Classic Faroe Islands
Overview
With a whole week to explore the breathtaking Faroes, this free-spirited self-drive weaves through several of the islands, allowing you to explore at a relaxed pace and enjoy the many natural and cultural wonders of this rugged North Atlantic outpost. Starting on Vagar, you’ll island-hop across Streymoy, Eysturoy and Bordoy before driving back to the capital Torshavn. There’s also time for optional visits to Mykines, Sandoy or Nolsoy.
Highlights
- View Mulafossur waterfall plunging into the sea
- Take a boat trip to the Vestmanna Bird Cliffs (optional)
- Enjoy a cultural evening in the remote village of Gjogv*
- Visit Viking ruins and turf-roofed farms
- Hike along spectacular coastlines
- Explore the magnificent Northern Isles
- Visit the famous Island Wool Company at Toftir
- Delve into the fascinating old town of Torshavn
What's Included
- Return flight from London Heathrow or Edinburgh
- Accommodation in rooms with private facilities
- Car rental with unlimited mileage
- Breakfast throughout
- Culture evening*
- 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
- No surcharge guarantee
- Full financial protection
Full description
Wild wonders of the west
On arrival, instead of driving from the airport to the capital Torshavn, this itinerary lingers on the island of Vagar for your first couple of nights. And for good reason too. Vagar not only boasts two of the Faroe Islands’ most iconic sights (the horsetail waterfall of Mulafossur cascading over sea cliffs, and Sorgasvatn ‘the lake above the ocean’), but it is also the stepping-off point for optional ferry trips to Mykines – a wonderful little island that’s peppered with puffins during summer. Alternatively, you could drive to Vestmanna from where boat tours depart daily for the Vestmanna Bird Cliffs, soaring 700m above sea level and home to thousands of seabirds including kittiwakes and guillemots.
Exploring the Northern Isles
Leaving Vagar, it’s a breathtaking drive to the Northern Isles, stopping en route for a night in the tiny village of Gjogv, perched between mountains and cliffs, with a narrow gorge providing locals with the only access to the sea. On Wednesday nights during summer, Guesthouse Gjaargardur hosts a cultural evening with a Faroese buffet and traditional chain dancing. Continuing towards the Northern Isles the following morning, there’s time to visit the Viking ruins at Leirvik before driving through the tunnel between Eysturoy and Bordoy. The fishing town of Klaksvik is the cultural hub of the Northern Isles, but other highlights worth exploring include the statue of the Seal Woman on Kalsoy Island (reached by ferry) and the Faroes’ northernmost village of Vidareidi (on Vidoy island) where there are magnificent views of mountains and cliffs.
Southern Eysturoy and Torshavn
Leaving the Northern Isles, your itinerary takes you back to Eysturoy, looping through the southern part of the island where you can visit the famous wool factory at Toftir and enjoy lunch at the charming Gardahusid in Soldafjordur – a traditional Faroese homestead with views across Skalafjordur. Round off your holiday with two nights in the capital Torshavn with plenty of opportunities for sightseeing, sampling local cuisine or taking a day-trip by ferry to the islands of Sandoy or Nolsoy.
* Culture Evening is included if staying at Guesthouse Gjaargardur on a Wednesday night in June, July or August.
Prices & Dates
Edinburgh
| Departure | Day | Duration | Twin Price | Single Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Apr - 21 Oct 2019 | Mondays | 7 nights | £1,683 | £2,373 |
| 26 Apr - 7 June 2019 | Fridays | 7 nights | £1,683 | £2,373 |
| 6 Jun - 24 Oct 2019 | Thursdays | 7 nights | £1,683 | £2,373 |
From prices per person based on 2 sharing a room with private bathroom, including car hire. Prices for other combinations of passengers and rooms available on request.
London Heathrow
| Departure | Day | Duration | Twin Price (pp) | Single Price (pp) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Apr - 21 Oct 2019 | Mon | 7 nights | £1,780 | £2,470 |
| 26 Apr - 7 June 2019 | Fri | 7 nights | £1,780 | £2,470 |
| 6 Jun - 24 Oct 2019 | Thur | 7 nights | £1,780 | £2,470 |
From prices per person based on 2 sharing a room with private bathroom, including car hire. Prices for other combinations of passengers and rooms available on request. Other vehicle types also available.
What's Included
- Return flight from London Heathrow or Edinburgh**
- Accommodation in rooms with private facilities
- Car rental with unlimited mileage
- Breakfast throughout
- Culture evening*
- 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
- No surcharge guarantee
- Full financial protection »
* Culture Evening is included if staying at Guesthouse Gjaargardur on a Wednesday night in June, July or August.
** Flights are included from London Heathrow (via Edinburgh) or direct from Edinburgh. It is also possible to fly from other UK airports via Keflavik (Iceland) or Copenhagen.
Itinerary & Accommodation
Itinerary & Accommodation
The itinerary shown is an example of this self-drive holiday. We have many other hotels and route recommendations which can be tailored to your requirements. Please discuss with our Travel Specialists who can put together a bespoke itinerary for you.
Day 1: Vagar Island
On arrival in Faroe Islands collect your rental vehicle and drive the short distance to Hotal Vagar for 2 nights stay.
Day 2: Exploring Vagar Island
Explore Vagar Island and visit the towns of Sandvagur, Bour and Gasadalur. It is also possible to take the ferry to the island of Mykines or drive to Vestmanna and join a boat excursion to the bird cliffs from there.
Day 3: Eysturoy
Drive from the island of Vagar to Streymoy and visit the beautiful small villages of Saksun, set in a natural amphitheatre high above the tidal lagoon and Tjornuvik. Continue north to the Island of Eysturoy visiting the small settlements along the way to the tiny village of Gjogv with dramatic views of the North Atlantic. Overnight at Guesthouse Gjaargardur. On Wednesday nights from June to August, there will be a Cultural Evening which includes a dinner platter of local specialties.
Day 4: Vidoy, Kunoy & Bordoy
Drive to the island of Bordoy and visit Klaksvik, the second biggest town of the Faroe Islands. En route make a stop in Leirvik and visit the old Viking ruins. Take time to explore the small villages on the islands of Vidoy, Kunoy and Bordoy. Overnight at Hotel Klaksvik.
Day 5: Streymoy
Explore the southern part of Eysturoy, perhaps visit the famous wool factory Navia in Toftir and the Viking age villages of Sydrugota, Gotugjogv, and Nordragota. Take a drive over the mountains for a magnificent view of the islands before heading to the capital Torshavn. Following three nights at Hotel Hafnia.
Days 6 and 7: Exploring Streymoy
Visit to the old cultural centre of Kirkjubour, and the 900-year old wooden house Roykstovan, considered to be the oldest of its kind in the world. Ruins of the old Magnus Cathedral are amongst the most visited cultural attractions in the Faroe Islands. Take a ferry ride to the island of Nolsoy and walk around the little village where time has stood still.
Day 8: return flight
Drive to Vagar Airport and drop off your rental vehicle. Flight back to the UK.
Gjaargardur Guesthouse
Faroe Islands
Grade: Standard
Type: Guesthouse B&B
This charming guesthouse is in Gjogv on the island of Eysturoy.
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Hotel Klaksvik
Faroe Islands
Grade: Standard
Type: Hotel
Enjoy mountain or sea views from this well located hotel.
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Hotel Hafnia
Faroe Islands
Grade: Standard
Type: Hotel
Located in Torshavn's old town and built in the style of old Faroese architecture.
Discover MoreExcursions
Enhance your holiday by pre-booking a selection of excursions and activities. View or download the pdf below and then talk to our Travel Specialists about how best to fit these into your holiday.
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