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Peregrine Travel Centre

Greenland Expedition

Greenland Expedition

From $ 9,450 AUD

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Description

Hike on glaciers, cruise through ice fjords and visit small settlements steeped in mythology on this Expedition to Greenland. Tourism in this area consists mostly of polar cruises, but this 10-day adventure takes you through the raw, wild landscapes mostly on foot. You’ll take small boats through ice bergs, learn about local monsters from a local storyteller and go on a hiking trip to a remote eco-lodge on Lyngmark Mountain. Experience the midnight sun (the sun never goes down here in summer!), go on walks and hikes to spectacular viewpoints and maybe even spot a whale or two! With time for optional sea kayaking and whale watching cruises and a local leader by your side every step of the way – this may be the Expedition of a lifetime!

Trip Name
Greenland Expedition
Last Updated
2024-08-29
Days
10
Capacity
11
Highlights
  • Spend some time in Greenland’s breathtaking natural landscape on a glacier hike over two full days traversing the wild landscape, spending a night in a remote eco-lodge. Then, take a spectacular ferry ride through ice floes and icebergs (nicknamed the most beautiful boat ride in the world!).
  • Explore Greenland away from the tourist track of polar cruise ships and contribute to the sustainable tourism of a country seldom explored on foot.
  • Experience the midnight sun – this trip will only operate during Greenland’s summer, which means the sun never really sets! Make the most of this eerie phenomenon with optional sea kayaking, boat cruise or sailing adventures.
  • Learn about Greenlandic culture and mythology during a storytelling experience with a local and a kaffemik experience, where you’ll step into a local’s home to learn why coffee and cake is such an important practice.
  • Visit small settlements, seldom explored by curious travellers, and head to Disko Island – ‘like all of Greenland encapsulated in one island’ – to soak up the raw landscape of a land surrounded by ice.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Nuuk
Tikilluarit! Welcome to Greenland. Your adventure begins in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, maybe wander the streets of the Old Nuuk neighbourhood and see the Hans Egede Church and Hans Egede statue, both named after the missionary who founded the settlement. History buffs will want to visit the national museum to view the famous Greenlandic mummies, too, which were found under a rock outcrop in 1972 by two brothers who were ptarmigan hunting. After your meeting, maybe head out for an optional welcome dinner with the group.
Day 2 - Nuuk
This morning, take a leader-led walking tour of Nuuk. After you get your bearings and see some of the city’s sites, you’ll meet with a local storyteller to learn about Greenland’s mythology. Hear stories about the local legends and mythological creatures like the Mother of the Sea, the Mountain Walker, the Sun and Moon and many others. Your storyteller will also talk about their background and where their interest in monsters began. After, you’ll have a free afternoon – maybe take a short hike in the backcountry or take a boat tour through the city’s fjord. As it doesn’t get dark in the evenings, boat tours are a great way to spend an evening!
Day 3 - Nuuk - Ilulissat
This morning, you’ll catch a flight to Ilulissat, which literally translates to ‘iceberg’ and is home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ice Fjord. When you arrive, you’ll head out on a leader-led walking tour of the town. Learn about the history of the town, visit the port to learn about the local fishing industry and pass by a wooden church and history museum. Stop in at an artisan workshop to learn about the centuries-old bone carving tradition here and see some local artists at work making jewellery. Later, enjoy a kaffemik experience – step into a local’s home and get a feel for what it's like to live like a Greenlander, especially through the art of kaffemik! More than just coffee and cakes, this tradition of a hot drink and a sweet treat promotes community, connection and the enjoyment of life.
Day 4 - Ilulissat - Qasigiannguit
Today you’ll head out on a daytrip and cruise to the Qasigiannguit settlement. Ilulissat sits at the mouth of the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier – a source of many of the icebergs in the North Atlantic – so this is the perfect spot for total iceberg exploration. During your tour of the town from the water, look out for seals and whales. Visit Greenland's oldest wooden house, built in 1734, enjoy lunch in a scenic spot and learn about the area’s cultural traditions. Maybe end the day at Hotel Arctic, having a drink in the bar or on the terrace overlooking the large icebergs in Disko Bay.
Day 5 - Ilulissat - Qeqertarsuaq (Disko Island)
Today, you’ll take a transfer to the port, then the ferry to Qeqertarsuaq (Disko Island). The city and the island have the same name, which in Greenlandic means ‘the big island’. Pass by more icebergs – this may just be one of the most spectacular public ferry rides ever – along the way. When you arrive, take a guided walking tour with your leader to learn about the island’s history and what modern life is like above the polar circle. Qeqertarsuaq was founded in 1773 as a whaling station and today has about 850 inhabitants. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free – ask your leader where to grab the best local fare.
Day 6 - Qeqertarsuaq (Disko Island) - Lyngmark Glacier
Today, you’ll take a full day hike from Qeqertarsuaq to Disko Mountain Lodge. The hiking trail may be challenging at times, but the raw scenery is incredibly beautiful and you’ll take several breaks along the way to soak up the volcanic mountain environment and the views over Disko Bay. On a clear day, you’ll see all the way to Ilulissat! Have lunch along the way, then end at your accommodation at Disko Mountain Lodge – a blue wooden cabin on top of Lyngmark Mountain. Cosy and comfortable despite its remote location, this lodge features panoramic views over the bay and the perfect opportunity to soak in the wilderness of your surroundings. Depending on the weather and the conditions on the glacier, your leader will organise some optional activities for this afternoon – maybe go hiking to Blaesedalen (windy valley) or the Apostle Mountain, hike on the glacier with snowshoes or hang out at the lodge playing games.
Day 7 - Lyngmark Glacier - Qeqertarsuaq (Disko Island)
Today, fuel up on breakfast, then hike back to Qeqertarsuaq the same way you came. Disko Island is raw and wild, and its volcanic heritage has created a unique environment, unlike any other place in Greenland. Explore the basalt rock formations, lush vegetation, hot springs and black sand beaches along the way, soaking up the unique natural wonders and the immensity of the Lyngmark Glacier.
Day 8 - Qeqertarsuaq (Disko Island) - Ilulissat
This morning, take the ferry back to Ilulissat. When you arrive, enjoy a free afternoon to relax and recharge after a full two days of hiking. You could also take an optional sea-kayaking tour through the icebergs or go whale watching! You could also head out on an iIce fjord boat tour and cruise through the incredible landscape at a leisurely pace. During the months of the midnight sun (when the sun never completely sets), there is plenty to do to really soak up the magic of this remote location!
Day 9 - Ilulissat
Visit the Icefjord Centre today for a journey into Greenlandic culture. Here, visit the permanent exhibition ‘Sermeq pillugu Oqaluttuaq – The Story of the Ice,’ and learn about the cycle of the ice and the abundant wildlife around the fjord. Head to the rooftop for a good view of the city, then take a walk along the wooden pathway to the fjord, to visit the Sermermiut settlement. This valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to the ruins of ancient settlements that date back 4500 years. See another view of the icebergs from a viewpoint, then you’ll reach the shore of the ice fjord. Continue to Nakkaavik, which means ‘the place where you fall’. This name comes from a time when the elderly use to throw themselves down the cliff during famine – they sacrificed their lives for the younger people, so they could have enough food to continue and feed the new generations. Tonight, you’re free to take on any optional activities you didn’t get a chance to do yesterday. Or, head out for dinner with your group and celebrate an incredible adventure!
Day 10 - Ilulissat
With no further activities planned after breakfast, your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay, it’s important to request any additional accommodation well in advance due to limited availability and high demand in the summer months.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
04-07-202513-07-2025AUD $ 9,450-
25-07-202503-08-2025AUD $ 9,450-
15-08-202524-08-2025AUD $ 9,640-
05-09-202514-09-2025AUD $ 9,450-
03-07-202612-07-2026AUD $ 9,920-
24-07-202602-08-2026AUD $ 9,920-
14-08-202623-08-2026AUD $ 9,920-
04-09-202613-09-2026AUD $ 9,920-

Accommodation

Hotel (8 nights),Lodge (1 night)

Transport

Private vehicle,Plane,Ferry

Map

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