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Arrive
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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. Here, 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 50 miles deep into a fjord system spoiled with humpback whales, majestic icebergs and waters that fade from navy to turquoise.
On a dramatic icy inlet surrounded by some of the oldest mountains in the world, your camp for the next few days is cast deep in the wilderness, but with ample comforts; a woodstove to warm your cosy tipi; 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. Later this afternoon, take a short walk to the rocky waterfall located just behind the camp.
Overnight: Camp Kiattua
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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 kayaking adventure between the fjord's icebergs - a thrilling opportunity, for first-timers and experienced paddlers alike.
Overnight: Camp Kiattua
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Day 3 Fjords and Arctic glaciers
The power of the ice will be at its most evident throughout today's daring encounters. Sail deeper into the Nuuk fjord, stopping for a dip in the icy Arctic waters along the way, and then 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, slow the pace a little with a relaxing walk close to the camp.
Overnight: Camp Kiattua
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Day 4 Highlights of Nuuk
This morning you will travel by boat back to Nuuk, arriving in time for lunch in the striking surroundings of the Katuaq Cultural Centre, one of the architectural highlights of Greenland's capital. You will then embark upon a historic tour of Nuuk, covering some of the waterfront's city's most significant landmarks. Check in to your comfortable hotel for the evening and then enjoy a journey through modern Greenland cuisine at the hotel's Sarfalik brasserie, one of the finest restaurants in the city.
Overnight: Hotel Hans Egede, Nuuk
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Day 5 Tundra Safari
An early start today bears rich reward as you fly inland to Kangerlussuaq, one if the few ice-free areas of Greenland and a rich habitat for Arctic tundra wildlife. A scenic safari takes in the remarkable tundra landscapes, flora and fauna - if you are fortunate you may even be able to glimpse musk oxen grazing in the scrublands. A late afternoon flight takes you on to Ilulissat, soaring over white desert tundra, imposing glaciers and wild Arctic wildlife. Upon arrival in Ilulissat, you will be driven to your hotel, positioned on the edge of the world's most active ice fjord.
Overnight: Hotel Arctic, Ilulissat
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Day 6 Ilulissat activities and on to Disko Bay
Today you can choose from a selection of memorable activities that place in and around Ilulissat, the 'city of icebergs'. Set out on an iceberg safari, a whale watching cruise in search of the humpback, minke and fin whales that pass through these rich waters, or delve deeper into life in the region on a guided cultural and historical exploration. Later this afternoon you will travel by boat to Disko Island and your supremely comfortable camp, located in a pristine area of Arctic wilderness where few visitors are able to reach. After time to settle in to your cosy tipi, dine by candlelit in front of the roaring fire, sampling delicious regional specialities such as snow crab bisque and wild berry crumble.
Overnight: Disko Bay Camp
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Day 7 Ata Strait and the Eqi Glacier
After a hearty breakfast at camp, your Disko Bay adventures begin in earnest today. You will set out on a breathtaking Zodiac ride through the Ata Strait until you reach the Eqi Glacier, one of the largest and most active in Greenland. Nothing quite prepares you for the spectacle of the calving glacier, and the thundering sound that accompanies the colossal blocks of ice that crash into the water - a truly remarkable display of the power of nature in the Arctic. You will then have the opportunity to experience the region from a different perspective, on an exhilarating hike followed by a delicious picnic lunch. Return to camp later this afternoon, and perhaps reward your tired limbs with some time in the steam room and massage tent.
Overnight: Disko Bay Camp
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Day 8 Kayaking, Arctic fishing and Qullissat ghost town visit
Begin the day with a new perspective of the Disko Island coastline, on a foraging expedition by kayak following traditional hand-held line fishing techniques. Whether or not you are successful in your endeavours to gather blue mussels, halibut and cod, a delicious Greenlandic barbecue lunch still awaits at the end of the morning. This afternoon you will visit the ghost town of Qullissat, formerly one of Greenland's biggest cities but subsequently abandoned following the closure of its coal mine in 1972.
Overnight: Disko Bay Camp
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Day 9 Greenlandic hunting and foraging
Learn more about traditional ways of life today on an immersion into Greenlandic hunting and foraging. Accompanied by your expert guide you will set out in a search for wild mushrooms, which form a staple part of fresh meals in the region, as well being dried and set aside for later use. You will also be gathering Angelica, Greenland's signature herb that is employed in a bewildering number of ways including in the preparation of jams and chutneys, salads, confectionary and even infused in the warming schnapps you are likely to encounter more than once during your travels. Other intriguing herbs and berries await to be discovered along the way.
Overnight: Disko Bay Camp
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Day 10 Departure
Enjoy a final breakfast at camp, before travelling by boat back to Ilulissat in time for your onward flight. Alternatively, round off your adventure in memorable style with a scenic helicopter flight back to the city [supplement applies].
Option : extend your time in the region with a relaxing two-night stay at Ilimanaq Lodge, where you can marvel at the spectacle of floating ice formations and passing whales in the sublime comfort of a luxurious, sea-facing cabin.
NOTA BENE : though we recommend an itinerary combining Camp Kiattua and Disko Bay Camp to provide the most authentic experience of wild Greenland, should you feel that two wilderness camps will be too much for you, the time at Disko Bay can be substituted for a couple of days at Ilimanaq Lodge to enjoy iceberg and whale watching in a more leisurely setting.
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Depart
