This holiday to Ilulissat "Iceberg Capital of the World" includes lots of must-see experiences such as iceberg and whale watching trips and a guided hike to an old settlement. Spend four nights in Ilulissat and experience the incredible light of the midnight sun on this short break to West Greenland.
One of the highlights of any trip to Ilulissat is a boat trip to Eqi Glacier, one of the most productive glaciers in the world. With ear-splitting roars it are constantly calving, making giant waves as they crash into the sea.
Fly from Reykjavik to the western Greenlandic town of Ilulissat. Upon arrival meet your local guide and transfer to the Hotel Arctic, which will be your base for 4 nights. This afternoon travel by bus as far as the road goes and then enjoy a guided walk along the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ilulissat Ice Fjord to Sermermiut to see the traces of ancient Inuit settlements. Sermermiut is a valley next to the ice fjord where inland you can see beautiful Arctic flowers and out to sea, magnificent icebergs. The trip will take about 2 hours. Enjoy dinner at your hotel, before perhaps exploring the town of Ilulissat under the midnight sun. (D)
Today head out for a whale watching excursion. In Greenland waters there are around 15 whale species. Three of these are in Greenland during winter months, the Beluga whale, Narwhal and Greenland whale, while during the summer it's usually the humpback whale, minke whale and the fin whale that can be spotted. A must-do for every Ilulissat visitor is an iceberg boat trip, allowing you to navigate amidst colossal icebergs. Over 40 million tonnes of ice flow daily into the fjord, creating immense floating ice formations, some over 100 metres wide and tall. Witness this exceptional experience under the unique glow of the midnight sun. (B)
Today head out for a full-day Eqi Glacier trip. Sail towards the glacier, just 80 kilometres north of Ilulissat, and witness immense ice chunks calving into the fjord. Thunderous sounds and awe-inspiring ice crashes create a spectacle. Modern, comfy boats ensure a smooth journey, passing picturesque locations like Bredebugt, Oqaatsut settlement, and the whale-seal-rich Pakitsoq fjord system. Navigates the Ataa Strait, surrounded by bird-filled mountains and waterfalls, our ice-reinforced boats await the glacier's calving for around 2 hours. Enjoy a delectable lunch amidst this marvel. (B,L)
Today is left free to explore the town of Ilulissat or perhaps book another excursion - you can go fishing, embark on a scenic flight over the ice fjord, take another hike or arrange a kayaking trip where you can really get up close to the icebergs in the bay. Or equally, enjoy a view of the icebergs over a cold beer on the terrace of the Arctic Hotel. (B,D)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Reykjavik. (B)
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This trip departs every Friday from 7 Jun to 23 Aug 25. We can tailor this trip to suit your precise requirements, but please be aware that Ilulissat gets very busy during the summer season from mid Jun to end of August.
Due to flight times from Reykjavik to Ilulissat and return - overnights are required in Iceland, please contact us for details and for prices from flights from the UK to Iceland