In the Wake of the Vikings: Edinburgh to the Faroes — Self-Launched
18 days · Scotland, Faroe Islands & Arctic Norway
G Adventures charges £8,476
No-markup version: ~£3,165 per person
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
A self-launched, independent version of the G Adventures small-ship expedition from Edinburgh north through Orkney, Shetland and the Faroe Islands to Tromsø. Instead of an expedition vessel, you do the Viking route overland and by sea using scheduled NorthLink ferries (Aberdeen–Lerwick–Kirkwall), the Smyril Line ferry between Shetland, the Faroes and Denmark (or fly to the Faroes via Atlantic Airways), and finally fly from the Faroes to Tromsø via Copenhagen. You visit the same Neolithic and Norse sites (Skara Brae, Maeshowe, Ring of Brodgar, Jarlshof, Old Scatness, Saksun, Tórshavn), swap Zodiac landings for ferries, local buses and hired bikes, and stay in hostels, guesthouses and budget guest rooms. Note: there's no realistic cheap equivalent to the Zodiac landings on uninhabited cliffs, so this version focuses on the archaeological and cultural heart of the itinerary rather than the expedition-ship wildlife access. Roughly £3,000–3,400 vs. ~£8,000+ for the original — but you lose shipboard meals/dinners and expedition crew. All costs approximate, per person, excluding international flights.
Day-by-day
Arrive Edinburgh
Edinburgh, Scotland
Land at Edinburgh Airport and take the Airlink 100 bus or tram into the city centre (~£6-7) rather than a private transfer. Check into a hostel or budget guesthouse near the Royal Mile or Newington. Spend the evening wandering the Old Town closes and grabbing a cheap pub dinner — try a pie and a pint for £10-12, or grab groceries for self-catering if your hostel has a kitchen.
🚌Airlink 100 bus or tram from airport (~£6.50)
🛏Castle Rock Hostel or Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel (dorm, ~£28-35/night)
- →Airlink 100 bus/tram into centre
- →Evening walk on the Royal Mile
- →Cheap pub dinner
Royal Mile, St Giles' & Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh, Scotland
Do it yourself: walk the Royal Mile from Holyrood to the Castle, popping into St Giles' Cathedral (free entry, small donation). Book Edinburgh Castle tickets online in advance (~£21.50, cheaper than walk-up). Consider a free Sandemans walking tour (tip-based, ~£10-15 tip) instead of a paid guided stroll. Afternoon: hike up Arthur's Seat for free panoramic views.
🚌Walking (city is compact)
🛏Castle Rock Hostel or Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel (dorm)
- →Royal Mile self-guided walk
- →St Giles' Cathedral
- →Edinburgh Castle (pre-booked ticket)
- →Arthur's Seat hike
- →Optional tip-based walking tour
Princes Street Gardens & Overnight Ferry to Shetland
Edinburgh → Aberdeen → Lerwick
Independent morning: coffee in a café, stroll Princes Street Gardens, browse souvenir shops. Early afternoon take a ScotRail train from Edinburgh Waverley to Aberdeen (~£12-25 if booked ahead, ~2.5 hrs). In Aberdeen, board the NorthLink overnight ferry to Lerwick (departs ~17:00-19:00, arrives early morning; reclining seat ~£55-75, or book a shared cabin). This replaces the expedition ship's first sail — you'll wake up in Shetland.
🚌Train Edinburgh–Aberdeen ~£18 + NorthLink ferry Aberdeen–Lerwick ~£65
🛏Overnight on NorthLink ferry (reclining seat or shared cabin)
- →Princes Street Gardens
- →ScotRail to Aberdeen
- →NorthLink overnight ferry to Lerwick
Lerwick & Shetland Museum
Lerwick, Shetland
Arrive Lerwick, drop bags at a hostel or B&B, and spend the day in the town. Shetland Museum & Archives is free and gives the full human history of the islands — perfect context for the Norse sites coming up. Walk the waterfront, browse the small shops, and stock up at the Co-op for lunches. Book your inter-island bus tour for tomorrow at the tourist office.
🚌Walking
🛏Islesburgh House Hostel or a Lerwick B&B guest room (~£35-45/night)
- →Shetland Museum & Archives (free)
- →Lerwick waterfront walk
- →Book local bus tour
Jarlshof & Old Scatness Norse Ruins
Sumburgh, Shetland
Take the local bus (service 6) south to Sumburgh (~£3-5, ~1hr) to visit Jarlshof — the layered Bronze Age, Iron Age and Viking settlement right by the sea (Historic Environment Scotland, ~£7.50). Walk 20 minutes to Old Scatness broch and Iron Age village (small entry fee). Look for puffins and seals near Sumburgh Head. Bus back in the evening.
🚌Local bus service 6 (~£5 return)
🛏Islesburgh House Hostel or Lerwick B&B
- →Jarlshof Norse settlement
- →Old Scatness broch
- →Sumburgh Head wildlife walk
- →Local bus travel
Hermaness & Northern Shetland
Unst / Northmavine, Shetland
Book a seat on a local minibus tour or day trip north to Hermaness National Nature Reserve (gannet colonies, dramatic cliffs) — join a small-group local operator rather than a private guide (~£45-65). Alternatively, hire a bike in Lerwick and explore the coastal roads around Eshaness. Evening back in Lerwick.
🚌Local minibus tour ~£55
🛏Islesburgh House Hostel or Lerwick B&B
- →Hermaness NNR seabird cliffs
- →Gannet and seabird spotting
- →Optional bike hire on coastal roads
Ferry to the Faroe Islands (or via Aberdeen)
Lerwick → Tórshavn
The Smyril Line Norröna runs weekly Lerwick–Tórshavn (typically Saturdays, ~£80-130 one way depending on season and cabin/seat). If the sailing doesn't line up, fly Shetland–Aberdeen and take Atlantic Airways from Aberdeen to Vágar (~£120-180). Either way, arrive in the Faroes and take the public bus or airport shuttle into Tórshavn (~£5-8). Check in at the Faroese hostel or guesthouse — the Faroe Islands have a well-run network of guesthouses from ~£50-70/night.
🚌Norröna ferry ~£100 or Atlantic Airways flight ~£150 + airport bus
🛏Tórshavn hostel or guesthouse (~£55-70/night)
- →Smyril Line Norröna ferry
- →Arrive Tórshavn
- →Faroese guesthouse check-in
Tórshavn — Tinganes, Magnus Cathedral & Old Town
Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
Explore the world's smallest capital on foot. Tinganes (the Viking parliament peninsula), the turf-roofed old town, Magnus Cathedral ruins and the national museum (Listasavn Føroya, ~£10) are all central. Join the free-ish Tórshavn walking tour or a £25 local guide, then hike to the Kirkjubøur ruins along the coast path for free.
🚌Walking + local bus if needed (~£4)
🛏Tórshavn guesthouse
- →Tinganes old town
- →Magnus Cathedral
- →Faroese national art museum
- →Coastal hike to Kirkjubøur
Saksun & Streymoy Villages
Saksun, Streymoy
Take the public bus from Tórshavn to Streymnes, then a local connection or short hike/walk to Saksun (~£6-8 total bus fare). Visit the heritage farm and turf-roofed church in the dramatic valley — entry is a small fee (~£8). The bus journey through Faroese villages is the experience. Several short walks around the lagoon at low tide; check tide times.
🚌Public bus ~£8
🛏Tórshavn guesthouse
- →Public bus to Saksun via Streymnes
- →Saksun heritage farm & turf church
- →Faroese village walks
Suðuroy — Vágur & Southernmost Island
Suðuroy, Faroe Islands
Take the public ferry Smyril from Tórshavn to Suðuroy (Krambatangi/Bakkaðalur) — ~£12-18 one way, ~2 hrs. From Vágur, hike the coastal path and explore the old village and its museum (~£6). Consider staying one night on Suðuroy (~£55-70 guesthouse) to make the most of it, or catch the return ferry the same day if you want to keep the Tórshavn base.
🚌Public ferry ~£30 return
🛏Tórshavn guesthouse or Suðuroy guesthouse (~£60)
- →Smyril ferry to Suðuroy
- →Vágur village & coastal walk
- →Optional village museum
Mykines Puffin Island (or Vágar cliffs)
Mykines / Vágar, Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands' best wildlife day: take the Sørvágur–Mykines ferry (~£15-20, book early — small boat) to see huge puffin colonies on the cliffs. Alternative if the ferry is full: bus over the Vágar tunnel to see the Múlafossur waterfall at Gásadalur and the Drangarnir sea arch trail (self-guided hike, free, ~4 hrs).
🚌Mykines ferry ~£20 + bus ~£6
🛏Tórshavn guesthouse
- →Mykines puffin ferry & island hike
- →Múlafossur waterfall at Gásadalur
- →Drangarnir sea arch hike
Free day in the Faroes / sea-day pace
Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
The original itinerary has a full sea day between the Faroes and Norway — here you get it as a buffer/day: hike the Tórshavn hills, visit Nólsoy on the cheap ferry (~£6 return) for a 2-hour walk, or slow down with coffee and book packing. Good day to catch up on laundry and confirm your next flights.
🚌Nólsoy ferry ~£6
🛏Tórshavn guesthouse
- →Nólsoy day trip by ferry
- →Optional Tórshavn hills hike
- →Trip admin & laundry
Fly Faroes → Tromsø (via Copenhagen)
Tórshavn → Tromsø, Norway
Fly Atlantic Airways Vágar–Copenhagen and connect with SAS/Norwegian to Tromsø (~£180-260 one way). Book the combined route early. Alternatively take the Norröna ferry to Denmark, but the flight saves days given the trip length. Arrive Tromsø, check into a hostel near the harbour (~£30-40 dorm), and enjoy a cheap Arctic cod supper at a local cafeteria.
🚌Flights ~£220 + airport bus ~£10
🛏Tromsø hostel dorm (~£35/night)
- →Flights Vágar–Copenhagen–Tromsø
- →Arrive Tromsø
- →Harbour walk
Tromsø — Arctic history & Polar Museum
Tromsø, Norway
Explore the historic centre: the Polar Museum (~£10) covers Arctic exploration and sealing history, plus the Tromsø Cathedral and the Arctic Cathedral on the mainland side (bus ~£5 or walk the bridge). Climb to Fjellheimen viewpoint with the cable car (~£25) or hike up for free if the weather holds.
🚌Local buses ~£8
🛏Tromsø hostel dorm
- →Polar Museum
- →Arctic Cathedral
- →Cable car or hike to viewpoint
Fjord boat trip or whale-watching
Tromsø fjords
Book a half-day self-led fjord or wildlife boat trip via a local operator (~£80-120) — this is the closest you'll get to the original expedition's Zodiac wildlife time. Alternatively hire a bike or join a bus-based coastal hike. Summer brings midnight sun, so evening walks are excellent.
🚌Walking / bus
🛏Tromsø hostel dorm
- →Fjord boat trip
- →Arctic wildlife spotting
- →Midnight-sun evening walk
Day hike or Saami culture day
Tromsø area
Either hike the Sherpatrappa / Fjellheisen area or join a Saami reindeer-herding and camp visit (~£90-130) if you want cultural context. A free/low-cost day is just as viable: explore the Tromsø University Museum and the botanical garden, then eat at the student canteen for ~£8.
🚌Local buses ~£8
🛏Tromsø hostel dorm
- →Optional Saami reindeer experience
- →Tromsø University Museum
- →Local hikes
Tromsø slow day
Tromsø, Norway
A buffer day: coffee shops, the harbour, the Tromsø Public Library for free wifi, and packing. If you have time and energy, a short £25 ferry/boat around the islands. Keep it cheap — Norway food is expensive, so self-cater breakfast and lunch from supermarket (Rema 1000 / Kiwi).
🚌Walking
🛏Tromsø hostel dorm
- →Slow day in Tromsø
- →Supermarket self-catering
- →Harbour walks
Depart Tromsø
Tromsø, Norway
Fly out of Tromsø Airport (bus ~£10). If you have a late flight, use the morning for one last harbour walk. Book your long-haul home flight well ahead — expect ~£150-250 to a European hub.
🚌Airport bus ~£10
🛏N/A
- →Departure day
- →Optional final walk
Self-launched vs. G Adventures
| This itinerary (self-launched) | G Adventures | |
|---|---|---|
| Price per person | ~£3,165 | £8,476 |
| Duration | 18 days | 18 days |
| Who books it | You and your group, direct | Tour operator, guided group |
| Savings | £5,311 per person (63%) | |
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
Want to see more G Adventures-style trips? Check them out here.~£3,165
estimated per person
You never pay Travel Crew for this — you pay hostels, transport, and activity providers directly, the same as if you'd booked it all yourself.
This publishes your dates so other travellers can find and join you — no tour operator needed.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does In the Wake of the Vikings: Edinburgh to the Faroes — Self-Launched cost?+
Doing it yourself with this self-launched itinerary costs an estimated £3,165 per person for 18 days in Scotland, Faroe Islands & Arctic Norway. This is an AI-generated estimate based on typical budget-traveller prices — actual costs will vary by season and how you book.
Is this cheaper than booking with G Adventures?+
Yes — G Adventures charges around £8,476 per person for a similar tour. Doing the same route independently, using the same standard of accommodation and activities, costs an estimated £3,165 — a saving of roughly £5,311 (63%) per person.
How long is the Scotland, Faroe Islands & Arctic Norway trip?+
This itinerary runs 18 days, covering 18 day-by-day stops through Scotland, Faroe Islands & Arctic Norway.
How do I join this trip?+
You can join an existing open departure using this itinerary if one is scheduled, or launch your own departure with your own dates and invite other travellers to join you — no tour operator required.
Isn't it easier to just use a tour operator?+
Well, yes, a tour operator will book all the individual parts of your travel for you and provide a guide. That's obvious, but doing this has the potential to save the group thousands, which can in turn improve your itinerary substantially or save you huge amounts of money. Also, when you launch a departure, Travel Crew has tools in place to help you book the individual sections of the trip or make it easier for you to do this as a group. Really, you do not need a middle man. If you are more comfortable paying more and using a middle man, then you should certainly do this.
Is it safer to book through a tour operator?+
Arguably, there isn't much difference. A self-launched trip runs on the same principle as a group travel crew: collective responsibility, everyone looking out for each other, the same way it would if a group of friends organised the trip themselves — because that's exactly what's happening. You should always take out travel insurance before you go, self-launched or not; that doesn't change either way. Every open departure is published publicly with real dates and a real trip organiser, so it's never an anonymous arrangement, and our support team is reachable any time you need help, including in an emergency while you're away. Longer-term, we're building direct relationships with ground DMCs in popular destinations, offered as an optional paid add-on for extra on-the-ground support. Ultimately, though, the group is responsible for its own conduct and safety on a self-launched trip, same as on any trip you plan yourself.
What kind of trip is this?+
This is a culture, adventure, hiking trip through Scotland, Faroe Islands & Arctic Norway, self-launched rather than run by a tour operator — you organise it with a group you find or bring yourself.
Would you like to name the operator, name the trip, or have any suggestions about how to improve this itinerary?
Drop your comment below — if you've done a similar route, tell us what worked, what you'd add, or what you'd skip.
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