Over 80% of the world’s largest island is covered in permanent ice, but summer in South Greenland reveals a paradise of verdant valleys, flower-speckled tundra and iceberg-filled fjords. On this invigorating 8-day escorted holiday, you’ll enjoy the flower valley hike, take a glacier walk and travel by Zodiac. The three-centre trip also includes a tour of the Viking ruins of Eric the Red’s farm at Brattahlid.
Iceland
Begin your adventure in Iceland staying at the comfortable Northern Light Inn close to the Blue Lagoon. A dip in the geothermal waters is well recommended.
Qaqortoq
Spend time in the capital of South Greenland, known for its charming harbour, brightly painted wooden houses, and the open-air art project “Stone & Man” which features dozens of rock carvings scattered around the town.
Narsaq, hiking on ice and cruising among icebergs
Narsaq is the starting point for an unforgettable day exploring the glaciers of Bredefjord fjord system. You’ll travel by RIB among icebergs and along the front of three enormous glaciers, cliffs of blue ice rising sheer above you. On one of them – Qaleraliq – you will then be led by an expert guide into a frozen world of crevasses, ice caves and seracs, using crampons to tackle an amazing glacier hike.
Qooroq Icefjord
Take another boat trip to visit Qooroq Icefjord and another key Viking site – Brattahlid – where Eric the Red settled in the year 985. The church ruins and reconstructed longhouse vividly conjure life from the Viking days.
Itinerary
Fly to Iceland and transfer to your hotel (payable locally), a short distance from the airport and close to the world famous Blue Lagoon. If you have time perhaps visit the Blue Lagoon for a dip in its mineral rich waters (pre booking recommended).
Optional Experiences
Blue Lagoon
Transfer (payable locally) to Keflavik Airport and fly to Qaqortoq in South Greenland. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
This morning explore Qaqortoq. Visit the local church, artisan shops or Qaqortoq Museum, which offers insights into the region’s history and culture. This afternoon take a transfer by Rib Boat past majestic icebergs floating in the fjord to Narsaq, the third most populated town in South Greenland.
In the morning set off for Qaleraliq camp towards Greenland’s ice cap. We navigate along the glacier fronts on a RIB boat, admiring the beauty of their vertical ice walls and icebergs to the starting point for our ice trek (2 miles, approx 3-4 hours) on one of the oldest masses of ice in the planet. Accompanied by an expert mountain guide we will explore its crevasses, drains, seracs, and other ice formations, which give an incredible, labyrinthine quality to this glacier. Picnic lunch on the ice or at the camp depending on conditions. In the afternoon, transfer by zodiac boat to Narsaq. Watch for the enormous icebergs falling off from the Eqaloruutsit Glacier and floating through the Sermilik Fjord.
Travel by RIB boat to Narsarsuaq, a town with a significant history as a World War II air base, and home of the Greenlandic Arboretum: one of the most extensive and northernmost botanical gardens in the world. Hike through the Arboretum, as you ascend, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of Flower Valley famous for its vibrant flora during the summer months and the surrounding mountains. At the top, the Ridge offers a breath taking panorama of the Kiattut Glacier.
After the hike, cross over to Qassiarsuk. Visit the church ruins and the settlement of Eric the Red comprising the old Brattahlid, capital of Viking Greenland, and where Erik the Red settled in 985. Walk through the village of about 50 inhabitants, mostly farmers. This Norse and Greenlandic core farming area were in 2017 inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List under the title: Kujataa Greenland: A Norse and Inuit farming landscape on the Edge of the Ice Cap.
Enjoy a city tour of Narsaq, visit the museum, fish market, local handicraft workshop and the church. If time allows there will be a short hike.
This afternoon transfer back to Qaqortoq.
Free time to take a stroll around the city or visit the museum before your flight back to Keflavik. Transfer to your hotel (payable locally), a short distance from the airport
Transfer to Keflavik (payable locally) for your return flight to the UK.
Prices
What's Included
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Return flights between Iceland and Greenland
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Transfers in Greenland
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7 nights accommodation with breakfast in rooms with private facilities
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Guide in Greenland from day 2 to day 6
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1 picnic lunch
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1 dinner in Narsaq
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Boat transfers
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City tour in Qaqortoq
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Guided visit to Brattahlid
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24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
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No surcharge guarantee
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Full financial protection
From £3586 Excluding Flights
7 Nights
Jun-Aug
Prices are per person based upon 2 sharing, subject to availability. Your Travel Specialist will confirm the exact price based upon your tailored requirements, inclusions, and travel dates.
Group Size
There is a minimum of 4 and a maximum group size of 12 passengers.
Our holiday prices include flights between Iceland and Greenland only. Why? Because we want to offer you the best value, tailored to your needs. Flight prices and offers change daily, so when you’re ready to book, we’ll provide a bespoke quote based on the best options from your local airport. This way, you’ll always get the best prices and the flexibility to choose what works for you.
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.
Darren
45
Countries Visited
10
Whale watching trips
Departure & price guide
From prices are per person in a room with private facilities.
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.
Experts with real experience
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Samantha
Travel Specialist
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Rosie
Travel Specialist
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Jenna
Travel Specialist
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Eric
Travel Specialist
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Lauren
Travel Specialist
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Dawn
Head of Customer Experience
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Freya
Travel Specialist
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Darren
Travel Specialist
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Gary
Travel Specialist
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