Natures greatest showpieces : Greenland & Iceland
Greenland and Iceland are great walking countries with vast areas of spectacular near-pristine wilderness, extraordinary landscapes and fascinating cultures. Greenland is home to Eskimos, husky dogs and Arctic foxes, and offers walks along a dramatic fjord-fingered coastline and the chance of seeing floating icebergs. Iceland is the land of fire and ice with walks amid craters and lava fields and alongside bubbling hotsprings.
Distances covered are not great (5 – 8 miles with easier and shorter options available) but when taken at a leisurely pace so that you can fully absorb the natural environment you are in and enjoy a picnic lunch, you are out for most of the day. Pete is great at creating a relaxed and friendly atmosphere whilst providing caring and appropriate guidance. Whilst Pete will be armed with bird and flower books and maps, the local walking guide will help identify species for you and find the best trails to suit everyone in the party.
Pete Hawkins is a professional walking leader who has led previous trips to both countries for us. Pete knows that not only are the walks fantastic but that on this walking holiday you are immersed into another world – one of monumental natural beauty where nature shapes every aspect of life and what an exhilarating and liberating experience that is.
For more information on Pete Hawkins visit www.petehawkins.co.uk
Sample Itinerary June
| Day 1 | 1300 hours depart London Heathrow. 1500 hours arrive in Reykjavík. Dinner and overnight in Reykjavik. |
| Day 2 | Breakfast in the hotel. Fly to Kulusuk (1010 – 1200 hrs) in East Greenland (2 hours) and then by helicopter (15-minute flight) to the island of Ammassalik. Lunch and dinner in the hotel. After lunch take a walk around the local town of Tassilaq. |
| Day 3 | Breakfast in the hotel. It’s a short boat trip to the head of the fjord to the start of today’s walk. Follow the River Qortong inland to a beautiful waterfall and continue on up to a lake. Return to Ammassalik following the shoreline of the fjord. Picnic lunch. (Approx. 8 miles). Dinner in the hotel. |
| Day 4 | Breakfast in the hotel. From the hotel walk alongside a river up to Flower Valley. Continue on to the biggest lake and most impressive waterfall on Ammassalik Island. Follow the new road (a dirt track) back to the hotel. (Approx. 13 miles). Or climb up Qaqqartivakajik ‘Seamans’ mountain (550m), rewarded with a superb 360° view out over the Denmark Strait and Ammassalik fjord and Tassilaq town. If the cloud is low, an alternative walk will be offered. Picnic lunch. (Approx. 7 miles). Picnic lunch. Dinner in the hotel. |
| Day 5 | Breakfast in the hotel. Take the boat or helicopter back to Kulusuk. Time permitting, walk across the tundra into the town of Kulusuk, which has a few shops and bars. Lunch in Kulusuk. Fly to Reykjavík 1500 – 1650 hrs. Drive to the hotel on the Snæfellsnes Peninsular (approx. 2.5 hours). Dinner in the hotel. |
| Day 6 | Breakfast in the hotel. Walk directly from the hotel on the main bridle path that traverses the Búðahraun Lava field and on to Miðhúsavatn, where the coach will be waiting. Picnic lunch. (Approx. 5 miles). Dinner in the hotel. |
| 13 June | Breakfast in the hotel. Transfer to Lóndrangar on the southern tip of the peninsular. Follow the shoreline to Hellnar and Arnarstapi, former fishing villages which nestle beneath the Snæfellsjokull glacier. Picnic lunch. (Approx. 8 miles). Dinner in the hotel. |
| Day 7 | Breakfast in the hotel. Transfer to Lambhagatjarnir on the western tip of the peninsular and walk along the coast to the craters at Hólahólar and then across the lava field to Dritvík and on to Djúpalónssandur. Picnic lunch. (Approx. 8 miles). Dinner in the hotel. |
| Day 8 | Breakfast in the hotel. Transfer back to Reykjavik for the afternoon flight to London. Lunch en-route and visit the geothermal waters at the Blue Lagoon, for a revitalising swim. Depart Reykjavík 1610 hours. Arrive London Heathrow 2010 hours. |
Natures greatest showpieces : Greenland & Iceland
To make an enquiry please call orcomplete our contact form