Itinerary

Day 1      Arrive Narsarsuaq / Glacier Views

Fly from Reykjavik's domestic airport (or from Copenhagen; extra charge applies) to Narsarsuaq, where you will be met and transferred to Hotel Narsarsuaq.  There will be time today to visit and walk around in the area, or to take an optional trek to a fantastic glacier viewpoint, around an hour's hike from town.  You also have option of a helicopter excursion if you prefer (additional cost).   Overnight in Narsarsuaq.

Meals: None
Lodging: Hotel Narsarsuaq (private facilities)   

Day 2      Qassiarsuk / Tasiusaq / Iceberg Bay

After breakfast, you'll be driven to the coast for a boat trip through Tunulliarfik Fjord, usually covered by icebergs, to Qassiarsuk.  Led by your guide, visit the church ruins and the settlement, known as old Brattahlid, the capital of Viking Greenland, where Eric the Red settled in 985 at the start of the colonization of the island.  Walk through the town of about 100 inhabitants, mostly farmers, and reflect on the history and daily challenges of its inhabitants. 
 Stop for lunch at the Leif Eriksson Hostel, named after the great mariner and Eric’s son, who made the first colonization trip from here to North America in the year 1000.
 
In the afternoon, travel by 4x4 vehicle to Tasiusaq, where just a handful of people live in notable isolation next to Sermilik fjord, which is almost always blocked by the ice from icebergs coming from the Eqaloruutsit glacier.   Afterward, consider an optional kayak excursion in scenic "Iceberg Bay”.  Return to your hotel in nearby Narsarsuaq for the evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging: Hotel Narsarsuaq (private facilities)   

Day 3      Hiking / Greenland Farm Stay

Following a hearty breakfast, transfer to Innerulalik, a fantastic Greenland farm in an idyllic spot, surrounded by lakes and green hills, with impressive views of icebergs floating on the fjord.  After settling in, consider an optional trek through the mountains and lakes around the farm.  On the hike, enjoy the spectacular views of Ilissumatarfik, the highest mountain in the area at more than 5,600'.  Loaded with huge bundles of firewood, Vikings used to climb to the summit of this mountain to light great fires that served as a beacon for ships sailing from Europe to Brattahlid, the capital of Greenland Viking world.
 
Return to the farm for some warm relaxation in a quiet, but interesting and welcoming environment.
  Your host family will prepare a delicious Greenlandic-style dinner and share their stories and knowledge of the day-to-day lives of the people who live here year-round.
  Retire to your private room for a comfortable overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (picnic), Dinner
Lodging: Farmhouse stay (private room, shared facilities)   

Day 4      Qoorooq Ice Fjord / Igaliko

In the morning following another filling and warming breakfast, embark on a sea excursion to Qoorooq fjord to see what probably is the most spectacular glacier in South Greenland.  Enjoy the wonderful sight of ice floating all around as the captain skillfully navigates among blocks of ice until the increasing density no longer allows us to continue.   Next, the captain heads to Itilleq, where you will set off on an easy hike across the “Kongevejen”, or Path of the Kings, to the idyllic little settlement of Igaliko, a small Inuit village of about 60 people, famous for being the most beautiful settlement in Greenland.  While here, explore the ruins of Gardar, the archdiocese and religious capital of Viking Greenland.
  Retire to your small country hotel in Igaliko for a well-deserved night's rest.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (picnic), Dinner
Lodging: Igaliko Country Hotel (private room, shared facilities)   

Day 5      Igaliko / Narsaq

After breakfast, hike back to Itilleq and take a boat trip to Narsaq, the third most populated town in South Greenland, with about 1,700 inhabitants. You will have free time to visit the local market, fur shops, hunters' harbor, the Greenland museum, walk around the area, or do some shopping. While here today (also your base for the next two nights), you have the option of a kayak excursion, a hiking trip to Kvanefjeld
, or an escorted Viking Tour.

 
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Hotel Narsaq (private facilities)   

Day 6      Qaleraliq Camp / Zodiac / Ice Excursion

Following breakfast at the hotel, set off for Qaleraliq camp, toward the Inland Ice, arriving at a cozy, enchanting day camp set on a sandy beach with spectacular views of two fronts of Qaleraliq's glacier.  Today, experience the glacier from the water and on an ice hike, two ways to grasp its mass and beauty.
 
First, from the camp, board a Zodiac boat for water views of the glacier's fronts, admiring their vertical ice walls and numerous icebergs as we approach along their descent of more than six miles to the sea.  Next, set off on an impressive ice excursion using crampons (organized to be suitable for all travelers and skill levels) on one of the oldest masses of ice on the planet. This very special adventure is comparable only (perhaps) to visiting Perito Morenu glacier in Patagonia.  Explore crevasses, drains, caves, seracs, and other ice formations that give an incredible, labyrinthine quality to this glacier.

  An expert mountain guide, also a specialist in glacier science, will organize, escort, and lead our group to ensure we are provided with and know how to use appropriate equipment, to ensure everyone's safety, and to share his knowledge about the special characteristics of the glaciers in South Greenland.  This is a unique and special experience, exciting and original, and sure to surprise and delight both first-timers and those accustomed to the peculiarities of the glacier world. This is one of the most impressive sights and one of the best excursions in all of Greenland, as well as one of the highlights of your trip.
 
Following today's adventures, return to your hotel in Narsaq for a well-earned rest.

Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Hotel Narsaq (private facilities)   

Day 7      Qaqortoq, Capital of South Greenland

Eat breakfast, check out, and transfer by boat to Qaqortoq, South Greenland's capital, looking for whales while en route in the boat.  Qaqortoq was founded in 1775 and now has more than 3,300 inhabitants who describe it as the most charming and attractive town in the country.  Take a small excursion around town, where you'll discover the beauty of its colorful buildings, the awe-inspiring landscapes, and some of the 30 different rock sculptures spread around town.

After our visit, choose among optional excursions to Hvalsoy Church and Upernaviarsuk Agricultural Center, or Uunartoq Geothermal Springs, or perhaps a fishing trip.
 
The evening is yours free to explore the museum, fur shops, traditional kayak club, church, the only fountain in the country, and to have dinner in one of Qaqortoq's restaurants or enjoy a drink with the local people.  Retire to your small hotel, in the center of town with great waterfront views, for your last night in this marvelous land.

 
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Hotel Qaqortoq (private facilities)   

Day 8      Helicopter Tour / Narsarsuaq / Onward

After breakfast and check-out, experience another of your trip's highlights, an impressive and unforgettable helicopter trip over the fjord system of South Greenland.  On the flight, you'll see everywhere you've traveled over the last week while taking in the fascinating composition of the fjords and fantastic views of the Inland Ice.
 
After your helicopter trip, fly from Narsarsuaq to the domestic airport in Reykjavik, Iceland (or Copenhagen; additional charge) and then transfer to the international airport for your flight home.  Or, if your appetite for Arctic adventure hasn't been fully sated, consider a few days in Iceland to explore its frozen and fiery wonders.

Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: N/A   

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