The Great Greenland Adventure

Fly from Copenhagen to Nuuk and continue on a domestic flight to Qaqortoq, South Greenland’s largest town. Check in at Hotel Qaqortoq, beautifully located overlooking the harbour and decorated with artworks by local artists. Join a guided walk to explore this charming town, known for its colourful houses, creative spirit, and the ‘Stone and Man’ sculpture project initiated by artist Aka Høegh. Visit Great Greenland to learn about traditional sealskin craftsmanship blended with modern design. (D)

Spend the day exploring Qaqortoq at your own pace or together with your guide. Visit the tourist office for a map of the town’s rock sculptures, stroll across the river, stop by the lively local market Brættet, or explore the charming museum — the town’s oldest building, dating back to 1804. Join a guided hike around Lake Tasersuaq, an eight-kilometre trail through Qaqortoq’s beautiful backcountry, or choose one of two optional excursions (additional cost). Experience a traditional Greenlandic kaffemik at Nanna’s home, where you’ll be welcomed with coffee, cake, and warm hospitality, or take a scenic boat trip to Uunartoq Island’s natural hot springs. Relax in 38°C geothermal pools surrounded by drifting icebergs — a truly unforgettable experience. (B)

Please note: If you choose to take the optional excursion to Uunartoq, there won’t be time for the Tasersuaq hike or the Kaffemik. Important: The Uunartoq excursion must be booked in advance.

After breakfast in Qaqortoq, set sail through the Igaliku Fjord, visiting three remarkable locations. First, explore Hvalsey Church ruins, Greenland’s best-preserved Norse site, steeped in history dating back to 982. Next, visit Upernaviarsuk, an experimental agricultural station showcasing innovative Arctic farming techniques. Finally, arrive in the picturesque village of Igaliku, once the Norse bishopric of Gardar. Stroll among the ancient ruins and modern homes surrounded by green fields and dramatic mountains. Stay at Igaliku Country Hotel, where you’ll enjoy two days in this stunning, tranquil setting. (B,L,D)

After breakfast begin exploring Igaliku’s remarkable Norse ruins, which are even more extensive than those found in Qassiarsuk. Once the bishop’s seat of Gardar from 1100 to 1400, this historic site showcases impressive stonework, including the unique multi-coloured Igaliku Stone, a reddish sandstone found only in the area. For those seeking adventure, embark on a scenic 17-kilometre hike to a plateau offering panoramic views of the Qooroq Icefjord. From this elevated vantage point, admire the majestic icebergs stranded on the underwater moraine and the massive glacier feeding the fjord. Savour a packed lunch while taking in the breathtaking surroundings. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, set out along the historic Kongevejen (“King’s Road”), a scenic trail through rolling hills and green valleys leading to Itilleq. From here, board a boat for an unforgettable journey into Qoorooq Icefjord, where countless icebergs drift in a landscape of dazzling blue and white. Continue by boat to Qassiarsuk, a small farming village and the historic site of Brattahlid, where Erik the Red settled over 1,000 years ago. Visit the reconstructed Norse longhouse and Tjodhilde’s Church, part of the UNESCO-listed Kujataa World Heritage area. Enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the fjord before returning to Igaliku for dinner and a relaxing evening at the bygdehotel. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, board the boat back to Qaqortoq, a scenic one-hour journey. Spend the day exploring the town at your leisure or join an optional excursion to the Hvalsey Church Ruin, Greenland’s best-preserved Norse site and the location of the last recorded event of the Norse in Greenland — a wedding in 1408. Later, embark on the coastal ship Sarfaq Ittuk and begin your northbound voyage. Settle into your cabin, enjoy dinner on board, and watch the rugged coastline drift by as the ship makes brief evening stops in several coastal towns, including Narsaq. (B, D)

Continue north along Greenland’s spectacular west coast aboard Sarfaq Ittuk, the coastal ship connecting remote communities. Relax on deck or in the lounge as dramatic fjords, steep cliffs, and drifting icebergs pass by - a perfect day for reflection, photography, and conversation with locals. Along the way, the ship makes brief stops in several settlements, including Arsuk, known for its clear waters and quiet charm; Paamiut, with its colourful houses and beautiful wooden church; and Qeqertarsuatsiaat, one of Greenland’s oldest settlements, where traditional fishing and hunting remain central to daily life. (B, L, D)

Today arrive early morning in Nuuk, transfer to your hotel and check in. Begin your day with a guided city tour of Nuuk. Visit the Colonial Harbour, the National Museum to see the Qilakitsoq mummies, traditional national costume, and the qajaq, and continue to Our Saviour’s Church (1849), the Parliament, and the Atlantic Harbour. End at Katuaq, the town's cultural hub. In the afternoon, opt for a boat trip to Qooqqut Fjord, sailing through the world’s second-largest fjord system. Try fishing and have your catch prepared by a renowned chef at Qooqqut Nuan’ Restaurant, nestled among towering mountains. Explore rare Greenlandic trees or hike for stunning photos while you wait. (B)

Take an internal Air Greenland flight to Ilulissat and transfer to your hotel. Begin with a two-hour guided tour exploring Ilulissat’s cultural and historic highlights, including the Zion Church, fish market, harbour, and viewpoints, while learning about the city’s origins and development. Later, walk to the Sermermiut Settlement, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located south of Ilulissat, this area was home to Inuit cultures for 4,000 years. Explore turf hut ruins and permafrost along a wooden walkway, and hear stories of Inuit traditions before European contact. The trail leads to Nakkaavik, a stunning viewpoint. (B)

Spend the day exploring Ilulissat at your own pace or enjoy one of the town’s many scenic hiking routes — your guide can suggest local favourites suited to all levels. For those who wish, join an optional whale safari among the icebergs of Disko Bay. Up to 15 whale species inhabit these waters, and in summer, humpback, minke, and fin whales are often seen surfacing against a backdrop of glittering ice - an unforgettable experience. (B)

Today, sail to Ilimanaq and stay overnight in the stunning cottages at Ilimanaq Lodge. After a boat ride through the Ice Fjord, you'll reach the village in about an hour. Ilimanaq, a traditional village with around 50 inhabitants, is known for its vibrant houses and relies on hunting and fishing. After settling in, explore the quiet village and relax. Dinner will be served in a historic 1751 building, offering a delicious three-course meal using local ingredients. (B,D)

• Hotel Description

Today is free to enjoy as you please - perhaps relax on your terrace, wander through the village or go hiking. Lunch is a packed sandwich. For the adventurous, there's an optional Ilimanaq Glacier Adventure, which includes a speedboat ride, ATV off-road driving, and a glacier trek. You'll explore the Tasiusaq Fjord, enjoy lunch with stunning views, and hike onto the Greenland Ice Sheet. This excursion is suitable for those without neck or back issues, and participants must be 12 or older. Take the afternoon boat back to Ilulissat. Enjoy a farewell dinner tonight at your hotel (B,L,D)

After breakfast transfer to the harbour and board your boat back to Ilulisat where you will board another boat to sail north from Ilulissat to the spectacular Eqi Glacier, keeping watch for seals and whales along the way. As the boat approaches the towering glacier front, you may be lucky enough to witness the unforgettable sight of ice calving into the sea. Check in to your accommodation at the Eqi Glacier Lodge. There is a café, where you can purchase a selection of beverages, including beer, wine, spirits, sodas, and some snacks. Your guide can arrange hikes in the area, such as excursions to the lagoon and moraine, offering breathtaking views of the Eqi Glacier. Whether you choose to join a hike or simply relax and soak in the rugged yet stunning landscape - perhaps from the cabin's terrace, choice is yours. (B,L,D)

• Hotel Description

The day is yours to enjoy at leisure, or you can opt for a scenic hike. Embark on a 4-5 hour trek from Glacier Lodge to the moraine at Eqi Glacier. While the hike is moderately challenging with some hills, you'll also cross a small river and ascend slightly to reach the perfect vantage point at the moraine’s edge. From there, you’ll be rewarded with an awe-inspiring view of the immense glacier. Around 2pm we’ll set sail back to Ilulissat, arriving late in the afternoon. (B,L,D)

This day is at your leisure with plenty of options for hiking in the Ilulissat area, suitable for all levels. Your guide can suggest some great routes, and Greenland offers countless hiking opportunities. For those seeking adventure, there are optional excursions available, including an evening cruise among the icebergs of Ilulissat Icefjord, where towering ice giants glow under the midnight sun.  Alternatively, opt for a Helicopter Tour over Ilulissat Ice Fjord and the Kangia Glacier. This one-and-a-half-hour flight offers a unique view of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, flying over mountains and glaciers for an unforgettable experience. (B)

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