Experience the beauty of autumn in the Arctic on this captivating adventure combining Greenland’s rich culture and spellbinding landscapes. From Copenhagen, you’ll fly to Nuuk, enjoying a guided walking tour of Greenland’s capital city and ample time to explore independently before boarding the Sarfaq Ittuk ferry for a spectacular voyage along the west coast. Your destination is Sisimiut, a colourful town just inside the Arctic Circle, where you’ll meet Greenlandic sled dogs, immerse yourself in Inuit culture, hunt the Northern Lights and embark on a sea safari in search of whales and seals. There’s also the chance to sample traditional Greenlandic delicacies on a culinary wilderness tour, while the hotel’s Arctic Spa offers the perfect spot to relax and recharge between your exhilarating outdoor pursuits.
Greenland Autumn Adventure: Nuuk, Sarfaq Ittuk & Sisimiut
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At a glance…
Combine stays in Greenland’s two largest cities, Nuuk and Sisimiut, with a voyage aboard the Sarfaq Ittuk coastal ferry.
» 10 day tailor-made holiday
» Accommodation: Superior A higher standard of accommodation with a better range and quality of facilities, often in a good location (typically 4 stars)
» Price from: £3,780 pp incl. flights
Day by day itinerary
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Day 1 » UK to Copenhagen
Your trip begins with a flight to Copenhagen, Denmark’s delightful capital. On arrival, make your way to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day exploring the city at leisure. Whether you’re strolling along Nyhavn (the iconic 17th-century canal lined by colourful townhouses), climbing the Round Tower, dipping into the world-class culinary scene or chasing thrills at Tivoli Gardens, it’s an endlessly captivating city that will leave you wanting to come back for more.
Stay: 71 Nyhavn, Copenhagen
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Day 2 » Fly to Nuuk & enjoy guided walking tour
This morning, you’ll fly from Copenhagen to Nuuk (a journey of four-and-a-half hours). Greenland’s capital city is small by European standards, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in rich cultural heritage, a fascinating mix of traditional and modern architecture, and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. On arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in the city centre, where you’ll receive an introductory talk before setting off on a guided walking tour.
Along the way, you’ll check out the Greenland National Museum, explore the historic neighbourhood of Old Nuuk and visit the famous Hans Egede statue overlooking the colonial harbour before rounding off your tour at the Katuaq Cultural Centre. This striking piece of modernist architecture serves as Nuuk’s cultural hub, hosting concerts, exhibitions and a cinema. In the evening, take your pick from Nuuk’s eclectic variety of restaurants, which cover everything from Greenlandic specialities to authentic Thai cuisine and pizza, perhaps followed by a drink or two at the local microbrewery, Godthåb Bryghus, or the hotel’s own rooftop bar.
Stay: Hotel Hans Egede, Nuuk
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 3 » Nuuk at leisure & board Sarfaq Ittuk
After breakfast, enjoy a free day exploring Nuuk at leisure. Take a stroll along the wooden boardwalk that runs along the seafront, check out the Nuuk Art Museum, visit the Myggedalen viewpoint and perhaps indulge in a spot of souvenir shopping. You’ll also find a handful of cosy cafes where you can stop for a hot drink and a bite to eat.
In the evening, it’s time to head to the ferry port to board Sarfaq Ittuk – a passenger ferry that sails between the settlements dotted along Greenland’s west coast, operated by Arctic Umiaq Line. It’s a truly authentic experience, offering superb views as well as the chance to mingle with locals and deepen your understanding of Greenland’s culture and traditions along the way. Although not luxurious, the cabins are comfortable and equipped with en-suite bathrooms, while the onboard restaurant serves hearty meals based on fresh, locally sourced produce. After dark, if the sky is clear, you may be able to watch the Northern Lights out on deck.
Stay: Sarfaq Ittuk ferry
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 4 » Sail aboard Sarfaq Ittuk & arrive in Sisimiut
Enjoy a plentiful breakfast onboard as your voyage continues north along the coast, briefly docking in Maniitsoq en route. At around 6.30pm, you’ll arrive in Sisimiut – Greenland’s second-largest town, just inside the Arctic Circle. Upon disembarking Sarfaq Ittuk, a bus transfer will bring you to your cosy hotel, where you’ll be based for the next five nights of your trip. After an introductory talk from your local guide, enjoy a delicious welcome dinner at Restaurant Nasaasaaq, whose menu features a bounty of fresh seafood and Greenlandic meats (including the likes of musk ox and caribou) as well as pizzas and burgers.
Before heading to bed, be sure to take a look outside to see if the Northern Lights are active. You’re also welcome to unwind at the hotel’s Arctic Spa throughout your stay, which includes access to a sauna and outdoor hot tubs.
Stay: Hotel Sisimiut, Sisimiut
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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Day 5 » Sisimiut bus tour & guided cultural walk
After breakfast, a guided bus tour will provide a thorough introduction to local life in Sisimiut, passing by a plethora of colourful timber houses en route. You’ll begin at the old heliport, which now serves as a kennel for sled dogs, before stopping at a traditional fish and meat market. Then, you’ll continue to the highest point of the town for terrific views, followed by a visit to the southern end of the town where many original fishing and hunting huts can still be seen. Finally, you’ll conclude the tour in the historic centre, home to colonial-era buildings that date back to the 1700s, now housing the Sisimiut Museum.
Having got your bearings, later on you’ll set off on a guided cultural and historical walking tour to the nearby Tele Island (Sallinnguit), where various Inuit cultures have lived for over 4,000 years. Explore the remains of the former settlement, learn about the history of the Inuit prior to the arrival of Europeans, and take in the beautiful views of the town and the ancient hunting grounds.
Stay: Hotel Sisimiut, Sisimiut
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 6 » Greenlandic sled dogs experience & Northern Lights ATV safari
Today, you’ll get to meet Greenlandic sled dogs – the only breed of dog found north of the Arctic Circle in Greenland and an integral part of the Inuit way of life over the centuries. Renowned for their energy, tenacity and stamina, these dogs remain a crucial mode of transport in Greenland today. You’ll learn all about the history of these dogs and their importance to local life, as well as getting to pet them and take photographs. It’s important to remember, however, that they aren’t fully domesticated, so you should always carefully follow the instructions of your guide when interacting with the dogs.
Later on, you’ll embark on an exhilarating Northern Lights hunt in the Nasaasaaq Valley outside Sisimiut, travelling by ATV. Your first stop is at the base of the prominent Nasaasaaq Mountain before continuing deeper into the valley, far away from any artificial light pollution. Once you’ve reached an ideal viewing spot, you’ll switch your engines off and, with a little luck, marvel at the Northern Lights casting their ethereal green glow in the night sky. Your guide will serve a warm drink and share stories about the aurora while you admire this celestial phenomenon. Finally, return to Sisimiut for the night.
Stay: Hotel Sisimiut, Sisimiut
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 7 » Sea safari in Sisimiut
Today’s adventure sees you sail from Sisimiut out to the nearby islands and fjords on a sea safari. As you go, be sure to keep a close eye out for whales, seals and a vast array of sea birds. You’ll also be treated to terrific views of the mainland and Nasaasaaq Mountain behind Sisimiut. Back on land, the remainder of the day is yours to spend at leisure, perhaps enjoying a leisurely stroll through town and hunting for souvenirs. And, of course, there’s always the prospect of a relaxing hot tub and sauna session at the hotel’s spa.
Stay: Hotel Sisimiut, Sisimiut
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 8 » Culinary wilderness tour in the mountains
Leaving Sisimiut behind, you’ll venture out into the wilderness to Kisaq Lodge, nestled at the foot of Mount Kangerluarsunnguaq. The landscapes are simply awe-inspiring, especially when bathed in soft, autumn light. Here, you’ll prepare a traditional Greenlandic meal over an open fire, featuring the likes of musk ox and reindeer meat, alongside other delicious local delicacies. Tuck into the fruits of your labour either indoors or on the open-air terrace, totally immersed in nature’s silence. Nearby, a waterfall cascades down the mountainside into a lake.
As darkness begins to set in, the mountains glow in shades of amber and gold, while the lights of Sisimiut twinkle in the distance and the stars slowly come into view. All the while, your guide will share stories of local myths and legends, further enhancing this soulful experience.
Stay: Hotel Sisimiut, Sisimiut
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 9 » Return to Copenhagen
Enjoy one final breakfast in Sisimiut before catching a flight back to Nuuk, where you’ll switch to a larger aircraft for your onward journey to Copenhagen.
Stay: Clarion Hotel Copenhagen Airport
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 10 » Return to UK
Depending on your flight time today, you may have some spare time to explore Copenhagen a little further before heading back to the airport for the final leg of your journey back to the UK.
Meals: Breakfast
Gallery
To book call us on:
At a glance…
Combine stays in Greenland’s two largest cities, Nuuk and Sisimiut, with a voyage aboard the Sarfaq Ittuk coastal ferry.
» 10 day tailor-made holiday
» Accommodation: Superior A higher standard of accommodation with a better range and quality of facilities, often in a good location (typically 4 stars)
» Price from: £3,780 pp incl. flights
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