Essential Faroe Islands

Essential Faroe Islands
from £538 excluding flights
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Highlights

Delve into the colourful capital of Torshavn

Visit the ancient turf-roofed farmhouse at Kirkjubour

Explore the magnificent Northern Isles

Hike along spectacular coastlines
Why this trip...

Tailor made
This itinerary can be tailor made to suit you and is intended to give you a guideline of what is possible in a given timeframe

Explore at leisure
With the route, transport and accommodation sorted, each day offers the freedom to explore

Well-researched route
We've put our years of experience into creating this well-paced itinerary that includes the places we know you'll enjoy
Overview
Discover ‘Europe’s best-kept secret’ on this compact self-drive holiday: the perfect introduction to the spectacular Faroe Islands. Staying in comfortable hotels and guesthouses, you’ll have the freedom of your own car to explore the natural and cultural wonders of these little-visited North Atlantic islands. From the ancient capital of Torshavn to the remote village of Gjogv, discover Viking heritage, towering seabird cliffs, quirky cuisine and breathtaking hikes.
The perfect introduction to the Faroe Islands
This five-day self-drive holiday in the Faroes includes overnight stays on the two main islands of Streymoy and Eysturoy, with plenty of time to visit the main sites, venture to the Northern Isles and even do a spot of hiking.
Faroese heritage in Torshavn and Kirkjubour
After driving from the airport on the neighbouring island of Vagar, your first night is in the capital Torshavn. You’ll have plenty of time to explore this mini city which dates from the Viking era. Walk through the narrow streets of the old town, admire the turf-roofed parliament buildings, soak up the atmosphere at a harbourfront cafe and visit the National Museum. A short drive away is Kirkjubour where a 900-year-old farmhouse and the ruins of a medieval cathedral provide a fascinating insight into the islands’ history and culture.
Natural wonders of Streymoy, Eysturoy & Bordoy
Heading north from Kirkjubour, you could easily make a detour to take in some of the highlights in the north of Streymoy. Optional boat trips run from Vestmanna along the base of 600m-tall sea cliffs, teeming with seabirds during summer. The remote village of Saksun, meanwhile, has a fascinating heritage centre. Crossing over to the island of Eysturoy, you then have three nights – one in the southerly village of Runavik and two in the northerly village of Gjogv – to immerse yourself in the island’s magnificent mountain and coastal scenery. Hiking along the clifftops at Gjogv is a must (the views are incredible), while this colourful little settlement also hosts cultural evenings on Wednesday nights between June and August – a great opportunity to meet locals, sample Faroese food and have a go at some traditional chain dancing! During your stay in Gjogv, you could also drive to Bordoy in the Northern Isles and visit the bustling fishing port of Klaksvik.
Itinerary
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 arrive in the Faroe Islands
Fly to Vagar Airport in the Faroe Islands, collect your rental car and drive to Torshavn for an overnight stay at Hotel Torshavn. Enjoy time at leisure exploring the capital.
Fly to Vagar Airport in the Faroe Islands, collect your rental car and drive to Torshavn for an overnight stay at Hotel Torshavn. Enjoy time at leisure exploring the capital.
Day 2 Torshavn - Runavik
Visit the village of Kirkjubour with its 900-year farmhouse and unfinished cathedral dating back to 1110AD. Then head north towards the island of Eysturoy and perhaps make a detour to the remote village of Tjornuvik. From here take the hiking path for views over the sea and two of the tallest mountains in the Faroe Islands, Slaettaratindur and Grafelli. Continue to Eysturoy and the village of Runavik for overnight stay at Hotel Runavik
Visit the village of Kirkjubour with its 900-year farmhouse and unfinished cathedral dating back to 1110AD. Then head north towards the island of Eysturoy and perhaps make a detour to the remote village of Tjornuvik. From here take the hiking path for views over the sea and two of the tallest mountains in the Faroe Islands, Slaettaratindur and Grafelli. Continue to Eysturoy and the village of Runavik for overnight stay at Hotel Runavik



Day 3 Runavik - Gjogv
Explore Eysturoy, before heading north to the remote village of Gjogv, spend some time travelling around the southern parts of the island. Visit the renowned wool factory Navia in Toftir and the villages of Sydrugota, Gotugjogv, and Nordragota which comprise the historic area of the famous Viking chieftain, Trondur i Gotu and ruins of his farm are found in Gota. The museum Blasastova provides insight into the culture and way of life in the Faroes over the centuries. Enjoy the spectacular views from Leirvík over the islands of Kalsoy, Kunoy and Bordoy. Continue to Gjogv in the north, perhaps stopping to admire the views from Funningur, for a two night stay at Guesthouse Gjaargardur. On Wednesday nights from June to August, there will be a Cultural Evening which includes a dinner platter of local specialties.
Explore Eysturoy, before heading north to the remote village of Gjogv, spend some time travelling around the southern parts of the island. Visit the renowned wool factory Navia in Toftir and the villages of Sydrugota, Gotugjogv, and Nordragota which comprise the historic area of the famous Viking chieftain, Trondur i Gotu and ruins of his farm are found in Gota. The museum Blasastova provides insight into the culture and way of life in the Faroes over the centuries. Enjoy the spectacular views from Leirvík over the islands of Kalsoy, Kunoy and Bordoy. Continue to Gjogv in the north, perhaps stopping to admire the views from Funningur, for a two night stay 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 exploring the Northern Isles
The village of Gjogv, named after a 200 metre long sea-gorge from the village to the ocean, is an excellent area for hiking. Hiking maps may be purchased from the hotel reception. Continue exploring the Northern Isles and also visit the second largest town, Klaksvik, rich with Viking heritage. Here you find the beautiful harbour and magnificent church, Christianskirkjan.
The village of Gjogv, named after a 200 metre long sea-gorge from the village to the ocean, is an excellent area for hiking. Hiking maps may be purchased from the hotel reception. Continue exploring the Northern Isles and also visit the second largest town, Klaksvik, rich with Viking heritage. Here you find the beautiful harbour and magnificent church, Christianskirkjan.



Day 5 depart the Faroe Islands
Drive to Vagar Island and the airport. Should time allow, visit the villages Sandvagur and Bour before dropping off your rental vehicle and return flight to UK.
Drive to Vagar Island and the airport. Should time allow, visit the villages Sandvagur and Bour before dropping off your rental vehicle and return flight to UK.
Excursions
Enhance your holiday by pre-booking a selection of excursions and activities. View or download the pdf and then talk to our Travel Specialists about how best to fit these into your holiday.
Open Excursions PDFPrices and Departures
Price from £538 excluding flights
Airfares are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
What's Included
- Accommodation in rooms with private facilities
- Daily breakfast
- Car rental throughout with unlimited mileage
- Culture evening*
- 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
- No surcharge guarantee
- Full financial protection
From prices per person
Based on two sharing in rooms with private facilities, unless otherwise stated.
Departure | Duration | Car category | Twin Price |
---|---|---|---|
May 2021 | 4 nights | B - Ford Fiesta | £538 |
May 2021 | 4 nights | C - Ford Focus | £547 |
May 2021 | 4 nights | D - Volvo V40 | £556 |
Jun - Sep 2021 | 4 nights | B - Ford Fiesta | £605 |
Jun - Sep 2021 | 4 nights | C - Ford Focus | £614 |
Jun - Sep 2021 | 4 nights | D - Volvo V40 | £623 |
Oct 2021 | 4 nights | B - Ford Fiesta | £538 |
Oct 2021 | 4 nights | C - Ford Focus | £547 |
Oct 2021 | 4 nights | D - Volvo V40 | £556 |
* Culture Evening is included if staying at Guesthouse Gjaargardur on a Wednesday night in June, July or August.
Meet our expert

One of our specialists
Meet Eric6 Faroese Islands explored
5 Successful whale watching trips
34 Countries visited
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