Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Iceland
Private transfer from Keflavík international airport to your hotel in the center of Reykjavík where you spend two nights.
Overnight in Reykjavik
Day 2: The Golden Circle (approx. 8hours)
Iceland is spectacular, and so is the Golden Circle Route. The first stop is Thingvellir National Park, the beautiful site of Iceland’s first parliament and the place where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet and move apart. There is a widening fissure in the ground where the planet is opening up. The next stop is the Gullfoss waterfall that tumbles 34 meters into the Hvítá river. Nearby we explore the Geysir geothermal fields with a variety of hot springs and bubbling pools. The sheer power of water and steam erupting from the ground makes you realize how alive the ground is beneath our feet.
Overnight in Reykjavik (B)
Day 3: Reykjavik - Ilulissat, city walk in Ilulissat & sunset cruise in the Icefiord
Private airport transfer in Reykjavik. A 3-hour flight from Reykjavik domestic airport (not Keflavik) to Ilulissat. Transfer to 4-star Hotel Arctic. After the welcome meeting with your local guide enjoy a guided city walk of Ilulissat, and afterward, you have some time to explore the town, visit the local museum and observe Greenlandic life at the always busy harbor.
Welcome dinner (2-course) is included at Hotel Arctic. Around 22:00, we depart for a sunset cruise (3 hours, Dress warmly) to the famous Ilulissat Icefiord that is the world’s largest ice sculpture park. The experience is overwhelming; lights and colors constantly change. Enjoy a late drink on “the real rocks”. (Note: The season for midnight sun is approx. May 22-Jul 24. Outside this season the excursion is operated as an evening cruise with the beautiful sunset reflecting over the icebergs).
Overnight in Ilulissat (B, D)
Day 4: Boat trip to Eqi - the calving glacier & Rodebay - hunter's village (approx. 7-8 hours)
Breakfast at the hotel. Early morning departure for the one-day boat trip to Eqi – the calving glacier. The Eqi glacier runs into the fjord 80 km north of Ilulissat and is one of the most beautiful places in Greenland. It is possible to get very close to the 5-km wide glacier front and experience huge pieces of ice breaking off. The sound of an active calving glacier is quite remarkable, while the sight of icebergs toppling into the water is breathtaking. Afterward, we continue to the small settlement of Oqaatsut/Rodebay. The local population of about 40 people is dependent on fishing and hunting; you experience an entirely different world compared to the nearby town of Ilulissat. Guided walk through the village before enjoying a local meal at the old trading station. For hundreds of years, Oqaatsut/Rodebay was a stopover place for Dutch whalers, who dragged the huge whales onto land here in the old village. The village, which lies in a beautiful natural setting just 15 km north of Ilulissat, has its school, church, shop and a single restaurant “H8”, which serves excellent meals in the old colonial building.
Overnight in Ilulissat (B, L, D)
Day 5: Inuit Settlement at the Ilulissat Icefiord (3 hours)
Breakfast at the hotel. By bus as far as the road goes. Guided walking tour to the old Inuit settlement Sermermiut located on the famous Ilulissat Icefiord that was inscribed on the UNESCO’s world heritage list in 2004. The ancient settlement of Sermermiut, 1.5 km south of the town, is surrounded by Ilulissat’s beautiful icebergs. Various Inuit cultures have lived here over the past 4,000 years, and you can still see remains from ancient times. Learn about local history and customs before Europeans arrived. See plots settled for thousands of years and admire the views across the majestic icebergs. Please wear proper boots or hiking boots. The hiking distance is about 3 km round-trip; hiking time is about 1 hour. Terrain: mainly track bridge and a bit of uneven nature and rocky trail.
Rest of the day free at leisure to hike along the Icefiord and explore the town of Ilulissat.
Overnight in Ilulissat (B)
Day 6: Ilulissat - Reykjavik
Breakfast at the hotel. Spend some time in the morning to explore the town of Ilulissat and last-minute Greenland shopping. The short Arctic adventure has come to an end, and you return by flight to Reykjavik, Iceland. Private airport transfer in Reykjavik to your accommodation. Rest of day at Leisure - explore on your own.
Overnight in Reykjavik (B)
Day 7: Blue Lagoon & Reykjavik
Depart at 10:00 by bus (no guide) and drive through rough lava fields to the Blue Lagoon where you can relax in its rejuvenating geothermal water. The water is rich in minerals and believed to have healing powers. You can stay as long as you please (the last bus back to Reykjavik is at 23:15). The afternoon is free at leisure to explore Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, or enjoy optional spa treatments at the Blue Lagoon.
Overnight in Reykjavik (B)
Day 8: Reykjavik Departure
Breakfast at the hotel. Individual Hotel check-out.
Private transfer from your accommodation in Reykjavik to Keflavik international airport.
Note:
- Excursion days may alter depending on weather and a minimum number of participants.
- Trips to Greenland are always subject to weather, fog, and ice conditions. Therefore the sequence of the day tours and excursions in Greenland is subject to change or if needed an alternative excursion will be operated if available.
- Delays and flight cancellations between Iceland and Greenland can happen.
