GREENLAND EXPLORER TOUR
There are so few places left on earth that can be described as truly remote and wild, but Greenland is surely one of them. Travel to the world’s largest non-continental island, where fewer than 60,000 people live in the tundra-like environment. The Arctic has been inspiring explorers for centuries and our Greenland Explorer Tour offers the chance for you to discover why. We’re excited to host you on this brand new unforgettable adventure!
On this tour you will get a better insight into Greenland’s amazing nature and culture. Enjoy an in depth exploration of one of Greenland’s most remote regions. Your journey starts in Nuuk, one of the world’s smallest capitals. From here you will continue northward to the icy paradise of Ilulissat, which is famous for its gigantic icebergs and the incredible Ice Fjord which is listed as a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. Each visit to the picturesque villages that dot the shoreline will immerse you in Greenland’s distinct culture and history, while the rugged landscape dominated by dramatic fjords, imposing glaciers, towering mountains and valleys will leave you breathless.
6-Day Greenland Explorer Tour
Trip Highlights
Experience the Greenlandic Capital of Nuuk
Hike to Sermermiut Valley at Ilulissat Ice Fjord
Flights from Nuuk to Ilulissat
Ilulissat Village Tour
Visit the Ilulissat Museum
Experience the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ilulissat Icefjord
Look for Arctic wildlife in the tundra and at sea
Enjoy the midnight sun
Boat trip to the Ilimanaq settlement (optional)
Flights from Ilulissat to Kangerlussuaq
GREENLAND EXPLORER TOUR ITINERARY (6-DAYS)
Day 1: ARRIVE IN GREENLAND: Arrive in Greenland from Copenhagen or Reykjavik. At Nuuk Airport, you will be picked up and taken to the HHE Express. This will be your home for the next three nights. Nuuk is a town with a population of about 18,000. To many, this is the equivalent of a small suburb, but that is not the feeling you get once you set foot in Nuuk. This is a government town, a university town, and a cultural town with lots to offer. When you have checked in, you will have a short welcome meeting with your guide. Hotel Hans Egede, a great location with great cuisine. The hotel is situated centrally in the city center of Nuuk and within walking distance to shopping, restaurants, and cafés. The hotel offers great dining. Restaurant Sarfalik is easily the best restaurant in Nuuk and is situated on the top floor of the hotel. Overnight in Nuuk.
Day 2: NUUK: At 9:00am this morning you will take a VIP City Tour. On this trip, we will see, among other things, the historical development of Nuuk city. From where the town started in the colonial harbour, through different areas from each decade to themodern buildings of today. We will stop at some of the best photo sights in town. We drive to the "end of the world", a viewpoint from where you can see the Kook Islands and Mount. Kingigtorsuaq. Another viewpoint you will be visiting is North of Nuuk, where you can see parts of the world's second-largest fjord system and look at Nuuk's landmark, Sermitsiaq mountain. Lastly, you will also have the option of stopping by the city's largest souvenir shop. If you have any special wishes or places you would like to see, we strive to achieve it all, so that it becomes your very own tailor-made trip. Before the next excursion, you will have some time for shopping and lunch.
Later, our journey will take us past the iconic Sermitsiaq mountain as we head further into the world’s second-largest fjord system. Along the way, we will stop at our favorite fishing spots to try our hand at catching our dinner. Usually, it is pretty easy to catch cod and redfish, so don’t worry - you won’t go hungry! Our captain is also on hand to give assistance, so even if you’ve never fished before, you are still likely to land something. Once we’ve caught our fish, we will continue our relaxed sail and dock in the former settlement of Qooqqut. Now a summer vacation area for locals, this tiny village is home to “Qooqqut Nuan” - a 4-star restaurant and where we will deliver our fishy haul. Here you can choose to be involved in the process of cleaning, filleting, and cooking the fish. Or leave it in the hands of the professional chefs and head out to explore Qooqqut. The area has a fascinating geology and is rich with Greenlandic herbs such as angelica, arctic thyme, and berries. There are also ancient ruins of the Thule Inuit and Norse settlers in the area. Once our food is prepared, we will dine in style at the restaurant with an incredible view of the mountains and the fjord. Then, bellies full, we sail back to Nuuk. . We return to Nuuk later this afternoon. Overnight in Nuuk. (B, L)
Day 3: NUUK TO ILULISSAT: (8am departure from Nuuk arrive in Ilulissat at 9:20am) After staying in Nuuk, we head north to Ilulissat. We board the plane at Nuuk Airport and arrive at Ilulissat Airport in North Greenland. Ilulissat was founded in 1741 and has grown to be the third largest town in Greenland with more than 4,500 inhabitants. It’s a sprawling place with lots of fun things to do. Take a walk around the harbor with its fishermen and visit the hunters at their trading post “Brættet.” You can visit the art museum, and there are also good shopping possibilities in Ilulissat. We will check in at Hotel Arctic on the seafront to the phenomenal Ice Fjord, which in 2004 was listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, we will go on a fully guided city walk. This 2-hour guided city walk will leave no stone unturned. Your tour begins in the old part of Ilulissat town, where you'll find the former Danish trading station, the old church and the local museum, where a walkthrough of the town's history will take place. You will be exploring the local fish market, where you can find everything from whale to fish. Furthermore, you will be visiting the local arts and crafts shop (if open). Ilulissat was founded in 1741 and is located only 2 km from Kangia, Ilulissat Icefjord. With its 4500 inhabitants, 3500 sled dogs and 47.000 square kilometres, Ilulissat is the third largest town in Greenland. Due to the Icefjord’s calving glacier, Ilulissat was named “the place with icebergs”, and you can only understand why. Ilulissat is one of the world's most beautiful cities, with its mixture of nature and culture, both modern and traditional. This tour allows you to immerse in both culture and history.
In the afternoon you can take an optional hike to the ruins of the ancient Sermermiut settlement. Sermermiut has been inhabited by different Inuit cultures and was first inhabited around 4000 years ago. The ruins are beautifully situated in the Sermermiut valley and due to its history and beauty, the area has been crowned a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Ilulissat you and your fellow explorers will follow a wooden walkway that is surrounded by endless miles of untouched arctic tundra, situated with a incredible view of the massive Icefjord. Feel the arctic winds slip through your hair and enjoy the magical and mesmerizing surroundings of this area. At the settlement of Sermermiut, your guide will tell you everything about the Inuit culture and the area’s history. If you are lucky you will get to touch the permafrost, resting on the grounds. The last destination of the day will be the viewpoint, Nakkaavik. Nakkaavik means ‘The place to fall’ and has one of the most enchanting views in all of Ilulissat. Here your guide of the day will serve tea and coffee, while you enjoy the enchanting surroundings. Overnight in Ilulissat. (B, L)
Day 4: ILULISSAT ICE FJORD: Today you will experience a truly unique place in Greenland. In the fjord north of Ilulissat you will be facing a huge wall of ice - welcome to the Eqi Glacier. This is a very active glacier - the most calving in the northern hemisphere. Eqi is known as "The calving glacier", which means that you on your tour will have a chance to experience chunks of ice falling off the ice-wall with the sound of an explosion. The visit to the glacier itself is the highlight of the tour, but sailing along the coastline is a wonderful experience in itself. You will be sailing past the settlement Oqaatsut, Bredebugten bay and the huge fjordsystem of Pakitsoq, which is home to a lot of sea mammals, such as whales and seals. We sail in modern and convenient boats during the excursion to Eqi. 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, which is surrounded by steep mountains with bird life and waterfalls. Our boats, which are 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 is an all-day excursion where you will have a good opportunity to immerse yourself in the experience and fully enjoy the boat trip in the ice-filled water. Duration: 6-12 hours. Overnight in Ilulissat. (B, L)
Day 5: ILULISSAT: Today you will experience another day in Ilulissat. This afternoon we will go see one of wonders of the sea, the famous humpback whales, which is known for its long distance traveling. These magnificent sea creatures travel to the Disko Bay for the feasting on large groups of krill and small fish. The humpback whales mainly travel from the areas of Haiti and Puerto Rico, where they breed in the winter period. These outstanding whales can grow up to 15 meters long and weigh approximately 30 tons. The recognition of humpback whales is the elegant tail. To experience these giants of the sea at close range is almost a spiritual experience that overwhelms many. Admire the whales playing hide and seek between the waves, while the arctic winds long to play with your hair! Overnight in Ilulissat.. (B)
Day 6: DEPARTURE FROM ILULISSAT TO KANGERLUSSUAQ: Return flights from Ilulissat to Kangerlussuaq to your departure city. (Reykjavik or Copenhagen) In the late afternoon, it’s time to leave Ilulissat. After having spent some memorable and unforgettable days in this Arctic paradise, it is time for you to return home. We guarantee you will be taking home a wealth of experiences from this amazing land, full of memories that will stay with you longer than any other trip you have been on. You will get a last impression of the huge icebergs in the Ilulissat Ice Fjord with a stunning view from the air above the entire area. If you are flying back to Iceland, you can extend your vacation in Iceland by joining our Iceland Explorer Tour. (B)
NOTE: Itinerary order and/or activities subject to change based on weather.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
ABOUT THIS TOUR: Adventure travel is exactly is as its name implies, an adventure! Although every attempt is made to adhere to these itineraries, participants need to acknowledge and willingly accept the unexpected route and itinerary changes due to factors beyond our control. Please keep in mind that due to Greenland’s extreme and fast climate changes, we reserve the right to change/alter the route of the tour.
WHAT IS INCLUDED & WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW : Transportation, lodging, transfers and baggage handling and meals as indicated on the itinerary. All rates are per person in U.S. dollars based on shared occupancy. A single supplement is available on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking. Single supplement is $1,275 US dollars for this tour. Tour does not include air transportation to Greenland from your gateway city or any optional tours, food, drinks and entrance fees to attractions that are not included in the cost of this travel package unless stated otherwise in the detailed itinerary. In cases where dinner or lunch is included, alcoholic drinks are not included and must be paid for separately. The northern lights is a natural phenomenon, and therefore cannot be guaranteed, but this itinerary is designed to maximize your chances to see them if weather allows. Please note that this tour is dependent upon weather conditions, and might be altered if conditions are not favorable. In the event of major changes to the tour, you will be notified and we will do our best to make sure that your experience will not be affected. Purchase of Travel Insurance is strongly recommended.
NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT: This trip requires a higher non-refundable deposit in order to secure the flights included on this trip. The additional deposit paid at time of booking will be credited to the final balance of your booking.
FLIGHTS TO/FROM GREENLAND: The capital city of Nuuk is the start location of this trip, is best reached by direct flight from Reykjavik (both Keflavik and Reykjavik's domestic airport have daily flights). Alternatively there are flights from Copenhagen that have a short stop in Kangerlussuaq. From Ilulissat, the end location of this trip, again there are direct flights to Reykjavik, and flights to Copenhagen with a stop in Kangerlussuaq. If flying Air Greenland it is best to book all flights on one ticket as this will be more economical.
VISAS AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Tour participants are responsible for obtaining any documents required for their participation on this tour such as a valid passport, all visas, vaccination certificates, and any other documents. Failure to obtain documents does not negate the terms and conditions, and any extra costs incurred for rerouting due to travel without the necessary documents will be the participant’s responsibility. All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the correct visas, permits and certificates for your trip. We are not responsible if you are refused entry to a country because you lack the correct passport, visa or other travel documentation.
LUGGAGE INFORMATION: Due to the nature of this tour and the fact that we will be using smaller aircrafts between the villages, airline restrictions on luggage apply. Onboard Greenland Air you are allowed 45 lbs. (20 kg) of checked baggage and 18 lbs. (8 kg) of carry on luggage. Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact Greenland Air. We recommend checking in on-line in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
ACTIVITY LEVEL: MODERATE: Unfortunately, this trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility and wheelchair users. We strongly advise this excursion is intended for travelers who are not disabled. Of course, we are happy to provide you with information on the suitability of the trip, taking into account the needs you have, but it is on your own responsibility, as we cannot give medical advise wether this tour is suited for you. Guests should be able to walk on uneven ground, climb long stairs and walk up-hills. Trails surfaces vary from paved to uneven natural terrain. Tour participants must also be able to walk a 2-3 mile distances and be able to get in/out of the tour vehicle with minimal assistance. Any optional hikes taken on this tour will change the difficulty level of this tour. Our optional hikes vary from easy to strenuous.
SAFETY, DAYLIGHT HOURS & WEATHER CONDITIONS: Please note that this tour is dependent upon weather conditions, and might be altered if conditions are not favorable. In the case of major changes to the tour, you will be notified and we will do our best to make sure that your experience will not be affected.
FLEXIBILITY: You appreciate and acknowledge that the nature of this type of travel requires considerable flexibility and you should allow for alternatives. The itinerary provided for each trip is representative of the types of activities contemplated, but it is understood that the route, schedules, itineraries, amenities and mode of transport may be subject to alteration without prior notice due to local circumstances or events. While we endeavour to operate all trips as described we reserve the right to change the trip itinerary. Please refer to our website before departure for the most recent updates to your itinerary.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: We strongly suggest purchasing trip cancellation/interruption insurance to protect your travel investment at the time you sign up for one of our trips. This coverage will offset cancellation charges in the event of illness before or during your trip. Trip cancellation/interruption and baggage insurance is available at a supplemental cost. CLICK HERE to purchase travel protection. Your credit card may offer basic travel insurance or emergency travel assistance if you use it to book travel or accommodation although the coverage is usually very limited. Check with your credit card provider to see if you are covered and what benefits are provided.
CANCELLATION POLICY: We consider the deposit non-refundable at the time of reservation; however, Planet Earth Adventures will try to be flexible in the event of a cancellation. Please read our cancellation policy thoroughly. A credit card is required to make your reservation online. Your card will be charged when you book your trip. We require at least 90-day written notice for cancellations. Note that different cancellation conditions including higher charges apply to certain types of trips and additional services including most arctic bookings. Again, we strongly advise to purchase cancellation insurance at the time of booking which will cover any cancellation fees. If you leave a trip for any reason after it has commenced we are not obliged to make any refunds for unused services. If you fail to join a tour, join it after departure, or leave it prior to its completion, no refund will be made. The above cancellation fees are in addition to fees which may be levied by accommodation providers, travel agents or third party tour and transport operator fees.
HOW IS OUR TOUR DIFFERENT FROM SIMILAR TOURS OFFERED BY OTHER COMPANIES?
Sometimes choosing between adventure travel companies can be a challenge since many offer almost the same tours for the same audience at a similar or lower price range. But still, one company can be better than the other for the specific trip you have in mind. Planet Earth Adventures offers you something unique. Our tours are designed to ensure that you will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. While other tour companies offer similar tours to this one, one of the big differences is that we select only the BEST lodging available for the areas that we are visiting. The big difference is that we will never use Hostels; Guest Houses or B&B’s where you have to share a bathroom with others. With our tour, you get a room with your own private bathroom. You will also be traveling in a smaller group. It’s neither good nor bad having more or fewer travelers. It just depends on your preferences. But most people like smaller groups for a “better experience.”
TOUR DATES, PRICES & OTHER INFORMATION
2023 TOUR DATES: Now Taking Reservations Now for 2023
TOUR COST: From €5950 (EUR/Person) Minimum Number of Guests Apply. Airfare to the Gateway City of Nuuk is not Included. You will need to get to Reykjavik in Iceland or Copenhagen in Denmark before you can fly to Greenland.
MEALS: (CB)=Continental Breakfast (B)=Breakfast (L)=Lunch (D)=Dinner.
WHATS INCLUDED:
Accommodations in Nuuk & Ilulissat
Meals as listed in the itinerary
Airport transfers (pick-up and drop-off)
Flight Kangerlussuaq – Nuuk with Air Greenland
Flight Ilulissat – Kangerlussuaq with Air Greenland
City Walks (Nuuk & Ilulissat)
Northern Lights Viewing
Qoornoq Island Adventure Tour
Eqi Glacier Cruise
Admission to museums as listed
Local Transfers
Transportation & Guiding