Copenhagen and the Faroe Islands

Denmark often tops the polls of the world’s happiest countries and its capital tends to put a smile on the faces of all who visit. What it lacks in size it more than makes up for in character, its compact centre a maze of cobbled streets easily navigated by foot or on the Danes’ favourite mode of transport, the bicycle. Originally a Viking fishing village, Copenhagen has evolved into one of Europe’s most sophisticated cities. Spread across the two islands of Zealand and Amager and separated from Sweden by the Øresund Bridge, it is a city of contrasts, seamlessly blending classic architecture with cutting edge modern design.

This morning a guide will meet your hotel and introduce you to Copenhagen. You will start in the oldest part of town, dating back to 1160. You will pass by the University, the Queen’s Palace and the Round Tower. You will make your way to Christiansborg Palace where the parliament resides and here you can enter the tower and enjoy a view of the Copenhagen skyline.

Focus on the more modern Copenhagen and embark on a private cruise through the harbour. The tour around the canals will take you by the Opera House, The Royal Playhouse and the National Library among many other prominent sights. The tour will end by Nyhavn - a must see when in Copenhagen.

Get an insight into the celebrated design tradition of Denmark is known for at the Design Museum Denmark. The central exhibition is a forum for industrial design and applied arts in Scandinavia and a visit serves as the perfect starting point for understanding the development of the Danish design tradition. Following the visit, you can head to a number of Copenhagen’s leading design shops that sell both new and vintage design icons.

The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is located in northern Zealand with a panoramic view across the Øresund. The museum frames the sculpture park facing the sea and the interaction between art, nature and the museum architecture is quite unique. Louisiana is an international museum with a considerable collection of modern art. The museum’s permanent collection includes more than 3,000 works and is one of the largest in Scandinavia. It takes its point of departure in the period after 1945 including artists like Picasso, Giacometti, Dubuffet, Yves Klein, Andy Warhol, Rauschenberg, Henry Moore, Louise Bourgeois, Philip Guston, Morris Louis, Jorn, Baselitz, Polke, Kiefer, and Per Kirkeby.

Kronborg is a castle and star fortress in the town of Helsingør, a little way north of Copenhagen. Immortalized as Elsinore in William Shakespeare's play Hamlet, Kronborg has for centuries been one of the most important Renaissance castles in Northern Europe and was added to UNESCO's World Heritage Sites list in 2000. The castle is situated on the extreme northeastern tip of the island of Zealand at the narrowest point of the Øresund, the sound between Denmark and Sweden. In this part, the sound is only 4km wide, hence the strategic importance of maintaining a sea fortress at this location commanding one of the few outlets of the Baltic Sea.

Halfway between Scotland and Iceland, scattered across the North Atlantic Ocean, are the Faroe Islands. This chain of 18 volcanic islands often falls under the radar but those who venture to the archipelago are rewarded with sublime scenery, incredible wildlife and warm and welcoming people, eager to show you their way of life.

Lush green valleys, sheer cliffs and rolling moorland make this a veritable playground for hiking, cycling, climbing and horse riding. The abundance of water also makes this a wonderful place to kayak and rappell. The towns and villages themselves are picture perfect with wooden churches and clusters of colourful houses, some with idyllic grass roofs.

Take a walk through the old part of one of the smallest capitals in the world, Tórshavn. You'll get to see Tinganes, the world's oldest parliament, and the Prime Minister's office. The name Tinganes means "parliament jetty", and it was first used as a meeting place in Viking times.

Today you will visit the small Viking village of Bøur. Together with a local farmer you'll go sightseeing and learn about life in the village both now and in days gone by. Head out onto the water for some fishing and then enjoy your catch for dinner later after, a short hike in the countryside near Bøur.

You guide will collect you from your hotel and drive you to the harbour where you will board a sailing vessel. Your captain will prepare a delicious lunch for you from whatever is caught during the trip. Tuck into sea urchins, langoustines or mussels along with fresh fish.

Board a small boat and head out to one of the region's many grottos, where a local singer and musician will treat you to a small, private concert. After the cruise, which lasts roughly four hours, you will have the rest of the afternoon to yourself.

Very close to Tórshavn is Kirkjubøur, the old cultural centre of the Faroe Islands. On this visit you will get to see what is believed to be the oldest inhabited house in Europe, the ruins of St Magnus Cathedral, and Ólavskirkja, a church which was built in 1111.

Learn about the beer-making process at Okkara Brewery and, of course, sample their variety of small-batch beers. The craft-oriented brewery's name means "Ours".

The second largest city in the Faroe Islands, Klaksvik boasts around 5,000 inhabitants. The town is known for its fresh local lobsters. After a little sightseeing in the city, your guide will take you for a short walk to Archibald's House, a place in "the middle of nowhere". As you take a hike through the countryside, your guide will impart some of his knowledge around happiness and stress. Then enjoy coffee and sweet home-made treats and snaps, while a musician performs local songs for you.

Your guide will meet you at your hotel and drive you to the beautiful village of Gjógv. The charming town of wooden cottages is surrounded by mountains and the area boasts some wonderful hiking and walking trails.

On the way back you will stop at the highest mountain on the Faroe Islands and, if you feel up to it, climb to the top at your own pace. From that vantage point you will be able to see almost all 18 of the islands, and on a good day, you might even be able to spot Iceland in the distance.

From the village of Vestmanna you'll embark on a cruise beneath the stunning bird-cliffs to the north. Discover deep grottos and experience total silence inside them and the remarkably clean water. Then you'll sail alongside the shore and hear the noise from the nesting birds above you.

You will be collected from your hotel and driven to the world renowned Michelin-starred restaurant KOKS in Tórshavn. Head chef Poul Andrias Ziska is inspired by the Faroese landscape when creating his dishes. Using local produce, the team makes use of age old practices like drying, fermenting, salting and smoking to transform ancient culinary traditions into modern delicacies.

Spend one night in the busy city of Copenhagen. Explore the cobbled streets, waterways and quaint harbour. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants to visit, as well as trendy stores. Head out on foot, or join the locals and opt for a bicycle.