The Majesty and Magic of Icelandic Horses

Expedition overview

Kattuk Expeditions and Sandy Sharkey Photography are proud to offer a uniquely curated 6-day equine photography tour in south Iceland. Working with Skalakot Manor hotel and horse farm, we have put together a full week of incredible photographic opportunities in a variety of settings, including the Skalakot property, the spectacular highlands and Vik black sand beach.
 

​The manor itself is a place of luxury, comfort, fine dining with a beautiful nordic spa. You can read about the location here: https://skalakot.is/  Photographing at the Skalakot property will include 2 full days and one half day in different locations. 

​

On day 2 we'll travel to Vik Beach for a morning photoshoot with horses.  Ranked as one of the top 10 most beautiful non-tropical beaches in the world, with is black volcanic sand and basalt columns, Vik beach will be a highlight of the trip.

 

On day 4 we will embark on an adventure to the highlands, The highlands in Iceland are the gems of the country and contain many of the priceless wonders of the wild nature of Iceland. The landscape, natural forces, and wildlife are diverse. Some sights worthy of mentioning are: Maelifell ,  Markarfljótsgljúfur, and Gluggafoss.

​

​​​Activities

• Guided equine photography

• Walking / hiking on grassy, rocky wilderness terrain and beaches

• Wildlife viewing / observation

• Ecological interpretation

• Bird watching

• Solitude

• On site spa

• Fine dining

• Horseback riding (optional)

• ATV tour (optional)

• Fishing (optional) 

• Glacier walk (optional)

• Helicopter flight (optional)

​

Itinerary

June 22: Arrive Reykjavik Airport, check in to airport hotel, suggested hotel is Hotel Keflavik located near the airport.  

​​

June 23: check-in to Skalakot

Depart Reykjavik Airport via included transportation to Skalakot Manor and check in.  Afternoon photoshoot of Icelandic horses in stunning scenery at Skalakot Manor (D)

​

June 24:  morning photoshoot at black sand Vik beach with 2 horses.We will stop for a short walk at Skogarfoss, one of the biggest waterfalls in the country (B,L,D)

 

​June 25:  full day at Skalakot with Icelandic horses.   Guests can also choose Skalakot add-on options such as massage, horseback riding, fishing, glacier/ice cave tour, helicopter or Jeep tour. ( Extra cost for options)(B,L,D

 

​June 26:  full day Highland tour – sightseeing scenery and spectacular landscape (B,L,D)

 

​June 27:  Morning photoshoot (2-3 hours) at Skalakot with horses.  Afternoon is

​free time for guests. Optional tours from Manor (including horseback riding option, not included in trip cost) (B,L,D)

​

June 28:  checkout, transport to airport, check out time 11:00AM (B)

​

What's included

Accommodation at Skalakot Manor, all meals, guides, all excursions mentioned in the itinerary (except Skalakot optional add-ons), use of spa, airport transfer, guides (Sandy Sharkey, Fred Stillman, Skalakot staff), transportation to and from Vik Beach, transportation to and from Highlands.

​

Things that aren't included

Air transportation to and from Keflavík International Airport, overnight accommodation on June 22nd, travel insurance, gratuities, items of a personal nature. Optional Skalakot excursions, additional spa services (massages), alcoholic beverages

​

Activity level / mobility

Strolling around the property at Skalakot should not be strenuous, however the day in the highlands and morning at Vik Beach will require sturdy footwear and the ability to navigate hiking paths, grassy, rocky or wet terrain in a mountainous region.

​

Guests should be able and prepared to walk up to 4 km or more unassisted.  While this is not fast paced hiking, all guests are required to maintain pace with the group and can not be left behind.  Please keep your ability in mind when considering this adventure so that you and others on the day of your visit have the best experience possible. 

​

Suggested items to bring:

June is generally a mild time of year and the start of the summer in south Iceland. The highlands and heaths will be  lush and green, it's advisable to wear active clothing for the time of year and weather. The average high temperature is 14.9°C (58.8°F) and average lows are 9.1°C (48.4°F). But it can reach as high as 25°C (77°F) (and fall as far as 1.4°C (34°F)). So, you can expect a large range. 

 

Dress in layers, expect cooler temperatures highlands. Don't forget, daylight is almost 24 hours/ day.  Following are some suggested items to bring:

• Fleece jacket/lightweight wool sweater

• Light layers (long sleeve tops, soft shells etc.)

• Rainproof/windproof jacket and pants

• Sturdy walking shoes with a good tread/grip

• Sunglasses (during spring/summer it’s bright 24/7 and during winter the sun rises low an reflects from the snow, if there is any)

• Gloves

• Scarf

• Hat (toque/beanie)

• Swimsuit

• Insect repellent/fly nets

• Eyeshades (some find it hard to sleep when there’s daylight up to 24/7)

• Sunscreen

​

Gear: Here are some suggested camera gear items to bring along for this particular adventure:

- mirrorless or DSLR camera 
- telephoto lens ( such as 70-200mm, 100-400mm or longer)
- wide angle lens (such as 14-24mm)
- tripod or monopod (if you wish)
- extra batteries, extra memory cards
- rain protection for camera/lens​

​

Payment, cancellation policy

A non-refundable deposit of $1000 USD ($1425 CAN) per person is due at time of booking. The remaining payment is due 90 days prior to the arrival date. After 90 days prior to arrival trips are non-refundable. We strongly recommend that all travellers purchase travel insurance that covers trip cancellations.  If Kattuk Expeditions has to cancel this trip due to any unforeseen circumstances, 100% of payments will be refunded.

​​​​​