In the Wake of the Vikings: Edinburgh to the Faroes Adventure Tour

Step off in Edinburgh, where three days among the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle set the stage before you set sail north. Chase Norse history across Orkney, Shetland, and the Faroe Islands, landing by Zodiac on shores no large ship can reach. Skara Brae's 5,000-year-old stones, Jarlshof's layered ruins, and clifftops thick with seabirds bring Viking history and wild landscapes to life in equal measure.

What are the modes of transportation on my trip?  

Expedition, Zodiac, private vehicle, walking.

What emergency funds do I need access to on this trip?  

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

What are the tipping guidelines for this trip?  

Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. It is an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your expedition. The industry standard and suggested amount is USD $10 - 15 per person per day spent on board. Of course, tipping is a personal choice and the suggested amount is set only as a guideline. Crew tips may be settled using most major credit cards (VISA, Mastercard and AMEX) by the ship's Purser. The money is collected by the Hotel Manager at the end of the voyage and distributed amongst the crew and Expedition Staff. The Officers choose not to participate in the tipping pool.

What are the mandatory group rules regarding laws and behaviour?  

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.

What are the main highlights of this trip?  

Explore Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile's cobblestones, Walk through Skara Brae's 5000-year-old stone village, Uncover thousands of years of history at Jarlshof, Marvel at towering cliffs and turf-roofed Tórshavn, Reach remote shores other ships can't via Zodiac landing, Spot Shetland ponies and seabird colonies along the cliffs

Where will we stay during the trip?  

Two nights in hotels, Aboard the Expedition in triple-, twin-share cabins, or suites (all with en suite bathrooms and porthole or window, 15 nts). Please note that all cabins consist of twin-size berths and are ocean-facing. Suites have one queen-size bed.

Who do I contact for arrival issues or in the event of an emergency?  

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Operator (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

AIRPORT TRANSFER
If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that:

Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change or flight cancellation within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, please call the emergency contact number to advise of your new arrival flight information. If you do not, we will not be able to rearrange your arrival transfer and you will need to make your own way to the starting hotel at your own expense. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel. 

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
G Adventures Local Representative (Longyearbyen, Norway): +44 1858 378000

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our Sales team, who will happily assist you.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999

Who will be leading the group?  

One expedition team member per 10 guests.

What is the maximum number of travellers on this tour?  

128

What should I pack for this trip?  

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Expedition:
• Waterproof pants (required) (Mandatory for all Zodiac landings, preferably with elastic cuffs to avoid any water seeping in during landings.)
• Binoculars (highly recommended)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Credit cards (Please note the Expedition is cashless and only accepts credit cards for payment.)
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Drybag (To protect your camera and belongings on Zodiac landings)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Recommended for Antarctic camping)
• Fleece jacket or warm layer
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear (good gripping) (Please note that open toed shoes are not allowed in public spaces on the Expedition.)
• Hat
• Long pants/jeans
• Moisturizer/lip balm
• Moneybelt
• Motion sickness tablets
• Outlet adapter (Electricity onboard is 220AC electrical outlets, with European 2 pin round holes, as well as 110-volt shaving sockets in the bathroom for electric razors only.)
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Scarf (Or neck warmer.)
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Sunblock
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Thermal base layer
• Thermal underwear
• Toiletries (Shampoo and shower gel are provided aboard the Expedition.)
• Walking poles (if desired)
• Warm hat
• Warm waterproof gloves
• Watch and alarm clock
• Wool/Heavy socks

Is there a disclaimer I should read before booking this trip?  

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you view a final copy of your Trip Details a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

What meals are included in this trip?  

17 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 15 dinners

What is the joining hotel?  

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.

What activities are optional on this trip?  

No optional activities

What is the role of the group leader during this trip?  

A carefully chosen team will lead our voyage. Our expedition ship boasts an international team of professional naturalists and lecturers. Their goal is to provide an informed and balanced interpretation of the destination, accomplished through stimulating lectures, day-to-day briefings, and informal discussions. Your lecturers and Expedition Leader will cover all aspects of the voyage including ornithology, marine biology, geography, geology, history and the environment, as well as practical things like photography. The Expedition Staff work conscientiously with you on deck and in the field, improving your observational skills to allow you to experience all that the destination has to offer. Their strong sense of ethics and ecological knowledge make for stimulating and mindful conversation whether onshore or at the dinner table. The expedition staff will pilot the Zodiac landing craft used for shore landings and Zodiac cruises; they are experienced drivers who operate the Zodiacs in a responsible manner.

What is the maximum and typical number of participants on this tour?  

Max 128 aboard the Expedition.

What are the meals like on this trip?  

Onboard our expedition ship you'll find a diversity of gourmet international cuisines prepared and catered by professional chefs; all meals are included in the price of your expedition. Dining is casual, tables are unassigned and the dining room is capable of seating the entire passenger compliment at one time. There is always a selection of different meals available, and vegetarians will find plenty of options. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice, please advise us at time of confirmation. Coffee, tea and water are all provided free of charge. All other beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic are not included and can be purchased in the dining room, pub, or in the lounge.

If I choose to purchase My Own Room, are there any exceptions during the trip?  

Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops

What are the packing guidelines and luggage restrictions?  

Most airlines allow one checked bag and two carry-on per person. To avoid any problems on check-in and with possible excess baggage charges, please consult the airline for specific restrictions.

Dress on board is informal. Plan to bring comfortable, casual clothing for all activities. Bring wind and waterproof outer layers. Beware of tight clothing that leaves no room for trapped air, which is an excellent insulator. Wool, silk and some of the new synthetic fibers, like polar fleece, retain heat better than cotton. When packing, we suggest that you do not weigh yourself down with too many clothes or too much gear. Select informal, practical attire that can be worn in layers.

In the worlds most remote destinations that the Expedition travels to we cannot offload our plastics, glass or tin waste for recycling. Therefore, we try to reduce what single use items that we use. You will see on the ship that every effort is being used to stop the use of single use plastic containers, bags and other items. In an effort to prevent plastic waste from entering the waste stream, we are asking for your help. We offer exceptional drinking water on the ship with refilling stations for your re-useable water containers. You will be provided a complimentary water bottle to fill up as needed. Plastic Items such as single use shampoo/conditioner plastic containers cannot be recycled, so please plan to bring any plastics back to your home countries for recycling. Please do not bring single use items that you intend to leave behind such plastic bags and throw away razors. Your participating in helping to prevent pollution and promote recycling is greatly appreciated.

Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?  

We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

What should I consider when planning my personal expenses and discretionary spending for this itinerary?  

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Where can I do my laundry on this trip?  

Aboard the Expedition, laundry is available to be serviced by our shipboard team at an additional charge.

How can I share feedback about my trip experience?  

Earn 5% off your next G Adventures Tour (up to $100 USD)*

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us and to thank you for your time, we are pleased to offer a 5% discount (up to a maximum of $100 USD) off your next G Adventures holiday. All you need to do is submit the form within 4 weeks of the completion of your tour, and you'll be able to join the thousands of travellers who have taken 2, 3, 4 or even 10 or more tours with us!

Discount cannot be combined with other offers or applied to 'Independent' style trips. Maximum discount value is $100 USD (or equivalent currency). Valid for new bookings only. G Adventures reserves the right to withdraw or modify this offer at any time without notice. Limited to one discount per person.

What should I do if I can't find my airport transfer or experience arrival issues?  

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier and contact us as soon as possible. If you have a pre-booked transfer, and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.

What are the age restrictions for this trip?  

Minimum age of 10 years for this trip.

What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money while on this tour?  

Before and after the cruise:

Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work overseas. Check with your bank. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US dollars cash and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

While on board our Expedition ships, major credit cards (VISA, Mastercard and AMEX) are used to clear incidental bills at the end of the cruise by the ship's Purser (ie. bar bills, laundry, crew tips, etc.). Please note the Expedition is a cashless ship.

What are the mandatory travel insurance requirements for this trip?  

Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

What details should I be aware of when planning my departure day?  

Disembarkation will occur shortly after breakfast at the port in Tromsø.

We recommend booking departing flights no earlier than 12pm on the day of disembarkation.

For guests departing on disembarkation day, G Adventures will provide a complimentary transfer at 8am to Tromsø International Airport from the port.

For guests who are planning on staying in Tromsø post trip, taxis will be available for hire at the pier to transfer them to their accommodations.

All transfer arrangements will be confirmed while on board prior to departure, to ensure that all needs are met.

Are international flights included in this trip?  

No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

However, on some tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details.

In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

What's Included  

Arrival transfer. 2 nts in Edinburgh hotel. Guided walking tour and visit to Edinburgh Castle. 15 nts aboard the Expedition. Zodiac excursions with our expert expedition team. Lectures and educational programs. Insulated, waterproof boots supplied for USA sizes 4 - 16. Expedition parka.

Is there a travel disclaimer for my itinerary I should review before booking this trip?  

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.