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Icebergs in the Midnight Sun

5 days
4 nights

Rates

Dates

Rates:

USD
EUR

PER PERSON:

$ 3,700.00 (double / twin occupancy)
$ 3,795.00 (single occupancy)

Dates:

Jun 29, 2024 - Jul 03, 2024 
Jul 13, 2024 - Jul 17, 2024 
Jul 20, 2024 - Jul 24, 2024 
Jul 27, 2024 - Jul 31, 2024 
Aug 03, 2024 - Aug 07, 2024 
Aug 10, 2024 - Aug 14, 2024 
Aug 17, 2024 - Aug 21, 2024 
Aug 24, 2024 - Aug 28, 2024 

Hotels:

Hotel "Arctic" 4* (SUPERIOR ROOM)
Hotel Arctic in Ilulissat is Greenland's most known hotel. It has  spectacular views over Ilulissat town, the Ilulissat Ice Fjord, and Disko Bay. Hotel Arctic is the world's northernmost 4-star hotel with a 5-star conference center. The hotel is just outside of town, a short walk to the town center (app. 1.5 km from the central intersection in town).  The hotel boasts two excellent restaurants, as well as the big patio outside, ideal for sipping a glass of wine as the sun sets over the icebergs of Ilulissat Ice Fjord.

Included:

  • Return flights Keflavík International Airport – Ilulissat
  • Transfers from airport to hotel (return)
  • 4 nights at Hotel Arctic with private facilities
  • Breakfast
  • Welcome dinner on the first day (excl. beverages)
  • Farewell dinner on the last night (excl. beverages)
  • Welcome meeting upon arrival*
  • All flight/transportation taxes and fees known to Greenland Travel at the time of publishing
  • 20 kg of checked baggage and 8 kg of cabin baggage
  • Local English speaking tour guides

Highlights & Experience:

  • Stay in the Town of Icebergs, Ilulissat
  • Sail among gigantic icebergs
  • Experience dramatic, calving glaciers
  • Delve into authentic town and settlement living
  • See the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ilulissat Ice Fjord up close

Optional Services:

Whale Watching in Ilulissat
Getting up close and personal with whales is a wonderful experience. During the summer, whales can be seen swimming in the Disco Bay. Occasionally, they are nearby, occasionally in the Ice Fjord, and occasionally in the far north. We usually find them since the fishermen and hunters inform us of their location. 

  • Whale safari in a fast boat
  • Guide
  • Information about whales
  • Coffee and tea
  • Transfer from the center of town to the harbor and back
  • Duration: 3½ hours

Itinerary:

Discover Ilulissat, the modern Greenlandic town north of the Arctic Circle,  the picturesque Disko Bay, and see the Greenlandic settlement north of the Polar Circle. Watch the calving glaciers and enormous icebergs up close. 

Day 1  : Reykjavik to Ilulissat

From Keflavik International Airport, you travel directly to Ilulissat.

The flight itself is rather exciting as you prepare to land in Ilulissat while cruising at a low altitude over the Inland Ice Cap. When you get to Ilulissat, you will be met by a guide who will tell you about the trips you can take and the things you can do on your own.

Hike to the Ice Fjord and Sermermiut, an abandoned town (included)
1.5 kilometers south of Ilulissat, there is an old settlement called Sermermiut. Beautiful icebergs surround this settlement. For 4,000 years, different Inuit tribes lived in the town, and you can still see signs of their time there. You will learn about the Inuit and their traditions before the arrival of Europeans in Greenland. Additionally, we will point out historical sites along the way, which can be difficult to locate on your own. Finally, before returning, you will enjoy a coffee or tea break at "Kaellingeklften," with a breathtaking view of the Ice Fjord.

Overnight and welcome dinner at Hotel Arctic (Dinner)

Day 2  : Ilulissat

This morning, you can participate in an optional activity.

Whale Safari (optional)
Getting near giant whales is a beautiful experience. There are 15 whale species in Greenland. We typically observe the humpback, the common minke whale, and the fin whale during the summer. At that season, the whales swim across Disko Bay, sometimes near the town, sometimes in the ice fjord, and occasionally north of the island Arveprinsens Ejland. We frequent radio contact with the fishermen and hunters regarding the whales' locations. The humpback, with its distinctive fin, is the species we encounter most frequently. Later, you have to prepare for the evening excursion. 

The midnight sun lengthens the days, and you will feel energized to explore and take advantage of the entire day.In the summer solistice, the sun never sets in the Arctic Circle, resulting in perpetually bright nights. Ilulissat's midnight sun is present from 22 May to 24 July, but there are also exceptionally bright nights in August.

Sailing Between the Icebergs (included)
At least once, almost every tourist to Ilulissat chooses to take this boat tour among the icebergs. More than 40 million tonnes of ice flood into the fjord every day. The floating icebergs are enormous, often exceeding 100 meters in width and reaching 100 meters above the water's surface. At the end of the fjord, these giants amass, giving you a fantastic opportunity to sail among them.

When visiting Ilulissat, you should not miss out on this beautiful experience. The icebergs are a stunning sight regardless of the weather; when the sun is shining, the contrasts are pretty distinct, while the blue hues are strikingly gorgeous when it is gloomy, and the midnight sun puts a unique light on the icebergs at night. The boat ride during the dazzling night is an extraordinary experience.

Remember to bring warm clothing; alternatively, you can rent sealskin apparel.

Overnight in Ilulissat (Breakfast)

Day 3  : Ilulissat

Full Day Eqi Glacier Excursion (included)

Today, you will sail to the famous calving Eqi Glacier. 80 kilometers north of Ilulissat, Eqi Glacier flows into the fjord. It is possible to approach the glacier by boat and witness enormous chunks of ice breaking off. The sound is loud, and the sight of ice shards crashing into the sea is astounding.

During the tour to Eqi Glacier, we sail aboard modern, comfortable boats. The path follows the coast to the north, passing Bredebugt, the settlement of Oqaatsut, and the Pakitsoq fjord system, where whales and seals are frequently observed. We sail across the Ataa Strait, bordered by cliffs and waterfalls teeming with wildlife. Our vessels will wait around two hours before the glacier for ice to break off. In the interim, you will be offered a tasty meal.

This full-day expedition during which you will have the time to immerse yourself in the experience and appreciate the boat ride through the ice-filled waters.

Remember to bring warm clothing; alternatively, sealskin apparel can be rented.

Overnight in Ilulissat (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 4  : Ilulissat

Today is free to explore the town of Ilulissat on your own or participate in exciting activities like kayaking, fishing, helicopter tour and many others. We have not arranged any excusions on this day so you are free to choose your own, or you can just relax and enjoy Ilulissat and the surroundings. At night we have a farewell dinner at Hotel Arctic.

Overnight in Ilulissat (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 5  : Ilulissat to Reykjavik

In the morning, transfer to the airport and flight to Reykjavik (Breakfast).

Notes:

Flight schedule (local times)
Departure from Keflavík International Airport at 8:00 AM and arrival at 09:20 AM.
Departure from Ilulissat at 10:05 AM and arrival at Keflavík International Airport 3:25 PM.

Baggage included
20 kilos of checked baggage and 8 kilos of cabin baggage (max. dimensions of cabin baggage: 55 x 40 x 23 cm).

Travelers with reduced mobility and wheelchair users
We do not recommend this tour for people with reduced mobility and wheelchair users. Greenland Travel’s advice regarding difficulty levels on our excursions is intended for travelers who are not disabled. We are always happy to provide you with information on the suitability of the trip, taking into account the specific needs you may have. Please note that our advice is not based on medical knowledge, and ultimately it is YOUR responsibility to decide if a tour is right for you.