Ilulissat Experience

Overview:

Holiday price is from £ 3,445 per person based on availability and sharing a standard double/twin room. Single supplement is £ 820 per person. 

2026 Depature Dates:

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Copenhagen

Upon arrival in Copenhagen, make your way to the Comfort Hotel Copenhagen Airport or similar which is connected to the terminal. Copenhagen, Denmark's capital, ranked amongst the greenest and coolest cities in the world by the New York Times! Copenhagen Airport is well connected with the city centre and you can take a shuttle bus, metro or train. Shuttle buses and trains are operated every 10 minutes and metro operates every 4 – 6 minutes. The travel time by metro to the Nørreport Station in central Copenhagen is around 15 minutes. The rest of the day to you have time to explore the city. Copenhagen is a modern capital but with strong roots in the past. It is welcoming, dynamic, lively and charming, but it is also an ideal base to explore Denmark. Sights of interests are The Royal Palace Amalienborg, The Little Mermaid statue and The Tivoli Garden.

Day 2: Copenhagen - Ilulissat

The journey begins with a morning flight from Copenhagen. After about 4½ hours, you’ll arrive in Nuuk, Greenland, and connect to a short domestic flight to Ilulissat. As you approach, enjoy the spectacular views of summer landscapes – rugged mountains in shades of green and brown, and majestic icebergs drifting through the bay.

On arrival in Ilulissat, you’ll be transferred by bus to your Hotel Arctic, beautifully situated with views of the surrounding nature. A local guide will greet you there and provide an introduction to the town and region, including recommendations on dining, activities, and excursion opportunities.

Optional: Guided Town Walk 
The first excursion in the excursion package is a guided tour of the town. You will learn about the history of the Ilulissat and experience its many interesting aspects. One of them is the many sled dogs that live here. Most of the dogs stay outside of the town at a large dog site if they are not roaming the terrain.

This evening, you will have a lovely welcome dinner in the hotel’s amazing restaurant (drinks not included).

Day 3:  Ilulissat & Optional Tours

If you have purchased the excursion package, you can look forward to today’s adventures:

Optional: The abandoned settlement of Sermermiut by the Icefjord
This scenic walk takes you through lush summer landscapes to the ancient Sermermiut settlement, inhabited by Inuit cultures for over 4,000 years. Along the way, your guide will share stories of traditions and everyday life in this remarkable place. You’ll come across traces of old turf houses, and from the historically important site of Nakkaavik – also known as Old Women’s Gorge – you can enjoy sweeping views over the Icefjord and its towering icebergs.

Optional: Meeting the Sled Dogs in Ilulissat
Spend time with Greenland’s famous sled dogs and gain a fascinating glimpse into their role in Greenlandic culture and daily life. During the visit, you’ll meet the dogs, hear engaging tales about their work in the Arctic, and learn how they are trained and cared for throughout the year (with winter being their favourite season). Their incredible stamina and strength make them true Arctic companions. An experienced musher will be on hand to answer your questions, and you’ll have the chance to take memorable photos of the dogs in their natural surroundings.

Optional extra tour: Helicopter Excursion to Sermeq Kujalleq (upon request) 
See Greenland from above on a breathtaking helicopter flight to Sermeq Kujalleq, one of the planet’s most active glaciers and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The journey offers spectacular views of vast white icebergs and deep-blue ice formations stretching to the horizon. The helicopter lands on a nearby mountain, giving you time to soak in the incredible scenery and listen to the powerful sounds of the glacier calving. This is a rare opportunity to witness the Icefjord’s frozen world up close – accessible only by air.

Optional: Boat Trip Among the Icebergs
No visit to Ilulissat is complete without sailing among the mighty icebergs. Every day, enormous chunks of ice break off the glacier and drift into the fjord, creating a stunning natural spectacle. A tranquil boat ride brings you close to these floating giants, and in the glow of the Arctic summer light, the sight is truly unforgettable.

Day 4: Ilulissat & Optional Tours

The day comes with several exciting possibilities. You might choose to simply relax and soak in the breathtaking views over Disko Bay, or head out on a memorable boat journey to Glacier Lodge Eqi, situated directly across from the dramatic Eqi Glacier. This trip can also be extended with an overnight stay at the lodge – or, as another option, you can sail south of the Icefjord and spend the night in the charming Ilimanaq settlement.

Optional: Boat Trip to Eqi Glacier
We set sail north towards the mighty Eqi Glacier, located around 80 kilometres from Ilulissat, where huge chunks of ice regularly break off into the fjord. Along the way, the voyage offers stunning views of icebergs and rugged Arctic landscapes. On arrival, we keep a safe distance from the glacier front, spending about two hours admiring the spectacular calving ice – a thrilling natural event accompanied by thunderous sounds. A light lunch is served on board as we take in the unforgettable scene. The sailing time varies between two and five hours each way, depending on the boat type. Guests on the standard package return after a short stop at Port Victor.

For those continuing to Glacier Lodge Eqi, camp guides greet us at the small harbour of Port Victor. They provide a short introduction and then escort us to our cabins. The remainder of the day is free for relaxation.

Optional: Overnight at Glacier Lodge Eqi
Glacier Lodge Eqi is a rustic yet charming retreat of wooden cabins with front-row views of the active glacier. Each cabin offers cosy comfort and a unique chance to immerse yourself in Greenlandic wilderness. Raised paths and ramps connect the cabins, but the site is not suitable for travellers with limited mobility, as the steep climb from the harbour to the lodge requires carrying your own luggage. Meals – breakfast, lunch, and dinner – are included and served at Café Victor, a welcoming spot where you can also purchase drinks and snacks while admiring the breathtaking scenery.

Optional: Overnight at Ilimanaq Lodge
Another option is to head south from Ilulissat. After a short 45-minute boat ride past the Icefjord, we arrive at the small harbour of Ilimanaq. Ilimanaq Lodge offers stylish two-storey cabins with panoramic views over the water. Upstairs bedrooms open to living rooms below, where you can sip coffee while watching fishing boats glide past – and, if you’re lucky, spot whales greeting the morning. The lodge perfectly blends comfort with spectacular nature. Once settled in, a guide introduces you to the village with a short walk. Home to about 50 residents, Ilimanaq is a traditional Greenlandic community where hunting and fishing remain central to daily life. Colourful houses contrast with the changing Arctic light, making the setting especially picturesque.

Later, you’ll have time to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before a delicious dinner served in a beautifully restored colonial building rounds off the evening.

Day 5: Ilulissat & Optional Tours

If you’ve stayed in Ilulissat, today brings new possibilities. Guests who have purchased the standard excursion package will head out on an unforgettable whale watching tour.

Optional: Whale Watching
Encountering whales up close is an awe-inspiring experience that leaves a lasting impression. Greenland’s coastal waters are home to around 15 different species, with humpback, minke, and fin whales most often spotted during the summer months. The whales move around Disko Bay throughout the season, sometimes near Ilulissat itself, in the Icefjord, or farther north at Arveprinsens Ejland. Our fast Targa boat allows us to cover greater distances quickly, increasing the chance of sightings. We also stay in touch with local fishermen, whose knowledge of whale movements helps us find these incredible animals for the best possible experience.

If you’re at Glacier Lodge Eqi:
The morning begins with breakfast, followed by a final hike before departure. After checking out of the cabins, we set off either on a walk to the moraine or spend time enjoying the spectacular surroundings as the staff prepares the lodge for the next guests.

Hike to the Moraine by the Ice Sheet
From the lodge, we walk around a small lagoon at the southern end of the glacier, where large flocks of geese are often seen during the breeding season. The path then climbs to the moraine, where dramatic cracks in the glacier lie just meters away. From here we can admire sweeping views of the glacier front and perhaps witness more ice calving.

At about 14:15, the ship departs for Ilulissat, retracing the route back. Coffee, tea, and cake are served on board before arriving in Ilulissat, where you’ll be transferred to Hotel Arctic and check into your room.

If you’re in Ilimanaq:
After enjoying breakfast at the lodge, we check out and sail back to Ilulissat. Upon arrival, a transfer takes you to Hotel Arctic where your room will be waiting. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy, unless you’d like to join an evening kayak excursion.

Optional: Kayak Experience in Ilulissat
Kayaking has been part of Greenlandic life for more than a thousand years – and now you can experience it too. Gliding silently through the water among icebergs and drifting floes is a magical feeling. In sunlight, the ice sparkles with golden and white tones, while on cloudy days the dazzling blue hues stand out even more. If luck is on your side, a whale may appear nearby. The tour is done in stable double kayaks with a support boat for safety. It lasts about 3½–4 hours, with at least two hours spent on the water.

On your final evening, you can choose freely where to dine. Hotel Arctic offers two excellent restaurants with beautiful views, one of which you’ve already enjoyed at the welcome dinner. Both are known for high-quality cuisine featuring fresh Greenlandic ingredients. You’ll also find several inviting restaurants in town.

Day 6: Ilulissat – Copenhagen

After an intense extended weekend, it is time to say your goodbyes to Ilulissat and Greenland, who are likely to have made quite an impressions on you that will spark a special feeling and flash a series of indelible mental images whenever you hear the word Greenland mentioned in the future.

Departure from Ilulissat via Nuuk, arriving in Copenhagen by evening. Overnight in a Comfort Hotel Copenhagen Airport or similar.

Day 7: Departure from Copenhagen 

Breakfast at the hotel and enjoy your last day in Denmark before your return flights back to the UK in the afternoon.

Optional: 6 excursion package - £ 865 per person 

• Town walk (2 hours)
• Hike to Sermermiut at Ilulissat Icefjord (2 hours)
• A visit to the sled dogs (1 hour)
• Boat trip to Ilulissat Icefjord (2 ½ hours)
• Whale safari in Ilulissat (3 hours)
• Day trip by boat to the Eqi Glacier (6 to 12 hours)

Optional: 5 excursions and a night at the Glacier Lodge Eqi - £ 1,230 per person, single supplement - £ 385

You can book an excursion package with an overnight stay at Glacier Lodge Eqi. All cabins have a magnificent view of the calving Eqi Glacier. There is a bed with bed linen and towels for everyone. Your stay at Glacier Lodge Eqi includes breakfast, lunch and dinner at Café Victor. You can also buy drinks such as beer, water, wine and various spirits, as well as some sweets, at the café.

 The excursion package includes the following:

•  A cultural history tour of Ilulissat (2 hours)
• A hike to the settlement of Sermermiut on the Icefjord (2 hours)
• Sailing on the Ilulissat Icefjord (2½ hours)
• An encounter with Greenlandic sled dogs (1½ hours)
• 1 overnight stay in a comfort de luxe cabin at the Glacier Lodge Eqi incl. transportation and meals (29-37 hours depending on the type of boat)
• Hike to the Eqi glacier (4-5 hours)

Optional: 4 excursions and a night at Ilimanaq Lodge - £ 1,025 per person, single supplement - £ 155

You can book an excursion package that includes an overnight stay at Ilimanaq Lodge. All cabins have a magnificent view of Disko Bay and the beautiful icebergs. All cabins are fully equipped with bedding and towels. Your stay at Ilimanaq Lodge includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can also purchase drinks such as beer, water, wine and various spirits, as well as some sweets, at the café.

The excursion package includes the following:

• Guided cultural history tour of Ilulissat (2 hours)
• Hike to the settlement of Sermermiut on the Icefjord (2 hours)
• Sailing on the Ilulissat Icefjord (2½ hours)
• Encounter with Greenlandic sled dogs (1½ hours)
• 1 night in a deluxe cabin at Ilimanaq Lodge, including transportation and meals (approx. 25-30 hours, depending on the type of boat)

Optional: Kayak experience in Ilulissat - £ 215 per person

Season: June to August
The Inuit invented the kayak. On this kayaking excursion you will see the giant icebergs and, with a little luck, we also meet whales. All tours take place in stable double kayaks and a boat follows close by. You will be on the water for at least two hours.

• Internationally approved kayak instructor
• All kayaking equipment
• Safety instructions
• Coffee and tea

Minimum age: 12 years old
Health: If you have any serious backpain or shoulder problems, you will not be able to partake in this excursion. This is for your own safety.

Package Includes:

• Direct return flights from London to Copenhagen and return (other airports availble upon request)
• Air Greenland flights: Copenhagen – Nuuk – Ilulissat and return incl. meal
• 1 piece of check-in luggage per traveler on all flights (up to 20 kg)
• Food and drinks on the flight Copenhagen – Nuuk v.v.
• 2 nights in a Copenhagen airport hotel 
• 4 nights at Hotel Arctic, Ilulissat  
• Return transfer between airport and hotel in Ilulissat 
• Breakfast daily
• Information meeting in Greenland
• Welcome dinner at Hotel Arctic (excl. drinks)
• Services of local English-speaking guide in Greenland
• 24-hour emergency service
• ATOL protection
• All taxes

Not included:

• Meals not specified in the itinerary 
• Travel insurance 
• Excursions

You'll see...

• Christiania
• Christianshavn
• Christianshavns Canal
• Copenhagen
• Copenhagen Opera House
• Dogsledding in Greenland
• Dyrehaven/Bakken
• Ilulissat Icefjord UNESCO World Heritage Site 2004
• Northern Lights
• Sledding - Tobogganing
• The Big Arctic Five
• The Little Mermaid