Essential Faroe Islands
Overview
Discover ‘Europe’s best-kept secret’ on this exciting 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.
Highlights
- Explore Viking history in the capital Torshavn
- Visit the ancient turf-roofed farmhouse at Kirkjubour
- Enjoy a cultural evening in the remote village of Gjogv (Wednesdays June to August)
- Hike to spectacular coastal viewpoints
- Drive to the Northern Isles
What's Included
- Return flight from London Heathrow or Edinburgh
- Accommodation in rooms with private facilities
- Breakfast throughout
- Car rental with unlimited mileage
- Culture evening (Jun - Aug on Wednesdays)
- No surcharge guarantee
- 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
Full description
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.
Prices & Dates
Edinburgh
| Departure | Day | Duration | Twin Price | Single Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 Apr - 10 Jun 2019 | Mon | 4 nights | £1,188 | £1,593 |
| 6 Jun - 21 Oct 2019 | Thur | 4 nights | £1,188 | £1,593 |
From prices per person based on 2 sharing a room with private bathroom, including car hire
London Heathrow
| Departure | Day | Duration | Twin Price | Single Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 Apr - 10 Jun 2019 | Mon | 4 nights | £1,286 | £1,691 |
| 6 Jun - 21 Oct 2019 | Thur | 4 nights | £1,286 | £1,691 |
From prices per person based on 2 sharing a room with private bathroom, including car hire **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. * Culture Evening is included if staying at Guesthouse Gjaargardur on a Wednesday night in June, July or August.
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*
- No surcharge guarantee
- 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
- Full financial protection »
Itinerary & Accommodation
Itinerary & Accommodation
Day 1: fly to Faroe Islands
On arrival in Faroe Islands collect your rental vehicle and drive to Torshavn. Check-in to Hotel Torshavn for 1 night. Time at leisure to explore the capital.
Day 2: Eysturoy
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, but beautiful villages of Saksun, set in a natural amphitheatre high above the tidal lagoon, and Tjornuvik. There is a hiking path between the two villages offering 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: Eysturoy
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: Gjogv and Klaksvik
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: fly back 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.
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 Runavik
Faroe Islands
Grade: Standard
Type: Hotel
Conveniently located in Runavik close to the harbour and shops.
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Hotel Torshavn
Faroe Islands
Grade: Standard
Type: Hotel
A modern hotel located in downtown Torshavn.
Discover MoreExcursions
Mykines Retreat Day Tour
from: £225
8 - 10 hours Jun-Aug
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Mykinesholmur, paradise of birds
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Vestmanna Bird Cliffs
from: £100
5 hours Jun-Aug
Faroe Islands
Sail along the dramatic cliffs of Vestmanna
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Heimablídni – Supper Club
from: £141
4 hours Jun-Aug
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Enjoy a home cooked Faroese meal.
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Cruise with Nordlysid
from: £58
3–4 hours Jun-Aug
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Enjoy Torshavn from the sea
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