Essential West Greenland
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!
Highlights
- Disko Bay with its icebergs of all shapes and sizes rising majestically from a sea of deep dark blue
- idyllic Sermermiut valley, home to native Greenlanders for thousands of years
- option to take a midnight sun cruise on the bay - sailing amongst the icebergs is amazing
- visit a local settlement, see the ways of Greenlandic hunters and experience the hospitality of the locals
What's Included
- Accommodation in rooms with private facilities
- All breakfasts,1 dinner
- Excursions as per itinerary
- Return flights from Iceland to Greenland
Full description
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.
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.
Prices & Dates *
Airfares start from around £100 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.
From prices per person based on 2 sharing a room with private bathroom
| Departure | Duration | Option | Twin Price | Single Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3rd Jun - 28 Aug 2019 | 4 nights | Option A - 2 nights in Reykjavik, 2 nights in Ilulissat (Hotel Arctic) | £2,169 | £2,479 |
| 31st May - 31st Aug 2019 | 5 nights | Option B - 2 nights in Reykjavik, 3 nights in Ilulissat (Hotel Arctic) | £2,319 | £2,704 |
| 3rd Jun- 28th Aug 2019 | 6 nights | Option C - 2 nights in Reykjavik, 4 nights in Ilulissat (Hotel Arctic) | £2,469 | £2,929 |
| 3rd Jun - 28th Aug 2019 | 6 nights | Option D - 2 nights in Reykjavik, 2 nights in Ilulissat (Hotel Arctic) and 2 nights at Ilimanaq Lodge | £3,144 | £3,843 |
Option A departs every Monday & Wednesday. Option B departs every Friday. Options C & D depart every Monday.
What's Included
- All rooms with private facilities:
- 2 nights in Reykjavik on breakfast basis, 2, 3 or 4 nights at Hotel Arctic on breakfast basis
- Welcome and farewell dinner at Hotel Arctic (2-course set menu)
- Scheduled return flights between Reykjavik City Airport and Ilulissat
- Return transfers from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik
- Return transfers from Ilulissat Airport to accommodation
- Airport taxes
What's Not Included
- International flights to and from Iceland
- Transfers between accommodation in Reykjavik and Reykjavik City Airport
- Insurance policy upgrades
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- Travel insurance
Itinerary & Accommodation
Itinerary & Accommodation
Day 1: Arrive in Iceland
After transferring to your accommodation in Reykjavik explore the capital and enjoy dinner at one of the many fabulous restaurants that the capital has to offer.
Day 2: Reykjavik – Ilulissat
Today 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 before your welcome dinner.
Days 3 & 4 at leisure
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 amongs the iceberg and even a home visit sharing the gossip with the locals over a cup of coffee. Or you may just wish to sit on the hotel balcony and watch the gigantic icebergs float by!
Day 5: Ilulissat – Reykjavik
Today transfer to airport for return flight to Reykjavik. Take a short taxi ride (payable locally) to Reykjavik accommodation.
Day 6: Depart Iceland
Transfer to Keflavik airport in time for your flight home.
Ilimanaq Lodge
Greenland
Grade: Standard
Type: Hotel
Located just south of Ilulissat, Ilimanaq Lodge features 15 modern and comfortable cabins which are staggered along the ocean front.
Discover More
Hotel Arctic
Grade: Superior
Type: Hotel
The world's most northerly 4-star hotel, located in Ilulissat with spectacular views out over Disko Bay's sparkling and monumental icebergs.
Discover More
Hotel Cabin, Reykjavik
Iceland
Grade: Standard
Type: Hotel
Superb value for your money, this 252-room hotel is for guests looking for simple yet comfortable accommodation.
Discover MoreExcursions
Eqip Glacier
from: £363
7 hours Jun-Aug
A glacier whose face stretches for a full five kilometers, the Equip glacier is the only one in the Ilulissat area that regularly calves.
Discover more
Home Visit
from: £41
2 hours Year round
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.
Discover more
Ilimanaq Hunter’s Settlement
from: £180
6 hours Year round
Greenland
Hunting has been a part of Greenland's traditional culture for centuries and understandably so.
Discover more
Ilulissat City Walk
from: £40
2 hours Year round
Greenland
A guided city walk, this tour takes guests through the history of Ilulissat itself.
Discover more
Midnight Cruise to the Ice Fjord
from: £117
2.5 hours Year round
Greenland
This cruise combines two of the Arctic's most impressive and iconic sights, icebergs and the midnight sun.
Discover more
The Hunter’s Settlement – Rodebay
from: £447
7 hours Year round
Greenland
Travelling by boat to the small settlement of Oqaitsut/Rodebay, this tour takes visitors to a traditional hunter's settlement.
Discover more
The Icebergs of Sermermuit
from: £54
4 hours Year round
Travelling by bus, this tour will take visitors to the end of the road, literally.
Discover more
Ilimanaq and Whale Safari in Disko Bay
from: £293
6 hours Year round
Greenland
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.
Discover moreFind a holiday idea or suggested itinerary that inspires you, then send an enquiry or call us
Your dedicated travel specialist will create a quote based on your preferences
Together we’ll refine your itinerary until you’re happy and ready to book
From the moment you book until you return home we’re here for you no matter what
You may also like
Greenland Base Camp
South Greenland Adventure
Traditional East Greenland
- Experienced destination experts
- Dedicated travel specialist throughout
- Flexible and hassle free
- Tailor made holidays to suit you
- First-hand destination experience
- Inspirational and authentic itineraries
- Local award winning guides
- Honest, trustworthy, established
- 24-hr support whilst on holiday
- Full financial protection
- No surcharges
- Travel disruption protection