Day 1: Torshavn
Vælkomin! Welcome to the Faroe Islands. Your adventure begins in Torshavn – one of the world’s smallest capital cities, recognizable by its unique grass-roof houses. You have a welcome meeting at 3 pm to meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. After introductions, head out with your leader for a walking tour of the Old Town. Get your first taste of life in the Faroe Islands in the quiet streets lined with 14th-century wooden houses, which are still lived in today. Make a stop at the TUTL record store, known around town as the ‘Happy Corner’, and the Paname Cafe, where you can pick up local handmade treats to take to Skansin. Located at the end of the harbour, this site features an ancient fort and great views over the water. The rest of the evening is yours to explore the capital.
Day 2: Gjogv
Start today with breakfast at your hotel before a trip to the other side of the island to the isolated valley village of Gjogv, where you’ll spend the next two nights at a guesthouse. A seaside settlement used for decades by fishermen, today, fewer than 100 houses populate the village. Wander through the streets to see the sea gorge, then stop by a local cafe for an included lunch and hot drink to warm up after being out in the fresh sea air. Then, depending on the weather, take to the trails of Mt Slaettaratindur, the Faroe Islands’ highest peak, named for its unique flat summit. Stop in to see the ‘Giant and his Wife,’ a nickname for the Risin og Kellingin sea stacks off the coast of Eysturoy Island. Tonight, return to your guesthouse for a special cultural evening. You’ll tuck into a three-course dinner of Faroese specialties – this might include skerpikjot (fermented mutton, typically served on rye bread) or the globally-renowned local salmon and lamb. After dinner, enjoy a musical performance and an introduction to Faroese chain dancing and ballads. Learn some new steps and join in on the dancefloor as traditional ballads float through the air.
Day 3: Gjogv
Today you’ll travel by private vehicle from Gjogv to Klaksvik, then board a private boat to the island of Kalsoy for a tour where you’ll encounter the local folklore and landscapes. Along the way, enjoy short stops for walking and photos in places like Mikladalur, home to the famous Kopakonan (the Seal Woman) statue. The landscapes here are steep, green and remote, with sweeping ocean views and cliffs teeming with seabirds. You’ll also visit Nordur a Kallin to see the rugged landscapes in the north of the island and the sea cave of Mimunarhola (weather permitting). After the boat tour, return to Klaksvik for a short guided tour with your leader, then have some free time for lunch. Next, continue to the island of Vidoy, where you’ll visit the small fishing community of Hvannasund. Get a glimpse of Faroese daily life, plus take in the epic views of Cape Enniberg, the highest vertical sea cliff in Europe at 750 m tall. Continue to your final stop for the day at the remote village of Muli before returning to Gjogv. Tonight, you’ll enjoy what’s known as heimablidni or ‘home hospitality.’ Tour a local farm, then sit down to a traditional Faroese meal, home-cooked by your hosts who’ll join you for dinner. Get to know what life is like in these Nordic Islands from their perspective as you dine on fresh local food and regionally brewed beverages.
Day 4: Torshavn
Rise and ready yourself for a day of outdoor activities, as you journey to waterfalls, floating lakes, farms and more. Head to Vagar Island in the west of the Faroes, where you’ll explore the incredible water features of an area known as Sorvagsbjorgini. Here, Lake Leitisvatn sits above the cliffs that reach the Atlantic, giving the impression of the water above floating. Head out on the Trælanipa walk to see this sight from its best vantage point. Continue your day with a visit to the 30-m-high Bosdalafossur Waterfall and the ruins of buildings left behind from WWII. Later, visit a historic house that’s been in use for over 17 generations by the same family. Explore their farm and collection of historic items. Return to Torshavn for the night – why not toast to the end of your adventure with an evening sampling the best local eateries and breweries?
Day 5: Torshavn
Your trip will come to an end after breakfast. If you'd like to extend your stay in the Faroe Islands, just reach out to your booking agent ahead of time.