Greenland’s Icebergs & Ilimanaq Lodge Adventure

Fly with Air Greenland to Ilulissat, on arrival transfer to the Hotel Arctic and check in. Today enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of the cultural and historic highlights of Ilulissat. Begin at the historical Hotel Hvide Falk and pass the Zion Church, the local fish market, the museums (entry not included), the harbour and different great viewpoints along the way. Hear about the origin of Ilulissat and how the city has developed over the years. Tonight enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel's restaurant (drinks not included). (B,D)

• Hotel Description

Beautiful icebergs are the setting for the old settlement Sermermiut, located one and a half kilometres south of Ilulissat. Walk along a wooden walkway and see turf hut ruins and listen to the guide’s stories about Inuit people’s life and traditions before the Europeans came to Greenland. Later enjoy an excursion to meet Greenland’s iconic sled dogs in their natural habitat. Learn about their cultural importance, history, and modern role, with respectful, guided interaction and insight into traditional sledding gear and practices. (B)

• Hotel Description

Today is free to explore Ilulissat at your own pace or simply relax and admire the ever-changing scenery of Disko Bay. Included this evening is a memorable boat trip among the towering icebergs of the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord. As you cruise between these frozen giants, witness one of Greenland's most extraordinary natural spectacles, with colossal icebergs calved from the Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier drifting silently through the fjord. The changing Arctic light creates beautiful colours and reflections, making every sailing unique.

For a different perspective, you can choose from a range of optional excursions, including kayaking among the icebergs in the birthplace of the kayak or an unforgettable helicopter flight over the Icefjord and glacier, offering breathtaking aerial views of this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B)

• Hotel Description

In the afternoon enjoy a Whale Watching Excursion. In Greenlandic waters you can see around 15 whale species. Three of these are in Greenland during winter months; the beluga whale, narwhal and Greenland whale. In the summer it is usually the humpback whale, minke whale and the fin whale that you can spot. The whales swim in the Disko Bay, or sometimes close to the city, in the ice fjord or up north at Arveprinsens Ejland. On this excursion the operators are in constant radio contact with the city's fishermen and hunters, so they almost always find them. (B) 

• Hotel Description

This morning sail south of the Icefjord to Ilimanaq, a journey that takes around 45 minutes. Here, stay in the amazing cabins at Ilimanaq Lodge. Learn more about the village on a short walking tour. Ilimanaq is located 15 kilometres south of Ilulissat and has about 50 inhabitants living in brightly coloured houses. Ilimanaq is a traditional Greenlandic settlement where the main industries are still hunting and fishing. In the afternoon enjoy life from the terrace of your cabin overlooking the sea. In the evening, dinner is served in a restored colonial building. (B,D)

• Hotel Description

Today is free to enjoy Ilimanaq. The nature surrounding Ilimanaq is perfect for hikers. Choose your own adventure while keeping a sharp eye out for musk-oxen and other wildlife. Or perhaps join an optional excursion Ilimanaq Glacier Adventure which includes a ride on a speedboat, off-roading with ATVs and a glacier trek. Please contact our Greenland specialists to add this excursion. (B,L,D)

• Hotel Description

After breakfast, return by boat from the peaceful settlement of Ilimanaq to Ilulissat and continue your Arctic adventure with a full-day cruise to the spectacular Eqi Glacier, around 80 kilometres north of the town. One of the few places in Greenland where you can safely witness a glacier calving into the sea, Eqi offers an unforgettable display as huge blocks of ice break away from the glacier front and crash into the fjord below. The journey follows the dramatic coastline past the settlement of Oqaatsut and through the scenic Ataa Strait, where whales and seals are often spotted. Your ice-strengthened boat remains in front of the glacier for around two hours, giving you plenty of time to admire this remarkable natural spectacle while lunch is served on board. Return to Ilulissat this evening. (B)

• Hotel Description

Today transfer to the airport for the flight back to Copenhagen. (B)