What will the hikes be like?
Iceland is renowned for its hiking, and if we have time we will drive to some close waterfalls near Husafell.
👭 What is the average age on this retreat?
Women from 15 to 75+ years young join our retreats. Each group is unique, but this Iceland journey is truly for everyone. The diversity of ages and life experiences adds depth, laughter, and connection to the adventure.
💫 What if I am coming alone?
You will be in wonderful company.
Most women attend our retreats on their own, and Iceland is one of the safest and easiest countries in the world for solo travelers.
English is widely spoken, and we are here to support you every step of the way. While you may arrive alone, you will leave with new, lifelong friends.
💰 How do I change money in Iceland?
Iceland’s currency is the Icelandic króna (ISK).
You can exchange U.S. dollars at banks in the airport, Reykjavik, or major towns, but ATMs are often the easiest and best option, offering favorable exchange rates and reducing the need to carry cash.
Be sure to notify your bank or credit card company of your travel dates to avoid any interruptions.
📱 What about communication?
Wi-Fi is widely available throughout Iceland.
The easiest way to stay in touch is through online messaging or calling apps such as WhatsApp or Skype. You can also purchase Skype minutes to call U.S. phones over Wi-Fi.
If you plan to use your cell phone, check with your provider in advance, as international fees may apply.
🔌 Electric plug adaptor
Iceland uses the standard European two-prong plug.
Please bring an adapter labeled Type C or Type F, often sold as a Northern Europe adapter.
🌿 A Gentle Reassurance
If this is your first time traveling to Iceland—or your first Women’s Quest retreat—please know that you are in excellent hands.
Iceland is one of the safest, cleanest, and most welcoming countries in the world, and Women’s Quest has thoughtfully designed every detail of this journey to support you. You do not need to be an expert traveler, rider, or yogi to belong here.
You will be guided, supported, and cared for each step of the way—by experienced staff, kind local hosts, and a group of women who quickly become a community.
There is no pressure to do everything, no need to prove anything, and no expectations beyond being yourself. Whether you arrive feeling adventurous, curious, nervous, or simply open, this retreat meets you exactly where you are.
✨ Come as you are. Leave feeling grounded, empowered, and deeply connected—to yourself, to nature, and to the horses. ✨
Women’s Quest Cancellation & Travel Insurance Policy
Cancellation Policy
Because our vendors and partners require advance commitments we must adhere to the following cancellation terms. If you have to cance your retreat
• 91 or more days before the retreat start date
You will receive a refund of all payments minus your deposit which is non-refundable.
• 90 days or fewer before the retreat start date
All payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Women’s Quest reserves the right to cancel a retreat due to insufficient enrollment or unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, all retreat payments will be refunded. However, Women’s Quest is not responsible for any additional expenses you may have incurred, including (but not limited to) airfare, lodging, or other travel costs.
Travel Insurance
To protect your investment, Women’s Quest strongly recommneds all participants purchase travel insurance. This ensures you are covered if something unexpected arises before or during your retreat.
Travel insurance is especially important if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to:
• Illness or injury (including testing positive for COVID-19)
• Family or personal emergencies
• Travel delays or interruptions
• Medical treatment while traveling
• Emergency evacuation or trip interruption
We recommend a policy that includes coverage for:
• Trip cancellation and interruption
• Medical expenses
• Emergency evacuation
For maximum peace of mind, consider a “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) policy. While more expensive, this option offers the greatest flexibility if your plans change.
For all trips to Iceland involving horses (riding or otherwise), it is mandatory you secure travel insurnce that includes coverage for emergency evacuation and return to your home country.
To compare policies, we suggest using Squaremouth, the travel insurance comparison platform:
https://www.squaremouth.com/
Before purchasing, please review your policy carefully and consult a travel insurance agent if you have any questions about coverage.