Aug 6 -  Fly to Greenland

This morning transfer to airport for our flight on Air Greenland.   (Flights are not in the system yet, times and cost TBA). It’s around a 5-hour flight from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland’s main gateway. Then we transfer to 1-hour domestic flight to Ilulissat, the iceberg capital and coolest part of the country!  (Some connections on Air Greenland will be on helicopters of 9 to 20 passengers. There are no roads connecting town.)

Check into our base – Ilulissat Best Western in the heart of town. This new hotel has the friendliest staff to assist you, free Wi-Fi and full hot breakfast. Enjoy the rooftop café with stunning views of the ice fjords here. It’s the perfect location to walk to  nearby shops, museums, churches, cafés, etc. At night, always look to the sky for the possibility of seeing the summer northern lights. 

Ilulissat is the third-largest city in Greenland and attracts many as it is home to the famous Ilulissat Icefjord. With a population of 4,905, it offers opportunities to experience stunning icebergs and is situated on the shores of Disko Bay, making it the largest town in the area. The name "Ilulissat" aptly translates to "Icebergs" in the Greenlandic language, which is fitting considering the towering icebergs that surround the town. Located on the west coast of Greenland, approximately 350km north of the Arctic Circle, Ilulissat enjoys continuous daylight during the summer months and perpetual darkness in winter. These extreme conditions make it a unique destination.  The nutrient-rich waters of Disko Bay attract a diverse range of seals and whales, making it the prime location for whale watching in Greenland. -  Lonely Planet

Overnight Best Western Hotel Ilulissat              B

Aug 7 : Epic Eqi Glacier, Disko Bay

We head on the Disko Line ferry to Qeqertarsuaq, the only city on Disko Island known as the most beautiful place in Greenland. Basalt columns and hot springs are evidence of the volcanic history here.  We board our boats 80 km north to what Greenlanders call “the naval of the world”, to witness the calving of glaciers. Few places on earth are as beautiful and active as Eqi. Our boat will get you up close to the glacier as possible. When it is calving, the sounds are deafening as icebergs of incredible colors and shapes break into the waters.  See the enormous ice wall for breathtaking photos. Along the way of our cruise, look out for the legendary whales, seals and a multitude of marine life. Here we stop to enjoy lunch in front of the glacier.  Special permits are given for those who may choose an optional helicopter flight and some incredible sea kayaking experiences among the ‘bergs.

(Shared tour – this means it’s not a private AFS tour. Others may join us.)   

Best Western Hotel Ilulissat                 B,L

Aug 8: Icefjords of West Greenland 

This morning we embark on a walking tour along a raised wooden walkway to the settlement of Sermermiut set along a beautiful world of ice. For 4000 years, different Inuit communities have lived here. Our guide will share stories about Inuit life and traditions before Europeans came to Greenland. Touch the permafrost ground to understand the challenging life they have here. See the historic turf houses from ancient times. The town receives 30,000 visitors each year and is now a UNESCO site. 

Our afternoon adventure takes us on another boat cruise by icebergs into the famous Ilulissat Icefiord which is also a World Heritage Site.  It is astonishing to look up at at ice sheets 100m in height around you as we sail towards the end of the fjord. In summer, they glitter in shiny white and a dozen shades of blue under the unique warm glow of the midnight sun. It’s a nature experience you’ll never forget.  (Shared tour).     Best Western Hotel Ilulissat                 B

Aug 9 : Whale Safari & Huskies

This morning we head out again in boats in search of the humpback, blue, minke and fin whales splashing in the waters of Disko Bay. The humpback, as big as 30 tons and 60 feet long, is the acrobat among them all. They are most active swimming in summer. See them hunt for fish, squid and krill. Also look for walruses, bearded seals, adorable white Beluga and the rare Narwhal or “unicorn” whales! It’s possible to spot polar bears. They are one of Greenland’s most iconic animals and the world’s largest land predator. 2200 polar bears live around the coast of West Greenland. (Now is the time to visit. Scientific studies reveal the ice sheets are melting faster now than ever in history. But they also discover a re-emerging population of polar bears despite rapid climate change.) Our captain is in radio contact with the local fishermen and other boat operators to alert us of sightings near for our best WOW moments. (Shared tour)

Afternoon tour to meet the Huskies! For six months a year here, it’s sled time for 1800 dogs that reside here. Not just for recreation and tourism, but these sled dogs are used to work. They are mainly used for transportation and hauling halibut from the ice fiords to Ilulissat.  In summer, it’s delightful to visit the sociable dogs at their kennel homes. You’ll hear their yapping as we approach. Look into their blue eyes under the midnight sunshine, pet their soft fur and get your best “selfie” with them. The playful interactions and joy of these unique huskies lend a heartfelt experience. Tonight, a Farewell Dinner is included at our hotel to cheer a fabulous adventure in Greenland!   Best Western Hotel Ilulissat               B, D

Aug 10: WEST GREENLAND – COPENHAGEN 

We check out and transfer to airport for our return flight to Copenhagen. (Time around 7 hours.). On arrival transfer to hotel. Depending on flight times, you may have time to explore more of this royal city. In the evening, consider a canal dinner cruise or fabulous Tivoli Gardens. This famous old world amusement park, set in stunning gardens, is loved by adults and children alike with dozens of fun lively outdoor cafés and restaurants to choose.      

Overnight  Copenhagen Strand Hotel             B

Aug 11:  Visit Sweden

We added a full day tour for you to add another stamp your passport. By private coach, we drive over the beautiful Oresund Bridge, the longest in Europe, over to Sweden.  Join our local guide as we begin a walking tour of historic Lund, a city dating back to the Viking age. Walk its cobbled streets and admire the 12th century Lund Cathedral. Then we travel to Sweden’s third largest city, the cultural capital and university city of Malmo. From the large square of Stortorget, see Malmo’s castle, Scandinavia's oldest pharmacy, old graveyard and St Peiti Church.  There are many enticements. It has a Parisian feel with pedestrian only streets lined with great Swedish cafés. Free time to visit the museums and many specialty shops with great prices. Later we meet our guide at the Torso, Scandinavia’s tallest building and return to Copenhagen.  

Overnight  Copenhagen Strand Hotel                B

Aug 12:  Departure - After breakfast, transfer to airport for a flights home.