The month of May is a wonderful time to be in Greenland. The start of warmer temperatures transforms the otherwise white carpet of this vast landscape! This escorted tour is the perfect introduction to the beauty of Greenland's Arctic nature and to Inuit culture. Start in Kangerlussuaq, then fly to Nuuk, and enjoy two nights on the leisurely coastal ferry to Ilulissat, the town of the icebergs, a wonderful place with dramatic views of the World Heritage Site of Ilulissat Ice Fjord. Your tour arrangements include return flights to Greenland from Copenhagen.
Itinerary
Day 1 Copenhagen - Kangerlussuaq
Make your own way to the airport for your Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq flight. The first sight of Greenland from the air is truly special! Check in at Hotel Kangerlussuaq, right next to the airport. After being welcomed by your tour leader, excursion to the Ice Sheet Point 660 (5hrs), the second largest ice sheet in the world and covering 80 percent of Greenland. It is a truly unique experience to look at the enormous field of ice and feel the forces of nature. Along the way, we pass the spectacular Russell Glacier – another breath taking sight with its vertical ice wall of up to 60m. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Kangerlussuaq or similar.
Day 2 Kangerlussuaq - Nuuk - Board the Coastal Ferry
After breakfast, we fly from Kangerlussuaq to Nuuk. The landmark of Nuuk, Sermitsiaq Mountain, gives you a majestic welcome and the fantastic fjord system showcases Greenland's unique natural beauty. Here we enjoy a guided sightseeing tour where you will be introduced to the main attractions, including the Greenland National Museum, the beautiful arts centre of Katauaq, with a façade inspied by the Northern Lights, and the beautiful old district of town with the statue of the explorer Hans Egede looking across the old colonial harbour, the fjord, and the mountain range in the distance. The afternoon is free for you to explore the town on your own. A wide selection of local arts and crafts can be found in the small shops of the town, selling everything from small, delicate earrings to seal skin fur coats. Evening embarkation on board the ship Sarfaq Ittuk as we travel towards Ilulissat over the next two days. The coastal vessel sails up and down along the west coast and is also used by Greenlanders themselves. As the vessel lands in the coastal towns, there is a wonderful atmosphere of activity and joyful reunion. Perhaps sit in the indoor panoramic lounge located at the back of the vessel or in one of the many outdoor areas where you can enjoy the clean air from a deck chair. 1st night on board.
Day 3 At sea, stop at Sisimiut with guided town walk
During the morning we will sail past both Maniitsoq and Kangaamiut. Later there will be a stop at Sisimiut, founded in 1756 and Greenland's second largest town, where you can disembark and enjoy a guided walk in the town. Sisimiut has been inhabited for the last 4,500 years, by the Inuit peoples of the Saqqaq culture, the Dorset culture, and the Thule culture, and is a town where the colour palette of the houses provides a stunning contrast to the undulating rocky area. We will visit the local museum and walk through the old district with the original colonial buildings. 2nd night on board.
Day 4 Arrival in Ilulissat and guided sightseeing tour
As we approach Ilulissat on the ferry, enjoy the sight of the icebergs in magnificent Disko Bay. Transfer and check in at your hotel. Then enjoy a sightseeing tour of the town with an introduction to the history and culture and a visit to the museum, the old colonial houses, the beautiful and simple Zion's Church, and the lively harbour. Spend the next 4 nights in Ilulissat at Hotel Arctic or similar.
Day 5 Ilulissat: Hike to Sermermiut and Sail on Illulisat Icefjord
This morning, guided hike to Sermermiut, an old settlement right at the mouth of the Icefiord where giant icebergs have stranded on an old moraine. 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. 2nd night in Ilulissat.
Day 6 Ilulissat: Ilimanaq excursion
Excursion by boat through the Icefjord to Ilimanaq, 15km south of Ilulissat. Guided tour of the settlement, with stories of life here both in the present and in the past. The trip is about five hours, with 2-3 hours in Ilimanaq. Remainder of the day at lesiure. 3rd night in Ilulissat.
Day 7 Ilulissat: Day at Leisure
Further time to explore Ilulissat on your own. Perhaps follow in the footsteps of Knud Rasmussen at the local museum and end your stay in Greenland with a shopping trip in the local stores and souvenir shops. Farewell dinner at the hotel this evening. 4th night in Ilulissat.
Day 8 Ilulissat - Kangerlussuaq - Copenhagen
Bringing home a wealth of experiences from this amazing land, fly to Copenhagen via Kangerlussuaq, arriving at Copenhagen Airport in the evening. On arrival at Copenhagen Airport your tour arrangements end.
2024 departures:
02, 09, 16, 23 May
Notes:
Maximum Group Size: 31 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.
