The Keenan Family
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Nuuk
On arrival at Nuuk International Airport, your private guide will warmly welcome you and accompany you to Hotel Hans Egede. Throughout your journey in Greenland, your guide will be there to ensure a smooth experience and share their local knowledge and stories about the land, its wildlife, and the people.
We recommend celebrating your first evening in Nuuk with dinner at an Arctic-inspired restaurant that blends traditional Greenlandic flavors and modern culinary techniques.
Afterward, you can relax at the hotel or head out to soak in the unique atmosphere of Greenland's capital at your own pace.
Hotel Hans Egede is located in the heart of Greenland's capital, providing inspiring panoramic views of the city and fjords. The hotel includes a fitness center, the Skyline Bar, and easy access to local attractions, blending modern luxury with Greenlandic charm for an unforgettable stay.
Overnight at Hotel Hans Egede
Day 2
Nuuk City Tour
After breakfast, meet your guide for a private walking tour of Nuuk, where Greenland's past and present come to life. The tour begins at Colonial Harbour, where you will visit the former residence of the Danish missionary, the Cathedral, and the Art Museum, which features an impressive collection of Greenlandic and Nordic art.
Your city tour will end at the National Museum, where you will gain valuable insights into Inuit life from over 500 years ago. The museum features traditional Inuit clothing, kayaks, and the famous Qilakitsoq mummies discovered in 1972.
For lunch, your guide will take you to a charming tapas restaurant that specializes in traditional Greenlandic seafood with a contemporary twist.
In the afternoon, take a guided stroll through the city center to visit local souvenir shops and stop by an art and craft workshop. At the workshop, you can see how talented local artisans create intricate carvings from bone, tooth, and stone, providing a fascinating glimpse into Greenland's traditional craftsmanship and cultural heritage.
Overnight Hotel Hans Egede
Day 3
Transfer to Camp Kiattua
This morning, you have the opportunity to see Nuuk at your own pace.
Start by visiting Kalaaliaraq, a vibrant fresh food market where hunters connect with the community to provide essential traditional proteins such as fish, whale, reindeer, and seal meat. The market also serves as a social hub to help maintain connections and preserve food traditions in a time of modern supermarkets.
For a more relaxed outing, take a stroll along the waterfront to admire the colorful houses and timeless fjord scenery. Embrace Nuuk's café culture with a warm drink before returning to your hotel.
Once you return to the hotel, your guide will be waiting to take you to the harbor, where your cruise through one of the oldest places on Earth begins. As you sail 50 miles (80 km) into the world's second-largest fjord system, keep an eye out for humpback whales, which frequently swim through these waters.
On arrival at Camp Kiattua, make the most of the long summer days with an afternoon hike in the Kiattua Valley. Hike across the river near a waterfall and ascend to the peak of the mountain, which reaches a height of about 1,640 feet (500 m). Along the way, your guide will share their knowledge of the local flora, pointing out the wild plants and herbs that thrive in this Arctic landscape.
Dining at Camp Kiattua focuses on locally sourced ingredients and meals that highlight Greenlandic culinary traditions. This evening, you can savor a gourmet meal before gathering around a bonfire under the vast Arctic sky, accompanied by drinks.
Later, unwind in the hot tub filled with mineral-rich glacier water, offering ever-changing views of the fjord. For an even more indulgent experience, consider enjoying some champagne during your luxurious soak.
Camp Kiattua is an exclusive retreat located on an ancient Inuit summer hunting ground. With no roads or modern distractions, you can immerse yourself in the Arctic wilderness in your own heated, eco-friendly luxury teepee. Each teepee features full-size beds with premium linens, reading chairs, and private bathrooms equipped with hot water showers, eco-friendly toilets, and locally made bath products. Accessible only by boat or helicopter, Kiattua is open for just four months of the year and accommodates a maximum of 10 guests at a time. This once-in-a-lifetime experience offers a unique and intimate glimpse into the Arctic world.
Overnight Camp Kiattua
Day 4
Kayaking, Foraging, and Icebergs
At Camp Kiattua, each day is yours to create your own adventure. In the evenings, you'll meet with your private guide to plan the activities for the following day. In this itinerary, we will provide you with examples of experiences from which you can choose.
Shoreline Foraging by Kayak
Set off on an extraordinary full-day coastal adventure along a remote shoreline located approximately 2 miles (3 km) from Kiattua. Kayak through the fjords with your guide, and try your hand at collecting mussels and fish using a traditional handheld fishing line. You also have the option to cook your catch by either frying it over an open fire or preparing a traditional fish soup.
Swimming with Icebergs
If you’re looking for a heart-racing experience, try swimming with icebergs. First, your guide will search for the ideal iceberg to ensure it’s both beautiful and safe. Dressed in a survival suit, jump into the Arctic waters to swim next to the iceberg and climb onto the ice.
Foraging in the Wilderness
Only the toughest plants can survive the harsh conditions of Greenland. Fortunately, this includes wild herbs and berries such as blueberries, blackberries, Arctic thyme, and various mushrooms, to name a few. Your guide will take you foraging while also teaching you about the landscape and people of Greenland. At the end of the day, you'll discover that food always tastes better when you've found it yourself. Your chef will prepare your catch of the day for dinner.
Overnight Camp Kiattua
Day 5
Fishing in the Fjord and Visit a Local Family
Each morning at camp, enjoy a breakfast buffet featuring fresh bread, pancakes, homemade jams, cheese, smoked fish, sausages, fruit, yogurt, cereal, and eggs. Indulge in the local herbal tea infusion or perfectly brewed coffee.
Hiking and Fishing in Amitsuarsuk Fjord
Set off on a peaceful 15-minute boat ride from Kiattua Camp into the wilderness through the Amitsuarsuk Fjord. At the riverside, your guide will show you how to fish Arctic char using the traditional method. This ancient and skillful practice of hand fishing creates a deeper connection with nature, regardless of whether you catch a fish. Take a hike along the river and keep an eye out for reindeer. The return path offers stunning views over the fjord, framed by the region's iconic mountains.
Visit a Local Family
Join a local family with deep roots in the area this afternoon for a traditional "kaffemik," a gathering where you'll be warmly welcomed. Enjoy regional specialties and homemade cakes while sipping on a cup of coffee as you share in their customs. This unique experience provides a glimpse into the daily lives of the fascinating people who inhabit this remote region. It's an opportunity to learn about their culture and traditions and hear stories that you won’t find in any guidebook.
Back at Kiattua Camp, you’ll enjoy gourmet dinners made from local ingredients crafted by top chefs. Expect meals featuring foraged wild berries, mushrooms, herbal teas, fresh fish from the fjord, and meats from local hunters. Post dinner, try the Greenlandic coffee, a warm winter treat similar to Irish coffee, perfect to sip by the bonfire on the beach.
Overnight Camp Kiattua
Day 6
Transfer to Ilulissat
As you bid farewell to Kiattua, take the scenic boat journey back to Nuuk. Upon arriving at the harbor, your guide will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Ilulissat and on to your hotel.
After settling in, we recommend dining at a relaxed yet refined restaurant boasting panoramic views of Disko Bay and its captivating ice formations silently floating by.
Hotel Icefiord is a cozy, modern retreat that welcomes you with a warm atmosphere. It beautifully blends Scandinavian simplicity with Arctic charm. The large windows in both the common areas and guest rooms invite the outside, and the soft lighting and earthy tones create a sense of comfort. Whether you're wrapped in a blanket on the terrace watching the Northern Lights or enjoying a hot drink in the lounge as the icebergs shimmer in the sunlight, Hotel Icefiord is the place for tranquility and awe.
Overnight Hotel Icefiord
Day 7
Hiking and Whale Safari among Icebergs
After a delicious breakfast, meet your guide in the hotel lobby to begin today's adventure.
Jump on board a tour boat accompanied by an expert guide for a 3-hour whale-watching safari in the stunning Ilulissat Icefjord. Along with the chance to witness these magnificent creatures, you'll learn about whale behavior, migration patterns, and the marine ecosystem.
After your whale-watching tour, your guide will be waiting for you at the pier, ready to welcome you back and take you to one of Ilulissatʼs local restaurants, where you will enjoy a delicious lunch featuring authentic Greenlandic flavors made from the freshest local ingredients.
This afternoon, enjoy a tour of Ilulissat with your guide, who will share insights into the town's history and culture. Wander its colorful streets, visit key landmarks, and experience daily life in this iconic Arctic destination. The tour includes a stop at the Icefjord Centre, which offers a detailed view of the stunning Ilulissat Icefjord and the starting place for a walk through an ancient Inuit settlement.
As the day concludes, savor an exquisite dinner at a fine dining restaurant showcasing gourmet dishes made with local ingredients.
Overnight Hotel Icefiord
Day 8
Transfer to Camp Saqqaq
After breakfast, check out and prepare for your transfer to Ilulissat harbor. Board the shuttle boat to Saqqaq, keeping your eyes open for Arctic wildlife like seals and seabirds. Upon arrival at Saqqaq Harbor, you'll be transferred to Camp Saqqaq.
The Saqqaq culture, which dates back to 2500 BC, once flourished in the southern regions of the island, leaving behind a wealth of artifacts and clues about their way of life. Join a guided historical walk to uncover the mystery of their existence and eventual disappearance. You’ll see the remains of their houses and burial grounds and gain a deeper understanding of these ancient peoples.
Camp Saqqaq offers an exclusive experience for just ten guests at a time. The accommodations consist of luxurious tents featuring ensuite bathrooms and personalized heating options, ensuring a restful night’s sleep in the Arctic. Each guest is paired with a private guide, allowing for customized excursions in these surreal surroundings. Camp Saqqaq is where luxury meets wilderness and where you can connect with your environment on a deeply personal level.
Overnight Camp Saqqaq
Day 9
Ghost Town Tour and Arctic Fox Encounter
At Camp Saqqaq, every day is yours to experience as you wish, free from restricting schedules. Each evening, you’ll speak with your private guide to plan the next day’s adventures.
Ghost Town Tour
Discover the hidden history of Qullissat, a city that was established in 1924 when the Danish government opened a coal mine. The mine was deemed unprofitable after the Second World War and closed in 1968, along with all public services. The residents of the city were forced to relocate, and it has remained a ghost town ever since. As you tour Qullissat, you'll learn about these forced relocations and their impact on the families.
Arctic Fox Encounter
Take a scenic boat ride to a secluded beach in a remote corner of Greenland, where you'll have the opportunity to encounter Arctic foxes. Observe the curious Arctic foxes as they explore their natural habitat, play along the shoreline, and forage for food. Before returning to camp, take some time to relax on the beach and soak in the serenity of your surroundings.
Personal Moments
We recognize the importance of taking some personal time to relax and enjoy the solitude of this unique environment. At camp, you have a variety of options to fill your free moments. You can take a short self-guided walk in the Arctic wilderness, escape into a good book in your cozy tent, or join fellow adventurers by the campfire as icebergs drift gracefully by.
After dinner, relax around a bonfire and end the day with drinks, sharing stories of your day.
Overnight Camp Saqqaq
Day 10
Icebergs and Sled Dogs
Paddle among Icebergs
Set off from camp this morning to stand up paddle among icebergs in the fjord. Listen to the sound of cracking ice from the surrounding icebergs. You’ll be comfortable wearing warm dry suits and life jackets and safely equipped with communication gear during this surreal experience. If you fall off the board, it's easy to get back on, and your dry suit will keep you warm. Rest assured, a boat crew will be close by for added safety.
Greenland's Ancient Dogs
A short one-hour trip will provide you with the opportunity to learn more about sled dogs in Greenland as you assist in feeding a team of hungry, howling dogs. There may even be puppies for you to cuddle and take adorable photos with.
Overnight Camp Saqqaq
Day 11
Return to Nuuk
As your time at Camp Saqqaq ends, board the public shuttle boat for a scenic return across Disko Bay to Ilulissat. Enjoy Greenland's stunning coastal views, including towering icebergs and rugged cliffs.
Take a flight from Ilulissat to Nuuk. Upon your arrival at Nuuk Airport, your guide will accompany you to your hotel for your final night in Greenland.
Overnight Hotel Hans Egede
Day 12
Departure Day
This morning, after check-out, your guide will meet you for your transfer to Nuuk Airport for your flight home after an unforgettable journey in Greenland.
