This tour takes you to Kangerlussuaq and then on to Ilulissat. With easy access to the inland ice cap, Kangerlussuaq offers some extraordinary experiences. The village's location approximately 160km inland from the coast makes it one of the most weather stable destinations in Greenland, making it a wonderful place to view the Northern Lights as winter approaches. Ilulissat, the town of the icebergs, is an extraordinary place with dramatic views of the World Heritage Ilulissat Ice Fjord. Your tour arrangements include return Greenland flights, accommodation, some great guided excursions and more.
Itinerary
Day 1 Copenhagen - Kangerlussuaq
Make your own way to Copenhagen Airport for your flight to Kangerlussuaq. As the aircraft approaches Greenland, the sight of Nunataks or glacial islands and the enormous icy desert give a tantalising glimpse of what awaits you! A local guide will meet you upon arrival and help you to check in at the Polar Lodge, just next to the airport complex, with stunning scenery including views of the steep Mt. Hassel. After check-in, a local guide will give you further information about the next few exciting days and your excursions. It is now time to experience the former American airbase on a guided tour by bus, giving you insight into the area’s fascinating history and nature. Two nights in Kangerlussuaq.
Day 2 Inland Ice Cap & optional Northern Lights Hunt
The area around Kangerlussuaq is the only inhabited place in Greenland's vast inland. Today enjoy a trip to the Inland Ice Cap, for the unique opportunity to stand on top of ice that is many, many metres thick and very old! The inland ice sheet covers 80 percent of Greenland's surface and is second in size only to the ice sheet in Antarctica. We drive in a 4WD vehicle through a stunning and varied terrain. As the road comes to an end, we approach the Ice Sheet itself by Point 660, where we spend some time in this enormous world of ice before returning to our vehicle. The trip offers great opportunities for spotting reindeer, musk oxen and, depending on the season, many different species of birds and, possibly, some hares. The actual part of the Ice Cap visited will depend upon the weather. Tonight, you can add an optional search for the fabled northern lights. Kangerlussuaq is one of the best places to see northern lights in Greenland because of it's very stable climate. We drive away from the village into the dark night and watch for the stunning sight of nature's own light show to (hopefully!) start. To see the fluttering curtain of light in various shades of green is an unforgettable sight. 2nd overnight in Kangerlussuaq.
Day 3 Kangerlussuaq - Ilulissat
Today continue to Ilulissat, on a short flight which showcases the magnificent icy landscapes, the barren wilderness and the magnitude of this land. On arrival in Ilulissat, transfer to the hotel and meet a local guide for an information meeting and briefing. Enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel tonight. Five nights in Ilulissat at Hotel Arctic.
Day 4 Ilulissat: Town Sightseeing
Enjoy a guided tour of the town. You will learn about the town's history and visit the old part of town with buildings from the very start of the Danish trading era, as well as the busy fishing harbour, the old church and the museum. You'll also see some of the many husky dogs who live here, waiting for winter and the dog sledding season to start! 2nd overnight in Ilulissat.
Day 5 Ilulissat: Ice Fjord Cruise
More than 40 million tonnes of ice flow out into the Ilulissat fjord every day, and the result is gigantic icebergs, which can be more than 100m across and 100m above the water. These giants strand at the end of the fjord. Today enjoy a cruise amongst the icebergs, for a close look at their amazing shapes and majestic size. 3rd overnight in Ilulissat.
Day 6 Ilulissat: Walk to Sermermiut
This morning enjoy a beautiful guided walk along the UNESCO designated Ilulissat Ice Fjord to Sermermiut. For 4,000 years, three different Inuit cultures lived here, in this fertile valley next to the Ice Fjord, and traces from these settlers can still be seen. Enjoy the flowers as well as the fantastic icebergs, and during the walk your guide will tell you all about the local flora, fauna, geology and the Inuit people's life and traditions. 4th overnight in Ilulissat.
Day 7 Ilulissat: Day at Leisure OR optional Helicopter Tour (Oct-Nov only)
Day free to relax, enjoy the amazing views, shop for some unique souvenirs and walk in the areas in and around the town. 5th overnight in Ilulissat.
Optional Helicopter tour: Ilulissat Ice Fjord and the Kangia Glacier are in focus on a 1½ hours helicopter ride that takes you right into the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. No boat or hiking trail can get this close to the huge glacier – and you will see it all from above! The helicopter takes off from Ilulissat Airport and flies as low as safety and laws allow over mountains, lakes, rivers, and the Icefjord until we reach a mountain at the ice sheet’s edge. Here we have about half an hour to enjoy the view. Then, we fly over the glacier front and follow the Icefjord for 70 kilometers on our way back. Min. 3 pax.
Day 8 Ilulissat - Kangerlussuaq - Copenhagen
Transfer to the airport for your flight from Ilulissat to Kangerlussuaq, and on to Copenhagen. On arrival at the airport there, your tour arrangements end.
2024 departures:
17, 24 September
01, 08, 15, 22, 29 October
05, 12, 19, 26 November
03, 10 December
Notes:
Tour costs are based upon a certain package price class on the included flights. If this class has sold out, the final price may be higher and will depend upon the availability of other classes at the time of booking.
