
Arctic Dreaming
***NEW TOUR***
An amazing journey combining Iceland’s stunning landscapes and vibrant capital of Reykjavik with time to explore Greenland’s west coastal natural wonders
In Iceland we visit the famous Great Geyser and the Gullfoss waterfall. Skaftafell National Park is on our agenda and the inspiring and mesmerising Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. We have opportunities for short walks through scenery that will take your breath away. Immerse yourself in the panoramic views over glaciers and spectacular mountain peaks.
Our journey to Greenland takes us to the western seaport of Ilulissat, a modern Greenlandic town north of the Polar Circle. We are at the doorstep of the unique Disko Bay and the wide variety of wildlife in the area. Our boat journey takes us through majestic icebergs that float in the fiord. Time spent in Camp Epi with its vistas and remoteness coupled with the whale watching and whale hunter’s camps will stay with you forever.
One of travels last frontiers is beckoning. This is a world that few experience but many dream of. Arctic Dreaming...
14 Day Itinerary | ||
Departure: | Inquire | |
---|---|---|
Price: | AUD$5900 |
***THIS TOUR CAN BE EASILY COMBINED WITH OUR GRAND TRAVERSE – BEIJING TO ST. PETERSBURG TOUR*** |
Day 1 - Arrive Reykjavik Arrival day. After our meeting we can enjoy dinner in one of Reykjavik’s local restaurants Day 2 - Reykjavik Reykjavik lends itself to wandering and there is a lot to see in the city centre. The old town is very pleasant to explore and you can climb the Pearl tower to enjoy the view. Amongst the internationally known attractions are the new Opera house on the harbour, the Icelandic Museum of Art and the Church of Hallgrímur. The city is also known for its colourful and entertaining nightlife. The partying starts rather late and bars and clubs get busy after midnight! There are countless options to dine and hang out in the pubs and nightclubs. Enjoy! Day 3 - Reykjavik to Kirkjubæjarklaustur We depart Reykjavik this morning and our first stop is a visit to the Geyser geothermal area. We take a look at the “Great Geyser” and also Strokkur, a feisty geyser which spouts every 5-10 minutes. Close by we find Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls. The two giant steps create 30 metre falls pounding into a deep gorge. We continue east passing by two very impressive glaciers, a huge sand desert and one of Iceland’s biggest lava fields. Arriving to our hotel we settle into our base for the next 3 nights Day 4 - Skaftafell National Park From our base we explore Skaftafell which is Europe’s biggest National Park. It is composed of natural forest and glaciers reaching down almost to sea level. We walk through a birch forest to the Svartifoss waterfall famous for its basalt columns. We enjoy views of Europe’s largest glacier Vatnajökull and the peak of Hvannadalshnúkur (2110m). We will have time to enjoy a rare walk on the glacier. Discover the amazing blue world of ice and get up close to its ridges and crevasses Day 5 - Jökulsárlón We head east today along the Öræfajökull glacier which covers one of the country’s largest volcanoes. Crossing great flatlands surrounded by glaciers we arrive at Jökulsárlón lagoon with its picturesque floating icebergs. This place has provided the backdrop for many Hollywood films such as James Bond’s “Die another Day”. The colours and shapes of the icebergs are spellbinding. Later we will enjoy a walk at the foot of the Öræfajökull glacier with fantastic close ups of the ice and over the river Skeiðará. In 1996 the great glacier outflow from under the icecap destroyed much of the region covering these huge plains with water Day 6 - Kirkjubæjarklaustur to Reykjavik We enjoy a fun day returning to Reykjavik and our stop is the village of Vík í Mýrdal where we enjoy a walk on the black beach. The legendary pinnacles of Reynisdrangar can be seen just offshore. Local lore tells us the pinnacles were left standing there after two trolls tried to pull a three master ship past the headland but were caught and petrified by the first rays of sunshine. The village of Hveragerði is nearby famous for its greenhouses, and we enjoy our last walk over to the geothermal area. In Reykjadalur we can soothe ourselves in a warm stream before returning to the hectic life of Iceland’s capital. We are ready for a night out in this action capital Day 7 - Reykjavik to Ilulissat - Greenland (flight) We transfer to the Reykjavik airport for our flight from Reykjavik to Ilulissat. After transferring to our hotel we will have an orientation meeting and guided city walk. Dinner in one of the local restaurants sets the tone for our Greenland stay Day 8 - Ilulissat (Optional activities) Ilulissat is the third largest town in Greenland with more than 5000 inhabitants living in town as well as four small local settlements: Ilimanaq, Oqaatsut, Qeqertaq and Saqqaq.
300 kilometres north of the Polar Circle we are perfectly situated close to one of the world’s largest glaciers, Kangia. The glacier produces about 20 million tons of ice each day, all floating into the Ilulissat Icefiord and the Disko Bay. Fishing for Halibut is the main occupation in this area. The area of Kangia and the Icefiord has been a UNESCO world heritage site since 2004.
We have several days in the region. Today and day 12 you can take up some of the many optional excursions. These options include helicopter flights over the Icecap and a visit to remote settlements where fishing and whale hunting still continues as it has for centuries. You may wish to enjoy the Icebergs of Sermermiut, hunter's settlements in Rodebay or Ilimanaq and a midnight cruise to the Ice Fiord. Also available will be an opportunity to interact and feed the husky dogs or perhaps a Whale Safari Day 9 - Ilulissat to Camp Eqi (boat) We travel out by boat to Eqi a 5 hour journey through the Disko bay. One of the most beautiful places in Greenland is the Eqi glacier which comes out in a fiord about 80 km north of Ilulissat.
An early departure from Ilulissat and we enjoy stunning views whilst a light breakfast is served. Around midday we arrive at the foot of the Glacier and we stay for a time hoping to observe some amazing calvings. This is the sudden release or breaking away of a mass of ice from a glacier.
After lunch we land at Port Victor the "harbour” at Ice Camp Eqi. The camp guides will show us to our huts. Coffee and cake is served and practical information on the area is provided. The rest of the day is spent joining excursions that hike to the lagoon, the moraine and the glacier. You may choose to relax and enjoy the view from the huts Day 10 - Camp Eqi There are several options for hiking today to view the different aspects of the Eqi Glacier. There are often large flocks of geese in the lagoon in the breeding season. The hike goes further up the moraine where we can look down into the enormous cracks in the glacier just a few meters away. From here you will also get an overview of a large part of the 70m high glacier front and see the impressive calvings from the glacier Day 11 - Camp Eqi to Ilulissat (boat) We return by boat today to Ilulissat across the Disko Bay.
Around 15 species of whale are regular visitors to these waters, but only three of these, Beluga, Narwhal and Bowhead whales, remain in Greenland during the winter. Species such as the Blue and Killer whales are only rarely seen. Depending on the season we may also see Humpback, Minke and Fin whales. The humpback is most curious and often comes very close to the boats. Rich in capelin which the whales feed on, the Disko Bay is an excellent place to watch for sea mammals of all types Day 12 - Ilulissat (Optional activities) Today is free for optional activities mentioned on day 8 around Ilulissat. There is so much to see and do. If you wish to enjoy a helicopter flight over the Icecap please organize this with us early on the tour or even beforehand if this is a must for you Day 13 - Ilulissat to Reykjavik (flight) We are transferred to the airport for our flight from Ilulissat to Reykjavik. The afternoon is free to savour our last taste of Iceland. We enjoy a final dinner together and immerse ourselves into the legendary Reykjavik nightlife Day 14 - depart Reykjavik Departure day |
Trip Options
Single Travellers: | Inquire | Details |
---|---|---|
Extra Accommodation: | Single Inquire | Details |
Double Inquire |
***THIS TOUR CAN BE EASILY COMBINED WITH OUR GRAND TRAVERSE – BEIJING TO ST. PETERSBURG TOUR***
Local Payment
Your Local Payment is collected by your group leader in cash at your group meeting on Day 1 of the trip and is part of your tour price. The money is spent locally on your tour.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Extra Accommodation
Pre and post trip accommodation is offered on most journeys pending availability. Please indicate in your enquiry if you require any rooms before or after your tour and the amount of nights requested.
For tours where the start and finish points are different w can assist you with your arrangements in both locations.
Single Traveller
Global Drift encourages interactive experiences for all of our travellers. As such we presume that you will be happy to share accommodation with a same sex person should you be travelling alone.
However, for those that would prefer a single room for the tour we do offer a single supplement. This also applies to single travellers who we are not able to match up.
It must be stated however that on many of our tours we stay in small family owned guesthouse accommodation. In certain instances with full groups the passenger combinations may not always allow you to enjoy a single room. Please keep this in mind when booking your single supplement. We will however, always do our best to accommodate you.
Please make your request for this service a minimum of 3 months prior to your journey.
The quoted extra payment is for the entire trip.
Single Travellers
Global Drift encourages interactive experiences for all of our travellers. As such we presume that you will be happy to share accommodation with a same sex person should you be travelling alone.
Due to the exploratory nature of this journey no single supplement is offered.
Airport Arrival Transfer
Global Drift offers an optional arrival transfer to your hotel at the quoted fee.
In your trip dossier you will receive directions on how to make your way to your starting point hotel. It is quite easy and possibly cheaper than we are able to offer it.
Should you require this service please advise us at the time of your booking.