Summary
Short description
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Ilulissat at the mouth of Greenland's Disko Bay
Highlights
- Come face to face with giant icebergs
- Experience unique inuit culture
- Stay in a selection of hand-picked accommodation
- Relax with spectacular glacier views
- Explore on a programme of included touring
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Activity adventure | History & culture | Independent tour | Natural world | Summer | Wildlife | Winter
Visit Ilulissat in western Greenland, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and see gigantic icebergs on this spectacular tailor-made journey. The best time to travel is during the summer months of July and the beginning of August when you can experience the long midsummer nights. The Arctic summer is short and intense and flora and fauna explode in a wealth of colours. The ice fells glitter snow white or blue on their trip through the fjords: an inviting landscape perfect for hiking treks, sailing and fishing.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
Fly to Copenhagen
Fly London Heathrow to Copenhagen. Check into the Clarion Hotel Copenhagen airport which is attached to the terminal. The hotel is just a 15-minute metro journey from the centre of Copenhagen, giving you plenty of opportunity to explore this city before your onward flight tomorrow.
Stay: Clarion Hotel Copenhagen Airport (Superior)
Day
2
Ilulissat awaits
Grab an early breakfast at the Clarion Hotel and then it’s just a short walk to check in for your flight to Ilulissat (via Nuuk). As you fly, take in the magnificent Arctic landscape, the barren wilderness, and the magnitude of the Inland Ice Cape. On arrival you will take the Hotel Arctic transfer bus to your hotel, where a local guide will brief you about the city, the area, dining and excursion possibilities.
We have included an easy guided walking tour of the town where you can begin to absorb some of the history of this 18th century trading post and enjoy its sedentary vibe against the backdrop of the unmissable icefjord. Later this evening, enjoy a welcome dinner in the restaurant at the Hotel Arctic.
Stay: Hotel Arctic, Ilulissat, Greenland (Superior)
Meals: B D
Day
3
Hikes, Sled Dogs & Icebergs
Enjoy breakfast before enjoying a guided walk to the old settlement at the Ice Fjord. This easy walk provides a beautiful backdrop for the 4,000-year-old settlement of Sermermiut, as you admire the spectacular, constant icebergs floating by, before hearing about Inuit life and traditions.
Next, you'll get acquainted with Greenland's iconic sled dogs and their crucial role in the traditional Greenlandic way of life. Meet these hardworking canines and hear captivating tales of their indispensable assistance in the Arctic.
Later this afternoon, experience the magnificent Ilulissat Ice Glacier up close on a boat trip as you witness it calving massive icebergs into the fjord. In the vibrant Arctic summer, this breathtaking sight will leave you awestruck. The rest of the day and evening are left to enjoy at your leisure. You can once again enjoy dinner at Hotel Arctic (pay locally) or venture back into town for more culinary adventures.
Stay: Hotel Arctic, Ilulissat, Greenland (Superior)
Meals: B
Day
4
Epic Eqi Glacier
Only a few places in Greenland are as beautiful as the Eqi Glacier, which spills into the fjord 80 kilometers north of Ilulissat. Today's full-day excursion adventure takes you there on a boat trip. Departing Ilulissat, you'll sail along the scenic coast, passing Bredebugt, Oqaatsut, and the Pakitsoq fjord system – where whales and seals may be spotted – before navigating the Ataa Strait, surrounded by dramatic mountains, abundant birdlife, and cascading waterfalls. Once you arrive, the ice-reinforced boat anchors near the glacier for approximately two hours, allowing you to witness ice calving while enjoying a delicious lunch. The sound of calving is loud, and the sight of the ice crashing into the water is breathtaking.
The length of the boat trip to and from the glacier can last between 2 – 5 hours each way depending on the boat used on the day. Speak with our specialists if you wish to overnight at Eqi Glacier or Ilimanaq Lodge.
Meals: B
Day
5
Whale watching
Getting close to the majestic whales is an overwhelming experience – a feeling that will give you a rush and leave you with memories for a lifetime. Greenland’s waters are home to around 15 species of whales, and during the summer months, the humpback, fin, and minke whales are the most commonly seen.
These whales migrate throughout Disko Bay, often near the town, the Icefjord, or further north. Today, the use of a fast Targa boat allows you to cover more ground, increasing your chances of encountering these magnificent creatures.
Return from your whale watching excursion and spend the evening at leisure. Alternatively, opt for further excursions including kayaking or a helicopter flight.
Stay: Hotel Arctic, Ilulissat, Greenland (Superior)
Meals: B L
Day
6
Return to Copenhagen
Leaving with great memories and a camera full of photos today you depart for Copenhagen (via Nuuk) and once again overnight at the Clarion Hotel Copenhagen Airport.
Stay: Clarion Hotel Copenhagen Airport (Superior)
Meals: B
Day
7
Depart for UK
Fly home to the UK or extend your stay in the Danish capital.
Meals: B
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
7-day tailor-made holiday
from £3,860 pp incl. flights
Standard
- Return flights from London to Ilulissat (via Copenhagen and Kangerlussuaq)
- 2 nights at Clarion Hotel Copenhagen Airport on a B&B basis (first and last night)
- 4 nights accommodation at the Hotel Arctic in a standard room on a B&B basis
- 1 x welcome dinner on arrival in Greenland (excl. drinks)
- Return airport transfers to Ilulissat airport
- Cultural and historical city walk (2 hours)
- HIke to the old settlement at icefjord (2 hours)
- Visit to the sled dogs (1 hour)
- Sail amongst ice bergs (2.5 hours)
- Whale Safari in Ilulissat (3.5 hrs)
- Day excursion to Eqi Glacier including lunch (6-12 hours)
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
Meet our experts
Speak to a tailor-made specialist on
You might also like
Tick two off the bucket list on this superb winter itinerary as you pair a Northern Lights cruise along Norway's spectacular coast with a stay in one of Scandinavia’s iconic snow hotels.
Travel to the ultimate Arctic destination on this action-packed winter holiday. To make the most of your stay, we've included a Northern Lights snowcat tour and an evening at an aurora camp.
