This holiday to Ilulissat "Iceberg Capital of the World" includes lots of must-see experiences such as iceberg and whale watching trips, a guided hike to an old settlement, a walking tour of Ilulissat and a trip to Ilimanaq Glacier. Spend four nights in Ilulissat and experience the incredible light of the midnight sun on this short break to West Greenland.
One of the highlights of any trip to Ilulissat is a boat trip to the UNESCO designated Ilulissat Ice Fjord, which is filled with gigantic icebergs produced by one of the most productive glaciers in the world. With ear-splitting roars they are constantly calving, making giant waves as they crash into the sea.
Fly from Copenhagen to the western Greenlandic town of Ilulissat. Upon arrival meet your local guide and transfer to the Hotel Arctic, which will be your base for 4 nights. This afternoon enjoy a guided walk 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.
Enjoy dinner at your hotel, before heading off on evening cruise to the Icebergs. Almost every visitor in Ilulissat chooses to try this boat trip among the icebergs at least once and the midnight sun casts a unique glow on the icebergs during the night. (D)
This morning head out for a whale watching excursion. In Greenland waters there are around 15 whale species. Three of these are in Greenland during winter months, the beluga whale, narwhal and Greenland whale, while during the summer it's usually the humpback whale, minke whale and the fin whale that can be spotted. The blue whale and orca are only seen rarely.
In the afternoon, travel by bus as far as the road goes and then enjoy a guided walk along the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ilulissat Ice Fjord to Sermermiut to see the traces of ancient Inuit settlements. Sermermiut is a valley next to the ice fjord where inland you will see beautiful Arctic flowers and out to sea, magnificent icebergs. The trip will take about 3 hours. (B)
Today set sail for Itilliup Ilua. On arrival at this sandy bay, climb aboard two large all-terrain vehicles. There are amazing vistas of mountains and the arctic tundra en route to the Tasiusaq fjord system. For thousands of years, the Tasiusaq fjord was a favourite fishing area, but the great activity of past times has ebbed away. From here, continue your voyage on water sailing between icebergs.
After an hour, arrive at Ilimanaq Glacier. The guide will talk about the region’s history and how the ice formed the landscape around you. The walk takes you along the edge of the enormous glacier and along the way, there will be plenty of opportunities to sit down and enjoy a bit of lunch, as well as the views. (This tour does not demand physical fitness beyond the average, but suitable clothing for hiking is a must.).
After an amazing day in the wilderness, enjoy dinner in Ilimanaq’s Restaurant Egede, located in the 18th-century home of Poul Egede (1708-1789, son of Hans Egede). Together with the view of whales frolicking in Disko Bay, it is difficult to imagine a more impressive location for our well-deserved meal before we sail back to Ilulissat. (B, L,D)
Today is left free to explore the town of Ilulissat or perhaps book another excursion - you can go fishing, embark on a scenic flight over the ice fjord, take another hike or arrange a kayaking trip where you can really get up close to the icebergs in the bay. Or equally, you'll enjoy a view of the icebergs over a cold beer on the terrace of the Arctic Hotel. (B)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Copenhagen. (B)
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Price Notes
This is an example itinerary staying in a Qajaq Suite room at the Arctic Hotel, accompanied by a guide price. We can tailor this trip to suit your precise requirements, but please be aware that Ilulissat gets very busy during the summer season from mid Jun to end of August.
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