Absolute summertime in Greenland! 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 breathtaking sight with its vertical ice wall of up to 60m. Welcome dinner at Roklubben and overnight at Hotel Kangerlussuaq or similar.
Day 2 Kangerlussuaq - Nuuk Town Walk - 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 inspired 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 three nights. 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 - Maniitsoq Town Walk - Sisimiut
During the morning we dock at Maniitsoq for approx. 3.5 hours, with time for a guided town walk. To experience a great town view, you can climb one of the many staircases in Maniitsoq. After walking 470 steps up to the Sakkortusaavik, you’ll get an amazing 360-degree panoramic view. However, if you are not walking well on stairs, there are other sightseeing options. Continue by ship further up the coast of Greenland. At approx. 10pm, arrive in Sisimiut and dock until approx. 10:30am tomorrow. 2nd night on board.
Day 4 Sisimiut Town Walk
Morning guided town walk. Sisimiut is the second largest town in Greenland. The colour palette of the houses provides a stunning contrast to the undulating rocky area. Visit the local museum and walk through the old, lovely district with the original colonial buildings. Continue northwards by ship at approx. 10:30am. 3rd night on board.
Day 5 Ilulissat Town Walk and Whale Safari
Early morning we approach Ilulissat on the ferry, enjoy the sight of the icebergs in magnificent Disko Bay. Transfer and check in at Hotel Arctic or similar, 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. Whale Safari among icebergs in Ilulissat this afternoon. In the waters of Greenland, 15 species of whale can be found. Spend the next 3 nights in Ilulissat.
Day 6 Ilulissat: Evening Sail on Ilulissat Icefjord
Enjoy Ilulissat at your own pace today. Consider joining a hike to Sermermiut, an old settlement right at the mouth of the icefjord where giant icebergs have stranded on an old moraine. Along the way, you can also visit the wonderfully beautiful Icefjord Center with exhibitions about ice and the UNESCO World Heritage area. Optional Kayaking experience 3.5 - 4 hours, with at least 2 hours at sea. 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 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. Optional day tour to Eqi Glacier. Farewell dinner at the hotel this evening. 3rd night in Ilulissat.
Day 8 Ilulissat - Kangerlussuaq - Copenhagen
Bringing home a wealth of experiences from this amazing land, we fly to Copenhagen via Kangerlussuaq, arriving at Copenhagen Airport in the evening. On arrival at Copenhagen Airport your tour arrangements end.
2024 departures:
06 June
04 July
01, 29 August
Notes:
Maximum Group Size: 15 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.
