13 Day Faroe Islands & East and South of Iceland Tour
Highlights
- Local life experience
- Perfect combination of two beautiful countries
- Eco-village visit and stay
- Outdoor activities
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival – Torshavn
Arriving at Vágar airport. Upon arrival, take the airport shuttle bus to Tórshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands. Here you will stay the next three nights. You can use the afternoon for a sightseeing walk through the city: Within short walking distance from the hotel there is the old Tinganes, crammed with red coloured wooden turf-roofed houses and the Tórshavn cathedral; on a hill beside the port there is the historic fortress Skansinn. The town is adorned with numerous outdoor sculptures.
In the evening time, we will visit the Nordic house, When you enter through the front doors, your feet walk on Norwegian granite and while you relax in the furniture from Finland you can feast your eyes on the beautiful woodwork directly from the forests of Sweden and the huge glass panes and sturdy metal constructions from Denmark. Take a walk outside the house and discover the wild grass of the Faroe Islands growing on our Icelandic roof. Norwegian architect Ola Steen and Icelandic architect Kollbrún Ragnarsdóttir are responsible for designing the architectural beauty that is the Nordic House and given its strategic placement, the house offers a scenic view of Tórshavn, the North Atlantic Sea, and the Island of Nólsoy. Depends on the event schedule, we will enjoy a concert there.
If you just come visit in July, take part in the G!festival is a bonus for you. Music plays an integral role in Faroese culture and society – perhaps more so than in most other communities – because it is so deeply rooted in the islands’ centuries-long tradition of storytelling.
Day 2 – Torshavn, Vestmanna Bird cliff & Panorama view
In the morning, we will visit a local familiy, in Faroe Islands, we call it “ heimablídni“ . The Faroese phrase “heimablídni” translates directly as “home hospitality”, and all across the islands you can enjoy authentic and intimate dining experiences in people’s homes. In addition to being served traditional homemade Faroese food, you will also hear interesting stories that relate to that particular part of the country or village. After lunch time, we will visit the village of Vestmanna, where you join a 2-hour boat tour to the fascinating Vestmanna bird cliffs. Sailing through the narrow sounds, deep grottoes and under the high cliffs while observing thousands of the nesting birds, such as puffins, fulmars, guillemots and razorbills is a breath taking experience not to be missed.
After the boat tour we stop at the ancient viking settlement at Kvívík before we return to Tórshavn.
Day 3 – Torshavn: The Saga Island Sandoy
Full day excursion to one of the least spoilt islands where it is still possible to experience the traditional Faroese way of life. On arrival in Skopun, head up toward the northern tip of the island where you’ll find a pair of small lakes and spectacular views overlooking the islands to the north. An enormous blue mail box, one of the largest in the world, also makes a quirky stop in the village. From here, head south past a handful of isolated country cabins toward the seaside village of Sandur hugged by slate-grey pebbled shores. Take some time to visit the church and local art museum before peeling out of town on the narrow, serpentine road to Skarvanes, a nail-biting drive that teeters on the cliff’s edge. These stark lichen-covered cliffs create a key foraging ground for hungry fulmars, which soar effortlessly overhead.
We return to Tórshavn late afternoon.
Day 4 – Departure from Faroe Islands to Iceland by ferry
Tórshavn to Seyðisfjörður
Standard cabin and breakfast are included.
Day 5 – Iceland – Seydisfjordur – 2 nights farm stay
Arrival in the east of Iceland. Meet your guide there.
The 3days in Borgarfjörður East Iceland will take you to the small village of Bakkagerði where you stay for 2 nights. This local living tour could be your next dream travel experience. Each day is based on activities we choose in this charming and unique destination with their local people and wilderness surroundings. Nature is your next door neighbor, and the regional cooking, hikes and our local contacts will help you get the most from your stay. This includes a visit to local homes for chat and coffee. It is easy to visit the puffins and look for more places to fill your camera with memories.
Day 6 – East Iceland
If you just come in September, the sheep gathering or Smölun begins. That’s when the farmers and their families and friends start to gather the sheep down from the mountain and round them up in one place called Réttir. The farmers can identify their livestock by an earmark and each farmer has their own stall. Once all the sheep and the lambs have been assembled they are sorted into the designated stalls, according to their earmarks. The sheep round-up is one of the oldest traditions in Iceland where everyone can participate and help the farmers.
Day 7 – East Iceland – Hofn
East Iceland is usually considered the area from Langanes in the north to Krossanesfjall in the South. The region is characterized by deep and narrow fjords, vegetation and widespread forestry as well as the beautiful mountains and highlands. Anyone who likes hiking, outdoor adventures or simply just filling their lungs with unbelievably fresh air will love a visit to the East. Hengifoss waterfall is located next to Lagarfljót lake and faces Hallormsstaðarskógur forest, on which I have written another travel-blog. It is a beautiful waterfall, 128 meters high, making it the 2nd highest waterfall in Iceland if we don’t count the waterfall in Morsárjökull glacier. The spectacular waterfall drops into the gorge Hengifossárgljúfur in Fljótsdalur valley. Hengifoss is 145 meters above sea level and the hike to the waterfall is a climb uphill for an hour or so.
Fáskrúðsfjörður is in the centre of the east fjords, in between peninsulas Vattarnes and Hafnarnes. At the bottom of the fjord, there is a grassy valley with lovely arctic woodlands. The route from Reyðarfjörður along the coast is very scenic and should not be missed. It offers great views of the hollow cliff island of Skrúður. The island is home to a colorful birdlife, with the unique wonder the ‘Puffin Cave’ sheltering thousands of puffins and a great colony of Gannets that can be seen plunging like arrows into the water.
Day 8 – Glacier Lagoon – Glacier hiking
Jökulsárlón is Iceland’s most famous glacier lagoon. Conveniently located in the southeast by route 1, about halfway between the Skaftafell National Park and Hofn, it is a popular stop for those travelling along the South shore. We will take a boat trip here on the lagoon, during the excursion you sail among the huge icebergs in the picturesque scenery of Jökulsárlón. On the boat you get to taste the 1000 year old ice and if you are lucky you might even see some seals. The excursion takes 30–40 minutes and includes an English speaking guide who explains to you the geology and facts of the lagoon.
From Jökulsárlón lagoon you can walk along Iceland’s shortest river Jökulsá (only about 100 m) to the so called “Diamond beach” where pieces of glacial ice become stranded on the beach, glitterning in the sun until they melt or are washed away by the ocean. If lucky, you might spot a seal near the shore or even in the lagoon.
In the afternoon, we will take a glacier hiking tour with a local guide, You will experience the wonders of Vatnajökull glacier and it‘s uniqueness while being away from the crowds. Our guide takes you on an unforgettable journey on Breiðamerkurjökull, one of Vatnajökull biggest outlet glacier. The trip starts at Hali where our meeting point is. From there the guide drives you to the glacier area, off the beaten path where you can breathe in the fresh Icelandic air. Also, during the trip, our guide will tell you about the Geographic Knowledge of Iceland, the change of the glacier and ice for the past a few years, discuss with you about the climate, etc.
Day 9 – Glacier Lagoon – South Shore – Solhimar eco-villiage
Drive to the south, Seljalandsfoss, a unique waterfall in the river Seljalandsá, about 30 km west from Skógar. It is 60 meters high with a foot path behind it at the bottom of the cliff, but with a thin cascade. It is the only known waterfall of its kind, where it is possible to walk behind it. The waterfall is very picturesque and therefore its photo can be found in many books and calendars.
Only a few kilometers away from the south shores of Iceland, lies the village of Skógar along the Southern Ring Road. It is a popular summer-resort centre surrounded by unusual scenic beauty. The breath-taking view of Skógafoss waterfall and scenic surroundings and the snow-capped heights of two towering glaciers are Skógar’s major summer attractions.
Dyrhólaey is a 120-metre high promontory, not far from Vík. The place got its name from the massive arch that the sea has eroded from the headland. (The name literally means “door-hole-island”).
Visit the LAVA center, The Lava Centre is an interactive, high-tech educational exhibition depicting volcanic activity, earthquakes and the creation of Iceland over millions of years. It is the most awarded exhibition in Iceland both when it comes to design and technology.
LAVA Centre is the gateway to the South Coast of Iceland and the most active volcanic area on the island. It is the perfect place to start the tour along the south coast, passing sleeping volcanoes and black lava beaches, to comprehend the magnitude of the eruptions and to understand why and how they happen. It is also by far the best place in Iceland to learn more about the ongoing eruption at Fagradalsfjall, both the current situation and the reason it’s there.
We will visit Solheimar, which is a world renowned sustainable community known for its artistic and ecological atmosphere where about 100 people live and work together. The activities in Solheimar are diverse. In the village, there are organic greenhouses, both for vegetable cultivation and nonfood plants, as well as a forestry, in fact the only organic forestry in Iceland. There is also a shop/gallery in Solheimar, a café, a bakery, guesthouses and many art venues throughout the year. We will have chance to take part in a work shop there, for example the weaving workshop, candle workshop etc.
Day 10 – Solheimar – Gullfoss – Geysir
The Golden Circle has for a long time been popular among visitors to Iceland. And for a good reasons, it includes the most popular natural wonders of South Iceland, Geysir geyser, Gullfoss waterfall and the majestic Þingvellir.
The Golden Circle showcases some of the most beautiful natural wonders of Iceland. Along the way you can see glaciers and volcanoes, not to mention the incredible Þingvellir.A favourite stop along the Golden Circle is the highly active Geysir Hot Spring Area with boiling mud pits, exploding geysers and the lively Strokkur which spouts water 30 meters (100 ft) into the air every few minutes. The newly opened Geysir Center offers exhibits and informative presentations year-round.
Gullfoss is one of the most popular tourist attraction in Iceland and part of the Golden Circle, and the waterfall is by many considered one of the most beautiful waterfall in Iceland. It is situated in the upper part of the Hvita river. The water cascades down in two stages, one 11 m (36 ft) high, and the other 21 m (69 ft), into the 2,5 km (1.6 mi) long crevasse below. This crevasse was created at the end of the Ice Age by catastrophic flood waves and is lengthened by 25 cm (9.8 in) a year by the constant erosion from the water.
Day 11 – Thingvellir – Reykjavik
Þingvellir is a favourite stop among travellers along the Golden Circle route. It has been a National Park in Iceland since 1928 and was named a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 2004. When Viking settlers arrived in the 10th century it was the site they chose as the meeting place of Althing, the world’s first parliament.
The location may seem a bit out of the way, but the unique geology created a natural amphitheatre perfect for public speaking including the high rock wall of Logberg (Law Rock), where the laws of the land would be recited from memory.
Visit the local green house, to gain an insight into the processes of greenhouse horticulture, with a short and informative talk on the subject. You will enjoy the special experience of entering a greenhouse with its fragrance of tomato plants and then sitting down to a feast of the famous Friðheimar tomato soup with fresh-baked bread with tomato plants all around!
After lunch, we will drive to the Fontana. Upon arrival in Fontana you will take a short walk with a local person to a nearby natural hot spring which is used as a local natural bakery for the village. You will get to know the methods how to bake a loaf of bread in a hot spring and watch while they dig up a typical Icelandic rye bread which has been slowly baked in the hot spring. Before dipping into the Fontana hot tubs and enjoy the natural steam baths you will be offered to taste the rye bread.
Day 12 – Reykjavik
Whale watching in the morning
Enjoy a magical journey into Faxaflói bay with our expert crew and specially trained naturalists. Explore the whales of Reykjavík under the excellent guidance of our marine biologist guides and learn all about the incredible wildlife that call Iceland their home. The bay is even full of birdlife, from puffins and gannets to guillemots and more, that actively feed on the plentiful fish found in the bay. Magnificent landscapes surround the area and add a unique contrast to the vast ocean, where the spectacular views on the horizon are certainly not to be missed.
Visit the power Station in Reykjavik, Experience first-hand how green, sustainable energy is produced at one of the largest single-site geothermal power plant on the planet, Hellisheiði ON Power plant.
Day 13 – Reykjavik – Keflavik – Departure
2.5 hours check in time for international flights
Dates & prices
From May to September
Included in the package price:
- 13 days transportation service
- 12 nights accommodation in double/twin rooms with private facilities, breakfast included
- Service and VAT
Not included in the package price:
- Optional tours
- Admissions fees
- Meals other than breakfast