Explore the best of West Greenland on this escorted small group tour, which takes you from Narsarsuaq north to Ilulissat. Experience the incredible contrasts between south and north, the astonishing landscape and the beauties of nature, exploring the countryside, settlements and towns. Your tour arrangements include flights to and from Iceland, visits to the historical sites of Erik the Red's settlement and the Gardar Bishopric, a short voyage on board the coastal ferry sailing along Greenland's spectacular west coast, Qooroq Glacier, Qaqortoq Fjord, the capital Nuuk, Ilulissat Ice Fjord, the amazing calving glacier Eqi and more!
Itinerary
Day 1 Keflavik – Narsarsuaq
Make your own way to Keflavik International Airport, Iceland, for your flight to Narsarsuaq. On arrival in Narsarsuaq, check in at your hotel. Narsarsuaq sits on Tunulliarfik Fjord next to a deep valley that points directly toward the Inland Ice Cap. Time at leisure. After dinner, you might like to join a guided hike towards Signal Hill, for a breath-taking view of the airport area, Bratthalid, and the Ice Sheet. Remember it does not get dark until very late, thanks to the Midnight Sun! Welcome dinner and overnight in Narsarsuaq at Hotel Narsarsuaq or similar.
Day 2 Narsarsuaq - Qassiarsuk - Qooroq Fjord - Igaliku: Viking Ruins of Eric the Red
In the morning, transfer by boat to Qassiarsuk, located at the bottom of Tunuliarfik, and the place where Erik the Red settled when he discovered "the green land" in 985AD. Visit the restored ruins of Erik's settlement, Brattahlid, and see reconstructions of the original longhouse and church, for an insight into life in Greenland so long ago. This afternoon continue into beautiful Qooroq Fjord to Itilleq - from here it is a one hour easy walk to Igaliku, along the old King's Road. Igaliku is a beautiful, small farming settlement at the bottom of the Igaliku Fjord, surrounded by a lush, green landscape, with steep, bare hills in the background. Here, Norsemen established the Gardar Bishopric and the remnants of the small cathedral are still visible between the colourful houses. Two nights in Igaliku at Igaliku Country Hotel.
Day 3 Hiking Around Igaliku Qooroq Glacier
The wonderful area around Igaliku is perfect for hiking - Igaliku is a UNESCO World Heritage Site today, where in the past, farmers created a very special Arctic agricultural area. Enjoy a guided hike from Igaliku north to a fantastic vantage point, with a view of the Qooroq Glacier and the Ice Cap in the back ground. The Qooroq Glacier produces no less than 200,000 tonnes of ice every 24 hours! On the way, pass a small lake where there are excellent opportunities to find moonstones. 2nd overnight in Igaliku.
Day 4 Igaliku - Qaqortoq
Today we sail to Qaqortoq through fantastic scenery with icebergs, cliffs and maybe a glimpse of sea eagles and seals. We pass Hvalsey, a beautifully situated church ruin with a view of the fjord Qaqortup Ima, to arrive at Qaqortoq early in the afternoon. After check-in at the hotel, enjoy a guided walk around the town, picturesquely located between the Qaqortoq Fjord and the great Lake Tasersuaq. The town is characterised by colourful houses, gardens with flowers and herbs, a fountain from the 1930s and the modern stone sculpture project Stone and Man, carved directly into the cliffs. Overnight in Qaqortoq at Hotel Qaqortoq or similar.
Day 5 Qaqortoq: Day at Leisure then Board the Ferry
Today experience Qaqortoq on your own - explore the sculptures scattered around town, take a walk over the river and visit the fish and meat markets, and the museum, which is also the oldest house in town, built in 1804. Optional guided hike in the hinterland of Qaqortoq. Optional excursion to Uunartoq Hot Springs. In the evening we board the coastal ferry where you can relax on board and enjoy the view of coastline while looking for whales and seals. Overnight on board.
Day 6 At Sea: Cruising toward Nuuk
Relax on board and enjoy the views - from the deck, you have a perfect view of the amazing coastline with its remote areas, hilly landscapes, icebergs in different sizes and colours, and the reflection from the sun. 2nd overnight on board.
Day 7 Arrive in Nuuk
We arrive in Nuuk today and disembark, then time at leisure. The smallest and northernmost capital in the world awaits you. This fascinating town of contrasts will offer you a glimpse of old Greenlandic culture and beautiful Arctic nature, whilst providing the convenience of a small, modern city with good restaurants, great shopping and comfort. Approximately 16,000 people live in Nuuk and the town is situated in a beautiful fjord system, where in summer whales come in close and can be seen from the shore. Enjoy a guided city tour which will include the Greenland National Museum, which houses a wonderful collection of artifacts and exhibits related to Greenland's archaeology, history, art, and handicrafts, and the famous Qilakitsoq mummies. We also visit the beautiful cultural house Katuaq with a facade shaped and inspired by the famed Northern Lights. Then walk through the old town to the statue of Hans Egede which overlooks the old colonial harbour, with the fjord and the mountains in the background. Optional Boat Trip to Qooqqut to catch your own late lunch - Fish and Dish at Qooqqut Nuan Restaurant. Afternoon at leisure and overnight in Nuuk at Hotel Hans Egede or similar.
Day 8 Nuuk - Ilulissat : Guided Town Walk and Sermermiut
Today we take the short flight from Nuuk to Ilulissat; on arrival check in at the hotel and time at leisure. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of the town; your guide will introduce you to a place where modern and traditional life meet and show you the old part of town, with buildings from the very start of the Danish trading station, as well as the busy fishing harbour, the old church and the museum. Later join a guided light hike to Sermermiut; Sermermiut means "the glacier dwellers," and for more than 4,000 years, different Inuit cultures inhabited this fertile valley, about 1.5km from the centre of Ilulissat, where you can enjoy the wildflowers as well as the view of the fantastic icebergs. The hike is an easy one along a boardwalk and path. Optional evening boat excursion on Ilulissat Icefjord. The sun and the warm red colours reflecting on the gigantic icebergs is a fantastic sight as you cruise between the icebergs. Overnight in Ilulissat at Hotel Arctic or Hotel Ilulissat.
Day 9 Ilulissat - Ilimanaq - Eqi Glacier - Glacier Lodge Eqi
We depart in the morning from Ilulissat and travel by boat towards Ilimanaq, which is located 15km south of Ilulissat. Sail northwards from Ilimanaq to the Eqi Glacier, looking out for seals and whales. As we reach Eqi, the boat sails close to the impressive glacier front, where you may be lucky enough to witness small calvings. Afterward, we go ashore at the Glacier Lodge Eqi, located in the middle of nature with beautiful direct views of the glacier. We will spend two nights in small and cosy private wooden cabins - the Standard Cabins have no running water, electricity or sanitary facilities, and have a gas stove for heating and candles as a light source. Toilets and showers are located on-site at Café Victor. Optional upgrade to Eqi Comfort Cabin - with full bathroom, shower, wash basin, flushable toilet and under floor heating. Your guide will offer you a choice of hiking trips in the area, including trips to the lagoon and the moraine, which offers a spectacular view of the Eqi Glacier. Join a hiking trip or meditate amid the harsh, desolate and beautiful landscape – perhaps out on the cabin's terrace.
Day 10 Glacier Lodge Eqi
The day is free at leisure or you can hike 4-5 hours from Glacier Lodge to the moraine at Eqi Glacier. The hike is not too difficult, but it is a bit hilly, and you should be prepared to cross a small river and then climb up the mountain a bit to get the right view of the board from the moraine edge. Once you’ve done that, you’ll get the most amazing view of the giant glacier.
Day 11 Glacier Lodge Eqi - Ilulissat Aurora Cabin
At noon, we will sail back to Ilulissat with arrival late in the afternoon. Enjoy the passing scenery while looking out for whales. Fin whales and humpback whales, among other species are often spotted in this area. Time at leisure. Two nights at Hotel Arctic Ilulissat in an Aurora Cabin. The glass-walled cabins are well equipped with private facilities offer a spectacular view of Disko Bay. Under the midnight sun, you can gaze out over the illuminated landscape.
Day 12 Ilulissat Aurora Cabin
Day at leisure in Ilulissat. There are many options for hiking in the Ilulissat area, and your guide can give you some good tips. Optional Whale Safari among Icebergs in Disko Bay. Second overnight in an Aurora Cabin at Hotel Arctic.
Day 13 Ilulissat - Ilimanaq
Sail to Ilimanaq past the mouth of the Ice Fjord and stay overnight in the stunning cottages at Ilimanaq Lodge. After check in, learn more about the village. Ilimanaq lies 15km south of Ilulissat and has approximately 50 inhabitants. It is a traditional Greenlandic village where the main industries still are hunting and fishing. Houses are painted in many stark colors as a contrast to the surrounding landscape. Relax, take a walk in the quiet village, and enjoy the view from your terrace. This evening, you will dine in a historic building from 1751 in one of the world’s most remote restaurants. Here, you’ll be served a delicious menu created largely with delicious local ingredients. Optional meal upgrade to 2-star Michelin KOKS Tasting Menu.
Day 14 Ilimanaq - Ilulissat
Day at leisure in Ilimanaq. After breakfast, check out of you cabin and choose from a guided walk around the settlement and hear more about Ilimanaq. Alternatively, you can go hiking or participate in a cultural workshop. You can also book the excursion mentioned below since you are already in Ilimanaq. Optional Ilimanaq Glacier Adventure - sail in a speedboat, drive off-road with ATVs, and trek on a glacier. Return to Ilulissat by boat late afternoon and check in to your hotel. Enjoy a farewell dinner tonight at the hotel.
Day 15 Ilulissat – Keflavik
Transfer to the airport for the flight from Ilulissat to Keflavik International Airport, Iceland. On arrival at the airport your tour arrangements end.
2024 departures:
15, 29 June
10 August
Notes:
Maximum Group Size: 11 persons
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.
