This epic trip is the perfect introduction to the cultural delights and natural wonders of West Greenland in summer. After a night in Copenhagen, you’ll fly out to Nuuk, where you’ll have the chance to explore the sights of Greenland’s compact but fascinating capital city, and discover the world’s second-largest fjord system, before heading north to Ilulissat, 300 kilometres inside the Arctic Circle. Here, you’ll be greeted by mesmerising views of gigantic icebergs that flow down the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord, fed by one of the world’s fastest-moving and most active glaciers. Between a guided sightseeing tour and a hike to the ancient Inuit settlement of Sermermiut, you’ll gain a fascinating insight into the town’s rich cultural heritage. Then, you’ll sail south for two nights at Ilimanaq Lodge – a stunning, eco-friendly collection of bungalows in a remote settlement on the shore of Disko Bay, where you’ll be treated to authentic, locally sourced Greenlandic cuisine throughout your stay. Finally, return to Ilulissat for the chance to spot whales among the icebergs – the perfect way to round off your adventure before returning to Copenhagen.
West Greenland Explorer: Nuuk, Ilulissat & Ilimanaq
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At a glance…
A perfect introduction to the mesmerising natural wonders and rich cultural tapestry of West Greenland.
» 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: £4,770 pp incl. flights
Day by day itinerary
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Day 1 » Depart for Copenhagen
Your trip begins with a flight from the UK to Copenhagen. On arrival, make your way to your hotel, which is housed within two converted brick warehouse buildings overlooking Nyhavn – the famous 17th-century canal lined with a colourful array of townhouses that make for one of Copenhagen’s most photogenic views. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, whether you feel like exploring Nyhavn, crossing over the harbour for a stroll around the delightfully laid-back canal district of Christianshavn, taking in historic landmarks such as Amalienborg Palace and Rosenborg Castle, or perhaps checking out Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen’s iconic amusement park. If a spot of shopping takes your fancy, be sure to head to Strøget, one of Europe’s longest pedestrianised streets.
Stay: 71 Nyhavn, Copenhagen
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Day 2 » Copenhagen to Nuuk
After breakfast, return to Copenhagen Airport, from which you’ll fly directly to Nuuk – a journey of around 4 hours and 50 minutes. On arrival, an included transfer will bring you to your hotel, conveniently positioned right in the centre of downtown Nuuk, where your guide will host a welcome meeting. It’s a compact city, home to just 19,500 people, but Nuuk offers a fascinating introduction to urban life in Greenland. You’ll have the chance to explore it in depth on a guided sightseeing tour, which includes a visit to the Greenland National Museum, the Colonial Harbour and Kalaaliaraq, a traditional market where the likes of locally caught fish, seals and reindeer meat are sold. The tour rounds off at the Katuaq Cultural Centre, one of Nuuk’s most striking examples of modern architecture, hosting concerts, exhibitions, conferences and a cinema.
We have also included a boat trip along the Nuuk Fjord, the world’s second-largest fjord system, during which you’ll be treated to magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and potentially sail past icebergs along the way.
Stay: Hotel Hans Egede, Nuuk
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 3 » Nuuk to Ilulissat
This morning, an included transfer will take you back to Nuuk Airport for your flight (1 hour 20 minutes) to Ilulissat, Greenland’s third-largest settlement, located on the shore of Disko Bay, 300 kilometres inside the Arctic Circle. In the West Greenlandic language (Kalaallisut), Ilulissat means ‘icebergs’ – a fitting name for the town, given the steady stream of enormous icebergs that float past it all year round, fed by Sermeq Kujalleq, one of the most active and fastest-moving glaciers on Earth. On arrival, a transfer will bring you to your hotel, nestled on a rocky promontory with superb views of Ilulissat and the icebergs floating across Disko Bay.
After an introductory talk and some time to settle in, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Ilulissat on a guided walking tour, providing a richly informative introduction to the town’s cultural heritage. Along the way, you’ll pass through the harbour area, meet local vendors at the market and visit the Zion’s Church, the oldest timber church in Greenland, dating back to 1779. In the evening, a delicious welcome dinner is served at the hotel’s fabulous restaurant.
Stay: Hotel Arctic, Ilulissat
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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Day 4 » Sermermiut hike & sailing among icebergs
Today, you’ll set off on a guided hike to Sermermiut, an ancient settlement just outside of Ilulissat where numerous Inuit peoples lived for around 4,000 years. As you go, you’ll hear stories of Greenlanders’ life and customs prior to the arrival of Europeans, see ruins from the former settlement and feel the permafrost with your hands. While enlightening from a cultural and historical perspective, this is also an excellent spot from which to marvel at the icebergs. Later on, you’ll get even closer to the icebergs on a boat trip which will take you to the mouth of the Icefjord to marvel at these majestic natural sculptures as they glisten beneath the warm, celestial glow of the Midnight Sun.
Stay: Hotel Arctic, Ilulissat
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 5 » Optional day trips from Ilulissat
Feel free to spend the day in Ilulissat at leisure, or choose from a couple of optional day trips which offer new and spectacular perspectives on the natural wonders of the surrounding region. One of these is a day trip by boat to Eqi Glacier, 80 kilometres north of Ilulissat, where you’ll get to watch enormous chunks of ice calving off the glacier from a safe distance. Lunch is included as part of this excursion. Alternatively, for something truly unforgettable, you could take a helicopter tour during which you’ll fly right above the Greenland ice sheet, the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier and the Ilulissat Icefjord, allowing you to witness this stunning spectacle from the ultimate vantage point.
Stay: Hotel Arctic, Ilulissat
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 6 » Sail to Ilimanaq Lodge
Today, you’ll set sail south from Ilulissat to Ilimanaq, a tiny settlement that’s home to just 50 residents and some of the oldest buildings in Greenland – carefully restored and now operating as the reception and restaurant of Ilimanaq Lodge, where you’ll be spending the next two nights. This collection of sleek, sea-facing bungalows is a shining example of innovative, eco-conscious design, all of them running on solar energy and fitted with large windows and balconies looking out across Disko Bay. It’s a place to disconnect, recharge and embrace the tranquility of the Greenlandic nature. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a whale passing by from your terrace.
Once you’ve settled into your cabin, you’ll head out on a short guided tour of the village, whose timber buildings come in shades of blue, green, red and yellow. The main industries here are still hunting and fishing, and so it’s an ideal place to learn all about the rural way of life in a remote Greenlandic settlement. This evening, you’ll be treated to an exquisite dinner showcasing local, sustainably sourced produce at one of Greenland’s most revered restaurants.
Stay: Ilimanaq Lodge, Ilulissat Icefjord
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 7 » Relaxation & exploration in Ilimanaq
You’ll have the whole day free to relax and explore Ilimanaq as you please, whether you fancy taking it easy and enjoying the views from your bungalow, spending more time in the village itself, or perhaps seeing a little more of the surrounding area on a gentle hike in the countryside. You needn’t worry about finding somewhere to eat, either – all meals are included throughout your stay at Ilimanaq Lodge.
Stay: Ilimanaq Lodge, Ilulissat Icefjord
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 8 » Whale watching adventure from Ilulissat
Return to Ilulissat today, where you’ll check back into Hotel Arctic. Then, you’ll embark on a thrilling whale watching excursion, during which you’ll have the chance to encounter these remarkable creatures up close. Around 15 species of whale are known to inhabit the waters of Greenland, and in the summer months, humpbacks, minke whales and fin whales are most frequently spotted in the Disko Bay area – sometimes surprisingly close to Ilulissat, sometimes in the Icefjord, and sometimes further out at sea. A fast Targa boat is used to cover lots of ground, and the captains are in regular contact with local fishermen in order to find the whales. There’s also the option to go kayaking among the icebergs today, just as the Inuit people have been doing here for thousands of years.
Stay: Hotel Arctic, Ilulissat
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 9 » Return to Copenhagen
Savour one last view of the icebergs before you depart Ilulissat, flying back via Nuuk to Copenhagen, arriving in the evening. We have included a night at Copenhagen airport for you. Alternatively, enjoy one last night in the Danish capital (supplement may apply) as you reflect on the extraordinary memories collected from your adventures in Greenland.
Stay: Clarion Hotel Copenhagen Airport
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 10 » Return to UK
After breakfast, head to Copenhagen Airport to catch your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
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To book call us on:
At a glance…
A perfect introduction to the mesmerising natural wonders and rich cultural tapestry of West Greenland.
» 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: £4,770 pp incl. flights
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