GREENLAND DISCOVERY

Day 1 Fly to Nuuk and sail to Camp Kiattua

Fly from Reykjavik to Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, around three hours over land and sea. Following a guided tour of the south-western waterfront city, a boat awaits at the harbour to take you to Camp Kiattua, which can otherwise be reached only by helicopter. This cruise will take you 80 kilometres deep into a fjord system spoiled with humpback whales, majestic icebergs and waters that fade from navy to turquoise – a spectacular, captivating sight. On a dramatic icy inlet amid 3.8 billion-year-old mountains (believed to be the oldest in the world), your camp for the next few days is the remotest of wilderness destinations. But its luxuries are many: a cosy woodstove in your chic tipi, with a separate private bathroom tipi; an outdoor hot tub and sauna; and a dining tent where the chef prepares fresh local ingredients at the fireside. In the afternoon, take a short walk to the rocky waterfall just behind the camp.

Overnight: Camp Kiattua

Day 2 Inuit Culture

The majority of Greenland’s population are Inuit, and today you will learn about their ancient culture. Sail to Kapisillit to fish waters rich with salmon – with your bare hands, or traditional rods. Enjoy lunch next to the river before walking into the tiny Kapisillit settlement, to meet some of its 50 residents. Later, guides will lead you on a kayak adventure between the fjord’s icebergs – a thrilling opportunity, for first-timers and experienced paddlers alike.

Overnight: Camp Kiattua

Day 3 Explore the Fjord

Sail to the stunning fjord again, for walks or scrambles to the summit of its highest 1,650-metre peak. Fishing enthusiasts will enjoy the challenge of catching Arctic char for the chef to cook for dinner – or freeze and take home.

Overnight: Camp Kiattua

Day 4 Fjords and Arctic Glaciers

The power of the ice will be at its most evident throughout today’s daring encounters: sailing deeper into the Nuuk fjord, stopping for a dip in the icy Arctic on the way and standing triumphant on the ice in survival suits. Your final destination is the most productive glacier, surrounded by peaks, waterfalls and commanding bays. Later, if your adrenaline is still at a high, go for a relaxing walk close to the camp.

Overnight: Camp Kiattua

Day 5 Ilulissat's Icebergs

Board your boat for a final time and cruise back to Nuuk to take two short flights to reach Ilulissat, further north along Greenland’s west coast. Upon arrival your guide will meet you for a walking tour of the 4,000-year old Sermermiut settlement, shining a light on varied Inuit cultures and traditions. Starting at its cemetery, where people continue to be buried today, you will follow tracks past gorges and permafrost to Seqinniarfik, which translates as “where we welcome the sun”. Each year on 13 January, Ilulissat residents gather here to welcome the sun after the long dark winter. In the evening, sail between towering icebergs to the southern banks of the ice fjord. The 15 two-storey, solar-powered coastal huts that make up Ilimanaq Lodge were built in 2017, blending contemporary architecture with the coastal tundra landscape. Your stay here will feel nothing short of spellbinding, with your loft bedroom overlooking the water’s edge and the icy formations that float and crash across it. Make your way for dinner in an 18th-century house in the small Ilimanaq settlement, with an emphasis on Greenland’s freshest flavours.

Overnight: Ilimanaq Lodge

Day 6 Eqi Glacier and Whale Watching

Coming close by boat to the tremendous Eqi glacier, expect explosive sounds and splashes as the ice calves into the sea – the sheer noise will match this extraordinary sight. You will spend a magical and almost other-worldly day travelling the 80 kilometres here, whale watching on the way.

Overnight: Ilimanaq Lodge

Day 7 Ilulissat and fly home

Sail back to Ilulissat for a little last-minute shopping and exploring in the town, before flying back to Reykjavik for your flight home.