Essential West Greenland
Essential West Greenland
from £2,105 excluding flights
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Highlights
Take a guided walk around the fishing town of Ilulissat
Marvel at the icebergs of Disko Bay
Visit the tiny settlement of Rodebay on an optional excursion
Bask in the glow of the midnight sun
Experience the hospitality of the locals
Spend a night in Reykjavik either side of your Greenland adventure
Why this trip...
Explore at leisure
With the route, transport and accommodation sorted, each day offers the freedom to explore
Culture
Experience local culture and heritage as part of this holiday
Tailor made
This itinerary can be tailor made to suit you and is intended to give you a guideline of what is possible in a given timeframe
Overview
This flexible trip based in Ilulissat offers the perfect Greenland introduction - visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site of Disko Bay and one of the world's most active glaciers! Head out from Ilulissat each day for some incredible experiences unique to this wilderness island. You'll return home with memories of icebergs, Inuit and huskies, plus a lot more besides!
The modern town of Ilulissat sits approximately 200km above the Arctic Circle, mid way along the west coast at the mouth of a 56km long ice fjord, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ilulissat's population numbers around 4,500 people and at least 4,000 sled dogs, which underlines the importance of the sledge as a means of transport, even in a large modern town. The harbour is full of fishing boats and trawlers as naturally, fishing remains hugely important to the community.
Ilulissat is also home to the new ‘Kangiata Illorsua’ Icefjord Centre. The Icefjord Centre’s excellent ‘Tale of Ice’ exhibition is well worth a visit and explains the history of the region’s glaciers, its indigenous culture, and the impacts of climate change.
Explore Disko Bay
Why not make the most of your trip to west Greenland and extend your stay in the smaller towns and settlements in the Disko Bay surroundings. Located just South of Ilulissat, Ilimanaq is a remote and authentic Greenlandic destination with just over 53 inhabitants. The settlement boasts 15 brand new modern cabins which have fantastic views of the ocean and the icebergs drifting by – if you are lucky you may even spot a whale from the comfort of your room!
Combine Ilulissat with Qasigiannguit, a small hiking town located in the eastern corner of Disko Bay. Qasigiannguit is Greenland’s second oldest town, founded in 1734. North of Ilulissat is the settlement of Qqaatsut/Rodebay and the Eqip glacier, two more places you have the option of exploring during this trip.
Itinerary
The below itinerary is based on Option C as referenced under Prices & Dates.
Day 1 arrive in Iceland
Fly to Keflavik Airport and transfer to your accommodation in Reykjavik for an overnight stay. Explore this vibrant city and enjoy dinner at one of the many fabulous restaurants that the capital has to offer.
Fly to Keflavik Airport and transfer to your accommodation in Reykjavik for an overnight stay. Explore this vibrant city and enjoy dinner at one of the many fabulous restaurants that the capital has to offer.
Day 2 Reykjavik - Ilulissat
Take a short taxi ride (payable locally) to Reykjavik City Airport, for your flight to Ilulissat. Transfer to Hotel Arctic and enjoy a short city tour. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel.
Take a short taxi ride (payable locally) to Reykjavik City Airport, for your flight to Ilulissat. Transfer to Hotel Arctic and enjoy a short city tour. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel.
Days 3-4 at leisure
Spend the next two days at leisure for optional excursions to discover more about daily life in the Arctic. Choose from gentle walks to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ilulissat Icefjord, boat trips among the iceberg and even a home visit sharing the gossip with the locals over a cup of coffee. Perhaps visit the new and informative Icefjord Centre, or just sit on the hotel balcony and watch the gigantic icebergs float by!
Spend the next two days at leisure for optional excursions to discover more about daily life in the Arctic. Choose from gentle walks to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ilulissat Icefjord, boat trips among the iceberg and even a home visit sharing the gossip with the locals over a cup of coffee. Perhaps visit the new and informative Icefjord Centre, or just sit on the hotel balcony and watch the gigantic icebergs float by!
Day 5 Ilulissat - Reykjavik
Transfer to the airport for the return flight to Reykjavik City Airport. On arrival, take a short taxi ride (payable locally) to your Reykjavik accommodation for one night.
Transfer to the airport for the return flight to Reykjavik City Airport. On arrival, take a short taxi ride (payable locally) to your Reykjavik accommodation for one night.
Day 6 depart Iceland
Transfer to Keflavik airport in time for your flight home.
Transfer to Keflavik airport in time for your flight home.
Excursions
Enhance your holiday by pre-booking a selection of excursions and activities. View or download the pdf and then talk to our Travel Specialists about how best to fit these into your holiday.
Open Excursions PDFPrices and Departures
Price from £2,105 excluding flights
Airfares are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport. Note: some holidays to Greenland include domestic flights - please refer to the inclusions below.
What's Included
- Return flights between Iceland and Greenland
- Accommodation in rooms with private facilities
- All breakfasts and 1 dinner
- Return transfers from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik
- Return transfers from Ilulissat Airport to accommodation
- 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
- No surcharge guarantee
- Full financial protection
From prices per person
Based on 2 sharing a room with private bathroom
| Departure | Duration | Departure Day | Option | Twin Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jun - 27 Aug | 4 nights | Mon & Wed | Option A - 2 nights in Reykjavik, 2 nights in Ilulissat (Hotel Arctic) | £2,105 |
| 19 Jun - 11 Sep | 5 nights | Fri | Option B - 2 nights in Reykjavik, 3 nights in Ilulissat (Hotel Arctic) | £2,255 |
| 1 Jun - 14 Sep | 6 nights | Mon | Option C - 2 nights in Reykjavik, 4 nights in Ilulissat (Hotel Arctic) | £2,405 |
Flights
Prices above include flights between Iceland and Greenland only. Airfares to Iceland start from around £250 per person and are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.Meet our expert
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Tailor made trips
As independent destination specialists, we are able to tailor make holidays to suit you, be that customising the itineraries shown on this website or creating something bespoke.
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