Summer, Sun and Icebergs in Greenland
Unforgettable Greenland Tour Package from New York!
This is a unique opportunity to experience how life in the Arctic is lived entirely on nature’s terms. On this eight-day visit, you will get up close and personal with nature. You will see the capital Nuuk, Eqi Glacier, and ice, ice, and even more ice in Ilulissat and Disco Bay, beautifully complimented by Greenland’s unique culture and traditional lifestyle in contrast to the influence of the modern way of life.
The contrasts in Greenland are best experienced during the summer when a dense mist can suddenly replace bright sunlight—brown mountains with hints of green versus icebergs in shades ranging from pale opaque to turquoise. Deserted, pristine areas are right next to towns with characteristically brightly colored houses. The light is also unique, especially with the midnight sun’s soft glow around the clock.
Tour Itinerary
A 4-hour flight from Newark to Nuuk, the capital ogf Greenland, offers a convenient and direct route to one of the world’s most remote destinations. This service operates twice weekly during the summer season, from June to September, making it easy for travelers to access Greenland’s breathtaking landscapes.
Upon arrival in Nuuk, passengers are greeted by stunning views of Greenland’s rugged coastline and its capital city, known for its vibrant culture and surrounding natural beauty. This flight opens the door to an unforgettable Arctic adventure.
- Hotels Hans Egede 4* or similar
- Shuttle Transfer
In the morning explore on your own. Discover Nuuk, Greenland’s charming capital, where colorful homes blend with stunning Arctic scenery. Explore the Greenland National Museum, experience local art at Katuaq Cultural Center, and soak in incredible fjord views—a perfect mix of culture and nature!
In the afternoon, the tour continues by plane to Ilulissat. The name "Ilulissat" means icebergs, which is rather self-explanatory once you get to see the beautiful Ice Fjord and the numerous icebergs majestically floating around in the fjord lit up by an almost magical light caused by reflections of the sun.
Upon arrival, transfer to Hotel Arctic, beautifully situated with a view across the Disko Bay. Even the most experienced traveler is blown away by this unique sight.
Ilulissat City Walk: History, Culture and Traditions (included)
With this guided cultural and historical tour, you will gain a better understanding of Greenlandic culture and history and a greater perspective on your experiences in Greenland.
Ilulissat, the third-largest town in Greenland, was founded in 1741. It has more than 5,000 inhabitants and 2,500 sled dogs. The guide will tell you about the town's history, local culture, and the peculiarities of life 300 km north of the Polar Circle. During the tour, you will visit the hunters at their trading posts and the fishermen at the harbor. You will also see the birthplace of the famous polar explorer Knud Rasmussen.
Whale Safari (included)
It is a great experience to get close to large animals like whales. There are 15 species of whales in Greenland. During the summer, we normally see the humpback, the common minke whale, and the fin whale. The whales swim the entire Disko Bay during the summer, sometimes close to the town, sometimes in the ice fjord, or up north by the island, Arveprinsens Ejland.
We are constantly in radio contact with fishermen and hunters about the whales and their whereabouts. The humpback, with its characteristic fin, is the one we see most often. Today, you also have the opportunity to try kayaking in the country that invented kayaks.
- Breakfast
- Hotel Arctic 4*
- Shuttle Transfers
Ilulissat lies at the mouth of the 50-kilometer long and world-famous Ilulissat Ice Fjord, which in 2004 was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ice is enthralling and can be experienced at sea, on land, and from the air.
Sermermiut: Hike to the Old Settlement by the Ice Fjord (included)
Beautiful icebergs provide the setting for the old settlement of Sermermiut, 1.5 kilometers south of Ilulissat. For 4,000 years, different Inuit cultures lived in the settlement, and today, you can still see some of the remains of their presence.
Hear the story about the life of the Inuit people and their traditions before the Europeans came to Greenland. See the ruins and touch the permafrost with your own hands. On this hike, we pass “Kællingekløften,” where you can enjoy the magnificent view of the Ice Fjord before heading back again. During the hike, there will be time to talk about flora, fauna, geology, and, not least, the story behind the omnipresent ice.
Sailing Among Icebergs (included)
The midnight sun makes the icebergs glow in a unique play of colors that people return to experience again and again. Midnight sun in Ilulissat lasts from late May to late July.
Sailing during the night with the sun still shining is a fantastic and unusual experience. Almost every visitor to Ilulissat ends up going on this leisurely iceberg cruise at least once. Every day, more than 40 million ton of ice flow out into the fjord. The floating icebergs are gigantic, sometimes measuring more than 100 meters wide and long – and with a height of up to 100 meters above the water surface as well. These giants gather at the end of the fjord, providing you with a great opportunity to sail among them.
The icebergs are a wonderful sight in every kind of weather; in the sunshine, the contrasts are very clear, the blue shades are strikingly beautiful when it is cloudy and the midnight sun casts a unique glow on the ice during the night. Taking the boat trip on a bright night is an extraordinary experience.
Remember to bring warm clothes – otherwise, sealskin clothing is available for rent.
- Breakfast
- Hotel Arctic 4*
Day Trip to Eqi the Calving Glacier (included)
Only a few places in Greenland are as beautiful as the Eqi Glacier, which spills into the fjord 80 kilometers north of Ilulissat. It is possible to get very close to the glacier by boat and experience huge pieces of ice breaking off. The sounds are thunderous, and the sight of ice crashing into the water is astonishing.
We sail in modern and convenient boats during the excursion to the Eqi Glacier. The route takes us north along the coast, passing Bredebugt, the settlement of Oqaatsut, and the big fjord system called Pakitsoq, where whales and seals are often spotted. Further along the route, we pass through the Ataa Strait, surrounded by steep mountains with bird life and waterfalls. Our boats, reinforced for sailing in icy waters, will remain in front of the glacier for approximately two hours and wait for the ice to calve. Meanwhile, a delicious lunch will be served. This all-day excursion lets you immerse yourself in the experience and enjoy the boat trip in the ice-filled water.
- Breakfast
- Hotel Arctic 4*
Spend the first half of the day walking in Ilulissat, last-minute shopping, or simply resting before your flight from Ilulissat to Nuuk, lasting about 1.5 hours and offers stunning views of Greenland’s icebergs, fjords, and mountains. These scenic flights on small aircraft provide a unique experience. Upon arrival in Nuuk, shuttle transfer to the hotel for your last overnight in Greenland.
- Breakfast
- Hotel Hans Egede 4*
- Shuttle Transfer
After breakfast, shuttle transfer to the airport for your return flight to the US.
We guarantee you that you will go home with baggage full of memories that will stay with you longer than any other holiday you have been on – at least, that is what other travelers tell us.
- Breakfast
- Shuttle Transfer