Winter 2024 update: initial plans

It’s early days, so plans aren’t yet developed, but here is some information and my thoughts:
Direct flights to the Faroes from London Gatwick depart on Tuesday and Saturday, and it takes just over 2 hours to get there.
The capital city, Torshavn, is an excellent base for a holiday and from there it’s easy to travel by road/tunnel to the major northern isles and by boat to those further away. There is a wide range of accommodation and as there is no need for everyone to stay in the same place, we have a choice of style and price.
Although I have suggested a preliminary plan for the holiday below, what we all do is very flexible. Torshavn, which is also a harbour, has plenty to explore and so it’s not necessary to be travelling every day to go sightseeing. The old town is highly photogenic and there are also galleries and museums to see, together with cafes and small parks to enjoy in the summer. It may be that hiring a car is the most sensible transport plan, but I will wait to find out more about individual interests and wishes.
Dates and days are flexible too and there is an option for a 5-day or 8-day stay. Ideally, I will stay for 8 days so that I can visit some of the southern islands, but it’s each to their own, so choosing either 5 or 8 days is perfectly doable.
The dates I am looking at are Tuesday June 17- Tuesday June 24 (8 days) or Tuesday June 17-Saturday June 24 (5 days)

Current estimated costs
Flights are under £300 return.
Accommodation (B&B ensuite) ranges enormously, but for single occupancy or a shared twin with free cancellation expect £175-£200+ per night. Apartments and Airbnb are available too, but note that Torshavn is on a steep hill when picking accommodation. It’s best to be close to the harbour area.
Transport costs will depend on how we travel. Airport transfers may need to be added. Boat transport between islands and any guided tours (eg walking tour) are also extra, if needed. Buses exist, not sure how good they are….
The Faroes are like Iceland: good food and good service with London prices. People who travelled with me in 2024 have been pleased to discover that Iceland is not that much more costly than England, and usually with bigger portions.

Current plan: just a start

• Tues 17 June - arrive mid-afternoon, check-in and explore Torshavn

• Wed 18 June – take the boat to Nolsoy (20 mins) for walking, bird watching, local food and craft, and hopefully (also optional) to watch the Storm Petrels return to roost after dark

• Thurs 19 June – Walk/drive to Kirkjubour to the cathedral ruins and church, hopefully tea at the King’s House. Great views too. This is on the same island as Torshavn. The north of the island has bird cliffs…

• Fri 20 June - Drive to the southern tip of another island, Esturoy, for nature, lake, wool, culture…

• Sat 21 June - Drive to Vagar island to see some great nature, coast and a spectacular waterfall with drop off at the airport for anyone departing today

• Sun 22 June – maybe take a boat trip to Sandoy (quite flat and good for walking) beach, wool, good food.

• Monday 23 June - maybe time in Torshavn, but time to do something else too…

• Tues 24 June - morning flight to London

What else?
If you look at this link here, which focuses on visiting in June, you’ll see that there is masses more to choose from than the ideas I have outlined. So please go ahead and make your wish list, let me know and we can put it all together!

What next?
At this stage, please let me know if you are interested, together with any other info about how long, who with and the things that appeal to you. And your questions, of course!
If you know that you will definitely join me, then as soon as you let me know, I will book flights and accommodation for us since both will only go up in price.
Otherwise, it would be good to hear from you by Christmas if you are considering joining me. All friends, family and friends of friends are most welcome.
My email is Julia@jgj.tours

After that
I will book flights and accommodation as I hear from you. In early February I am meeting many of the Faroese holiday operators and suppliers at a travel conference in London and I will take that opportunity to research in more detail and find out what’s new for 2025.
Following the conference, I will be able to send an update with more details of possible options for the holiday.

Thank you! Very much looking forward to happy travels in 2025.