Fancy a coffee with an Inuit in their home?

Fancy a coffee with an Inuit in their home? Or how about a game of football with the locals? Or the chance to meet local school children? Getting closer to the traditions and culture of the people who live in Greenland is a core focus on a Hurtigruten voyage to Greenland. Greenlanders refer to their island as ‘Kalaallit Nunaat’- the land of the people and in 2012, Hurtigruten will bring its guest closer to the both locals and the townships for the ultimate cultural experience. In turn, it also aims to give something back by offering the Inuits contact with the wider world, which for some is otherwise unobtainable.

Hurtigruten voyages include visits to Greenland’s townships offering the rare opportunity to gain a first hand insight into the everyday life of the Inuits. Inuit houses are open for Hurtigruten guests and they are invited by local families to partake in a traditional ‘kaffemik’, the Greenland version of a cup of coffee and learn more about their way of life. In Uummannaq, there is a welcome by local school children and the chance for them to mingle with guests. When the ship docks in the Ittileq township guests, crew and locals join together for a traditional football match that sees sport bringing together different cultures.

Hurtigruten offer a selection of voyages to Greenland during the summer months. For example:

The Heart of Greenland – from £4117pp – This nine-day expedition along Greenland’s west coast visits small settlements that are only accessible by boat. Available on 10, 17, 24 June and 1 July 2012, the voyage costs from £4117 per person and includes seven night’s full board on the ship, return flight from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq, transfers, landings and lectures by expedition team. Flights from UK to Copenhagen are extra and can be booked by Hurtigruten. Based on two sharing. Price valid if booked by 31 December 2011.

For more info and booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's luxury cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.