Greenland Arctic Expedition

Tikilluarit! Welcome to Greenland. Your adventure begins in Nuuk, the country’s vibrant capital, with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, take time to explore the charming Old Nuuk neighbourhood, where you’ll find landmarks like Hans Egede Church and the statue of the missionary who founded the settlement. History enthusiasts may also want to visit the National Museum to see the famous Greenlandic mummies, discovered in 1972 by two brothers during a ptarmigan hunt. After your meeting, you might like to join your group for an optional welcome dinner to kick off the journey.

It’s important to attend the welcome meeting at the beginning of your trip — during this time, your leader will collect your travel insurance and emergency contact details. If you think you might arrive late, please let your travel agent or the hotel reception know in advance. You can also check with reception or look for a note posted in the lobby for details about the meeting’s time and location.

This morning, join your leader for a guided walking tour of Nuuk, getting a feel for the city and its key sights. Then, meet a local storyteller and dive into Greenlandic mythology, hearing fascinating tales of legendary figures like the Mother of the Sea, the Mountain Walker, and the Sun and Moon. You’ll also learn about the storyteller’s personal journey and what sparked their interest in these ancient legends.

Afterwards, enjoy a free afternoon to explore at your own pace — perhaps head out on a scenic hike into the surrounding wilderness or take a boat trip through the fjord. With the midnight sun keeping the skies bright, an evening on the water is a perfect way to soak up the atmosphere.

This morning, take a flight to Ilulissat — whose name literally means “icebergs” — home to the UNESCO-listed Icefjord. On arrival, join your leader for a walking tour of the town, discovering its history and daily life. Visit the harbour to learn about the local fishing industry, pass a traditional wooden church and the history museum, and explore local shops and artisan workshops where bone carving traditions have been preserved for generations within Inuit culture.
Later, experience a traditional kaffemik by stepping into a local home. More than just coffee and cake, this cherished custom is all about community, connection and celebrating life — offering a genuine glimpse into Greenlandic everyday living.

Air Greenland domestic luggage allowance for this flight will be 20kgs checked luggage plus 8kg carry-on.

Your total travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.

Today, discover one of Ilulissat’s most significant cultural and natural sites with a visit to Sermermiut — an ancient settlement overlooking the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord. Follow a marked trail through the Arctic landscape as you learn how past communities lived here, relying on the fjord for hunting and survival.

Continue to the Icefjord Centre, where interactive exhibits reveal the story of Sermeq Kujalleq — one of the fastest-moving glaciers in the world and the source of the icebergs drifting through Disko Bay. From the outdoor viewing platforms, take in sweeping views of the fjord and fully appreciate the scale of this extraordinary environment before returning to town in the afternoon.

Today, transfer to the port and board a ferry to Qeqertarsuaq on Disko Island. Both the town and the island share the same name, meaning “the big island” in Greenlandic. Along the way, pass countless drifting icebergs — making this one of the most spectacular ferry journeys you’re ever likely to experience.
On arrival, join your leader for a guided walking tour to learn about the island’s history and what life is like above the Arctic Circle. Founded in 1773 as a whaling station, Qeqertarsuaq is now home to around 850 residents. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free — be sure to ask your leader for recommendations on where to enjoy the best local cuisine.

• Your total travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours

Today, set out on a 10 km guided hike through some of Qeqertarsuaq’s most scenic and culturally rich landscapes, with Kuannit and the Qorlortorsuaq waterfall as your highlights. Beginning in the town centre, pass the striking black volcanic sand beach and the island’s iconic football field before heading into the wild.

Your journey leads to Kuannit — a dramatic coastal area named after the Angelica plant — where rugged cliffs and crashing waves reveal the island’s volcanic past. Continue on to Qorlortorsuaq, a small yet powerful waterfall, and keep an eye out for seals that may be feeding nearby. Although Kuannit is one of Disko Island’s most famous spots, its remote setting and quiet atmosphere make it feel wonderfully untouched and deeply immersive.

Your hiking time today will be approximately 4-5 hours with a minimal elevation gain, mostly through gentle terrain with some uneven or rocky sections.
Please check the Packing List for all necessary items you should bring with you for the hike.

Today, set out on a scenic cruise to the settlement of Qasigiannguit. Located near the mouth of the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier — one of the main sources of North Atlantic icebergs — this area is perfect for up-close iceberg exploration.

As you approach the town by water, keep an eye out for seals and whales along the way. Once ashore, visit Greenland’s oldest wooden house, dating back to 1734, and enjoy lunch while learning about the region’s rich cultural traditions.

This morning, take the ferry back to Ilulissat. On arrival, enjoy a free afternoon to relax and recharge after two active days of hiking. If you’re feeling up for more adventure, you might join an optional sea kayaking excursion among the icebergs or head out on a whale watching tour. Another great option is a leisurely boat cruise through the Icefjord, taking in the incredible Arctic scenery at a relaxed pace.

With the midnight sun lighting up the skies, the day never truly ends — giving you even more time to soak in the magic of this remote and unforgettable destination.

• Your total travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.

With no further activities planned after breakfast, your journey comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay, be sure to arrange any additional accommodation well in advance, as availability can be limited during the busy summer season.