Day 1: Arrival in Nuuk
Upon arrival at Nuuk Airport, proceed to the taxi rank directly outside the terminal for a self-booked transfer to your accommodation. The journey into the city takes approximately 10–15 minutes. You will check in for a two-night stay at Hotel Hans Egede or a similar property, where you’ll be accommodated in a double standard room with private facilities. Breakfast is included during your stay. After check-in, enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure—whether you rest after your travels or take a short walk to explore the city center and harbor area.
Day 2: Guided City Tour of Nuuk – 10:00 (Approx. 2 Hours)
Start your day with a guided walking tour through Nuuk at 10:00 at the Greenland National Museum. Spend the first 30 minutes exploring fascinating artifacts from every era of Greenland’s rich history and culture.
From there, your guide will lead you through the charming colonial harbor, where centuries-old buildings still stand as they did 200–300 years ago. Along the way, you’ll see historic whale blubber processing equipment, visit Hans Egede’s House, and view iconic sculptures, including “The Mother of the Sea” and the statue of Hans Egede near the old church.
The walk continues to the lively open-air market, where locals sell freshly caught fish, seals, and reindeer. You’ll also pass the Greenlandic Parliament before arriving at Katuaq, Nuuk’s modern Culture House and a local art and events hub.
The Tour concludes in the town center, ideally for shopping, lunch, or further exploration.
Museum entrance is included in the tour price.
Day 3: Travel from Nuuk to Ilulissat
Start your day with a self-booked taxi transfer from your hotel to Nuuk Airport, which takes about 20 minutes. Your domestic flight from Nuuk to Ilulissat departs at 11:45 and arrives at 12:45, with a flight duration of approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Upon arrival in Ilulissat, a hotel shuttle mini-bus will be waiting to transfer you from the airport to your accommodation.
15:00 – Ilulissat City Walk (Duration: 2.5 hours)
In the afternoon, join a guided City Walk to discover Ilulissat’s rich history and culture. This Tour is the perfect way to learn about Greenlandic life, both past and present, and hear fascinating stories from your guide. You’ll visit several key locations, including the bustling harbor where fishermen work, where hunters gather, and the birthplace of famous polar explorer Knud Rasmussen. You’ll also stop by the old wooden Zion Church, an important historical site. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the charm and character of this unique Arctic town.
21:30 – Midnight Sailing to the Icefjord (Duration: 3 hours)
In the evening, embark on a breathtaking Midnight Sailing tour to the Ilulissat Icefjord. As you sail toward the ice fjord, you’ll witness the dramatic changing colors of the icebergs under the midnight sun. The icebergs shift from cool white and bluish tones to stunning violet, yellow, and reddish hues as the sun moves closer to the horizon or just below it. This magical display is a must-see in Ilulissat, especially during the summer when the midnight sun graces the sky from May 20th to July 23rd.
The Tour departs from Hotel Hvide Falk’s private harbor, where you’ll meet your guide. The small boats accommodate only 12 passengers, offering an intimate experience where you can enjoy unobstructed views, ask the guide questions, and genuinely appreciate the peaceful beauty of the Icefjord. During the sailing, coffee and tea keep you warm, and toilets are available onboard. This is one of the most popular outings in Ilulissat, so don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.
Accommodation: 4 Nights in Ilulissat at Hotel Hvide Falk or similar
Day 4: 14:00 – Oqaatsut Evening Tour & Dinner at Restaurant H8, Ilulissat (Duration: 7 hours)
Set off from Ilulissat on a scenic boat ride, passing stunning drifting icebergs from the Ilulissat Icefjord as they make their way north. As you arrive in the charming settlement of Oqaatsut, you’ll be warmly greeted by your guide, who will lead you on an informative tour of the area. In this peaceful settlement, you’ll learn about Oqaatsut’s history and daily life.
After the guided walk, you’ll have free time to explore Oqaatsut’s beautiful surroundings. With several scenic viewpoints and benches scattered throughout the area, it’s the perfect place to soak in the tranquil nature and enjoy the stunning views.
Your experience concludes at Restaurant H8 Explorer, a cozy dining spot in historic buildings with breathtaking bay views. Here, you’ll enjoy a delicious three-course dinner with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, reflecting the spirit of Oqaatsut itself.
After dinner, you’ll board the boat for a serene evening return journey to Ilulissat. The soft evening light will cast a magical glow over the water, a perfect end to your visit to Oqaatsut.
Day 5: 09:00 Boat Tour to Eqi Glacier – The Calving Glacier, Disko Bay (Duration: 6 hours)
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure to the stunning Eqi Glacier 80 kilometers north of Ilulissat. This boat tour takes you to the glacier, where you’ll witness enormous pieces of ice breaking off with a thunderous sound—an awe-inspiring sight as the icebergs crash into the water. It’s an experience few places in Greenland can offer.
During the Tour, you’ll travel in comfortable, modern boats. The route will take you past the picturesque Bredebugt, the settlement of Oqaatsut, and the beautiful Pakitsoq fjord system, where you’ll often spot whales and seals. You’ll also sail through the Ataa Strait, surrounded by steep mountains, birdlife, and waterfalls.
Your boat will spend approximately two hours before the glacier, allowing you to witness the incredible calving process while enjoying a delicious packed lunch.
The excursion takes about 6 hours, with the boat ride to and from the glacier varying between 2 to 5 hours, depending on the boat used that day. This day trip offers ample time to fully immerse yourself in the stunning scenery and the unique sailing experience through ice-filled waters.
If you’re interested in extending your visit, you can also combine this boat trip with an overnight stay at Glacier Lodge Eqi. For more details, be sure to check out the “Overnight Stay in Glacier Lodge Eqi” excursions.
Day 6: 10:00 – Walk to Sermermiut Settlement, Ilulissat (Duration: 2.5 hours)
Today, take a scenic walk to the historic Sermermiut Settlement, just 1.5 kilometers south of Ilulissat, where breathtaking icebergs create the perfect backdrop. For over 4,000 years, different Inuit cultures lived in this area, and you can still see many of their remnants today.
A visit to Sermermiut is a must when in Ilulissat! Along the way, your guide will share fascinating stories about Inuit life and traditions before the arrival of Europeans. You’ll get to explore the ruins of ancient turf huts and even feel the permafrost beneath your feet.
This special area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2004, attracting around 30,000 visitors yearly. A wooden walkway has been built to preserve it, ensuring the site remains protected and accessible.
The walk takes you to a stunning viewpoint at Nakkaavik, known as “Old Ladies Gorge.” Enjoy a warm cup of tea or coffee as you take in the magnificent views before retracing your steps back to Ilulissat.
Day 7: Departure from Ilulissat to Nuuk
After checking out of your hotel, you can leave your luggage securely at the hotel free of charge while you explore the area for the last time.
At 15:00, enjoy a comfortable shuttle ride from your hotel to Ilulissat Airport, allowing plenty of time for check-in (please allow 1.5 hours). Your flight from Ilulissat to Nuuk departs at 16:45 and arrives at 18:15.
Upon arrival at Nuuk Airport, you must take a self-booked taxi to your hotel.
You’ll stay for five nights in Nuuk at Hotel Hans Egede (or a similar property) in a cozy double standard room with breakfast included.
Day 8: 09:00 – Whale Watching Boat Tour, Nuuk (Duration: 3-4 hours)
Join us for a spectacular whale-watching adventure in the stunning fiords of Nuuk, an area rich in wildlife and natural beauty. The fiords have long been a vital resource for local communities, providing fish, reindeer, and whales. What’s special about this Tour is that Nuuk’s fiords are protected for humpback whales, making it the only place in Greenland where they can swim freely without the threat of hunting. This protection has encouraged them to become more comfortable around our boats, offering you a unique chance to witness these majestic creatures up close.
The fiords in this region can reach depths of up to 600 meters, creating the perfect environment for gentle giants—the humpback whales. These incredible creatures travel long distances between the Arctic and warmer seas like the Caribbean. Every summer, from June to September, they visit Greenland to feast on krill and small fish, having traveled from breeding grounds in Haiti and Puerto Rico.
Humpback whales can grow up to 18 meters long and weigh as much as 30 tons. Their beautiful tails easily distinguish them, and spotting them in the wild is an awe-inspiring, almost spiritual experience that leaves many visitors in complete wonder.
The Tour usually lasts 3 to 4 hours, depending on the boat used that day. We follow strict government guidelines to approach the whales responsibly, ensuring their safety and yours.
If you don’t spot any whales on the Tour, don’t worry! We guarantee you can join the next whale safari for free (same day or the next Tour at 17:00).
Day 9: 13:30 – Fiord Adventure Boat Tour (Duration: 2 hours)
If you want to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Nuuk fiords, this Tour is for you. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in nature, and you might even spot some local wildlife along the way, such as white-tailed eagles, seals, or perhaps a humpback whale if you’re lucky (especially during the summer months).
This Tour doesn’t follow a fixed route. Our experienced captain may change course based on recent sightings of whales or interesting icebergs, offering you a unique experience every time.
Sailing through the peaceful fiords of Greenland is a remarkable escape from everyday life. With no cell phone reception and the stillness of the water around you, it’s the perfect opportunity to feel the freedom the first people to set foot on Greenland’s shores must have felt over 5,000 years ago.
Day 10: Free Day in Nuuk
Enjoy a free day to explore Nuuk at your own pace. If you’d like to add an extra adventure, we suggest the Puffin Watching Boat Tour, which costs 1,195 DKK per person.
15:30 – Puffin Watching Boat Tour (Duration: 3 hours)
Join us for a scenic boat ride through the stunning Nuuk Fiord to a small island where puffins nest in summer. These charming birds, with their colorful beaks, are a delight to spot. Puffins are small, about 30 cm in size, and spend most of the year out at sea, returning to the islands only to lay their eggs.
While we can’t guarantee a puffin sighting (as they are wild animals), this Tour offers an excellent chance to enjoy the serene beauty of the fiords and watch for these delightful seabirds.
Day 11: 09:00 or 15:30 – Qooqqut Nuan Catch and Eat Tour, Nuuk (Duration: 6 hours)
Choose from two departure times for the Qooqqut Nuan Catch and Eat Tour—an unforgettable 3-in-1 adventure that combines a scenic boat ride, fishing for fresh Greenlandic fish, and dining in a cozy restaurant with breathtaking views.
This Tour begins with a lovely boat trip through the beautiful fiords of Nuuk. After about 50 minutes (50 km), we arrive at the secluded settlement of Qooqqut, where a charming restaurant awaits, nestled at the foot of a massive mountain. This special place is run by the renowned chef Mads Bek and his wife, who have created a cozy haven in the rugged wilderness. The restaurant blends Far Eastern spices with European flavors, offering a unique and unforgettable dining experience.
You’ll have the chance to try fishing, hoping to catch fresh cod or redfish. If you’re lucky, the chef will prepare your catch right there. While we can’t guarantee a fish on the line, don’t worry—the restaurant has extra fish available, and you can always choose a regular dish from the menu if fishing isn’t your thing. However, we highly recommend trying the fish, as it doesn’t get fresher than this!
The restaurant also offers wine and drinks, which can be purchased separately (not included in the tour price).
This Tour combines the beauty of Greenland’s landscape with a delicious culinary experience you won’t soon forget.
Day 12: Departure Day in Nuuk
Take a self-booked taxi from your hotel to Nuuk Airport (approximately 20 minutes) on your departure day. For international flights, please allow 1.5 to 2 hours for check-in. Safe travels!
Included:
- Nuuk – Ilulissat – Nuuk domestic flights incl tax
- 11 nights hotel accommodation: 1 Double standard room , including breakfast, as per itinerary
- City walking tour of Nuuk, entrance to the National Museum incl.
- Whale Watching Boat Tour, Nuuk
- Qoooqqut Nuan Catch and Eat , Nuuk – meal included
- Fiord Adventure Boat Tour, Nuuk
- Ilulissat City Walk
- Boat tour to Eqi glacier, Ilulissat / packed lunch included
- Midnight Sailing to the Icefjord , Ilulissat
- Walk to Sermermiut Settlement, Ilulissat
- Oqaatsut Evening & Restaurant H8 , Ilulissat – 3 course dinner included
Price from 5,510 EUR per person (minimum 4) for DBL / Twin standard room with private facilities, including breakfast.