Not (yet) a rider? This seven-day tour is the perfect trip for lovers of the Icelandic sagas, elf-lore, Norse mythology, or the Viking Age in general. Guided by author and historian Nancy Marie Brown, we explore glaciers, hot springs, volcanoes, lava caves, waterfalls, and black beaches in the part of Iceland once ruled by saga-master Snorri Sturluson and Viking poet Egil Skallagrimsson. We visit museums and saga sites, and enjoy gourmet meals based on local specialties. We read about and discuss the history behind the Icelandic sagas, various theories about Iceland’s early settlement, the Viking expeditions to America, how Norse mythology has shaped modern culture, how Iceland’s elves can save the earth, and more. For the adventurous, horseback riding lessons and trail rides are available.

Mornings are unhurried—time to read, walk, ride, or simply take in the landscape. Afternoons bring thoughtfully chosen excursions: a saga site, a cultural landmark, or a natural wonder, always enriched by deep historical context and storytelling.

Testimonials:

“A big thank-you for such a wonderful trip. It really was a great combination of history, visiting sites, riding, and hiking. The depth of your knowledge and the crafting of such a memorable experience is admirable! After years of reading so much northern-placed literature and then physically visiting some of the places I’ve read about—it’s quite a ‘buzz.’ I certainly felt a ‘deep vibration’ of sorts while out in some of those more remote places.”—Kimberly, 2023

“Hestaland was the perfect place to stay, with good food, comfortable surroundings, great scenery, friendly animals, and delightful staff. Iceland itself is a very special place, and I was constantly taken with surprises and unexpected observations. I would certainly recommend this trip to almost anyone!”—Pat, 2022

“Not too rugged, and you can opt out of the most strenuous walks and still have plenty to occupy you. It’s not the typical tourist trip: the leader is an expert in sagas and Vikings, so there’s a lot of history. You stay at a farm (horses! bunnies!), and mornings are for wandering around, reading, etc., and usually in the afternoon there’s one historical/cultural visit and one natural wonder. Nancy Marie Brown is a wealth of information not only on the history but also on current Iceland.”—Tracy, 2018

“Nancy, thank you so much for guiding the best trip I’ve ever been on. I miss the wide expanse, the green fields, and those mountains. And of course, the horses. I understand your love for this country and its history. It is a special place.”—Sandy, 2017

“This was such an amazing place! ‘Going to Iceland’ has become the idea that soothes when life gets rough. I did not anticipate that the trip would resonate so much. I loved Nancy’s books, but the trip was something amazing that turned out to be unexpectedly remarkable. It is surprising to me that it has made such a huge difference in my life.”—Elisabeth, 2017