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Greenland From the Sea

Ferry from Ilulissat to Qaqortoq with stops en route, plus Narsarsuaq
Sarfaq Ittuk Ilulissat, Greenland © Arctic Umiaq Line

This fantastic exploration tour combines three days travelling by ferry along the spectacular Greenlandic West Coast, with time spent on land in beautiful Ilulissat, the 'Town of the Icebergs', in Qaqortoq and in Narsarsuaq. The complete west coast journey!

Itinerary

Day 1 Reykjavik - Ilulissat: Town Walk and Sunset Cruise Amongst the Icebergs

Make your own way to Keflavik Airport for your flight to Ilulissat. On arrival in Ilulissat, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel, for a welcome meeting and briefing, followed by a guided town walk. Your guide will tell you about the history of Ilulissat and you will visit the old part of town and see buildings from the very start of the Danish trading station, as well as the busy fishing harbour, the old church and the museum. 2 nights accommodation at Hotel Arctic or similar. Dinner at the hotel, then later enjoy a sunset cruise amongst the icebergs. The midnight sun and the warm red colours reflecting in the gigantic icebergs is a fantastic sight. Cruise between the icebergs and enjoy a late drink on "the real rocks"! The cruise includes light refreshments.

Day 2 llulissat: Day at leisure or optional excursions

A day to relax and explore on your own, or join one of the great optional excursions offered as follows, which must be pre-booked:

Home Visit - 1.5hrs: Come join a local family for a cup of coffee. The Greenlanders are famous for welcoming visitors into their homes, inviting everyone over for a cup of coffee and a piece of cake. The latest gossip is shared, and it will also be possible to see the national costume and learn about life so very isolated from the rest of the world.

Cruise to Eqi Glacier & Rodebay - 7hrs: This excursion combines a visit to the tiny settlement of Rodebay with a cruise in front of the 5 km wide Eqi glacier. The Eqi Glacier is very active so we hope for the unique sight of an iceberg 'delivery'! This area is also an excellent place for spotting whales and hopefully the gentle giants of the sea will put in an appearance. Lunch or dinner included.

Visit the Greenlandic Huskies - 1.5hrs: Ilulissat is a dog sledding area in winter and the dogs in town are very happy to have summer visitors! Join in the feeding of a family of dogs; their owner will demonstrate the sledding equipment and tell you all about the lives of the sled dogs in Greenland.

Ilimanaq & Whale Safari - 5-6hrs: Visit the picturesque settlement of Ilimanaq combines with a whale safari cruise in Disko Bay to - humpback whales come to the Disko Bay to feed on capelin, a small herring-like fish. As they are a protected species, the whales are very trusting and can often be seen at very close range (sightings not guaranteed). A packed lunch is included.

Hike the Cecily Trail - 7-8hrs: Discover the different Arctic plants and beautiful icebergs floating in the Disko Bay on this guided full-day hike along the coast. Your guide tells you about the Cecily trail, named after an annual run from Rodebay to Ilulissat, used both by locals and for dog sledding in winter. Packed lunch included. Please note you have to be in good physical shape to participate in this medium level hike.

Day 3 llulissat: Icebergs of Sermermiut and Afternoon Ferry Boarding

Morning walk to the icebergs of Sermermiut. Travel by bus as far as the road goes, then enjoy a beautiful guided walk along the UNESCO designated Ilulissat Ice Fjord to Sermermiut, where traces from three old Inuit cultures can still be seen. Sermermiut is a fertile valley next to the Ice Fjord and here you can enjoy the flowers as well as the view of the fantastic icebergs. Light refreshments are included. In the afternoon, transfer to the pier to board the MS Sarfaq Ittuk ferry, for the 17:00hrs departure on the southbound cruise along the West Coast. There is a short stop in Aasiaat tonight. Three nights on board, outside cabin with private facilities. Meals and snacks available for purchase on board from Cafe Sarfaq.

Day 4 West Coast: Sisimiut, Kangaamiut and Maniitsoq

Today enjoy sailing south along the Greenlandic West Coast. During the morning there will be a stop at Sisimiut, founded in 1756 and Greenland's second largest town, where you can disembark and take a short walk in the town. Later there are other short stops at Kangaamiut and Maniitsoq. 2nd night on board.

Day 5 West Coast: Nuuk, Qeqertarsuatsiaat and Paamiut

This morning the ferry calls in to Nuuk, the small city that is Greenland's capital, a charming town with traditional, brightly coloured houses. Here you can disembark and explore for a brief while, before re-boarding. The ferry then makes further short stops at Qeqertarsuatsiaat and at Paamiut. 3rd night on board.

Day 6 West Coast: Arsuk - Qaqortoq and Disembarkation

Continue sailing in the beautiful South Greenland Archipelago. Early this morning the ferry makes a short stop at Arsuk and then arrives into Qaqortoq at approx. 16:00hrs, where you will disembark and transfer to your hotel for overnight. Dinner at the hotel. 2 nights accommodation at Hotel Qaqortoq or similar. 

Day 7 Qaqortoq: Town Walk + Boat Excursion to the Inland Ice Cap

Qaqortoq, often described as the most beautiful town in Greenland, has a picturesque setting, between the fjord of Qaqortoq and the lake of Tasersuaq. Enjoy a guided walk of the town which includes visiting the old beautiful fountain and the stone sculptures and stone carvings, which form the exhibition “Stone & Man”, and are scattered around town. Afternoon Boat excursion to the Inland Ice Cap - travel by boat across the ice filled Bredefjord towards the impressive Twin Glaciers, for a short stop, before continuing into another fjord with bird cliffs and waterfalls. Please note there is no tour guide on this excursion as you are accompanied only by the boat driver. Dinner at the hotel. 2nd overnight in Qaqortoq.

Day 8 Qaqortoq - Narsarsuaq

This morning transfer to the pier for the helicopter flight from Qaqortoq to Narsarsuaq. Flying in low altitude over the magnificent Arctic landscape is truly memorable! (Please note if there is no helicopter availability due to weather or other factors, the transfer from Qaqortoq-Narsarsuaq will be by boat through the fjord). In Narsarsuaq, transfer to your hotel. Time at leisure-perhaps visit the local museum. Dinner at the hotel. 1 night accommodation at Hotel Narsarsuaq or similar.

Day 9 Narsarsuaq - Reykjavik

Today transfer from the hotel to the airport, for your flight back to Reykjavik Domestic Airport. On arrival at the airport there, your tour arrangements end.


2024 departures: every Friday from 07 June to 06 September

Notes:

The price is based upon a certain class on flights to and from Greenland - if this class has sold out, the final price may increase, depending on the availability and cost of other classes at the time of booking.

Nordic Travel is 100% Australian owned and operated