15-night Disko Bay Cruise: Meeting The Inuit & Discovering The Unknown

Nuuk was founded by the unfailingly optimistic Hans Egede - the Danish missionary with soul-conversions on his mind - who promptly named the settlement Good Hope. Today Nuuk is small by modern standards, with a total population of only 14,000. Despite a wealth of land and a paucity of people, Nuuk has insisted on housing the population in immense apartment blocks with imaginative names like Blok P - a kind of Gulag on ice - and the urban sprawl is now spreading out along the road to the airport. Kolonihavnen is a pleasant exception to the rest of Nuuk's Lego-city look: it's a picturesque 18th-century fishing village in the heart of Nuuk and gives some idea of what the town looked like before the industrial harbour was built. Nuuk's real attraction lies in its proximity to any number of excellent day hikes into the hinterland and the fabulous views from the tops of the nearby mountains. Organised tours, boat trips and the rental of equipment is easier from the capital.

 Disko Island is famous for its huge basalt mountains, and the highest peaks on the west coast are found near Uummannaq. The cliffs are home to spectacular colonies of seabirds, and the whole coast is busy with glaciers and ice fields. Some of the world's most productive and fast-moving glaciers are to be seen here.

Destination Guide

Sisimiut is a growing town located in western Greenland. It is one of the main village destinations in Greenland, and an administrative center for the Qeqqata Municipality. The population of Sisimiut was recorded of 5,598 inhabitants living in the town in 2013. One of the main attractions is the multicolor Northern Lights of the Aurora Borealis that take place during the months of September to April. Aside from this amazing phenomenon, many visitors come to Sisimiut to enjoy activities such as fishing, hiking, and dog sledding. 

Sisimiut is a growing town located in western Greenland. It is one of the main village destinations in Greenland, and an administrative center for the Qeqqata Municipality. The population of Sisimiut was recorded of 5,598 inhabitants living in the town in 2013. One of the main attractions is the multicolor Northern Lights of the Aurora Borealis that take place during the months of September to April. Aside from this amazing phenomenon, many visitors come to Sisimiut to enjoy activities such as fishing, hiking, and dog sledding. 

Since Narsarsuaq means 'great plain', it stands to reason South Greenland's international airport is here. The ice cap is about three to four hours away on foot - and a beautiful hike away through lush 'Flower Valley'. The ice can also be experienced by sailing to Qooroq Fjord where boats sail close to the glacier, which occasionally sends gigantic icebergs into the water. Narsarsuaq offers a beautiful view of Qassiarsuk sheep farms. To this day ruins from the Norse era are clearly visible, as are elegant reconstructions of Erik's farmstead and Thjodhildur's Church. Many stay at them during hiking trips, horseback rides and angling trips in the area. Itilleq is one hour by boat from Narsarsuaq to the south-east. From here it is a short walk to the settlement of Igaliku. The Norse named the locality Gardar, and an Episcopal residence was founded here in 1126. The ruins of the cathedral and bishop's place have been renovated in recent years, and today constitute a beautiful memorial to Greenland's Norse Era.

Qaqortoq means "The White Place", and the town is the educational and cultural center of Southern Greenland. The sheep farms give this part of Greenland special character. Qaqortoq has a sculpture park "Stone and Man" made by 18 Nordic sculptors. The result is 24 sculptures and reliefs spread all over town. Greenland's only public fountain is in the town square. The square is the historical part of town, with many buildings from colonial times and a museum concentrating on Greenlandic culture, the Norse period and the history of Qaqortoq. Close to the square is "Brædtet" market where local fishermen and hunters sell the days catch. There are 2 churches in town; "Frelserens" from 1832 and "Gertrud Raschs" from 1973. "Frelserens" hans the lifebuoy and memorial tablet with the names of those missing from M/S Hans Hedtoft, which went down in January 1959. "Gertrud Raschs" has one of Greenlands most beautiful altar pieces made by artist Maria Haagen-Müller.

In September 2005, an American Explorer, Dennis Schmitt, discovered an island off the coast of Greenland, Uunartoq Qeqertoq, Inuit for “warming island”. The island has always existed but covered by a glacier which melted exposing the island. On Uunartoq Island near the town are Inuit ruins from the 18th and 19th centuries, a nunnery and geothermal springs. Offshore are drifting icebergs and whales that frequent these waters.

Aappilattoq is a remote, yet picturesque settlement in South Greenland. It’s located approximately 50km north of Cape Farewell – one of the most scenic fjords in the world. Due to the surrounding mountains and remote location, it’s virtually inaccessibly by land. Visitors come by sea or air to take in the sights

This narrow 70-mile-long channel across the southernmost tip of Greenland is breathtakingly dramatic. Huge glaciers tumble down towards the rugged coast from the Greenland ice cap-exactly the kind of scene that inspired one Greenlandic poet to declare: 'I get dizzy of all this beauty'. A thousand years ago, just north of here at Narsarsuaq, Eric the Red established his farm amid 6,000-foot mountains and glaciers.

This narrow 70-mile-long channel across the southernmost tip of Greenland is breathtakingly dramatic. Huge glaciers tumble down towards the rugged coast from the Greenland ice cap-exactly the kind of scene that inspired one Greenlandic poet to declare: 'I get dizzy of all this beauty'. A thousand years ago, just north of here at Narsarsuaq, Eric the Red established his farm amid 6,000-foot mountains and glaciers.

The fire, frost and water symbolized by the red, white and blue of Iceland’s flag are manifested in this land. Reykjavik, or Smoky Bay, was so named in 874 A.D. by Ingolf Arnarson when he sighted the numerous hot springs on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula. Today this remarkably pollution-free city is wrapped around a sweeping bay and has managed to retain its charming Old-World atmosphere. A pastiche of red-blue-and green-roofed houses together with the tall gray tower of Hallgrim’s Church dominate the skyline. In Old Town, many of the wooden buildings have been lovingly restored and stand side by side with modern timber and concrete structures. There are fine museums and art galleries; historic pubs present activity in late afternoon. The beautiful countryside outside of Reykjavik includes such natural wonders as volcanoes, geysers, glaciers, mountains and spectacular waterfalls.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Reykjavik - The Golden Circle - FD Tour — Optional Private Excursions

Not Included: Meals
 

Reykjavik - Bathing in the Blue Lagoon - HD Tour — Optional Private Excursions

Here guests can enjoy a relaxing bathe in the surreal milky waters of Iceland’s most famous of geothermal Spas – The Blue Lagoon. So what exactly IS the Blue Lagoon? Well, it is Iceland's most unique and popular attraction. Guests will enjoy bathing and relaxing in Blue Lagoon geothermal seawater, known for its positive effects on the skin. A visit to the spa promotes harmony between body, mind and spirit, and enables one to soak away the stresses of modern life. The spa's guests rekindle their relationship with nature, soak up the scenic beauty and enjoy breathing the clean, fresh air. In addition to bathing in the lagoon guests have access to a sauna with a view of the lagoon, a sauna with white walls that resemble silica mud and a cozy steam bath carved into a lava cave. Of course, guests bathing in the milky waters of the lagoon have easy access to the famous white silica mud, an essential part of this ultimate in spa experiences.

Tour Duration: 3-4 hours

Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Physical Activy Level: Easy

Included: Private car with driver-guide,  Blue Lagoon Comfort Experience (entrance fee, towel rental, Silica Mud Mask, choice of one drink at the Lagoon.) Pick up/drop off at the port. 

Not Included: Meals

Reykjavik - Langjökull Glacier & the Ice Tunnel — Optional Private Excursions

Not Included: Meals

Reykjavik Highlights - HD Tour — Optional Private Excursions

Reykjavík is the world's most northerly capital, with more than one third of Iceland’s population.  Today Reykjavík is a modern city with a variety of restaurants, museums, galleries and theatres.  Visit the most important sights of the city, including the  Old Town, the city cathedral, Hallgrimskirkja church and the “Pearl” (no entrance fees included in this tour).

Add ons:

• A visit to the open-air museum of Arbaer Travel back to Reykjavik’s past with a visit to a fascinating collection of town and farm buildings from the last few centuries.   
• A visit to the Pearl vantage point. The new Perlan is an exciting interactive exhibition about Iceland’s nature and geology.  Entrance includes the “Wonders of  Iceland Exhibit  (including Glaciers and Ice Cave) and the 360° Observation Deck.
• Hallgrimskirkja Church Climb the tower of this iconic church for a beautiful view over the city and sea.   (Tower access closed during church services and some events)
• A visit to the National museum The National Museum of Iceland’s permanent exhibition, Making of a Nation - Heritage and History in Iceland, provides insight into the history of the Icelandic nation from the Norse Settlement to the present day. The exhibition includes about 2.000 objects.

Tour Duration: 3-4 hours

Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon

Wheelchair Accessible: No - Arbaer museum is not accessible

Physical Activity Level: Easy

Included: Private car with driver-guide,  Pick up/drop off at the port. 

Not Included: Meals and entrance fees (optional)

Reykjavik Blue Lagoon experience with transfers – 4 Hours — Optional Private Excursions
In the southwest corner of Iceland is the Reykjanes peninsula, less than 1-hour drive from the capital or 20-minute drive from Keflavik International Airport.
There the Mid-Atlantic Ridge comes ashore. The nature is magnificent. Various volcanic formations are found on Reykjanes Peninsula, such as mountains and hills chiefly made of volcanic tuff, large and small lava flows plus different types of volcanoes and volcanic edifices. The Reykjanes peninsula volcanic zone is a direct continuance of the North Atlantic Ridge that surfaces from the ocean at Reykjanes, and it is home to many important geological formations, some of which are utterly unique, including numerous types of volcanoes, naturally carved pools, craters, and geothermal pools.
Few things are cozier than relaxing in a hot pool in the middle of nature. Iceland has an abundance of easily accessible natural pools, but it is perhaps the Blue Lagoon the most spectacular of them all.
The Blue Lagoon was founded in 1992. Its specialty is the geothermal sea, which is two thirds of salt water and one third of fresh water. It is found at a depth of up to 2000 meters and is led by a pipe from the source to the lagoon where guests can enjoy it and relax. It is rich in minerals, silica, and algae, which is the basis of all skin products in the Blue Lagoon.
National Geographic has chosen the Blue Lagoon as one of the 25 wonders of the world. The Blue Lagoon has developed into an experience company based on spas, research and development, skin care, hotels, and restaurants
Treat yourself and experience it during your stay in Reykjavik. Alternatively, this is the ultimate way to unwind and chill after or prior a long-haul flight when you arrive of depart to / from Iceland.
What to expect: Landmarks of natural wonders of the country, insight into geology, relaxation.  
Basis: Private tour.
 
Start / End:   City center Hotel or address or Keflavik International Airport.
Duration:      4 hours.
Vehicle:        01^st Class.
Guide: English-speaking driver guide. Other languages on request.     
Entrances:     Comfort entrance to Blue Lagoon with use of the towel, mud mask and first drink at your choice.
Meals: None.
Physical activity level:      Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Wheelchair accessible: NO
Tour operates: morning, afternoon.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.

Reykjavik Blue Lagoon & Reykjanes Peninsula – 8 Hours — Optional Private Excursions
In the southwest corner of Iceland is the Reykjanes peninsula, less than 1-hour drive from the capital or 20-minute drive from Keflavik International Airport.
Explore the Reykjanes peninsula and visit the Blue Lagoon. This geothermal area includes solfataras, fumaroles, mud pots and hot springs and sulphur was mined there early in the 18th century and then again in the 19th century. Gunnuhver is the largest mud geyser in Iceland, about 20 metres wide. Grindavik, the small fishing village with about 3000 inhabitants, has a long history, including when pirates from Morocco and Algeria arrived in the 17th century and took fifteen residents to sell as slaves. Additionally, we will take in the magnificent coastline and dramatic breaking waves by the Reykjanes lighthouse and “The Bridge Between the Continents” which connects the American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Few things are cozier than relaxing in a hot pool in the middle of nature. Iceland has an abundance of easily accessible natural pools, but it is perhaps the Blue Lagoon the most spectacular of them all.
Treat yourself and experience it during your stay in Reykjavik. Alternatively, this is the ultimate way to unwind and chill after or prior a long-haul flight when you arrive of depart to / from Iceland.
,
What to expect: Landmarks of natural wonders of the country, insight into local history and geology, relaxation. Coastal villages.
 
Basis: Private tour.
Start / End:   City center Hotel or address or Keflavik International Airport.
Duration:      8 hours.
Vehicle:        01^st Class.
Guide: English-speaking driver guide. Other languages on request.     
Entrances:     Comfort entrance to Blue Lagoon with use of the towel, mud mask and first drink at your choice.
Meals: None.
Physical activity level:      Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Wheelchair accessible: NO
Tour operates: morning, afternoon.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.

Reykjavik Golden Circle Classic – 8 Hours — Optional Private Excursions
Iceland’s main attraction is the Golden Circle, it combines most of what Iceland has to offer, beautiful landscape, powerful geysers and the most magnificent waterfall. The highlights of the tour are Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir area and the Gullfoss waterfall.
This tour is designed to let you explore the highlights of Golden Circle route. We will show you sights that are not marked on a map, and only the locals know about. We will start the tour by heading to Þingvellir, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Thingvellir, 50 km (31 miles) to the east of Reykjavík, is the national shrine of Iceland and its most historic site, and one of its most beautiful places. The oldest existing parliament in the world first met here in AD930. It has always been the focal point for the country, and whenever a major event is to be celebrated, thousands of people come here.
We continue the Golden Circle by heading to the famous Geysir geothermal area which is home to The Great Geysir and its active sidekick Strokkur! Although the original Geysir is not predictably active, its neighbour, Strokkur, will erupt every 5-7 minutes - so have your camera ready.
We then drive a few minutes down the road to the most famous part of the Golden Circle: Gullfoss, or “Golden Falls “. To stand at Gullfoss and bask in the beauty and the wonder of nature is an uplifting experience. One certainly feels energized after this tour and contact with stunning nature.
During the tour, a delicious lunch will be offered at the local geothermal tomato farm, a unique venue for a special lunch.
,What to expect: Stunning scenery, landmarks of the natural wonders of the country, insight into local history.
Basis: Private tour.
Start / End:   City center Hotel or address.
Duration:      8 hours.
Vehicle:        01^st Class.
Guide: English-speaking driver guide. Other languages on request.     
Entrances:     Greenhouse visit.
Meals: Lunch at Geothermal farm.
Physical activity level:      Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Wheelchair accessible: no
Tour can operate: morning and afternoon.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.
 

Reykjavik South Shore Adventure – 10 Hours — Optional Private Excursions
We take you along the south coast of Iceland, one of the country’s most scenic regions, as far as Vík, a charming village surrounded by high beautiful bird cliffs.
Among the stops on this tour are at the gorgeous Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, the Reynisfjara black sand beach, Dyrhólaey and Vik..
Driving through Vatnajökull National Park, established in 2008 covers 14,1% of Iceland and ranks as Europe's second largest. The unique qualities of Vatnajökull National Park are primarily its great variety of landscape features, created by the combined forces of rivers, glacial ice, and volcanic and geothermal activity. Vatnajökull is Europe's largest glacier.
The south side of Vatnajökull is characterized by many high, majestic mountain ridges, with outlet glaciers descending between them onto the lowlands. Sheltered by the high ice, the vegetated oasis of Skaftafell overlooks the black sands deposited to its west by the river Skeiðará.
Dyrhólaey is a 120-metre high promontory, not far from Vík. The place got its name from the massive arch that the sea has eroded from the headland. (The name literally means "door-hole"). There are also amazing rock formations all along the Birdlife here is abundant, with puffins and eider ducks being the most common species in the area. The lighthouse on the top of the cliff stands impressive and stoic in this often very windy area.
What to expect: Stunning scenery, landmarks of the natural wonders of the country, insight into local history and geology. Coastal villages.
Basis: Private tour.
Start / End:   City center Hotel or address.
Duration:      10 hours.
Vehicle:        01^st Class.
Guide: English-speaking driver guide. Other languages on request.     
Entrances:     None.
Meals: None.
Physical activity level:      Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Wheelchair accessible: no
Tour can operate: morning and afternoon.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.

Reykjavik Food tour – 3 hs — Optional Private Excursions
Experience the foodie side of the Icelandic capital!
On this food walking tour you will try the truly authentic food from Iceland and also get a nice orientation of Reykjavik city.
 
Some of the highlights of this tour are the visit of Reykjavik’s oldest restaurant, a stop at a gastropub, and of course, the possibility of trying a variety of local dishes. Among the specialties included in this tour, we can mention the special Lamb soup, the Unique Icelandic Lamb Hot dog, Lobster soup, and a Skyr Dessert.
You also get tips on what to eat, drink and where to have fun for the rest of your stay in Reykjavik.
 
Basis: Private tour.
Duration:      3 hours walking tour.
Start / End:   Ingólfur Square/City Center.
Vehicle:        None.
Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.   
Entrances:     None.
Meals: Tastings. Icelandic Traditional food is based on meat, fish and dairy, but other options may be available.
Physical activity level:      Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Wheelchair accessible: NO
Tour operates: morning, afternoon.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. This tour is not offered on public holidays.
 

Reykjavik Walking tour – 3,5 hours — Optional Private Excursions
Reykjavík is a city of bold contrasts. The capital of Iceland is small but cosmopolitan and small-town; vibrant and sophisticated; young-at-heart and yet full of history. In this tour you will walk around the city and discover the main sights.
 
Together with your local guide, you will pass by the Hallgímskirkja church, the highest and probably most iconic building in town, as well as the Dome Church, which is Reykjavik’s Lutheran Cathedral and the bishop’s place in Iceland. The Dome Church is located downtown, next to the Alþingi, house of parliament.
 
You will see other emblematic sites like the “Sun Voyager” sculpture created by Icelandic sculptor Jon Gunnar Arnason. This gleaming steel sculpture is located on Reykjavik’s splendid waterfront and resembles a Viking long-ship, the ‘Solfar’ or ‘Sun Voyager.’ You will also see the modern building Harpa, a cultural and social centre in the heart of the city, and the Old Harbour.
 
Basis: Private tour.
Duration:      3,5 hours walking tour.
Start / End:   City.
Vehicle:        None.
Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.   
Entrances:     None.
Meals: None.
Physical activity level:      Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Wheelchair accessible: NO
Tour operates: morning, afternoon.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.