Disko Bay & Eqi Glacier

Ilulissat is the best known town in Greenland and is beautifully situated besides one of the most productive glaciers in the world, at the mouth of a 40 kilometre ice-fjord filled with gigantic icebergs as tall as skyscrapers with only one tenth of their volume visible above the water.  Stay at the modern 4-star Hotel Arctic located on the outskirts of town which offers outstanding views of the icebergs in the bay. 

Combine stays in Ilulissat with two nights at the fabulous Glacier Lodge Eqi. Eqi glacier is the only glacier in the Ilulissat area where it is possible to experience glacier calving: stay in a cabin and awake to the sound of icebergs crashing into the sea. There are 10 huts at Glacier Lodge Eqi, all with outstanding views of the Eqi glacier. Stays here are on a full board basis and there are a number of local hikes possible from the Glacier Lodge to the lagoon, the moraine and the glacier itself.

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1

FLY TO ILULISSAT

Fly to Ilulissat with Air Iceland from Reykjavik domestic airport. Transfer to the Hotel Arctic and check in for two nights. Attend a welcome meeting before enjoying a walking tour of the town to learn about its history. (D)

Accommodation

Hotel Arctic

• Hotel Description

DAY 2

ILULISSAT

Free day in Ilulissat to explore at leisure or take optional excursions. Why not take a boat trip to the small Inuit settlement of Oqaitsut, also known as Rodebay. This isolated village has a local population of around 40 people who are totally dependent on fishing and hunting. Enjoy a guided walk including lunch at the old trading station.

Or fly by helicopter over mountains and fjord systems before reaching Ilulissat Ice Fiord, which is now on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Land in front of the glacier wall and enjoy a glass of champagne before following the fjord 55km to the open sea and circle over the huge icebergs.

Our travel specialists can give you advice and their own suggestions on the array of day trips in Ilulissat. (B)

Accommodation

Hotel Arctic

• Hotel Description

DAY 3

ILULISSAT

Free day in Ilulissat to explore at leisure or take optional excursions. Book an optional excursion and embark on a trip to Eqi, the only glacier in the Ilulissat area where it's possible to experience calving. Cruise in front of the 5 km-wide glacier for around one hour, hoping to witness the unique sight of an iceberg delivery. Continue to the small settlement of Ataa, the former trading station, and enjoy a delicious two course lunch including a glas of wine. On the return boat journey to Ilulissat it's often possible to spot whales among the icebergs.(B)

Accommodation

Hotel Arctic

• Hotel Description

DAY 4

ILULISSAT TO EQI GLACIER

After breakfast, transfer to the harbour for the boat trip to Glacier Lodge Eqi. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Please note that this boat trip takes around two hours and unfortunately disembarking at Glacier Lodge Eqi is not suitable for those in wheelchairs or with walking difficulties. (B,D)

DAY 5

EQI GLACIER

Embark on a hike to the Glacier Lagoon. Walk around the small lagoon at the southern end of the glacier and spot the large flocks of geese in the lagoon in breeding season. Continue further up the moraine and look down into the enormous cracks in the glacier, before admiring the panoramic view of a large part of the 70 metre high glacier front and look for calvings. (B,L,D)

DAY 6

EQI GLACIER TO ILULISSAT

The morning is at leisure. After lunch, transfer by boat back to Ilulissat. On arrival transfer to Hotel Arctic. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B,L,D)

Accommodation

Hotel Arctic

• Hotel Description