Greenland & Iceland Luxury Walk (Arctic Wilds & Sculptured Icebergs At The Top Of The World) 6D5N, Fully Guided

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 6 km (4 miles),  Elevation gain: 30 m (100 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 10 km (6 miles),  Elevation gain: 60 m (200 ft)

On the first day of this thrilling expedition, arrive at Reykjavik, the enchanting capital city of Iceland, and meet with your trip leaders at Hilton Reykjavik.

Please arrive dressed in your hiking clothes and bring your luggage and a daypack with your rain gear, swimsuits, and any gear that you may need for the day’s hike (your luggage will be transferred to our accommodation for the night).

Afterward, we shuttle to the town of Hveragerdi, famous for its array of hot springs and greenhouses, both heated by geothermal power. Some of the hot springs are close to the Varma River that runs through the town. Keep your swimsuits handy because we will indulge in one of the most exciting outdoor pursuits in the country – bathing in thermal rivers. Our hike takes us to the dramatic landscapes around Mount Hengill, an active volcano that surrounds the town. The active volcano contributes to the town's geothermal heating power. It is harnessed by Hellisheidi and Nesjavellir power stations to provide heat, electricity, and water to Reykjavik and other parts of Iceland. We start the hike on a plateau that leads to the visually striking Reykjadalur Valley, filled with hot rivers. Along the hike, you’ll discover bubbling mud pots and a hidden small waterfall before arriving at another plateau that houses most of the hot springs and a steaming waterfall. Now, it's time to soak and bathe or just dip your feet in the hot waters while savouring the charming scenery.

After exploring this magical geothermal landscape of Iceland, we shuttle to our hotel for the next two nights – Silica Hotel, a chic boutique hotel fenced by lava landscapes. This hotel boasts its own Blue Lagoon, and once we arrive, our first welcome treat will be an immersion into its geothermal spa as we relish the signature relaxing style of Icelanders. The milky blue steam water maintains a steady temperature of 37-39°C (98-102°F) and boasts healing properties. As you relax in the water, a cocktail in hand may spice things up, or use a silica-rich mud as a face mask to feel unique and cleanse your face. In the evening, we assemble for a welcome dinner featuring some of the region’s best fares.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 5 km (3 miles),  Elevation gain: 91 m (300 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 8 km (5 miles),  Elevation gain: 274 m (900 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 11 km (7 miles), Elevation gain: 366 m (1,200 ft)

Today, after breakfast, we shuttle to Seltun, a geothermal area on the Reykjanes peninsula and drift zone between the North American and Eurasia continental plates. Once here, we are spoiled with views of a captivating lunar-like landscape carved by centuries of volcanic eruptions, including the more recent Fagradaslfhall Volcano. We will hike through a canyon and along a ridgeline and tread by a lake to behold magnificent vistas of colour-rich mossy mountains, cobalt blue lakes, smokey fissures, and rich orange rhyolite domes. Immerse yourself in one of the geothermal hot springs and, once again, experience the magic of Iceland's natural endowments.

We shuttle back to our hotel, giving you time to rest your legs in transit. At the hotel, utilise the rest of the afternoon to enjoy its private blue lagoon spa, relishing dips in the water alongside views of its lava landscapes. Alternatively, simply unwind in the cosy lounge area with serene views. Dinner tonight is a seafood feast paired with other seasonal ingredients of the region.

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 3 km (2 miles),  Elevation gain: 91 m (300 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 6 km (4 miles),  Elevation gain: 183 m (600 ft)

This morning, we leave Iceland for Greenland, after munching our typical nourishing breakfast that fuels us for the day’s activities. Following this lovely breakfast, we take a shuttle to Keflavik International Airport and enjoy a scenic flight to Ilulissat, Greenland, a small fishing village on Greenland’s southwestern shore. This town, whose name also translates in English as Icebergs, sits at the mouth of its iconic attraction – the Ilulissat Icefjords. On a clear day, we will first enjoy the enchanting vistas of these ice fjords from the sky before descending as we drop our jaws to views of gigantic icebergs floating gracefully on the fjord.

On landing, we follow the lead of a local guide on a walking tour of Ilulissat, a beautiful city that strikes the eyes with varying colours in its landscape. Explore the fishing pier, stroll along the old town, and check out the historic Zion Church, which was the largest man-made structure in Greenland during its construction in the 18th century. Visit the town’s museum to peek at its glorious bygone days and relish a relaxing walk along the outlines of the awe-inspiring Ilulissat, a World Heritage Site. Along the walk, listen for the sounds of sled dogs howling from a distance; these rare breeds of dogs are as plentiful as the town's population. Also, listen to the sounds of cracking icebergs as they slowly break away from the ice fjord. We will visit the Avannaata Kommunia and stop by the Ilulissat Icefjords Center to explore their main permanent exhibit, the Story of Ice. This exhibit takes us deep into the history of ice, the cultural history around the ice fjord, and its role in climate change that can be seen and felt right in the region.

Afterward, we shuttle for 30 minutes to our hotel for the remaining three nights of the trip – Hotel Arctic. This magnificent hotel lies next to the Ilulissat Icefjords, facing the Davis Straits, and offers mesmerising views of Greenland’s spectacular landscapes. Dinner is special tonight as we dine in the hotel’s popular Greenlandic BBQ, an experience that lingers long after this night is over.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 5 km (3 miles),  Elevation gain: 121 m (400 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 10 km (6 miles),  Elevation gain: 183 m (600 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 16 km (10 miles),  Elevation gain: 305 m (1,000 ft)

This morning, we fuel up with breakfast and embark on a boat ride to Oqaatsut (formerly known as Rodebay) on the bright blue-green waters of Ilulissat as they display their lifelong partners - crystal white ice formations bobbing on the water. Oqaatsut is a lovely and typical Greenlandic community of fishermen and hunters, boasting only around 45 residents, making it the smallest in the area. Remarkably, the town’s sled dog population is twice its human population. Steeped in history, even the town’s old name – Ro Baj or Red Bay in English, reflects its mediaeval roots. The name was given to the town by Dutch whalers in the 1700s, who usually harvested whale meat and fat on the shore, turning the bay red, hence the Red Bay naming. There is time to explore the town and warm your legs strolling along its neighbourhoods. You may occasionally spot halibuts – a staple fish and food in the region, drying on the streets alongside musk-ox skins.

We will spend today exploring the area’s diverse landscape of grassy tundra, mossy bogs, and flat rocks. Then, we hike along the coastline from the Oqaatsut to Ilulissat, sighting small, unpolluted rivers and a small, crisp, clear lake where locals fish halibut. As the hike progresses, you can enjoy your lunch at the various culinary hot spots on the way, with charming views of floating icebergs and elegant summer homes nestled along hidden bays. After lunch, enjoy more views of the scenery and its soothing fresh air before continuing to Ilulissat on foot or enjoying a boat ride back to your hotel through iceberg-filled waters.

Back in town, dinner is at your expense, and there is a plateful of options. Savour the staple fare – halibut, freshly sourced from the deep-blue ice fjord, or go on an adventurous culinary foray by trying a reindeer dish, whale skin, or seal soup. Otherwise, dine at our hotel’s chic restaurant, enjoying the same halibut or musk-ox while cherishing the dazzling panorama of Disko Bay.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 5 km (3 miles),  Elevation gain: 91 m (300 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 10 km (6 miles), Elevation gain: 152 m (500 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 14 km (9 miles), Elevation gain: 213 m (700 ft)

As the trip draws to an end, the experiences reach new highs and become more memorable. Start today with a hearty breakfast, and we will hike along the edge of the World Heritage Site – Ilulissat Icefjord, which stretches for a fascinating 60 kilometres. The fjord traces its source to Sermeq Kujalleq, the most productive glacier and largest ice stream in the Northern Hemisphere. As we hike along this natural marvel and beauty, we witness the transformation of the sea and landscape. Watch as Icebergs flow down to the mouth of the fjord and break apart as slow erosion causes them to suddenly lose balance and find refuge in the deep blue icy waters. Keep an eye out for breaching whales on the shorelines – you may be lucky to spot one.

Proceed along the coast, bypassing alpine tarns and mountain slopes to Sermermiut, a ghost town that was abandoned in the 19th century. Prior to the mass exodus of its inhabitants, the city comprised people from each of the main immigrant cultures that dominated Greenland. One look at the ruins of former turf houses laid against the backdrop of icebergs, and you can see what life was like here in the previous century. Savour the dreamy views of gorgeous, pristine white icebergs floating on the crystal blue and green waters just like its inhabitants did many years ago.

Satiate your eyes with the views, and we will return to our Arctic Hotel for a farewell dinner in the hotel’s bar. Following dinner, we will embark on, perhaps, the most sensational and mind-blowing adventure in the land of icebergs by taking a midnight boat cruise on the colourful waters, unveiling scenes that appear surreal. Interestingly and even more shocking, the sun doesn't go down in the summer months. It glows all through the night, casting its heat and light on the icebergs while creating a shadow of these natural wonders on the water. All you have to do on the cruise is observe, marvel, and appreciate nature's charms. We return to the hotel to rest for the night, piling up tales for loved ones back at home.

This morning, relax and enjoy leisure moments after cruising the previous evening under the midnight sun. If you’re still feeling energised and seeking the thrill of last-day experiences, venture into the streets of Ilulissat and spend your last moments of the trip shopping for souvenirs, stopping by the art museum – one of its highlight attractions and taking more beautiful pictures of its captivating scenery. Afterward, we board a plane and fly over the magical iceberg-filled Greenlandic scenery to Reykjavik, where the trip ends, and everyone leaves for their respective destinations with sweet memories.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.