This is the ultimate trip if you want to see the best of Iceland and Greenland in your 2 week holidays!
You will spend 8 days visiting must-see places in Iceland and 5 days in Ilulissat, Greenland!
Travel on Iceland's ring road and discover stunning scenery and dramatic landscapes. A local expert guide helps you explore the unspoiled Icelandic countryside with volcanoes, lava fields, hot springs, mountains, fjords, glaciers and waterfalls. This escorted tour takes you both to classic nature hot spots and lesser-known sights and includes several soft adventures and cultural visits.
Continue your discovery tour to Ilulissat in West Greenland, a breathtaking location with huge icebergs, unspoiled wilderness, glittering glaciers, large whales and the exciting mix of authentic Inuit culture and a modern society under the magical light of the midnight sun.
Read more about everyday itinerary and find the date and book your lifetime adventure now!
Activities
Boat Tour
City Tour
Glacier Views
Iceberg Views
Midnight Sun
Settlement Visit
UNESCO Site
Attractions
Disko Bay
Ilulissat Icefjord
Oqaatsut
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Day 1
Welcome to Iceland
Individual transfer by Flybus shuttle (no guide) from Keflavik Airport to your accommodation where you spend the night. You can take a walk in vibrant capital and enjoy dinner in town.
You will stay in Reykjavík Natura Berjaya Iceland Hotels or similar. Dinner is on your own.
Day 2
Volcano craters, seals, fjords and mountains
At 09:00 meet our tour guide and depart from Icelandair Hotel Natura. Travel west, passing the town of Borgarnes and climb the Grábrók volcano crater. We will take an easy hike to the volcano crater.
We will continue further north and visit Glaumbær, the traditional Icelandic turf farm and folk museum.
We continue along the scenic fjord landscape and over several mountain passes until we reach Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland. Overnight at Icelandair Hotel Akureyri.
Overnight location:
Akureyri Berjaya Iceland Hotels or similar. Breakfast included. Lunch & dinner is on your own. Lunch & dinner is on your own. (415km / 258mi)
Day 3
The capital of North Iceland, Lake Mývatn and geothermal baths
In the morning we explore Akureyri, a charming town of 17000 inhabitants, visit the botanical garden and enjoy the panoramic view over Eyjafjörður fjord.
You can also book whale watching tour available at 9:00
In the afternoon we travel to an important spot in Iceland's history, Goðafoss, the waterfalls of the Gods. We continue to Lake Mývatn which is known for its geological wonders and active bird life during summer.
We stop at the bizarre lava formations at Kálfaströnd followed by a walk around the many pseudo craters and end an exciting day with a relaxing soak at Mývatn Nature Baths that contain a unique blend of minerals, silicates and geothermal micro-organisms. The warm soothing waters benefit both skin and spirit alike. Overnight at Sel-Hotel, Lake Mývatn.
Overnight location:
Mývatn Berjaya Iceland Hotels. Breakfast included. Lunch & dinner is on your own. Lunch & dinner is on your own. (120km / 75mi)
Day 4
Lava labyrinth, hot springs travel east
In the morning we hike in a lava labyrinth at Dimmuborgir "the dark castles", hoping to get a glimpse of the trolls who are said to live there. After an optional lunch we visit the hot spring area of Námaskarð with bubbling mud pools and steaming solfataras.
We head through the uninhabited highlands and moonlike surrounding to East Iceland. With some luck we might spot an Arctic fox or see reindeer. Subject to road conditions, we visit Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall in the northern part of Vatnajökull National Park. Overnight at Icelandair Hotel Hérað.
Overnight location:
Álfheimar Country Hotel or similar. Breakfast included. Lunch & dinner is on your own. (250km / 155mi)
Day 5
East Fjords, glaciers and ice
It's a day to admire the dramatic fjord landscape and its tiny fishing villages at the end of twisty roads in the East Fjords. En route we visit an interesting stone and mineral collection.
In the afternoon we see Vatnajökull – Europe's biggest glacier that is visible all over Southeast Iceland. Past the town of Höfn, we stop at Jökulsárlón, a glacial lagoon filled with floating icebergs, and we explore the extraordinary site and might see seals swimming in arctic waters.You can walk on the black sandy beach where large icebergs get stranded. Depending on the season optional boat trips are available.
We travel along the southern part of the glacier Vatnajökull and spend time at Europe's largest national park, which has Iceland's highest mountains, an alpine environment, and Europe's largest glacier.
Overnight location:
Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon or similar. Breakfast included. Lunch & dinner is on your own. (260km / 161mi)
Day 6
Vatnajökull National Park & South Coast
A beautiful drive with many natural wonders awaits us today. We head across the Eldhraun lava field and cross the sandy desert of the south coast, overlooked by mountainous cliffs, glaciers and waterfalls. We stroll along the black lava beach of Reynisfjara near Vík.
In the small village of Skógar there is Skógafoss waterfall which is 60 meters high and is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country. Further west we stop at the Eyjafjallajökull Information Center and learn about living next to a glacier and an active volcano. We continue to the high but narrow Seljalandsfoss waterfall which plunges over the mountain. There is an interesting trail that goes behind the fall – if you are prepared to get wet!
Overnight location:
Stracta Hotel Hella or similar. Breakfast included. Lunch & dinner is on your own. (380km / 235mi)
Day 7
Icelandic horses and Golden Circle
We explore classics today as we travel the route of the Golden Circle sights. We start the day at Friðheimar, where you learn about the Icelandic horse, its special qualities and history and visit a geothermal greenhouse.
Later on we see steam from the Geysir geothermal fields as we arrive. There is a variety of hot springs and bubbling pools. The original geyser is now dormant but has been replaced by Strokkur "the Churn" which erupts at 5-10 minute intervals.
We continue to Gullfoss, "the golden falls", which is a double waterfall that tumbles 34 meters into the Hvítá river and attracts travelers in summer and winter. We travel inland to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site. As we return to Reykjavík, we take you for a short city tour to show highlights of the world's northernmost capital.
Overnight location:
Reykjavík Natura Berjaya Iceland Hotels. Breakfast included. Lunch &dinner is on your own. (160km / 99mi)
Day 8
Blue Lagoon
You will depart by the bus (no guide) towards Blue Lagoon where you can relax in the famous geothermal water (entrance fee and towel is included).
Wtarr is filled with minerals and has a beautiful blue color.
You will have a free afternoon on your own to explore Reykjavik.
Overnight location: Reykjavík Natura, Berjaya Iceland Hotels or similar, Reykjavík. Breakfast included
Day 9
Travel to Ilulissat, West Greenland
If you are so lucky that you arrive on a sunny day, the 3 hour flight into Greenland will be a memorable experience. Seeing Greenland from above, gives you a great experience of the massiveness and deserted-ness due to all the mountains and ocean surroundings. The leftover snow from the winter gives the hilltops and mountains a blanket of whiteness in contrast to the darkness of the mountains.
When arriving in Ilulissat you will be taken to Hotel Ilulissat where you will be spending the next four nights. You will be able to settle in, in your room before heading out on the guided city walk where you will among other things, see the museum.
Being talked through the history of Ilulissat and the stories of how has evolved. Get a better understanding of how tough it has been living under so harsh conditions. The city walk takes approximately 2 hours and at the end of your tour, you will take a walk down to the "board" where the local fishermen and hunters will be selling their catch of the day. This is a great place to get acquainted with the locals and ask them some questions you have wondered about, or just to get a good chat. Greenlandic people are very friendly, and it's not uncommon if they invite you to their home for a cup of coffee or even a meal. Greenlanders still live a lot by tradition, now in the modern day of life, but they do a lot to keep the spirit of closeness alive. They love to tell ghost stories at night time, and that can sometimes be as long as after midnight.
A welcome dinner is organized at the hotel for you to enjoy, before heading on the boat cruise under the midnight sun.
A magnificent Boat trip among the enormous icebergs. The rosy glow reflected on the ice sculptures silently gliding in the Ilulissat fjord. A great way to end an adventure's day. The tour will take 2,5 - 3 hours
Overnight location: Accommodation: Hotel in Ilulissat. Meals: Breakfast & welcome dinner
Day 10
Inuit settlement at Ilulissat Icefjord
Today you will go on a guided walk to the old inuit settlement in the Sermermiut Valley by the Icefjord of Ilulissat. You will be learning about the local history and customs, while admiring the view of the breathtaking Icefjord. The rest of the day is for you to do what ever your heart desires.
Overnight location: Accommodation: Hotel in Ilulissat. Meals : Breakfast
Day 11
Ilimanaq Settlement visit and Whale watching
Today you will be taken to the small village of Ilimanaq, still dependent on hunting and fishing. It is located just on the other side of the Ilulissat Icefjord. On your way to Ilimanaq, you will sail across Ilulissat Icefjord where you will have plenty of possibilities to see icebergs and whales!
When you get ashore the captain will take you on a guided tour and introduce you to the daily life and history of the small settlement, all while you still will see the icebergs drift by.
After the walk, we will head to a local restaurant where you will have lunch. The tour approximately takes 6 hours.
Overnight location: Accommodation: Hotel in Ilulissat. Meals : Breakfast
Day 12
Trip to calving Eqi glacier
After breakfast at the hotel, we embark adventure of today!
You will have an early one-day trip to the calving Eqi glacier. It is 80 km north from Ilulissat. Depending on the ice conditions we will try to get close to the 5 km wide gæacier front and take 2 hours to stop to enjoy the view and see it calving and enjoy a simple lunch.
This tour takes around 7 hours.
You will join the farewell dinner back at Hotel Ilulissat before spending the last night in the incredible town of Ilulissat.
Overnight location: Accommodation: Hotel in Ilulissat. Meals: Breakfast & dinner
Day 13
Departure from Greenland
Spend the morning doing the last souvenir shopping for your loved ones back at home, before heading to the airport.
Airport transfers are included both in Greenland and Iceland.
Return by flight to Reykjavik and stay 2 nights in Iceland’s capital at Icelandair Hotel Natura.
Reykjavík Natura, Berjaya Iceland Hotels or similar, Reykjavík. Breakfast included.
Day 14
Lava Tunnel
You will depart by bus (no guide) and explore the breathtaking lava tunnel Raufarhólshellir- it is one of the longest lava tubes in Iceland.
The tour will take 3 hours and about 50-60 minutes inside the cave.
Overnight location: Reykjavík Natura, Berjaya Iceland Hotels or similar, Reykjavík. Breakfast included.
Day 15
Travelling to the airport
Individual transfer by Flybus shuttle bus from your accommodation in Reykjavik to Keflavik International Airport.
Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel
Included
IN ICELAND:
10 nights in Iceland with a private bathroom and breakfast
Flybus shuttle bus from Keflavik airport to your accommodation in Reykjavik (no guide) (on day 1 and 15)
Fully escorted 6-day bus tour in Iceland with an English-speaking guide
Visit Grábrók volcano crater
Visit Glaumbær, turf house farms and the folk museum
Goðafoss waterfalls and Lake Mývatn
Enjoy Mývatn Nature Baths including towel
Visit the lava Labyrinth at Dimmuborgir
Visit the hot spring area of Námaskarð
Visit Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach
Visit Eldhraun lava field
Visit Skógafoss waterfall
Visit a geothermal greenhouse.
Gullfoss waterfall
Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Blue Lagoon excursion incl. entrance and rental towel
Excursion to Lava Tunnel incl. entrance fee
IN GREENLAND:
Return flight Keflavik-Ilulissat-Keflavik including airport taxes
Hotel/airport transfer in Greenland
4 nights in a 4-star hotel in Ilulissat, in a standard room with shower/wc
Daily breakfast at your hotel in Ilulissat
Welcome meeting with a local guide at the hotel
Guided city walk in Ilulissat (1-2 hours)
Boat tour among the icebergsin Ilulissat (3 hours)
Boat trip to Eqi glacier (6-9 hours)
Boat trip to Ilimannaq settlement (6 hours)
Walk to the old Sermermiut settlement UNESCO area
Home visit with the locals
Welcome & farewell dinners in Greenland
Not included
Single supplement (Mandatory if traveling alone)
Travel Insurance (recommended)
Optional activities – can be added on request
Any services that not listed under 'included'
Flights supplement (if any)
Please note extra charges for room upgrades can accrue after the booking as the availability of accommodation is very limited.
What to bring
Layered clothing. Ideally, you should pack a thermal underwear layer (top and bottom), activity layer (e.g. hiking pants and shirt), insulation layer (e.g. fleece or down jacket), and outer layer of windproof clothing (top and bottom). You may not need all of this on any particular day, but you should have it available. You should always bring a windproof jacket and gloves, regardless of the weather.
Warm hat, gloves, buff or scarf
Sunglasses, sunscreen & sun hat (depending on weather)
Camera and spare batteries
Additional Information
A deposit of 60% of the tour package price is required to finalize a booking and issue the flight ticket. Unfortunately, we cannot block flight seats and hotel rooms in Greenland without a deposit. Full payment is due 10 weeks before the tour starts.
Once the booking is confirmed and up to 10 weeks before departure: Cancellation and changes (of ANY kind) will cost 60% of the tour package price. 10 weeks before departure and until the travel date: Cancellation and changes (of ANY kind) will cost 100% of the tour package price.
Please take in mind that flights and hotel availability are very limited, there may be small changes to costs and overall availability.
If traveling alone, make sure to choose the single room supplement when booking this tour. Depending on availability for flights to Greenland, a flight supplement might apply.
Trips to Greenland are always subject to weather conditions. Delays and flight cancellations can happen. Therefore we strongly recommend you to buy a travel insurance in your country of residence that would cover any additional travel expenses, should your flights be delayed or cancelled due to weather. We recommend not to book any international flights directly after a trip from West Greenland.
Departs every second Friday throughout June to September
Most airlines allow 20 kg of check-in baggage. If you have more, there is a fee for the extra weight you bring. Payment for extra baggage is often implemented strictly, because of the small size of the planes.
It is important to bring Danish Krona to Greenland. Foreign currency is not accepted everywhere. Credit cards are accepted only at a few locations. i.e. at the hotels and larger stores. When you use a credit or debit card, a PIN-code is required.
Please note there is a 3-hour time difference between Iceland and West Greenland in the winter time and a 2-hour time difference in the summer time.
Our customers are the foundation of Guide to Greenland so we make great efforts to provide you with the best possible service. We are located in Greenland and cooperate with everyone involved in the Greenlandic tourism industry. We are therefore perfectly placed to quickly react to changes or new wishes you may have to ensure you have the trip of a lifetime.
BOOK EARLY The earlier you book your trip, the better the prices will be, and the more likely you will be able to book the tour you want for the dates/times you want.
Package tours can be sold out more than half a year in advance (note that Guide to Greenland does not include international flights in packages, except where indicated from Iceland or Denmark).
Day trips may sell out closer to your arrival date, but for popular destinations, certain dates/times can also sell out months in advance. We recommend that you secure all of your experiences by booking them well in advance of your trip.
CANCELLATIONS All cancellations must be made via e-mail.
Although Guide to Greenland is committed to ensuring the best protection and service for our customers in the event of a cancellation, we are obliged to charge cancellation fees. This is in accordance with Greenland travel industry business practices. Details can be found in our general cancellation policy.
3 reviews for Iceland And Greenland Discovery | 15 days
Rated 5 out of 5
Riaz Sayed –
Rated 5 out of 5
Sophie Reynolds –
We felt that this trip was ultimate experience of must see both in Greenland and Iceland!
We visited Blue Lagoon, museums, volcano center in Greenland we saw huge icebergs and experienced small local settlements. All accommodations, flights was perfectly planned.
Rated 5 out of 5
Oscar E. –
I loved how easy it was to book this trip. Itinerary was full of popular sights and tours both Iceland and Greenland. We started our trip with tour to Greenland, had wonderful time, seen whales and ice and finished our tour with visiting Iceland and of course Blue lagoon.
Recommend for anyone who want to combine these arctic destinations but dont want to spend to much time on planing the trip.
Riaz Sayed –
Sophie Reynolds –
We felt that this trip was ultimate experience of must see both in Greenland and Iceland!
We visited Blue Lagoon, museums, volcano center in Greenland we saw huge icebergs and experienced small local settlements. All accommodations, flights was perfectly planned.
Oscar E. –
I loved how easy it was to book this trip. Itinerary was full of popular sights and tours both Iceland and Greenland. We started our trip with tour to Greenland, had wonderful time, seen whales and ice and finished our tour with visiting Iceland and of course Blue lagoon.
Recommend for anyone who want to combine these arctic destinations but dont want to spend to much time on planing the trip.