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greenland disko bay sunset over ice floes near ilulissat istk

Essential West Greenland

From £4996

Excluding Flights

5-6 Nights

Jun-Sep

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.

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

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.

Transfer back to Keflavik Airport for your flight to Ilulissat. Transfer to your hotel in Ilulissat (advised upon confirmation based on availability) and enjoy a short city tour. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel.

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 relax back at your hotel and watch the gigantic icebergs float by!

Optional Experiences

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Ilimanaq and Whale Safari in Disko Bay

In the summer months, Disko Bay attracts large pods of the incredible humpback whale to its waters, where the animals feel on the capelin, a small herring-like fish that can be found here.
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Sunset Cruise to the Ice Fjord

This cruise combines two of the Arctic's most impressive and iconic sights, icebergs and the midnight sun.
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Home Visit (Coffee Mik)

A visit to a Greenland home is more than just stopping by for coffee, it is a glimpse at the local culture which has thrived on this northern island for centuries.

Transfer to the airport for the return flight to Keflavik Airport. On arrival, take a short taxi ride (payable locally) to your Reykjavik accommodation for one night.

Transfer to Keflavik airport in time for your flight home.

Prices

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 £4996 Excluding Flights

5-6 Nights

Jun-Sep

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.

Make this trip yours

Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.

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We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch. 

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