British Isles & Iceland Explorer

Get to know the Faroe Islands through the stunning landscapes of Streymoy, rich in Viking lore and fishing culture. Begin with a drive to the rocky Tinganes peninsula in Tórshavn harbor, home of the Viking Parliament and still host to the islands’ government buildings. Then, trace the scenic ridgetop road along the southern stretch of Streymoy Island, pausing above Tórshavn for photos. You will continue to Nororadalur (the North Valley), where on clear days you will have views of the island of Koltur. Farther north, marvel at the Kaldbak and Kollafjørdur fjords. Later, twisting roads lead into a picturesque valley, where you will stop to admire the hand-hewn stone salmon ladders leading into Lake Leynar. En route back to your ship, our road takes us through a two-mile tunnel and along a fjord’s shore, where you may see salmon jumping in sea farms.

Journey to the most westerly of the large Faroe Islands, traversing stunning coastal roads and mountain vistas. Drive with your guide to the Vágatunnilin, a three-mile underwater tunnel to Vágar. Once you emerge, head to the charming village of Sandavágur, stopping to visit its visually striking red-roof church. The town was first settled by Viking Torkil Onundarson. Pass through Midvágur next and continue to Vatnsoyrar, home to the largest lake in the Faroes. Next, visit Bøur and admire its cluster of houses, turf roofs and tar-blackened church. The town has a splendid view of the dramatic peaks of Tindhólmur islet and Mykines island in the distance. After a drive to Gásadalur, the island’s westernmost village, return to your ship via a scenic mountain road with incredible views of fjords and the capital. On this excursion, you will travel through many tunnels and on winding roads.

Explore the rugged island of Eysturoy, home to 66 mountain peaks and dramatic harbors. Meet your guide and head north through the idyllic villages of Streymoy, the main island. Past the old whaling station at Áir, cross the narrow sound on what locals call “the only bridge over the Atlantic” onto Eysturoy. Continue through a stunning vista of sharply sloped mountains, pausing to view two distinctive sea stacks known as “The Giant and the Hag” and to admire the highest peak in the archipelago, Slaettaratindur, standing 2,890 feet. Later, arrive in Gjógv, where you can sample homemade pancakes at a nearby guesthouse and walk to the gorge that harbors its simple fishing boats. After free time, return to your ship through the 6-mile long subsea tunnel between the islands of Eysturoy and Streymoy.

Cruise on board a local boat to the spectacular cliffs and grottoes that line Streymoy’s southern coast. The town of Vestmanna, Old Norse for “Westman,” was once a sheltered Viking outpost. Its nearby cliffs, known as Vestmannabjørgini, rise up to 1,950 feet straight from the ocean and are host to hidden grottoes and colonies of puffins, kittiwakes and other seabirds. You will drive with your guide to Vestmanna, today a colorful village on a sloping hill, and board your boat. This exciting seafaring excursion brings you face to face with the majestic and massive rock faces. If the seas and the weather allow, you will cruise into some of the grottoes so you can view the cacophony of birdlife that nests within. Note that the sea may be choppy and require seasickness tablets, and that you should dress warmly in waterproof layers and wear flat, rubber-soled shoes.

Discover the rural beauty of the Faroe Islands during a scenic excursion along coastal roads to bucolic villages. In Kollafjørdur, visit an old Faroese church whose black-tarred wooden frame and traditional turf roof have been standing since 1837. One of nine churches built on the islands during the mid-19th century, it still maintains a simple, unvarnished wooden interior. In Saksun, nestled at the end of the road above a round bay, take in idyllic views before setting out on a tour of Dúvugardar, a 300-year-old farmhouse that is now a national heritage museum. Browse its informative exhibits offering a realistic portrait of the life of a Faroese farmer from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Between stops in the villages, pause at scenic viewpoints in Selatrad and Kaldbak for an opportunity to admire the stark beauty of the Kaldbak and Kollafjørdur fjords as they unfold below.

Delve into the Faroe Islands’ past and present during visits to a museum and sheep farm on the island of Eysturoy. Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach through the rugged countryside to the village of Gøta. This historically important village was once home to Tróndur í Gøtu, a Viking-era chieftain who ruled over the islands during the late 10th century. Gain insight into island culture at the Gøta Museum. See an old Faroese community, complete with farmers’ and fishermen’s cottages, and an ancient church. Then, travel south toward Toftir to explore a sheephouse. Learn about sheep farming and enjoy a taste of local favorites such as dried meat and rhubarb refreshments. See where the wool goes during a visit to a nearby clothing producer who combines age-old methods with modern designs. Return to Tórshavn through the 6-mile long subsea tunnel between the islands of Eysturoy and Streymoy.

Admire the natural beauty of the Faroe Islands during a panoramic boat ride around Vágar Island. Set out through the Kaldbak fjord and Kollafjørð valley, then take a submerged tunnel to Vágar Island, renowned for its picturesque landscapes. Upon arrival at the port of Sørvágur, meet your crew and skipper, then board your vessel and set out into the fjord. As you cruise, view the salmon farm rings and gaze upon the charming villages that dot the coast. Sail along the two sea stacks of Tindhólmur and Drangarnir and savor an up-close look at Múlafossur. Located at the heart of the quaint village of Gásadalur, this spectacular waterfall cascades off the cliffs into the sea below. Take in the stunning panorama of the falls and nearby Mykines before returning to port, where you will board your motor coach and return to Tórshavn via a mountain road for more panoramic views.