Faroe Islands Summer Fly-Drive

Fly to Vágar Airport and collect your hire car. Before heading to Tórshavn, spend some time exploring Vágar, beginning with the traditional village of Bøur, where turf-roofed houses overlook the sea towards the distinctive peaks of Tindhólmur and the island of Mykines.

Continue through the mountain tunnel to Gásadalur, once one of the most isolated settlements in the Faroe Islands. Until the tunnel opened in 2004, access was by boat, helicopter or on foot over the surrounding mountains. Take the short walk to the viewpoint overlooking Múlafossur waterfall, which tumbles from the green cliffs towards the Atlantic.

Later, drive east through the sub-sea tunnel connecting Vágar and Streymoy and continue to Tórshavn, your base for the next four nights.

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Spend the morning exploring Tórshavn, one of the world’s smallest capitals. Wander through the narrow lanes of á Reyni, where traditional black-timbered houses with turf roofs cluster around the old harbour, and continue to Tinganes, the historic peninsula at the heart of Faroese government. The Faroese parliament, the Løgting, traces its origins back more than a thousand years, making it one of the world's oldest parliamentary institutions.

You could also visit Skansin, the old harbour fortress, or the Nordic House, an important centre for Faroese and Nordic culture.

In the afternoon, make the short drive to Kirkjubøur, the historic cultural and ecclesiastical centre of the Faroe Islands. See the medieval ruins of St Magnus Cathedral, the 12th-century St Olav's Church and Roykstovan, part of a historic farmstead which has been occupied by the same family for generations. (B)

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Today, drive north to Vestmanna, where we recommend joining an optional boat excursion beneath the famous Vestmanna Bird Cliffs. Weather permitting, boats navigate narrow sounds and sea grottoes beneath towering cliffs which provide nesting grounds for numerous seabirds, including puffins, guillemots and razorbills.

Continue to Saksun, where traditional turf-roofed houses overlook a tidal lagoon enclosed by steep mountains. From here, drive to Tjørnuvík, a small village at the head of a black-sand bay, with views across the water towards Risin og Kellingin – the Giant and the Witch sea stacks.

Continue onto Eysturoy, travelling beneath Slættaratindur, at 880 metres the highest mountain in the Faroe Islands, before reaching Gjógv. Spend some time exploring this colourful village and its distinctive 200-metre-long natural sea gorge before returning to Tórshavn. (B)

The Vestmanna Bird Cliffs boat excursion is not included. Speak to your Regent Faroe Islands specialist if you would like to add this excursion to your holiday.

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Today is free to explore more of the Faroe Islands at your own pace. Perhaps drive through the Sandoyartunnilin, the sub-sea tunnel connecting Streymoy with Sandoy. The island's gentler landscapes, lakes and small communities provide an interesting contrast to the mountainous northern Faroes. Explore Sandur and continue to villages such as Húsavík and Skálavík before returning to Tórshavn.

Alternatively, leave the car behind and take the short ferry across to Nólsoy, a peaceful island community within sight of the capital. We can also arrange a guided visit to the island including a walk through the village and a home-cooked meal with a local resident.

Another option is to spend more time in Tórshavn or join a sailing aboard the traditional Norðlýsið schooner, available on selected dates. (B)

Speak to your Regent Faroe Islands specialist about the excursions and experiences that can be added to your holiday.

• Hotel Description

After breakfast, leave Tórshavn and drive to Vágar Airport. Return your hire car and check in for your flight back to the UK. (B)