Wilderness Travel 2018 Catalog of Adventures

Hiking the Faroe Islands JOURNEY TO THE NORTH ATLANTIC’S BEST-KEPT SECRET

On the ancient Viking route from Norway to Iceland, the Faroe Islands are remote, stunning, and the ideal setting for our hiking adventure.

We’ll hike ridge trails to tiny fishing villages of turf-roofed houses and to sea cliffs where puffins number in the thousands. As we explore this otherworldly island landscape, we’ll see how renowned Faroese woolen knits are made at a family-run mill and enjoy a round of beers at the oldest brewery in the Faroes. The seafood here is outrageously fresh—we’ll savor meals in the company of knitters, chefs, and artists, and experience traditional Faroese singing and dancing at a charming guesthouse. Days 1-2 Vágar Island / Mykines Island Stretching out like a spine of glorious bluffs over sheer cliff faces, Mykines is a photographer’s and ornithologist’s paradise. We boat to the island, walk through fishermen’s villages with grass-roofed houses, and spend time with the permanent residents—puffins! Days 3-4 Vestmanna / Eysturoy Island / Hike Slaettaratindur We cruise beneath 1,000-foot-high cliffs at Vestmanna, home to guillemots, razorbills, and puffins—and daring sheep that graze on near-vertical grassy patches along the cliff. On Eysturoy, we meet a

“A fabulous trip in such a beautiful country. I loved the hiking and I loved the cultural events—the artist, the brewery, the farm dinners and churches—it was great.”

local artist at her studio, then hike up Slaettaratindur, the highest mountain in the islands, for views out across the Faroes’ two most famous sea stacks. Days 5-6 Bordoy and Vidoy Islands / Snaeldan Wool Mill After a visit to the oldest brewery in the Faroes, we hike up the steep slopes of Vidoy for spectacular views of five islands, and watch wool be transformed into delicate yarn at a classic wool mill. One evening, we savor a celebration dinner and enjoy Faroese circle dancing and song. Days 7-8 Tórshavn In Tórshavn, Europe’s smallest capital, we explore the Old Town, with its turf-roofed buildings, and enjoy dinner in a family home with ingredients fresh from the family’s farm, accompanied by local Faroese schnapps. Depart on Day 8 via Sørvágur.

Vicki V., Baltimore MD

HIGHLIGHTS • Discover the Faroes’ most spectacular coastal and mountain hikes and rich Viking heritage • Sample traditional Faroese fare including skerpikjot (wind-dried lamb) • Enjoy a beer at the oldest brewery on the islands • Meet artisans, enjoy our Farewell Dinner with a local family • Welcoming hotels and guesthouses, including a stay in Tórshavn, the smallest capital city in Europe DETAILS • 8-day trip begins and ends in Sørvágur • 7 nights hotels and guesthouses • All meals included except 1 lunch

Our Faroe adventure comes complete with soaring sea cliffs, Viking culture, fantastic seafood, and a warm welcome.

DATES Jun 15-22, 2018

Jun 29-Jul 6

TRIP COST $4495 (10-14 members) $4895 (6-9 members) Single supplement: $550

TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 6 hiking days on moderate to strenuous trails, some steep sections, 2-4 hours most days

NANO CALVO

QUESTIONS? 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL EUROPE@WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM 69