Dream Trip to Disko Bay

The journey begins in Kangerlussuaq, where the Greenland ice cap stretches as far as the eye can see. You have the opportunity to feel the chill in this icy realm while marveling at the incredible views. The next day, the journey continues to Greenland’s fourth-largest city, Aasiaat, where we’ll make a round trip, and there’s an opportunity for art hunting on your own – or whale watching. After that, we spend two days on Disko Island, a hiker’s paradise, where you’ll stay in the former whaling town of Qeqertarsuaq, surrounded by steep basalt mountains and an abundance of plants and flowers.

Our adventure continues in the city of icebergs, Ilulissat, beautifully situated on the edge of Disko Bay and next to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ilulissat Icefjord. We then head further north and spend a few days in one of the jewels of northern Greenland, the Glacier Lodge Eqi cabins, where you’ll stay overlooking the massive calving glacier. This comprehensive discovery tour will introduce you to the diversity of Greenland in terms of nature, wildlife, and culture!

The journey is available from June to August.

Until the end of July, Disko Bay basks under the midnight sun, which you can experience during nighttime cruises with icebergs as the ultimate backdrop.

Along the way, our knowledgeable and friendly local guides will ensure you see everything that Disko Bay has to offer.

Please note: on the vast majority of departures this year, there will be three nights at Hotel Arctic initially, followed by two nights at Eqi, and then another two nights back at Hotel Arctic. This forms the basis of our daily program outlined below. However, on departures on June 25th, July 23rd, and finally on August 13th, you will enjoy four nights at Hotel Arctic initially, followed by two nights at Eqi, and then just one final night back at Hotel Arctic to conclude the journey.

Highlights

• Walk ON the Greenland Ice Sheet
• Approach icebergs and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ilulissat Icefjord
• Spot Arctic wildlife on land and at sea
• Feel the majestic silence interrupted only by calving glaciers
• Stay with stunning views of a calving glacier
• Hike through breathtaking landscapes
• Experience authentic Arctic life in towns and villages

GUARANTEED DEPARTURE DATES
June 11, 18, 21, 25, 2023
July 05, 12, 23, 26, 30, 2023
August 02, 09, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 2023

DAY 1 | PARIS / COPENHAGUE

Departure to Copenhagen on SAS regular flights. Transfer on your own to your hotel.
Overnight at Hotel Imperial or similar in Copenhagen.

DAY 2 | COPENHAGUE / KANGERLUSSUAQ – WELCOME AND OPTIONAL ACTIVITY

Transfer on your own to the airport.

Departure from Copenhagen with Air Greenland to Kangerlussuaq, where your adventures begin in 4.5 hours. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a guide from our local partner, who will assist you with check-in at Hotel Kangerlussuaq. The hotel is located in the airport building, close to shops and with stunning scenery just outside. Shortly after check-in, the guide will conduct an information meeting where you will get an overview of the area and excursion options for the rest of the afternoon. A tour of the former American base takes you on a quick journey through history with the old barracks, the museum where time seems to have almost stopped, and the wreckage of a T33A fighter jet in Sandflugtsdalen (“The Drifting Sand Valley”).

Greenland Ice Sheet, Point 660 (optional)

Kangerlussuaq is the perfect place to get close to the vast Greenland Ice Sheet. In a 4×4 bus, we traverse a beautifully diverse region, passing by the Russell Glacier and a fantastic landscape of moraines near the ice sheet. At the end of the road, we walk onto the ice sheet itself, providing a unique experience. You’ll spend time in this expansive glacial environment before returning to the vehicle. During the journey, there’s a strong chance of spotting reindeer and musk oxen.

DAY 3 | FLIGHT KANGERLUSSUAQ / AASIAAT – WALKING AND WHALE WATCHING OPPORTUNITY

Next, the journey continues by plane to Aasiaat. Upon arrival in Aasiaat, you will be picked up at the airport and transferred immediately to Hotel SØMA, located near the harbor.

Today, we will take a city tour of Aasiaat, and you can also explore art in the town with a guidebook in hand, which many enjoy. If you have purchased the excursion package, the day offers a whale watching tour.

Whale Safari among Icebergs (optional)

“Whale ahead!” Suddenly, the sea fills with flukes and glistening bodies rising toward the sky. It startles you the first time one of these magnificent mammals rushes forward, greeting you with a spout of water. Along the Greenland coast, various species of whales can be observed. It’s undeniable when a whale is nearby as it signals its presence by surfacing to breathe, sending water jets into the air at speeds of several hundred kilometers per hour; it’s quite a breathtaking sight! In the evening, we dine at Hotel SØMA.

DAY 4 | GUIDED TOUR OF QEQERTARSUAQ AND FREE TIME TO EXPLORE

Today, you continue to the port and take a boat to Disko Island (Diskoøen). As you approach the island, you’ll catch sight of the majestic mountains rising a thousand meters from the ocean’s surface. Atop one of these mountains is the giant glacier, Sermersuaq, which covers the entire western side of Disko Island. Upon arriving in the small town of Qeqertarsuaq around noon, you’ll be accommodated at a local hotel. Shortly after arrival, there will be an information meeting to introduce you to this rugged yet stunning island. Qeqertarsuaq serves as the main town on Disko Island, characterized by its colorful houses set against a picturesque backdrop of mountains on one side and the coastline on the other. It’s not uncommon to spot whales directly from your breakfast table or during a stroll along the shore.

In the morning, embark on a guided walk through the town, where you’ll gain insight into its ancient and more recent history. Along the way, you’ll encounter many beautiful spots perfect for travel photos.

DAY 5 | HIKE TO KUANNIT WITH VIEWS OF ICEBERGS AND SPECTACULAR BASALT COLUMNS

The first part of today is at your disposal, and in the afternoon, you can enjoy a guided walk to Kuannit. We hike from the hotel into town, crossing the Red River via the bridge and continue along the coast. At Kuannit, we can see how lava surged millions of years ago, then rapidly cooled, contracting and cracking into spectacular basalt column formations with six sides. Kuannit’s fauna is lush with a variety of flowers and tasty angelica plants. Along the coastline, you’ll find a basalt rock shaped like an elephant drinking directly from the sea.

DAY 6 | BY BOAT FROM DISKO ISLAND TO ILULISSAT / OPTIONAL CITY TOUR AND HIKE TO AN ABANDONED SETTLEMENT BY THE GLACIER FJORD / WELCOME DINNER AT THE HOTEL

Today, we continue by boat to Ilulissat. Upon arrival in Ilulissat, you will be picked up by the Arctic Hotel bus. As you approach the hotel, you can enjoy its location on the outskirts of the town, overlooking the famous UNESCO World Heritage site of Ilulissat Icefjord. During the subsequent briefing, a guide from World of Greenland will inform you about the region and the numerous excursions available, which you can explore by foot, boat, and even flight! Before sitting down for the welcome dinner at the splendid Arctic Hotel restaurant, take some time to relax on the hotel balcony and soak in the spectacular views of the icefjord and the seemingly endless horizon.

City of Icebergs

Ilulissat offers an excellent blend of modern life and traditional Greenlandic living. Kayaks and dried fish are laid out on racks alongside laundry, while thousands of sled dogs add character to the town with their howls. The stunning UNESCO-recognized icefjord serves as both a workplace for local fishermen and Greenland’s premier tourist attraction. What makes the Icefjord so special are the enormous icebergs stranded at its mouth and, most notably, the constantly changing light that alters the colors of the ice. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2004, the Icefjord is truly an unforgettable and awe-inspiring sight. If you’ve purchased the excursion package, you can expect a guided tour around town:

Cultural and Historical Guided Tour (Optional)

Some may think, “we can just wander through the town on our own.” Yes, you probably could, but with our guided tour, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Greenlandic culture and history, adding an extra layer to all your other experiences in Greenland.

Ilulissat was founded in 1741 and today is the third-largest city in Greenland with over 4,500 inhabitants. The guide will recount the city’s history, Greenlandic culture, and contemporary life nearly 300 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. We will visit the fishermen at the harbor and hunters at their trading post “Brættet”. Additionally, we’ll show you the church and the birthplace of the famous polar explorer Knud Rasmussen.

Hike to Sermermiut (Optional)

Beautiful icebergs form the backdrop to the ancient settlement of Sermermiut, located 1.5 kilometers south of Ilulissat. For 4,000 years, various Inuit cultures lived in this colony, and today, you can still see scattered ruins indicating their presence. Discover the life of the Inuit and their traditions before Europeans arrived in Greenland. Observe the ruins and touch the permafrost with your own hands.

During this hike, we will pass through “Kællingekløften” where you can enjoy stunning views of the icefjord before heading back. Throughout the hike, there will be time to discuss the flora, fauna, geology, and fascinating facts about the pervasive ice. To cap off the day, you will enjoy a delightful welcome dinner at the amazing hotel restaurant.

DAY 7 | ILULISSAT OR THE POSSIBILITY TO NAVIGATE THROUGH ICEBERGS

The day is planned for independent activities or water experiences. If you have purchased the excursion package, you can look forward to an unforgettable evening.

Navigating Among Icebergs (Optional)

The midnight sun casts a unique play of colors on the icebergs, drawing people back time and again. In Ilulissat, the midnight sun lasts from May 21st to July 24th. Sailing at night with the sun still shining is a fantastic and unusual experience. Almost every visitor to Ilulissat chooses to take this boat excursion among the icebergs at least once. Each day, over 40 million tons of ice flow into the fjord. The floating icebergs are massive, sometimes over 100 meters wide and long—and with heights up to 100 meters above the water’s surface. These giants gather at the fjord’s end, providing an excellent opportunity to sail among them.

Icebergs are a magnificent sight in all weather conditions; in sunlight, the contrasts are very sharp. The shades of blue are stunning on cloudy days, and the midnight sun casts a unique glow on the icebergs during the night. Taking a boat tour during a bright night is an extraordinary experience. You should not miss this exceptional experience during your visit to Ilulissat.

DAY 8 | ILULISSAT AT YOUR LEISURE OR FULL-DAY ADVENTURE TO OQAATSUT

Today, you have the opportunity to explore Ilulissat at your own pace. Ilulissat is a charming, quintessentially Greenlandic town with a blend of modern atmosphere and traditional lifestyle. Hunting and fishing are essential for survival, and fishing boats vie for space alongside industrial trawlers. Sled dogs and houses painted in almost every color adorn the rocky landscape.

Adventure Day in Oqaatsut (Additional Purchase Beyond the Excursion Package)

Today, you have the opportunity for a completely adventurous and active day by visiting Oqaatsut, where you’ll enjoy a boat excursion, hiking, and kayaking. You depart from Ilulissat by boat and head to Oqaatsut, where the kayak guide provides detailed safety instructions and equips you with waterproof kayaking gear. After gearing up in a drysuit, you venture onto the water in kayaks. You paddle around the bay before making a stop, where it’s time to embark on a hike inland. Here, you walk alongside meltwater lakes and small streams, enjoying the stunning view of Oqaatsut Bay with its magnificent icebergs.

After a coffee break, we return to Oqaatsut and indulge in a wonderful lunch of local Greenlandic products at the H8 Explorer restaurant. Following lunch, we explore the old whaling colony before heading back to Ilulissat. Please note, this excursion is not recommended for individuals with serious neck or back issues, and participants must be at least 12 years old.

DAY 9 | BOAT TO EQI GLACIER AND LODGING AT EQI GLACIER LODGE

Early in the morning, we will head north by boat to the fascinating Eqi Glacier, one of Greenland’s unique natural wonders. Few places in Greenland rival the beauty of Eqi Glacier, which terminates into the fjord 80 kilometers north of Ilulissat. It’s possible to get very close to the glacier by boat and witness huge chunks of ice calving into the water. The sounds are thunderous, and the sight of ice crashing into the water is astonishing.

After a hearty lunch facing Eqi Glacier, the boat docks at Glacier Lodge Eqi, where you will stay in cabins facing the glacier. Wilderness surrounds you, and from the terrace, you can enjoy the overwhelming silence, broken only by the thunderous noise of calving ice. The cabins at Glacier Lodge Eqi are comfortable, offering superb views from Standard and Comfort cabins. If you haven’t yet felt true tranquility, you will experience it here. Only the natural rumble of the glacier as it calves disrupts the silence.

Note: Standard cabins will be reserved for this trip, but you have the option to upgrade to Comfort, Deluxe Comfort cabins, or a glamping tent amidst nature.

DAY 10 | SPECTACULAR VIEW FROM EQI GLACIER LODGE

Today, you can enjoy the day at your leisure. The region boasts abundant wildlife and geological features. Arctic foxes, hares, ptarmigans, and sea eagles are often spotted on land, while seals swim near the camp. When you find yourself alone in the wild and remote landscape, you’ll undoubtedly feel like you’re walking in the footsteps of famous Arctic explorers!

Hiking to Eqi Glacier

From the cabins, we walk around the small lagoon at the southern end of the glacier. There are often large flocks of geese in the lagoon during the breeding season. The journey continues further into the moraine, where we can admire the enormous crevasses of the glacier just meters away. From there, we will also have an overview of the glacier front, and hopefully witness impressive calving events.

DAY 11 | MORNING AT LEISURE AT EQI GLACIER LODGE / HIKE AND AFTERNOON BOAT BACK TO ILULISSAT

You will wake up once again to a fantastic view of the glacier. You have the morning to further explore the area. After lunch, the boat will take you back to Ilulissat, where you will arrive in the early evening. Once again, you will check in at the Arctic Hotel.

DAY 12 | FREE DAY IN ILULISSAT

On your last day in Ilulissat, you have the opportunity to spend time shopping at local souvenir shops or perhaps take one last hike in the icefjord.

There is also the option for an exciting additional excursion:

Ilimanaq Glacier Adventure (Additional Purchase Beyond the Excursion Package)

During this thrilling journey, you will cruise on a speedboat, drive off-road with ATVs, and hike on a glacier! We depart from Ilulissat by boat to Ilimanaq. From there, we sail south to Itilliup Ilua. Here, we disembark onto a vast sandy beach and embark on an off-road ATV ride to Tasiusaq Fjord. We navigate deeper into the fjord until we reach a location with two glaciers, where the Greenland ice cap can be seen.

We disembark and enjoy a packed lunch with magnificent views. Afterward, we hike a bit and finally ascend onto the massive ice cap. This excursion is not recommended for individuals with serious neck or back issues, and participants must be at least 12 years old.

DAY 13 | ILULISSAT / KANGERLUSSUAQ / COPENHAGEN

You fly from Ilulissat to Kangerlussuaq and from there to Copenhagen, where you will arrive in the evening. Enjoy a transfer on your own to your hotel. Overnight at the Hotel Imperial or similar in Copenhagen.

DAY 14 | COPENHAGEN / PARIS

Breakfast. Transfer on your own to the airport. Departure for Paris on SAS regular flights.

End of our services.

HOTEL KANGERLUSSUAQ

The Kangerlussuaq Hotel is centrally located within the airport building itself, making it convenient for you to retrieve your luggage and check in at the reception. All rooms are spacious and offer views of the iconic Kitchen Mountain or views of the city and its surroundings. The hotel features a highly regarded restaurant and cafeteria, which serves as a meeting place for local residents and the 220,000 passengers who pass through Kangerlussuaq each year.

HOTEL ARCTIC ILULISSAT

The most famous hotel in Greenland is the Hotel Arctic in Ilulissat. It boasts a fantastic view overlooking the town of Ilulissat, the Ilulissat Icefjord, and Disko Bay. Hotel Arctic is the northernmost 4-star hotel in the world, and additionally features a 5-star conference center. The hotel is located just outside the town, approximately a 15-minute walk from the city center (about 1.5 km from the central intersection of the town). It offers two excellent restaurants, and the large terrace outside the restaurant is the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of wine while the midnight sun casts its golden glow over the icebergs of the Ilulissat Icefjord.

NOTE: The hotel offers airport transfers, but there are no transfers provided for excursions or other activities.

HOTEL DISKO

The Hotel Disko is located in the center of Qeqertarsuaq, spread across five different buildings in close proximity. One of these buildings is a former colonial-era structure serving as the main building named Hotel Disko Island. Additionally, there are four other buildings named Dora, Levi, and Linda, with the restaurant building named Nilak.

Breakfast is included in the room rate and is served in the nearby restaurant, where lunch and dinner are also available for purchase. The hotel offers 18 double rooms and five single rooms, each equipped with private bathrooms and toilets. Rooms also feature a radio and television for guest convenience.

THE SEAMEN’S HOME IN AASIAAT

The Seamen’s Home in Aasiaat is a cozy family-run hotel with 52 rooms spread across four different categories. It is located just five meters from the sea, offering views of whales playing in front of the windows during summer and hunters heading out on the sea ice with dog sleds during winter.

The rooms are situated either in the main building or in an annex located about 75 meters from the main building. With a 24-hour open café and full board options available, guests are well catered for. Additionally, there are eight guest rooms in the annex for accommodation.