R E S E R V E O N L I N E A T N A T G E O E X P E D I T I O N S .C O M
2018-2019
TRAVEL CATALOG
N AT I O N A L G E O G R A P H I C E X P E D I T I O N S 2018–2019
PERU: BIRDS OF THE ANDES AND AMAZON
RHINE HIGHLIGHTS RIVER CRUISE
AFRICA
EUROPE
16 On Safari: Tanzania's Great Migration
40 Swiss Trains and the Italian Lake District
18 Tanzania Family Expedition
66 A Circumnavigation of Iceland
42 Jewels of Europe by River
19 Tanzania Private Expedition 20 Southern Africa Safari by Private Air 22 South Africa Family Expedition 23 The Great Apes of Uganda and Rwanda 24 Morocco: Legendary Cities and the Sahara
THE MIDDLE EAST
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44 Rhine Highlights River Cruise
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45 Gems of the Danube River Cruise 46 Beautiful Bordeaux River Cruise
25 Irrawaddy River Cruise
68 The Holy Land: Past, Present, and Future
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45 Danube Christmas Markets by River
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47 Dutch Sights and Belgian Delights River Cruise
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48 Unforgettable Douro River Cruise
ASIA
67 Iceland Family Expedition
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49 Human Origins: Southwest France and Northern Spain
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26 China: Imperial Treasures and
50 Italy: Renaissance Cities and Tuscan Life
28 India's Fabled Rajasthan by Rail
52 Greece: Wonders of an Ancient Empire
Natural Wonders
30 Inside Japan 31 Japan: Winter Festivals and Snow Monkeys 32 Japan Family Expedition 33 Vietnam and Cambodia: Along the Mekong River
34 Tibet and Nepal: Expedition to the Highest Himalaya
Alaska and British Columbia
75 Alaska Private Expedition
53 Greece Family Expedition 54 Under Sail: Greece to the Dalmatian Coast 55 Sailing the Greek Isles
58 Remembering D-Day: London to the
79 Glacier National Park 80 C olumbia and Snake Rivers Voyage 81 Arches, Canyonlands, and Mesa Verde National Parks
63 Denmark and Norway Family Expedition
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82 Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks 82 Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks Family Expedition
83 Winter Wildlife in Yellowstone
64 Norway's Trains and Fjords 65 Iceland: Volcanoes, Glaciers, and Whales
77 Exploring British Columbia and the San Juan 78 Canadian Rockies by Rail and Trail
57 Tour du Mont Blanc
62 Scandinavia: Great Capitals of the Baltic Sea
38 Trans-Siberian Rail Expedition
76 Epic Alaska: Misty Fiords to the Lynn Canal Islands
56 France Family Expedition
61 Ireland: Tales and Treasures of the Emerald Isle
EURASIA
73 Alaska: Denali to Kenai Fjords
74 Treasures of the Inside Passage:
60 Scotland's Highlands and Islands
37 Borneo Private Expedition
72 Wild Alaska Escape
Family Expedition
51 Italy Family Expedition
59 Hiking England Coast to Coast
36 Bhutan: Kingdom in the Clouds
70 Alaska's Inside Passage
73 Alaska: Denali to Kenai Fjords
Normandy Beaches
35 Mongolia: Land of the Nomad
NORTH AMERICA
83 Winter Wildlife in Yellowstone NEW
Family Expedition
Front Cover: Myriad shades of blue and gray converge as travelers in a Zodiac approach a canyonland made of icebergs in Antarctica. 2
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I N D I A ' S F A B L E D R AJASTHAN BY R AIL
J O U R N E Y TO A N TA R C T I C A
84 Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Zion
SOUTH AMERICA
76 Epic Alaska: Misty Fiords to the Lynn Canal
84 Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Zion
108 Galรกpagos
83 Winter in Yellowstone Photography Expedition
National Parks
National Parks Family Expedition
85 Yucatรกn Adventure: Whale Sharks and Maya Ruins
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86 Baja California and the Sea of Cortez: Among the Great Whales
88 Cuba: Discovering Its People and Culture 90 Mysteries of the Maya 92 Reefs and Ruins: Belize to Tikal, Guatemala NEW
94 Costa Rica and the Panama Canal
111 Upper Amazon
96 Costa Rica Private Expedition
113 Peru Private Expedition 115 Peru: Amazon, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca 117 Patagonia Private Expedition
and Longevity by Private Jet
126 Ecuador Avian Private Expedition
NEW
NEW
Discover the National Geographic Difference
10 Introducing River Cruises
An Extraordinary Journey by Private Jet
126 Peru: Birds of the Andes and Amazon
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12 All the Ways to Travel With National Geographic NEW
124 Blue Zonesโ ข: Discovering Sources of Happiness
98 Australia and New Zealand Expedition
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RESOURCES AND MORE
118 Exploring Patagonia
122 Celebrating 130 Years of Exploration:
97 Australia Private Expedition
128 Deck Plans 135 Terms and Conditions 136 Expeditions Calendar
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100 French Polynesia: Beyond the Postcard 101 Easter Island to Tahiti: Tales of the Pacific
PHOTOGRAPHY EXPEDITIONS 17 Tanzania Photo Safari 24 Morocco Photography Expedition
POLAR REGIONS
29 India by Rail Photography Expedition
102 Journey to Antarctica 104 South Georgia and the Falklands 105 Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falklands
31 Inside Japan Photography Expedition 34 Tibet and Nepal Photography Expedition 35 Mongolia Photography Expedition 36 Bhutan Photography Expedition 50 Italy Photography Expedition
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126 Wings Over Costa Rica
114 Peru Family Expedition
120 Around the World by Private Jet
T H E PAC I F I C & A U S T R A L I A
BIRDING EXPEDITIONS
112 Peru: Land of the Inca
P R I VAT E J E T T R I P S
95 Costa Rica Family Expedition
106 Land of the Polar Bears
109 Galรกpagos Photography Expedition
110 Ecuador Private Expeditionn
116 Peru: Machu Picchu Inn to Inn Trek
91 Belize and Tikal Private Expedition 93 Nicaragua Private Expedition
Photography Expedition
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N AT I O N A L GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE Over the past 130 years, we’ve sent our scientists, storytellers, and adventurers across continents and into remote cultures, down to the oceans’ depths and up the highest mountains in an effort to better understand our planet. National Geographic Expeditions grew from this legacy as a way to invite others to explore—to encounter the wonders of the world up close, in depth, right at the source, and to be transformed by the experience. When you travel with us, you gain access to people and places. You’re enriched by the knowledge of our experts and guides, and by local experts we meet along the way. And you give back. Simply by taking a trip with National Geographic, you support the work of our explorers and researchers. That is the National Geographic Difference.
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| C LOS ER
ACCESS THAN
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National Geographic opens doors around the globe: Our relationships with scientists, storytellers, museums, and active research sites allow us special access to places and people, including our own grantees, whose field sites we visit wherever we can. Traveling with us, you go behind the scenes to get a close-up view of work that’s helping illuminate and protect the world’s cultural and natural treasures, from archaeological excavations in Italy to whale conservation in Alaska to the celebration of an ancient Aboriginal culture in the Australian outback.
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KNOWLEDGE
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You gain knowledge when you travel with National Geographic—whether you’re face-to-face with an elephant in the Serengeti, listening to a wildlife biologist explain its every move, or gazing up at prehistoric cave paintings with a paleontologist in France. From the scientists, photographers, and explorers who lead our trips to the local guides and experts we meet in the field, you’ll be surrounded by people who are steeped in knowledge and insights about the places we go. And they’re passionate about sharing that knowledge with you. Below, we’d like to introduce you to a few of the experts who lead our trips. You can find many more on our website. William Saturno ARC H AEO LO G I S T A N D N AT I O N A L G EO G R A P H I C E X P LO R E R
William Saturno has spent more than a decade searching for clues to the mysteries of the Classic Maya in Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. He has received numerous grants from the Society to support his ongoing excavations of ancient Maya murals in Guatemala. His breakthrough discovery at San Bartolo of the oldest intact Maya murals yet found was the focus of the National Geographic magazine articles “The Sistine Chapel of the Early Maya” in December 2003 and “The Dawn of Maya Gods and Kings” in January 2006. The June 2012 issue described his unearthing of murals in mounds thought to be residences at Xultún. Bill will lead the December 27, 2018 and February 21, 2019 departures of our Mysteries of the Maya expedition.
Sisse Brimberg N AT I O N A L G EO G R A P H I C P H OTO G R A P H E R
Sisse Brimberg has produced more than 30 stories for National Geographic magazine ranging from the life of writer Hans Christian Andersen to a project chronicling Viking culture. Sisse won first prize for “Picture Story of the Year” from the National Press Photographers Association for her story on migrant workers. Born in Denmark, Sisse established and managed her own photo studio in Copenhagen after attending photography school. She has led numerous expeditions in northern Europe. “I love the thought that I can help guests with taking better pictures and capturing the spirit of a place,” she says. Sisse will join the April 24, 2019 departure of our new expedition Dutch Sights and Belgian Delights by River, as well as other trips listed on our website.
Noah Strycker O R N I T H O LO G I S T A N D AU T H O R
Noah Strycker is associate editor of Birding magazine, the author of three well-regarded books about birds, a regular contributor to major bird magazines, and a blogger for the American Birding Association. Noah set a world “big year” record in 2015—sighting more species of birds in a single calendar year than anyone had before—and his 2017 book, Birding Without Borders, relates the experience. Noah has studied birds on six continents with field seasons in Panama, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Australia, Antarctica, the Galàpagos Islands, and the Farallon Islands. Noah is the author of the forthcoming National Geographic book Birds of the Photo Ark, which celebrates photographer Joel Sartore’s portraits of birds. He will lead both January 2019 departures of our new birding itinerary Wings Over Costa Rica.
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How would you characterize Icelandic landscapes and the Icelandic people? Both the Icelandic landscape and the people have incredible breadth! Nowhere else in the world can you see glaciers, volcanoes, geysers, fjords, hot springs, black-sand beaches, deserts, and more in one single place—and often, in a single afternoon! I love it. And for me, I find that same characteristic in Icelandic people. For many of my friends, one minute they’re writing a book, the next, they’re rounding up sheep, or painting, hiking a mountain or rebuilding a “super-jeep,” or whipping up a meal for 15 people. Your research has focused on Iceland’s glaciers and the many ways people perceive them. What were some of your key findings? My research found that glaciers have worked themselves into Icelanders’ lives and society in all sorts of complex ways since the island was settled over a thousand years ago. Consequently, the current unprecedented loss of glaciers across the island is having profound, and at times contradictory, effects on Icelandic society. While some people are losing part of their identity, heritage, and culture, others are finding economic gain, stability, and safety.
H E A R F R O M O U R E X P E R T, M JACK SON Geographer, adventurer, environmental educator, and 2017 National Geographic Emerging Explorer M Jackson researches glacial environments and climate change. She recently spent a year in Iceland studying how climate change is affecting communities near the fishing village of Höfn. A longtime leader of our student expeditions to Iceland, she will be leading the September 12 and 22, 2018 departures of our new expedition Iceland: Volcanoes, Glaciers, and Whales. We asked M a few questions about her fascination with Iceland. Read the full interview on our website.
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What keeps you coming back to Iceland? I keep coming back to Iceland because it is always different. I’ve been going to Iceland for nine years, and every time I am there everything has changed and is different and unexpected. The light and weather are always shifting. You can go back to the same glacier or waterfall or lava field time and time again, and each time it is an entirely new place. I love the magic and freshness of the unexpected in Iceland’s landscape. What, for you, are some of the highlights of our new Iceland itinerary? This trip goes to some of my favorite places in Iceland. We get to explore Langjökull glacier and go into an ice cave inside the glacier. On the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, we stop in the tiny village of Stykkishólmur, which has an amazing art scene and the Library of Water. Hrísey Island has incredible bird-watching—plus, you’re in the middle of a stunning fjord! And after traveling through the vibrant green landscape of northwestern Iceland, it is always a surreal experience to be in Mývatn, surrounded by steaming volcanoes and lava fields.
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GIVE BACK
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W H E N YO U T R AV E L W I T H U S, YO U M A K E A D I F F E R E N C E When you travel with us, you support the National Geographic Society’s researchers and explorers who work to preserve, protect, and advance our understanding of the planet and its people. Every year, the Society awards more than 575 grants to scientists, educators, innovators, and storytellers around the world.*
A N 8 0 % D R O P I N L I O N K I L L I N G S I N T A N Z A N I A’ S R U A H A N A T I O N A L P A R K
In Ruaha National Park, home to a tenth of the world’s lions, National Geographic grantee Amy Dickman works with local communities to build bomas, or natural livestock enclosures. Her project, part of the National Geographic Big Cats Initiative, has helped reduce carnivore attacks on livestock by 60 percent—and the killing of lions and other predators by 80 percent. *National Geographic Society receives funds from National Geographic Partners LLC, funded in part by your purchase. These funds support the Society’s conservation, exploration, research, and education projects around the globe. To learn more, visit www.natgeo.com/info.
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From a project that uses defunct cell phones to track illegal loggers to another that employs robots to map coral reefs, National Geographic’s explorers are changing how we see and interact with our world—and helping protect it for future generations. You become part of that effort when you travel with us. Here are a few of the success stories we’ve helped support:
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1 3 0 - M I L L I O N -Y E A R - O L D C R O C O D I L E
IN SOUTHWEST BORNEO
On the edge of the Tunisian Sahara, paleontologist Federico Fanti, a 2017 National Geographic Emerging Explorer, discovered the fossil of a 30-foot prehistoric crocodile. The find challenges a popular theory that a mass extinction occurred at the end of the Jurassic period.
In southwest Borneo, dentist and conservationist Hotlin Ompusunggu, a 2017 National Geographic Emerging Explorer, established health clinics that provide care with incentives to protect the rain forest. The result: reduced poverty, restored forests, and a 68 percent decline in families involved in logging.
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NEW
The Rhine, the Dordogne, the Irrawaddy—the world’s great rivers evoke a sense of romance and timelessness, linking grand cities and medieval gems, forgotten villages and rolling vineyards, and revealing something of a country’s soul. Now we invite you to explore these historic waterways with our experts on a new series of National Geographic River Cruises, offered in partnership with Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours. Aboard these world-class riverboats, settle into your stunning
suite and enjoy a truly all-inclusive experience, with a wide choice of guided excursions tailored to a range of activity levels, as well as private concerts, exceptional cuisine, and wine tastings. On each voyage, a National Geographic expert travels with you, sharing his or her knowledge through talks on board and on daily outings. You might find yourself immersed in Amsterdam and Antwerp with Dutchborn geographer Jan Njiman, gliding through Bordeaux
Above: The Scenic Amber navigates Austria's Wachau Valley on our Gems of the Danube cruise. 10
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with renowned travel writer Don George, or examining gilt temples alongside art historian Paula Swart in Myanmar (Burma). A National Geographic photographer joins every European cruise to impart techniques and tales from the field, and to help you capture your experience in beautiful images. Along the way, you can choose from a host of unique National Geographicinspired excursions—from expert-led visits to museums and historic sites to birding walks and hikes.
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As we glide from one port of call to the next, you’ll enjoy the utmost in all-inclusive service and amenities: your own butler, delectable meals served in a variety of dining venues, an open bar, spa services, Wi-Fi, GPSdriven self-guided tours that you can take on the boat and off, spacious suites and lounges, and so much more. See pages 25 and 42–48 for our eight new river cruises, and visit our website for information on each riverboat.
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Land
Land
Small Ship
Expedition cruise
Family Photo Land Land Ship Private Train Private Private Private Our land tripsSmall are designed to Train immerse you in Jet Small TakeShip to the sea aboard one of theJet eight ships of fascinating cultures and draw out the uniquethe National Geographic–Lindblad fleet, and ness of each destination through enriching and explore wild places from the Galápagos to authentic experiences. Led by a National Antarctica with an expedition team of naturalists, Geographic expert, these trips celebrate the history, historians, and more. Journeys River Cruisephotographers, Student Journeys River Cruise Family Photo Active Family Photo Active Moderate Light Light/Moderate culture, and natural heritage of a destination.
Moderate Light
Light/Moderate
Moderate/Strenuous Light/Moderate
Light or Moderate
oderate
Strenuous Moderate
train
active Journeys River Cruise Student Active by foot, Explore by kayak, or even by dogsled on an active expedition. Led by dynamic adventure guides, these trips combine spectacular places, physical challenge, and cultural interaction. Student Moderate/Strenuous
Strenuous
Strenuous
Maximum
Maximum
Private Jet
Private
Light
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Small Ship
Train
Land Private Jet
Small Ship Private
family
Glide through epic landscapes by classic train, experiencing the sense of nostalgia that comes with train travel. With a National Geographic expert on board, the places that you pass through Journeys Active take on a whole new depthRiver andCruise meaning. Student
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Private
(Lindblad and Scenic Expeditions Only)
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Train
Light or Moderate Moderate/Strenuous Maximum (Lindblad and Scenic Expeditions Only)
Private Jet
Light or Moderate
(Lindblad and Scenic Expeditions Only)
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Train
Strenuous
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photography Active
Journeys Family
Introduce your family to the magic of travel on trips designed for travelers of all ages. Our expedition leaders and local experts enrich your understanding of each incredible destination, and on many of our family trips, a Young Explorer Moderate Moderate/Strenuous Light/Moderate Light Light/Moderate leader facilitates fun learning activities for kids.
River Cruise Photo
Light or Moderate
(Lindblad and Scenic Expeditions Only)
Student Active
Journeys
River Cruise
Improve your photography skills with the guidance of a National Geographic photographer—whether you’re traveling through Japan or framing wildlife on the Galapágos Islands.
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Light or Moderate Maximum (Lindblad and Scenic Expeditions Only)
Train
Strenuous Moderate
Moderate/Strenuous Maximum
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Strenuous
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ACTIVITY LEVELS Land
river cruise Family
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River Cruise
Ply the fabled Student rivers of Europe and Asia aboard Land Small SmallShip Ship spacious, world-class riverboats Land on all-inclusive voyages operated in partnership with Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours. A National Geographic expert and photographer accompany each voyage. Family Family Photo Photo
Strenuous
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Journeys Journeys Light
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River RiverCruise Cruise Light/Moderate
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Land Smallall Ship Train Jet Travel the benefits of trav- Private Experience fascinating Privateindependently—with Private places as far-flung as eling with National Geographic—on a private trip Easter Island and Marrakech on one epic journey, curated by us and geared for you and the traveling traveling with a team of National Geographic companions of your choice. Explore with private experts in the comfort of a VIP-configured guides and stay in top accommodations, including private jet. River Cruise Student Journeys River Cruise Student Family Photo Active National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World.
s Light Strenuous Light/Moderate Maximum
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Send your high school or middle school student on assignment with National Geographic to explore inspiring destinations in depth alongside our experts and trip leaders.
us Light
L I G H T/ M O D E R AT E Travelers should be in good health and comfortable walking or standing for extended periods of time. Daily activities may include city walking tours, visits to sites, game drives, or easy hikes, with options for more physical activities such as hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and biking. Note: All cruises are rated Light or Moderate; travelers can choose between light or moderate activities according to their capabilities. M O D E R AT E Travelers should be physically fit and prepared for multiple hours of activity (e.g., hiking, kayaking, biking) each day. M O D E R AT E / S T R E N U O U S Travelers should be physically fit and prepared for multiple hours of activity (e.g., hiking, kayaking, biking) each day. Certain days may have more challenging physical activity, such as ascents/ descents on steep mountainous terrain.
(Lindblad and Scenic Expeditions Only)
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LIGHT Travelers should be in good health and comfortable walking or standing for extended periods of time. Daily activities may include city walking tours, visits to sites, game drives on bumpy roads, or easy hikes.
Moderate
Journeys
River Cruise
Student
We’ve partnered with G Adventures to offer small-group trips that combine knowledgeable local guides, meaningful encounters with people and places, and more free time and choices—all at an incredible value.
Moderate/Strenuous
Strenuous
Maximum
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STRENUOUS Designed for experienced active travelers in excellent physical condition, these itineraries may include full-day hikes (sometimes at high altitude) or full-day kayaking excursions. Trails often include steep ascents/descents on mountainous terrain, with some exposed sections. MAXIMUM The ultimate challenge for serious hikers who are very fit and have experience hiking or trekking at high elevations. These itineraries include numerous challenging, full-day hikes.
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Moderat
O N S A F A R I : T A N Z A N I A’ S G R E A T M I G R A T I O N T H E N AT I O N A L GEOGR APHIC DIFFERENCE • Meet Louise Leakey or Fidelis Masao for a private tour of Olduvai Gorge, where Homo habilis was discovered on a National Geographic-sponsored expedition. • A renowned wildlife biologist accompanies each trip to interpret the flora and fauna we encounter on safari and to give fascinating lectures about animal behavior. • Settle into a stunning canvas suite at Sayari Camp, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World (July through October departures only). • A Maasai chief invites us to witness a traditional ceremony and learn firsthand about his culture.
ITINER ARY
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tree-climbing lions. Set out on our first safari to discover East Africa’s legendary wildlife amid the stunning Rift Valley landscape. Plantation Lodge | Meals: B/L/D
DAY 3
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LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK
On a morning game drive, observe the wildlife that congregates on the shores of Lake Manyara. Enjoy a guided walk around the lodge’s grounds and gardens before hiking to a nearby coffee plantation. Plantation Lodge | Meals: B/L/D
DAY 4
DAY 1
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ARUSHA, TANZANIA
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport this evening and transfer to our hotel. Legendary Lodge
DAY 2
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LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK
Drive to Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its elephants, hippos, giraffes, flamingos, and
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NGORONGORO CRATER
After breakfast, travel to the Ngorongoro Highlands, where we will meet with Maasai community members. Far from the tourist circuit, enjoy a rare opportunity to view traditional singing and dancing, witness an initiation ritual, and learn about this fascinating culture from the village chief and his wives. After lunch, descend 2,000 feet to the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater, where volcanic slopes shelter almost 25,000 animals. Observe the interactions between predator and prey; spot colorful birdlife, from superb starlings to crowned cranes; and track elephants, rare black rhinos, cheetahs, and more. Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge | Meals: B/L/D
A beacon of dazzling red, a Maasai tribesman strolls through the grasslands.
DAY 5
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NGORONGORO CRATER
Return to the crater floor for breakfast and a morning safari. Enjoy an afternoon to relax and watch the sun set over the crater from the lodge. Tonight, National Geographic Explorerin-Residence Louise Leakey or Dr. Fidelis Masao, co-director of the Olduvai Landscape Paleoarchaeology Project, joins us for dinner and a discussion about the groundbreaking paleontological finds in the region. Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge | Meals: B/L/D
Above: Hundreds of zebras and wildebeests intermingle amid the golden grasses of the Serengeti. 16
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M I G R AT I O N S E A S O N S I N THE SERENGETI In order to provide travelers with the best opportunity to witness the wildebeest migration, the Serengeti portion of the itinerary differs by season. The itinerary shown describes the July through October departures, when the wildebeests are in the northern Serengeti. On the December through March departures, when the migration moves south, we'll set out for the southeastern border of the Serengeti on Day 7. For the evenings of Days 6, 7, and 8, we'll stay at Lake Masek Tented Camp. Here, we will go on morning and afternoon game drives and take an off-track safari in the Ndutu area. See our website for details.
DAY 6
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zebras eye predators warily as crocodile snouts break the surface of the Mara River. Stay in a luxury tented camp, a member of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World collection, and take in the region’s spectacular array of wildlife on morning and afternoon game drives. On our last evening, gather for a candlelit farewell dinner in the bush. Sayari Camp | Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAY 9
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SERENGETI/ARUSHA
After a final early-morning safari, fly back to Arusha. Relax at our hotel before connecting with your flight home. Lake Duluti Serena Hotel or Rivertrees Country Inn | Meals: B/L/D
OLDUVAI GORGE/SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
Drive to the Olduvai Gorge, where, on a National Geographic-sponsored expedition in 1960, Louis and Mary Leakey discovered Homo habilis, one of the earliest members of the human genus. This morning, Louise (the Leakeys’ granddaughter) or Dr. Masao will discuss the family’s legacy and ongoing work at Olduvai Gorge. Then take a private tour of the site, or accompany Dr. Masao on a walk through the area where much of his life’s research has been conducted. This afternoon, drive to our lodge in the southern Serengeti, looking for lions, giraffes, and leopards along the way. Serengeti Sopa Lodge | Meals: B/L/D
DAYS 7 AND 8
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SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
Rise early for an optional hot-air balloon safari or a morning game drive before flying to the northern Serengeti. With luck, we will witness the dramatic river crossings of the wildebeest migration. Great herds of wildebeests and
AFRICA
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Land
Light /
DAT E S 2018: July 22–30 Aug. 5–13 Sept. 2–10 Oct. 7–15
Dec. 27, 2018– Jan. 4, 2019* Dec. 30, 2018– Jan. 7, 2019*
2019: Jan. 21–29* Feb. 18–26*
Photo Departure: Mar. 4–12*
Photo Departures: Aug. 19–27 Sept. 19–27
*The December through March departures follow a slightly modified itinerary to provide travelers with the best opportunity to witness the wildebeest migration. See the box at left.
COST
Their majestic manes blending with the tawny savanna, two male lions squint into the African sun.
July–Oct. 2018
$9,995
Dec. 2018–Mar. 2019
$9,195
Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $2,700. On the December departures, there is an additional holiday surcharge of $750 per person. The optional hot-air balloon safari on Day 7 is $600 per person. Airfare to/from Arusha and within Tanzania is not included in the expedition cost. The group flights within Tanzania are an additional $450 to $775 per person (subject to change), depending on the departure date. Maximum group size: 25 (16 on photo departures)
OPTIONAL EXTENSION Add a six-day post-trip extension to track gorillas in Rwanda or a four-day post-trip safari in Tanzania’s Ruaha National Park. Visit our website or call for details.
YO U R T R I P M A K E S A D I F F E R E N C E The National Geographic Society funds research, conservation, and exploration, including investigations into early human origins in the Laetoli area of Tanzania.
OUR EXPERT A National Geographic expert and expedition leader will accompany this trip. Conservationist and National Geographic Explorer Laly Lichtenfeld will join on the September 2, 2018 departure. Read her bio and find more experts on our website.
W H AT TO E X P E C T Travelers should be in good health and comfortable sitting for extended periods of time. Daily activities include daily safari drives and 4x4 vehicle transfers on dusty, bumpy roads. Accommodations throughout have been chosen for their location.
SPECIAL PHOTOGRAPHY D E PA RT U R E S As indicated in the Dates section above, a few departures of this expedition are designated as Tanzania Photo Safaris and are limited to 16 travelers. You’ll learn tips and techniques while exploring East Africa’s most spectacular landscapes. Visit our website for details and for the National Geographic photographer leading each departure. Cost: from $9,695 per person
Stay at the picturesque Sayari Camp, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World, on the July through October departures. I
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TA N Z A N I A F A M I LY E X P E D I T I O N THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Experience the thrill of a wildlife safari during five days in the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater and discover lions, leopards, elephants, zebras, and colorful birds. • Get immersed in Maasai culture on visits with warriors, artisans, and schoolchildren, and explore a traditional Maasai boma. • Examine fossils at the Olduvai Gorge, where Homo habilis remains were discovered on a National Geographic-sponsored expedition. • Hike through the wilderness of a private nature reserve with rangers for an optional night of authentic bush camping.
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DAYS 4, 5, AND 6
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SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
Enjoy three days on safari in the legendary Serengeti, observing a mind-boggling array of animals. Float over the savanna on an optional early-morning hot-air balloon ride, or spot wildlife on a dawn game drive. Visit a Maasai women’s collaborative, learn the game of bao, try Tanzanian cuisine, and identify animal prints with trackers. Serengeti Nyumba Camp Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAY 7
DAY 1
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ARUSHA, TANZANIA
Karibu! Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania and transfer to our hotel in Arusha. Lake Duluti Serena Hotel
DAYS 2 AND 3
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Take a short flight to the eastern Serengeti and continue to a private nature refuge nicknamed Giraffic Park. Explore on foot or by safari vehicle and meet young Maasai warriors. Cap off the day with a thrilling nighttime safari. The next morning, take a bush walk with a wildlife expert and visit a Maasai village school. Kids will meet local school children and participate in a variety of fun activities. Venture into a typical boma settlement, and “jump” into a traditional Maasai dance. If you wish, hike into the wilderness with our rangers for a night of authentic bush camping under the stars. Eastern Serengeti Nyumba Camp
I Meals: B/L/D Daily
NGORONGORO HIGHLANDS
Examine fossils at Olduvai Gorge, where Louis and Mary Leakey discovered Homo habilis remains on a National Geographic-sponsored expedition. Then settle into a coffee estate on the outer slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater. Relax on the veranda, visit the farm animals, or ride a bike to the nearby village. Gibb’s Farm
DAY 8 EASTERN SERENGETI
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NGORONGORO CRATER
Descend 2,000 feet to the crater floor and spend a full day on safari surrounded by some 25,000 wild animals. Later, gather around a fire to hear tembo (elephant) folktales before our farewell dinner. Enjoy a rare chance to spot nocturnal bush babies tonight. Gibb’s Farm I Meals: B/L/D
DAY 9
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NGORONGORO HIGHLANDS/ ARUSHA
Today, meet an Iraqw storyteller and his artisan wife at their home, visit an art center, and browse local handicrafts. Travel to Arusha and relax in dayrooms before heading to the airport for your flight home. Mount Meru Hotel
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Family
Light
DAT E S 2018: Mar. 18–26 June 24–July 2 July 15–23
July 29–Aug. 6 Dec. 22–30 Dec. 27, 2018–Jan. 4, 2019
COST Adults
$6,850
Children (ages 7–17)
$6,650
Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $800. On the December departures, there is an additional holiday surcharge of $300 per person. The optional bush camp accommodations on Day 3 are $300 per person. Airfare to/from Arusha and within Tanzania is not included in the expedition cost. The group flight within Tanzania is $300 per person (subject to change). Maximum group size: 25
EXPEDITION TEAM A knowledgeable expedition guide and a Young Explorer Leader will lead this trip, often accompanied by local guides.
KID to KID CONNECTION Spend time in a Maasai village during our adventure, and meet children at a local school. Learn phrases in Swahili and Maa, the language of the Maasai; play a game of soccer; and teach our new friends some traditional American games.
W H AT T O E X P E C T Please visit our website for important information regarding local conditions and/or physical considerations.
I Meals: B/L F O R A D D I T I O N A L T R I P S TO TA N Z A N I A ,
Above: The Serengeti makes a picturesque background for a family portrait. 18
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TA N Z A N I A P R I VAT E E X P E D I T I O N THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Pay a visit to Noloholo Environmental Center,* the brainchild of National Geographic Explorer Laly Lichtenfeld, and learn about the center’s conservation projects, run in partnership with the local Maasai. • Stay at the elegant Sayari Camp, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World, and spot wildlife from your private veranda. • Picnic on the floor of the massive Ngorongoro Crater and seek out resident zebras, flamingos, lions, and more. • Enjoy a privately catered breakfast in the wilds of the Serengeti.
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by some 25,000 animals. The next day, descend into the crater for a picnic breakfast, then embark on a safari. Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Private
Light
Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 6, 7, AND 8
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SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
Fly to the Serengeti and check in to Sayari Camp, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World located near the Mara River. Go on safari, and take an optional hot-air balloon ride. National Geographic travelers are invited to a bush breakfast, followed by a private game drive. Sayari Camp
DAY 9
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ARUSHA
Fly to Arusha and relax in dayrooms at your hotel before catching your flight home this evening. Rivertrees Country Inn
DAY 1
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ARUSHA, TANZANIA
Land at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to our hotel in Arusha. Arusha Coffee Lodge
DAYS 2 AND 3
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TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
Drive to Tarangire National Park, and head out on safari to spot giraffes, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, and more. Stop in at the Noloholo Environmental Center, directed by National Geographic Explorer Laly Lichtenfeld.* Hear about the center’s conservation programs, and visit a field project (June to September only). Oliver’s Camp
I Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 4 AND 5
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NGORONGORO CRATER
Travel to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage site. More than 12 miles in diameter, the Ngorongoro Crater is the largest nonflooded caldera in the world and is inhabited
I Meals: B/L
OPTIONAL EXTENSION Stay at Rubondo Island Camp, a National Geographic Unique Lodge located on an island in Lake Victoria. Visit our website or call for details. F E AT U R E D N AT I O N A L G E O G R A P H I C U N I Q U E LO D G E S
COST from $8,795
4+ people 2 people
from $9,295
Prices are per person, double occupancy, and are subject to availability. Single-traveler prices are available upon request. A holiday surcharge may apply to certain travel dates. Airfare to/from Arusha and within Tanzania is not included in the expedition cost. Airfare within Tanzania is $640 per person (subject to change).
LOCAL GUIDES Top local guides will accompany you throughout the trip, and you will meet other local experts as described in the itinerary.
W H AT T O E X P E C T
Spend three nights in a stunning tented suite at Sayari Camp near the Mara River, which runs through the path of the great wildebeest migration (July to October). In the Ngorongoro Crater, upgrade to the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge (pictured above), a stunning Unique Lodge perched on the crater’s rim. Please call for upgrade pricing.
Above: An elephant strides majestically throught Tarangire National Park.
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This is a private expedition, so you may select any dates that are convenient for you. This private expedition is offered year-round except in April and May.
Travelers should be comfortable sitting for extended periods of time; walking up to two miles a day; navigating uneven terrain, narrow paths, and stairs without handrails; and climbing into safari vehicles. Road conditions are often rugged and dusty. We do our best to minimize long drives, but please note that the day of the Noloholo visit includes up to seven hours of driving.
*The visit to Noloholo Environmental Center is offered from June to September. Travelers in other months will travel directly to Ngorongoro.
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DAT E S
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S O U T H E R N A F R I C A S A FA R I B Y P R I VAT E A I R T H E N AT I O N A L GEOGR APHIC DIFFERENCE • Enjoy exclusive safaris far from the crowds as we soar among game reserves in our own charter aircraft. • A National Geographic expert provides insight on ecosystems like the Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls. • Visit the Motloutse Ruins with an archaeologist, and examine pottery shards and trading beads that date back thousands of years. • Sip sundowners on the classic steam train Royal Livingstone Express as it travels through Zambia’s Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.
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River, and take your first game drive before our welcome dinner tonight. MalaMala Main Camp | Meals: D
DAY 2
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MALAMALA GAME RESERVE
Set off on an early-morning safari in open vehicles, and observe wildlife at one of its most active times with naturalist guides. Enjoy time to relax and take advantage of the camp’s amenities before lunch. During our late-afternoon game drive, stop for sundowners in the bush. Continue exploring as night falls, searching for nocturnal predators on the prowl. Gather for dinner around a large campfire in a reed-enclosed boma. MalaMala Main Camp | Meals: B/L/D
DAYS 3, 4, AND 5
DAY 1 I JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA/MALAMALA GAME RESERVE Arrive in Johannesburg and board our aircraft for a scenic flight to MalaMala Game Reserve, a private reserve in greater Kruger National Park. The distinctive habitat of the Lowveld region is full of big game, including lions, leopards, and white rhinos. Settle into our luxury safari lodge, situated on the leafy banks of the Sand
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MASHATU GAME RESERVE, BOTSWANA
Our private aircraft flies us directly to Mashatu Game Reserve, an enormous private reserve located in the remote eastern corner of Botswana that comprises a diverse wilderness of savanna, riverine forests, marshlands, open plains, and sandstone outcrops. Take morning and evening game drives accompanied by expert guides, and choose two of the following activities: go on a bush walk, join a photographer in a hide to capture close-ups of wildlife (select departures), take a
A bright carmine bee-eater stands in contrast to the stark stripes of its perch.
game drive, or mountain bike along elephant trails. Visit the Motloutse Ruins, a significant archaeological site, in the company of South African archaeologist Grant Hall. Mashatu Lodge | Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 6 AND 7 I MOREMI GAME RESERVE, OKAVANGO DELTA Our next flight takes us soaring over the magnificent wetlands of the Okavango Delta to a tented camp in Moremi Game Reserve. Spend two days discovering this untamed habitat by land and water. Explore by open safari vehicle, and take a
Above: A leopard and her cub remain vigilant at rest. 20
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11/27/17 9:46 AM
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AFRICA
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Land
Light /
DAT E S 2018: May 30–June 8 July 22–31 Aug. 20–29
Sept. 11–20 Dec. 27, 2018–Jan. 5, 2019
$16,995
COST
With the helping hand of an assistant, a photographer captures the magnificence of Victoria Falls.
trip to Gadikwe Island by flat-bottom boat to see hippos and breeding colonies of herons, egrets, pelicans, storks, and cormorants. Camp Xakanaxa | Meals: B/L/D Daily
This evening, board the historic Royal Livingstone Express steam train for a festive farewell dinner as we travel through Mosi-oaTunya National Park. Royal Livingstone Hotel Meals: Day 8: B/L; Day 9: B/D
DAYS 8 AND 9 I CHOBE NATIONAL PARK/ VICTORIA FALLS AND LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA Board our aircraft for a flight to Chobe National Park, known for its many elephant families. On a wildlife river cruise, watch for elephants frolicking at the water’s edge and using their trunks like snorkels as they swim. Then fly along the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers to Livingstone, and check in to the luxurious Royal Livingstone Hotel, just steps from Victoria Falls. Design your morning according to your interests: visit a local village or the Livingstone Museum, or head into the Maramba market. Take a canoe safari, or experience the falls from a thrilling perspective on an optional flight-seeing excursion. Explore the falls with a local guide this afternoon, venturing into the mists along suspended walkways.
DAY 10
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JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
Fly to Johannesburg and connect with your return flight home. Meals: B
OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS Add a four-day pre- or post-trip extension in Cape Town. Or extend your trip to South Africa’s Kalahari with a stay at Tswalu Kalahari, a member of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World collection. Visit our website or call for details.
Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $3,750. All flights within Africa are included in the expedition cost. Transportation within Africa is by DC-3 (minimum of 16 guests). Airfare to/from Johannesburg is not included in the expedition cost. Maximum group size: 22
OUR EXPERT A National Geographic expert and expedition leader will accompany this trip. Wildlife biologist Bill Branch will join the May, August, and September 2018 departures. Read his bio and find more experts on our website.
W H AT TO E X P E C T Travelers should be in good health and comfortable sitting for extended periods of time. Daily activities include safari drives and 4x4 vehicle transfers on dusty and bumpy roads.
YO U R T R I P M A K E S A D I F F E R E N C E The National Geographic Society funds the Big Cats Initiative, which supports field research, conservation projects, and education programs to halt the decline of lions, cheetahs, and other big cats.
T H E U LT I M AT E S A FA R I E X P E R I E N C E On board our private DC-3, enjoy first-class service as we’re whisked from one game reserve to the next. We fly at a low altitude, allowing for rare aerial views of spectacular landscapes and wildlife. On several days, you can tailor the trip to your interests and choose from a variety of activities—including walking safaris, excursions by boat or mountain bike, and a wildlife photo shoot with a professional photographer (select departures).
FOR ADDITIONAL TRIPS TO SOUTH AFRIC A , VISIT
An elephant herd feasts on the lush vegetation of the Okavango Delta. I
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11/27/17 9:46 AM
S O U T H A F R I C A F A M I LY E X P E D I T I O N THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Learn tracking skills and discuss the medicinal properties of plants with San hunter-gathers, and try your hand at traditional beadwork with local artisans. • Join a botanist in Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden to learn about the area's plant species, and walk amid the treetops along the garden’s canopy walkway. • Frolic with hundreds of endangered African penguins at Boulders Beach. • Follow trackers on a wildlife identification adventure, and encounter lions, rhinos, giraffes, elephants, and much more in Kapama Private Game Reserve.
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house at Cape Point, and walk with hundreds of endangered African penguins on Boulders Beach. The next day, visit the Two Oceans Aquarium for close encounters with more than 3,000 marine creatures. During a visit with hunter-gatherer San people at !Khwa ttu San Education and Culture Centre, shoot a bow and arrow, ignite a fire using sticks, or learn about ancient tracking techniques. Southern Sun the Cullinan
DAYS 5–8
DAYS 1 AND 2
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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
Arrive in Cape Town and gather for a welcome dinner. Rise early the next morning for a visit to Signal Hill to take in beautiful views of the city and Table Mountain. Weather permitting, ride the revolving cable car to the summit. Then drive to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, where we’ll join a local botanist to view some of its more than 7,000 plant species. Visit Langa township to learn about the history of apartheid. Alongside local artists, try your hand at traditional beading, and enjoy a drumming lesson and performance. Southern Sun the Cullinan Meals: Day 1: L/D; Day 2: B/L/D
DAYS 3 AND 4
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CAPE PENINSULA
Drive to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, where we’ll seek out bonteboks and baboons on the cliffs overlooking False Bay. Hike to the light-
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KAPAMA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Travel to Kapama Private Game Reserve, which sits between the Drakensberg Mountains and the world-renowned Kruger National Park. During our time here, we’ll set out with expert guides on morning, afternoon, and nighttime game drives to look for the “big five”—lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, and rhinos—as well as giraffes, zebras, hyenas, antelope, elusive cheetahs, and many more. Take bush walks with trackers to identify signs of wildlife, and enjoy plenty of time to relax at our lodge pool. Drive along the scenic Panorama Route, and get up close to resident creatures at the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, home to injured and abandoned wildlife. On our final evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner under a dazzling canopy of stars. Kapama Southern Camp Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAY 9
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KAPAMA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE/JOHANNESBURG
Enjoy a final game drive this morning. After breakfast, transfer to the airport in Hoedspruit for our flight to Johannesburg, where we connect with evening flights home. Meals: B
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Light
Family
DAT E S 2018: June 24–July 2 July 22–30
Aug. 5–13 Dec. 27, 2018–Jan. 4, 2019
COST Adults
$6,990
Children (ages 7–17)
$6,790
Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $1,650. On the December departure, a single room is $1,850 and there is an additional holiday surcharge of $1,000 per person. Airfare to Cape Town and return from Johannesburg is not included in the expedition cost. The group flights within South Africa are $750 per person (subject to change). Maximum group size: 25
EXPEDITION TEAM A knowledgeable expedition guide and a Young Explorer Leader will lead this trip, often accompanied by local guides.
KID to KID CONNECTION On some departures, the Kid to Kid Connection will take place at a cultural center in Langa and feature traditional music and drumming. On other departures, we will meet local kids at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and explore the garden's unique flora together.
W H AT TO E X P E C T Travelers should be in good health and comfortable walking or standing for extended periods of time, as well as traveling in open 4x4 vehicles over dusty, bumpy roads. Daily activities include walking tours, beach walks, morning and evening games drives, and guided bush walks. FOR ADDITIONAL TRIPS TO SOUTH AFRIC A , VISIT
Above: A troupe of elephants takes the road more traveled. 22
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N AT G E O E X P E D I T I O N S . C O M / S O U T H A F R I C A
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AFRICA
T H E G R E AT A P E S O F U G A N DA A N D R WA N DA THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Join a National Geographic-funded primatologist on treks in search of chimpanzees, gorillas, and endangered golden monkeys. • Watch the antics of chimpanzees up close at a sanctuary established in association with the Jane Goodall Institute. • Meet with scientists at the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund’s Karisoke Research Center to learn about ongoing conservation projects. • Get an in-depth perspective on National Geographic grantee Dian Fossey’s 18-year-long gorilla study as you trek through her living laboratory in Volcanoes National Park.
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Continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park, and go on safari to look for elephants, lions, and Ugandan kobs before an afternoon wildlife cruise. Kyambura Gorge Lodge
DAYS 7 AND 8
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BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK
Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 9 AND 10 I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK, RWANDA
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ENTEBBE, UGANDA/ NGAMBA ISLAND
Arrive in Entebbe this evening and transfer to our hotel. The next day, visit the Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Ngamba Island, established in association with the Jane Goodall Institute as a habitat for rescued and orphaned chimpanzees. Later, explore the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre. Lake Victoria Serena Resort
DAYS 3 AND 4
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Settle into your private villa overlooking the surrounding volcanoes and lakes. Meet experts at the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund’s Karisoke Research Center to learn about ongoing conservation efforts. Spend the next day tracking mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, where National Geographic grantee Dian Fossey conducted research on gorillas for 18 years. Enjoy a traditional dance performance this evening. Virunga Lodge I Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAY 11
Meals: Day 2: B/L/D
KIBALE NATIONAL PARK
Travel to Kibale National Park and check in to our lodge. Meet with a local researcher and search for chimpanzees; black-and-white colobus, red-tailed, and blue monkeys; and the rare l’Hoest’s monkey. Explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. Kyaninga Lodge I Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 5 AND 6 I KIBALE NATIONAL PARK/ QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
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Land
Moderate
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Travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The next morning, head into the park’s forests, home to roughly half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Sit among these gentle giants, observing one of the planet’s most endangered creatures up close. Bwindi Lodge
DAYS 1 AND 2
I N F O R M AT I O N
VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK/ KIGALI
This morning, search for endangered golden monkeys in the park. After lunch, visit a local school. Then transfer to the airport for your flight home. Meals: B/L
OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS Extend your trip to Kenya with a stay at Mara Plains Camp or ol Donyo Lodge, both members of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World collection. Visit our website or call for details.
Spend a second morning tracking chimpanzees.
DAT E S 2018: June 10–20 July 22–Aug. 1 Aug. 19–29
Sept. 1–11 Dec. 27, 2018– Jan. 6, 2019
2019: Feb. 12–22
COST 2018
$12,995
2019
$13,795
Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $3,500. All primate-tracking permits are included in the expedition cost. Airfare to Entebbe and return from Kigali, and within Uganda, is not included in the expedition cost. The group flight from Entebbe to Kasese is $330 per person (subject to change). Maximum group size: 16
OUR EXPERT A National Geographic expert and expedition leader will accompany this trip. Tara Stoinski, president, CEO, and chief scientific officer of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, will join the June 10 departure. Read her bio and find more experts on our website.
W H AT TO E X P E C T While tracking primates, guests will trek through thick jungle at elevations ranging up to 10,000 feet for up to eight hours. This trip is not suitable for those who suffer from a cardiac, respiratory, or circulatory disorder, or a disability that limits mobility. Participants must be at least 15 years old.
F O R A D D I T I O N A L T R I P S TO U G A N DA A N D R WA N DA , V I S I T N ATG EO E X P E D I T I O N S .CO M / U G A N DA R WA N DA
Above: These endangered mountain gorillas are two of the roughly 880 that remain in the wilds of central Africa. I
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MOROCCO:LEGENDARY CITIES AND THE SAHARA THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Set out from our tented camp at sunset to ride a camel across the magnificent sculpted dunes of the Sahara. • Alongside a National Geographic expert, explore five UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the ancient adobe village of Aït Ben Haddou. • Delve into Berber culture during a stay at the Kasbah du Toubkal, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World. • Veer off the beaten path in the High Atlas Mountains, and travel by 4x4 to the seldom visited Kasbah Telouet.
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DAYS 6 AND 7 I AÏT BEN HADDOU/ OUARZAZATE/BOUMALNE DADES Cross the Tichka Pass en route to the Kasbah Telouet. After lunch in the village, drive to Aït Ben Haddou. Continue to Ouarzazate. Visit Atlas Film Studios, then set out on the fabled Road of 1,000 Kasbahs. Arrive in Boumalne Dades and head out on a walk in the Dades Gorge. Le Berberé Palace; Xaluca Dades I Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAY 8
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ERFOUD/RISSANI/MERZOUGA
Follow the Road of 1,000 Kasbahs to Erfoud, and visit the souk in Rissani. Later, ride into the dunes on a camel. Settle into our comfortable Berber tented camp. Bivouac Tented Berber Camp
DAYS 9–12
DAY 1
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CASABLANCA, MOROCCO
Arrive in Casablanca and meet for a welcome lunch. Then stroll through the city’s Habous district and the mechouar. Tonight, gather for a welcome dinner. Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche I Meals: L/D
DAYS 2 AND 3
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CASABLANCA/ MARRAKECH
Drive to Marrakech. See the Koutoubia Mosque and the Saadian Tombs, and visit Bahia Palace. Explore the medina and Djemma el Fna Square. Tonight, gather for a dinner accompanied by traditional music. The next day, visit Majorelle Garden and the Berber Museum. Sofitel Marrakech Lounge and Spa
DAYS 4 AND 5
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MERZOUGA/FEZ/VOLUBILIS AND MEKNÈS
If you wish, wake early for a walk in the nearby dunes. After breakfast, head north to Fez. Visit the Royal Palace and Fes Jdid, and delve into the medina. Discover the 14th-century Bou Inania Madrasa, the Nejjarine Fountain, and the Kairaouine Mosque. Spend a final day exploring Fez on your own, or take an optional excursion to the Roman ruins of Volubilis and Meknès. Depart the next day. Hotel Sahrai I Meals: Day 9: B/L/D; Day 10: B/L; Day 11: B/D; Day 12: B
F E AT U R E D N AT I O N A L G E O G R A P H I C U N I Q U E LO D G E
Meals: Day 2: B/L/D; Day 3: B/L
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MARRAKECH/HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS
Settle into the beautiful Kasbah du Toubkal, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World. Explore the village and visit local family homes and markets. Kasbah du Toubkal I Meals: B/L/D Daily
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Trip Type
Activity Level
Land
Light / Moderate
DAT E S 2018: Mar. 17–28 Apr. 14–25 Oct. 6–17 Oct. 27–Nov. 7
Photo Departures: May 12–23 Sept. 29–Oct. 10
$7,995
COST
Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $2,150. Airfare to Casablanca and return from Fez is not included in the expedition cost. Maximum group size: 25 (16 on photo departures)
OUR EXPERT A National Geographic expert and expedition leader will accompany this trip. Geographer, conservationist, and explorer David Scott Silverberg will join the October 27, 2018 departure. Read his bio and find more experts on our website.
W H AT TO E X P E C T Travelers should be in good health and comfortable standing for extended periods of time; walking up to two miles a day; and navigating uneven terrain, narrow paths, and stairs without handrails. Travelers will need to ascend a steep hill to reach Kasbah du Toubkal. Our camp in the Sahara features comfortable Berber-style tents with en suite bathrooms and generator-powered electricity.
SPECIAL PHOTOGRAPHY D E PA RT U R E S Immerse yourself in Berber culture during a stay at Kasbah du Toubkal, perched amid the peaks of the High Atlas Mountains. Join a local resident for a tour of the village or head into the mountains on a guided hike.
Above: A herder leads his caravan of camels across the undulating dunes. 24
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I N F O R M AT I O N
As indicated in the Dates section above, a few departures of this expedition are designated as Morocco Photography Expeditions and are limited to 16 travelers. Visit our website for details and for the National Geographic photographer leading each departure. Cost: From $8,595 per person
CALL 1-888-966-8687 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/LANDTRIPS
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IRRAWADDY RIVER CRUISE
ASIA
NEW
THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Meet a representative from the Irrawaddy Community Conservation Project to learn about efforts to protect the Irrawaddy dolphin. • Spend time in the traditional village of Patho, getting acquainted with everyday life in Myanmar. • Travel among the temples of the Bagan plain by horse cart with a local archaeologist to hear about restoration efforts after the 2016 earthquake. • Visit the Lawkananda Wildlife Sanctuary, and learn about a breeding program overseen by National Geographic grantee Kalyar Platt that aims to protect the critically endangered Burmese star tortoise.
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visit artisan workshops in Yandabo. Continue to Bagan, and enjoy a talk by the director of Bagan’s Archaeological Department. Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAY 6
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DAY 1
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MANDALAY, MYANMAR (BURMA)/IRRAWADDY RIVER
Arrive in Mandalay and board our ship before a welcome dinner. Scenic Aura for the entire voyage Meals: D
DAY 2
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HSITHE/MINGUN
Begin the day at the Irrawaddy Community Conservation Project in Hsithe, learning about local efforts to protect the Irrawaddy dolphin. Spot birdlife in Singu, and visit Mingun Pagoda and beautiful Hsinbyume Pagoda. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 3
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SAGAING/AMARAPURA
In the former capital of Sagaing, meet novice monks, and make a traditional donation at a nunnery. Cruise to Amarapura and float beneath U Bein Bridge at sunset. Meals: B/L/D
DAYS 4 AND 5
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MYINMU/ MONYWA/YANDABO
Venture into sandstone grottoes in Monywa and view spectacular mural paintings and statues dating back to the 14th century. The next day,
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BAGAN/SALAY
Rise early for an almsgiving with monks. Visit the iconic Ananda Temple and see lacquerware artisans at work. Cruise to Salay and encounter a 20-foot golden Buddha. Later, enjoy a traditional Burmese tea in a colonial villa. Meals: B/L/D
DAYS 8 AND 9
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MAGWE/MINHLA/ PATHO
Sail to Magwe and tour the town, taking in the view from a hilltop pagoda. The next day, explore the 13th-century Minhla Fort and go on a walking tour in the village of Patho. Later, witness a traditional dance performance. Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 10 AND 11
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PYAY/YANGON
Arrive in Pyay and explore the ancient stupas and temples of Sri Ksetra, Myanmar’s first World Heritage-listed site. See Shwesandaw Pagoda before a farewell dinner tonight. Disembark the next day and drive to Yangon. Continue to the airport for your flight home. Meals: Day 10: B/L/D; Day 11: B/L
Irrawaddy River Cruise_REV4.indd 25
Activity Level
River Cruise
DAT E S 2018: Dec. 23, 2018– Jan. 2, 2019
2019: Feb. 1–11
COST Balcony Suite
from $6,595
Deluxe Balcony Suite
from $7,415
Grand Deluxe Balcony Suite
from $9,895
Royal Panorama Balcony Suite
from $10,695
See the Scenic Aura description, photo, and deck plan on page 132. Prices are per person, double occupancy. For additional cabin categories, single-supplement rates, and exact pricing, please call or visit our website. Airfare to Mandalay and return from Yangon is not included in the expedition cost.
SPECIAL OFFER Book by June 30, 2018 and receive round-trip economy airfare between the U.S. and Myanmar (Burma) for $295 per person on the 2018 departure, and $395 per person in 2019. Maximum ship capacity: 44
OUR EXPERT A National Geographic expert will accompany this trip, and we will meet local guides along the way. Art historian Paula Swart will join the December 23, 2018 departure. Read her bio and find more experts on our website. This trip is operated in partnership with Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours.
OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS
W H AT TO E X P E C T
Add a one-day pre-trip extension in Mandalay or a two-day post-trip extension in Yangon. Visit our website or call for details.
Enjoy an all-inclusive experience aboard a world-class luxury ship featuring fine dining and butler service. Choose from a variety of excursions suited to a range of activity levels, from short walking tours to options for extended hiking and biking.
Above: The setting sun silhouettes ancient temples on the Bagan plain. I
Trip Type
BAGAN
After an optional morning hot-air balloon ride, choose from a variety of options. Visit the Lawkananda Wildlife Sanctuary to learn about a Burmese star tortoise breeding program overseen by a National Geographic grantee. Alternatively, venture to Mount Popa, considered the home of powerful nats, or spirits; or explore Old Bagan. Later, join an archaeologist on a horse-cart tour of the Bagan temples. Enjoy a string puppet show tonight. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 7
I N F O R M AT I O N
CALL 1-888-966-8687 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/RIVERCRUISES
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CHINA: IMPERIAL TREASURES A N D N AT U R A L WO N D E R S T H E N AT I O N A L GEOGR APHIC DIFFERENCE • Spend a day interacting with giant pandas at a research center outside Chengdu, helping caretakers feed and care for the animals and learning about conservation efforts. • Meet National Geographic grantees across China, and learn about the latest research efforts related to the environment, wildlife conservation, and geology. • Go behind the scenes at the Institute of Archaeology in Xi’an for an insider’s look at recent finds at the terra-cotta warrior site and other excavations. • Cruise two of China’s most legendary waterways, gliding through the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River and the karst landscapes of the Li River.
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hutong neighborhood for a rickshaw tour. Stroll the vast and historic Tiananmen Square and then navigate the 900-some buildings and temples of the Forbidden City. Visit Friends of Nature, China’s oldest environmental organization, and meet with National Geographic grant recipient Boju Zhang to hear about his latest efforts to conserve air and water quality in the capital city. Tonight, feast on Peking duck with your fellow travelers. The St. Regis Beijing | Meals: B/L/D
DAY 3
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GREAT WALL/BEIJING
Step back in time at the less visited Simatai section of the Great Wall, which retains the fortification’s original character. Glimpse old China in Gubei Water Town, where centuries-old houses line quartzite streets and waterways.
DAY 1
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BEIJING, CHINA
Arrive in Beijing and transfer to our hotel in the heart of the capital. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. The St. Regis Beijing
DAY 2
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BEIJING
Delve into imperial Beijing at the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage site surrounded by gardens. Try tai chi with a master practitioner before heading to a traditional
The St. Regis Beijing | Meals: B/L
DAYS 4 AND 5
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XI’AN
Ride first-class on the high-speed train to Xi’an, once the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and the capital of China. On a special behind-thescenes visit to the Institute of Archaeology— normally closed to the public—learn about latest excavations and see the terra-cotta warriors up close. After breakfast the next day, view the
Young pandas play at a breeding center in Sichuan.
legendary terra-cotta army, composed of thousands of soldiers, chariots, and horses that were buried around 210 B.C. at the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Later, walk or ride a bike atop the massive city wall. During free time, browse the maze of markets and sites in the Muslim Quarter. Sofitel Xi’an on Renmin Square Meals: Day 4: B/L/D; Day 5: B/L
DAYS 6 AND 7
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GUILIN/YANGSHUO
Visit the Han Yang Ling Museum this morning, and take a behind-the-scenes tour of the
Above: Against a misty backdrop of karst mountains, a farmer in Guilin directs his livestock. 26
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ASIA
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Land
Light
DAT E S 2018: Sept. 18–Oct. 2 Oct. 16–30 Oct. 23–Nov. 6
Sunlight infuses the view of a restored section of the Great Wall.
renovation lab. Then fly to Guilin, set in a spectacular landscape of karst cliffs. Descend into the Reed Flute Cave, a subterranean spectacle of stalactites and stone pillars. The following day, embark on a cruise down the Li River. Glide beneath limestone pinnacles and terraced rice fields that have inspired Chinese artists for generations, and stop to browse antique and craft markets. Return to Guilin for an evening on your own. Shangri-La Hotel Guilin Meals: Day 6: B/L/D; Day 7: B/L
DAYS 8 AND 9
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CHENGDU
This morning, meet Dr. Zhang Hai at the Karst Institute to learn about a National Geographicfunded project creating 3-D surveys and models of China’s caves, and go for a short walk through the scenic forest around the Institute. Then fly to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. Learn the age-old Chinese game of mah-jongg and enjoy a cup of tea with locals in Wangjianglou Park. For dinner tonight, savor hot pot, a Sichuan favorite. Spend the next day at the Dujiangyan Giant Panda Base overseen by the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda. We’ll have the chance to prepare meals and feed the pandas, help clean the enclosures, and hear about conservation efforts. Return to Chengdu for dinner. The St. Regis Chengdu Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 10, 11, AND 12 YANGTZE RIVER
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CHONGQING/
Visit the Dazu Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site where centuries-old rock carvings depict Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist themes as well as scenes of ordinary life during the Tang Dynasty. Then travel to Chongqing to board a riverboat for a three-night voyage on the Yangtze through the breathtaking Three Gorges region. On daily excursions, visit the ancient shrines of Fengdu, and venture into narrow tributaries by local sampan boat, taking in gorgeous scenery. Back on the ship, learn about traditional healing and local crafts, enjoy morning tai chi, and gaze at the dramatic gorges.
DAY 13
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OUR EXPERT A National Geographic expert and expedition leader will accompany this trip. Professor of Chinese cultural history Elvira Masson will join the October 16 departure. Read her bio and find more experts on our website.
YICHANG/SHANGHAI
DAYS 14 AND 15
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SHANGHAI
Begin the day meandering among the pavilions, ponds, and zigzag bridges of Yu Garden, Shanghai’s celebrated classical Chinese garden, dating to 1559. Peruse an intriguing range of antiques and goods at the Old Bazaar. Over lunch, meet with conservationist and wildlife photographer Jing Li, a National Geographic grantee working to conserve critically endangered birds in the greater Shanghai area. After lunch, zoom up to the observation deck of China’s tallest building, Shanghai Tower, for a superlative view of the skyline. Stroll neon-lit Nanjing Road and the historic Bund waterfront. Tonight, toast your Chinese adventure at a local restaurant. The following day, transfer to the airport for your return flight. Fairmont Peace Hotel
Extend your trip in Shangri-La, China with a stay at Banyan Tree Ringha, a member of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World collection. Visit our website or call for details.
CALL 1-888-966-8687 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/LANDTRIPS
China Imperial Treasures_Natural Wonders_REV3.indd 27
Maximum group size: 25
Witness the world’s largest engineering project at the Three Gorges Dam, then disembark in Yichang. Fly to bustling Shanghai and settle into our hotel. Fairmont Peace Hotel | Meals: B/L
OPTIONAL EXTENSION
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Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $2,400. Airfare to Beijing and return from Shanghai, and within China, is not included in the expedition cost. The group flights within China are $560 per person (subject to change).
Yangzi Explorer | Meals: B/L/D Daily
Meals: Day 14: B/L/D; Day 15: B
The thousands of warriors at the First Emperor's tomb each bear distinct features.
$7,995
COST
ABOUT THE YA N G Z I E X P LO R E R The Yangzi Explorer, our home for the three-day Yangtze voyage, is one of the few five-star ships on the Yangtze. The ship has a capacity of 124 passengers and features spacious cabins with private bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open to private balconies. There are a limited number of suites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Amenities include a panoramicview restaurant, a bar, a theater, two lounges, a library, a fitness center, a business center with Internet access, a clinic, a sundeck, a salon, and a spa.
W H AT TO E X P E C T Travelers should be in good health and comfortable walking up to two miles a day, navigating uneven terrain, narrow paths, and stairs without handrails. We will travel by motor coach, train, airplane, and boat. FOR ADDITIONAL TRIPS TO CHINA, V I S I T N AT G E O E X P E D I T I O N S .C O M / C H I N A
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INDIA'S FABLED RA JASTHAN BY RAIL T H E N AT I O N A L GEOGR APHIC DIFFERENCE • Travel for five nights aboard the Palace on Wheels, a train that evokes the splendor of the maharajas and travels to places not easily accessible by road. • In the company of a National Geographic expert, explore six UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Fatehpur Sikri and the hill forts of Rajasthan. • Experience the exquisite Taj Mahal at both sunrise and sunset, and photograph this iconic wonder under changing light. • Get a glimpse into daily life on a walk through Bharatpur village, and enjoy a private performance by a sitar musician in Agra.
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served as the capital of Muslim India between the 13th and 19th centuries. Explore Humayun’s Tomb, a milestone in the history of Mughal architecture; and Gandhi Smriti, a museum honoring Mahatma Gandhi. This evening, gather for a special welcome reception and dinner. Taj Mahal Hotel | Meals: B/L/D
DAY 3
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JAIPUR
Travel from Delhi to Jaipur in Rajasthan. Known as the pink city for its rose-colored buildings, Jaipur is protected by high fortifications and multiple gates. This evening, stroll through a local bazaar to experience Diwali, the Festival of Lights.* India glows during this important Hindu celebration: ceramic lamps burn brightly, colored paper lanterns illuminate the streets, and fireworks light up the sky in a dazzling display.
DAY 1
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Jai Mahal Palace | Meals: B/L/D
DELHI, INDIA
Arrive in Delhi at any time and check in to our hotel. Taj Mahal Hotel
DAY 2
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DELHI
Set out on a tour of New Delhi, the capital of India, established by the British in 1911. Then delve into Old Delhi, a patchwork of eight different cities built by a succession of rulers, which
DAY 4
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JAIPUR
This morning, visit Hawa Mahal, or the Palace of Winds, a stunning sandstone building with delicate latticework and honeycomb windows. Continue to the Amber Fort and explore its exquisite palaces, temples, gardens, and pavilions. After lunch, take a guided tour of the City Palace, a vast complex with a museum housing rare
The soft folds of a bright sari frame the face of a Rajasthani woman.
manuscripts, paintings, and an armory. Visit the 18th-century royal observatory known as the Jantar Mantar, and examine a variety of precise astronomical tools. This evening, settle into your cabin on board the Palace on Wheels. Palace on Wheels through Day 8 | Meals: B/L/D
DAY 5
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RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK/CHITTAURGARH
Set out on a game drive in Ranthambore National Park in search of hyenas, jackals, and foxes, as well as elusive tigers. After lunch back
Above: The magnificent Taj Mahal, built in the mid-17th century, blends Indian, Islamic, and Persian design elements. 28
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on the train, arrive in the city of Chittaurgarh. Trace a turbulent history of siege, valor, and sacrifice at Chittaurgarh Fort, one of the largest forts in India. In the late afternoon, meet villagers on a walk within the hilltop fortified walls, and stop for tea at sunset. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 6
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UDAIPUR
Known as the city of lakes, Udaipur is most celebrated for its fairy-tale marble palaces, which appear to emerge from the waters of Lake Pichola. Venture into a spectacular labyrinth of courtyards within the City Palace, a soaring creation of marble and granite perched on the lake’s edge. This palace complex, the largest in Rajasthan, blends medieval, European, and Chinese architecture and is richly decorated with inlaid mirrorwork, mosaics, and frescoes. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 7
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JODHPUR
Jodhpur’s blue-hued old city lies at the foot of the massive Mehrangarh Fort, perched on a rocky outcrop some 120 meters high. Visit the 15th-century fort and learn about its colorful history. Enjoy lunch in Jodhpur before returning to the Palace on Wheels for the final leg of our rail journey. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 9
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AGRA
ITC Mughal, Agra | Meals: B/L/D
DAY 11
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I N F O R M AT I O N Activity Level
Train
Light / Moderate
DAT E S 2018: Nov. 5–15* 2019: Feb. 25–Mar. 7
AGRA/DELHI
After breakfast, pay a visit to a local orphanage if you wish. Then drive to Delhi and relax in dayrooms at the Taj Mahal Hotel. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight home. Meals: B/L/D
Trip Type
Photo Departure: Oct. 15–25 Photo Departures: Feb. 11–21 Mar. 18–28
*The itinerary shown describes the November 5, 2018 departure, which includes the Diwali festival. Each departure follows a similar itinerary to the one shown but includes a different festival or celebration. Visit our website for detailed itineraries.
$12,795
COST
Meals: B/L/D
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Rise early this morning to see the Taj Mahal’s marble sparkle in the dawn light. Constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, the Taj Mahal is often described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love. After lunch, explore Agra Fort’s courtyards, mosques, and private chambers. Stop in at a marble inlay workshop to see how the intricate stonework of the Taj Mahal was created. This evening, visit the iconic site once again at sunset before gathering for a festive farewell dinner.
JAISALMER
Today the train carries us into the heart of the Thar Desert to magical Jaisalmer. Rising above the city, the imposing turrets and bastions of the golden sandstone fort conceal a lively town within. Discover the havelis, once the mansions of wealthy merchants, decorated with elaborate facades. Later, ride a camel across the sand dunes of the Thar Desert and stop for a traditional tea. Enjoy dinner off the train this evening while watching a performance by traditional folk dancers.
DAY 8
DAY 10
OPTIONAL EXTENSION Add a five-day post-trip extension to Khajuraho and Varanasi. Visit our website or call for details.
SPECIAL PHOTOGRAPHY D E PA RT U R E S As indicated in the Dates section above, a few departures of this expedition are designated as India by Rail Photography Expeditions and are limited to 16 travelers. You’ll learn tips and techniques while documenting this enchanting land on photo shoots in rural villages, at the Taj Mahal, and amid evocative dunes. Visit our website for details and for the National Geographic photographer leading each departure. Cost: From $13,190 per person
ASIA
Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $3,850. Airfare to/from Delhi is not included in the expedition cost. Maximum group size: 24 (16 on photo departures)
OUR EXPERT A National Geographic expert and expedition leader will accompany this trip. Medical anthropologist Carroll Dunham will join the February 25, 2019 departure. Read her bio and find more experts on our website.
W H AT TO E X P E C T On this trip you will walk up to two miles a day, climb stairs (often without handrails), and navigate crowded streets with uneven footing. Participants should be physically fit. This expedition is not suitable for anyone with limited mobility.
ABOUT THE PAL ACE ON WHEELS The Palace on Wheels (pictured left) is a train built in the royal style of the maharajas. The train has 14 fully air-conditioned deluxe saloons, each with three twinbed cabins, a mini-pantry, and a lounge. Each cabin has an en suite bathroom with a toilet, a sink, and a shower. Two restaurant cars serve continental, Indian, Rajasthani, and Chinese cuisine, and the bar offers a great place to wind down at the end of the day. Visit our website for additional photos of the train.
KEOLADEO NATIONAL PARK/ AGRA
Disembark the train in Bharatpur and head into the wetlands of Keoladeo National Park, a renowned bird sanctuary. Search for egrets, flamingos, and many other wildlife species. Then stop at a hotel near the park for a cooking demonstration and lunch. Take a guided walk around Bharatpur village before heading to Fatehpur Sikri, the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1569 to 1585, where elegant carved sandstone palaces remain incredibly well preserved. Continue to Agra this evening. ITC Mughal, Agra | Meals: B/L/D
FOR ADDITIONAL TRIPS TO INDIA,
The Palace on Wheels I
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V I S I T N AT G E O E X P E D I T I O N S .C O M / I N D I A
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I N S I D E JA PA N T H E N AT I O N A L GEOGR APHIC DIFFERENCE • This expedition was inspired by travel writer Don George’s article “Japan’s Past Perfect,” published in the January/ February 2012 issue of National Geographic Traveler. • Stay at Benesse House, designed by acclaimed architect Tadao Ando and set within Naoshima’s island-wide art complex. • By special permission, enjoy a visit to Kyoto’s Saihoji temple and stroll its otherworldly gardens, carpeted in more than 120 species of moss. • Immerse yourself in Shikoku’s timeless Iya Valley, dotted with thatched cottages, shrines, and vine bridges.
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Ryoanji and the iconic Kinkakuji, or the “golden pavilion.” Enjoy a specially arranged visit to Saihoji, also known as Kokedera, or the moss temple, for the more than 120 species of moss that carpet its beautiful gardens. At tonight’s welcome dinner, meet a former geisha to learn about the geisha lifestyle, and enjoy a short performance. Kyoto Hotel Okura | Meals: B/L/D
DAY 3
DAY 1
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OSAKA, JAPAN/KYOTO
Arrive in Osaka at any time. Transfer to Kyoto and check in to our hotel. Kyoto Hotel Okura
DAY 2
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KYOTO
Kyoto served as an imperial capital for more than a thousand years, and many of the wooden temples and gardens from that era have been collectively designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Stroll the elegant Zen rock garden at
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Kyoto Hotel Okura | Meals: B/L
DAY 4
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MOUNT KOYA
Travel to Mount Koya, headquarters of the Shingon Buddhist sect. Meet a temple priest and wander through the evocative Okunoin cemetery, where the tombs of more than 200,000 samurai warriors and other dignitaries fill a grove of age-old cedar trees. Venture into Kongobuji, the chief temple of the Mount Koya
Above: The Zen temple of Kinkakuji is also known as the "golden pavilion." 30
KYOTO
Wander through Arashiyama’s atmospheric bamboo grove. Continue to Nijo Castle, built in 1603 and designated a national treasure. Explore the castle’s Ninomaru Palace, known for its beautiful wall paintings and its “nightingale” floors, designed to squeak when stepped upon to warn of intruders. This afternoon, visit an artisanal ceramics workshop.
Monastery, and see work by artists of the Kano school of painting. Settle into our simple lodgings and enjoy a traditional Buddhist vegetarian dinner. Eko-In or Henjoko-In | Meals: B/L/D
DAY 5
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MOUNT KOYA/IYA VALLEY
After attending an optional morning prayer ceremony, descend to the shores of the Inland Sea and ferry across to Shikoku, the smallest of Japan’s main islands. In Tokushima, see costumes and floats from the city’s 400-year-old dance festival at the Awa Odori Kaikan museum. Our home for the next two nights in the Iya Valley is a ryokan, or traditional Japanese inn, where inviting, on-site hot spring baths offer a chance to relax and rejuvenate. Hotel Hikyonoyu | Meals: B/L/D
DAY 6
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IYA VALLEY
Travel along the steep slopes of the Iya ravine to a 300-year-old thatched farmhouse, home to the Chiiori Trust, a unique project that seeks to preserve age-old rural traditions in the valley. Continue to the Okuiya Niju Kazurabashi, twin suspension bridges made of intertwined vines, and hear the legends of their creation. Witness timeless scenes of village life in Ochiai, a community of traditional dwellings, some of which date from the Edo period (circa 1600–1870). Hotel Hikyonoyu | Meals: B/L/D
CALL 1-888-966-8687 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/LANDTRIPS
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J A PA N : W I N T E R F E S T I VA L S A N D S N O W M O N K E Y S
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1 1 DAY S
Travel to Japan during the heart of winter when snow-blanketed landscapes set the stage for an incredible wildlife spectacle. Explore Tokyo, and then fly to the wild island of Hokkaido to witness the splendid courtship displays of the endangered red-crowned crane. Search for red foxes and sika deer in Akan National Park, and learn about the traditions of the indigenous Ainu people. Marvel at snow- and ice-sculpted masterpieces at either the Sounkyo Hyobaku (Ice Waterfall) Festival or the Sapporo Snow Festival. Conclude the journey amid the hot springs of Kanbayashi Onsen, enjoying up-close encounters with Japan’s famous snow monkeys. Visit our website for itinerary details, dates, photography departures, and pricing.
DAY 7
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SHIKOKU/NAOSHIMA
Travel north to Zentsuji, revered as the birthplace of the Buddhist priest Kobo Daishi and as one of the important stops along Shikoku’s 750-mile and 88-temple pilgrimage route. In Takamatsu, stroll through the tranquil gardens of 17th-century Ritsurin Park. A ferry then brings us to the small island of Naoshima, which has recently emerged as a mecca of contemporary art and architecture. Get a new perspective on nature through inventive art installations at the Benesse House Museum this afternoon, and stay in the adjacent hotel, designed by acclaimed architect Tadao Ando. Benesse House | Meals: B/L/D
capture natural light and shadow. Also visit homes that are part of the Art House Project, which has transformed some of the island’s older structures into imaginative works of art. Benesse House | Meals: B/L/D
DAY 9
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NAOSHIMA/HIROSHIMA
Ferry back to Honshu and take the high-speed train to Hiroshima. Pay a visit to Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and the Peace Memorial Museum, which documents the atomic explosion that ravaged the city. Go on an optional guided visit to Shukkei-en garden, or explore this thriving modern metropolis—a testament to Japanese resilience—on your own. Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima or Crowne Plaza
DAY 8
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Hotel | Meals: B/L
NAOSHIMA
Wander past the works of Claude Monet and James Turrell at the innovative Chichu Art Museum, built underground but designed to
DAY 10
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MIYAJIMA/HIROSHIMA
Set off by ferry for a full-day excursion on Itsukushima Island, popularly called Miyajima. Venture into the 12th-century Itsukushima Shinto Shrine, a World Heritage site built over the water, where a vermilion torii (wooden gateway) appears to float at high tide. Participate in a traditional tea ceremony, then take advantage of free time to go on a hike, visit temples, and stroll through the picturesque town. Gather for a farewell dinner back in Hiroshima this evening. Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima or Crowne Plaza Hotel | Meals: B/D
DAY 11
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HIROSHIMA/OSAKA
ASIA
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Land
Light / Moderate
DAT E S 2018: Mar. 14–24 May 3–13 Sept. 20–30 Oct . 4–14
Photo Departures: Mar. 29–Apr. 8 Nov. 1–11
$8,795
COST
Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $1,995. Airfare to/from Osaka is not included in the expedition cost. Maximum group size: 25 (16 on photo departures)
OUR EXPERT A National Geographic expert and expedition leader will accompany this trip. Travel writer and editor-at-large for National Geographic Traveler magazine Don George will join the September 2018 departure. Read his bio and find more experts on our website.
SPECIAL PHOTOGRAPHY D E PA RT U R E S As indicated in the Dates section above, a few departures of this expedition are designated as Inside Japan Photography Expeditions and are limited to 16 travelers. You’ll learn tips and techniques while photographing elegant geisha, lantern-lit streets, and quaint thatched villages. Visit our website for details and for the National Geographic photographer leading each departure. Cost: from $9,595 per person
W H AT TO E X P E C T Travelers should be in good heath and comfortable walking or standing for extended periods of time. The Eko-in, Henjoko-In, and Hotel Hikyonoyu are traditional Japanese accommodations featuring futons set atop tatami mats on the floor. The Eko-in and Henjoko-In are typical temple inns, with simple rooms, rice-paper sliding doors, and traditional Japanese-style shared bathrooms.
Take the high-speed train back to Osaka and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Meals: B
OPTIONAL EXTENSION Add a four-day extension to Tokyo. Visit our website or call for details. FOR A DDITION A L TRI P S TO JA PA N ,
Beautifully patterned obis flow from the traditional kimonos of two geisha. I
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V I S I T N AT G E O E X P E D I T I O N S .C O M /J A PA N
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11/20/17 2:08 PM
J A PA N F A M I LY E X P E D I T I O N THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Explore the fabled geisha neighborhoods of Kyoto by bicycle or on foot, and meet local children during a taiko drumming lesson. • Discover the wonders of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, and see a remarkable collection of Picasso’s works at the renowned Hakone Open-Air Museum. • Try your hand at Japanese calligraphy and handicrafts, and don a kimono to take part in an authentic tea ceremony. • Stay at a traditional ryokan in Takayama, and visit Hida Folk Village to learn about life in the Japanese countryside.
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DAYS 4 AND 5
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TAKAYAMA
Board one of Japan’s iconic bullet trains for the ride to the 17th-century town of Takayama. The next day, explore Takayama’s lively market, and meander through the narrow Edo-style streets of the historic district. Later, travel to Hida Folk Village, an open-air museum featuring traditional farmhouses and buildings from the region. Watch demonstrations of Japanese handicrafts, and make your own sarubobo, or monkey baby— Takayama’s mascot. Sit down to a traditional kaiseki dinner at our ryokan. Honjin Hiranoya Bekkan or Hoshokaku Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 6 AND 7
DAY 1
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TOKYO, JAPAN
Arrive in Tokyo and gather for a welcome dinner. Hotel New Otani | Meals: D
DAY 2
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TOKYO
Begin the day by exploring Meiji Jingu, a shrine dedicated to the spirit of Emperor Meiji. In Asakusa, explore the seventh-century Sensoji—the city’s oldest temple. Then make new Japanese friends during a taiko drumming lesson. Hotel New Otani | Meals: B/L/D
DAY 3 I FUJI-HAKONE-IZU NATIONAL PARK/TOKYO Situated in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Hakone is renowned for its views of nearby Mount Fuji. Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum and walk among the 120 masterpieces of modern and contemporary sculpture. Return to Tokyo for dinner this evening. Hotel New Otani | Meals: B/L
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KYOTO/NARA
Ride the bullet train to Kyoto. Explore the temples of the Higashiyama district, then enjoy a festive evening of karaoke. Spend the next day discovering ancient Nara. Visit the Todai-ji temple, the world’s largest wooden building; and Kasuga Taisha, Nara’s most celebrated shrine. Wander amid the gardens of Nara Park, home to herds of freely roaming deer. Hotel Granvia Kyoto Meals: Day 6: B/L/D; Day 7: B/L
DAY 8
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KYOTO
Explore Kyoto by bicycle or on a guided walk and visit two of its geisha districts. Visit the Imperial Palace Park and its gardens where nobles once strolled. Don a kimono for a Japanese tea ceremony, then take part in a calligraphy lesson with a local master. Hotel Granvia Kyoto | Meals: B/L/D
DAY 9
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KYOTO/OSAKA
After breakfast, transfer to the Osaka airport for your flight home. Meals: B
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Family
Light
DAT E S 2018: Apr. 15–23 June 24–July 2 July 8–16
July 22–30 Aug. 5–13
COST Adults
$6,990
Children (ages 7–17)
$6,790
Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $1,250. Airfare to Tokyo and return from Osaka is not included in the expedition cost. Maximum group size: 25
EXPEDITION TEAM A knowledgeable expedition guide and a Young Explorer Leader will lead this trip, often accompanied by local guides.
KID to KID CONNECTION Make new friends during a taiko drumming lesson in Tokyo. Discover the ancient roots of taiko in Japanese religion and folklore, and watch a lively demonstration by expert percussionists. Then pick up a pair of bachi (drumsticks) to try your hand at drumming.
W H AT TO E X P E C T Travelers should be in good health and comfortable walking or standing for extended periods of time. Many excursions will take place in historic buildings, temples, and gardens, where walking surfaces are uneven. All accommodations are modern, comfortable, and family friendly.
FOR A DDITION A L TRI P S TO JA PA N ,
Above: A blur of worshippers pass below enormous lanterns at Tokyo's Sensoji Temple. 32
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V I S I T N AT G E O E X P E D I T I O N S . C O M / J A P A N
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11/21/17 10:56 AM
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VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA: A LO N G T H E M EKO N G R I V ER THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Join our team of experts on a seven-night cruise along the Mekong aboard the elegant Jahan riverboat. • Ride local boats among the floating houses of Kampong Chhnang, and ride an oxcart through the paddies surrounding the village of Kampong Tralach. • Watch the sunrise at Angkor Wat, and spend two full days exploring the spectacular Angkor complex with our experts. • Enjoy special dining experiences, including a private dinner and traditional music and dance performance at one of Angkor’s temples and a dinner at the historic home of former U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr., in Ho Chi Minh City. ITINER ARY
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Wat Hanchey, and meet the friendly residents of Angkor Ban on a village stroll. Jahan through Day 12
DAY 8
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DAYS 9 AND 10
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U.S./SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA
Depart for Siem Reap, crossing the international date line and “losing” a day. Upon arrival on Day 3, settle into our riverside hotel. La Résidence d’Angkor
DAYS 4 AND 5
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ANGKOR
Rise early to watch the sunrise at Angkor Wat, a 12th-century Khmer temple. Explore Ta Prohm and Banteay Srei, and pay a visit to Les Artisans d’Angkor, a traditional arts school. Ride a tuk-tuk, or motorized rickshaw, to the walled city of Angkor Thom to see the Bayon Temple and the Terrace of the Elephants. This evening, enjoy a private dinner and traditional Cambodian music and dance performance at one of Angkor’s temples. La Résidence d’Angkor
I Meals: Day 4: B/L/D; Day 5: B/D
DAYS 6 AND 7
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KAMPONG CHAM
Travel to the Mekong River, stopping for a picnic in Kampong Cham. Embark the Jahan and catch the sunset on deck before a welcome dinner. The next day, see an eighth-century temple at
Vietnam_REV4.indd 33
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PHNOM PENH/ THE MEKONG
During a full day in Phnom Penh, ride a cyclo (bicycle taxi) to the Royal Palace and its Silver Pagoda. Browse Khmer sculpture at the National Museum, and learn about the Khmer Rouge at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Tonight, witness an apsara dance performance. Then enjoy a relaxing day on the river, crossing into Vietnam in the afternoon. Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 11 AND 12
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TAN CHAU OR CHAU DOC, VIETNAM/CAI BE
Meander through the colorful markets of Tan Chau or Chau Doc and Cai Be, and visit nearby floating villages and river communities to learn about local enterprises. In the evening, gather for a gala dinner aboard the Jahan. Meals: B/L/D Daily
Activity Level
Expedition Cruise
DAT E S 2019: Jan. 14–28 Feb. 19–Mar. 5* Jan. 22–Feb. 5* Feb. 25–Mar. 11 Feb. 11–25 *These departures follow the itinerary shown but in the reverse order. Please note: If departing from outside the U.S., plan to arrive on the morning of Day 3.
COST Category 1
$12,030
Category 3
$14,130
Category 4
$16,910
See the description, photo, and deck plan for the Jahan on page 132. Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin, add $5,600. International airfare to Siem Reap and return from Ho Chi Minh City, or vice versa, is not included in the expedition cost. Maximum ship capacity: 48
EXPEDITION TEAM A diverse team of experts, including an expedition leader, a cultural expert, a photo instructor, and a naturalist, will accompany this trip. Art historian Paula Swart will join the January 14 departure. Read her bio and find more experts on our website. This trip is operated in partnership with Lindblad Expeditions.
Disembark in My Tho and visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda before traveling to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Meet with a local expert and explore the city’s historic sites, including the Reunification Palace, seat of the South Vietnamese government during the Vietnam War. Have a private dinner at the former residence of U.S. Ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr. Transfer to the airport for your return flight, arriving home the same day. Park Hyatt Saigon Meals: Day 13: B/L/D; Days 14 and 15: B
$11,190
Category 2
DAYS 13, 14, AND 15 I MY THO/ HO CHI MINH CITY (SAIGON)/U.S.
Above: Draped in bright saffron robes, two monks gaze at Cambodia’s Angkor Wat. I
Trip Type
KAMPONG CHHNANG/ KAMPONG TRALACH
Anchor at Kampong Chhnang and visit a village known for traditional pottery. Glimpse a unique way of life in the floating villages of Tonle Sap, and in Kampong Tralach, ride oxcarts to a welcoming community. Meals: B/L/D
DAYS 1, 2, AND 3
I N F O R M AT I O N
FOR ADDITIONAL TRIPS TO V I E T N A M A N D C A M B O D I A ,V I S I T N ATG EO E X P E D I T I O N S .CO M / V I E T N A M
CALL 1-888-966-8687 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/EXPEDITIONCRUISES
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11/22/17 10:36 PM
T I B E T A N D N E PA L : E X P E D I T I O N TO T H E H I G H E S T H I M A L AYA THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Mountaineer Peter Hillary, son of the late Sir Edmund Hillary, joins select departures, sharing insight gained from his climbing expeditions in the Himalaya. • Venture to the seldom visited Tibetan side of Mount Everest, and gaze up at its soaring crags from the storied North Face Base Camp. • Participate in a private butter lamp ceremony at Rongbuk Monastery, thought to be the highest monastery in the world. • In Lhasa, enjoy a private Tibetan dance performance and a traditional meal with views of the legendary Potala Palace.
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DAYS 7 AND 8
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GYANGZÊ/SHIGATSE
I N F O R M AT I O N
After visiting the temples of Pelkor Chode, travel to Shigatse. Explore Tashilunpo Monastery and, if you wish, hike up to the Chak La pass. Tashi Choe Ta
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XÊGAR
Weather permitting, catch a glimpse of Mount Everest on the way to Xêgar, and take in majestic vistas of the peak from the 17,000-foot Pang La pass. Venture into Rongbuk Monastery on the way to the North Face Base Camp.
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BEIJING, CHINA
Arrive in Beijing this morning and check in to our hotel. Four Seasons Beijing
DAY 2
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LHASA, TIBET
Four Points by Sheraton Lhasa
DAYS 3, 4, AND 5
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Meals: B/L/D
LHASA
Listen for chanting monks at Drepung Monastery and explore the myriad halls and chambers of the magnificent Potala Palace. Visit Ganden Monastery and the Jokhang—Tibet’s holiest temple—and wander through the Barkhor market. Four Points by Sheraton Lhasa
DAY 6
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Qomolangma Hotel
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DAYS 11 AND 12
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SHIGATSE/LHASA
Drive to Shigatse, stopping in small villages and taking in rugged landscapes along the way. Continue the drive to Lhasa the following day. Enjoy a final evening in Tibet, with dinner overlooking the floodlit Potala Palace (weather permitting). Tashi Choe Ta; Four Points by Sheraton Lhasa
Take a scenic flight to the holy city of Lhasa and gather for a welcome dinner tonight.
DAYS 13, 14, AND 15
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KATHMANDU, NEPAL
Fly to Nepal this morning. Walk through the heart of Kathmandu, and visit the 2,500-yearold shrine at Swayambhunath. The next day, explore the ancient temples and palaces of Bhaktapur, the enormous Buddhist stupa of Bodhnath, and the Hindu temple of Pashupatinath. The following day, depart for your flight home. Hotel Yak & Yeti Meals: Days 13 and 14: B/L/D Daily; Day 15: B
Gyangzê Hotel
Land
Moderate
DAT E S 2018: May 20–June 3 Oct. 13–27
OPTIONAL EXTENSION Add a four-day post-trip extension to Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Visit our website or call for details.
Photo Departure: Sept. 22–Oct. 6
$8,945
COST
Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $1,985. Airfare to Beijing and return from Kathmandu, and airfare within Asia, are not included in the expedition cost. The group flights within Asia are $965 per person (subject to change). Maximum group size: 30 (16 on photo departures)
OUR EXPERT A National Geographic expert and expedition leader will accompany this trip. Mountaineer Peter Hillary will join the May 20 and October 13, 2018 departures. Read his bio on our website.
I Meals: B/L/D Daily
GYANGZÊ
Drive over two spectacular mountain passes to Gyangzê, stopping to view a magnificent hanging glacier up close.
Activity Level
I Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 9 AND 10
DAY 1
Trip Type
W H AT TO E X P E C T Please visit our website for important information regarding local conditions and/or physical considerations.
SPECIAL PHOTOGRAPHY D E PA RT U R E As indicated in the Dates section above, one departure of this expedition is designated as a Tibet and Nepal Photography Expedition and is limited to 16 travelers. Visit our website for details and for the National Geographic photographer leading this departure. Cost: from $9,325 per person
I Meals: B/L/D
F O R A D D I T I O N A L T R I P S TO T I B E T A N D N E PA L ,
Above: Perched on a hilltop in the Lhasa Valley, the immense Potala Palace was built as the winter palace of the Dalai Lama in the seventh century. 34
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V I S I T N AT G E O E X P E D I T I O N S . C O M / T I B E T
CALL 1-888-966-8687 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/LANDTRIPS
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11/22/17 10:26 PM
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ASIA
MONGOLIA: LAND OF THE NOMAD THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Experience Naadam, Mongolia’s most celebrated festival, and get up-close views of its wrestling, archery, and horse-racing competitions. • Spend four nights in a traditional ger at Three Camel Lodge, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World. • Meet a senior government official in Ulaanbaatar for an inside perspective on Mongolia’s political and economic climate. • Visit with nomadic families, look for fossils near the Flaming Cliffs, and listen to traditional throat singing.
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DAY S
the desert. Travel to Eagle Valley, and hike across this lush chasm that cuts through the foothills of the Altai Mountains. Then visit the local natural history museum. At Havtsgait Valley, hike to a hilltop site of ancient rock drawings. Spend a day at Mongolia’s famous cultural and sporting event—Naadam, where colorfully clad locals compete in archery, wrestling, and horseback racing. Drive to the Khongoryn Els, a 60-mile stretch of rippling sand dunes, and ride a camel at sunset. Listen to the low hum of the “singing sands,” then visit the camp of a camel herding family. Look for fossils at Tugregiin Shiree, where paleontologists discovered the famous “fighting dinosaurs,” and hike along the Flaming Cliffs. Three Camel Lodge; Gobi Erdene Ger Camp Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 11 AND 12 DAYS 1 AND 2
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ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar and transfer to our hotel. The next day, visit Gandan Monastery and the National Museum. Gather for a welcome dinner. Tuushin Hotel
I
Meet a senior government official for an introduction to Mongolia’s current political and economic climate. Then drive to our traditional ger camp in Gün-Galuut, a nature reserve near the Khentii Mountains. Explore the area on hikes or an optional horseback ride, and visit with a nomadic family. Later, see a 131-foot-tall Genghis Khan statue and visit the Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum. Ger Camp; Tuushin Hotel Meals: Days 3 and 4: B/L/D; Day 5: B/L
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ULAANBAATAR
Return to Ulaanbaatar and visit the Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan. Enjoy traditional Mongolian khoomi, or throat singing. Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Tuushin Hotel
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Meals: Day 11: B/L/D; Day 12: B
Meals: Day 2: B/L/D
DAYS 3, 4, AND 5 I ULAANBAATAR GÜN-GALUUT NATURE RESERVE
DAYS 6–10
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GOBI DESERT
Activity Level
Land
Light / Moderate
DAT E S 2018: July 3–14 Aug. 5–16
Photo Departures: June 10–21 Aug. 26–Sept. 6
$7,995
COST
Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $1,995. Airfare to/from Ulaanbaatar and within Mongolia is not included in the expedition cost. The group flights within Mongolia are $350 per person (subject to chanage). Maximum group size: 25 (16 on photo departures)
O U R
E X P E R T A National Geographic expert and expedition leader will accompany this trip. Anthropologist and writer Carroll Dunham will join the August 5 departure. Read her bio and find more experts on our website.
SPECIAL PHOTOGRAPHY D E PA RT U R E S As indicated in the Dates section above, a few departures of this expedition are designated as Mongolia Photography Expeditions and are limited to 16 travelers. Visit our website for details and for the National Geographic photographer leading each departure. Cost: from $8,495 per person Your home in the Gobi is a traditional ger at Three Camel Lodge. Spend your days exploring the wild geology of the desert and learning the culture of its nomads, then return to the serenity of your stunning, handcrafted dwelling. National Geographic guests have the opportunity to join the chef for a cooking class or take a night walk with an astronomy expert.
Above: A horseman in traditional dress drives his herd on the expansive grasslands of Mongolia.
Mongolia Land of the Nomad_REV3.indd 35
Trip Type
F E AT U R E D N AT I O N A L G E O G R A P H I C U N I Q U E LO D G E
Fly to the mystical Gobi desert and spend several days discovering the wildlife and landscapes of
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I N F O R M AT I O N
CALL 1-888-966-8687 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/LANDTRIPS
W H AT TO E X P E C T Please visit our website for important information regarding local conditions and/or physical considerations.
FO R A D D ITI O N A L T R I P S TO M O N G O L I A , V I S I T N ATG EO E X P E D I T I O N S .CO M / M O N G O L I A
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11/22/17 9:37 PM
B H U TA N : K I N G D O M I N T H E C LO U D S T H E N AT G EO D I F F E R E N C E • Hike to Bhutan's most famous pilgrimage site, the Taktsang Lhakhang (Tiger’s Nest Temple), and participate in an intimate butter lamp ceremony with the monks of Gangtey Goemba. • Get a personal perspective on contemporary Bhutan while mingling with community leaders and government dignitaries at a special banquet. • Stay at the spectacular Zhiwa Ling Hotel, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World that exemplifies the artistry of Bhutanese architecture. • Experience a traditional festival, and visit a family farmhouse to learn about rural life.
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on a half-day hike, and visit with a village family along the way. Dewachen Lodge | Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAY 7
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DAY 8 AND 9
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THIMPHU/PARO
Spend the morning exploring the country’s more modern side in Thimphu. Visit the National Textile Museum, then return to Paro and settle back into our hotel. The next day, hike to the most famous pilgrimage site in Bhutan: Taktsang Lhakhang, or the Tiger’s Nest Temple. Enjoy a festive farewell dinner. Zhiwa Ling Hotel Meals: B/L/D Daily
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BANGKOK, THAILAND/ PARO, BHUTAN
Spend a night in Bangkok, then fly to Bhutan’s Paro Valley and visit Ta Dzong, a 17th-century fortress. Explore our stunning hotel—a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World—before a welcome dinner. Novotel Suvarnabhumi Hotel; Zhiwa Ling Hotel | Meals: Day 2: B/L/D
DAYS 3 AND 4
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DAYS 10 AND 11
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BANGKOK, THAILAND
Fly home via Bangkok. Novotel Suvarnabhumi Hotel Meals: Day 10: B/L; Day 11: B
F E AT U R E D N AT I O N A L G E O G R A P H I C U N I Q U E LO D G E
PUNAKHA
PHOBJIKHA
Travel to Phobjikha, one of the largest wintering sites for the endangered black-necked crane. Visit the Gangtey Goemba temple complex during the annual Crane Festival.* Then set off
Spend three nights at Zhiwa Ling Hotel, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World that was intricately built, painted, and carved by Bhutanese artisans. As a National Geographic guest, you'll have a special invitation to participate in Mahayana Buddhist rituals with local monks.
Above: The magnificent Taktsang Lhakhang, or Tiger’s Nest Temple, sits high above the lush Paro Valley. 36
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Land
Moderate
DAT E S 2018: Mar. 21–31 Photo Departure: Sept. 13–23 Oct. 6–16 Nov. 6–16* *The itinerary shown describes the November 2018 departure, which includes the Crane Festival. Each departure follows a similar itinerary to the one shown but includes a different festival or celebration. Visit our website for detailed itineraries.
$6,695
COST
Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $2,175. There is an additional government tourism tariff of $400 per person. Airfare to/from Bangkok and between Bangkok and Paro is not included in the expedition cost. The round-trip group flight between Bangkok and Paro is $960 per person (subject to change). Maximum group size: 24 (16 on photo departures)
A National Geographic expert and expedition leader will accompany this trip. Historian Bill Jones will join the March departure. Read his bio and find more experts on our website.
SPECIAL PHOTOGRAPHY D E PA RT U R E
Zhingkham Resort | Meals: B/L/D Daily
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Activity Level
OUR EXPERT
After a special Buddhist blessing ceremony, journey to Punakha and visit the Chimi Lhakhang temple. Hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten, then explore the Punakha Dzong.
DAYS 5 AND 6
Trip Type
THIMPHU
Travel to Thimphu via the scenic Dochu La pass. Get a behind-the-scenes perspective on Bhutan during a banquet with local dignitaries and professionals. Taj Tashi Hotel | Meals: B/L/D
DAYS 1 AND 2
I N F O R M AT I O N
As indicated in the Dates section above, one departure of this expedition is designated as a Bhutan Photography Expedition and is limited to 16 travelers. Visit our website for details and for the National Geographic photographer leading this departure. Cost: from $7,195 per person
W H AT TO E X P E C T Please visit our website for important information regarding local conditions and/or physical considerations.
CALL 1-888-966-8687 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/LANDTRIPS
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11/22/17 5:20 PM
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ASIA
B O R N E O P R I VAT E E X P E D I T I O N THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Get up close to orangutans and Malayan sun bears at conservation centers in Sepilok. • Marvel at otherworldly limestone formations and unusual flora while exploring the vast cave network of Gunung Mulu National Park. • Stay at Sukau Rainforest Lodge—a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World on the Kinabatangan River—and explore jungle waterways by boat. • Search for pygmy elephants, gibbons, langurs, and rare birds in the primary rain forests of Danum Valley Conservation Area.
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elephants, proboscis monkeys, and more. Sheraton Four Points Sandakan; Sukau Rainforest Lodge
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I N F O R M AT I O N
Meals: Day 4: B/D;
Trip Type
Activity Level
Private
Light / Moderate
Days 5 and 6: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 7–10 I DANUM VALLEY CONSERVATION AREA/KOTA KINABALU Set out for Danum Valley this morning, stopping en route to explore the Gomantong Caves on a guided walk. Later, explore the many nature trails of the Danum Valley. Seek out rare species, including the Bornean gibbon, clouded leopard, and maroon langur. Walk jungle canopy bridges, hike to a waterfall, and set out on guided night hikes. Return to Kota Kinabalu to catch your flight home. Borneo Rainforest Lodge; Hyatt Regency Kota Kinabalu
I Meals: Days 7, 8, and 9: B/L/D Daily;
Day 10: B
DAYS 1, 2, AND 3 I KOTA KINABALU, MALAYSIA/GUNUNG MULU NATIONAL PARK
F E AT U R E D N AT I O N A L G E O G R A P H I C U N I Q U E LO D G E
Arrive in Kota Kinabalu and fly to Gunung Mulu National Park. Explore the enormous Deer Cave, harboring unusual flora and limestone formations. Venture into Clearwater Cave and the Cave of the Winds, and visit a village of the forest-dwelling Penan people.
Fly to Sandakan and visit the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve—home to an orangutan rehabilitation center and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center. Board a boat for Sukau Rainforest Lodge, a National Geographic Unique Lodge nestled on the banks of the Kinabatangan River. Set out to explore jungle waterways by electric boat, in search of orangutans, pygmy
This is a private expedition that is offered year-round, so you may select any dates that are convenient for you.
COST from $6,995 from $7,995 from $8,995
6+ people 4 people 2 people
Prices are per person, double occupancy, and are subject to availability. Single-traveler prices are available upon request. A holiday surcharge may apply to certain travel dates. Airfare to/from Kota Kinabalu and within Borneo is not included in the expedition cost. Airfare within Borneo is $360 per person (subject to change).
local guides Top local guides will accompany you throughout the trip, and you will meet other local experts as described in the itinerary.
W H AT TO E X P E C T
Hyatt Regency Kota Kinabalu; Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa I Meals: Day 1: D; Days 2 and 3: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 4, 5, AND 6 I SEPILOK/ KINABATANGAN RIVER
DAT E S
Settle into Sukau Rainforest Lodge for two nights on the banks of the Kinabatangan River. Cruise jungle waterways in search of rare orangutans, pygmy elephants, and proboscis monkeys. Walk the elevated boardwalks that weave through the tropical landscapes of the lodge property, and meet one-on-one with the in-house orangutan expert— an experience specially arranged for National Geographic guests.
Travelers should be in good health and comfortable standing for extended periods of time and walking up to four miles a day. Daily activities include visits to conservation centers, walking tours, river and land safaris, and easy hikes. At Gunung Mulu National Park, we will be hiking through cave and forest passages with uneven terrain. This expedition includes several long river transfers to and from lodges (approximately two hours).
FOR ADDITIONAL TRIPS TO BORNEO, V I S I T N AT G E O E X P E D I T I O N S . C O M / B O R N E O
Above: A large male orangutan rests in a fig tree high above the Kinabatangan River. I
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TRANS-SIBERIAN RAIL EXPEDITION T H E N AT I O N A L GEOGR APHIC DIFFERENCE • Historian and National Geographic expert George Munro joins us aboard the luxurious Golden Eagle TransSiberian for a journey along one of the world’s most legendary railways. • Attend musical performances, including a private show at the Decembrist House Museum in Irkutsk and a choral concert given by Buryat’s Old Believers. • Sip tea at a family home in the village of Listvyanka, perched along the shores of beautiful Lake Baikal. • In Moscow, take an in-depth tour of the Kremlin, and learn about the history of Russian space exploration during a talk by a cosmonaut.
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with this modern city on a tour that includes the brightly painted railway station and Our Lady Grieving Orthodox Church. See the Pacific Navy War Memorial and the steamboat Krasny Vympel, take in views of the city and its bay from the Eagle’s Nest observation platform, and stroll the historic Vladivostok Naval Cemetery. This evening, climb aboard our luxury train and set off on our journey across Russia. Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express through Day 13 | Meals: B/L/D
DAY 3
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KHABAROVSK
Explore the lively squares of Khabarovsk and visit the Natural History Museum by the Amur River. Learn about the flora and fauna of the region, and see artifacts from the indigenous tribes of the Goldi and the Gilyak. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 1
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VLADIVOSTOK, RUSSIA
Arrive in Vladivostok and check in to our hotel. Meet fellow travelers at a welcome dinner this evening. Hotel Hyundai | Meals: D
DAY 2
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VLADIVOSTOK
As a strategic naval outpost, Vladivostok was closed to most of the world from World War II until the end of the Cold War. Get acquainted
DAYS 4 AND 5
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ON TRAIN/SIBERIA
As the train slips past rolling hills and Siberian villages of log houses, relax with a book, attend a talk by our expert, or simply watch remote and ever changing countryside pass by. On our second day on board, we enter the sweeping Mongolian steppe. Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAY 6
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ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA
During a morning in Mongolia’s capital city, visit the National Museum to trace the history of Genghis Khan and explore the culture of the steppe nomads. Then head to nearby GorkhiTerelj National Park to enjoy the alpine scenery, watch a demonstration of Mongolian horseback riding, and visit a traditional ger (felt tent). This evening, enjoy dinner and a performance of Mongolian throat singing and traditional dance before we reboard our train and continue on our way back into Russia. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 7
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ULAN UDE, RUSSIA
The train rolls through the valley of the Selenge River, which flows into Lake Baikal. Stop in Ulan Ude, the capital of the Buryat Republic and once a major trading post between China and Irkutsk. Pay a visit to a village of Old Believers, a group descended from 17th-century religious exiles whose fascinating culture has changed little over the centuries. Watch a performance of their unique choral music. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 8
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LAKE BAIKAL
Arrive at beautiful Lake Baikal, called the sacred sea by locals and named a World Heritage site by UNESCO. The lake basin holds about 20 percent of the world’s unfrozen fresh water.
Above: A cluster of whimsical domes are the signature of St. Basil’s Cathedral on Moscow’s Red Square. 38
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EURASIA
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Train
Light
DAT E S 2018: Aug. 5–20 Sept. 2–17
COST Silver Class
$19,995
Gold Class
$23,495
Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin, add $8,495 in Silver Class and $10,995 in Gold Class. Airfare to Vladivostok and return from Moscow is not included in the expedition cost. Maximum group size: 32
A sacred site for Buryat shamans, Lake Baikal’s Shaman Rock is steeped in legend.
Our train route hugs the rocky shores and passes through 33 tunnels. Take in spectacular views from the train, and stop for a barbecue lunch on the shore. In the afternoon, explore the village of Listvyanka and join a family for tea in their home. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 9
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IRKUTSK
Spend today in Irkutsk, an important Siberian outpost established by the Cossacks in 1652. In the early 19th century, many Russian artists, officers, and nobles were exiled here for their involvement in the Decembrist revolt. Visit the city’s historic sights, and wander through a delightful collection of classic Russian and Siberian cottages at the Museum of Wooden Architecture. Stop for a private bell-ringing performance, and then enjoy a private concert and champagne reception at the Decembrist House Museum. Meals: B/L/D
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DAYS 10 AND 11
ON TRAIN/ NOVOSIBIRSK
Enjoy a day to relax on board, taking in stunning scenery as the vast Siberian taiga unfurls. The following day, stop in Novosibirsk, Siberia’s largest city, to see the opera house and Lenin Square. Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAY 12
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DAY 13
YEKATERINBURG
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OUR EXPERT
KAZAN
Today, explore Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, perched on the banks of the Volga River. Tour the city’s Kremlin, the turquoise-topped Qol Sharif Mosque, and the Peter and Paul Cathedral. Pay a visit to the Kazan Conservatory and enjoy a concert performed by its students. Then set off on a private cruise around the walls of the city’s Kremlin before returning to our train to depart on the final leg of our journey. Meals: B/L/D
DAYS 14 AND 15
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Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow | Meals: B/L/D Daily
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A National Geographic expert and expedition leader will accompany this trip. Historian George Munro has lived and studied in the former Soviet Union and travels to Russia regularly to pursue his research. He will join both departures. Read his bio on our website.
MOSCOW
Disembark in Moscow, and check in to our hotel before an afternoon city tour. After dinner at a local restaurant, take a guided stroll through Red Square at night. The following morning, explore the legendary Kremlin. Visit St. Basil’s Cathedral, and view court regalia from the Romanov dynasty at the Armory Museum. After lunch, head to the Monument to the Conquerors of Space, which sweeps some 360 feet into the sky. Delve into the history of space exploration at the recently updated Memorial Museum of Astronautics, and enjoy a specially arranged talk by a Russian cosmonaut.
DAY 16
Arrive in Yekaterinburg, where Russia’s last tsar, Nicholas II, and his family were executed by the Bolsheviks in 1918. Visit the Romanovs’ execution site—now a church dedicated to their memory—and view the city’s ornately decorated wooden houses. Meals: B/L/D
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MOSCOW
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home. Meals: B
ABOUT THE GOLDEN EAGLE TR ANS-SIBERIAN EXPRESS The Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express is a deluxe, air-conditioned train with comfortable twoberth sleeping compartments. Silver Class cabins measure 60 square feet, and Gold Class cabins measure 77 square feet. Both cabin categories feature a private bathroom, a shower, and a sitting/sleeping area. There is a lounge car for daytime relaxation and socializing. The restaurant car serves fine local cuisine, made from the freshest ingredients and complemented with wines from around the world. National Geographic has reserved 16 compartments on both departures. See our website for additional train details and photos.
OPTIONAL EXTENSION Add a three-day post-trip extension to St. Petersburg. Visit our website or call for details.
CALL 1-888-966-8687 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/TRAINTRIPS
W H AT TO E X P E C T Please visit our website for important information regarding local conditions and/or physical considerations.
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SWISS TRAINS AND T H E I TA L I A N L A K E D I S T R I C T T H E N AT I O N A L GEOGR APHIC DIFFERENCE • Journey along three of Switzerland’s most iconic railways—the Glacier Express, Gornergrat Bahn, and Bernina Express—with a National Geographic expert. • Board a private ferry for a scenic ride across Lake Como, and take a behindthe-scenes tour of the Como Cathedral. • Meet an Italian chef for a cooking lesson in picturesque Varenna, and try your hand at preparing some of the Lombardy region’s rich specialties. • During a special visit to the Matterhorn Museum, hear a local mountaineer and an Alpine historian recount stories of the earliest attempts to conquer Switzerland’s most iconic peak.
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DAY 2
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ZERMATT/ZMUTT VALLEY
Start the day with a walk through the village of Zermatt. This afternoon, ride the gondola up to Schwarzsee or Furi for a walk through the spectacular Zmutt Glacier Valley. Later, return to Zermatt by gondola. Ambitious hikers can also hike to Zmutt, a hamlet of weathered chalets, and continue to Zermatt on foot. Hotel National Zermatt | Meals: B
DAY 3
DAY 1
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ZÜRICH, SWITZERLAND/ ZERMATT
Arrive in Zürich this morning and board a train to the charming Alpine village of Zermatt, offlimits to cars. Check in to our hotel and gather for a welcome dinner tonight. Hotel National Zermatt | Meals: D
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ZERMATT/GORNER GLACIER
Climb aboard the Gornergrat Bahn cogwheel railway, the highest train in Europe, and ascend to a summit far above Zermatt to experience one of the best viewpoints in the Alps. Admire a gorgeous vista that includes Monte Rosa, the Matterhorn, and the Gorner Glacier. Hike down past Alpine lakes to Riffelberg, where we will catch the train back to Zermatt. Pay a visit to the Matterhorn Museum, where a local mountaineer and Alpine historian will recount stories of early attempts to conquer the Matterhorn and other climbing adventures. Hotel National Zermatt | Meals: B/D
DAY 4
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GLACIER EXPRESS/PONTRESINA
Take your first-class seat on the world-famous Glacier Express and set off on a breathtaking
journey across three high-mountain passes, over 291 bridges, and through 91 tunnels. Enjoy the elegant atmosphere of the train as we soak up magnificent vistas of skyscraping, glacier-glazed peaks on our way to the Upper Engadin Valley. Disembark in St. Moritz and take a short drive to our hotel in Pontresina. Sporthotel Pontresina | Meals: B/L/D
DAY 5
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PONTRESINA/ST. MORITZ
Set out on a walking tour of Pontresina and discover local lore that dates back to prehistory. Later this morning, travel to St. Moritz by local train, and visit the Segantini Museum, dedicated to the Alpine artist Giovanni Segantini. After lunch on your own, take the rest of the afternoon to explore the picturesque valley of St. Moritz before returning to Pontresina. Sporthotel Pontresina | Meals: B
DAY 6
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BERNINA PASS/POSCHIAVO
Today, board the legendary Bernina Express, the highest mountain railway in the Alps, to the heart of Italian-speaking Switzerland. Take in extraordinary views of the Morteratsch Glacier from the train’s panoramic windows as we climb to the highest point at Ospizio Bernina, 7,578 feet above sea level. Descend to the town
Above: The Glacier Express rounds the curve of the Landwasser Viaduct, some 200 feet above the valley floor. 40
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EUROPE
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Train
Light / Moderate
DAT E S 2018: June 10–19 Aug. 19–28 Aug. 28–Sept. 6
Sept. 9–18 Sept. 16–25
$7,995
COST
Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $1,350. Airfare to Zürich and return from Milan is not included in the expedition cost. Pastel-hued villages and fishing skiffs line the shores of Lake Como.
of Poschiavo, where we meet a local guide for a tour of its charming historic center. Return to Pontresina via the Bernina Express late this afternoon. Sporthotel Pontresina | Meals: B/D
DAY 7
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PONTRESINA/MOLTRASIO, ITALY
A spectacular drive through Alpine valleys brings us into the Italian Lake District today. The countryside is dotted with villas in hues of terra-cotta, pink, ocher, and gold, and strewn with tropical vegetation and lush gardens. Our destination is the lovely village of Moltrasio, perched on the western shore of the vast and beautiful Lake Como. Settle into an art nouveau resort and spa overlooking Lake Como. Grand Hotel Imperiale | Meals: B/L
DAY 8
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Maximum group size: 25
elegant estates, fringed by palms and pines and backed by soaring mountains. Learn secrets of Italian cooking during a lesson with a local chef, followed by a lunch of the dishes you’ve made, washed down with local wine. Visit the grand gardens of Villa Monastero, first founded in the 12th century as a Cistercian monastery. Grand Hotel Imperiale | Meals: B/L
DAY 9
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O U R
E X P E R T A National Geographic expert and expedition leader will accompany this trip. Travel writer Teresa Fisher is the author of several books on Switzerland and Italy. She will join the September 9 departure. Read her bio and find more experts on our website.
LAKE COMO
Soak in the beauty of Lake Como’s lakeside towns. Discover Como’s historic center, its sunny piazzas, and the Como Cathedral on a private tour. Continue to the delightful town of Bellagio and explore at leisure. Later, relax on the hotel’s terrace, taking in the view before we meet to celebrate our journey at a lakeside farewell dinner. Grand Hotel Imperiale | Meals: B/D
LAKE COMO
Spend the day exploring the treasures of Lake Como. Board a private ferry for a picturesque ride across the lake to Varenna. Behold a panorama of colorful waterside villages and
DAY 10
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MILAN
After breakfast, transfer to Milan’s Malpensa Airport for your flight home. Meals: B
A blacknose sheep stands in contrast with the sun-dappled Alpine landscape.
W H AT TO E X P E C T Travelers should be in good health and comfortable walking or standing for extended periods of time. Activities include city walking tours, train rides through beautiful landscapes, and options for hiking. Guests should be able to walk several miles per day, sometimes over steep, hilly, or uneven terrain. We will be traveling at elevations ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 feet throughout the trip.
FO R A D D I T I O N A L T R I P S TO S W I T ZER L A N D A N D ITA LY, V ISIT N ATG EO E XPEDITIO N S .COM/ SWITZERLAND
The dramatic Matterhorn is reflected in the waters of a lake near Zermatt. I
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11/21/17 11:04 AM
JEWELS OF EUROPE BY RIVER
NEW
T H E N AT I O N A L GEOGR APHIC DIFFERENCE • Explore 11 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including medieval Bamberg, the Würzburg Residenz, and the grand Gothic cityscape of Budapest. • Sip wines and compare tasting notes from Austria’s Wachau Valley and the Rheingau region of Germany, and enjoy a pint from the world’s oldest monastic brewery outside Regensburg. • Enjoy expert insight from local guides during visits to Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum and Vienna’s Museum of Natural History, whose meteorite exhibition was co-curated by a National Geographic grantee. • A National Geographic photographer joins every departure and gives talks on board covering technical skill and artistry.
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DAYS 3 AND 4
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VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Cruise to Vienna, arriving in time for a private evening concert in the gilded halls of the Palais Liechtenstein. Choose from among several excursions the following day. Take a bicycle tour of Vienna; explore Schönbrunn Palace with a guide; or go behind the scenes at the Museum of Natural History, home to a meteorite exhibition co-curated by a National Geographic grantee. Alternatively, visit Bratislava for a guided tour of its old town. Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 5 AND 6
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MELK/SALZBURG
Glide into Austria’s lush Wachau Valley and dock at Melk for a tour of its Benedictine abbey. Or take a more active excursion, cycling along the Danube from Melk to Dürnstein or hiking to the hilltop ruins of a medieval castle. There is also the option for a tour and tasting at a local winery. Spend the next day in Salzburg, featured prominently in The Sound of Music. We’ll see the film come to life during an exclusive music and dance performance amid the hills surrounding town. Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 1 AND 2
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BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Arrive in Budapest and embark the Scenic Ruby or the Scenic Opal. Set out on a walking tour that includes visits to the Royal Palace and Matthias Church. Alternatively, choose to soak in one of the city’s traditional bathhouses, or descend into the Hospital in the Rock, a subterranean military hospital used during World War II. If you wish, set out on a guided hike to Lions Rock in the Buda Hills. Scenic Ruby or Scenic Opal for the entire voyage Meals: Day 1: D; Day 2: B/L/D
Above: Passengers line the sundeck for unparalleled views of the spectacular Hungarian Parliament. 42
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Performers bring The Sound of Music to life in Salzburg. CALL 1-888-966-8687 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/RIVERCRUISES
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DAYS 12 AND 13
Medieval strongholds like Marksburg Castle stand as a testament to the historical significance of the Rhine.
DAYS 7, 8, AND 9 I REGENSBURG, GERMANY/NUREMBERG/BAMBERG Take a guided walk through Regensburg’s medieval center, or join a biking tour to the Walhalla memorial. Or choose between two brewery experiences: a tour of the historic Kuchlbauer Brewery or a visit to Weltenburg Abbey, home to the world’s oldest monastic brewery. In Nuremberg, tour the city’s World War II sites, bicycle along Ludwig Canal, or join a cooking class. Take a guided walk along Bamberg’s medieval streets to discover an enchanting tapestry of colorful frescoes, covered bridges, and elaborate baroque buildings. Meals: B/L/D Daily
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DAYS 10 AND 11
WÜRZBURG/ ON THE MAIN RIVER
Explore Würzburg, a city set at the junction of two ancient trade routes, and enjoy a guided tour of its 18th-century Residenz—one of Germany’s most magnificent baroque buildings. Or choose to ride along the Romantic Road to the postcardperfect town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Spend a day taking in spectacular scenery along the Main River as we drift to our next destination.
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RÜDESHEIM AM RHEIN/COLOGNE
Ride into Rüdesheim on the Winzerexpress mini-train, then enjoy a guided visit through Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet, home to elaborate self-playing musical instruments. Then get a bird’s-eye view on a cable car to the Niederwald Monument. Or set out on a hike through the vineyards surrounding town. This evening, feast on medieval fare and local wines at enchanting Marksburg Castle. The next day, disembark in Cologne, a mosaic of Romanesque churches, modernist museums, and Gothic spires. Tour the city and its twin-towered cathedral, enjoy a guided visit to the Neanderthal Museum in nearby Mettmann, or stay on board for a tasting experience featuring western German cuisine. Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 14 AND 15
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AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
See timeless Amsterdam from the water during a canal cruise, and hear from our guide about its history as a center for art and seafaring trade. Alternatively, enjoy a guided visit through the Rijksmuseum, opt for a bike ride through the outskirts of the city, or head to Zaanse Schans in the countryside to see historic rural houses and iconic Dutch windmills. Depart for home on our final day. Meals: Day 14: B/L/D; Day 15: B
OPTIONAL EXTENSION Add a three-day post-trip extension to Prague on the May and September departures. Visit our website or call for details.
Meals: B/L/D Daily
EUROPE
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
River Cruise
DAT E S 2018: Sept. 24–Oct. 8 Oct. 8–22*
2019: May 29–June 12
*This departure follows the itinerary shown but in the reverse order.
COST Standard Suite
from $7,395
Balcony Suite
from $9,390
Junior Balcony Suite
from $10,390
Royal Balcony Suite
from $12,090
See the Scenic Ruby description, photo, and deck plan on page 133 and Scenic Opal on our website. Prices are per person, double occupancy. For additional cabin categories, single-supplement rates, and exact pricing, please call or visit our website. Airfare to Budapest and return from Amsterdam, or vice versa, is not included in the expedition cost. Maximum ship capacity: 167
SPECIAL OFFER Book by June 30, 2018 and receive round-trip economy airfare between the U.S. and Europe for $295 per person on any 2018 departure, and $395 per person in 2019. Visit our website or call for details.
OUR EXPERTS A National Geographic expert and photographer will accompany each departure of this trip, and we will meet local guides along the way. Author Mark Baker has written more than a dozen guidebooks on Eastern and Central Europe. Award-winning travel and editorial photographer Susan Seubert has photographed more than 30 feature stories for National Geographic Traveler. Mark and Susan will join the September 24, 2018 departure. This trip is operated in partnership with Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours.
W H AT TO E X P E C T Enjoy an all-inclusive experience aboard a world-class luxury ship featuring fine dining and butler service. Choose from a variety of excursions suited to a range of activity levels from short walking tours to options for extended hiking and biking.
FOR ADDITIONAL TRIPS TO EUROPE,
The Scenic Ruby passes under Budapest's stately Chain Bridge. I
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CALL 1-888-966-8687 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/RIVERCRUISES
V I S I T N AT G E O E X P E D I T I O N S . C O M / E U R O P E
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RHINE HIGHLIGHTS RIVER CRUISE
NEW
THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Traveling in the company of a National Geographic photographer, capture diverse architectural treasures, from the picturesque canals of Amsterdam to Strasbourg’s World Heritage-listed Old Town. • Visit the Gothic cathedral of Cologne, one of Germany’s most famous landmarks, and go hiking in the forest that inspired the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm. • In Germany, explore Heidelberg’s Renaissance castle before taking in a musical performance at a Baroque palace. • Enjoy guided visits to the remarkable Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and the Neanderthal Museum in Mettman, Germany.
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perfectly preserved primate fossil in the world, was discovered in 1983. Later, enjoy a private concert at a Baroque palace. Meals: B/L/D
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DAY 4
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KOBLENZ/COCHEM
Spend the day exploring the ancient Roman city of Koblenz, or venture to Cochem and discover this fairy-tale city on a guided tour. Alternatively, you may visit a winery or go biking. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 1
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Arrive in either Zürich or Basel, Switzerland, and transfer to our ship. This evening, set sail. Scenic Jewel, Crystal, or Opal for the entire voyage I Meals: D
DAY 2
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STRASBOURG, FRANCE/ BLACK FOREST, GERMANY
In Strasbourg, explore La Petite France district and the Old Town, designated a World Heritage site for its rich architecture. Alternatively, journey to Mittelbergheim and sample some of the wines for which the Alsace region is known. Or go hiking in Germany’s Black Forest region. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 3
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DAY 6 ZÜRICH, SWITZERLAND/BASEL/ RHINE RIVER
HEIDELBERG, GERMANY
Stroll through Heidelberg’s Old Town and visit its Renaissance castle. Or take a funicular up the hill, then hike back to town. Alternatively, explore the World Heritage site of Grube Messel, which was featured in a National Geographic magazine article. It was here that “Ida,” the most
COLOGNE/METTMANN
Ride Germany’s oldest cog railway and discover Schloss Drachenburg, or Dragon Castle, which overlooks the Rhine Valley. Alternatively, stroll through Cologne’s historic quarter or visit the Neanderthal Museum in Mettmann. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 7
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AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS/ VOLENDAM/EDAM
Cruise through Amsterdam’s canals, go biking, or visit the renowned Rijksmuseum. Or discover the fishing village of Volendam. Then head to Edam and sample some of the round cheese for which the village is famous. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 8
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AMSTERDAM
Disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Meals: B
Rhine Highlights_REV4.indd 44
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Activity Level
River Cruise
DAT E S 2018: July 30–Aug. 6 Sept. 26– Oct. 3
2019: June 12–19
COST Standard Suite
from $3,895
Balcony Suite
from $4,895
Junior Balcony Suite
from $5,395
Royal Balcony Suite
from $6,245
See the Scenic Jewel, Scenic Crystal, and Scenic Opal descriptions, photos, and deck plans on our website. Prices are per person, double occupancy. For additional cabin categories, single-supplement rates, and exact pricing, please call or visit our website. Airfare to Zürich or Basel and return from Amsterdam is not included in the expedition cost. SPECIAL OFFER Book by June 30, 2018 and receive round-trip economy airfare between the U.S. and Europe for $395 per person on any 2018 departure, and $495 per person in 2019. Visit our website or call for details. Maximum ship capacity: 169
OUR EXPERT A National Geographic expert and photographer will accompany this trip, and we will meet local guides along the way. Geographer and Dutch native Jan Nijman will join the July 30, 2018 departure. Find the photographer who will also join this trip on our website. This trip is operated in partnership with Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours.
OPTIONAL EXTENSION
W H AT TO E X P E C T
Add a three-day post-trip extension to Switzerland. Visit our website or call for details.
Enjoy an all-inclusive experience aboard a world-class luxury ship featuring fine dining and butler service. Choose from a variety of excursions suited to a range of activity levels, from short walking tours to options for extended hiking and biking.
Above: A medieval town and its stately castle command the riverbanks of the fabled Rhine. 44
Trip Type
RÜDESHEIM/KOBLENZ
In Rüdesheim, board the Winzerexpress mini-train for a visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Cabinet museum. Alternatively, hike through picturesque vineyards. Continue to the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, also known as the Rhine Gorge—a 40-mile stretch of river that has been designated a World Heritage site. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 5
I N F O R M AT I O N
CALL 1-888-966-8687 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/RIVERCRUISES
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GEMS OF THE DANUBE RIVER CRUISE
EUROPE
NEW THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Join a National Geographic expert to explore five UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Austria’s Wachau Valley, the Bavarian town of Regensburg, and the medieval Czech gem of Český Krumlov. • Take a specially arranged tour of Vienna’s renowned Museum of Natural History, and get an inside look at its meteorite exhibition, co-curated by a National Geographic grantee. • Get hands-on instruction from a National Geographic photographer, and capture a unique angle on iconic cityscapes from Budapest to Salzburg. • Enjoy a private classical concert in the gilded halls of Vienna’s Palais Liechtenstein.
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DAY S
take a more active excursion, cycling along the Danube from Melk to Dürnstein or hiking to the hilltop ruins of a medieval castle. Alternatively, visit a local winery for a guided tour, followed by a tasting of the region’s celebrated Grüner Veltliners and Rieslings. Meals: B/L/D
DAYS 6 AND 7 I SALZBURG OR ČESKÝ KRUMLOV, CZECH REPUBLIC/ REGENSBURG, GERMANY
DAYS 1 AND 2
I
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Arrive in Budapest, embark the Scenic Amber, and enjoy a welcome dinner on board. The next day, climb Castle Hill to visit the Royal Palace and Matthias Church. Alternatively, explore Budapest through the lens of its Jewish history, hike the Buda Hills, or venture to the charming riverfront town of Szentendre. Scenic Amber for the entire voyage | Meals: Day 1: D; Day 2: B/L/D
DAYS 3 AND 4
I
VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Cruise to Vienna, arriving for a private evening concert in the Palais Liechtenstein. The following day, choose among several excursions: stay in Vienna to visit Schönbrunn Palace or the Belvedere Museum; or take a guided tour of the Museum of Natural History for an inside look at its meteorite exhibition, co-curated by National Geographic grantee Ludovic Ferrière. Alternatively, travel to Bratislava. Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAY 5
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MELK, AUSTRIA
Glide into Austria’s lush Wachau Valley and dock at Melk for a tour of its Benedictine abbey. Or
Stroll the storybook streets of Salzburg's Old Town, and visit Schloss Mirabell and its manicured gardens. Or venture to the historic salt mines outside Salzburg. Alternatively, tour Český Krumlov—a labyrinth of cobblestoned streets with medieval, Baroque, and Renaissance houses. The next day, see Regensburg’s splendid Gothic cathedral, 12th-century stone bridge, and the Porta Praetoria—the ancient Roman city gate. Alternatively, tour the historic Kuchlbauer Brewery, or visit Weltenburg Abbey, home to the world’s oldest monastic brewery. Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAY 8
I
NUREMBERG
Arrive in Nuremberg and transfer to the airport to catch your flight home. Meals: B
OPTIONAL EXTENSION Add an three-day post-trip extension to Prague. Visit our website or call for details.
DANUBE CHRISTMAS MARKETS BY RIVER 8 Days | Dec. 2–9, 2018 Venture to Europe during the most enchanting season of the year. Cruise the Danube to visit magical towns from Nuremberg to Vienna, and witness the customs that are unique to each port of call. Take in choral music and the spicy-scented air while browsing stalls. Explore charming towns like Regensburg and Melk, and see the halls of grand castles decked with tinsel and garlands. Visit our website for details.
Above: A spectacular beacon on the banks of the Danube, Budapest's neo-Gothic Parliament emits a golden glow at dusk. I
Gems of the Danube River Cruise__REV4.indd 45
CALL 1-888-966-8687 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/RIVERCRUISES
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
River Cruise
DAT E S 2018: July 19–26 Oct. 11–18
2019: Aug. 1–8
COST Standard Suite
from $4,195
Balcony Suite
from $5,195
Junior Balcony Suite
from $5,670
Royal Balcony Suite
from $6,795
See the Scenic Amber description, photo, and deck plan on our website. Prices are per person, double occupancy. For additional cabin categories, single-supplement rates, and exact pricing, please call or visit our website. Airfare to Budapest and return from Nuremberg is not included in the expedition cost.
SPECIAL OFFER Book by June 30, 2018 and receive round-trip economy airfare between the U.S. and Europe for $395 per person on any 2018 departure, and $495 per person in 2019. Visit our website or call for details. Maximum ship capacity: 169
OUR EXPERTS A National Geographic expert and photographer will accompany this trip, and we will meet local guides along the way. Award-winning travel and editorial photographer Susan Seubert (pictured left) and Dutch native and art historian Paula Swart will join the July 19, 2018 departure. This trip is operated in partnership with Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours.
W H AT TO E X P E C T Enjoy an all-inclusive experience aboard a world-class luxury ship featuring fine dining and butler service. Choose from a variety of excursions suited to a range of activity levels, from short walking tours to options for extended hiking and biking. I
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11/21/17 9:53 PM
BEAUTIFUL BORDEAUX RIVER CRUISE
NEW
THE GEOGRAPHIC T H ENATIONAL N AT G EO D I F F E R E NDIFFERENCE CE • Cycle through the vineyards near Libourne, stopping at the Château Belles-Graves, owned by a cousin of Jacques Cousteau, who grew up in the region and spent time at the castle. • Follow a historian on a guided tour of the Musée d’Aquitaine, home to treasures from prehistory to the 20th century. • Head out with a conservationist on a bird-watching hike at the Teich Bird Reserve to spot water birds, eagles, and all manner of migratory species. • Venture into the Grotte de Pair-non-Pair to see prehistoric cave art, and meet with a researcher to learn about other significant finds here.
ITINER ARY
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DAY S
DAYS 5 AND 6
DAYS 7 AND 8
DAYS 1 AND 2
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BORDEAUX, FRANCE/ LIBOURNE
Arrive in Bordeaux and embark the Scenic Diamond. The next morning, cruise to Libourne, and take a cooking class along the way. In SaintÉmilion, visit the Monolithic Church, and enjoy a sunset wine-tasting at the Château Siaurac. Scenic Diamond for the entire voyage Meals: Day 1: D; Day 2: B/L/D
DAYS 3 AND 4
I
LIBOURNE/PAUILLAC
Take a guided tour of Libourne, taste wines at the Château Franc Mayne, or journey to historic Bergerac and sample local specialties at a farm. Alternatively, go biking through the vineyards and stop for wine-tastings along the way. Cruise to Pauillac and spend a day on the Médoc wine route. Opt to explore it on foot, walking to historic wine estates. Attend a private concert at Château Agassac tonight. Meals: B/L/D Daily
I
PAUILLAC/CADILLAC
Cruise south to Cadillac and take part in a cooking class before a performance by local entertainers. Spend the next day in the Sauternes region, known for its dessert wines. Enjoy a master class in French cuisine, set off on a hike, visit the historic Château de Roquetaillade, or stroll the medieval village of Saint-Macaire. Then visit the Château Guiraud or bike to Château Myrat for a tasting of grand cru classé wines. Meals: B/L/D Daily
I
BORDEAUX/ ARCACHON/BOURG
In Bordeaux, join a chef for a market visit and cooking class, take a city tour by vehicle or bicycle, or enjoy a visit to the Musée d’Aquitaine with a historian. After an evening cruise, attend a musical performance. The next day, go bird-watching with a conservationist in the Teich Bird Reserve. Alternatively, stroll through the town of Arcachon, head to the beach to climb the highest sand dune in Europe, or take the tram to the new Cité du Vin museum. Dock in Bourg tonight. Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 9 AND 10
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BOURG OR COGNAC/ BLAYE
Tour Bourg’s Château de la Citadelle, then visit the Grotte de Pair-non-Pair with a researcher to learn about the prehistoric cave art found here. Or journey to Cognac and enjoy a tasting at the Rémy Martin property. Sail into Blaye this evening. Explore Blaye the next day or cycle the Captain’s Road. Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAY 11
I
BORDEAUX
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport or train station for your journey home. Meals: B/L/D
OPTIONAL EXTENSION Add a one-day pre-trip extension to Paris. Visit our website for details.
Above: A pair of cyclists glide along the historic streets of Bordeaux. 46
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I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
River Cruise
DAT E S 2019: May 25–June 4
2018: Aug. 26–Sept. 5 Sept. 14–24
COST Standard Suite
from $6,295
Balcony Suite
from $7,815
Junior Balcony Suite
from $8,490
from $9,390 Royal Balcony Suite See the Scenic Diamond description, photo, and deck plan on our website. Prices are per person, double occupancy. For additional cabin categories, single-supplement rates, and exact pricing, please call or visit our website. Airfare to/ from Bordeaux is not included in the expedition cost.
SPECIAL OFFER Book by June 30, 2018 and receive round-trip economy airfare between the U.S. and Europe for $295 per person on any 2018 departure, and $395 per person in 2019. Visit our website or call for details. Maximum ship capacity: 155
OUR EXPERTS A National Geographic expert and photographer will accompany this trip, and we will meet local guides along the way. Award-winning travel writer Don George (pictured left) and Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Jay Dickman will join the August 26, 2018 departure. This trip is operated in partnership with Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours.
W H AT TO E X P E C T Enjoy an all-inclusive experience aboard a world-class luxury ship featuring fine dining and butler service. Choose from a variety of excursions suited to a range of activity levels, from short walking tours to options for extended hiking and biking.
CALL 1-888-966-8687 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/RIVERCRUISES
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11/21/17 9:35 AM
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DUTCH SIGHTS AND B E LG I A N D E L I G H TS R I V E R C R U I S E
EUROPE
NEW
THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Immerse yourself in a sea of colorful blooms at Holland’s Keukenhof gardens, and discover the 18th-century windmills of Kinderdijk—a UNESCO World Heritage site. • Learn valuable tips and techniques from a National Geographic photographer as you capture the highlights of charming towns from Veere to Volendam. • Meander the cobblestoned streets of the World Heritage-listed historic center of Brugge, Belgium with a National Geographic expert. • Delve into local culinary traditions, from Dutch cheeses to Belgian beers.
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DAY S
DAY 4
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ANTWERP, BELGIUM/BRUGGE
I N F O R M AT I O N
Dock at Antwerp and continue to Brugge, known for its Gothic architecture and picturesque market squares linked by cobbled streets and canals. Alternatively, stay in Antwerp and explore this stylish city. Meals: B/L/D
Trip Type
Activity Level
River Cruise
DAT E S
DAY 5
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ARNHEM, NETHERLANDS
In Arnhem, visit the Airborne Museum ‘Hartenstein,’ dedicated to the World War II Battle of Arnhem. Alternatively, visit the Netherlands Open Air Museum, or go biking in nearby Hoge Veluwe National Park and hear about the local ecology from a park ranger. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 6
DAY 1
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AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
Arrive in Amsterdam and board our ship. Scenic Opal for the entire voyage | Meals: D
DAY 2
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ROTTERDAM/DELFT
Discover the busy port city of Rotterdam, or visit a pottery factory and museum in Delft. Alternatively, explore the World Heritage site of Kinderdijk-Elshout, where 19 windmills were built around 1740 to drain the polders—the marshy lowlands that were reclaimed through the use of dikes. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 3
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VEERE
Cruise into Holland’s Zeeland Province. Set out on a private tour of a portion of the “delta works,” dams and barriers built as part of an elaborate engineering project begun in the mid-20th century to prevent flooding in the region. Or explore the charming village of Veere on foot or by bicycle. Meals: B/L/D
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VOLENDAM/EDAM/HOORN
Explore the fishing village of Volendam. Then head to Edam and sample the round cheese for which the city is famed. Alternatively, discover Hoorn on foot with a guide or by bike. If you wish, you may also opt to go biking to a nearby tulip farm, where we’ll learn about the flower production process, or visit a paprika farm. This evening, join local residents for a special dinner, enjoying traditional food, friendly conversation, and insights into life in the Netherlands. Meals: B/L/D
DAYS 7 AND 8
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AMSTERDAM
Immerse yourself in a riot of colors and fragrances at Amsterdam’s legendary Keukenhof Gardens, where more than seven million blossoms display their bright hues. Disembark our ship the next day, and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Meals: Day 7: B/L/D; Day 8: B
Above: Traditional Dutch windmills overlook a scenic canal in Holland. I
CALL 1-888-966-8687 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/RIVERCRUISES
Dutch Sights and Belgian Delights River Cruise__REV4.indd 47
2019: Apr. 17–24 Apr. 24–May 1
COST Standard Suite
from $3,995
Balcony Suite
from $4,995
Junior Balcony Suite
from $5,470
Royal Balcony Suite
from $6,595
See the Scenic Opal description, photo, and deck plan on our website. Prices are per person, double occupancy. For additional cabin categories, single-supplement rates, and exact pricing, please call or visit our website. Airfare to/from Amsterdam is not included in the expedition cost.
SPECIAL OFFER Book any departure by June 30, 2018 and receive round-trip economy airfare between the U.S. and Europe for $495 per person. Visit our website or call for details. Maximum ship capacity: 169
OUR EXPERTS A National Geographic expert and photographer will accompany this trip, and we will meet local guides along the way. Prolific National Geographic magazine photographer Sisse Brimberg (pictured left) and geographer and Dutch native Jan Nijman will join the April 24, 2019 departure. This trip is operated in partnership with Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours.
W H AT TO E X P E C T Enjoy an all-inclusive experience aboard a world-class luxury ship featuring fine dining and butler service. Choose from a variety of excursions suited to a range of activity levels, from short walking tours to options for extended hiking and biking. I
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11/22/17 6:10 PM
U N F O R G E T TA B L E D O U R O RIVER CRUISE
NEW
THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • In the company of a National Geographic expert, see the fascinating engravings of Foz Côa—widely considered the world’s most important open-air Paleolithic rock art site. • Explore the wetlands at the edge of Porto on a morning walk, looking for birdlife and meeting anglers as they pull in their catch. • Attend onboard photo talks led by a National Geographic photographer, and practice landscape shots amid the sinuous vineyards that flank the Douro. • Enjoy a festive flamenco performance in Salamanca and a private concert in the spectacular gilded nave of Porto’s Igreja de São Francisco.
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DAY S
Tarouca, tour the elegant town of Lamego, or visit Mateus Palace. Enjoy a day to relax on board as we sail toward Spain. Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 6 AND 7
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Meals: B/L/D Daily
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PORTO, PORTUGAL
Arrive in Porto and embark the Scenic Azure. The next day, take a walking tour of Porto’s historic old town, and visit the Palácio da Bolsa, the city’s old stock exchange. Later, begin your cruise along the Douro. Scenic Azure for the entire voyage | Meals: Day 1: D; Day 2: B/L/D
DAY 3
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GUIMARÃES/DOURO VALLEY
Delve into history at the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança in Guimarães, birthplace of Portugal’s first king; or sip sparkling whites at the Quinta da Aveleda winery. Glide into the Douro Valley this afternoon and visit the Douro Museum in Peso da Régua. Meals: B/L/D
DAYS 4 AND 5
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DOURO VALLEY
Choose from among several excursions as we continue our exploration of the Douro Valley. Wander the ruins of Mosteiro de São João de
DAY 8
I
PROVESENDE
Drive to Provesende, perched high above the river. Get to know the residents of this quaint village, and visit Quinta da Roêda estate for a special port tasting among the vines. Meals: B/L/D
DAYS 9, 10, AND 11
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Unforgettable Douro River Cruise_REV4.indd 48
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PORTO
Sail back to Porto in time for a private concert. The next day, cruise to the Douro Estuary, and set out on a walking tour to a nature reserve harboring an array of birds. Alternatively, opt to visit Porto’s oldest canning factory, or enjoy a tasting in a city port cellar. Transfer to the airport on our final morning. Meals: Days 9 and 10: B/L/D Daily; Day 11: B
Activity Level
River Cruise
DAT E S 2019: May 25–June 4 Sept. 23–Oct. 3
COST Standard Suite
from $7,545
Balcony Suite
from $9,140
Junior Balcony Suite
from $10,140
Royal Balcony Suite
from $11,940
See the Scenic Azure description, photo, and deck plan on page 133. Prices are per person, double occupancy. For additional cabin categories, single-supplement rates, and exact pricing, please call or visit our website. Airfare to/from Porto is not included in the expedition cost.
SPECIAL OFFER Book any departure by June 30, 2018 and receive round-trip economy airfare between the U.S. and Europe for $395 per person. Visit our website or call for details. Maximum ship capacity: 96
OUR EXPERTS A National Geographic expert and photographer will accompany this trip, and we will meet local guides along the way. Editorial and travel photographer Gianluca Colla (pictured left) and author and educator Tim Weed will join the September 23, 2019 departure. This trip is operated in partnership with Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours.
OPTIONAL EXTENSION
W H AT TO E X P E C T
Add a three-day pre-trip extension to Lisbon or a three-day post-trip extension to Madrid. Visit our website or call for details.
Enjoy an all-inclusive experience aboard a world-class luxury ship featuring fine dining and butler service. Choose from a variety of excursions suited to a range of activity levels, from short walking tours to options for extended hiking and biking.
Above: The Scenic Azure glides beneath Porto's iron masterpiece, the Ponte Dom Luis. 48
Trip Type
SALAMANCA, SPAIN/ CÔA VALLEY, PORTUGAL
Cross into Spain and take in the Renaissance splendor of Salamanca on a guided city tour. Enjoy lunch in town, with live entertainment from flamenco dancers. The next day, learn about the Paleolithic rock art of Foz Côa at the Côa Museum, then visit the archaeological site to view these fascinating carvings. Alternatively, opt to canoe the Sabor River, or visit the Casa Painova estate to taste their almond and olive products. Tonight, local musicians perform traditional Portuguese songs on board.
DAYS 1 AND 2
I N F O R M AT I O N
CALL 1-888-966-8687 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/RIVERCRUISES
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11/22/17 10:35 PM
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EUROPE
HUMAN ORIGINS: SOUTHWEST F R A N C E A N D N O RT H E R N S PA I N THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Join Christine Desdemaines-Hugon, one of the world’s leading experts on Paleolithic art, for a guided tour of the National Museum of Prehistory. • Meet a local expert on the famed Lascaux cave on a specially arranged visit to the newly opened International Center for Cave Art. • Alongside a prehistory specialist, explore Isturitz and Oxocelhaya, caves that have yielded tens of thousands of ancient artifacts. • Meet National Geographic grantee Dr. Ana Cristina Pinto-Llona for a guided tour of Atapuerca, where Europe’s oldest known hominin fossils were unearthed.
ITINER ARY
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DAY S
DAY 4
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PECH MERLE/TOULOUSE
I N F O R M AT I O N
Venture into Pech Merle, an enormous cave system filled with prehistoric art and artifacts dating back 25,000 years. See rare representations of human figures, engraved animals, and a mammoth drawn using the contours of the rock. Continue to Toulouse. Grand Hôtel De L’Opéra
I
Meals: B
DAYS 5 AND 6 I BASQUE COUNTRY/ SANTILLANA DEL MAR, SPAIN/PUENTE VIESGO CAVES
DAYS 1 AND 2
I
BORDEAUX, FRANCE/ VÉZÈRE VALLEY
Arrive in Bordeaux and travel to the Vézère Valley. Set out with Christine Desdemaines-Hugon, an expert on Paleolithic art, for a guided tour of the National Museum of Prehistory. See the polychrome paintings of Font-de-Gaume, and stroll medieval Sarlat-la-Canéda. La Roseraie or Le Centenaire
DAY 3
I
I Meals: Day 1: D; Day 2: B/D CASTEL-MERLE/LASCAUX IV
Accompanied by Christine Desdemaines-Hugon, explore Rouffignac Cave; then join archaeologist Isabelle Castanet at Castel-Merle, a complex of prehistoric stone shelters. Gather for a “prehistoric” meal made with the ingredients once used by Neanderthals. Meet a prehistoric cave expert for a specially arranged visit to the International Center for Cave Art, which houses Lascaux IV— the world’s most comprehensive re-creation of Lascaux and its famous paintings. La Roseraie or Le Centenaire
Drive into France’s Basque region, and enter the Isturitz and Oxocelhaya caves with a prehistory specialist. Used by humans for more than 80,000 years, these superimposed caves have yielded tens of thousands of artifacts. Cross into Spain en route to Santillana del Mar. The next day, view some of the oldest artistic representations in history on a visit to El Castillo Cave, where the paintings date back at least 40,800 years. Explore the nearby Las Monedas Cave and visit the Altamira Museum. Parador de Santillana Gil Blas
I Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 7 AND 8 I HORNOS DE LA PEÑA CAVE/BILBAO/ATAPUERCA Explore the Hornos de la Peña cave, where largescale naturalistic engravings depict an unusual anthropomorphic figure. Continue to Bilbao and meet archaeologist and National Geographic grantee Dr. Ana Cristina Pinto-Llona for an examination of Atapuerca, where the oldest known hominin fossil remains in Europe have been unearthed. Hotel Miró
DAY 9
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I
Land
Light / Moderate
DAT E S 2018: Apr. 14–22 May 5–13 June 2–10
Sept. 8–16 Sept. 22–30 Oct. 6–14
$6,695
COST
Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $1,295. Airfare to Bordeaux and return from Bilbao is not included in the expedition cost. Maximum group size: 25
OUR EXPERT A National Geographic expert and expedition leader will accompany this trip. Paleoanthropologist and National Geographic grantee Chris Stringer will join the October 2018 departure. Read his bio and find more experts on our website.
W H AT TO E X P E C T Travelers should be in good health and comfortable walking or standing for extended periods of time and navigating terrain that is at times uneven or not well lit. Some caves require crouching. Travelers can choose not to participate in some cave visits if they wish.
BILBAO
Transfer to Bilbao Airport for your flight home. Meals: B
Above: At the Altamira Museum in northern Spain, visitors get an up-close view of the breathtaking images found at the Cave of Altamira.
Human Origins__REV4.indd 49
Activity Level
Meals: Day 7: B/L; Day 8: B/L/D
I Meals: B/L/D
I
Trip Type
CALL 1-888-966-8687 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/LANDTRIPS
F O R A D D I T I O N A L T R I P S TO F R A N C E A N D S PA I N , V I S I T N AT G E O E X P E D I T I O N S . C O M / E U R O P E
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11/22/17 7:28 PM
I T A LY: R E N A I S S A N C E CITIES AND TUSCAN LIFE THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Marvel at the works of Italian masters during after-hours visits to the Vatican museums and Venice’s Scuola Grande di San Rocco, and tour Florence’s iconic Uffizi Gallery with an art historian. • Learn the secrets of Tuscan cuisine while enjoying meals and excellent Italian wines at local restaurants, wineries, and family homes. • Explore the Roman Forum and the ruins underneath the Colosseum in the company of a renowned archaeologist. • Stay three nights in the Tuscan countryside at a family-owned and -operated 13th-century castello, and get to know members of the family.
ITINER ARY
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DAY S
DAYS 5, 6, AND 7
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TUSCAN COUNTRYSIDE/SIENA
Travel into the Chianti region and stop at the renowned Badia a Coltibuono winery for lunch and a tasting, then head to the medieval hamlet of Gargonza. Settle into the 13th-century castello of the Guicciardini family, and opt to join the chef for a cooking lesson. Soak up the medieval flavor of Siena on a walking tour and hike the scenic landscapes near Gargonza. Castello di Gargonza I Days 5 and 7: B/L/D Daily; Day 6: B/D
DAYS 8 AND 9
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DAYS 1 AND 2
VENICE, ITALY
Arrive in Venice and transfer by motorboat to our hotel overlooking the Grand Canal. On a guided walk, see Piazza San Marco, the Doge’s Palace, Sansovinian Library, and the Rialto Bridge. Meet a local artisan to learn the science of traditional gondola construction, and access the private collections of Scuola Grande di San Rocco during an after-hours visit. Venezia Palazzo Barocci
DAYS 3 AND 4
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Meals: Day 1: D; Day 2: B/L
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FLORENCE
Board a train to Florence, and take a walking tour of its historic center. Stroll the medieval town and Piazza della Signoria, and see the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio. Encounter Michelangelo’s “David” at the Accademia, then dine in the home of a Florentine family. The following morning, an art historian guides us through the Uffizi Gallery. Gallery Hotel Art Meals: Day 3: B/L/D; Day 4: B
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ROME
Continue to Rome. Venture into the Colosseum, stroll the Roman Forum, and enjoy a specially arranged visit inside the Chiesa di San Lorenzo in Miranda. Here, meet archaeologist Dr. Valerie Higgins, an expert in Roman archaeology who recently appeared in the popular National Geographic documentary series The Story of God. The next day, take in the grandeur of Vatican City with an early morning visit to its museums and the Sistine Chapel before they open to the public. Then visit St. Peter’s Square and its basilica. Take a walking tour that includes the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and Piazza Navona. Toast our Italian sojourn at a farewell dinner. Meals: Day 8: B/L; Day 9: B/D
DAY 10
I
ROME
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Meals: B
SPECIAL PHOTOGRAPHY D E PA RT U R E As indicated in the Dates section above, one departure of this expedition is designated as an Italy Photography Expedition, is limited to 16 travelers, and will be accompanied by National Geographic photographer Massimo Bassano. Visit our website for details. Cost: from $7,495 per person
Above: A gondolier oars past the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute on Venice’s Grand Canal. 50
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Italy Renaissance Cities and Tuscan Life_REV4.indd 50
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Land
Light
DAT E S 2018: Apr. 16–25 May 14–23 June 4–13
Photo Departure: Sept. 17–26
Sept. 3–12 Oct. 15–24
$6,995
COST
Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $1,750. Airfare to Venice and return from Rome is not included in the expedition cost. Maximum group size: 24 (16 on photo departures)
O U R
E X P E R T A National Geographic expert and expedition leader will accompany this trip. Writer, traveler, and broadcaster Tim Jepson will join the October departure. Read his bio and find more experts on our website.
OPTIONAL EXTENSION Add a four-day extension to the stunning Amalfi Coast. Visit our website or call for details.
W H AT TO E X P E C T Travelers should be in good health and comfortable walking or standing for extended periods of time. Activities include city walking tours and motor coach transfers between 2–5 hours. Travelers should be comfortable navigating uneven terrain, narrow paths, and cobblestoned streets.
F O R A D D I T I O N A L T R I P S TO I TA LY, V I S I T N AT G E O E X P E D I T I O N S . C O M / I TA LY
CALL 1-888-966-8687 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/LANDTRIPS
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11/21/17 10:54 AM
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EUROPE
I TA LY F A M I LY E X P E D I T I O N THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Venture into the shadowy crypt of the Basilica di San Marco on an after-hours visit, and view its luminous mosaics up close. • Kids will have a chance to make new Italian friends during a treasure hunt in Venice. • Try your hand at making pasta at a family-run farm; and sample gelato, focaccia, and other local delicacies. • Walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans in the Colosseum, and visit a maskmaking workshop in Venice.
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DAY S
DAYS 4 AND 5
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SIENA/FLORENCE
Explore Siena’s Piazza del Campo and 13thcentury Duomo, then hear a poet recount colorful tales of the past in hilltop Chiusdino. Once in Florence, gaze up at the iconic Duomo, watch a reenactment of Medici court life at Palazzo Vecchio, and view Michelangelo’s “David” at the Accademia. Palazzo Castri 1874 | Meals: Day 4: B/L; Day 5: B/D
DAY 6
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PISA/LEVANTO
In Pisa, climb the leaning tower that has made the city famous, and take in amazing views from the top. Continue to Levanto, located on the Ligurian coast. Park Hotel Argento | Meals: B/L/D
DAY 7 DAY 1
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ROME, ITALY
Benvenuti in Italia! Check in to our hotel and enjoy a snack at a local café. Later, gather for a welcome dinner. Hotel Della Conciliazione | Meals: D
DAY 2
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Glimpse ancient Roman life at the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Stadium of Domitian. After searching for ingredients in medieval Trastevere, head to a pizza-making party. Hotel Della Conciliazione | Meals: B/L/D
DAY 3
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CINQUE TERRE
Take a short train ride to Riomaggiore, one of the villages of the Cinque Terre. Visit Manarola, then cruise to Vernazza. In Monterosso al Mare, savor gelato and focaccia. Park Hotel Argento | Meals: B/L/D
DAY 8
ROME
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I
EMILIA ROMAGNA/VENICE
Make pasta at a family farm near Parma. In Venice, venture into the crypt on an afterhours tour of Basilica di San Marco. View golden mosaics up close and discover the cathedral’s many treasures without the crowds. Venice Palazzo Giovanelli | Meals: B/L
DAYS 9 AND 10
ROME
Join an art historian on a tour of the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Pantheon. Visit St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, and peer up at the Sistine Chapel ceiling. Hotel Della Conciliazione | Meals: B/L
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VENICE
Team up with new Italian friends for a city treasure hunt. Try maskmaking at an artisan studio, and enjoy a gondola ride. Enjoy a farewell dinner. The next day, transfer to the airport for your flight home. Venice Palazzo Giovanelli | Meals: Day 9:
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Light / Moderate
Family
DAT E S 2018: June 23–July 2 July 14–23 July 28–Aug. 6
COST Adults
$6,590
Children (ages 7–17)
$6,390
Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $1,200. Airfare to Rome and return from Venice is not included in the expedition cost. Maximum group size: 25
EXPEDITION TEAM A knowledgeable expedition guide and a Young Explorer Leader will lead this trip, often accompanied by local guides.
KID to KID CONNECTION On this family expedition, kids will meet local children in Venice, where the city’s narrow lanes, canals, and bridges provide a backdrop for a fun treasure hunt through the city. Families will team up with their new friends and follow clues in Italian and English—learning about local legends, famous artists, and other historic highlights of the city.
W H AT TO E X P E C T Travelers should be in good health and comfortable standing for extended periods of time; walking up to two miles a day; and navigating uneven terrain, narrow paths, and stairs without handrails. Some sites, such as St. Peter’s Basilica, have a modest dress code. While Italian hotel rooms tend to be on the smaller side, all lodgings are comfortable and conveniently located near each day’s activities.
B/L/D; Day 10: B F O R A D D I T I O N A L T R I P S TO I TA LY,
Above: A young traveler playfully props up the tower of Pisa. I
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CALL 1-888-966-8687 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/FAMILYTRIPS
V I S I T N A T G E O E X P E D I T I O N S . C O M / I T A LY
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GREECE: WONDERS OF AN ANCIENT EMPIRE THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • This expedition was inspired by the National Geographic Television series The Greeks, a July 2016 National Geographic magazine photo-essay, and the 2016 National Geographic Museum exhibition “The Greeks: From Agamemnon to Alexander the Great.” • In Athens, meet a classics professor for a tour of the ancient Agora. • Enjoy lunch at a family home on Aegina Island, and learn about olive oil production at a working olive oil press. • Explore the Temple of Apollo with an archaeologist who works at this active excavation site.
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enjoy an olive oil tasting. Later, stop at the theater of Epidaurus. Amalia Hotel Nauplia
I N F O R M AT I O N
Meals: B/L
DAY 5
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Olympion Asty | Meals: B/L/D
DAYS 6 AND 7
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ATHENS, GREECE
Arrive in Athens and transfer to our hotel. Gather for a welcome reception and dinner on the hotel’s rooftop. Begin the following day at the New Acropolis Museum, then visit the Acropolis. Explore the ancient Agora with a professor of classical archaeology. Herodion Hotel Meals: Day 1: D; Day 2: B/L
DAY 3
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ATHENS/NÁFPLIO
Visit the National Archaeological Museum. Travel south to see the Temple of Apollo and the Roman Forum with an American archaeologist who excavates the site. Travel to Náfplio and gather for a festive evening of dinner and Greek dancing. Amalia Hotel Nauplia | Meals: B/L/D
DAY 4
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MYCENAE/EPIDAURUS/NÁFPLIO
At Mycenae, discover an ancient grave circle, the royal palace, and the Tomb of Agamemnon. Visit an olive oil press in the village of Lygourio, then
Activity Level
Land
Light / Moderate
OLYMPIA
Discover the mountain villages of Arcadia on our way to Olympia. Explore this evocative collection of ancient temples, altars, and a stadium, and visit the archaeological museum. Enjoy a wine tasting of local varietals before dinner.
DAYS 1 AND 2
Trip Type
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DELPHI
Depart the Peloponnese for mainland Greece. Arrive at the sanctuary of Delphi. Walk the sacred way to the Temple of Apollo and explore Delphi’s awe-inspiring ruins. Enjoy a weaving demonstration in Aráhova, and stop in at the 11th-century monastery of Hosios Loukas.
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Amalia Hotel Delphi
DAYS 8 AND 9
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2018: May 6–16 June 17–27
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AEGINA/ATHENS
Travel to Piraeus to view a mural by the Greek artist iNO. Take a ferry to Aegina island, where we’ll have lunch at a family home. Return to Athens, and depart for the airport the next day.
$6,695
Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $1,295. Airfare to/from Athens is not included in the expedition cost. Maximum group size: 25
O U R
E X P E R T A National Geographic expert and expedition leader will accompany this trip. Author, historian, and educator Diane Harris Cline will join the May and June departures. Read her bio and find more experts on our website.
KALAMBÁKA/METEORA/ ATHENS
St. George Lycabettus | Meals: Day 8: B/L/D; Day 9: B/L
Sep. 23–Oct. 3 Oct. 14–24
COST
Meals: B/L/D Daily
Journey to Kalambáka, our base for exploring the extraordinary monasteries of Meteora. Venture into chapels and courtyards adorned with beautiful frescoes. The next day, stop at the mountain pass of Thermopylae, on the way to Athens. In the evening, enjoy a reception with a local expert to discuss the political and economic landscape of contemporary Greece. Grand Meteora Hotel;
DAYS 10 AND 11
DAT E S
OPTIONAL EXTENSION Extend your trip to the island of Santorini with a stay at Kapari Natural Resort, a member of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World collection. Visit our website or call for details.
W H AT TO E X P E C T Please visit our website for important information regarding local conditions and/or physical considerations.
St. George Lycabettus | Meals: Day 10: B/L/D; Day 11: B FOR ADDITIONAL TRIPS TO GREECE,
Above: Perched atop a sandstone pinnacle, the Roussanou Monastery of Meteora appears to float among the clouds. 52
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V I S I T N AT G E O E X P E D I T I O N S . C O M / G R E E C E
CALL 1-888-966-8687 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/LANDTRIPS
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11/22/17 6:34 PM
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EUROPE
G R E E C E F A M I LY E X P E D I T I O N THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Delve into the history, mythology, and masterpieces of ancient Greece as we journey to amazing Athens, the mythical sites of the Peloponnese, and the whitewashed villages of Santorini. • Experience Greek culture through hands-on activities with dancers, chefs, and more. • Discover how the ancients lived while exploring the archaeological sites of the Acropolis, Mycenae, Delphi, and Akrotiri. • Participate in Olympic-themed activities in Athens, and go sailing on a catamaran in Santorini.
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DAY 5
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OLYMPIA/NÁFPLIO
I N F O R M AT I O N
Explore Olympia’s ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the original site of the Olympic Games. Travel to the seaport town of Náfplio and venture down its narrow lanes lined with medieval architecture. Amphytrion Hotel I Meals: B/L
DAY 6
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DAY 7
NÁFPLIO
DAYS 1 AND 2
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ATHENS
Transfer to our hotel and join a guided storytelling walk before gathering for a welcome dinner. The next day, tour the Acropolis and visit the New Acropolis Museum. At the Athens Olympic Stadium, participate in Olympic-themed activities. Athens Hilton Hotel
DAY 3
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I Meals: Day 1: D; Day 2: B/L
DELPHI
Travel to Delphi on Mount Parnassos and explore the sanctuary ruins, including the fabled Castalian Spring and the Temple of Apollo. Discover a treasure trove of ancient artifacts at the Archaeological Museum. Amalia Delphi Hotel Meals: B/L
DAY 4
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I Meals: B/D
ATHENS/SANTORINI
Discover Mycenae with a local archaeologist. Walk through the magnificent Lions Gate, and learn about a civilization once thought to be mythical. En route to Athens, stop to view the Corinth Canal. Then fly to Santorini. Explore Fira, famous for its whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches built into the hillsides. Santorini Palace Hotel
DAY 8
I
Drive across the Rion-Antirion Bridge to Olympia. Check in to our hotel and enjoy lunch and time to relax before our Greek cooking and dance lessons this evening.
I Meals: B/D
SANTORINI
Visit a pottery studio to learn the art of making ceramics by hand. Later, join local Greek children for a private sailing adventure with a sunset dinner on board. Santorini Palace Hotel
DAY 9
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I Meals: B/D
SANTORINI
Learn about ongoing archeological work at Akrotiri, a Minoan Bronze Age settlement buried by ash. This evening, gather for a farewell dinner. Santorini Palace Hotel
OLYMPIA
Europa Hotel
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DAY 10
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I Meals: B/D
SANTORINI/ATHENS
Fly to Athens and connect with your flight home.
Light
2018: June 16–25 July 7–16
July 21–30 Aug. 4–13
COST Adults
$6,190
Children (ages 7–17)
$5,990
Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single room add $1,100. Airfare to/from Athens and within Greece is not included in the expedition cost. The group flight within Greece is $500 per person (subject to change). Maximum group size: 25
EXPEDITION TEAM A knowledgeable expedition guide and a Young Explorer Leader will lead this trip, often accompanied by local guides.
KID to KID CONNECTION Meet up with local children and their families in Santorini for a sailing adventure. Enjoy the day with your new friends, playing games on the beach and swimming in the warm waters of the Aegean.
W H AT TO E X P E C T Travelers should be in good health and comfortable walking or standing for extended periods of time. Many excursions will take place in historic buildings, temples, and outdoor archeological sites where walking surfaces are uneven. Transfers by private coach are between 2–3 hours. Accommodations are family friendly—and many have pools.
FOR ADDITIONAL TRIPS TO GREECE,
Above: A child gazes up in wonder at the ruins of the Parthenon in Athens.
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Family
Meals: B
I Meals: B/L/D
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Activity Level
DAT E S
Head to the Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus, a World Heritage site, and take in its theater’s impressive proportions and acoustics. Later, visit the hilltop fortress-castle called Palamidi. Amphytrion Hotel
Trip Type
CALL 1-888-966-8687 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/FAMILYTRIPS
V I S I T N AT G E O E X P E D I T I O N S . C O M / G R E E C E
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11/22/17 6:29 PM
UNDER SAIL: GREECE TO T H E D A L M AT I A N C O A S T THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Sail aboard the legendary Sea Cloud, an elegant four-masted tall ship built by E. F. Hutton for his wife, Marjorie Merriweather Post. • Venture to four fascinating countries with our team of experts, who offer insight into history and culture. • Explore numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Olympia, Greece and the seldom visited archaeological ruins of Butrint—an ancient Albanian city. • Enjoy a private performance of traditional Croatian klapa music at a monastery courtyard in enchanting Dubrovnik.
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DAY 6
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SARANDË AND BUTRINT, ALBANIA
Cut off from the world for 50 years by its Stalinist dictator, Albania is a little-known place of gorgeous mountain landscapes and stunning coasts. Dock in Sarandë and discover the ancient city of Butrint, another World Heritage site. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 7
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KRUJË
Drop anchor in Durrës and drive to the medieval citadel of Krujë. Wander through the market to the Ethnographic Museum. Visit the museum devoted to Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg, and enjoy an Albanian folkloric show. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 8
DAYS 1 AND 2
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U.S./ATHENS, GREECE/ PIRAEUS
Depart on an overnight flight to Athens, arriving the next morning. Visit the New Acropolis Museum, then transfer to Piraeus and set sail aboard our elegant tall ship. Sea Cloud for the entire voyage Meals: Day 2: L/D
DAYS 3 AND 4
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AT SEA/OLYMPIA
Round the southern coast of the Peloponnesus peninsula, enjoying a full day of sailing. Dock in Katákolo and travel to ancient Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games. Visit the legendary ruins of this World Heritage site, and see the Olympic Stadium and the Archaeological Museum. Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAY 5
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Discover gemlike villages nestled along the coast of Itháki. View the sites that some claim link the island to Homer’s Ithaca, and swim in a secluded bay. Meals: B/L/D Above: Medieval battlements encircle the terra-cotta roofs of Dubrovnik. 54
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PERAST AND KOTOR, MONTENEGRO
Sail into Montenegro via the magnificent Gulf of Kotor. Stop in Perast before taking a local boat to the islet of Gospa od Škrpjela, or Our Lady of the Rocks. This tiny islet was created by anglers dropping rocks from their rowboats. Explore medieval Kotor this afternoon. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 9
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DUBROVNIK, CROATIA
Dubrovnik is regarded as one of the best preserved medieval towns in the world. Spend the day exploring the Old City, and enjoy a performance of traditional Croatian klapa music. Meals: B/L/D
DAYS 10 AND 11
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KORČULA/HVAR
Anchor at the island port of Korčula and see the house believed to be Marco Polo’s birthplace. Explore Hvar the next day, taking a tour inside the delightful walled city. Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAY 12
ITHÁKI
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I
DUBROVNIK/U.S.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for your return flight home. Meals: B
OPTIONAL EXTENSION Add a two-day extension in Athens and/or a three-day extension in Mostar, Trogir, and Split. Visit our website or call for details.
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Expedition Cruise
DAT E S 2018: May 28–June 8 June 7–18*
2019: May 31–June 11 Aug. 20–31 Aug. 30–Sept. 10* *These departures follow the itinerary shown but in the reverse order. Please note: If departing from outside the U.S., plan to arrive on the morning of Day 2. Aug. 21–Sept. 1* Sept. 14–25
COST
2018
2019
Category 1
$12,690
$12,940
Category 2
$14,350
$14,640
Category 3
$17,350
$17,700
Category 4
$18,260
$18,630
Original Deluxe B
$19,870
$20,270
Original Deluxe A
$21,500
$21,930
Owner’s Suite $24,230 $24,720 See the Sea Cloud description, photo, and deck plan on page 134. Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin, add $6,300 in Category 1 in 2018, and $6,470 in 2019. International airfare to Athens and return from Dubrovnik, or vice versa, is not included in the expedition cost.
SPECIAL OFFER Travel on the Sea Cloud and we will cover your bar tab on board and all tips for the crew. Maximum ship capacity: 58
EXPEDITION TEAM A diverse team of experts, including an expedition leader, a photo instructor, and naturalists, will accompany this trip. National Geographic expert Grace Fielder will join the June 7, 2018 departure. Read her bio and find more experts on our website. This trip is operated in partnership with Lindblad Expeditions. .
CALL 1-888-966-8687 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/EXPEDITIONCRUISES
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11/22/17 10:30 PM
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EUROPE
SAILING THE GREEK ISLES THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Take to the seas aboard the Sea Cloud, a historic four-masted tall ship built by E.F. Hutton for his wife, Marjorie Merriweather Post. • Delve into Greek culture and history with our team of experts during onboard presentations and guided tours. • Anchor at some of the lesser known Cyclades, visiting pilgrimage sites, typical villages, and archaeological sites. • Spend a day in beautiful Santorini, and see the extraordinary site of Akrotiri, destroyed in a volcanic eruption in 1627 B.C.
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DAY 5
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DELOS
I N F O R M AT I O N
Delos is the mythological birthplace of the ancient Greek twin gods Artemis and Apollo. Discover the island’s ruins, including the Terrace of the Lions and the Temple of Apollo. Meals: B/L/D
Trip Type
Activity Level
Expedition Cruise
DAY 6
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AMORGÓS
Step ashore on the isle of Amorgós. Visit the main village, perched in the mountains, and see its beautiful domed churches and windmills. Explore the dazzling white monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa, clinging to a cliff face above the sea. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 7
DAYS 1 AND 2
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U.S./ATHENS, GREECE/ PIRAEUS
Arrive in Athens after an overnight flight and visit the New Acropolis Museum. Travel to Piraeus and settle into your cabin. Sea Cloud for the entire voyage | Meals: Day 2: L/D
DAY 3
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AT SEA
Enjoy a glorious day of sailing among the idyllic isles of the Cyclades. Relax on deck, and attend presentations by our experts on the area’s history and ecology. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 4
I
TÍNOS
SANTORINI
Incomparable Santorini is an island archipelago formed from a single volcanic cone that erupted in the second millennium B.C., burying the island’s Minoan culture in ash. Sail into the caldera, and drive to the beautiful town of Oia, which affords unrivaled views of the volcanic island. After lunch, visit the archaeological site of Akrotiri. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 8
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SÍFNOS/AT SEA
2018: June 17–25 Aug. 31–Sept. 8
2019: Sept. 9–17 Sept. 16–24
Sept. 7–15
Please note: If departing from outside the U.S., plan to arrive on the morning of Day 2.
COST
2018
2019
Category 1
$9,490
$9,680
Category 2
$10,680
$10,890
Category 3
$12,750
$13,000
Category 4
$13,500
$13,770
Original Deluxe B
$14,990
$15,290
Original Deluxe A
$15,950
$16,270
Owner’s Suite
$18,250
$18,620
See the Sea Cloud description, photo, and deck plan on page 134. Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin, add $4,750 in Category 1 in 2018, and $4,840 in 2019. International airfare to/from Athens is not included in the expedition cost.
Drop anchor at Sífnos, a rugged island featuring a harbor lined with waterfront tavernas and a beautiful upper chora (village). This afternoon, find a spot on deck to watch the crew hoist the Sea Cloud’s sails by hand as we return to Piraeus.
Travel on the Sea Cloud and we will cover your bar tab on board and all tips for the crew.
Meals: B/L/D
Maximum ship capacity: 58
DAY 9
Dotted with green marble quarries and villages steeped in Venetian history, Tínos has long been a haven for artists. Explore the picturesque village of Pyrgos, and visit the church of Panagia Evangelistria, where thousands of pilgrims come every year to pray at one of Greece’s holiest shrines. Meals: B/L/D
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DAT E S
I
PIRAEUS/ATHENS/U.S.
SPECIAL OFFER
EXPEDITION TEAM
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for your return flight. Meals: B
OPTIONAL EXTENSION Add a two-day extension in Athens and/or a three-day extension in Crete. Visit our website or call for details.
A diverse team of experts, including an expedition leader, a photo instructor, and naturalists, will accompany this trip. National Geographic expert Chad Cohen will join the August 31, 2018 departure. Read his bio and find more experts on our website. This trip is operated in partnership with Lindblad Expeditions.
Above: The famed Santorini sunset casts a peachy glow on the whitewashed town of Oia. I
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CALL 1-888-966-8687 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/EXPEDITIONCRUISES
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11/22/17 10:02 PM
F R A N C E F A M I LY E X P E D I T I O N THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Glide down the Seine in a glass-enclosed boat, getting a unique perspective on Paris while enjoying a delicious dinner. • Go behind the scenes at the Eiffel Tower on a private tour of its underground World War I bunker and the engine room that powers the tower’s hydraulic elevators. • Meet a Parisian chef at a local bakery, and learn how to make traditional French pastries. • Stroll amid lavender fields on a visit to a family farm in Provence, and kayak under the soaring arches of the breathtaking Pont du Gard.
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DAYS 4 AND 5
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AIX-EN-PROVENCE/ AVIGNON
Take the high-speed train to Aix-en-Provence, a charming Provençal town founded by the Romans around A.D. 123. After lunch, explore the city center with a guide. This afternoon, team up with new French friends and design your own delicious pastry with the guidance of the boulanger of a local bakery. The next day, drive to a family-run lavender farm and join the owners for a guided tour of the distillery, where we get a close-up look at how perfumes and oils are drawn from these vivid purple flowers. Then head into the fragrant fields to collect sprigs for your own lavender sachet keepsake. Later, tour Avignon’s spectacular Papal Palace. Grand Avignon Hotel
DAYS 1 AND 2
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PARIS, FRANCE
Enjoy a special welcome cruise along the river Seine in a glass-enclosed boat. The next day, delve into the medieval heart of Paris with a guide, stepping into Sainte-Chapelle and Notre Dame cathedral. Then explore the Louvre Museum on a tour designed for families, or explore the city on your own. Parc Saint Séverin
DAY 3
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I Meals: Day 1: D; Day 2: B/L
PARIS
On a private backstage tour of the Eiffel Tower, gain access to a World War I bunker under the Champ de Mars, and step into the tower’s engine room to see the machines that power its hydraulic elevators. Then ride up this iconic monument for views over the city. After lunch, learn about masterpieces by Monet, Degas, Cézanne, and more during a guided tour of the Musée d'Orsay. The afternoon and evening are free to enjoy the sights and flavors of Paris on your own. Parc Saint Séverin
DAY 6
France Family Expedition__REV4.indd 56
PONT DU GARD/NÎMES/ AVIGNON
Grand Avignon Hotel
DAY 7
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I Meals: B/L/D
MARSEILLE
Transfer to the airport in Marseille to catch your flight home. Meals: B
I Meals: B/L
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I
Travel into the Languedoc region and explore one of the most magnificent ancient sites in southern France: the Roman aqueduct known as the Pont du Gard. Walk atop this architectural wonder, then kayak the calm waters beneath it. Explore nearby Nîmes, home to the Maison Carrée—one of world’s best preserved Roman temples. Celebrate our aventure française during a farewell dinner in Avignon tonight.
Trip Type
Activity Level
Light / Moderate
Family
DAT E S 2018: June 17–23 July 15–21 July 29–Aug. 4
COST Adults
$5,490
Children (ages 7–17)
$5,290
Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $900. Airfare to Paris and return from Marseille is not included in the expedition cost. Maximum group size: 25
EXPEDITION TEAM A knowledgeable expedition guide and a Young Explorer Leader will lead this trip, often accompanied by local guides.
KID to KID CONNECTION Meet new French friends at a cooking school for a hands-on lesson with a professional chef. Work together to make delicious French specialties, then design and bake your very own pastry. In our chef hats and aprons, we'll get to know our new French friends and learn the words for your favorite foods in French.
W H AT TO E X P E C T Travelers should be in good health and comfortable standing for extended periods of time; walking up to two miles a day; and navigating uneven terrain, narrow paths, and stairs without handrails. Sightseeing in cities and smaller villages involves walking on crowded streets with uneven footing.
FO R A D D ITI O N A L T R I P S TO FR A N C E,
Above: A young girl picks a bouquet of lavender in a Provençal field. 56
I Meals: Day 4: B/L;
Day 5: B/L/D
I N F O R M AT I O N
V I S I T N ATG EO E X P E D I T I O N S .CO M / F R A N C E
CALL 1-888-966-8687 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/FAMILYTRIPS
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11/22/17 6:21 PM
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EUROPE
TOUR DU MONT BLANC THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Make a classic circuit of Western Europe’s highest mountain, crossing the borders of France, Italy, and Switzerland on foot. • Hike through stunning terrain of mountain passes, verdant meadows, lush forests, and glacial valleys. • Discover the charming cultures of secluded Alpine villages. • Explore the famous mountaineering resort of Chamonix, which hosted the first Winter Olymic Games in 1924.
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where Beaufort cheese is produced. Cross into Italy and descend to Miage Glacier, which snakes down from the Mont Blanc massif. Then drive to Courmayeur in Italy’s Valle d’Aosta. From here, follow a varied trail through Alpine vegetation to Mont de la Saxe and Rifugio Bertone, where we take in sweeping views. A short, steep climb leads to a crest overlooking the pinnacles of Mont Blanc. Hôtel L’Autantic; Grand Hotel
Courmayeur I Meals: Days 4 and 5; B/L/D; Day 6: B/L
DAYS 7–10 I LA FOULY/ARGENTIÈRE/ TRÉ-LE-CHAMP/CHAMONIX
DAYS 1, 2, AND 3 I GENEVA, SWITZERLAND/CHAMONIX, FRANCE/ LES CONTAMINES-MONTJOIE Arrive in Geneva and transfer to our hotel in Chamonix at the foot of Mont Blanc. We begin our hike from our hotel, entering the forest to reach a steep trail. Pass through farmlands on our way to the Grand Balcon, which affords fabulous views of the Chamonix Aiguilles. Traverse below these towering peaks and return to Chamonix by cog railway. Our next ascent skirts the Bionnassay Glacier to Col du Tricot. Wind our way to Miage before descending to the picturesque village of Les Contamines-Montjoie.
Ascend to the Grand Col Ferret, marking the Swiss-Italian border, and stay in the village of La Fouly. Follow the Bovine route, named for the cattle that graze in these meadows. Climb up to a spectacular viewpoint, and enjoy a picnic overlooking the Rhône Valley, then descend to Col de la Forclaz and transfer to Argentière. Our final hike reaches Col de Balme, high above the Trient Glacier, then crosses the Swiss-French border and descends to the French hamlet of Tré-Le-Champ. Return to Chamonix for a farewell dinner, and depart from Geneva the next day. Hôtel du Glacier; Hôtel de la Couronne; Grand Hôtel des Alpes I Meals: Days 7, 8, and 9: B/L/D Daily; Day 10: B
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Active
Strenuous
DAT E S 2018: June 2–11 June 30–July 9 July 28–Aug. 6
Aug. 18–27 Sept. 1–10 Sept. 15–24
$5,695
COST
Price is per person, double occupancy. Single rooms are not available; all travelers will be paired with a same-gender roommate when a roommate is available. If a roommate is not available, a $700 mandatory single supplement will be charged. Airfare to/from Geneva is not included in the expedition cost. Maximum group size: 14
EXPEDITION TEAM One or two top adventure guides, often accompanied by local guides, will lead this trip.
W H AT TO E X P E C T While on the trek, we will be hiking 6–8 hours per day (7–12 miles) on moderate to steep grades at elevations ranging from 4,000 feet to a maximum of 8,800 feet. We will stay nine nights in hotels, lodges, and simple inns, combining ideal locations and local alpine charm.
Grand Hotel des Alpes; Hôtel La Chemenaz Meals: Day 1: D; Day 2: B/L; Day 3: B/L/D
DAYS 4, 5, AND 6 I VILLE DES GLACIERS/ COURMAYEUR, ITALY/MONT DE LA SAXE Visit the pilgrimage site of Notre Dame de la Gorge, then follow an ancient Roman route up to Col du Bonhomme. Transfer to Ville des Glaciers, Above: Hikers trek through grassy fields against the backdrop of Mont Blanc's peaks. I
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FOR ADDITIONAL TRIPS TO S WITZERL AND, F R A N C E , A N D I TA LY, V I S I T N AT G E O E X P E D I T I O N S .C O M / S W I T Z E R L A N D
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R E M E M B E R I N G D - D A Y: LO N D O N TO T H E N O R M A N DY B E AC H E S THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Walk along the infamous Utah and Omaha Beaches with a local historian, and get an in-depth perspective on the historic coastal landings and air invasion by American and Allied forces. • A military historian joins our expedition, providing expert insight on the logistics of the Allied assault on Normandy. • Get a behind-the-scenes look at Normandy’s artillery batteries, and stand inside the German gun pits on Pointe du Hoc. • Pay your respects to fallen heroes by laying a wreath during a private ceremony at the American Military Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer.
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Museum. Continue to Utah Beach, site of an American amphibious landing on D-Day. Pay a visit to the German war cemetery at La Cambe.
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Land
Light / Moderate
Hôtel Le Manoir De Mathan or Hôtel Riva Bella Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAY 5
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D-DAY ANNIVERSARY/BAYEUX
On the anniversary of D-Day, wander along Omaha Beach, site of the bloodiest fighting of the invasion day, and then visit the Overlord Museum. This afternoon, see the epic tale of the Norman Conquest at the Bayeux Tapestry Museum. Hôtel Le Manoir De Mathan or Hôtel Riva Bella Meals: B/D
DAYS 6 AND 7
DAYS 1 AND 2
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LONDON, ENGLAND
Arrive in London and visit the Churchill War Rooms, an underground bunker from which Winston Churchill directed the British war effort. The next day, travel to Bletchley Park, and discover the story behind the Enigma code breakers, who successfully deciphered the encryption used by the Wehrmacht. Return to central London to explore the H.M.S. Belfast, now part of the Imperial War Museum. Kensington Hotel or Bloomsbury Hotel Meals: Day 1: D; Day 2: B/L
DAYS 3 AND 4
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PORTSMOUTH/ NORMANDY, FRANCE
Travel to Portsmouth to explore the D-Day Museum, then cross the English Channel to Normandy by ferry. The next day, explore the village of Sainte-Mère-Église, where paratroopers dropped from the sky in a hail of gunfire on the night of June 5. Then visit the Airbourne
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POINTE DU HOC/ ARROMANCHES/PARIS
Explore the dramatic Pointe du Hoc, where U.S. Rangers scaled cliffs some 100 feet high in order to destroy key German gun positions. Walk along cliff-top pathways, still cratered by mortar blasts, and venture into concrete bunkers used by the Germans. Travel to Arromanches, where the Mulberry Harbour still rises out of the surf. Visit the Arromanches Landing Museum and the Pegasus Memorial Bridge and Museum. The following day, at the American Military Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, pay your respects to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath during a private ceremony. In the afternoon, drive to Paris and gather for a farewell dinner. Hôtel Le Manoir De Mathan or Hôtel Riva Bella; Hôtel Edouard 7 or Hotel Royal Saine-Honoré Meals: Day 6: B/D; Day 7: B/L/D
DAY 8
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PARIS
After breakfast, transfer to Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport for your flight home. Meals: B
Above: Remnants of the Mulberry Harbour known as Port Winston, built to transport supplies to Allied forces, can still be seen on the shores of Arromanches, Normandy. 58
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DAT E S 2018: June 2–9* June 16–22
Sept. 1–7 Sept. 15–21
*There are two June 2 departures, which coincide with the anniversary of D-Day on June 6. The itinerary shown describes the June 2 departures, which are one day longer than the other departures in order to include special remembrance ceremonies on Day 5.
COST
$6,995 $6,495
June 2* June 16 and September
Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $1,650 on the June 2 departures, and $1,300 on the June 16 and September departures. Airfare to London and return from Paris is not included in the expedition cost. Maximum group size: 25
O U R
E X P E R T A National Geographic expert and expedition leader will accompany this trip. Author and historian Tim Mulligan will join one of the June 2 anniversary departures as well as the September 15 departure. Read his bio and find more experts on our website.
W H AT TO E X P E C T Travelers should be in good health and comfortable walking or standing for extended periods of time. Daily activities may include walking tours, visits to battlegrounds and museums, and strolls along bluffs and beaches. FOR ADDITIONAL TRIPS TO FRANCE AND ENGLAND, V I S I T N ATG EO E X P E D I T I O N S .CO M / E U R O P E
CALL 1-888-966-8687 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/LANDTRIPS
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HIKING ENGLAND COAST TO COAST THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Set out on one of the ten best long-distance hikes in the world, trekking through three national parks: Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, and North York Moors. • Step back into England’s fascinating history as we explore sites from prehistory to the Roman era to the Tudors and beyond. • Visit the home of poet William Wordsworth in the enchanting Lakeland village of Grasmere. • Discover hidden waterfalls, medieval abbeys, and charming villages on hikes in the Yorkshire hills.
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DAYS 6–9
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YORKSHIRE DALES NATIONAL PARK
Enter Yorkshire Dales National Park near charming Orton, passing a prehistoric stone circle along the way. Hike along the River Swale, discovering waterfalls and enchanting hamlets tucked among the dales. Stops along this leg of the journey include the market town of Kirkby Stephen as well as the ruins of Easby Abbey, Mount Grace Priory, and an 11th-century Norman castle. The Black Swan; The Kings Head Hotel Meals: Days 6, 7, and 8: B/L/D Daily; Day 9: B/L
DAYS 10, 11, AND 12 I NORTH YORK MOORS NATIONAL PARK
DAY 1
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PENRITH, ENGLAND/ ENNERDALE
Meet our guide at Penrith train station for the transfer to our hotel in Cleator. Gather for a welcome dinner. Ennerdale Country House Hotel
DAYS 2–5
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LAKE DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK
Our journey kicks off with a coast-to-coast tradition: dipping a toe in the Irish Sea. Then set off along the sandstone cliffs of St. Bee’s Head before turning inland toward Ennerdale Bridge at the foot of the Lake District mountains. Spend the next three days hiking amid the glassy waters and craggy mountains of Lake District National Park. Along the way, visit William Wordsworth’s home at Grasmere, cruise scenic Lake Ullswater, and hike to the 12th-century Shap Abbey. Ennerdale Country House Hotel; Inn on the Lake; The Black Swan
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Enter North York Moors National Park, and begin hiking across the dramatic landscape of the moors. Descend to Great Fryup Head, an important region during the 19th-century iron ore boom, and continue along an old trade route to Grosmont. On our final day of hiking, walk through Scarry Wood up to the gorgeous waterfall of Falling Foss. Trace the cliff top to the picturesque fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay, and bathe your feet in the North Sea. Mallyan Spout Hotel; Victoria Hotel Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAY 13
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YORK
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Active
Strenuous
DAT E S 2018: May 27–June 8 June 17–29 June 24–July 6 July 1–13
July 15–27 Aug. 5–17 Aug. 19–31 Sept. 2–14
$5,995
COST
Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $800. Airfare to/from London or Manchester and the transfers to Penrith on Day 1 and from York on Day 13 are not included in the expedition cost. Maximum group size: 16
EXPEDITION TEAM Two top adventure guides, often accompanied by local guides, will lead this trip.
W H AT TO E X P E C T We will be hiking 4–9 hours per day (5–15 miles) on moderate to steep grades at low elevations. During hikes, vehicle support is provided at various points along the way. We will stay in comfortable and simple family-run inns that offer true English hospitality.
After breakfast, depart from York for your return flight home. Meals: B
Meals: B/L/D Daily FOR ADDITIONAL TRIPS TO ENGL AND,
Above: Travelers take in majestic views of the North Sea as they walk along the cliff-lined coast. I
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SCOTL A N D'S H IG H L A N DS A N D ISL A N DS THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Navigate a variety of waterways aboard the Lord of the Glens, the only ship able to negotiate the narrow locks of the Caledonian Canal, inland lakes, and the waters surrounding the Hebridean isles. • See Scotland’s stunning landscapes close-up while kayaking across the famous Loch Ness and hiking on the Isle of Skye. • Our team of experts offer in-depth perspectives on Scottish history and culture during visits to ancient castles and churches. • On select departures, attend the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo—an annual international celebration of military pageantry—on an optional extension to Edinburgh. ITINER ARY
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DAY 5
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LOCH LINNHE/OBAN
I N F O R M AT I O N
Today, our ship descends Neptune’s Staircase—a set of eight interconnected locks—en route to the town of Oban. Explore Oban on foot, visiting a whiskey distillery and McCaig’s Tower. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 6
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ISLE OF MULL/IONA/TOBERMORY
Continue to the Isle of Mull in the Inner Hebrides. Venture into Duart Castle, and take a ferry to the island of Iona. Visit the medieval abbey ruins, and stroll through the royal graveyard where generations of Scottish kings are buried. Continue to charming Tobermory. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 7 DAYS 1 AND 2
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U.S./INVERNESS, SCOTLAND
After an overnight flight, arrive in Inverness and board our ship. Lord of the Glens for the entire voyage | Meals: Day 2: D
DAY 3
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CULLODEN/CLAVA CAIRNS/ LOCH NESS
Visit Culloden, the infamous battlefield where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite forces were defeated in 1746. See the prehistoric standing stones of Clava Cairns. Later, set sail on the Caledonian Canal. Enter Loch Ness and learn about its legendary monster. Moor at Fort Augustus for a kayaking or hiking excursion. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 4
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LAGGAN LOCKS/BANAVIE/ GLENFINNAN
Ascend a flight of locks that runs through Fort Augustus. Glide down the tree-lined canal known as Laggan Avenue, or hike or bike along the towpath. Follow the canal to the town of Banavie, at the base of Great Britain’s highest mountain. Drive to Glenfinnan and enjoy an afternoon walk. Return to the ship, where we’ll welcome local musicians for an evening of music. Meals: B/L/D
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EIGG OR ISLE OF RUM/INVERIE
Sail to the isle of Eigg, and get a sense of daily life on this tiny island community. Look for marine mammals, including Atlantic seals, minke whales, dolphins, and a variety of seabirds. Alternatively, visit the Isle of Rum, home of the lavish Kinloch Castle. Cruise on to the town of Inverie, and enjoy a drink at the most remote pub in the British Isles. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 8
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ISLE OF SKYE
Continue to the Isle of Skye. At the Museum of the Isles, trace the legacy of the 1,300-year-old Clan Donald. Take a guided walk in the Cuillin Hills, or explore Eilean Donan Castle. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 9
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KYLE OF LOCHALSH/ INVERNESS/U.S.
Disembark in Kyle of Lochalsh, and transfer to the Inverness airport for your return flight home. Meals: B
OPTIONAL EXTENSION Add a two-day extension in Edinburgh. The extensions on the July 29 and all August 2018 departures include the Military Tattoo, while the other extensions include a special evening celebrating Scottish music and culture. Visit our website or call for details.
Trip Type
Activity Level
Expedition Cruise
DAT E S 2018: June 10–18 June 17–25* July 22–30 July 29–Aug. 6*
Aug. 5–13 Aug. 12–20* Aug. 19–27 Aug. 26–Sept. 3*
Please note: If departing from outside the U.S., plan to arrive on the morning of Day 2. *These departures follow the itinerary shown but in the reverse order.
COST Category 1
$7,880
Category 2
$9,000
See the Lord of the Glens description, photo, and deck plan on our website. Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin, add $3,940 in Category 1 and $4,480 in Category 2. International airfare to/from Inverness is not included in the expedition cost.
SPECIAL OFFER Travel on the Lord of the Glens and we will cover your bar tab on board and all tips for the crew. Maximum ship capacity: 48
EXPEDITION TEAM A diverse team of experts, including an expedition leader, a photo instructor, and naturalists, will accompany this trip. National Geographic photographer Jim Richardson will join the June 17 departure. Read his bio and find more experts on our website. This trip is operated in partnership with Lindblad Expeditions.
Above: A stone footbridge links the tiny tidal island of Eilean Donan and its historic castle to the mainland. 60
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EUROPE
I R E L A N D : TA L E S A N D T R E A S U R E S OF THE EMERALD ISLE THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Wake up amid the regal splendor of Ashford Castle—a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World—and take an exclusive tour of this medieval retreat with the on-site historian. • Visit ancient sacred sites known as holy wells with a medievalist historian who worked on a National Geographic-sponsored project to preserve them. • Join an archaeologist at the Irish National Museum in Dublin to examine prehistoric artifacts and fascinating “bog bodies.” • Witness traditional Irish farming practices in Connemara, and hear about conservation efforts that earned the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark a National Geographic World Legacy Award.
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DAY 6
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CLIFFS OF MOHER/THE BURREN NATIONAL PARK
Walk along the Cliffs of Moher, then drive through The Burren National Park. Later, enjoy a talk about local conservation efforts that led to the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark receiving a 2016 National Geographic World Legacy Award. Gregan’s Castle Hotel
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DAYS 7 AND 8
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DAYS 1, 2, AND 3
DUBLIN, IRELAND/ KILKENNY
Arrive in Dublin. Meet an archaeology expert for a tour of the National Museum of Ireland; visit Sweny’s Pharmacy, featured in the novel Ulysses; and examine the Book of Kells at Trinity College. Drive to Kilkenny and explore the medieval center and Kilkenny Castle. After lunch at the historic Kyteler’s Inn, sip a pint at the Smithwick’s Experience, and climb St. Canice’s Cathedral. The Dylan Hotel; Pembroke Kilkenny
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THE BURREN/COUNTY MAYO/CONNEMARA
Meet the chocolatiers at Hazel Mountain Chocolate factory, then tour coastal Galway. Continue to the majestic Ashford Castle, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World. The next day, experience traditional farm life in the Connemara region during a private tour of the Dan O’Hara Homestead, and stop for a sheepherding demonstration. Ashford Castle
DAYS 9 AND 10
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COUNTY MAYO/DUBLIN
Return to Dublin and enjoy a private tasting with a whiskey expert, followed by a farewell dinner. Transfer to the airport for your flight home. The Dylan Hotel
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F E AT U R E D N AT I O N A L G E O G R A P H I C U N I Q U E LO D G E
DAYS 4 AND 5 I ROCK OF CASHEL/ BLARNEY/DINGLE PENINSULA Step inside the ramparts of the Rock of Cashel, then continue to Blarney Castle to kiss its legendary stone. In Ballyvourney, meet a medievalist and learn about his work on a National Geographicsponsored project to preserve Ireland’s holy wells. Trace the coastline of the Dingle Peninsula, stopping to tour Dingle town. Killarney Park Hotel Meals: Day 4: B/L/D; Day 5: B/L
Trip Type
Activity Level
Land
Light / Moderate
DAT E S 2018: Apr. 20–29 May 18–27 June 22–July 1
Aug. 31–Sept. 9 Sept. 28–Oct. 7
$6,995
COST
Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $2,100. Airfare to/from Dublin is not included in the expedition cost. Maximum group size: 25
O U R
E X P E R T A National Geographic expert and expedition leader will accompany this trip. Archaeologist and National Geographic grantee Killian Driscoll will join the April, August, and September departures. Read his bio and find more experts on our website.
W H AT TO E X P E C T Travelers should be in good health and comfortable walking or standing for extended periods of time. Activities include city walking tours; visits to ancient castles and abbeys; and nature walks over uneven terrain, with options for hiking in Killarney National Park or kayaking, biking, or horseback riding while at Ashford Castle.
Revel in the regal splendor of historic Ashford Castle. Ride on horseback or practice falconry in the surrounding woodlands, and sample wines with the sommelier in a secret passageway. Stroll the castle’s medieval corridors with a historian, who will share tales from the property’s long and colorful history. FO R A D D ITI O N A L T R I P S TO I R EL A N D,
Above: The towering Clffs of Moher line the coast of County Clare.
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I N F O R M AT I O N
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S C A N D I N AV I A : G R E AT C A P I T A L S O F T H E B A LT I C S E A THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Meet a National Geographic-sponsored archaeologist to learn about his efforts to study and digitally reconstruct the wreckage of a 16thcentury warship near Stockholm. • Explore three UNESCO World Heritage sites. • Set out on a castle tour across the Danish countryside that includes Kronborg Castle, the setting for Hamlet. • Meet adventurer Thor Heyerdahl, Jr. and hear about his family’s history-making seafaring expeditions, some of which were chronicled in National Geographic articles and documentaries.
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hewn into solid rock. Sample Finnish specialties at Market Hall, then board a boat bound for the island of Suomenlinna, home to an inhabited sea fortress. Hotel Haven I Meals: Day 3: B/L/D; Day 4: B/L
DAYS 5, 6, AND 7
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COPENHAGEN, DENMARK
Arrive in Copenhagen and tour the city, with stops at the Old Stock Exchange, the Naval Church, and the iconic Little Mermaid Statue. Take a castle tour through the Danish countryside. At Frederiksborg Castle, examine royal art and an impressive collection of shields. Stop for a photo op at the Baroque Fredensborg Palace, then immerse yourself in the setting of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet at Kronborg Castle. Tonight, discover Tivoli Gardens at your own pace. Scandic Palace Hotel Day 1: D; Day 2: B/L
DAYS 3 AND 4
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COPENHAGEN/HELSINKI, FINLAND
See Copenhagen from a different angle on a canal cruise, then enjoy a traditional Danish lunch on the Nyhavn waterfront. Fly to Helsinki, and take an architectural tour. Stroll past Alvar Aalto’s Finlandia Hall, and step into the Temppeliaukio church,
Days 6 and 7: B/L
DAYS 8, 9, AND 10
Trip Type
Activity Level
Land
Light
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN
Fly to Stockholm. Step back in time on a walking tour of Stockholm’s old town, and visit the cathedral and Royal Palace. Hear from a National Geographic-funded archaeologist on his exploration of the undersea wreckage of Swedish King Erik XIV’s 2,000-ton flagship Mars. Visit the Vasa Museum, and trace five centuries of Swedish history at Skansen, the world’s oldest open-air museum. Marvel at the rich mosaics and artworks found in City Hall, and explore the salons and gardens of Drottningholm Palace, home to the Swedish royal family. First Hotel Reisen I Meals: Day 5: B/D;
DAYS 1 AND 2
I N F O R M AT I O N
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OSLO, NORWAY
Ride the train to Oslo. Head to the Holmenkollen Ski Jump, and visit the Ski Museum. The next day, see the medieval Akershus Fortress and the Opera House, and stroll Frogner Park. Examine three of the world’s best-preserved wooden longships at the Viking Ship Museum. At the Kon-Tiki Museum, enjoy a specially arranged meeting with Thor Heyerdahl, Jr., and hear about his family’s scientific seafaring adventures, chronicled in the pages of National Geographic magazine. Toast our Scandinavian sojourn at a farewell dinner before flying home. Grand Hotel Oslo I Meals: Days 8
DAT E S 2018: June 27–July 6 July 11–20
Aug. 22–31 Sept. 12–21
$7,995
COST
Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $1,400. Airfare to Copenhagen and return from Oslo, and airfare within Europe, are not included in the expedition cost. The group flights within Europe are $275 per person (subject to change). Maximum group size: 25
O U R
E X P E R T A National Geographic expert and expedition leader will accompany this trip. Geographer, conservationist, and explorer David Scott Silverberg will join the August 22 departure. Read his bio and find more experts on our website.
W H AT TO E X P E C T Travelers should be in good health and comfortable walking or standing for extended periods of time. Activities include city walking tours and some travel by train and boat.
and 9: B/L/D Daily; Day 10: B
OPTIONAL EXTENSION Add a four-day post-trip extension in Norway that includes Bergen, Flåm, and the fjords. Visit our website or call for details. F O R A D D I T I O N A L T R I P S TO S C A N D I N AV I A ,
Above: A traveler frames the iconic buildings of the Stortorget in Stockholm's old town. 62
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11/21/17 11:56 AM
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EUROPE
D E N M A R K A N D N O R WAY F A M I LY E X P E D I T I O N THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Go behind the scenes at an urban beekeeping project in Copenhagen, and experience the honey making process from hive to jar. • Take a breathtaking ride aboard Norway’s Flåm Railway, named by National Geographic Traveler magazine as one of the top 10 train journeys in Europe. • Visit a sheep farm in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Nærøydalen valley, and go hiking in the mountains outside Bergen. • Delve into a rich seafaring history as you encounter Viking longships, bustling wharves, and spectacular fjords.
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DAYS 4 AND 5
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OSLO
Drop anchor in Norway’s cosmopolitan capital. At the Viking Ship Museum, join a local archaeologist for a tour of some of the world’s best-preserved Viking longships. Delve into the history of Arctic exploration at the Fram Museum, and explore 4,000 years of Nordic skiing history at the Holmenkollen Ski Museum and Tower. Meet local kids in Frogner Park, and spend an afternoon playing Norwegian games together. Thon Hotel Opera I Meals: Day 4: B/L/D;
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Light
Family
DAT E S 2018: June 23–July 1 July 14–22 July 28–Aug. 5
Day 5: B/L
COST
DAY 6
DAYS 1 AND 2
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COPENHAGEN, DENMARK
Arrive in Copenhagen and gather for a welcome dinner. The next day, see the city’s iconic Little Mermaid statue, Christiansborg Palace, and the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. Go behind the scenes at the Bybi City Bee project, an organization working to restore the local bee population by training urban beekeepers. Follow the honey making process from hive to jar, and taste the final product. Copenhagen Admiral Hotel Meals: Day 1: D; Day 2: B/L
DAY 3
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COPENHAGEN/OSLO, NORWAY
Visit the studio of paleontologist and National Geographic grantee Mats Eriksson to learn about his work creating life-size models of extinct organisms. Explore whimsical Tivoli Gardens before boarding an overnight ferry to Oslo. DFDS Ferry
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FLÅM RAILWAY/STALHEIM
Take an express train to Myrdal, and then embark on an unforgettable ride aboard the Flåm Railway. Ascend some 2,800 feet, passing through 20 tunnels and weaving amid thundering waterfalls and towering mountains. Enjoy a cruise on the Sognefjorden, the country’s longest and deepest fjord; then drive to the mountain village of Stalheim. Hotel Stalheim
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DAYS 7, 8, AND 9
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Adults
$6,790
Children (ages 7–17)
$6,590
Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $1,000. Airfare to Copenhagen and return from Bergen is not included in the expedition cost. Maximum group size: 25
EXPEDITION TEAM A knowledgeable expedition guide and a Young Explorer Leader will lead this trip, often accompanied by local guides.
KID to KID CONNECTION
NÆRØYDALEN/BERGEN
Travel through the World Heritage-listed Nærøydalen valley and visit Sivle Farm, which has been in the same Norwegian family for generations. Continue to Bergen and take a walking tour of the Bryggen wharf. At the Hanseatic Museum, learn about the lives of the merchants and sailors who inhabited the city in the 18th century. Set off on an excursion in the mountains outside Bergen, including a thrilling funicular ascent to the summit of Mount Fløyen. Fly home on our final day. Radisson Blu Royal Hotel
Kids will meet their new friends at Oslo's famous Frogner Park—a wonderland of giant sculptures, fountains, ponds, and gardens. They'll learn about traditional Norwegian culture as they explore the park together, and enjoy a friendly game of soccer in Norway's largest playground.
W H AT TO E X P E C T Travelers should be in good health and comfortable walking or standing for extended periods of time. Daily activities include city walking tours, light hikes, and visits to historical sites. There is an overnight ferry crossing from Copenhagen to Oslo, during which families will have private rooms.
I Meals: Day 7: B/L;
Day 8: B/D; Day 9: B F O R A D D I T I O N A L T R I P S TO S C A N D I N AV I A ,
Above: Brightly colored houses overlook a tall ship on Copenhagen’s historic waterfront. I
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N O R W AY ' S T R A I N S A N D FJ O R D S THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Travel on five scenic trains, including the Flåm, named by National Geographic Traveler as one of the top ten train trips in Europe. • Discover three UNESCO World Heritage sites: Geirangerfjorden, the mining town of Røros, and Bergen’s old wharf. • Attend a lecture by a paleontologist who has done field research for National Geographic, and hear about his work in Norway’s far north (his schedule permitting). • Sample Norway’s culinary delights during a tasting at a cider house and on a visit to a farm in the heart of the fjordlands.
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DAY 5
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RAUMA RAILWAY/GEIRANGER
Catch a train to Dombås and board the scenic Rauma Railway. Cross the historic Kylling Bridge, and marvel at the 3,300-foot Trollveggen, Europe’s tallest vertical rock face. Continue by coach to Geiranger along the famed Trollstigen— the Troll’s Footpath. Wind through the mountains, stopping en route to taste fresh produce at a local farm. Hotel Union I Meals: B/L/D
DAYS 6 AND 7
DAYS 1 AND 2
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OSLO, NORWAY
Arrive in Oslo, and spend the next day exploring the city. Wander Frogner Park and the Munch Museum. Attend a lecture by a paleontologist who will share stories about the discovery of a primate fossil in Norway’s far north. Venture to the Bygdøy Peninsula to visit the open-air Norsk Folkemuseum, and see well-preserved longships at the Viking Ship Museum. Grand Hotel Oslo
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Meals: Day 1: D; Day 2: B/L
DAYS 3 AND 4
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RØROS/TRONDHEIM
Climb aboard the Røros Railway and travel to the mining town of Røros—one of the oldest wooden towns in Europe. Later, catch a train to Trondheim. Visit the Nidaros Cathedral, and take a musical tour at the Ringve Music Museum that includes a mini-concert performed on antique instruments. Set out on an optional urban kayaking excursion. Scandic Nidelven
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GEIRANGERFJORDEN/ BALESTRAND
Cruise the spectacular Geirangerfjorden, lined with sheer rock walls and punctuated with waterfalls. Disembark at Hellesylt and drive to our hotel in Balestrand, located on the Sognefjorden—the longest and deepest fjord in Norway. The next day, ferry across the fjord to visit the medieval Hopperstad Stave Church. Return to Balestrand for a tasting at a cider house. Kviknes Hotel I Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 8, 9, AND 10
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FLÅM RAILWAY/ BERGEN
Cruise Sognefjorden and Aurlandsfjorden to the village of Flåm, and board the world-famous Flåm Railway. Change trains at the mountain town of Myrdal and continue to Bergen. Spend the following morning discovering Bergen’s maritime history on a tour of the old wharf. Then visit the former home of composer Edvard Grieg, and enjoy a private piano recital of Grieg’s music. The next day, transfer to the airport for your flight home. Hotel Havnekontoret
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Train
Light / Moderate
DAT E S 2018: June 17–26 July 1–10
July 15–24 July 29–Aug. 7
$9,495
COST
Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $975. Airfare to Oslo and return from Bergen is not included in the expedition cost. Maximum group size: 25
O U R
E X P E R T A National Geographic expert and expedition leader will accompany this trip. Geographer, conservationist, and explorer David Scott Silverberg will join all of the July departures. Read his bio and find the other expert on our website.
W H AT TO E X P E C T Travelers should be in good health and comfortable walking or standing for extended periods of time. There is no porter service at train stations or aboard express boats, though larger luggage can be sent ahead. Guests will manage their own overnight bags on days when travel is by train or ferry.
I Meals: Day 8: B/L;
Day 9: B/L/D; Day 10: B
Meals: Day 3: B/L/D; Day 4: B/L F O R A D D I T I O N A L T R I P S TO N O R W AY,
Above: Snow-frosted hills set off a summery scene on Norway’s Sognefjorden. 64
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I C E L A N D : VO LC A N O E S, GLACIERS, AND WHALES
EUROPE
NEW
THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Venture into the ice tunnels of Langjökull glacier with an expert guide, and encounter intriguing volcanic landscapes, from gurgling mud pots to curious lava towers. • Meet with a marine biologist and National Geographic grantee at a research center in Húsavík before a whale-watching excursion. • Experience the majesty and mythology of Snæfellsnes; home to black-pebble beaches; lava caves; and sweeping, verdant slopes featured in Game of Thrones. • Stay at Hotel Húsafell, a National Geographic Unique Lodge where local art, cuisine, and Nordic design converge.
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the rock fortress of Borgarvirki. Explore traditional turf farmhouses at Skagafjörður Heritage Museum. Spend the night in Siglufjörður. Siglo Hotel
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DAYS 6 AND 7
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DAY 8
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I Meals: B/L/D Daily MÝVATN/AKUREYRI
Soak in hot springs, gaze into Grjótagjá cave, and see the geothermal activity of Námaskarð and the lava towers of Dimmuborgir. Hotel KEA I Meals: B/L/D
DAYS 1 AND 2
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REYKJAVÍK, ICELAND/ GOLDEN CIRCLE
Arrive in Reykjavík and head into an indoor ice cave at the new Perlan Museum. Gather for a welcome dinner tonight. The next day, explore the Golden Circle: Thingvellir National Park, the geothermal hotbed at Geysir; and the magnificent falls of Gullfoss. Icelandair Hotel Reykjavík Marina Borg
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Meals: Day 1: D; Day 2: B/L
DAYS 3 AND 4
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HÚSAFELL/LANGJÖKULL/ SNÆFELLSNES
DAY 9
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HÚSAVÍK/AKUREYRI
In Húsavík, meet National Geographic grantee and marine biologist Charla Basran to learn about her studies on cetaceans before a thrilling whale-watching cruise. Enjoy free time in Akureyri before our farewell dinner. Hotel KEA I Meals: B/D
DAY 10
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REYKJAVÍK
Fly to Reykjavík’s airport, and stop for a dip in the Blue Lagoon on the way to Keflavík for your flight home. Meals: B/L
Stop at hot springs and waterfalls on the way to Hotel Húsafell, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World. Venture into the ice tunnels of Langjökull, Iceland’s second largest glacier. Spend the next day on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Visit the Volcano Museum, founded by a National Geographic grantee; see Kirkjufell peak; and stroll a black-pebble beach. Hotel Húsafell I Meals:
Trip Type
Activity Level
Land
Light / Moderate
HRÍSEY/MÝVATN
Look for birdlife on the isle of Hrísey, and visit Godafoss on the way to Mývatn. The next day, visit a geothermal power plant, and explore Viti Crater and Ásbyrgi Canyon. See Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, and continue to Akureyri. Hotel Laxa
I N F O R M AT I O N
F E AT U R E D N AT I O N A L G E O G R A P H I C U N I Q U E LO D G E
DAT E S 2018: Aug. 29–Sept. 7 Sept. 12–21
Sept. 22–Oct. 1
$9,995
COST
Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $3,000. Airfare to/from Reykjavík and within Iceland is not included in the expedition cost. The group flight within Iceland is $260 per person (subject to change). Maximum group size: 25
OUR EXPERT A National Geographic expert and expedition leader will accompany this trip. Geographer and educator M Jackson will join the September 12 and 22 departures. Read her bio and find more experts on our website.
W H AT TO E X P E C T Travelers should be in good health and comfortable standing for extended periods of time; walking up to two miles a day; and navigating uneven terrain, narrow paths, and stairs without handrails.
B/L/D Daily
DAY 5
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HÚSAFELL / SIGLUFJÖRÐUR
Head north, visiting a waterfall, Vidgelmir cave, and
Spend two nights at Hotel Húsafell, a welcoming Nordic gem set amid the rolling highlands between the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Langjökull glacier.
Above: A traveler stands in awe of Iceland's Godafoss waterfall. I
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A C I R C U M N AV I G AT I O N O F I C E L A N D THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Traveling aboard the National Geographic Explorer gives us unparalleled access to Iceland’s most remote landscapes, including offshore islands near the Arctic Circle. • Capture images of gushing geysers, cascading waterfalls, and seabirds in flight, shooting alongside a National Geographic photographer. • Actively explore Iceland’s geology by Zodiac or kayak, and cruise the Jökulsárlón ice lagoon by small boat. • Learn from a team of naturalists and geologists while exploring geothermally active Mývatn, and take in the beauty of Godafoss waterfall.
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DAY 6
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SIGLUFJÖRÐUR AND AKUREYRI
I N F O R M AT I O N
At Siglufjördur, visit the Herring Museum for a living-history reenactment and a tasting. In picturesque Akureyri, stroll past period houses or visit the botanical garden. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 7
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DAYS 1 AND 2
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U.S./REYKJAVÍK, ICELAND
Fly overnight to Reykjavík and take a tour of the old town. Learn about Norse culture at the National Museum. Later, embark our ship. National Geographic Explorer for the entire voyage Meals: Day 2: L/D
DAY 3
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FLATEY ISLAND/LÁTRABJARG
Cruise north to Flatey Island, a trading post for many centuries. Navigate Iceland’s wild western frontier, sailing past the Látrabjarg cliffs, home to a huge population of razorbills. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 4
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EXPLORING NORTHWESTERN ICELAND
Get immersed in the stunning scenery of the Westfjords region. Hike to a remote waterfall, or take a cruise in a Zodiac. Anchor at Vigur Island, where we’ll visit an eider farm. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 5
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ÍSAFJÖRÐUR
Spend the morning in beautiful and remote Ísafjarðardjúp, hiking, exploring by Zodiac, and watching for nesting seabirds. Meals: B/L/D
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EXPLORING NORTHEAST ICELAND
Today is left open to explore with our naturalists on foot or by Zodiac. Weather conditions permitting, set out by kayak. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 9
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DJÚPIVOGUR
Dock in Djúpivogur to explore the Vatnajökull ice cap. Take in the shimmering blue ice on a boat ride through the Jökulsárlón lagoon. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 10
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WESTMAN ISLANDS
Cruise by the Westman Islands. Catch sight of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Surtsey, a new island formed by a series of volcanic eruptions in the 1960s. Land on Heimaey and visit the island’s crater, where the earth is still hot, and take in stunning vistas. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 11
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REYKJAVÍK/U.S.
Disembark in Reykjavík. Soak in the Blue Lagoon or visit a geothermal plant and horse farm before your flight home. Meals: B/L
OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS Add a three-day post-trip extension heli-hiking on glaciers in Iceland or a one-day pre-trip extension to Reykjavík’s Golden Circle. Visit our website or call for details.
Activity Level
Expedition Cruise
LAKE MÝVATN AND HÚSAVÍK
Visit spectacular Godafoss waterfall and then drive to Mývatn, the most geologically active area in Iceland. See the boiling mud pools at Hverarönd and visit the explosion crater at Viti. Meet the ship in Húsavík and sail north. Take Zodiacs ashore to the island of Grímsey on the Arctic Circle. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 8
Trip Type
DAT E S 2018: June 28–July 8 July 7–17
July 16–26 July 25–Aug. 4
Please note: If departing from outside the U.S., plan to arrive on the morning of Day 2.
COST Category 1
$10,270
Category 2
$11,890
Category 3
$12,360
Category 4
$14,130
Category 5
$15,410
Category 6
$18,420
Category 7
$21,350
Category A Solo
$14,860
Category B Solo
$15,450
See the description, photos, and deck plan for the National Geographic Explorer on page 128. Prices are per person, double occupancy, except those marked solo, which are based on single occupancy. International airfare to/from Reykjavík is not included in the expedition cost. Maximum ship capacity: 148
EXPEDITION TEAM A diverse team of experts, including an expedition leader, a photo instructor, and naturalists, will accompany this trip. National Geographic photo editor Susan Seubert will join the June 28 and July 7 departures. Read her bio and find more experts on our website. This trip is operated in partnership with Lindblad Expeditions.
Above: Amid myriad shades of blue and gray, travelers stroll the shores of ice-cluttered Jökulsárlón lagoon. 66
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EUROPE
I C E L A N D F A M I LY E X P E D I T I O N THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Spot puffins and other seabirds in the Westfjords, and take a thrilling walk behind a waterfall. • Go spelunking in a massive cave system, and hike to the top of a stunning waterfall. • Set out on horseback and find out what makes Iceland's horses a unique and cherished breed. • Hear riveting tales of elves, ghosts, and sea monsters from Iceland’s rich folklore tradition as you hike beneath a glacier-topped volcano.
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the Westfjörds Heritage Museum. Cruise to the island of Vigur, and taste traditional treats at a 19th-century farmstead before returning to Ísafjörður. Hotel Horn I Meals: B/L/D
DAY 4
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REYKJAVÍK, ICELAND
Arrive in Iceland and take a dip in the Blue Lagoon. Check in to our hotel, and go on an afternoon walking tour, including a visit to the Reykjavík City Museum. Meet local Icelandic children for an afternoon of fun activities. Icelandair Hotel Reykjavík Marina
DAY 2
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GOLDEN CIRCLE
Marina
DAY 3
I Meals: B/L/D
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WESTFJÖRDS PENINSULA
Light
Family
DAT E S
Fosshotel Westfjords or Hotel West I Meals: B/L/D
Adults
$7,990
Children (ages 7–17)
$7,790
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LÁTRABJARG CLIFFS/ STYKKISHÓLMUR
Visit the Látrabjarg cliffs to spot resident seabirds, then ferry to Stykkishólmur. The next day, enjoy a private tour of the Eldfjallasafn Volcano Museum. Explore the coast via fishing boat, and enjoy sushi straight from the sea. Or, visit a dairy farm to learn how Icelandic yogurt is made. Hotel Egilsen I Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAY 7
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SNÆFELLSJÖKULL NATIONAL PARK/REYKJAVÍK
Head into Snæfellsjökull National Park and listen to local folktales as we hike the ArnarstapiHellnar Trail, with views of lava formations. Go spelunking in a lava-formed cave system to find a secret cavern deep within the Earth. Later, return to Reykjavík for a farewell dinner. Hilton Reykjavík Nordica
DAY 8
Fly to the Westfjörds Peninsula, and discover a pristine landscape of fjords and fishing villages. Take a guided walk through Ísafjörður and visit
Activity Level
Travel to Hrafnseyri, birthplace of Iceland’s national hero, Jón Sigurðsson. Hike to the top of stunning waterfalls, and slip behind the water at Göngufoss falls. Continue to Patreksfjörður, and meet with the Blakkur Rescue Squad to learn about their invaluable work in this rugged land.
I Meals: B/D
Travel to Thingvellir National Park, birthplace of the Althing, the world’s oldest legislative assembly. Continue to Great Geysir, which shoots water 90 feet into the air. At Gullfoss, or Golden Falls, take a ridge-top hike to witness the force of its cascades. Icelandair Hotel Reykjavík
Trip Type
ARNARFJÖRÐUR/ PATREKSFJÖRÐUR
DAYS 5 AND 6
DAY 1
I N F O R M AT I O N
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I Meals: B/L/D
2018: June 14–21 June 23–30
July 28–Aug. 4 Aug. 4–11
COST
Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $1,100. Airfare to/from Reykjavík and within Iceland is not included in the expedition cost. The group flight within Iceland is $300 per person (subject to change). Maximum group size: 21
EXPEDITION TEAM A knowledgeable expedition guide and a Young Explorer Leader will lead this trip, often accompanied by local guides.
KID to KID CONNECTION Kids will meet up with local Icelandic children in the capital of Reykjavík. They’ll play Kubb, an old Viking game, and a friendly soccer match before sharing ice cream treats as they get to know each other better.
W H AT TO E X P E C T Travelers should be in good health and comfortable standing for extended periods of time; walking up to two miles a day; and navigating uneven terrain, narrow paths, and stairs without handrails.
REYKJAVÍK
Saddle up for a ride on an Icelandic horse, or relax in Hveragerði, where a bubbling geothermal site is located in the center of town. Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Meals: B FOR A DDITIO N A L TR I P S TO ICEL A N D,
Above: Two young sisters take in Iceland's lush landscape. I
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V I S I T N AT G E O E X P E D I T I O N S . C O M / I C E L A N D
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T H E H O LY L A N D : P A S T, P R E S E N T, A N D F U T U R E T H E N AT I O N A L GEOGR APHIC DIFFERENCE • Hear a unique dual narrative provided by our Israeli and Palestinian guides, trained in peace-building by National Geographic Emerging Explorer Aziz Abu Sarah. • Explore Caesarea Maritima with geoarchaeologist and National Geographic Emerging Explorer Beverly Goodman. • Meet with an environmentalist from Friends of the Earth Middle East, whose efforts to foster Arab-Jewish cooperation through environmental stewardship were featured in the April 2010 issue of National Geographic magazine. • In Jerusalem, get an insider’s view of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from an Israeli politician, then travel to the West Bank for the rare opportunity to meet with officials of the Palestinian Authority.
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Meet an imam from the Al-Aqsa Mosque who will explain the importance of this holy site to Muslims. Then visit the Western Wall, touch the ancient stones, and meet with a rabbi to learn about the significance of this sacred place. A local pastor then joins us at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, home to six Christian sects and, according to tradition, the tomb of Jesus. In the afternoon, ascend to the top of the Mount of Olives, and take in a panoramic view of the domes, spires, and golden stones of Jerusalem’s Old City. American Colony Hotel | Meals: B/L/D
DAY 3
DAY 1
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TEL AVIV, ISRAEL/JERUSALEM
Arrive in Tel Aviv and transfer to Jerusalem. Relax at the hotel before our reception and welcome dinner tonight. American Colony Hotel | Meals: D
DAY 2
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JERUSALEM
Begin the day on the Temple Mount, capped by the shining cupola of the Dome of the Rock.
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JERUSALEM
Just outside the Old City walls lies the City of David, thought to be the original capital city established by King David some 3,000 years ago. Venture into the archaeological site and meet with its Israeli administrators; later, speak with residents of the nearby Palestinian neighborhood who oppose the excavations. Get an insider’s perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with an Israeli politician; then travel to Ramallah, where we are granted rare access to the offices of the Palestinian Authority to hear from a high-ranking politician. American Colony Hotel | Meals: B/L
Traced by his shadow, a Hasidic Jew prays at the Western Wall.
DAY 4
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JERUSALEM
Today, trace the turbulent history of the birth of the state of Israel. At Yad Vashem, Israel’s moving memorial to the Holocaust, meet with a Holocaust survivor for a personal glimpse into one of history’s darkest moments. Then travel to Ein Kerem, where Christian tradition says John the Baptist was born. An Israeli and a Palestinian guide will each tell their divergent narrative of the village’s role in Israel’s 1948
Above: Two of the most sacred sites in the Holy Land, the Dome of the Rock and the Western Wall, shimmer as evening descends on Old Jerusalem. 68
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ing time on your own to float in the Dead Sea, wander through the hotel’s botanical garden, or enjoy an optional spa treatment.
MIDDLE EAST
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Land
Light
Ein Gedi Boutique Hotel | Meals: B/L/D
DAY 7
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THE JORDAN RIVER VALLEY/ TIBERIAS
Soar up the flank of Masada in a gondola and explore King Herod’s 2,000-year-old mountaintop refuge. Then follow the Jordan Valley north to the Roman city of Bet She’an to see its remarkably preserved amphitheater, baths, and column-lined streets. Along the way, stop to dip your feet in the Jordan River, where Christian pilgrims come to be baptized. The Scots Hotel | Meals: B/L/D
DAY 8 The ancient Phoenician settlement of Caesarea Maritima was rebuilt by Herod the Great in the first century B.C.
War of Independence. Enjoy time to explore Jerusalem on your own. Tonight, gather for a discussion with Israeli and Palestinian peace activists from the Bereaved Families Forum. American Colony Hotel | Meals: B/D
DAY 5
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BETHLEHEM AND THE WEST BANK
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GALILEE
Visit Caesarea Philippi, a center of worship from the Hellenic age to the early Christian era. Explore the area as you wish this afternoon: follow a scenic trail to the Banias waterfall, or enjoy a short hike through Tel Dan National Park to the ancient city of Dan. Take a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee from Tiberias to Capernaum, where Jesus lived and preached and where many Apostles, including Peter, made their home. The Scots Hotel | Meals: B/L/D
DAY 9
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NAZARETH/JAFFA/TEL AVIV
Travel to the Gush Etzion settlement bloc to hear the viewpoints of Israeli settlers. Continue to Bethlehem and visit Manger Square; then, at the Church of the Nativity, descend into the cave revered by many as the birthplace of Jesus. Walk through a nearby Palestinian refugee camp, and learn how murals and graffiti have been used to depict the refugees’ struggles. Our final stop is Herodion, a volcano-shaped hill and fortress built by Herod the Great. Over dinner, take in a musical performance by a group of Israeli and Palestinian musicians.
Hear the perspective of an Israeli Arab Christian on the way to Nazareth, where we visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, one of the largest churches in the Middle East. On an excursion to the mountaintop village of Beit Jann, discover the secretive traditions of the Druze people, and enjoy lunch with a Druze family in their home. Travel toward the Mediterranean coast this afternoon, and explore picturesque Jaffa, a strategic port town dating back to the Bronze Age. The bustling city of Tel Aviv is our home for tonight. Enjoy dinner here on your own.
American Colony Hotel | Meals: B/L/D
Dan Tel Aviv Hotel | Meals: B/L
DAY 6
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JERUSALEM/JERICHO/ DEAD SEA
This morning, meet with an environmentalist from Friends of the Earth Middle East, whose efforts to foster Arab-Jewish cooperation through environmental stewardship were featured in the special April 2010 “Water” issue of National Geographic magazine. View the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Israel Museum, and then drive down through the Judean Desert to Jericho to visit the archaeological site of Tel Jericho. This afternoon, continue to our hotel, located in the Ein Gedi kibbutz on the shores of the Dead Sea. Learn about the kibbutz movement before enjoy-
DAYS 10 AND 11
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CAESAREA MARITIMA/ TEL AVIV
Follow the coast north to Caesarea Maritima, Herod’s harbor city, and visit the ruins with geo-archaeologist and National Geographic Emerging Explorer Beverly Goodman. Then enjoy a free afternoon in Tel Aviv before gathering for a farewell reception and dinner. After breakfast the next morning, transfer to the airport for your flight home. Dan Tel Aviv Hotel Meals: Day 10:
DAT E S 2018: Mar. 17–27 Apr. 21–May 1 May 5–15 Oct. 6–16
Oct. 20–30 Nov. 3–13 Nov. 10–20 Dec. 29, 2018–Jan. 8, 2019
$6,995
COST
Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $2,395. Airfare to/from Tel Aviv is not included in the expedition cost. Please note: A State Department travel warning for Israel is currently in effect (http://travel.state.gov). We expect to operate this trip as planned, but we will continue to closely monitor events in the region and will alter the itinerary if necessary. Maximum group size: 25
OUR EXPERTS A National Geographic expert and expedition leader will accompany this trip. Educator and National Geographic Emerging Explorer Aziz Abu Sarah will join the May 5 and November 10 departures. Read his bio on our website. Author Yuval Ben-Ami writes for the Hebrew edition of National Geographic magazine and has published two travel books about Israel. Yuval will join the remaining departures. Read his bio on our website.
W H AT TO E X P E C T Travelers should be in good health and comfortable standing for extended periods of time; walking up to two miles a day; and navigating uneven terrain, narrow paths, and stairs without handrails. Days are full on this expedition: we have scheduled numerous activities with both Israelis and Palestinians in an effort to provide a comprehensive understanding of the region's complex narrative.
B/D; Day 11: B
OPTIONAL EXTENSION Add a three-day extension to Petra, Jordan. Visit our website or call for details.
F O R A D D I T I O N A L T R I P S TO T H E M I D D L E E A S T, VISIT NATG EOEXPEDITIONS.COM/MIDDLEE A ST
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A L A S K A’ S I N S I D E PA S S AG E T H E N AT I O N A L GEOGR APHIC DIFFERENCE • The National Geographic Quest and National Geographic Sea Lion are each equipped with a fleet of expedition landing craft and kayaks, allowing for in-depth exploration of icebergs, calving glaciers, and hidden coves. • Our undersea specialist reveals Alaska’s seldom seen marine life, and the ship’s hydrophone transmits communication among whales. • Hear a Tlingit cultural interpreter share the oral lore of Alaska’s indigenous populations. • Meet members of the Alaska Whale Foundation to learn about the behaviors of the area whale population.
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DAY 2
DAY S
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TRACY ARM–FORDS TERROR WILDERNESS
Voyage into Tracy or Endicott Arm, both spectacular glacially carved fjords. See the soaring Dawes or South Sawyer Glacier up close, and take a cruise in an expedition landing craft for an unbeatable view of sculpted icebergs. Keep an eye out for harbor seals, porpoises, and arctic terns. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 3
DAY 1
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JUNEAU, ALASKA
Fly from Seattle to Juneau. Meet our naturalists and visit the newly constructed Alaska State Museum, home to an impressive collection of natural history and cultural artifacts. Tour downtown Juneau, and settle into your cabin before dinner. Later, explore the port of Juneau on your own. National Geographic Quest or National Geographic Sea Lion for the entire voyage
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PETERSBURG
Search for humpback whales as we head toward the small Alaska town of Petersburg on Mitkof Island, founded more than 100 years ago by Norwegian anglers. Explore Southeast Alaska’s muskeg, an area with stunted trees and carnivorous plants. There is an opportunity for optional flight-seeing (weather permitting) or bike riding. Enjoy a crab feast for dinner this evening. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 4
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EXPLORING FREDERICK SOUND AND CHATHAM STRAIT
Watch for whales and hike forest trails or kayak in the tiny coves in this area. Meet members of the Alaska Whale Foundation—whose work is supported by a grant from the Lindblad Expeditions– National Geographic Fund—and discuss some of
A brown bear lumbers alongside a stream.
their recent discoveries about the region’s marine mammal population. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 5
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ICY STRAIT AND THE INIAN ISLANDS
Cruise among the Inian Islands, where an abundance of Steller sea lions reside. Hike nearby islands, kayak, and search for marine mammals in the rich waters off Icy Strait. Conditions permitting, we’ll lower the ship’s hydrophone to listen in on the whales’ communication. Meals: B/L/D
Above: A humpback whale demonstrates its power as it breaches the surface of Frederick Sound. 70
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I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Expedition Cruise
DAT E S 2018: From May through August, expeditions depart every week. See the calendar on page 137 for specific departure dates. Certain departures follow the itinerary shown but in the reverse order. All Alaska’s Inside Passage departures are family friendly. See the box below for details.
A kayaker paddles past waterfalls in southeast Alaska.
DAY 6
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GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE
By special permit, explore Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, a not-to-be-missed Alaska gem. See glaciers that end abruptly at the water’s edge, and observe them calving, when tons of ice crash into the sea. Wilderness abounds—mountain goats and brown bears patrol the shore; and harbor seals, Steller sea lions, and puffins swim in these icy waters. A native Tlingit interpreter joins us to share the local lore. We will also be joined by a National Park Service ranger. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 7
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an isolated meadow. Sightings of bald eagles are very common. If conditions permit, we’ll go kayaking, always watching for marine and terrestrial life. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 8
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SITKA/SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
After breakfast, disembark in Sitka, Southeast Alaska’s only oceanfront town. Visit the onion-domed St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Church. At the Alaska Raptor Center, get an up-close view of species normally seen at a distance. Drive to the airport for our afternoon flight to Seattle. Meals: B
EXPLORING ALASKA’S ISLANDS, BAYS, AND FJORDS
Today, nature is our guide. We may explore an isolated beach to take a closer look at tide pools and beachcomb, hike stunning forest trails, or see bear tracks worn into the soil while walking
COST
Quest
Sea Lion
Category 1
$6,590
$5,990
Category 2
$7,290
$6,890
Category 3
$7,790
$7,990
Category 4
$8,690
N/A
Category 5
$9,590
N/A
See descriptions, photos, and deck plans for the National Geographic Quest and National Geographic Sea Lion on page 130. Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin on the Quest, add $3,400 in Category 1 and $3,310 in Category 2. For a single cabin on the Sea Lion, add $3,000 in Category 1 and $3,450 in Category 2. Airfare to/from Seattle and between Seattle and Alaska is not included in the expedition cost. The group flights from Seattle to Juneau and return from Sitka, or vice versa, are $410 per person.
SPECIAL OFFER
OPTIONAL EXTENSION
Book by March 31, 2018 and receive complimentary round-trip airfare between Seattle and Alaska on the May 20 and 27, 2018 departures.
Add a seven-day extension to Denali National Park and Preserve, including a stay at the North Face Lodge. Visit our website or call for details.
Maximum ship capacity: National Geographic Quest: 100 National Geographic Sea Lion: 62
EXPEDITION TEAM A diverse team of experts, including an expedition leader, a photo instructor, and naturalists, will accompany this trip. National Geographic photographer Flip Nicklin will join the June 3 and 10, 2018 departures. Read his bio and find more experts on our website. This trip is operated in partnership with Lindblad Expeditions.
N E W ! N AT I O N A L G E O G R A P H I C G LO B A L E X P LO R E R S P R O G R A M Beginning in June 2018, young travelers on all our Alaska’s Inside Passage expeditions can participate in the National Geographic Global Explorers program. Developed with National Geographic Education, this hands-on, interactive program teaches kids how to explore like scientists and offers all kinds of fun activities—like learning about glaciers by making ice cream sundaes, or using glacial ice to paint watercolors. Our certified field educators are trained to optimize the myriad learning opportunities found in Alaska. Kids will hone their observation skills and learn to capture and share their experiences through photographs, videos, maps, drawings, and more. With a range of activities to choose from—in the field and on board—our flexible program encourages young travelers to explore their own interests, whether it’s marine biology or photography.
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WILD ALASKA ESCAPE THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Aboard the agile National Geographic Sea Bird, enter narrow channels and small ports that are inaccessible to large ships. • Peer into the hidden world beneath the ship—alive with whales, sea lions, and colorful fish—through underwater footage captured that day and interpreted by our undersea specialist. • Get close to dramatic icebergs and glaciers on excursions by expedition landing craft in Tracy or Endicott Arm. • Learn from a team of naturalists during hikes and bike rides through ancient forests and kayaking excursions along rugged coastlines.
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DAY 3
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LYNN CANAL
I N F O R M AT I O N
Venture to the northern limit of Alaska’s Inside Passage, the Lynn Canal—North America’s longest and deepest fjord. Spend the day hiking and kayaking in the shadows of snowcapped peaks. Meals: B/L/D
Trip Type
Activity Level
Expedition Cruise
DAT E S DAY 4
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HAINES
Known as the “adventure capital of Alaska,” Haines is situated on a scenic peninsula between the Chilkoot and Chilkat Rivers. Hike one of the many world-class trails in the area, enjoy a flight-seeing tour, or cycle along the edge of a glacial fjord. Or set off on a rafting excursion, keeping an eye out for bald eagles, bears, and moose as we float through the spectacular Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 1
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DAY 5
SITKA, ALASKA
Arrive in Sitka, Alaska, and enjoy a walk in Sitka National Historical Park, where Tlingit and Haida totem poles tower over coastal trails. Visit the Alaska Raptor Center for an up-close look at Alaska’s birds of prey. National Geographic Sea Bird for the entire voyage
DAY 2
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Meals: L/D
EXPLORING BARANOF OR CHICHAGOF ISLAND
Explore the breathtaking bays of Baranof or Chichagof Island, both of which are part of the ancient Tongass National Forest. Chichagof Island harbors one of the highest concentrations of bears in the world, and both islands are home to diverse wildlife. Kayak or paddleboard along rugged coastlines. In the afternoon, go hiking through the temperate rain forest, listening for the calls of bald eagles from the tops of towering spruce and hemlock trees. Meals: B/L/D
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TRACY ARM–FORDS TERROR WILDERNESS
Wake up in Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm, part of the Tracy Arm–Fords Terror Wilderness. Cruise through this glacially carved landscape, then set out to explore by expedition landing craft. View the soaring Dawes or South Sawyer Glacier up close—and, possibly witness the dramatic sight of huge slabs of ice breaking off and crashing into the water below. If conditions permit, paddle a kayak below the steep walls of the fjord. Celebrate your voyage with a farewell dinner on board. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 6
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JUNEAU/SEATTLE
Disembark in Juneau and transfer to the airport for your flight to Seattle. Meals: B
2018: Aug. 7–12 May 19–24 June 28–July 3 May 24–29* July 3–8* Aug. 12–17* Aug. 17–22 May 29–June 3 July 8–13 June 3–8* July 13–18* Aug. 22–27* *These departures follow the itinerary shown but in the reverse order.
COST Category 1
$4,290
Category 2
$4,990
Category 3
$5,990
See the description, photo, and deck plan for the National Geographic Sea Bird on page 130. Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin, add $2,150 in Category 1 and $2,500 in Category 2. Airfare to Sitka and return from Juneau, or vice versa, is not included in the expedition cost. Maximum ship capacity: 62
EXPEDITION TEAM A diverse team of experts, including an expedition leader, a photo instructor, and naturalists, will accompany this trip. National Geographic photographer Krista Rossow will join the May 29 and June 3, 2018 departures. Read her bio and find more experts on our website. This trip is operated in partnership with Lindblad Expeditions.
FO R A D D ITI O N A L T R I P S TO A L A S K A ,
Above: A hiker explores sun-streaked woodlands in Tongass National Forest. 72
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A L A S K A : D E N A L I T O K E N A I FJ O R D S THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Hear tales of the Iditarod from trail veteran Mary Shields, and interact with sled dogs at her log home outside Fairbanks. • Watch for humpbacks, orcas, and tidewater glaciers on a wilderness cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park. • Ride to Denali aboard the scenic Denali Star, and learn about the park’s dynamic ecosystem from a National Geographic expert. • Get up close with Alaska’s wildest residents at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, an animal rehabilitation facility.
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DAY 5
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DENALI NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE/ANCHORAGE
Go on an early morning drive to spot wildlife when they are most active. Board a private bus for the stunning journey south to Anchorage, taking in views of glacier-capped peaks and the Susitna River watershed along the way. Stop for lunch in historic Talkeetna. Hotel Captain Cook I Meals: B/L
DAYS 6 AND 7 I GIRDWOOD/KENAI PENINSULA /KENAI FJORDS NATIONAL PARK
DAYS 1 AND 2 I FAIRBANKS, ALASKA/ DENALI NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE Arrive in Fairbanks and meet Iditarod veteran Mary Shields and her sled dogs. The next day, step aboard the celebrated Denali Star and travel to Denali National Park and Preserve. Drive into the heart of the park in search of moose, caribou, gray wolves, grizzlies, and Dall sheep. Springhill Suites Fairbanks; Denali Backcountry Lodge
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Meals: Day 1: D; Day 2: B/L/D
DAYS 3 AND 4
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Take the tram to the top of Alyeska Mountain for panoramic views, or enjoy up-close animal encounters at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Drive along the scenic Seward Highway to the coastal town of Seward. The next day, embark on a day cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park. Watch for humpback whales and orcas, playful sea otters and seals; glide past towering tidewater glaciers; and listen for the telltale boom of glacial calving. Celebrate your Alaska adventure with a farewell dinner on the Seward harbor. Seward Windsong Lodge Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAY 8
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KENAI PENINSULA/ANCHORAGE
On our final morning, set out on one last hike to the impressive Exit Glacier. Return to Anchorage and connect with your flight home. Meals: B
DENALI NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE
In Denali’s magnificent interior, set out on guided hikes or walks each day. Meander in wildflowerstrewn meadows, or hike to a ridgeline summit for commanding views. Weather permitting, opt for a flight-seeing trip around Denali, or choose to go fishing, gold-panning, or mountain biking at the lodge. Enjoy an evening talk by our expert. Denali Backcountry Lodge
I Meals: B/L/D Daily
SPECIAL F A M I LY D E PA R T U R E S As indicated in the Dates section above, certain departures of this expedition are designated as Alaska: Denali to Kenai Fjords Family Expeditions. Visit our website for details and the expert leading each departure. Cost: from: $5,845 per person
Above: A sleuth of brown bear cubs scans the Alaska tundra. I
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I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Land
Light / Moderate
DAT E S 2018: June 6–13 June 13–20 Aug. 1–8 Aug. 29–Sept. 5 Sept. 5–12
Family Expeditions: July 4–11 July 11–18 Aug. 8–15
$6,495
COST
Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $1,075. Airfare to Fairbanks and return from Anchorage, and the optional flight-seeing trip around Denali, are not included in the expedition cost. Maximum group size: 25
OUR EXPERT A National Geographic expert and expedition leader will accompany this trip. Geographer M Jackson will join the June 6 and 13 and August 29 departures. Read her bio and find more experts on our website.
OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS Extend your trip in Alaska with a stay at Winterlake Lodge or Tutka Bay Lodge, both members of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World collection. Visit our website or call for details.
W H AT TO E X P E C T Travelers should be in good health and comfortable walking or standing for extended periods of time. This expedition is designed to accommodate guests at different activity levels, with easy or moderate hikes ranging from one to five miles or more. The itinerary includes several long drives as well as travel by boat and train. FO R A D D ITI O N A L T R I P S TO A L A S K A , V I S I T N AT G E O E X P E D I T I O N S . C O M /A L A S K A
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T R E A S U R E S O F T H E I N S I D E PA S S AG E: AL A SK A AND B RITISH COLUMBIA THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • The nimble National Geographic Quest is designed to navigate narrow Alaska inlets and passageways that are inaccessible to larger ships. • By special permission, spend a full day discovering the calving ice fields and wildlife-rich waters of spectacular Glacier Bay. • Meet with members of a Kwakwaka’wakw community—indigenous peoples of British Columbia—and enjoy a traditional performance. • Explore the charming city of Victoria, British Columbia on a guided walking tour, and enjoy a private reception surrounded by incredible artwork at the Robert Bateman Centre.
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plore picturesque bays and inlets by kayak and on foot. Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 8 AND 9
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Meals: B/L/D Daily
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TRACY ARM—FORDS TERROR WILDERNESS
Enter Tracy or Endicott Arm—spectacular fjords where waterfalls cascade from glacially carved walls. Board Zodiacs to maneuver among icebergs and get close-up views of a glacier. Meals: B/L/D
DAYS 1, 2, AND 3 I SEATTLE, WASHINGTON/SAN JUAN ISLANDS/ VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA Arrive in Seattle and embark our ship. Discover the San Juan Islands on hikes and kayaking excursions, and seek out orcas in the surrounding waters. Explore the charming city of Victoria, and enjoy a private reception at the Robert Bateman Centre this evening. National Geographic Quest for the entire voyage Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 4–7 I GULF ISLANDS/ ALERT BAY/ JOHNSTONE STRAIT/BRITISH COLUMBIA’S INSIDE PASSAGE Paddle a kayak along the Strait of Georgia, discover pristine islets, and spot harbor seals and seabirds. In Alert Bay, visit the U’Mista Cultural Centre to meet with members of a Kwakwaka’wakw community and watch a traditional First Nations performance. Continue north, stopping to ex-
DAY 11
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GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE
By special permission, enjoy an entire day to explore Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. A Huna Tlingit cultural interpreter joins us on board to give a firsthand perspective on Alaska’s indigenous people. Meals: B/L/D
DAYS 12 AND 13 I INIAN ISLANDS/ICY STRAIT/BARANOF OR CHICHAGOF ISLAND Hike and kayak among the Inian Islands, and search for whales in the Icy Strait. The next day, set out by foot or kayak to explore either Baranof or Chichagof Island—both part of the Tongass National Forest. Meals: B/L/D Daily
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Trip Type
Activity Level
MISTY FIORDS, ALASKA/ PETERSBURG
Cruise beneath the cliffs of Misty Fiords National Monument Wilderness. Set out by Zodiac or kayak into forested backwaters framed by snowcapped peaks. Search for humpback whales as we navigate to the fishing village of Petersburg on Mitkof Island.
DAY 10
I N F O R M AT I O N
SITKA
Disembark in Sitka and visit St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral, Sitka National Historical Park, and the Alaska Raptor Center. Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Meals: B
Expedition Cruise
DAT E S 2018: Apr. 30–May 13 Sept. 2–15* *This departure follows the itinerary shown but in the reverse order.
COST Category 1
$9,990
Category 2
$10,640
Category 3
$11,190
Category 4
$11,990
Category 5
$12,890
See the description, photo, and deck plan for the National Geographic Quest on page 130. Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin, add $5,000 in Category 1 and $5,320 in Category 2. Airfare to Seattle and return from Sitka, or vice versa, is not included in the expedition cost.
SPECIAL OFFER Book by March 31, 2018 and receive free one-way airfare between Sitka and Seattle on both departures. Maximum ship capacity: 100
EXPEDITION TEAM A diverse team of experts, including an expedition leader, a photo instructor, and naturalists, will accompany this trip. National Geographic photographer and marine biologist Flip Nicklin will join both departures. Read his bio on our website. This trip is operated in partnership with Lindblad Expeditions.
Above: Clutching its prized catch, an Alaska grizzly makes for the shore. 74
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A L A S K A P R I VAT E E X P E D I T I O N THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Wind through the majestic valleys of the Alaska Range aboard the Denali Star. • Stay at Winterlake Lodge, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World set along the historic Iditarod Trail, and enjoy a dogsledding demonstration. • Hike or bike through Denali National Park and Preserve’s backcountry with a naturalist guide. • Fly above the tundra on a floatplane for a bird’s-eye view of the majestic Alaskan wilderness.
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Trail (weather permitting). The next day, take in panoramic vistas during a guided hike to Wolverine Ridge. Return to the lodge for a frontier-fusion cooking demonstration. Later, go kayaking or canoeing on Finger Lake, or attend a naturalist talk. Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge; Winterlake Lodge | Meals: Day 5: B/L; Days 6 and 7: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 8 AND 9
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ANCHORAGE
Fly to Anchorage and take a tour of the city, including a stop at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Fly home the following day. Hotel Captain Cook | Meals: Days 8 and 9: B Daily
OPTIONAL EXTENSION
DAYS 1–4 I FAIRBANKS, ALASKA/ DENALI NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE
Extend your trip with a stay at Tutka Bay Lodge, a National Geographic Unique Lodge located on the shores of the Kenai Peninsula. Kayak into fjords, explore lush forests, and join a chef in the kitchen.
Arrive in Fairbanks and visit the University of Alaska’s Museum of the North. The next day, travel deep into Denali National Park and Preserve and explore the park’s backcountry on the excursions of your choice. Options include hiking in the Kantishna Hills with a naturalist, biking along old mining roads, fly-fishing, panning for gold, and wildlife viewing. Pike’s
F E AT U R E D N AT I O N A L G E O G R A P H I C U N I Q U E LO D G E
Activity Level
Private
Light / Moderate
DAT E S This is a private expedition, so you may select any dates that are convenient for you. This private expedition is offered June through September.
COST from $8,695 from $9,495
4+ people 2 people
Prices are per person, double occupancy, and are subject to availability. Single-traveler prices are available upon request. A holiday surcharge may apply to certain travel dates. Airfare to Fairbanks and return from Anchorage, and within Alaska, is not included in the expedition cost. The flights within Alaska are $965 per person.
LOCAL GUIDES Top local guides will accompany you throughout the trip, and you will meet other local experts as described in the itinerary.
Travelers should be in good health and comfortable walking or standing for extended periods of time. This expedition is designed to accommodate guests at different activity levels, with easy or moderate hikes ranging from one to five miles or more, as well as optional excursions by kayak or bike. The itinerary includes several long drives as well as travel by floatplane and train.
Waterfront Lodge; Kantishna Roadhouse or Denali B/L/D Daily
Board the Denali Star for a scenic train ride through the Alaska wilderness. Take a floatplane to Winterlake Lodge, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World. Join a guide for an interpretive walk along the neighboring Iditarod
Trip Type
W H AT TO E X P E C T
Backcountry Lodge | Meals: Day 2: B/D; Days 3 and 4:
DAYS 5, 6, AND 7 I DENALI STAR/ SOUTH-CENTRAL ALASKA WILDERNESS
I N F O R M AT I O N
Enjoy an authentic Alaska backcountry experience during two nights at Winterlake Lodge, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World. Fly-fish, hike, and join a naturalist for an exclusive early morning photo walk.
FO R A D D ITI O N A L T R I P S TO A L A S K A ,
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EPIC ALASK A: MISTY FIORDS T O T H E LY N N C A N A L THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Aboard the National Geographic Sea Bird, travel to the southern and northern extremes of Alaska’s coastal waterways, experiencing the breadth and beauty of its forests, fjords, and glaciers. • By special permit, spend a day sailing the coastal waters of Tongass National Forest, and enjoy a full day to explore Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. • Kayak and cruise by expedition landing craft amid the breathtaking cliffs of Misty Fiords National Monument. • Raft through the remote Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve—home to one of the largest convocations of bald eagles in the world. ITINER ARY
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DAYS 5, 6, AND 7
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TRACY ARM–FORDS TERROR WILDERNESS
Navigate the iceberg-strewn waters of Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm, where waterfalls cascade down granite cliffs. Capture images of the majestic South Sawyer or Dawes Glacier. The next day, explore Haines on a hike, a bike ride along a glacial lake, or a rafting excursion through the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. At the ancient Tlingit village of Klukwan, photograph a traditional dance performance. Hike or kayak at the northern limit of Alaska’s Inside Passage. Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAY 8
DAY 1
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KETCHIKAN, ALASKA
Arrive in the coastal city of Ketchikan. View the priceless collection of 19th-century Tlingit totem poles at the Totem Heritage Center before embarking our ship. National Geographic Sea Bird for the entire voyage
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Meals: D
DAYS 2, 3, AND 4 I MISTY FIORDS/ TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST/ PETERSBURG Wake amid the glacially carved cliffs of Misty Fiords National Monument. Set out by expedition landing craft and kayak into this spectacular wilderness of lakes, waterfalls, and snowcapped peaks. Hike beneath towering trees in the Tongass National Forest, then cruise through scenic channels in search of humpback whales. Visit the quaint town of Petersburg on Mitkof Island. Explore by bicycle or take aerial shots on an optional flight-seeing tour (weather permitting). Meals: B/L/D Daily
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GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE
In Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, get up close to blue icebergs and watch for ice calving off the glacier. Search for mountain goats, harbor seals, and puffins along the coast, and learn local lore from a native Tlingit interpreter and National Park Service ranger. Meals: B/L/D
DAYS 9 AND 10
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ICY STRAIT/BARANOF OR CHICHAGOF ISLAND
Cruise amid the Inian islands, home to Steller sea lions; search for whales off Icy Strait; and venture to the shores of Baranof or Chichagof Island. Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAY 11
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SITKA/SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
Disembark to visit Saint Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral and the Alaska Raptor Center before transferring to the airport for your flight home. Meals: B
SPECIAL PHOTOGRAPHY D E PA RT U R E S As indicated in the Dates section above, select departures of this expedition are designated as photography expeditions. You’ll learn tips and techniques while capturing Alaska’s Inside Passage alongside a National Geographic photographer. Visit our website for details.
Above: Travelers in an expedition landing craft frame an iceberg at close range. 76
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I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Expedition Cruise
DAT E S 2018: June 8–18* June 18–28
Photo Departures: July 18–28* July 28–Aug. 7 *These departures follow the itinerary shown but in the reverse order.
COST Category 1
$8,990
Category 2
$10,490
Category 3
$11,890
See the description, photo, and deck plan for the National Geographic Sea Bird on page 130. Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin, add $4,500 in Category 1 and $5,250 in Category 2. Airfare to Ketchikan and return from Sitka, or vice versa, is not included in the expedition cost. Maximum ship capacity: 62
EXPEDITION TEAM A diverse team of experts, including an expedition leader, a photo instructor, and naturalists, will accompany this trip. National Geographic photographer Rich Reid will join the July 18 and 28, 2018 departures. Read his bio and find more experts on our website. This trip is operated in partnership with Lindblad Expeditions.
FO R A D D ITI O N A L T R I P S TO A L A S K A , V I S I T N AT G E O E X P E D I T I O N S . C O M /A L A S K A
CALL 1-888-966-8687 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/EXPEDITIONCRUISES
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NORTH AMERICA
EXPLORING B RITISH COLUMB IA AND THE SAN JUAN ISL ANDS THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Discover the coastal wilderness of British Columbia and the most remote of the San Juan Islands aboard the intimate National Geographic Sea Bird. • Examine the behavior of orcas at close range, using underwater exploration tools like a video camera and a hydrophone. • Glide into the secluded fjords and inlets of Desolation Sound while exploring by kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or expedition landing craft. • Spend a day exploring the charming city of Victoria, and attend a private reception at the museum of acclaimed natural history artist Robert Bateman.
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This trip is operated in partnership with Lindblad Expeditions.
DAY 4
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VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA
Arrive in charming Victoria, situated on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. Choose from several activities as we explore British Columbia’s capital city. Visit private gardens, bike along the waterfront, take a walking tour through historic neighborhoods, or peruse local art galleries. In the evening, enjoy a private reception at the Robert Bateman Centre while learning about the work of one of Canada’s best known artists. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 5
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EXPLORING THE GULF ISLANDS
Wake up this morning among the Gulf Islands, a forested archipelago in the Strait of Georgia. We’ll take our pick of perfect spots to kayak, hike, and search for wildlife. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 6 DAY 1
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SEATTLE
Arrive in Seattle and embark our ship. National Geographic Sea Bird for the entire voyage Meals: D
DAY 2
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EXPLORING THE SAN JUAN ISLANDS
Spend the day exploring the more remote San Juan Islands, an emerald green archipelago off the coast of Washington that is ideal for kayaking, hiking, and exploring by expedition landing craft. Search for seals, sea lions, and sea otters in rocky inlets, and spot bald eagles while walking through dense forests. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 3
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Visit the picturesque town of Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. Explore fascinating collections at the Whale Museum, and stop in at small shops and galleries. Later, search for orcas on our way to British Columbia. Meals: B/L/D
JOHNSTONE STRAIT/ALERT BAY
Sail through Johnstone Strait, one of the foremost viewing areas for orcas in the Northern Hemisphere. In the village of Alert Bay, visit the U’Mista Cultural Centre, then watch a traditional performance by the Kwakwaka’wakw people and learn about their ancient culture. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 7
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Trip Type
Activity Level
Expedition Cruise
DAT E S 2018: Sept. 15–22 Sept. 22–29* Sept. 29–Oct. 6
Oct. 6–13* Oct. 13–20 Oct. 20–27* *These departures follow the itinerary shown but in the reverse order.
COST Category 1
$4,990
Category 2
$5,690
Category 3
$6,190
See the description, photo, and deck plan for the National Geographic Sea Bird on page 130. Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin, add $2,500 in Category 1 and $2,850 in Category 2. Airfare to Seattle and return from Vancouver, or vice versa, is not included in the expedition cost. Maximum ship capacity: 62
DESOLATION SOUND
Desolation Sound is a network of sheltered fjords and inlets on the north end of British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast. Explore evergreen-shrouded shores by kayak or go hiking through forests and meadows. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner with the ship’s captain. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 8
FRIDAY HARBOR
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I N F O R M AT I O N
EXPEDITION TEAM
VANCOUVER
Arrive in Vancouver, British Columbia’s largest city. Set against a backdrop of snowcapped mountains, this coastal metropolis is enveloped by natural beauty. Disembark our ship after breakfast, and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Meals: B
A diverse team of experts, including an expedition leader, a photo instructor, and naturalists, will accompany this trip. National Geographic photographer Phil Schermeister will join the September 15 departure. Read his bio and find more experts on our website. This trip is operated in partnership with Lindblad Expeditions.
Above: The setting sun turns kayakers in the Puget Sound into silhouettes. I
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CANADIAN ROCKIES BY RAIL AND TRAIL THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Take in panoramic views of Canada's magnificent Rockies from the glass-domed, Goldleaf-service cars of the Rocky Mountaineer train. • Explore Banff, Yoho, and Jasper National Parks in myriad ways, including a lake cruise, nature hikes, and a thrilling SkyTram Excursion. • Settle into some of the most iconic hotels of the Canadian Rockies, including the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. • Learn about the geology of the powerful Athabasca Glacier on a trekking excursion with an expert guide.
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by Pyramid Creek Falls and over the Continental Divide at Yellowhead Pass. Our train journey culminates as we glide by Mount Robson, the tallest summit in the Canadian Rockies. This evening, arrive in Jasper National Park.
I N F O R M AT I O N
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge | Meals: B/L/D
DAYS 4 AND 5
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JASPER NATIONAL PARK
Travel through the park to Maligne Lake, watching for moose, elk, and caribou. On a scenic boat cruise, skim across the lake’s turquoise water. The next day, soar into the mountains via the Jasper SkyTram, reaching a lookout point over 7,000 feet above sea level. Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Meals: Day 4: B/L; Day 5: B/L/D
DAY 6 I ATHABASCA GLACIER/LAKE LOUISE, BANFF NATIONAL PARK
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DAY 1
VANCOUVER, CANADA
Arrive in Vancouver midday and set off on an afternoon excursion. Explore Stanley Park, and walk the Seawall for incredible views of the skyline. This evening, gather for a welcome reception and dinner. Wedgewood Hotel and Spa | Meals: D
DAY 2
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ROCKY MOUNTAINEER/KAMLOOPS
This morning, board the Rocky Mountaineer, settling into one of its two-level, glass-domed coaches. As you ride the rails, enjoy breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies. Highlights along this leg of the journey include Fraser Canyon, as well as the steep slopes along the Thompson River. Disembark at Kamloops. Hotel 540 or Sandman Signature Kamloops Hotel | Meals: B/L
DAY 3
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ROCKY MOUNTAINEER/JASPER NATIONAL PARK
The Rocky Mountaineer brings us farther north today, entering the Canadian Rockies. We’ll ride
Travel along the scenic Icefields Parkway toward Banff National Park, stopping en route at the Athabasca Glacier to trek on the ice. Late this afternoon, arrive at the historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, situated on a lake in Banff. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise | Meals: B/L
DAY 7
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BANFF NATIONAL PARK/YOHO NATIONAL PARK
Delve into the spectacular landscapes surrounding Lake Louise on a series of hikes. Discover Moraine Lake and Emerald Lake, fringed by picturesque pine forests. Stop for a picnic lunch, and take in a view of the Spiral Tunnels of the Canadian Pacific Railway, an engineering feat dating back to 1909. At the Yoho National Park Visitor Centre, browse interactive exhibitions. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise | Meals: B/L/D
DAY 8
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CALGARY
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Activity Level
Train
Light
DAT E S 2018: July 2–9 Aug. 13–20
Sept. 3–10 Sept. 24–Oct. 1
$9,750
COST
Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $2,190. Airfare to Vancouver and return from Calgary is not included in the expedition cost. Maximum group size: 25
OUR EXPERT A National Geographic expert and expedition leader will accompany this trip. Wildlife biologist and author Jeremy Schmidt will join the August 13 and September 24 departures. Read his bio and find more experts on our website.
OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS Extend your trip in British Columbia with a stay at Siwash Lake Ranch or Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort, both members of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World collection. Visit our website or call for details.
W H AT TO E X P E C T Travelers should be in good health and comfortable walking or standing for extended periods of time. Most walks are short in distance and on good trails and walkways. One two-hour walk on a glacier is done at a slow pace. Two days are spent traveling by train for up to 10–12 hours.
Transfer to the Calgary airport to catch your flight home. Meals: B
Above: National Geographic photographer Susan Seubert captured this shot of the Rocky Mountaineer while on assignment for the November 2015 National Geographic Traveler feature article “Northern Exposure.” 78
Trip Type
FO R A D D ITI O N A L T R I P S TO C A N A DA , V I S I T N AT G E O E X P E D I T I O N S . C O M / C A N A D A
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NORTH AMERICA
G L AC I E R N AT I O N A L PA R K THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Join a naturalist and search for bears, moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats in Glacier National Park. • Ascend the Going-to-the-Sun Road, and go rafting on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. • Discuss Glacier’s changing landscapes with an ecologist from the U.S. Geological Survey who was featured in National Geographic magazine. • Cross over the border to spend a day amid the stunning mountains of Canada’s Waterton Lakes National Park.
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who was featured in the June 2007 issue of National Geographic magazine. Lake McDonald Lodge
DAY 4
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DAY 1
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KALISPELL, MONTANA/ WHITEFISH
Arrive in Kalispell and transfer to our hotel in Whitefish. Grouse Mountain Lodge
DAY 2
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Head to Big Mountain—as locals call Whitefish Mountain Resort—for a ride to the scenic summit. Set off on a hike overlooking Flathead Valley. Delve into the west side of Glacier National Park, and cruise Lake McDonald on an optional boat ride. Lake McDonald Lodge
DAY 3
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Many Glacier Hotel
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LAKE MCDONALD VALLEY
Hike the Trail of the Cedars to Avalanche Lake, or opt to tackle the longer Lincoln Creek Trail. Paddle the rapids of the Middle Fork of the Flathead River on a scenic afternoon float trip. Tonight, attend a talk by Dr. Dan Fagre, a research ecologist and climate change expert
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WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK, CANADA
Set out on a daylong excursion to Canada’s Waterton Lakes National Park, which, together with Glacier, became the world’s first International Peace Park in 1932. It was later designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take a boat ride on Upper Waterton Lake, explore the area on foot, and enjoy high tea at the historic Prince of Wales Hotel. Many Glacier Hotel
DAY 7
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Land
Light / Moderate
DAT E S 2018: July 7–13 Aug. 4–10
Aug. 13–19 Sept. 8–14
$4,595
COST
Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $995. Airfare to/from Kalispell is not included in the expedition cost. Maximum group size: 25
O U R
E X P E R T A National Geographic expert and expedition leader will accompany this trip. Wildlife biologist and writer Doug Chadwick will join the September 8 departure. Read his bio and find more experts on our website.
W H AT TO E X P E C T This expedition is designed to accommodate guests at different activity levels. Choose hiking options ranging from easy 1–2 mile walks to moderate 4–6 mile hikes.
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FLATHEAD RIVER, MONTANA/ KALISPELL
After breakfast, transfer to the airport in Kalispell and connect with your flight home. Meals: B
Above: A bull moose feeds on aquatic flora in Glacier National Park. I
Activity Level
MANY GLACIER VALLEY
Cruise across Swiftcurrent and Josephine Lakes aboard classic wooden boats. Experience Many Glacier Valley, choosing between a short hike or a longer trek to a glacier. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, moose, and bears.
DAY 6
BIG MOUNTAIN/ LAKE MCDONALD
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Trip Type
GOING-TO-THE-SUN ROAD/ MANY GLACIER VALLEY
Today we are joined by local guides for the unforgettable journey over the Going-to-the-Sun Road—a 50-mile engineering marvel that crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. We’ll stop for some truly breathtaking hikes before arriving in Many Glacier Valley, home to abundant wildlife and some of the park’s last visible glaciers. Settle into our historic lodge situated on Swiftcurrent Lake. Many Glacier Hotel I Meals: B/L/D
DAY 5
I N F O R M AT I O N
CALL 1-888-966-8687 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/LANDTRIPS
Gemlike lakes dot the vast wilderness of Glacier National Park.
FOR ADDITIONAL TRIPS TO THE NATIONAL PARK S, VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/NATIONALPARKS
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C O L U M B I A A N D S N A K E R I V E R S V OYA G E THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Aboard the National Geographic Quest, retrace the path of Lewis and Clark’s trailblazing expedition through the Pacific Northwest. • Cruise through the towering canyons of the Columbia River Gorge, and explore the coastline by kayak or Zodiac. • Board a jet boat for a thrilling ride through the rapids of the Snake River and into Hells Canyon, North America’s deepest gorge. • Enjoy delicious meals made with fresh ingredients sourced from local providers located along the path of our journey.
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Bonneville Lock and Dam and Beacon Rock. Hike within sight of one of the gorge’s myriad waterfalls, which include Multnomah Falls, among the highest in the U.S. Continue on to Hood River.
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Meals: B/L/D
DAY 4
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Learn about the region’s natural history at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center. Hike or bike among the cliffs and cascades along Highway 30, one of the original coast-to-coast U.S. highways. At the Maryhill Museum of Art, browse an eclectic collection of native baskets, Rodin sculptures, and chess sets. Cap off the day with a vineyard tour and wine tasting. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 5
DAY 1
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PORTLAND, OREGON
After boarding our ship, cruise the lower reaches of the Willamette River through downtown Portland. National Geographic Quest for the entire voyage Meals: B/L/D
DAY 2
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ASTORIA
Sail to the mouth of the Columbia River. Walk through reconstructed Fort Clatsop, where Meriwether Lewis and William Clark hunkered down for the winter of 1805–1806, and visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum. Weather permitting, choose between a Zodiac or kayak excursion to Cape Disappointment (where the river meets the Pacific Ocean) or the Lewis and Clark Wildlife Refuge. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 3
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COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE AND HOOD RIVER
As we sail east on the Columbia River, deepening canyons signify the beginning of the 100-milelong Columbia River Gorge. Get oriented at
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PALOUSE RIVER
This tributary of the Snake River empties out from a narrow canyon, with calm waters ideal for exploring by Zodiac and kayak. Take in the iconic view of Palouse Falls. Later, sail up the Snake River, sampling local specialties along the way. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 6
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CLARKSTON, WASHINGTON
At the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers, opt for a jet boat ride over rapids and past abandoned homesteads and gold mines to Hells Canyon, North America’s deepest gorge. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 7
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Expedition Cruise
THE DALLES
LEWISTON, IDAHO OR SPOKANE, WASHINGTON
Disembark in Clarkston and transfer to Lewiston, Idaho or Spokane, Washington for your flight home. Meals: B/L/D
OPTIONAL EXTENSION Add a one-day Portland, Oregon city tour and/or a Willamette Valley wine tour. Visit our website or call for details.
DAT E S 2018: Oct. 11–17 Apr. 12–18 Sept. 23–29* Oct. 17–23* Apr. 18–24* Sept. 29–Oct. 5 Sept. 17–23 Oct. 5–11* *These departures follow the itinerary shown but in the reverse order.
COST Category 1
$4,890
Category 2
$5,690
Category 3
$6,650
Category 4
$7,390
Category 5
$8,190
See the description, photo, and deck plan for the National Geographic Quest on page 130. Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin, add $2,450 in Category 1 and $2,850 in Category 2. Airfare to Portland and return from Lewiston or Spokane, or vice versa, is not included in the expedition cost. Maximum ship capacity: 100
SPECIAL OFFER Book by March 31, 2018 and receive a $500 air credit on select 2018 departures. Visit our website or call for details and additional special offers.
EXPEDITION TEAM A diverse team of experts, including an expedition leader, a photo instructor, and naturalists, will accompany this trip. National Geographic photographer Jonathan Kingston will join the September 29 and October 5 departures. Read his bio and find more experts on our website. This trip is operated in partnership with Lindblad Expeditions.
Above: The Vista House observatory sits high above Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge. 80
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A R C H E S, C A N YO N L A N D S, A N D M E S A V E R D E N AT I O N A L PA R K S
NORTH AMERICA
NEW
THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Hike and picnic among the intriguing rock landscapes of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks alongside a National Geographic expert. • Marvel at the ancestral Pueblo Indian dwellings and intricate Cliff Palace of Mesa Verde National Park. • Arrive at your riverside lodge by raft after a thrilling float down the Colorado River as it cuts through eastern Utah’s crimson canyons and towers. • Set off on a 4x4 tour of the rugged Monument Valley with Navajo guides, and sit down together over a traditional lunch.
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DAYS 4 AND 5
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BLUFF, UTAH
Visit Newspaper Rock State Historical Monument, where a stunning concentration of more than 650 ancient petroglyphs adorn a sandstone rock face. Continue on to the Needles District in the southeast corner of Canyonlands, and hike among colorfully striped sandstone spires. Enjoy a picnic, then retreat for the night to the historic town of Bluff. The next day, get immersed in what is perhaps the most iconic landscape of the American West—Monument Valley. Join native guides on a jeep tour of the valley floor, hear the Navajo perspective on the area’s history, and enjoy a traditional Navajo lunch. Desert Rose Inn | Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAY 6 DAY 1
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GRAND JUNCTION, COLORADO
Arrive in Grand Junction and transfer to your hotel. DoubleTree by Hilton Grand Junction
DAYS 2 AND 3
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MOAB, UTAH
Take the scenic route to Moab on a leisurely raft trip along the Colorado River into Utah’s canyon country. Picnic along the riverbanks, then continue by raft to our lodge set among rust-hued cliffs. Rise early the following morning and explore Arches National Park. Go on a series of short hikes to discover some of its 2,000 sandstone arches, and sit down to a picnic set against this gorgeous natural backdrop. Visit Dead Horse Point State Park, a promontory high above a picturesque gooseneck in the Colorado River. Red Cliffs Lodge | Meals: B/L/D Daily
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DURANGO, COLORADO
Set off on a breathtaking drive through Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, and arrive at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mesa Verde National Park—a complex network of ancient Ancestral Puebloan dwellings. Discover the remarkable culture that built these villages and imposing cliff dwellings, and view the famous Cliff Palace, constructed out of natural sandstone, wooden beams, and mortar. This afternoon, continue to the historic railroad town of Durango, and cap off your adventure with a farewell dinner. Strater Hotel | Meals: B/L/D
DAY 7
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DURANGO, COLORADO
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Land
Light / Moderate
DAT E S 2018: Oct. 7–13 Oct. 21–27 Oct. 28–Nov. 3
2019: Apr. 21–27 May 5–11 May 12–18
$4,495
COST
Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $1,195. Airfare to/from Colorado is not included in the expedition cost. Maximum group size: 25
O U R
E X P E R T A National Geographic expert and expedition leader will accompany this trip. Geologist and photographer Stewart Aitchison will join the October 28 departure. Read his bio and find more experts on our website.
W H AT TO E X P E C T Travelers should be in good health and comfortable walking or standing for extended periods of time. This expedition is designed to accommodate guests at different activity levels, with easy or moderate hikes ranging from one to four miles on well marked trails with uneven terrain and sometimes slippery rock. Activities include multiple hikes, a raft trip on the Colorado River, and a 4x4 excursion in Monument Valley.
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Meals: B
F O R A D D I T I O N A L T R I P S TO N AT I O N A L PA R K S ,
Above: Afternoon light illuminates the graceful curve of Delicate Arch. I
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Y E L LO W S TO N E A N D G R A N D T E TO N N AT I O N A L PA R K S THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • From vast canyons to alpine lakes, explore Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks with an expert, on the lookout for grizzlies, bison, bighorn sheep, and elusive gray wolves. • Meet a renowned wildlife photographer at his home studio. • Discover Yellowstone’s geothermal landscape of bubbling mud pots, brilliantly colored hot springs, and erupting geysers—including legendary Old Faithful. • Float on the Snake River beneath the peaks of the Teton Range.
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DAYS 4 AND 5 I GRAND CANYON OF THE YELLOWSTONE/GEYSER BASINS At the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, take a short walk to view towering waterfalls set against a dazzling red and gold palette. In Hayden Valley, look for bison, coyotes, elk, and perhaps a grizzly. Continue to the Upper Geyser Basin, home to the park’s most famous geyser, Old Faithful. Greet the next day with the clockwork eruption of Old Faithful. Then explore this stunning geothermal landscape with our expert, encountering steaming fumaroles, mud pots, and gem-colored mineral pools. Old Faithful Lodge or Grant Village Lodge
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DAYS 6 AND 7 I GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK/JACKSON
DAYS 1 AND 2 I BOZEMAN, MONTANA/ MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, WYOMING Arrive in Bozeman. The next morning, take a scenic drive to Mammoth Hot Springs, just inside Yellowstone National Park. Stroll along travertine terraces sculpted by the hot springs, then attend a welcome dinner. Hilton Garden Inn
Journey south to the saw-toothed Teton Range. After a picnic lunch, visit the historic Murie Ranch and check in to our hotel, located within Grand Teton National Park. The next morning, enjoy a float trip on the Snake River. Explore downtown Jackson and visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art before a farewell dinner this evening. Jackson Lake Lodge I Meals: B/L/D Daily
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Bozeman; Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins
DAY 8
Meals: Day 2: B/L/D
Ride the tram to the top of Rendezvous Peak this morning before transferring to the airport for your return flight home. Meals: B
DAY 3
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LAMAR VALLEY
Rise early for a safari in the Lamar Valley and search for bison, bears, elk, and the elusive gray wolf, reintroduced here in 1995. Meet with a renowned wildlife photographer after lunch, and enjoy hikes and more wildlife sightings later this afternoon. Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins Meals: B/L/D
JACKSON
SPECIAL F A M I LY D E PA R T U R E S As indicated in the Dates section above, select departures of this expedition are designated as Yellowstone and Grand Teton Family Expeditions. Visit our website for details and for the expert leading each departure. Cost: from $4,315 per person
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Land
Light
DAT E S 2018: May 19–26 June 2–9 Aug. 16–23 Aug. 25–Sept. 1 Sept. 8–15 Sept. 20–27
Family Expeditions: June 21–28 July 5–12 July 12–19 July 19–26 July 26–Aug. 2 Aug. 4–11
$4,795
COST
Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $1,390. Airfare to Bozeman and return from Jackson is not included in the expedition cost. Maximum group size: 25
OUR EXPERT A National Geographic expert and expedition leader will accompany this trip. Geologist and naturalist Kitty Coley will join the June 2 and September 20 departures. Read her bio and find more experts on our website.
W H AT TO E X P E C T This expedition is designed to accommodate guests at different activity levels. Choose hiking options ranging from easy 2–4 mile walks to moderate hikes of five miles or more.
OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS Extend your trip with a stay at The Ranch at Rock Creek or Lone Mountain Ranch in Montana, or The Bentwood Inn in Wyoming—all members of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World collection. Visit our website or call for details. FOR ADDITIONAL TRIPS TO THE NATIONAL PARK S,
Above: Named for its brilliant spectrum of colors, Grand Prismatic Spring glows against the ethereal landscape of Yellowstone National Park. 82
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CALL 1-888-966-8687 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/LANDTRIPS
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NORTH AMERICA
W I N T E R W I L D L I F E I N Y E L LO W S TO N E THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Learn about a National Geographic-supported study on the reintroduction of wolves to the park, and seek out these elusive creatures on a safari in the sweeping Lamar Valley. • Meet an Emmy® Award-winning wildlife cinematographer, and hear about his career shooting wildlife films for National Geographic. • Explore the remote reaches of Yellowstone in heated snow coaches, and see famous sites like Old Faithful without the crowds. • Settle into your log cabin at Lone Mountain Ranch, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World (select departures).
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shooting films about wolves and other wildlife for National Geographic. Best Western Plus by Mammoth Hot Springs
I N F O R M AT I O N
I Meals: B/L/D
Trip Type
Activity Level
Land
Light
DAYS 3 AND 4 I GRAND CANYON OF THE YELLOWSTONE/OLD FAITHFUL
DAY 1
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BOZEMAN, MONTANA/ GARDINER
Travel from Bozeman to our hotel just outside Yellowstone National Park. Gather this evening for a welcome reception and dinner. Best Western Plus by Mammoth Hot Springs Meals: D
DAY 2
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MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, WYOMING/LAMAR VALLEY
Head to the open, rolling meadows and wide vistas of the Lamar Valley, where gray wolves were first reintroduced to Yellowstone in 1995. Using a spotting scope, search among herds of elk and bison for coyotes, eagles, and the elusive wolf. Continue to Mammoth Hot Springs, and stroll the steaming, travertine terraces outlined in pure white snow. An Emmy Award–winning wildlife cinematographer joins us this evening (his schedule permitting) to discuss his career
Travel by private snow coach to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Walk to the rim of the spectacular gorge to see its thundering waterfall and the ice arch that forms from the spray. Then continue to Old Faithful to explore a dramatic landscape of erupting geysers, frozen waterfalls, and gem-colored mineral pools. The following day, wander amid the bubbling mud pots and fumaroles of the Upper Geyser Basin. Keep an eye out for wildlife—bison, encrusted in ice, often stand in the pools for warmth. After dark, step outside to admire the incredible canopy of stars in one of the world’s best constellation-viewing spots. Old Faithful Snow Lodge
DAY 5
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Lone Mountain Ranch or Rainbow Ranch Meals: B/L/D
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BOZEMAN
Return to Bozeman for your flight home. Meals: B
Above: Insulated by thick skin, fur, and layers of fat, a bison wades through an icy stream. I
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2018: Dec. 24–29 Dec. 30, 2018– Jan. 4, 2019
2019: Jan. 20–25 Feb. 3–8 Feb. 17–22
Photo Departures: Dec. 22–27, 2018 Jan. 13–18, 2019 Jan. 27–Feb. 1, 2019 Feb. 10–15, 2019 Family Departure: Dec. 27, 2018–Jan. 1, 2019
$4,695
COST
Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $900. Airfare to/from Bozeman is not included in the expedition cost. Maximum group size: 25 (16 on photo departures)
YELLOWSTONE/BIG SKY, MONTANA
After visiting the whimsical Fountain Paint Pot, leave the park via the West Yellowstone gate. Travel to Big Sky, Montana and settle into a log cabin lodge at Lone Mountain Ranch—a member of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World collection (December 30 through February departures only). Celebrate your winter adventure in Yellowstone at a farewell dinner.
DAY 6
DAT E S
CALL 1-888-966-8687 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/LANDTRIPS
OUR EXPERT A National Geographic expert and expedition leader will accompany this trip. Geologist, naturalist, and avid birder Kitty Coley will join the February 3 and 17, 2019 departures. Read her bio and find more experts on our website.
SPECIAL PHOTOGRAPHY A N D F A M I LY D E P A R T U R E S As indicated in the Dates section above, select departures of this expedition are designated as Winter in Yellowstone Photography Expeditions or Winter in Yellowstone Family Expeditions. Visit our website for details and for the National Geographic photographer or expert leading each departure. Photography Departures: from $5,195 per person Family Departures: from $4,295 per person I
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G R A N D C A N YO N , B RYC E C A N YO N , A N D Z I O N N AT I O N A L PA R K S THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Discover the wonders of three national parks—Grand Canyon, Zion, and Bryce Canyon—alongside a National Geographic expert. • Set out on an interpretive stargazing excursion along the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. • Hear an expert describe the geologic events that shaped the regions, then delve into Zion’s magnificent sandstone slot canyons and Bryce Canyon’s surreal maze of red spires. • Stay in historic national park lodges, and learn about the fascinating geology that shaped these distinct canyons.
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DAYS 4 AND 5
I ZION NATIONAL PARK,
I N F O R M AT I O N
UTAH Journey along the Mount Carmel Scenic Byway to Zion National Park. Enjoy a short hike, then settle into our hotel. Join our expert this evening for a discussion of the geologic events that shaped the Grand Staircase. The next day, choose between climbing Scout Lookout or hiking the famed Narrows slot canyon. Flanigan’s Inn or Desert Pearl Inn I Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAY 6
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Bryce Canyon Lodge
Arrive in St. George. The next morning, travel into canyon country, stopping at Pipe Spring National Monument. Settle into our historic lodge at the Grand Canyon, and enjoy a guided stargazing excursion along the North Rim. Best Western Plus Abbey Inn; Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim
DAY 3
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NORTH RIM OF THE GRAND CANYON
Explore the canyon’s rim, peering into the multihued chasm carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. Choose from a variety of hikes for all levels, and learn about the park’s unique ecosystems while enjoying sweeping views at every turn. Return to the lodge, and capture the canyon’s dazzling colors at sunset. Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim
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DAY 7
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BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Bryce Canyon Lodge
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Land
Light / Moderate
DAT E S 2018: May 26–June 2 June 2–9* Aug. 4–11*
Family Departures: June 23–30 July 7–14 July 28–Aug. 4
Sept. 1–8 Sept. 9–16 Oct. 6–13*
*These departures follow a slightly different route, visiting Bryce Canyon National Park before Zion National Park. Visit our website for details.
$4,495
COST
Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $1,100. Airfare to/from St. George is not included in the expedition cost. Maximum group size: 25
OUR EXPERT A National Geographic expert and expedition leader will accompany this trip. Geologist and Fulbright fellow Kirt Kempter will join the May 26 and September 1 departures. Read his bio and find more experts on our website.
KOLOB CANYONS/ST. GEORGE
Wind through Red Canyon to Cedar Breaks National Monument, a jaw-dropping natural amphitheater; continue on to Kolob Canyons, a lesser known area of Zion National Park. Return to St. George for your flight home. Meals: B
W H AT TO E X P E C T This expedition is designed to accommodate guests at different activity levels. Choose hiking options ranging from easy 1–2 mile walks to moderate or strenuous hikes of four miles or more.
Above: Sunlight glints off whimsical sandstone spires in Bryce Canyon National Park. 84
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Spend the day exploring Bryce Canyon’s famous hoodoos—whimsical rock formations that have been eroded into surreal spires. Hike into the heart of the park, and learn about the geology behind this sculpted stone landscape. Take in a sunset over the canyon.
DAY 8
Activity Level
BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Travel to Bryce Canyon, and stop for breathtaking views at Fairyland Point, then stroll along the Rim Trail. Settle into our lodge near the rim of the canyon. Tonight, join a park ranger for a telescope viewing of the starlit sky.
DAYS 1 AND 2 I ST. GEORGE, UTAH/ GRAND CANYON, ARIZONA
Trip Type
SPECIAL F A M I LY D E PA R T U R E S As indicated in the Dates section above, select departures of this expedition are designated as Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Parks Family Expeditions. Visit our website for details and for the expert leading each departure. Cost: from $4,045 per person
FOR ADDITIONAL TRIPS TO THE NATIONAL PARK S, VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/NATIONALPARKS
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Y U C ATÁ N A DV E N T U R E: W H A L E S H A R K S A N D M AYA R U I N S
NORTH AMERICA
NEW
THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Take a private tour of the Maya ruins at Chichén Itzá, exploring the site’s temples and towers at sunrise before they open to the public. • Dive into the turquoise Caribbean waters off Isla Mujeres, and swim with majestic whale sharks on excursions away from the crowds. • Explore the colorful town of Valladolid with a private guide to see relics of the ancient Maya intermingled with Spanish colonial architecture. • Snorkel some of the Yucatán’s mysterious subterranean cenotes, and float through the coastal lagoons of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve as you spot tropical birds.
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fallen trees and colorful plants create the feel of swimming through an ethereal underwater garden. Continue to the Cobá archaeological site and tour its temples with our guide. Stroll the colorful colonial town of Valladolid on a private walking tour, then settle into our lodge, bordering the Chichén Itzá archaeological complex—a World Heritage site, often called one of the new seven wonders of the world. Rise early the following day for a special visit to Chichén Itzá, exploring its temples, marketplace, and expansive ball court on a private tour before the site opens to the public. Later, enjoy lunch in colonial Izamal, home to an impressive Franciscan monastery sitting atop a Maya temple. The Lodge at Chichén Itzá
DAYS 5 AND 6 DAYS 1 AND 2 I CANCÚN, MEXICO/ TULUM/SIAN KA’AN BIOSPHERE RESERVE Land in Cancún and travel to our beachfront hotel in Tulum. Here we’ll meet National Geographic Explorer Guillermo de Anda, an archaeologist specializing in the Maya civilization. Guillermo joins us for the first three days of our adventure, offering expert insight into the region’s fossil discoveries and ancient human history. Tour the Tulum ruins, then head inland to Cenote Cristal for a snorkel in its subterranean cavern. Continue to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ride across a turquoise lagoon and dive in for a float along a mangrove-fringed canal. Ana y José Charming Hotel and Spa Day 2: B/L
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ISLA MUJERES
Travel to Puerto Juárez and board a ferry bound for Isla Mujeres. Check in to our hotel on sleepy Playa Norte—our home for the next two nights. Seek out whale sharks on excursions designed with flexibility to maximize opportunities for private snorkeling with these magnificent creatures. Take a bike ride across Isla Mujeres to a scenic outlook on the isle’s southern shores. Hotel Mia Reef
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DAYS 7 AND 8
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ISLA MUJERES/CANCÚN
Set out on another morning snorkeling excursion to swim with the area’s resident whale sharks. After lunch, return to Cancún and settle into our beachfront hotel, where we’ll enjoy our final night. The next day, transfer to the airport for your return flight home. Presidente
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Active
Light / Moderate
DAT E S 2018: June 4–11 June 18–25
July 16–23 Aug. 13–20
$5,995
COST
Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $1,500. Airfare to/from Cancún is not included in the expedition cost. Please note: A State Department travel warning for Mexico is currently in effect (http://travel.state.gov). We expect to operate this trip as planned, but will continue to closely monitor events in the region, and will alter the itinerary if necessary. Maximum group size: 16
EXPEDITION TEAM One or two top adventure guides, often accompanied by local guides, will lead this trip.
W H AT TO E X P E C T Travelers should be in good health and comfortable walking or standing for extended periods of time. While there is no sustained hiking on this trip, we will be walking for 2–4 hours on most days across uneven terrain. Previous snorkeling experience is not required, but guests should know how to swim and be comfortable in the water. We will stay in comfortable hotels with many amenities that are ideally situated for each day’s activities.
Intercontinental Cancún Resort I Meals: Day 7: B/L/D; Day 8: B
DAYS 3 AND 4 I COBÁ/VALLADOLID/ CHICHÉN ITZÁ/IZAMAL Snorkel the stunning Cenote Aktun Ha, where FOR ADDITIONAL TRIPS TO MEXICO,
Above: A snorkeler swims alongside a whale shark off Isla Mujeres. I
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BAJA CALIFORNIA AND THE SEA O F CO RT E Z : A M O N G T H E G R E AT W H A L E S T H E N AT I O N A L GEOGR APHIC DIFFERENCE • Travel aboard the National Geographic Venture to the breeding grounds of Laguna San Ignacio, and observe gray whales and their calves with our naturalists. • Go snorkeling amid sea lions, king angelfish, and brilliant blue damselfish. • Glimpse the marine world through underwater video footage, and listen in on the haunting songs of whales. • Explore diverse landscapes with our naturalists, discovering sand dunes, a cactus forest, and deserted islands.
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ISLA MAGDALENA
Go ashore on Isla Magdalena, a vast sandy wilderness surrounded by mangrove channels and the protected waters of Magdalena Bay. Explore the island’s ever shifting dunes during a walk to one of the most pristine beaches on the Pacific coast. On the mud flats, spot migrating birds at rest, including frigatebirds, pelicans, cormorants, terns, and great blue herons. Meals: B/L/D
DAYS 4 AND 5
DAYS 1 AND 2
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SAN JOSÉ DEL CABO, MEXICO/LA PAZ
Arrive in San José del Cabo, then transfer to La Paz and enjoy time to relax at our waterfront resort. The next day, travel overland to the fishing community of San Carlos, where we’ll board our ship. CostaBaja Resort & Spa; National Geographic Venture for the remainder of the trip
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LAGUNA SAN IGNACIO
The Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino in Laguna San Ignacio is one of the main breeding and calving areas for California gray whales, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Every year, gray whales migrate here from the Arctic waters of Alaska; it is one of the longest known migrations of mammals and one of nature’s greatest spectacles. In this vast water nursery, observe these enormous yet gentle animals at water level from our Zodiacs. Our extensive experience navigating these waters, as well as the ship’s exploration tools, maximize the ikelihood of up-close encounters with gray whales and their calves. Meals: B/L/D Daily
Meals: Day 1: D; Day 2: B/L/D
A young California sea lion leads snorkelers through the waters off Los Islotes.
DAY 6
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AT SEA
As we travel south along the Pacific coast of the Baja Peninsula, spend time on deck seeking out some of the many marine creatures that inhabit these waters, including the blue whale—the largest animal on Earth. Attend talks given by our naturalists, and learn wildlife-photography tips from our photo instructor. Meals: B/L/D
Above: A gray whale spy-hops just feet from passengers on a well-positioned expedition landing craft. 86
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NORTH AMERICA
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Expedition Cruise
DAT E S 2019: Jan. 12–21* Jan. 19–28 Jan. 28–Feb. 6* Feb. 4–13
Feb. 13–22* Feb. 20–Mar. 1 Mar. 1–10* Mar. 8–17
*These departures follow the itinerary shown but in the reverse order.
COST Travelers returning to the ship are treated to a magnificent sunset on the Sea of Cortez.
DAY 7
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GORDA BANKS AND LOS CABOS
This morning, we cruise past Friars Rock at Land’s End and dock at San José del Cabo to explore its historic town center. The afternoon is spent at the Gorda Banks seamount or La Fortuna, gathering places for whales, dolphins, and other sea life. Humpbacks are often active here at this time of year, and we may witness them tail-lobbing, flipper-slapping, and breaching. Our onboard marine biologists and naturalists will be available to interpret the behaviors of these majestic animals. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 8
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LOS ISLOTES AND ISLA ESPÍRITU SANTO
In the waters off Los Islotes, we’ll have the opportunity to snorkel and swim among curious sea lions. After lunch, examine the intriguing geological layers of Espíritu Santo from the water during a kayaking excursion, and go ashore to see compacted volcanic ash blanketed by solidified lava flows. Enjoy time to go beachcombing, or opt for a walk along rocky cliffs to spot brown
pelicans, gulls, wandering tattlers, and boobies. Cap off the day with a beach barbecue, gather around a bonfire to share stories from the day’s adventures, and take in a stunning display of stars. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 9
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EXPLORING THE SEA OF CORTEZ
Today we enjoy the luxury of having no specific plan. You may spend time on the lookout for whales, as well as bottlenose and common dolphins; or explore some of the many uninhabited islands in the Sea of Cortez, such as Isla San Francisco or Isla San José, known for its sweeping beaches and arroyos. Birdlife may be plentiful, and the nutrient-rich sea is home to an incredible variety of fish, including angelfish, surgeonfish, butterfly fish, damselfish, and the beautiful parrotfish. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 10
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Category 1
$7,530
Category 2
$8,330
Category 3
$8,900
Category 4
$9,930
Category 5
$10,960
See the National Geographic Venture description, photo, and deck plan on page 130. Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin, add $3,760 in Category 1 and $4,160 in Category 2. Airfare to/from San José del Cabo is not included in the expedition cost. Visit our website or call for details. Please note: A State Department travel warning for Mexico is currently in effect (http://travel.state.gov). We expect to operate this trip as planned, but will continue to closely monitor events in the region, and will alter the itinerary if necessary. Maximum ship capacity: 100
EXPEDITION TEAM A diverse team of experts including an expedition leader, a photo instructor, and local naturalists, will accompany this trip. National Geographic Fellow and marine biologist Greg Marshall will join the January 19 and 28 departures. Read his bio on our website. This trip is operated in partnership with Lindblad Expeditions.
LA PAZ
Disembark in La Paz after breakfast, and drive to the airport for your flight home. Meals: B
CHECK OUT OUR OTHER BA JA EXPEDITIONS Journey to Baja California in the spring on our eight-day Whales and Wildness: Spring in the Sea of Cortez voyage. This is the best season to spot multiple whale species in the Sea of Cortez. Seek out these majestic creatures from onboard the National Geographic Venture and at water level from nimble Zodiacs. Discover untamed Baja California on our 15-day Baja California: A Remarkable Journey aboard the National Geographic Venture. Explore wild isles on foot, and board kayaks or Zodiacs for up-close encounters with epic wildlife in the Sea of Cortez. Visit our website for details.
FO R A D D ITI O N A L T R I P S TO B A JA , V I S I T N AT G E O E X P E D I T I O N S . C O M / B A J A
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CUBA: DISCOVERING I T S P E O P L E A N D C U LT U R E T H E N AT I O N A L GEOGR APHIC DIFFERENCE • Connect with the extraordinary people and lively culture of Cuba through experiences made possible by the relationships we’ve developed over almost ten years of licensed expeditions to the island. • Discuss historic preservation with local restoration experts in Havana and Trinidad, then set out to see centuriesold buildings and meet the Cubans who live and work in them. • Talk with local artists on a behind-thescenes tour of one of Havana’s top contemporary art spaces, and soak up Afro-Cuban rhythms during a private dance performance. • Gain insights on the future of Cuba during a specially arranged discussion with a Cuban economist and sociologist.
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HAVANA
The architecture of Havana is astounding in its breadth and elegance, yet years of neglect have left many buildings in need of restoration. Learn about the challenges and successes of historic preservation from a local expert, then set out into Old Havana to see centuries-old gems—and meet the Cubans who live and work in them. Spend the afternoon with Cuban professionals, engaging in a specially arranged discussion on education, economics, social issues, the role of government, and other topics of interest. After dinner, you will have the opportunity to attend a traditional Cuban music performance. Hotel Parque Central | Meals: B/L/D
DAY 3
DAY 1
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MIAMI, FLORIDA/HAVANA, CUBA
Depart Miami for Havana, Cuba. Upon arrival, take a brief driving tour of the city. After lunch, meet troupe members of an Afro-Cuban dance group, and enjoy an energetic private performance. Later, check in to our hotel before gathering for a welcome reception and dinner tonight at a local paladar (privately owned restaurant). Hotel Parque Central | Meals: L/D
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DAY 4
CIENFUEGOS
This morning, visit an urban organic farm to meet with a local farmer and discuss agriculture in Cuba. Then drive south to Cienfuegos, a port city with French colonial roots. Stroll along the main commercial street on a walking tour of the city, stopping to talk to cuentapropistas (self-employed workers) about the burgeoning private economy here. At the prestigious Benny Moré Art School, watch students perform music and dance, view their artwork, and hear the stories of these talented youth and their teachers.
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TRINIDAD/CIENFUEGOS
Travel along the Caribbean coast to charming Trinidad, where we explore Cuba’s best-preserved colonial city with a restoration expert. Set off along its cobblestoned streets, pausing at colorful houses along the way to meet artisans, antiques collectors, and longtime residents who have transformed their historic homes into guesthouses. One such man is Julio Muñoz, a photographer and union representative for the self-employed whose family appeared in an October 1999 National Geographic magazine article. At his colonial-era house, learn about his private businesses, such as his bed-and-breakfast, and hear about his program promoting equine care. Hotel Jagua | Meals: B/L
DAY 5
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CIENFUEGOS
Near Cienfuegos, explore Cuba’s oldest botanical garden with a botany expert who will educate us about ongoing efforts to maintain the rich biodiversity of its extraordinary plant life. Then stop in a former sugar mill town, and meet with the town’s present-day inhabitants. After lunch, hear from a local athlete about the role that sports, such as baseball, play in Cuban culture. Later, enjoy a choral performance and discussion with a world-renowned a cappella group, the
Hotel Jagua | Meals: B/L/D
Above: A dancer whirls on the colorful streets of Old Havana, Cuba. 88
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NORTH AMERICA
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Land
Light
DAT E S 2018: Mar. 12–19 Mar. 26–Apr. 2 Apr. 23–30* May 14–21 Nov. 4–11
Dec. 2–9 Dec. 27, 2018– Jan. 3, 2019
2019: Jan. 13–20* Jan. 20–27 Feb. 17–24 Mar. 17–24
*These dates are designated as special music departures. See the box below for details.
COST
$6,895 $6,495 $6,995
March–April 2018
Classic cars cruise past Havana’s National Capitol Building at dawn.
May 2018 Choir of Cienfuegos. After dinner, there will be an opportunity to get to know residents of a typical neighborhood in Cienfuegos. Hotel Jagua | Meals: B/L/D
DAY 6
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a Cuban perspective on Hemingway’s strong connection to the Cuban people. Hotel Parque Central | Meals: B/L
DAY 7
BAY OF PIGS/HAVANA
Today, head to the historic Bay of Pigs. At a small museum, trace the dramatic events that occurred here, then step foot on the Playa Girón, one of two landing sites for the 1961 U.S.-backed invasion. Stop for lunch and enjoy an opportunity to talk with a park ranger visiting us from the nearby Ciénaga de Zapata National Park. Learn about the ecology and conservation efforts of the protected area, declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. On our way back to Havana, pay a visit to Finca Vigía, the former home of Ernest Hemingway. A museum expert joins us to share
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HAVANA
This morning, learn about Cuba’s rich artistic traditions at the National Museum of Fine Arts. Then, delve into Havana’s contemporary art scene by meeting with local artists at one of Havana’s top art spaces. Tonight, celebrate our Cuban experience together at a farewell dinner. Hotel Parque Central | Meals: B/L/D
DAY 8
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HAVANA/MIAMI, FLORIDA
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Miami. Meals: B
S P EC I A L M U S I C D E PA RT U R E S Join National Geographic expert Carol Steele, renowned Afro-Cuban percussionist, on the April 23, 2018 or January 13, 2019 departures, designed to explore Cuba through its people and captivating rhythms. Enjoy special performances and interactions with Cuban musicians, music students, and dance troupes. Experience musical styles—from rumba to salsa and more—and learn of their importance in Cuban society.
November 2018–March 2019
Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $1,600. On the December 27, 2018 departure, there is an additional holiday surcharge of $500 per person. Airfare is not included in the expedition cost. The round-trip group flights between Miami and Havana are $450 per person. A $100 per-person airfare supplement applies to the December 27, 2018 departure. Group-flight cost includes air ticket, taxes and fees, and required Cuban health insurance, as well as expedited check-in service, one checked bag, and a Cuban visa processed on your behalf. Please note: A State Department travel warning for Cuba is currently in effect (http://travel.state.gov). We expect to operate this trip as planned, but will continue to closely monitor events in the country, and will alter the itinerary if necessary. This trip is permitted through the people-to-people general license category authorized by the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. The itinerary was designed to provide an in-depth cultural experience with numerous opportunities for meaningful interaction with Cubans. Information about travel restrictions in Cuba will be provided in your pre-departure materials. Maximum group size: 25
OUR EXPERT A National Geographic expert and expedition leader will accompany this trip. Travel writer Christopher P. Baker will join several departures of this expedition. To see these dates, read his bio, and find more experts, please visit our website.
W H AT TO E X P E C T Please visit our website for important information regarding local conditions and/or physical considerations.
FOR ADDITIONAL TRIP S TO CU BA , V I S I T N ATG E O E X P E D I T I O N S .C O M /C U B A
A dapper trumpet player blows a tune. I
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M Y S T E R I E S O F T H E M AYA THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Explore some of the most influential cities of the Maya world, including four UNESCO World Heritage sites: Chichén Itzá, Uxmal, Palenque, and Tikal. • Witness the ongoing National Geographic-sponsored excavations of Bonampak’s wall murals, depicting vivid scenes of Maya warfare. • Enjoy a private sunrise tour of Chichén Itzá before it opens to the public, and gain expert insight on the ruins from National Geographic Explorer Guillermo de Anda, who joins us at the site. • During a special after-hours visit, get an in-depth look at Palenque’s illuminative hieroglyphs.
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BONAMPAK/PALENQUE
Journey to the remote ruins of Bonampak, home to stunning frescoes that were unearthed in the 1940s and featured in National Geographic magazine in February 1995. The next day, venture into the ancient city of Palenque, where archaeologists have found rare Maya texts. After a free afternoon, return to the ruins for a specially arranged after-hours visit. Villa Mercedes Palenque | Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 7 AND 8
DAY 1
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GUATEMALA CITY, GUATEMALA
Arrive in Guatemala City and transfer to our hotel. Westin Camino Real
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PALENQUE/LA VENTA/ MÉRIDA/UXMAL
Visit the Palenque archaeological museum, and explore La Venta, known for colossal stone sculptures of Olmec heads. Then, fly to Mérida. Spend the following day at Uxmal, and examine the ornate carving on the Pyramid of the Magician. Afterward, cool off with a refreshing dip in a nearby cenote. Hacienda Temozon Sur Meals: B/L/D Daily
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
DAT E S 2018: Nov. 8–18 Dec. 27, 2018– Jan. 6, 2019
2019: Jan. 17–27 Feb. 21–Mar. 3
$7,995
COST
Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $1,500. Airfare to Guatemala City and return from Cancún, and within Guatemala and Mexico, is not included in the expedition cost. The group flights within Guatemala and Mexico are $425 per person (subject to change). Please note: A State Department travel warning for Mexico is currently in effect (http://travel.state.gov). We expect to operate this trip as planned, but will continue to closely monitor events in the region, and will alter the itinerary if necessary. Maximum group size: 25
DAYS 2 AND 3
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GUATEMALA CITY/ FLORES/TIKAL
DAYS 9 AND 10
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IZAMAL/CHICHÉN ITZÁ
Tour Guatemala City’s historic district, then fly to Flores and enjoy a welcome dinner at our hotel. Encounter Tikal, one of the largest cities in the Classic Maya world. Decipher carvings and hieroglyphs with our expert. Camino Real Tikal
In the colonial town of Izamal, explore the impressive Franciscan monastery and KinichKakmó pyramid. Rise early to visit Chichén Itzá before it opens to the public, and hear from National Geographic Emerging Explorer Guillermo de Anda about the ruins.
Meals: B/L/D Daily
The Lodge at Chichén Itzá | Meals: B/L/D Daily
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YAXCHILÁN, MEXICO/ FRONTERA COROZAL
Travel to Bethel, Mexico and cruise the Usumacinta River to Yaxchilán. Discover the site’s jungle-shrouded ruins, then continue by boat to our hotel in Frontera Corozal.
DAY 11
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EK BALAM/CANCÚN
Visit the ancient ruins of Ek Balam, then continue to the Cancún airport and catch your flight home. Meals: B/L
OUR EXPERT A National Geographic expert and expedition leader will accompany this trip. Archaeologist and National Geographic grantee William Saturno will join the December 2018 and February 2019 departures. Read his bio and find more experts on our website.
W H AT TO E X P E C T Travelers should be in good health and comfortable walking or standing for extended periods of time. For the one-night stay in remote Frontera Corozal, accommodations are basic, with thatched-roof cabins featuring en suite bathrooms and ceiling fans but no air-conditioning. Transportation includes travel by small motorized boat on Day 4, and several 2–4 hour drives on partially unpaved roads.
Hotel Escudo Jaguar | Meals: B/L/D FOR ADDITIONAL TRIPS TO MEXICO AND GUATEMALA,
Above: Towering over the ancient city of Chichén Itzá, the Temple of Kukulkan is a testament to the Maya’s impressive astronomical skills. 90
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NORTH AMERICA
B E L I Z E A N D T I K A L P R I VAT E E X P E D I T I O N THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Canoe past calcite crystal formations in the Barton Creek Cave, and learn how the ancient Maya used this underworld for ceremonial purposes. • Delve into Maya culture at Belcampo Lodge—a National Geographic Unique Lodge nestled among the remote villages and coastal jungles of southern Belize. • Take a private tour of the ancient Maya ruins of Tikal, Guatemala. • Snorkel the spectacular sunken gardens of the Belize Barrier Reef— the world’s second largest coral reef system.
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continuing to the Cayo District. Cross the border into Guatemala for a private tour of the ancient Maya ruins at Tikal. Chaa Creek I Meals: B/L Daily
DAYS 6–9
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AMBERGRIS CAYE/ BLUE HOLE CAYE
Visit the Barton Creek Cave and canoe through the passageways of this Maya underworld. Then fly to stunning Ambergris Caye, bordering the Belize Barrier Reef. Swim among sharks, stingrays, and coral gardens at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley, and opt to dive into the sapphire depths of Belize’s Great Blue Hole. Fly home via Belize City. Victoria House I Meals: Day 6: B/L; Days 7, 8, and 9: B
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DAYS 1, 2, AND 3
F E AT U R E D N AT I O N A L G E O G R A P H I C U N I Q U E LO D G E
PUNTA GORDA, BELIZE
Arrive in Belize City, then fly to Punta Gorda. Transfer to Belcampo Lodge, a National Geographic Unique Lodge. Upon arrival, National Geographic guests are invited to participate in an exclusive chocolate-making class and a coffee tasting. During your stay, snorkel pristine cayes, seek out the endangered West Indian manatee, and meet park rangers at the Port of Honduras Marine Reserve. Visit a family in the Kek’chi Maya village, and help prepare traditional Maya dishes before sitting down to lunch with your hosts. Belcampo Lodge
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DAYS 4 AND 5 I BELIZE CITY/ CAYO DISTRICT/TIKAL, GUATEMALA
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Private
Light / Moderate
DAT E S This is a private expedition, so you may select any dates that are convenient for you. This private expedition is offered year-round except in September and October.
COST from $4,295 from $4,495 from $5,095
6 people 4+ people 2 people
Prices are per person, double occupancy, and are subject to availability. Single-traveler prices are available upon request. A holiday surcharge may apply to certain travel dates. Airfare to/from Belize City and within Belize is not included in the expedition cost. Airfare within Belize is $620 per person (subject to change), depending on the departure date.
LOCAL GUIDES Top local guides will accompany you throughout the trip, and you will meet other local experts as described in the itinerary.
Spend three nights at Belcampo Lodge, nestled among coastal rain forests. Explore the meandering Rio Grande by kayak, canoe, or guided fishing excursion; and travel to nearby Maya villages to try your hand at traditional cooking and weaving. National Geographic guests are invited to participate in a chocolate-making class and coffee tasting at the lodge, which specializes in sustainable agritourism.
W H AT TO E X P E C T Travelers should be in good health and comfortable walking or standing for extended periods of time. Daily activities may include city walking tours or easy hikes, with options for more challenging hikes, and canoeing or snorkeling. While tourism is growing steadily, Belize’s infrastructure is still developing. Road conditions can be rugged and dusty, and internal flight schedules can be unpredictable.
Fly back to Belize City and visit the Belize Zoo— an animal rehabilitation sanctuary—before
FOR ADDITIONAL TRIP S TO B ELIZE,
Above: A snorkelers follows close on the fins of a sea turtle. I
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REEFS AND RUINS: B E L I Z E TO T I K A L , G U AT E M A L A THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Set out from the National Geographic Quest to kayak amid palm-fringed islands, and step ashore to view a colony of rare red-footed boobies. • Spot rainbow-colored fish, turtles, and rays while snorkeling or diving the corals of the Belize Barrier Reef. • Venture into the jungles of Guatemala with local experts to discover Tikal’s spectacular temples and pyramids. • Explore the expansive Maya ruins of Yaxhá and the secluded site of Topoxte, located on a tiny island in a lake.
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DAY 4 I GLOVER REEF, BELIZE/SOUTH WATER CAYE MARINE RESERVE Enjoy snorkeling and optional diving opportunities at the protected marine reserves of Glover Reef and South Water Caye. Skim atop the crystalline waters by kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 5 I LIGHTHOUSE REEF AND HALF MOON CAYE NATURAL MONUMENT Sail north to Lighthouse Reef and go snorkeling, diving, or kayaking. Visit Half Moon Caye, a pristine nature reserve of littoral forest and beaches, and view a nesting population of red-footed boobies. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 6
DAY 1
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BELIZE CITY, BELIZE
Arrive in Belize City and embark our ship. National Geographic Quest through Day 5 I Meals: D
DAY 2 I LAUGHING BIRD CAYE NATIONAL PARK OR SAPODILLA CAYES MARINE RESERVE Trace the southern edge of the Belize Barrier Reef, anchoring along the shores of Laughing Bird Caye National Park or Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve. Snorkel, kayak, or try stand-up paddleboarding. For certified scuba divers, dive opportunities abound (at an additional cost). Meals: B/L/D
DAY 3
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QUIRIGUÁ AND RÍO DULCE, GUATEMALA
Anchor off the coast of Guatemala and travel inland to the ancient Maya city of Quiriguá. Have lunch on the shores of Lake Izabal, then take a local boat through the limestone canyon of Río Dulce. Meals: B/L/D
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BELIZE CITY/FLORES, GUATEMALA/TIKAL
Disembark in Belize City and fly to Flores, Guatemala. Transfer to Tikal and spend the afternoon exploring this extraordinary site. Camino Real Tikal Hotel
DAY 7
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TIKAL, GUATEMALA
Explore Tikal’s architectural treasures. Encounter ancient Maya art and hieroglyphs that illuminate the history and spiritual significance of Tikal. Camino Real Tikal Hotel
DAY 8
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YAXHÁ AND TOPOXTE, GUATEMALA
Visit Yaxhá, a former Maya ceremonial center overlooking Yaxhá Lake. If you wish, climb a temple for a panoramic view. Next, take a local boat to visit the secluded site of Topoxte, located on an island in the lake. Venture into the ruins of this Maya city. Camino Real Tikal Hotel I Meals: B/L/D
DAY 9
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FLORES/GUATEMALA CITY
After breakfast, transfer to the airport. Meals: B
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Expedition Cruise
DAT E S 2019: Feb. 13–21 Feb. 18–26 Feb. 23–Mar. 3
Feb. 28–Mar. 8 Mar. 5–13 Mar. 10–18
Mar. 15–23 Mar. 20–28
COST Category 1
$5,760
Category 2
$6,180
Category 3
$6,600
Category 4
$7,030
Category 5
$8,180
See the description, photo, and deck plan for the National Geographic Quest on page 130. Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin, add $2,880 in Category 1 and $3,090 in Category 2. Airfare to Belize City and return from Guatemala City, and within Belize and Guatemala, is not included in the expedition cost. Maximum ship capacity: 100
EXPEDITION TEAM A diverse team of experts, including an expedition leader, a photo instructor, and naturalists, will accompany this trip. National Geographic archaeologist Richard Hansen will join the February 23 departure. Read his bio and find more experts on our website. This trip is operated in partnership with Lindblad Expeditions.
OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS Add a one-day post-trip extension to Antigua, Guatemala. Or combine your Belize to Tikal expedition with our nine-day Costa Rica: Cloud Forest to the Caribbean expedition. Visit our website or call for details.
Above: The iconic Temple of the Great Jaguar presides over Tikal’s ceremonial center. 92
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NORTH AMERICA
N I C A R AG U A P R I VAT E NEW EXPEDITION THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Set out on a guided hike through La Calera Natural Reserve at the base of the Mombacho Volcano, stopping for a picnic lunch and a swim in secluded hot springs. • Explore the Spanish-colonial history of Granada on a guided tour by car or bike, and meet Nicaraguan artists in traditional villages and at a local pottery school. • Stay in a treehouse-style casita at Jicaro Island Lodge, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World. • Step into an artisan workshop that makes masks for Nicaragua’s famed satirical drama.
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private jungle reserve, and enjoy two full days to explore as you wish. Take a surfing lesson, go on guided birding walks, kayak the mangroves, or ride horseback along the beach. Morgan’s Rock Hacienda and EcoLodge
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Learn how coffee is cultivated on a private tour of D’Santos Private Reserve. Then head to Diriamba City and learn about El Güegüense, a traditional satirical drama recognized by UNESCO as a masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Continue to Managua for a city tour, including a visit to the National Historic Park Loma de Tiscapa. After breakfast the next day, transfer to the airport in Managua to catch your flight home. Elements Hotel
MANAGUA, NICARAGUA/ JICARO ISLAND
Land in Managua, Nicagarga, and take a private transfer to Granada. Board the ferry for a short ride to Jicaro Island Lodge—a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World perched on an isleta in Lake Nicaragua. Spend three days exploring your stunning surroundings. Kayak or paddleboard across the lake, visit artisan workshops in Masaya and Catarina, tour Spanish-colonial Granada, and peer into the smoking crater of the Masaya Volcano. National Geographic travelers will be treated to an exclusive guided hike through La Calera Natural Reserve, followed by a swim in secluded hot springs. Jicaro Island Lodge
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Meals: Day 1: D; Days 2, 3, and 4: B/L/D
DAYS 5, 6, AND 7
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MORGAN’S ROCK
Trip Type
Activity Level
Private
Light / Moderate
Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 8 AND 9 I D’SANTOS PRIVATE RESERVE/DIRIAMBA/MANAGUA
DAYS 1–4
I N F O R M AT I O N
Meals: Day 8: B/L; Day 9: B
DAT E S This is a private expedition that is offered year-round, so you may select any dates that are convenient for you.
COST from $3,995 from $4,295 from $4,795
6 people 4 people 2 people
Prices are per person, double occupancy, and are subject to availability. Single-traveler prices are available upon request. Airfare to/from Managua is not included in the expedition cost.
LOCAL GUIDES F E AT U R E D N AT I O N A L G E O G R A P H I C U N I Q U E LO D G E S
Top local guides will accompany you throughout the trip, and you will meet other local experts as described in the itinerary.
W H AT TO E X P E C T Travelers should be in good health and comfortable walking or standing for extended periods of time. Daily activities may include walking tours or easy hikes, with options for more challenging hikes, kayaking, snorkeling, zip-lining, and biking. Jicaro Island Lodge is accessible only by boat. While tourism is growing steadily, Nicaragua’s infrastructure is still developing, and roads can be rugged and dusty. Perched on one of the tiny isles known as Las Isletas in Central America’s largest freshwater lake, the tropical tree houses of Jicaro Island Lodge, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World, are your gateway to exploring volcanoes, colonial towns, cloud forests, and the tranquil rhythms of life on the lake.
Travel to the Pacific coast, stopping en route for a guided zip-lining excursion and rain forest hike. Settle into your eco-lodge, nestled in a FOR A DDITION A L TRIP S TO N IC A R AG UA ,
Above: The crimson domes of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption rise above the colonial town of Granada. I
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C O S TA R I C A A N D T H E PA N A M A C A N A L THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Aboard the National Geographic Quest, transit the Panama Canal over two days. • By special permission, take a guided walk through the tropical forests of Barro Colorado Nature Monument, site of a National Geographic– supported wildlife tracking study. • Snorkel the pristine reef surrounding Isla Coiba, one of Panama’s most remote national parks. • Cruise into Costa Rica’s Golfo Dulce to visit Casa Orquídeas, a flowering tropical paradise reachable only by boat.
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and orchids closed to the general public and reachable only by boat. Later, explore the placid bay.
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAY 5
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COIBA NATIONAL PARK, PANAMA
At Isla Coiba, observe a vibrant undersea world while swimming, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 6
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GULF OF PANAMA ISLETS/ PANAMA CANAL TRANSIT
Today, explore the tiny islets of the Gulf of Panama. Set sail for the Panama Canal this afternoon. We’ll most likely begin our crossing at night, when the canal is dramatically lit. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 7 DAY 1
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SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA/ PUERTO CALDERA
Upon arrival in San José, transfer to Puerto Caldera and embark our ship. National Geographic Quest
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for the entire voyage
DAY 2
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OSA PENINSULA
Anchor off the Osa Peninsula. In Corcovado National Park, swim in waterfall pools, take an optional horseback ride on the beach, or trek through the rain forest for a chance to see four species of monkeys. Meals: B/L/D
DAYS 3 AND 4
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GOLFO DULCE
Enter the mangrove-fringed Golfo Dulce. Venture ashore at Playa Blanca. Then head inland to visit remote indigenous communities and experience daily life on the Osa Peninsula. Hike in mature rain forest or kayak in the Golfo Dulce. The following day, visit the Casa Orquídeas, a tropical paradise of ornamental palms, bromeliads, heliconias,
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GATÚN LAKE/PANAMA CANAL TRANSIT
Board a Zodiac to visit Barro Colorado Nature Monument in Gatún Lake by special arrangement. Scientists have worked at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute on Barro Colorado Island since 1923. It is also the site of a National Geographic–supported wildlife project. Join local guides for a walk through the forests. This evening, continue through the complex lock system of the canal. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 8
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COLÓN/PANAMA CITY
After breakfast, disembark in Colón and transfer to the airport in Panama City for your flight home. Meals: B
OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS Add a two-day pre- or post-trip extension in Panama City; a three-day pre-trip extension to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve; or a seven-day post-trip extension to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Arenal Volcano, and Tortuguero on select departures. Visit our website or call for details.
Activity Level
Expedition Cruise
DAT E S 2018: Mar. 19–26 Dec. 8–15
Dec. 15–22* Dec. 22–29
Dec. 29, 2018– Jan. 5, 2019*
2019: Jan. 5–12 Jan. 12–19*
Jan. 19–26 Jan. 26–Feb. 2*
Feb. 2–9
*These departures follow the itinerary shown but in the reverse order.
COST Category 1
$5,990
Category 2
$6,590
Category 3
$6,990
Category 4
$7,790
Category 5
$8,690
See the description, photo, and deck plan for the National Geographic Quest on page 130. Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin, add $3,000 in Category 1 and $3,300 in Category 2. Airfare to San José and return from Panama City, or vice versa, is not included in the expedition cost. Maximum ship capacity: 100
EXPEDITION TEAM A diverse team of experts, including an expedition leader, a photo instructor, and naturalists, will accompany this trip. National Geographic photographer Kike Calvo will join the March 2018 departure. Read his bio and find more experts on our website. This trip is operated in partnership with Lindblad Expeditions.
Above: A sloth hangs loose in the jungles of Costa Rica. 94
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NORTH AMERICA
C O S TA R I C A F A M I LY E X P E D I T I O N THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • See Costa Rica’s wild cats at a rescue center established to help orphaned and wounded animals, including jaguars and ocelots. • Go floating and zip-lining through tropical forests, surrounded by an astonishing variety of wildlife. • Eat lunch in the National Theatre of Costa Rica, and have dinner in a tree house. • Kids have the opportunity to make new friends during a tree-planting activity and a game of basketball.
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DAY 4
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GUANACASTE
Head to Guanacaste Province, full of fast rivers, volcanic scenery, and deep canyons. Float on the Corobicí River through the tropical dry forest, keeping your eyes peeled for otters, crocodiles, and monkeys. See wild cats up close at the Las Pumas Rescue Center, home to jaguars, pumas, ocelots, and jaguarundis. Our home for the next three nights is hidden away on a river nestled deep in a protected forest. Río Perdido Meals: B/L/D
DAY 5
DAY 1
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SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA
¡Bienvenidos! Your tropical adventure begins. Meet fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. Intercontinental San José
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RÍO PERDIDO
Spend the day on an excursion in and around the canyons of Río Blanco—a wild, arid landscape of hot springs and age-old rock formations. Go on an aerial adventure amid the forest canopy: clamber on canyon platforms, walk across hanging bridges, zip-line across the rushing river, and swing and hike through the treetops and canyons. After lunch, opt for a scenic hike with opportunities to swim in the river and soak in thermal pools. Río Perdido I Meals: B/L/D
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Family
Light / Moderate
DAT E S 2018: Mar. 17–23 June 9–15 June 23–29 July 7–13
Aug. 4–10 Dec. 22–28 Dec. 27, 2018–Jan. 2, 2019
COST Adults
$3,990
Children (ages 7–17)
$3,790
Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $1,000. On the December departures, there is an additional holiday surcharge of $300 per person. Airfare to San José and return from Liberia is not included in the expedition cost. Maximum group size: 25
EXPEDITION TEAM
DAY 2
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SAN JOSÉ/MONTEVERDE
Explore San José, including the National Theatre of Costa Rica. Then head to the cloud forests of Monteverde. Go on a twilight forest walk as nocturnal creatures awaken. El Establo
DAY 3
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Hike with a local expert through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Spot some of the 500-plus species of orchids, and look for wildlife such as howler monkeys, tapirs, sloths, snakes and frogs, and colorful birds and butterflies. Visit the hanging gardens or opt to ride a zip line through the forest canopy. Have dinner tonight in a tree house. El Establo I Meals: B/L/D
DAY 6
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COLONIA LIBERTAD
Start the day at a sustainability-focused ranch, wander through an organic garden, and take a tractor-pulled cart ride among macadamia orchards, tropical flowers, and groves of cacao trees. Learn how cacao beans are transformed into finished chocolate. Spend the afternoon at Colonia Libertad, a farming community that maintains a traditional lifestyle closely connected to nature. Kids meet children from the local school, play basketball, plant trees together, and forge new friendships. Gather for a farewell dinner tonight. Río Perdido I Meals: B/L/D
DAY 7
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LIBERIA
Transfer to the airport in Liberia for your flight home this morning. Meals: B
Above: A young traveler discovers a colorful new friend in a keel-billed toucan. I
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A knowledgeable expedition guide and a Young Explorer Leader will lead this trip, often accompanied by local guides.
KID to KID CONNECTION In the village of Colonia Libertad, kids will get to know “tico” children during an afternoon of fun activities. They’ll plant trees together and teach their new pals how to play basketball at hoops that have been donated to the community.
W H AT TO E X P E C T Travelers should be in good health and comfortable standing for extended periods of time and walking 3–5 miles over uneven terrain. Jungle trails are well marked but often muddy and slippery. Guests should expect some longer travel days with drives of 2–4 hours over bumpy roads (with multiple stops). F O R A D D I T I O N A L T R I P S TO C O S TA R I C A , V I S I T N ATG E O E X P E D I T I O N S .C O M / C O S TA R I C A
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CO S TA R I C A P R I VAT E E X P E D I T I O N THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Trek into the jungle with a private guide to meet with a family of Cabécar Indians, Costa Rica’s largest and most isolated indigenous tribe. • Stay at Pacuare Lodge and Lapa Rios Lodge, both National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World tucked deep within pristine Costa Rican rain forests. • Explore the unsurpassed biodiversity of the Osa Peninsula with naturalist guides. • Join a private guide for a canopy walk in the lush forests surrounding the Arenal Volcano.
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rain forest with a view of Arenal Volcano. The following day, take a guided canopy walk and see La Fortuna Waterfall. Lost Iguana Resort & Spa
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Private
Light / Moderate
Meals: Day 4: B; Day 5: B/L
DAYS 6–9
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OSA PENINSULA
Fly to the Osa Peninsula and settle into Lapa Rios Lodge, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World. Explore the unmatched biodiversity of the region’s rain forests, beaches, and waters on a variety of naturalist-led group excursions. National Geographic travelers are invited to join a naturalist on a private hike and lunch at a waterfall. The next day, rise with the sun to catch a vivid display of bird activity by the area’s 300-plus avian species. Later, drive to Puerto Jiménez and fly to San José to catch your flight home. Lapa Rios Lodge I Meals: Day 6: B/D; Days 7 and 8: B/L/D Daily; Day 9: B
DAY 1
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SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA
Arrive in San José and enjoy an evening at leisure. Hotel Grano de Oro
DAYS 2 AND 3
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B/L/D Daily
DAYS 4 AND 5 I PACUARE RIVER/ ARENAL VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK Enjoy one last rafting excursion, or travel to the northern highlands for an evening at leisure at your lodge, located in 120 acres of preserved
F E AT U R E D N AT I O N A L G E O G R A P H I C U N I Q U E LO D G E S
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COST from $4,495
4+ people 2 people
from $4,795
Prices are per person, double occupancy, and are subject to availability. Single-traveler prices are available upon request. A holiday surcharge may apply to certain travel dates. Airfare to/from San José and within Costa Rica is not included in the expedition cost. Flights within Costa Rica are $360 per person (subject to change).
Top local guides will accompany you throughout the trip, and you will meet other local experts as described in the itinerary.
W H AT TO E X P E C T Travelers should be in good health and comfortable walking or standing for extended periods of time. Daily activities may include easy hikes with options for more challenging hikes, white-water rafting, and kayaking. While tourism is steadily growing, Costa Rica’s infrastructure is still developing. Roads can be rugged and dusty, and internal flight schedules can be unpredictable.
Raft into the jungle to Pacuare Lodge and spend two nights in a stunning thatched bungalow. Explore with top guides, and enjoy an exclusive visit with members of an isolated indigenous culture. At the tip of the Osa Peninsula, Lapa Rios Lodge (pictured above) offers access to pristine rain forest and remote beaches. During a three-night stay, you’ll be treated to a private waterfall hike. F O R A D D I T I O N A L T R I P S TO C O S TA R I C A ,
Above: Used as a technique to startle predators, the red eyes of a tree frog stand out against the green leaf to which it clings. 96
This is a private expedition that is offered year-round, so you may select any dates that are convenient for you.
LOCAL GUIDES
PACUARE RIVER
Travel to Pacuare Lodge, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World accessible only via the Pacuare River. Go white-water rafting through black-rock canyons, or arrive at the lodge by road and hanging gondola. The next morning, join a birding walk. Then opt to go zip-lining or hike through the jungle to meet with the son of a traditional Cabécar shaman, an experience arranged exclusively for National Geographic travelers. Pacuare Lodge I Meals:
DAT E S
V I S I T N ATG E O E X P E D I T I O N S .C O M / C O S TA R I C A
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T H E PAC I F I C & AU S T R A L I A
A U S T R A L I A P R I VAT E E X P E D I T I O N THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Stay in three spectacular National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World: Lizard Island, Longitude 131°, and Southern Ocean Lodge. • Wake up to views of the sunrise over Uluru, and examine its ancient rock paintings with a guide. • Sip sundowners alongside grazing kangaroos and wallabies on Kangaroo Island, known as Australia’s Galápagos. • Discover the Great Barrier Reef’s underwater world of sea turtles and schooling fish while snorkeling, diving, or paddling a glass-bottom kayak.
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enjoy an exclusive introduction to outback cuisine. Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina; Longitude 131° Meals: Day 6: B; Days 7 and 8: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 9–13
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Shangri-La Sydney I Meals: Day 9: B/D; Days 10 and 11: B, L/D Daily; Days 12 and 13: B
OPTIONAL EXTENSION
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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA/ LIZARD ISLAND
Land in Sydney, explore the city with a private guide, and cruise the harbor. Fly to Lizard Island, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World set along the Great Barrier Reef. Explore the reef by snorkel, paddleboard, and glass-bottom kayak; and enjoy a private sunset cruise. Shangri-La Sydney;
Extend your trip in Australia with a stay at Capella Lodge, another member of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World collection, located on idyllic Lord Howe Island. Visit our website or call for details.
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Activity Level
Private
Light / Moderate
DAT E S This is a private expedition that is offered year-round, so you may select any dates that are convenient for you.
COST from $11,295 from $11,995
4+ people 2 people
Prices are per person, double occupancy, and are subject to availability. Single-traveler prices are available upon request. A holiday surcharge may apply to certain travel dates. Airfare to/from Sydney and within Australia is not included in the expedition cost. Airfare within Australia is $1,800–$2,500 per person (subject to change), depending on the departure date.
LOCAL GUIDES F E AT U R E D N AT I O N A L G E O G R A P H I C U N I Q U E LO D G E S
Top local guides will accompany you throughout the trip, and you will meet other local experts as described in the itinerary.
W H AT TO E X P E C T Travelers should be in good health and comfortable walking or standing for extended periods of time. Daily activities may include walking tours or easy hikes with options for more challenging hikes, kayaking, snorkeling, and biking at the lodges.
Lizard Island I Meals: Day 2: B/L; Day 3: B/D; Days 4 and 5: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 6, 7, AND 8
Trip Type
KANGAROO ISLAND/ SYDNEY
Fly to Kangaroo Island and check in to Southern Ocean Lodge, another National Geographic Unique Lodge. Walk coastal trails, visit seal bay, discover unique geology, and enjoy a private dinner in the wine cellar. Return to Sydney for a final night. Southern Ocean Lodge;
DAYS 1–5
I N F O R M AT I O N
CAIRNS/ULURU
Spend one night in Cairns before flying to the outback in the morning. Settle into Longitude 131°, a National Geographic Unique Lodge that offers spectacular views of Uluru. In Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park, circumnavigate Uluru, examining ancient rock paintings, and walk between soaring rock domes. National Geographic guests will
Stay in three National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World: Discover marine life at Lizard Island, a protected island at the edge of the Great Barrier Reef; get an intimate perspective of Uluru from your luxurious outback tent at Longitude 131˚ (pictured above); then encounter the wildlife of Kangaroo Island with naturalists from Southern Ocean Lodge.
FOR ADDITIONAL TRIPS TO AUSTR ALIA ,
Above: Snorkelers swim in for a closer look at the colorful coral gardens bordering Lizard Island. I
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AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITION
NEW
T H E N AT I O N A L GEOGR APHIC DIFFERENCE • Encounter the unusual wildlife of Kangaroo Island, known as Australia’s Galápagos, during a stay at Southern Ocean Lodge, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World. • Meet with Dr. Adam Barnett, a National Geographic grantee who will discuss his latest research on sharks; then spot Australia’s diverse marine life while snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef. • Take a private tour of the bucolic Shire film set used in The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. • Spend time with Maori elders on a reservation in Murupara, and enjoy music and storytelling over a traditional hangi lunch.
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DAYS 3 AND 4
Arrive in Auckland and enjoy a welcome dinner. Board a ferry to Tiritiri Matangi Island, home to one of New Zealand’s most important wildlife sanctuaries. Learn about conservation efforts here while seeking out endangered bird and reptile species. Stamford Plaza Auckland
WAITOMO CAVES/ ROTORUA
DAYS 7, 8, AND 9 I QUEENSTOWN/ MOUNT ASPIRING NATIONAL PARK
In Waitomo, descend into a cave system illuminated by thousands of tiny glowworms. Enjoy a traditional barbecue lunch at a local farm, then take a private tour of the Shire filming site from The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. Continue to Rotorua and delve into Maori culture on a visit to the Ngati Manawa tribal lands. Examine ancient Maori cave art, then enjoy a cultural performance and a geothermally cooked hangi lunch. Later, try your hand at Maori weaving, and take a guided walk through Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park. Princes Gate Boutique Hotel
Drive across stunning alpine landscapes to a working sheep farm for a behind-the-scenes tour. Arrive on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, where we board a private boat bound for Queenstown. On an excursion into Mount Aspiring National Park, hear about the region’s geology while riding a jet boat through glacial river valleys. Take an interpretive nature walk along Lake Wakatipu to learn about local medicinal plants.
Meals: Day 3: B/L/D; Day 4: B/L
DAYS 10 AND 11
DAYS 5 AND 6
DAYS 1 AND 2 I AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND/TIRITIRI MATANGI ISLAND
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ROTORUA/TE ANAU/ MILFORD SOUND
Visit the Orakei Korako Geothermal Park and Cave for a private walking tour of its gushing geysers and steaming hot springs. Fly to Queenstown, and transfer to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Take a wilderness cruise through magnificent Milford Sound, keeping your eyes peeled for dolphins and fur seals.
Millennuim Hotel or Double Tree Hotel Meals: Day 7: B/L; Days 8 and 9: B/L/D
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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
Fly to Sydney and take a walking tour of the historic Rocks district, then embark on a sunset dinner cruise through Sydney Harbour. Visit the Royal Botanic Garden, take a behind-the-scenes tour of the iconic Sydney Opera House, and climb the Harbour Bridge, if you wish. InterContinental Sydney | Meals: Day 10: B/D; Day 11: B
Distinction Hotel or Luxmore Hotel Meals: Day 5: B/L; Day 6: B/L/D
Meals: Day 1: D; Day 2: B/L
Above: A koala in its habitual perch, a eucalyptus tree, spends most of its time napping and eating. 98
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T H E PAC I F I C & AU S T R A L I A
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Land
Light / Moderate
DAT E S 2018: Nov. 4–21 Dec. 2–19
2019: Jan 13–30 Feb. 17–Mar. 6
$16,995
COST
Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $5,300. Airfare to Auckland and return from Cairns, and within Australia and New Zealand, is not included in the expedition cost. The group flights within Australia and New Zealand are $1,485 per person (subject to change). Maximum group size: 25 A boat cruises through dramatic Milford Sound.
DAYS 12, 13, AND 14 I SYDNEY/ KANGAROO ISLAND/ADELAIDE Journey to Kangaroo Island, known as Australia’s Galápagos, and enjoy a variety of naturalist-led activities. Walk amid the hundreds of playful pups, cows, and bulls that live along Seal Bay; explore rugged coastal cliffs; or traverse the island’s rolling hills and eucalyptus forests in search of koalas, platypuses, kangaroos, and an array of birds. Fly to Adelaide for an evening at leisure. Southern Ocean Lodge; Stamford Plaza Adelaide | Meals: Day 12: B/D; Day 13: B/L/D; Day 14: B/L
DAYS 15 AND 16 I CAIRNS/ PORT DOUGLAS/GREAT BARRIER REEF Fly to Cairns. En route to Port Douglas, stop at James Cook University to meet with National Geographic grantee Dr. Adam Barnett, a renowned shark researcher, and hear about his studies on deep-sea sharks. Embark on a cruise
by motorized catamaran, and spend a day discovering some of the 2,000 species that inhabit the Great Barrier Reef. Observe the reef from a viewing platform, take a ride in a glassbottom boat, or go on a private snorkeling tour. Scuba diving is also available for certified divers at an additional cost. Thala Beach Natural
OUR EXPERT A National Geographic expert and expedition leader will accompany this trip. Author and editor Kennedy Warne will join the December 2018 departure. Read his bio and find more experts on our website.
Reserve Lodge | Meals: Day 15: B; Day 16: B/L
DAY 17
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DAINTREE RAINFOREST
Begin the day with a cruise on the Daintree River, then set off with an indigenous guide on a Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk at Mossman Gorge for an intimate look at the connection of culture and spirituality with the land. Celebrate our journey at a farewell dinner tonight. Thala Beach Natural
F E AT U R E D N AT I O N A L G E O G R A P H I C U N I Q U E LO D G E
Reserve Lodge | Meals: B/L/D
DAY 18
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PORT DOUGLAS/CAIRNS
Transfer to Cairns for your return flight. Meals: B
Spend two nights at Southern Ocean Lodge, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World perched atop a secluded cliff on Kangaroo Island. Experience the endemic wildlife of Australia on a variety of excursions with naturalists.
W H AT TO E X P E C T Please visit our website for important information regarding local conditions and/or physical limitations.
Sydney Harbour lights up in shades of silver and gold at twilight. I
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FOR ADDITIONAL TRIPS TO AUSTR ALIA AND NEW ZEAL AND, VISIT N AT G E O E X P E D I T I O N S . C O M / A U S T R A L I A
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F R E N C H P O LY N E S I A : B E YO N D T H E P OS TC A R D THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • The nimble National Geographic Orion can traverse the narrow Tiputa Pass into the lagoon at Rangiroa, one of the largest atolls in the world. • Go ashore at the seldom visited isle of Huahine, former residence of Tahitian royalty and home to the highest density of ancient marae (meeting grounds) in French Polynesia. • Skim across serene turquoise lagoons by kayak or stand-up paddleboard. • Take in spectacular views over Bora-Bora from one of its emerald crags, and then snorkel or dive from a private motu—an islet on the outer reef.
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DAY 5
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HUAHINE
Former home to Tahitian royalty, Huahine maintains the highest density of ancient marae in French Polynesia. Visit these sites with archaeologists, and then bike into the lush interior of the island. Explore the verdant shoreline by kayak, paddleboard, or Zodiac, and finish the day with a swim in the island’s crystal-clear lagoon. Meals: B/L/D
DAYS 6 AND 7
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TUAMOTU ARCHIPELAGO
Spend two days exploring some of the nearly 80 islands and atolls in the so-called dangerous archipelago. In the waters surrounding Fakarava, snorkel protected reefs, or ride the current into the lagoon on a drift dive. Navigate the limestone grottoes of Makatea, or search for endemic fruit doves and myriad seabirds. Then snorkel and dive among colorful fish on the nearby reef.
DAYS 1 AND 2
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Meals: B/L/D Daily
U.S./PAPEETE, TAHITI
Depart the U.S. on an overnight flight to Tahiti. Upon arrival, check into dayrooms, and briefly tour Papeete before embarking our ship. National Geographic Orion for the entire voyage Meals: Day 2: L/D
DAY 3
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BORA-BORA, SOCIETY ISLANDS
Jutting out from an aquamarine lagoon ringed with tiny islets, Bora-Bora’s angular volcanic crags are a spectacular sight. Explore the island by 4x4, and then snorkel, dive, kayak, or paddleboard from one of the islets on the outer reef. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 4
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RAIATEA/TAHAA
Encircled by a single reef and sharing a common lagoon, Raiatea and Tahaa offer plenty to explore. Spend the morning at the recently named UNESCO World Heritage site, Marae Taputapuatea—the starting point for Polynesian seafarers heading for Easter Island, Hawaii, and New Zealand. On Tahaa, visit a family-run vanilla plantation. Meals: B/L/D
Above: A snorkeler swims amid tropical f ish in Tahiti. 100
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DAY 8
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RANGIROA
The atoll of Rangiroa is known for some of the best diving and snorkeling in French Polynesia. Our ship anchors near the village of Tiputa, where local musicians greet us. Spend time with villagers, and then kayak, snorkel, or scuba dive in the lagoon—home to manta rays, dolphins, and sea turtles. Meals: B/L/D
DAYS 9 AND 10
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PAPEETE/U.S.
Disembark and fly to Papeete to connect with your overnight flight home. Meals: Day 9: B/L
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Expedition Cruise
DAT E S 2018: July 26–Aug. 4* Apr. 12–21 July 5–14 Aug. 2–11 Apr. 26–May 5 July 12–21* June 7–16 July 19–28 *These departures follow the itinerary shown but in the reverse order. Please note: If departing from outside the U.S., plan to arrive on the morning of Day 2.
COST Category 1
$7,690
Category 2
$9,380
Category 3
$10,990
Category 4
$11,990
Category 5
$14,520
Category 6
$16,840
Category 1 Solo
$11,540
Category 3 Solo
$16,490
See the National Geographic Orion description, photos, and deck plan on page 129. Prices are per person, double occupancy, except those marked solo, which are based on single occupancy. Airfare to/from Papeete and between Rangiroa and Papeete is not included in the expedition cost. The group flight between Rangiroa and Papeete is $290 per person (subject to change). Maximum ship capacity: 102
SPECIAL OFFERS Book by March 31, 2018 and receive free round-trip international airfare between Los Angeles and Papeete. We will also cover your bar tab on board and all tips for the crew. Book two or more South Pacific voyages aboard the National Geographic Orion and save 10% on each expedition.
EXPEDITION TEAM A diverse team of experts, including an expedition leader, a photo instructor, and naturalists, will accompany this trip. National Geographic photographers David Doubilet and Jen Hayes will join the April 26 departure. Read their bios and find more experts on our website. This trip is operated in partnership with Lindblad Expeditions.
CALL 1-888-966-8687 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/EXPEDITIONCRUISES
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T H E PAC I F I C & AU S T R A L I A
E A S T E R I S L A N D TO TA H I T I : TA L E S O F T H E PA C I F I C THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Aboard the National Geographic Orion, trace the legend of the ill-fated H.M.S. Bounty to seldom visited Pitcairn Island, where descendants of its mutineers still live today. • Join archaeologists on Easter Island to delve into an intriguing lost culture and examine ancient burial sites and towering moai. • Dive or snorkel the pristine reefs of Fakarava, part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. • Explore the unusual geology of Henderson Island with our naturalists, and seek out the isle’s four endemic bird species.
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about 50 descendants of the 18th-century H.M.S. Bounty mutineers still live. Meet residents and hear a few words of their unusual Pitkern dialect. National Geographic Orion through Day 19
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 11 AND 12
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AT SEA/MANGAREVA, FRENCH POLYNESIA
Spend a day at sea before arriving at Mangareva, the largest of the Gambier Islands, famous for its black pearls. Venture underwater to snorkel or dive, and meet islanders to learn about their culture. Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 13–18
DAYS 1–5
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U.S./SANTIAGO, CHILE/ EASTER ISLAND
Depart the U.S. on an overnight flight to Santiago, Chile. This evening, meet fellow travelers and staff for a welcome reception. Early the next morning, fly to Easter Island, where we will spend two nights. Explore volcanic calderas and join archaeologists to examine the island’s colossal moai statues. The Ritz Carlton, Santiago; Hanga Roa Eco-Resort I Meals: Day 2: B; Days 3, 4, and 5: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 6–10
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AT SEA/PITCAIRN ISLANDS
On the two-day journey west from Easter Island, listen to informative talks by our experts. Once at Ducie Island, watch for frigatebirds and boobies, and snorkel or dive among spectacular reefs. Continue to pristine Henderson Island, an uplifted atoll and UNESCO World Heritage site. On hikes and Zodiac excursions, discover the island’s four endemic bird species and natural wonders. Continue to Pitcairn Island, where
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AT SEA/TUAMOTU ARCHIPELAGO
Our exploration of the “dangerous archipelago” begins in Pukarua, where traditional dancers will greet us. Navigate reefs and islets during a day at sea, then explore an uninhabited atoll. In Fakarava, one of the largest atolls in French Polynesia and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, learn about the island’s pearl industry. Snorkel the protected reefs, or ride the current into the lagoon on a world-famous drift dive. Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 19 AND 20
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PAPEETE/U.S.
Arrive in Papeete, Tahiti, and take a tour of the island before transferring to the airport for your overnight flight home. Meals: Day 19: B/L
SPECIAL OFFERS Book by March 31, 2018 and receive free round-trip international airfare from Los Angeles to Santiago and return from Papeete, or vice versa. We will also cover your bar tab on board and all tips for the crew. Book two or more South Pacific voyages aboard the National Geographic Orion and save 10% on each expedition.
Expedition Cruise
DAT E S 2018: Mar. 26–Apr. 14 Aug. 30–Sept. 17* *This departure follows the itinerary shown but in the reverse order and spends one less day in Santiago. Please note: If departing from outside the U.S., plan to arrive on the morning of Day 2.
COST Category 1
$17,990
Category 2
$21,350
Category 3
$25,370
Category 4
$27,490
Category 5
$32,820
Category 6
$37,970
Category 1 Solo
$26,990
Category 3 Solo
$37,990
See the National Geographic Orion description, photos, and deck plan on page 129. Prices are per person, double occupancy, except those marked solo, which are based on single occupancy. Airfare to Santiago and return from Papeete, and between Santiago and Easter Island, or vice versa, is not included in the expedition cost. The group flight between Santiago and Easter Island is $625 per person (subject to change). Maximum ship capacity: 102
EXPEDITION TEAM
Above: Easter Island is shrouded in mystery and guarded by the famous moai statues. I
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A diverse team of experts, including an expedition leader, a photo instructor, and naturalists, will accompany this trip. National Geographic photographer Susan Seubert will join the August 30 departure. Read her bio and find more experts on our website. This trip is operated in partnership with Lindblad Expeditions. I
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J O U R N E Y TO A N TA R C T I C A T H E N AT I O N A L GEOGR APHIC DIFFERENCE • The state-of-the-art National Geographic Explorer and National Geographic Orion are each equipped with top exploration tools, including a remotely operated vehicle that captures footage of the ocean floor. • Learn from a team of biologists, geologists, and undersea specialists who offer insights and in-depth presentations throughout the trip. • Get up close to icebergs, wildlife, and hard-to-reach places by using our fleets of kayaks and Zodiacs. • Observe a range of penguin species, as well as seals and whales, and photograph them alongside our onboard photo instructor.
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DAY 3
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USHUAIA, ARGENTINA
Fly to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, and enjoy lunch on a catamaran cruise of the Beagle Channel before embarking our ship. National Geographic Explorer or National Geographic Orion for the remainder of the trip I Meals: B/L/D
DAY 4
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AT SEA/DRAKE PASSAGE
While crossing the legendary Drake Passage, spot albatrosses and other seabirds that soar past our ship. Meals: B/L/D
DAYS 5–10
DAYS 1 AND 2 I U.S./BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA OR SANTIAGO, CHILE Depart on an overnight flight to Buenos Aires (National Geographic Explorer departures) or Santiago (National Geographic Orion departures). Settle into our hotel before heading out on an afternoon tour of the city. Gather tonight for a welcome reception. Alvear Art Hotel (or similar) or Hotel Santiago by Mandarin
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EXPLORING ANTARCTICA
With nearly 24 hours of daylight at this time of year, we have ample opportunity to explore the Antarctic Peninsula and the surrounding islands. In keeping with the nature of an expedition, the schedule is flexible so that we can take advantage of the unexpected—watching whales perform off the bow, taking an after-dinner Zodiac cruise, or heading out on an extra landing during the day. We anticipate offering a variety of activities each day, including hiking, kayaking among the icebergs, or experiencing close encounters with wildlife. Meals: B/L/D Daily
A kayaker maneuvers around an icy landscape in the waters of Antarctica.
Depending on weather and sea conditions, we plan to make some of the following stops:
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PARADISE BAY
This pristine bay is edged by soaring, ice-covered peaks. Hike to a summit for a breathtaking view, or kayak along a cliff-side rookery in search of blue-eyed shags.
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Above: Wings aloft, an adélie penguin catches air over the Antarctic ice. 102
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POLAR REGIONS
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Expedition Cruise
DAT E S 2018: Nov. 25–Dec. 8* Nov. 26–Dec. 9 Dec. 5–18* Dec. 6–19 Dec. 15–28* Dec. 16–29† Dec. 25, 2018–Jan. 7, 2019*† Dec. 26, 2018–Jan. 8, 2019†
2019: Jan. 4–17* Jan. 5–18 Jan. 14–27* Jan. 15–28 Jan. 24–Feb. 6* Jan. 25–Feb. 7 Feb. 3–16* Feb. 4–17
*These departures are aboard the National Geographic Orion. All other departures are aboard the National Geographic Explorer.
†Visit our website for special holiday pricing on these departures. Please note: If departing from outside the U.S., plan to arrive on the morning of Day 2.
Hikers mount a snowy rise in Neko Harbor, Antarctica.
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LEMAIRE CHANNEL AND PETERMANN ISLAND
Cruise through the Lemaire Channel between towering snowcaps and blue icebergs. Step ashore at Petermann Island to the cries of thousands of gentoo penguins standing along the shoreline, as if awaiting your arrival.
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In 1944, the British government began an expedition code-named Operation Tabarin, creating a series of base stations in Antarctica. Base A, at Port Lockroy, is now a museum and Antarctica’s only public post office.
DAYS 11 AND 12 NEKO HARBOR
Dock in Neko Harbor. Walk among penguins on the beach, or climb high onto an ice field for a panoramic vista of the untouched peaks surrounding this idyllic bay.
COST
PORT LOCKROY
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AT SEA
Enjoy the ship’s amenities as the Antarctic coast disappears from view. Round the southernmost tip of South America, and see the meeting of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Celebrate our voyage at a farewell dinner on board. Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 13 AND 14 I USHUAIA, ARGENTINA/ BUENOS AIRES OR SANTIAGO, CHILE /U.S. Disembark in Ushuaia. Fly to Buenos Aires (National Geographic Explorer departures) or Santiago (National Geographic Orion departures) by private charter, and connect with your overnight flight home. Meals: Day 13: B/L
Explorer
Orion
Category 1
$13,890
$14,170
Category 2
$14,940
$15,230
Category 3
$15,380
$16,960
Category 4
$16,550
$20,500
Category 5
$19,990
$23,440
Category 6
$22,800
$27,290
Category 7
$26,600
N/A
Category A Solo
$18,680
$21,250
Category B Solo
$19,220
$25,440
See descriptions, photos, and deck plans for the National Geographic Explorer and National Geographic Orion on pages 128–129. Prices are per person, double occupancy, except those marked solo, which are based on single occupancy. For holiday pricing, please visit our website. International airfare to/from Buenos Aires or Santiago and to/from Ushuaia is not included in the expedition cost. The group flight to/from Ushuaia is $890–$1,240 per person depending on the departure date (subject to change). Maximum ship capacity: National Geographic Explorer: 148 National Geographic Orion: 102
OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS SPECIAL OFFERS For voyages aboard the National Geographic Explorer, add an extension in Buenos Aires, Iguazú Falls, or to Easter Island. For voyages aboard the National Geographic Orion, add an extension in Santiago or to Easter Island. Visit our website or call for details. The National Geographic Explorer attracts a cast of curious penguins.
Book by March 31, 2018 and receive free round-trip international airfare between Miami and Buenos Aires on the November 26, 2018 departure. We will also cover your bar tab and tips for the crew on all departures.
EXPEDITION TEAM
YO U R T R I P M A K E S A D I F F E R E N C E The National Geographic Society funds research, conservation, and exploration, including research assessing the effect of global warming on female leopard seals as well as climbing expeditions in Antarctica.
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CALL 1-888-966-8687 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/EXPEDITIONCRUISES
A diverse team of experts, including an expedition leader, a photo instructor, and naturalists, will accompany this trip. Wildlife photographer and ornithologist Tim Laman will join the December 26, 2018 departure. Read his bio and find more experts on our website. This trip is operated in partnership with Lindblad Expeditions. I
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S O U T H G EO RG I A A N D T H E FA L K L A N DS THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Join our naturalists for an interpretive walk among tens of thousands of stately king penguins on a remote beach in South Georgia. • Each departure of the National Geographic Explorer is accompanied by a National Geographic photographer who offers insight on capturing the compelling stories of the South Atlantic. • Glide in a kayak or Zodiac amid curious fur seals in the Falklands, and view an impressive colony of black-browed albatrosses. • Sail a catamaran amid the islands of Beagle Channel, spotting wildlife along the way.
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Wander through the remote town of Stanley, and raise a glass at the historic Globe or Victory pubs. Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 9–13
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Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 14, 15, AND 16
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U.S./BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
Depart on an overnight flight to Buenos Aires and set out on a guided city tour. Alvear Art Hotel (or similar)
DAYS 3 AND 4
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USHUAIA/AT SEA
Fly to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Enjoy lunch during a scenic catamaran cruise on the Beagle Channel. Later, embark the ship and begin our voyage across the South Atlantic. National Geographic Explorer for the remainder of the trip
DAYS 5–8
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FALKLAND ISLANDS/AT SEA
Each island in the Falklands is distinctive in its beauty. The archipelago boasts the largest albatross colony in the world; thousands of irresistible gentoo, rockhopper, and Magellanic penguins; as well as fur and elephant seals.
Trip Type
Activity Level
SOUTH GEORGIA ISLAND
Arrive in South Georgia, renowned for its beauty and wildlife—and Sir Ernest Shackleton’s final resting place. Look out for young Antarctic fur seals, elephant seals, and nesting albatrosses as we explore the island. Hike through breathtaking landscapes, and cruise into a remote bay where thousands of king penguins await.
DAYS 1 AND 2
I N F O R M AT I O N
Expedition Cruise
DAT E S 2018: Mar. 6–24 Oct. 22–Nov. 9
2019: Mar. 6–24
Please note: If departing from outside the U.S., plan to arrive on the morning of Day 2.
COST
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AT SEA/FALKLAND ISLANDS
After two days at sea, we return once more to the stunning shores of the Falklands. Take a walk along the pristine beaches, wander amid the waving tussock grass, view an impressive blackbrowed albatross colony, and be welcomed for a grand tea at the home of a local family. Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 17, 18, AND 19 I AT SEA/STANLEY, FALKLANDS/SANTIAGO, CHILE/U.S. After breakfast, disembark in Stanley and transfer to the airport. Take a charter flight to Santiago, and then catch your overnight flight home. Meals: Days 17 and 18: B/L/D Daily
SPECIAL OFFER Book by March 31, 2018 and receive complimentary round-trip airfare between Miami and Buenos Aires plus free round-trip charter airfare between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia on all departures. We will also cover your bar tab and tips for the crew on all departures.
Category 1
$16,990
Category 2
$18,130
Category 3
$19,130
Category 4
$20,350
Category 5
$24,580
Category 6
$28,350
Category 7
$32,880
Category A Solo
$22,660
Category B Solo
$23,910
See the description, photos, and deck plan for the National Geographic Explorer on page 128. Prices are per person, double occupancy, except those marked solo, which are based on single occupancy. International airfare to Buenos Aires and return from Santiago, and to/from Ushuaia, is not included in the expedition cost. The group flight to/from Ushuaia is $890–$1,240 per person depending on the departure date (subject to change). Maximum ship capacity: 148
EXPEDITION TEAM A diverse team of experts, including an expedition leader, a photo instructor, and naturalists, will accompany this trip. National Geographic photographer Jay Dickman will join the March 2018 departure. Read his bio and find more experts on our website. This trip is operated in partnership with Lindblad Expeditions.
Above: King penguins soak up the fi rst rays of the rising sun in South Georgia. 104
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POLAR REGIONS
A N TA R C T I C A , S O U T H G EO R G I A , AND THE FALKLANDS THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Set out from the National Geographic Explorer or National Geographic Orion in a Zodiac or kayak to get up close to the exquisite icebergs of the Antarctic Peninsula. • Get immersed in a sea of black and white amid thousands of king penguins. • With our team of experts, trace the riveting story of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s fateful expedition on South Georgia. • Get hands-on instruction from a National Geographic photographer as you frame seabirds, elephant seals, and numerous penguin species.
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wildlife. See the descriptions on pages 102 and 103 for more details about these days. Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 11–17
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DAYS 1 AND 2 I U.S./BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA OR SANTIAGO, CHILE Depart on an overnight flight to Buenos Aires or Santiago.* Settle into our hotel before heading out on an afternoon tour of the city. Gather tonight for a welcome reception. Sofitel Buenos Aires or Hotel Santiago by Mandarin I Meals: Day 2: L
DAY 3
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USHUAIA, ARGENTINA
Fly to Ushuaia and enjoy lunch on a catamaran cruise of the Beagle Channel. Then board our ship. National Geographic Explorer or National Geographic Orion for the remainder of the trip I Meals: B/L/D
DAYS 4–10
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AT SEA/EXPLORING ANTARCTICA
Settle into life aboard the ship as we cross the Drake Passage to Antarctica. Keep a lookout for seabirds, whales, and other marine life that glide alongside the ship. In keeping with the nature of an expedition, the schedule is flexible, allowing us to take advantage of the unexpected. We anticipate making several landings each day to hike, kayak, and experience close encounters with
Trip Type
AT SEA/SOUTH GEORGIA
Arrive in South Georgia Island and visit Sir Ernest Shackleton’s final resting place. Glide in Zodiacs past dramatic cliffs, on the lookout for young Antarctic fur seals. Hike through this breathtaking landscape, and cruise into a remote bay where tens of thousands of king penguins crowd the shore. Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 18–21
I N F O R M AT I O N
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AT SEA/ FALKLANDS
After two days at sea, dock in Port Stanley, and stroll along streets lined with Victorian-style houses. Visit the Christ Church Cathedral and the Falkland Islands Museum and National Trust. Hike and kayak along rocky coasts, spotting Magellanic penguins, enormous elephant seals, and albatrosses. Celebrate our epic voyage during our final night at sea. Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 23 AND 24 I USHUAIA, ARGENTINA/ BUENOS AIRES OR SANTIAGO, CHILE/U.S. Disembark in Ushuaia and fly to Buenos Aires or Santiago,* and connect with your overnight flight home. Meals: Day 23: B/L
SPECIAL OFFERS Book by March 31, 2018 and receive free round-trip international airfare between Miami and Buenos Aires or Santiago on both of the November 2018 departures. We will also cover your bar tab and tips for the crew on all departures.
EXPEDITION TEAM A diverse team of experts, including an expedition leader, a photo instructor, and naturalists, will accompany this trip. National Geographic photographer Ralph Lee Hopkins will join the November 5, 2018 departure. Read his bio and find more experts on our website. This trip is operated in partnership with Lindblad Expeditions.
Activity Level
Expedition Cruise
DAT E S 2018: Nov. 5–28*† Nov. 6–29†
2019: Feb. 13–Mar. 8* Feb. 14–Mar. 9
*These departures are aboard the National Geographic Orion and begin and end in Santiago, Chile. All other departures are aboard the National Geographic Explorer and begin and end in Buenos Aires, Argentina. †These departures follow the itinerary shown but in the reverse order. Please note: If departing from outside the U.S., plan to arrive on the morning of Day 2.
COST
Explorer
Orion
Category 1
$23,990
Category 2
$25,740
$24,620 $26,380
Category 3
$26,950
$28,450
Category 4
$28,220
$35,660
Category 5
$34,750
$41,150
Category 6
$39,990
$47,720
Category 7
$46,450
N/A
Category A Solo
$32,180
$36,930
Category B Solo
$33,690
$42,670
See descriptions, photos, and deck plans for the National Geographic Explorer and National Geographic Orion on pages 128–129. Prices are per person, double occupancy, except those marked solo, which are based on single occupancy. International airfare to/from Buenos Aires or Santiago and to/from Ushuaia is not included in the expedition cost. The group flight to/from Ushuaia is $890–$1,240 per person depending on the departure date (subject to change). Maximum ship capacity: National Geographic Explorer: 148 National Geographic Orion: 102
Above: Forming a sea of black and white, king penguins cluster on the beaches of South Georgia. I
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LAND OF THE POLAR BEARS T H E N AT I O N A L GEOGR APHIC DIFFERENCE • The National Geographic Explorer is an ice-class vessel that allows us to probe the floes in search of resident wildlife, including walruses, seals, and the majestic polar bear—the very symbol of the Arctic. • Discover unusual Arctic flora and tidewater glaciers on walks with naturalists, and spot huge walruses, bearded and ringed seals, arctic foxes, and reindeer. • Experience the legendary midnight sun: the ethereal light of the northern summer, when the sun never sets. • Learn tips and techniques on wildlife and landscape photography from the National Geographic photographer who accompanies the trip.
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that navigated the Arctic Sea in the late 1800s and early 1900s. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. Radisson Blu Airport Hotel I Meals: Day 2: L/D
DAY 3
DAYS 1 AND 2
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U.S./OSLO, NORWAY
Depart on an overnight flight to Oslo. Upon arrival, check in to our hotel. On an afternoon tour of this charming city, stroll among the famed Vigeland sculptures—hundreds of life-size human figures set in a terraced parkland. Visit the Fram Museum, showcasing the polar ship Fram and dedicated to the explorers and wooden vessels
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OSLO/LONGYEARBYEN
Take a private charter flight to Longyearbyen, enjoying views of the southern fjords en route. On arrival, meet a local guide and take a short bus ride to Camp Barentz in the nearby Advent Valley for a taste of Arctic culture. Here, you’ll discover a unique collection of buildings, including an authentic gamme, a traditional round building with an open fire in the center; and a lavvo, the traditional tent of the Sami people. Enjoy refreshments and an expert presentation on polar bears before meeting some of the friendly sled-dog huskies that reside at camp. Embark the National Geographic Explorer, your base for the next six days. National Geographic Explorer through Day 9 Meals: B/L/D
DAYS 4–9
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EXPLORING SVALBARD
This voyage is undertaken in the spirit of discovery, and our travel in the archipelago is exploratory by design. In a region ruled not by humans but by polar bears, we let nature guide our course. Svalbard lies north of the Arctic Circle, where the
Guests explore Svalbard via kayak.
Above: A polar bear meets its refl ection in Svalbard.
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I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Expedition Cruise
DAT E S 2018: May 16– 26 May 23–June 2 May 30–June 9 Please Note: If departing from outside the U.S., plan to arrive on the morning of Day 2.
COST
Travelers in a Zodiac get closer to the ice formations of Svalbard.
summer sun never sets. With our fully stabilized ice-class expedition ship, we are able to probe the ice in search of wildlife; our exact day-to-day itinerary remains flexible, depending on local ice and weather conditions. Zodiacs and kayaks take us closer to experience the region’s geologic features and the wildlife that flourishes during the summer months. With our National Geographic photographer, photo instructor, and seasoned naturalists, venture by Zodiac to the foot of vast tidewater glaciers, kayak among sparkling icebergs, and explore fjords that split the coastline. Hike through miniature gardens blooming on the tundra; and search the edge of the pack ice for polar bears, walruses, seals, reindeer, and arctic foxes.
Svalbard is one of the best places on the planet to observe majestic polar bears in their natural environment. Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAY 10
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LONGYEARBYEN/OSLO
In Longyearbyen, the largest settlement in Svalbard, disembark and enjoy time to explore the museum and art gallery. Founded by an American coal executive in 1906, this is one of the northernmost human settlements on Earth. Fly back to Oslo this afternoon. Radisson Blu Airport Hotel I Meals: B/L
DAY 11
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OSLO/U.S.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home. Meals: B
Category 1
$10,430
Category 2
$11,150
Category 3
$11,630
Category 4
$12,320
Category 5
$15,620
Category 6
$17,100
Category 7
$19,520
Category A Solo
$13,950
Category B Solo
$14,540
See the description, photos, and deck plan for the National Geographic Explorer on page 128. Prices are per person, double occupancy, except those marked solo, which are based on single occupancy. Airfare to/from Oslo and within Norway is not included in the expedition cost. The group flights between Oslo and Longyearbyen are $725 per person (subject to change). Maximum ship capacity: 148
SPECIAL OFFER Travel on the National Geographic Explorer in 2018 and we will cover your bar tab on board and all tips for the crew.
EXPEDITION TEAM A diverse team of experts, including an expedition leader, a photo instructor, and naturalists, will accompany this trip. National Geographic photographer Erika Larsen will join the May 23 and 30, 2018 departures. Read her bio and find more experts on our website. This trip is operated in partnership with Lindblad Expeditions.
M O R E WAY S TO D I S CO V E R S VA L B A R D Discover Norway’s fjord-carved coast on foot, by kayak, or by Zodiac; seek out Arctic wildlife; and explore coastal communities on our 17-day Norway’s Fjords and Arctic Svalbard expedition. Or, explore three quintessential northern destinations on an epic 17-day voyage to Svalbard, Iceland, and Greenland’s East Coast. Encounter big ice, myriad birdlife, stunning landscapes, and authentic Arctic culture. Visit our website for details and pricing.
OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS Add a five-day pre-trip extension to the breathtaking fjords of Norway or a four-day post-trip extension to Iceland that includes Reykjavík, the Golden Circle, Akureyri, and Lake Mývatn. Visit our website or call for details.
FO R A D D ITI O N A L T R I P S TO T H E A RC TI C , V I S I T N AT G E O E X P E D I T I O N S . C O M / A R C T I C
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G A L Á PAG OS T H E N AT I O N A L GEOGR APHIC DIFFERENCE • The National Geographic Endeavour II and National Geographic Islander are each equipped with kayaks, paddleboards, and Zodiacs, allowing for up-close exploration. • Join our naturalists on interpretive island walks to learn about Galápagos wildlife, and witness incredible interactions among animals in their natural habitat. • Meet endangered Galápagos giant tortoises at a National Geographic– supported captive-breeding program, and then observe these creatures in the wild. • Through our new National Geographic Global Explorers program, young travelers learn to explore like scientists and tell the stories of this legendary archipelago.
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lunch, we begin our exploration of the islands and their diverse wildlife. National Geographic Endeavour II or National Geographic Islander through Day 8
DAYS 3–8
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I Meals: B/L/D EXPLORING THE GALÁPAGOS
Our expeditions travel between Baltra and San Cristóbal and include Santa Cruz and a selection of the other islands listed below. All ship itineraries are regulated by the Galápagos National Park. Meals: B/L/D Daily
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ISLA BARTOLOMÉ
Walk to the top of Bartolomé’s volcanic cone for a stunning view of Pinnacle Rock and the surrounding beaches. You may also have the opportunity to swim with Galápagos penguins.
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GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR
Arrive in Guayaquil and transfer to our hotel upon arrival. Hotel Hilton Colón or Hotel del Parque
DAY 2
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GUAYAQUIL/GALÁPAGOS
This morning, fly to the Galápagos Islands and board our comfortable expedition ship. After
ISLA SANTIAGO
Follow a path along a series of tide pools and underwater caverns in search of Galápagos fur seals, marine iguanas, sea lions, shorebirds, and Sally Lightfoot crabs.
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neighboring captive-breeding program for endangered Galápagos giant tortoises, run by the Galápagos National Park and supported by the Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic Fund. Travel into the highlands to observe and photograph these tortoises in the wild.
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ISLA ISABELA
Explore the largest island in the group, home to marine iguanas, abundant sea turtles, the only species of flightless cormorant in the world, and the only penguin species that inhabits the Equator. Cruise by Zodiac, hike against a backdrop of giant shield volcanoes, and snorkel in the cool waters that often draw whales and dolphins to the area.
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ISLA FLOREANA
Hike to a turtle-nesting beach and a lagoon that is home to flamingos and other bird species. At Champion Islet, snorkel among sea lions, and visit Post Office Bay, founded by whalers in the 18th century. If you see a letter addressed to someone who lives near you, the tradition is to deliver it by hand.
ISLA SANTA CRUZ
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, a center of research and conservation. Then tour the
Above: Strutting blue-footed boobies fl aunt their azure appendages in hopes of luring a mate. 108
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I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Expedition Cruise
DAT E S 2018 and 2019: Expeditions depart Fridays on the National Geographic Endeavour II and Saturdays on the National Geographic Islander. See the calendar on page 139 for departure dates. Family Departures: All Galápagos departures are family friendly. See the box below for details. Photography Departures: Some departures are designed as photography and video expeditions. See the box below for details.
Underwater rays of sun light up a green sea turtle off Isla Isabela.
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ISLA FERNANDINA
DAY 9
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GALÁPAGOS/GUAYAQUIL
Discover the marine iguana haven of Punta Espinoza as we hike over lava flows. Galápagos hawks, sea lion nurseries, and rare flightless cormorants can be found while exploring this island. Snorkel among sea turtles, penguins, and the occasional marine iguana.
After breakfast, disembark the ship and fly to Guayaquil. The evening is at your leisure.
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OPTIONAL EXTENSION
ISLA ESPAÑOLA
See swallow-tailed gulls, Española mockingbirds, boobies, and waved albatrosses in this birder’s paradise. Walk among vivid green-and-red marine iguanas and unique lava lizards, and observe sea lions up close on a pristine white-sand beach.
N AT I O N A L G E O G R A P H I C G LO B A L E X P LO R E R S P RO G R A M
Hotel Hilton Colón or Hotel del Parque I Meals: B
DAY 10
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GUAYAQUIL
Depart Guayaquil for your flight home. Meals: B
Add a six-day pre-trip extension that includes Colonial Quito, and stay at Mashpi Lodge, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World set in Ecuador’s Chocó rain forest. Or combine this Galápagos voyage with our Peru: Land of the Inca expedition (see page 112) for one extraordinary 16-day journey. Visit our website or call for details. SPECIAL PHOTOGRAPHY A N D V I D EO D E PA RT U R E S
Select departures of this expedition are designated as photography and video expeditions. You’ll learn tips and techniques from renowned National Geographic experts as you capture up-close encounters with unique species such as flightless cormorants, marine iguanas, and domed giant tortoises. Visit our website for departure dates and for the National Geographic photographer or expert joining each trip.
Young travelers on all departures of our Galápagos expedition can participate in our new National Geographic Global Explorers program. Developed in conjunction with National Geographic Education, this hands-on, interactive program teaches kids how to explore like scientists and tell the stories of the archipelago’s legendary wildlife. Our certified field educators are trained to optimize the myriad learning opportunities found in the Galápagos. Kids will hone their observation skills and learn to capture and share their experiences through photographs, videos, maps, drawings, and more. With a range of activities to choose from—in the field and on board—our flexible program encourages young travelers to explore their own interests, whether it’s marine biology or photography.
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YO U R T R I P M A K E S A D I F F E R E N C E The National Geographic Society funds research, conservation, and exploration, including vital studies on the endangered Galápagos penguin and the seasonal migration patterns of Galápagos tortoises.
COST
Endeavour ll
Category 1
$6,960
$7,330
Category 2
$8,100
$8,290
Category 3
$8,990
$9,170
Category 4
$9,970
$9,750
Category 5
N/A
$11,860
Islander
Suite A
$11,950
N/A
Suite B
$12,890
N/A
Suite C
$13,660
N/A
Category 2 Solo
$10,130
N/A
Category 3 Solo
$11,240
N/A
*Please note: The pricing above is valid for 2018 departures and 2019 departures booked by March 31, 2018. Visit our website for updated 2019 pricing after that date. See descriptions, photos, and deck plans for the National Geographic Endeavour II and National Geographic Islander on page 131. Prices are per person, double occupancy, except those marked solo, which are based on single occupancy. Third-person rates are available in designated cabins at one-half the double-occupancy rate. For holiday pricing aboard both ships and single-cabin pricing on the National Geographic Islander, please visit our website. Airfare to/from Guayaquil and within Ecuador is not included in the expedition cost. Airfare between Guayaquil and the Galápagos is $520 per adult and $260 per child under age 12 (subject to change). Maximum ship capacity: National Geographic Islander: 48 National Geographic Endeavour II: 96
EXPEDITION TEAM
SPECIAL OFFERS Book by March 31, 2018 and receive free round-trip international airfare between Miami and the Galápagos on select 2018 departures. Visit our website or call for details.
CALL 1-888-966-8687 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/EXPEDITIONCRUISES
A diverse team of experts, including an expedition leader, a photo instructor, and naturalists, will accompany this trip. Filmmaker and National Geographic Emerging Explorer Sandesh Kadur will join the June 1 and 8, 2018 departures. Read his bio and find more experts on our website. This trip is operated in partnership with Lindblad Expeditions
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E C U A D O R P R I VAT E E X P E D I T I O N THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Sail among the isles of the Galápagos archipelago by yacht, disembarking for close encounters with sea lions, blue-footed boobies, Galápagos penguins, and much more. • Stay at two spectacular National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World: Finch Bay Galápagos Hotel and Mashpi Lodge. • Ride an aerial bike through the treetops of the Chocó rain forest, and let bioluminescent flora guide you on a jungle night walk. • Take a private tour of Quito’s well-preserved colonial old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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DAYS 7 AND 8
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GALÁPAGOS/QUITO/ MASHPI RESERVE
Return to the airport on Isla Baltra and fly to Quito. Enjoy an evening at leisure in the colonial center. The next day, travel to the archaeological site of Tulipe, then continue to Mashpi Lodge, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World. Take a guided night walk through the jungle. Casa Gangotena;
Mashpi Lodge
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B; Day 8: B/L/D
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Private
Light / Moderate
DAT E S This is a private expedition that is offered year-round, so you may select any dates that are convenient for you.
COST
DAY 9
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MASHPI RESERVE
Take an exclusive tour of the lodge’s research station. Then survey the canopy from the observation tower, and ride an aerial bicycle through the treetops. Mashpi Lodge I Meals: B/L/D
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DAYS 1 AND 2
QUITO, ECUADOR
Arrive in Quito and transfer to your hotel. The next day, tour Quito’s old town. Casa Gangotena
DAY 3
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I
Meals: Day 2: B/L
GALÁPAGOS
Fly to Isla Baltra, then take the ferry to Isla Santa Cruz and tour the Giant Tortoise Reserve. Later, transfer to Finch Bay Galápagos Hotel, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World. Finch Bay Galápagos Hotel
DAYS 4, 5, AND 6
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DAY 10
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MASHPI RESERVE/QUITO
Enjoy a bird-watching walk or hike to a waterfall. Later, visit the Equatorial Monument at the “middle of the world.” Transfer to the airport and catch your flight home. Meals: B/L F E AT U R E D N AT I O N A L G E O G R A P H I C U N I Q U E LO D G E S
GALÁPAGOS
Finch Bay Galápagos Hotel Meals: B/L/D Daily
Prices are per person, double occupancy, and are subject to availability. Single-traveler prices are available upon request. A holiday surcharge may apply to certain travel dates. Airfare to/from Quito and within Ecuador is not included in the expedition cost. The round-trip flight between Quito and the Galápagos is $600 per person (subject to change).
LOCAL GUIDES Top local guides will accompany you throughout the trip, and you will meet other local experts as described in the itinerary.
W H AT TO E X P E C T Travelers should be in good health and comfortable walking or standing for extended periods of time. Daily activities may include walking tours and easy hikes, with options for kayaking, snorkeling, and more challenging hikes on muddy terrain. Excursions can last up to eight hours in the Galápagos; and the drive to Mashpi Lodge is about four hours. You will be at high elevation while in Quito (9,350 feet).
Meals: B/L/D
Sail the Galápagos aboard the lodge yacht, searching for blue-footed boobies, land iguanas, sea lions, and much more. On Isla Santa Cruz, go swimming and snorkeling, and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Enjoy a private cooking class.
from $7,395 from $7,695
4+ people 2 people
Spend four days exploring the Galápagos archipelago from your base at Finch Bay Galápagos Hotel on the isle of Santa Cruz. Then immerse yourself in the Ecuadorian Chocó Cloud Forest Reserve at Mashpi Lodge (pictured above), and join a biologist for a tour of the lodge research station—a National Geographic exclusive experience. FOR ADDITIONAL TRIPS TO ECUADOR ,
Above: A pair of sea lions frolick in the waters off the Galápagos Islands. 110
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V I S I T N ATG EO E X P E D I T I O N S .CO M /EC UA D O R
CALL 1-888-966-8687 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/PRIVATETRIPS
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SOUTH AMERICA
U P P ER A M A ZO N THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Explore the amazing biodiversity of the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve with our team of naturalists, and encounter rare pink dolphins, sloths, howler monkeys, giant lily pads, and an astounding variety of birdlife. • Learn from a National Geographic–Lindblad certified photo instructor, who travels with us aboard the elegant Delfin II riverboat. • Glide into the backwaters by kayak or skiff for an up-close look at the intricacies of the Amazonian ecosystem. • Meet the ribereños (indigenous people) who live along the river’s edge,and learn about the projects supported by the Lindblad-National Geographic fund. ITINER ARY
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including noisy howlers, shaggy-tailed monk saki monkeys, and saddleback tamarins. Watch for an incredible variety of birds. In the waterways, look for massive paiche fish, rare pink dolphins, and piranhas. Enjoy an opportunity to swim in a lake in the reserve’s interior, and go on a bird-watching hike. Slip through the forest in a skiff as night falls, using a spotlight to find caimans, fishing bats, and other creatures of the night.
DAY 1
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LIMA, PERU
Arrive in Lima in the late evening and transfer to our hotel. Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport Hotel
DAY 2
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LIMA/IQUITOS/NAUTA
This morning, fly from Lima to Iquitos and continue overland to Nauta, where the Delfin II awaits. Settle into your cabin, and gather for a welcome dinner. Delfin II through Day 8 | Meals: B/L/D
DAYS 3–8
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PACAYA-SAMIRIA NATIONAL RESERVE
Spend this week exploring the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, a pristine swath of jungle stretching more than five million acres and harboring some of the Amazon’s most fascinating flora and fauna. Two powerful rivers, the Marañón and the Ucayali, converge here at the headwaters of the mighty Amazon.
Pay a visit to communities on the reserve’s edge and get to know the ribereños—those who live on the riverbanks—and their age-old traditions. Learn how they make jewelry and other handicrafts, and find out how local subsistence farmers cultivate wild plants and trees to earn income. We’ll also learn about the inspiring work of Minga Peru, a nonprofit that has helped improve the health and livelihoods of the people of the Amazon with the support of the LindbladNational Geographic Fund. Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAY 9
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NAUTA /IQUITOS/LIMA
After breakfast, disembark in Nauta, and return to Iquitos overland for a flight to Lima. Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport Hotel Meals: B/L
DAY 10
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LIMA
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home. Meals: B
OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Expedition Cruise
DAT E S 2018 and 2019: Expeditions depart on Saturdays throughout the year. See the calendar on page 139 for departure dates. 2018
2019
Suite
$6,990
$7,190
Master Suite
$8,260
$8,590
COST
See the Delfin II description, photo, and deck plan on page 134. Prices are per person, double occupancy. Due to limited availability, single cabins are offered on a request basis only; please call for availability and rates. On the December 29, 2018 departure, there is an additional holiday surcharge of $690 per person for a Suite and $430 per person for a Master Suite. Airfare to/from Lima and within Peru is not included in the expedition cost. The round-trip charter flights between Lima and Iquitos are $440 per person (subject to change). Maximum ship capacity: 28
SPECIAL OFFER Save 10% on the expedition cost when you combine this voyage with our Galápagos voyage or our Peru: Land of the Inca expedition. Plus, book by March 31, 2018 and receive free round-trip airfare from Miami to Iquitos when combining select departures with our Galápagos voyage. Visit our website or call for details.
EXPEDITION TEAM
Combine this Upper Amazon voyage with our Galápagos voyage (see page 108) or our Peru: Land of the Inca expedition (see page 112), or join all three. See the special offer at right, and visit our website or call for details.
Set out into this wilderness on daily excursions by skiff, kayak, and, when the water level permits, hikes on dry land. Spot sloths and monkeys, Above: A scarlet macaw perches amid foliage. I
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Activity Level
CALL 1-888-966-8687 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/EXPEDITIONCRUISES
A diverse team of experts, including an expedition leader, a photo instructor, and local naturalists, will accompany this trip. Eliana Elias, co-founder and executive director of Minga Perú, an organization supported by the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fund, will join the March 10 and August 25, 2018 departures. This trip is operated in partnership with Lindblad Expeditions. I
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PERU: LAND OF THE INCA THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Watch day break over Machu Picchu, and learn about National Geographic–funded excavations that helped uncover the site. • Join archaeologist Peter Frost for an insider’s perspective on his archaeological expeditions in Peru.* • Attend a private demonstration of traditional Andean weaving techniques by a National Geographic grantee. • In the Sacred Valley of the Inca, visit a private family museum filled with colonial artwork, and see a dance of paso horses.
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helped preserve and revive traditional Inca textiles. Hotel Sol y Luna I Meals: B/L/D
DAY 4
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Belmond Sanctuary Lodge
DAYS 1 AND 2 I LIMA, PERU/CUSCO/ SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCA Arrive in Lima and overnight at our airport hotel. The next day, fly to Cusco and drive to Moray, an intriguing Inca site believed to be an agricultural laboratory. After a traditional Peruvian lunch, stop at a local market and then check in to our hotel. Wyndham Costa del Sol Airport Hotel; Sol y Luna
DAY 3
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MACHU PICCHU/CUSCO
Awaken this morning at Machu Picchu, and enjoy an early hike to the Sun Gate, if you choose. Enjoy time to explore on your own. After lunch, board the train back to the Sacred Valley, continuing by coach to Cusco. Our home here is a converted 16th-century monastery. Belmond Monasterio Hotel
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DAY 6
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CUSCO
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DAY 7
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CUSCO/LIMA
After our flight back to Lima, visit the renowned Larco Herrara Museum. Gather for a farewell lunch at Casa Aliaga, a lovely colonial home. Belmond Miraflores Park Hotel I Meals: B/L
DAY 8
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LIMA
Transfer to the Lima airport for the return flight home. Meals: B
*On departures that coincide with Peter’s assignments, one of his colleagues will join us. Above: Perched on a secluded mountaintop in the Peruvian Andes, Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most celebrated archaeological sites. 112
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Activity Level
Land
DAT E S 2018 and 2019: Expeditions depart every week on either Saturday or Sunday. See the calendar on page 139 for specific departure dates.
$5,690†
COST
† Please note: The pricing above is valid for 2018 and for
2019 departures when booked by March 31, 2018. Visit our website for updated 2019 pricing after that date. Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $1,380. On the December 22 and 30, 2018 departures, there is an additional holiday surcharge of $730 per person. Airfare to/from Lima and within Peru is not included in the expedition cost. The round-trip group flight between Lima and Cusco is $435 per person (subject to change).
SPECIAL OFFER Enjoy a full day of exploration in Cusco. See the 15th-century Sacsayhuaman fortress and the Coricancha, a 17th-century cathedral and convent built atop the ruins of the most important Inca temple. Belmond Monasterio Hotel I Meals: B/L
Spend the day exploring the archaeological sites and Andean culture of the Sacred Valley with National Geographic grantee Peter Frost,* who has been exploring the Andes for 35 years. Peter joins us for a talk at our hotel and accompanies our visit to Ollantaytambo. Visit a family-owned hacienda for lunch, and witness a presentation of traditional horsemanship. Later, meet National Geographic grantee Nilda Callañaupa, who has
Trip Type
MACHU PICCHU
A morning train ride brings us to Machu Picchu. Enjoy a guided walk in the sanctuary, and then check in to our lodge overlooking the Andes— the only accommodation adjacent to Machu Picchu. This afternoon, return to the site to explore with a guide, head off on your own to see the Inca Bridge, or soak in the hotel’s hot tub.
DAY 5
I N F O R M AT I O N
Book by March 31, 2018 and receive free round-trip international airfare between Miami and Cusco on select departures when you combine this Peru expedition with our Galápagos voyage (see page 108). Visit our website or call for details.
EXPEDITION TEAM A diverse team of experts, including an expedition leader, a photo instructor, and local naturalists, will accompany this trip. Peruvian native and conservationist Ernesto Ore will join several departures of this expedition. To see these dates and read his bio, please visit our website. This trip is operated in partnership with Lindblad Expeditions.
W H AT TO E X P E C T We will be traveling at high elevations: Cusco is at an altitude of 11,200 feet, and Machu Picchu is at 8,000 feet. Participants should be physically fit. This expedition is not suitable for anyone who suffers from a respiratory disorder, a circulatory ailment, or a disability that limits mobility.
CALL 1-888-966-8687 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/LANDTRIPS
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SOUTH AMERICA
P E R U P R I VAT E E X P E D I T I O N THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Unlock the secrets of the ruins of Machu Picchu while exploring with a private guide. • Stay in three spectacular National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World: Inkaterra La Casona, Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, and Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. • Attend a private demonstration of traditional Andean wool-dying and weaving by National Geographic grantee Nilda Callañaupa.* • Enjoy experiences reserved exclusively for National Geographic travelers, including a chicha-brewing lesson, an architectural tour of a Cusco colonial manor, and a private visit to a spectacled bear rehabilitation center.
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DAY S
DAYS 6 AND 7
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MACHU PICCHU
Travel by train to Machu Picchu, or disembark early for an optional trek on the Inca Trail with a private guide. Settle into Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, another National Geographic Unique Lodge. Rise early to explore the ruins of Machu Picchu with a private guide. Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
DAYS 8 AND 9
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I Meals: B/D Daily CUSCO/LIMA
Visit the lodge’s spectacled bear rehabilitation program before traveling back to Cusco. Fly to Lima, and tour the historic center and the Larco Herrera Museum before your flight home. Inkaterra La Casona
I Meals: B Daily
OPTIONAL EXTENSION
DAYS 1 AND 2
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CUSCO, PERU
Fly to Cusco and settle into Inkaterra La Casona, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World. Enjoy an exclusive architecture walk through this restored 16th-century manor, and take a private tour of the city. Inkaterra La Casona I Meals: Day 2: B
Extend your trip at Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción, a Unique Lodge of the World located in the Amazon rain forest. Visit our website for details. F E AT U R E D N AT I O N A L G E O G R A P H I C U N I Q U E LO D G E S
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Private
Light / Moderate
DAT E S This is a private expedition that is offered year-round, so you may select any dates that are convenient for you.
COST from $5,195 from $5,395 from $6,295
6+ people 4 people 2 people
Prices are per person, double occupancy, and are subject to availability. Single-traveler prices are available upon request. A holiday surcharge may apply to certain travel dates. Airfare to Cusco and return from Lima is not included in the expedition cost.
LOCAL GUIDES Top local guides will accompany you throughout the trip, and you will meet other local experts as described in the itinerary.
W H AT TO E X P E C T
DAYS 3, 4, AND 5
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SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCA
Venture into the Sacred Valley, stopping in Awanacancha to learn about llamas and alpacas. Stroll Pisac's famous market, then continue to Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba—a Unique Lodge of the World—and enjoy an exclusive brewing lesson in the Chicha House. At the Center of Traditional Textiles of Cusco, attend a private Andean weaving demonstration. See the remains of Inca agriculture systems at Chinchero and Moray, visit the stacked salt mines of Maras, explore Ollantaytambo, and spend a day in the village of Patakancha. Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba
Travelers should be in good health and comfortable walking or standing for extended periods of time. Daily activities may include city walking tours, easy or moderate hikes, and transfers of 2–4 hours. We will be traveling at high elevations while in Cusco (11,200 ft), the Sacred Valley (9,200 ft), and at Machu Picchu (8,000 ft). Spend every night of your trip at a Unique Lodge: Inkaterra La Casona, a historic mansion in Cusco’s old town; Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba (pictured above), a colonial-style estate in the Sacred Valley of the Inca; and Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, whose casitas are tucked in the jungle just below the iconic Inca site. At each lodge, you’ll enjoy an experience arranged exclusively for our guests.
I Meals: B/L Daily
*When Nilda is unable to attend, one of her colleagues will join us instead. Above: Women in traditional dress stroll a cobblestoned lane in Cusco. I
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FOR ADDITIONAL TRIP S TO PERU, V I S I T N ATG E O E X P E D I T I O N S .C O M / P E R U
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P E R U F A M I LY E X P E D I T I O N THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Spend an entire day at Machu Picchu exploring the mysterious ruins and hiking the surrounding slopes in search of stunning views. • Meet artisans, bakers, equestrians, and more to experience ancient Andean traditions firsthand. • Join National Geographic grantee Nilda Callañaupa for a hands-on demonstration of traditional Peruvian weaving techniques. • Alongside a local chef, enjoy a pachamanca, a traditional Andean meal baked in the earth.
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DAY 4
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SACRED VALLEY/AGUAS CALIENTES
I N F O R M AT I O N
Join a chef and local farmers for a pachamanca, a traditional meal cooked in the ground. Explore Ollantaytambo, built atop an old Inca town; then hop on the train for a breathtaking ride toward Machu Picchu. Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
I Meals: B/L/D
DAY 5
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MACHU PICCHU
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel I Meals: B/L/D
DAY 1
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LIMA, PERU
Welcome to the land of the Inca! Enjoy a free evening before our adventure begins. Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport Hotel
DAY 2
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CUSCO/SACRED VALLEY
Meet the group and fly to Cusco. Explore Sacsayhuaman, a fortress made with 100-ton stones. After lunch and a walk in the market town of Pisac, explore the Sacred Valley of the Inca. Our welcome dinner features delicious Peruvian cuisine. Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness
DAY 3
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SACRED VALLEY/CUSCO
Ride back up the valley to Cusco. On the way, young explorers will meet local children to play soccer, participate in an art project, and practice their Spanish. Gather for a farewell dinner in the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art tonight. Hotel Libertador Palacio del Inka
DAY 7
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I Meals: B/L/D
CUSCO/LIMA
Explore enchanting Cusco this morning before returning to Lima to connect with your flight home. Meals: B/L F E AT U R E D N AT I O N A L G E O G R A P H I C U N I Q U E LO D G E
I Meals: B/L/D
Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness Meals: B/L/D
Stay in charming casitas at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World nestled in the cloud forest just below the Inca site.
Above: Budding photographers train their cameras on the mountaintop ruins of Machu Picchu. 114
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Family
Light / Moderate
2018: June 23–29 July 14–20 Aug. 4–10
Dec. 22–28 Dec. 27, 2018–Jan. 2, 2019
COST Adults
$4,690
Children (ages 7–17)
$4,490
Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single room add $1,000. On the December departures, there is an additional holiday surcharge of $550 per person. Airfare to/from Lima and within Peru is not included in the expedition cost. The group flight within Peru is $500 per person (subject to change). Maximum group size: 25
EXPEDITION TEAM A knowledgeable expedition guide and a Young Explorer Leader will lead this trip, often accompanied by local guides.
KID to KID CONNECTION Meet local children at a weaving center in Chinchero, and work together on a creative art project, sharing phrases in Spanish, Quechua, and English. Then head outside for a fun game of soccer.
W H AT TO E X P E C T
SACRED VALLEY
At the Center for Traditional Textiles, delve into the ancient art of Andean weaving with master weaver and National Geographic grantee Nilda Callañaupa. Learn to dye wool, spin yarn, and set up a loom. Later, ride a Peruvian paso horse or hike among salt terraces in Maras.
Activity Level
DAT E S
Spend the day discovering the mysteries of Machu Picchu, the “lost” city of the Inca. One of the most amazing archaeological sites in the world, it was excavated by Hiram Bingham in 1912 with funding from National Geographic.
DAY 6
Trip Type
Travelers should be in good health and comfortable walking or standing for extended periods of time. Daily activities may include city walking tours, easy hikes, and coach transfers of 2-4 hours. We will be traveling at high elevations while in Cusco (11,200 ft), the Sacred Valley (9,200 ft) and at Machu Picchu (8,000 ft). Guests will handle their own small luggage on the train to/from Machu Picchu. FOR ADDITIONAL TRIPS TO PERU, V I S I T N ATG E O E X P E D I T I O N S .C O M / P E R U
CALL 1-888-966-8687 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/FAMILYTRIPS
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SOUTH AMERICA
PERU: AMAZON, MACHU PICCHU AND LAKE TITICACA THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Paddle a dugout canoe across Amazonian waterways in the company of a naturalist on the lookout for birds, monkeys, and caimans. • Get an in-depth perspective on Hiram Bingham’s National Geographicfunded excavation of Machu Picchu during a tour of the spectacular Inca citadel. • Settle into four spectacular National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World: Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción, Inkaterra La Casona, Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, and Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. • Explore the intriguing man-made reed islands of Lake Titicaca.
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DAYS 7–10 I OLLANTAYTAMBO/ MACHU PICCHU/CUSCO Travel to Ollantaytambo and tour its Inca fortress. Ride the train to Machu Picchu, then venture into the breathtaking Inca citadel with a guide. Spend a full day exploring the site. Visit our lodge’s Andean Bear Rescue Center, and then travel back to Cusco. The next day, take a guided tour of this historic city. Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel;
Inkaterra La Casona Meals: Day 7: B/L/D;
Day 8: B/D; Days 9 and 10: B
DAYS 11 AND 12
DAYS 1–4
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LIMA, PERU/AMAZON RAIN FOREST
Arrive in Lima and check in to our hotel. The next day, fly to Puerto Maldonado and take a motorized canoe to our lodge. Examine flora and fauna on a naturalist-led walk, then take a sunset canoe cruise. Go on a canopy walk, visit the lodge’s botanical garden, and take a nocturnal tour. Look for caimans, giant river otters, and diverse birdlife. Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport Hotel; Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción I Meals: Days 2, 3, and 4: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 5 AND 6
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CUSCO/JULIACA/ LAKE TITICACA
Fly from Cusco to Juliaca and transfer to Puno, located on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Spend the day on this breathtaking lake, discovering its islands and unique cultures—including the unusual floating Uros islands, constructed out of reeds. Libertador Lago Titicaca I Meals: Day 11: B/D; Day 12: B/L/D
DAYS 13 AND 14
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LAKE TITICACA/ JULIACA/LIMA
Transfer to Juliaca and fly to Lima. You may choose to depart later this evening or the following morning at your leisure. Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport Hotel
I Meals: Day 13: B/L; Day 14: B
F E AT U R E D N AT I O N A L G E O G R A P H I C U N I Q U E LO D G E S
SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCA
Return to Puerto Maldonado and fly to Cusco. Travel to our lodge in the Sacred Valley, stopping to meet llamas and alpacas along the way. The next day, visit the workshop of Nilda Callañaupa, a National Geographic grantee who has revived Andean weaving traditions. Inkaterra Hacienda
Urubamba I Meals: B/L/D Daily
Settle into thatched cabanas at Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción (pictured above); take in incredible views of the Sacred Valley from Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba. At Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, stay just below the Inca site; and settle into a historic mansion in Cusco at Inkaterra La Casona.
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Land
Light / Moderate
DAT E S 2018: June 5–18 July 3–16
2019: Mar. 12–24
Aug. 7–20 Sept. 4–17
$7,995
COST
Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $2,500. Airfare to/from Lima and within Peru is not included in the expedition cost. The flights within Peru are $750 per person (subject to change). Maximum group size: 22
OUR EXPERT A National Geographic expert and expedition leader will accompany this trip. Ethnomusicologist and Fulbright scholar Holly Wissler will join the June 5 and September 4 departures. Read her bio and find more experts on our website.
W H AT TO E X P E C T Travelers should be comfortable navigating over uneven terrain, steeps stairs, narrow paths, and cobblestoned streets. We will be traveling at high elevations while in Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca. Cusco is at an altitude of 11,200 feet, and Machu Picchu is at 8,000 feet, and Lake Titicaca is at 12,500 feet. Participants should be physically fit. This expedition is not suitable for anyone who suffers from a respiratory disorder, a circulatory ailment, or a disability that limits mobility.
FOR ADDITIONAL TRIPS TO PERU,
Above: Women in traditional Andean dress stand in vibrant contrast to the golden meadows of the Andean highlands. I
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PERU: MACHU PICCHU INN TO INN TREK THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Hike the Cordillera Vilcabamba from one beautiful mountain lodge to the next, and cap off the trip at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World. • Delve into the enchanting world of the Inca during an evening with National Geographic grantee Peter Frost or one of his colleagues. • Spend a full day exploring the magnificent citadel of Machu Picchu, and make the optional climb up the iconic peak of Huayna Picchu. • Go off the beaten path to explore less visited Inca ruins, including Tarawasi and Llactapata.
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dinner. Hike downhill through the Santa Teresa River Valley, then make the short climb to Lucma Lodge. Wayra Lodge; Collpa Lodge; Lucma Lodge
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Active
Strenuous
Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 7 AND 8
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AGUAS CALIENTES/ MACHU PICCHU
The trail winds uphill toward Llactapata Pass, where we’ll catch a glimpse of Machu Picchu in the distance. Explore the ruins of Llactapata, then board the train to Aguas Calientes. Settle into our hotel, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World tucked into the cloud forest beneath towering peaks. Spend an entire day exploring breathtaking Machu Picchu. Take an optional hike to the summit of Huayna Picchu, then delve into the site with our guides, discovering the secrets of this royal city lost to the wider world for some 500 years. Inkaterra Machu Picchu
DAY 1
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Pueblo Hotel
CUSCO
Arrive in Cusco. Take a guided walk through the city, then gather for a talk by either National Geographic grantee Peter Frost or another prominent anthropologist. Palacio del Inka I Meals: D
DAYS 2 AND 3
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SORAYPAMPA
Drive to our first inn, stopping en route to visit the ruins of Tarawasi. Continue to Marcoccasa, and set out on an optional hike along the Camino Real. The next day, go on an optional half-day hike to a glacial lake. Salkantay Lodge
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I Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 9 AND 10
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MACHU PICCHU/CUSCO
Explore the trails surrounding our lodge, then return to Cusco by train for a free afternoon. The next day, head to the airport for your return flight home. Palacio del Inka I Meals: Day 9: B, L/D; Day 10: B F E AT U R E D N AT I O N A L G E O G R A P H I C U N I Q U E LO D G E
DAT E S 2018: Apr. 8–17 Apr. 22–May 1 May 9–18 May 25–June 3
June 23–July 2 July 5–14 July 23–Aug. 1 Aug. 5–14
Aug. 25–Sept. 3 Sept. 9–18 Sept. 30–Oct. 9 Oct. 27–Nov. 5
$6,295
COST
Price is per person, double occupancy. Single rooms are not available; all travelers will be paired with a same-gender roommate when available. Otherwise a single supplement of $2,300 will be charged. Airfare to/from Cusco is not included in the expedition cost. Maximum group size: 12
EXPEDITION TEAM One or two top adventure guides, often accompanied by local guides, will lead this trip.
W H AT TO E X P E C T We will be hiking 3–7 hours a day (4–11 miles) on moderate to steep grades and at elevations ranging from 6,200 feet to 15,300 feet. We will stay two nights in city hotels, five nights in mountain lodges, and two nights in a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World.
Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 4, 5, AND 6 I HUAYRAQMACHAY/ COLLPAPAMPA/LUCMABAMBA Begin our four-day trek to Machu Picchu. Follow the Río Blanco Valley, hiking the girth of Humantay. Climb to the highest point of our trip, at 15,213 feet, before continuing to Wayra Lodge. The next day, descend into the Collpapampa Valley, and enjoy a traditional pachamanca
Stay in charming casitas at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World nestled in the cloud forest just below the Inca site. FOR ADDITIONAL TRIPS TO PERU,
Above: The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu was excavated in 1912 with support from National Geographic. 116
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SOUTH AMERICA
PATAG O N I A P R I VAT E E X P E D I T I O N THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE • Join a private guide for a hike beneath the iconic Fitz Roy Massif in Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park. • Stay at the stunning Tierra Patagonia, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World at the edge of Torres del Paine National Park. • Accompanied by a gaucho, ride horseback through an ancient forest to a lookout point with panoramic views of the Paine Massif. • Witness the powerful calving of the Perito Moreno Glacier from multiple perspectives, strolling nearby walkways and joining a boat cruise for up-close views.
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DAYS 6–10
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TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK, CHILE
Drive to Tierra Patagonia, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World overlooking Lake Sarmiento at the edge of Torres del Paine National Park. Take an architecture tour of this award-winning structure, an experience reserved exclusively for National Geographic travelers. Spend the next three days exploring the park’s stunning wonders in a variety of ways, including hiking, walking, and horseback-riding excursions. On your final morning, transfer to Punta Arenas and connect with your flight home. Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa
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Meals: Days
6–9: B/L/D Daily; Day 10: B
OPTIONAL EXTENSION
DAY 1
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BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
Arrive in Buenos Aires and spend the day at leisure, or go on an optional private city tour.
F E AT U R E D N AT I O N A L G E O G R A P H I C U N I Q U E LO D G E
Mio Buenos Aires
DAYS 2 AND 3
Stay at Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa, a National Geographic Unique Lodge, and discover the otherwordly landscapes and volcanoes of the Atacama Desert. Visit our website for details.
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EL CHALTÉN/MONTE FITZ ROY
DAYS 4 AND 5
I Meals: B/L Daily
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EL CALAFATE/PERITO MORENO GLACIER
Return to El Calafate to explore on your own. The next day, witness the calving of the Perito Moreno Glacier from nearby walkways, then join a boat cruise on the lake for a different perspective. Design Suites Calafate
Trip Type
Activity Level
Private
Light / Moderate
DAT E S This is a private expedition, so you may select any dates that are convenient for you. This private expedition is offered October through March.
COST from $8,795
4+ people 2 people
from $9,295
Prices are per person, double occupancy, and are subject to availability. Single-traveler prices are available upon request. A holiday surcharge may apply to certain travel dates. Airfare to Buenos Aires and return from Punta Arenas, and within Argentina, is not included in the expedition cost. The flight within Argentina is $385 per person (subject to change), depending on the departure date.
LOCAL GUIDES Top local guides will accompany you throughout the trip, and you will meet other local experts as described in the itinerary.
W H AT TO E X P E C T
Fly to El Calafate in the southern Andes and take a scenic drive to El Chaltén, situated at the northern edge of Los Glaciares National Park. The following day, join a private guide for a trek to the Laguna de los Tres, a turquoise lake framed by the jagged peaks of Monte Fitz Roy. Hosteria Senderos
I N F O R M AT I O N
During four nights at Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa, explore the spectacular Torres del Paine National Park with top guides, enjoy excellent cuisine and a world-class spa, and learn about the lodge’s cutting-edge design on a private behind-the-scenes tour.
Travelers should be in good health, physically fit, and comfortable walking or standing for extended periods of time. On many days, you will have different hiking options, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes of 5–8 hours with steep, rocky sections. Several days have long drives through the vast Patagonian landscape. Weather can be extremely unpredictable, with dramatic changes in temperature and precipitation.
F O R A D D I T I O N A L T R I P S T O PATA G O N I A ,
Meals: B/L Daily
Above: A guest takes in the view of the Torres del Paine peaks from the pool at Tierra Patagonia. I
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V I S I T N ATG EO E X P E D I T I O N S .CO M / PATAG O N I A
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E X P LO R I N G PATAG O N I A T H E N AT I O N A L GEOGR APHIC DIFFERENCE • Get expert insights as you explore Patagonia by land and sea, gliding past pristine fjords and vast glaciers on a four-day cruise, then heading inland to explore granite spires, sapphire lakes, and hidden waterfalls. • Set out on an interpretive walk across Magdalena Island, home to a colony of more than 100,000 Magellanic penguins. • Enjoy a festive barbecue with local gauchos, and get a glimpse into traditional Patagonian cowboy culture. • Settle into the stunning Tierra Patagonia, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World overlooking the staggering peaks of Torres del Paine National Park.
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DAY 2
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BUENOS AIRES
Spend the day discovering Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital, known as the Paris of South America. On a city tour, see the remarkable Recoleta Cemetery, burial site of Eva Perón. Continue to the historic presidential palace, La Casa Rosada, and the cathedral in Plaza de Mayo. After lunch, explore the cobblestoned lanes of San Telmo, as well as the colorful artists’ quarter of La Boca. The Brick Hotel Buenos Aires | Meals: B/L
DAY 3
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USHUAIA/TIERRA DEL FUEGO NATIONAL PARK
Fly to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, and visit Tierra del Fuego National Park. Embark our ship and sail toward the famed Beagle Channel.
DAY 1
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BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
Arrive this morning in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. Transfer to our hotel in the heart of the fashionable Recoleta neighborhood, and explore the nearby galleries, museums, and cafés. Enjoy a tango performance, followed by our welcome dinner tonight. The Brick Hotel Buenos Aires | Meals: D
M.V. Stella Australis or M.V. Ventus Australis Meals: B/L/D
DAY 4
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CAPE HORN, CHILE/ WULAIA BAY
Weather permitting, take Zodiacs to legendary Cape Horn for a panoramic view from the southernmost tip of South America. Later, explore Wulaia Bay, where Charles Darwin landed during his voyage on the H.M.S. Beagle. Choose one of
A Patagonian guanaco surveys the landscape.
three walks to experience the spectacular beauty of the Magellanic forest. M.V. Stella Australis or M.V. Ventus Australis | Meals: B/L/D
DAYS 5 AND 6
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MAGDALENA CHANNEL/ AGOSTINI SOUND
As we navigate the Magdalena Channel, spot penguins, dolphins, albatrosses, and other seabirds. After entering the Pia Fjord, board Zodiacs and head out on a shore excursion on Pia Glacier. Continue along the Beagle Channel to the Garibaldi Glacier. Take a challenging hike through the Magellanic forest if you choose.
Above: The twisted “horns” of Cuernos del Paine jut skyward in Patagonia’s Torres del Paine National Park. 118
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The next day, cruise through majestic Agostini Sound, and disembark for a closer look at Águila Glacier. During an easy walk, take in spectacular views of the brilliant blue-and-white ice set off by black mountains, and learn about the geologic forces that shaped this dramatic land.
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Land
Light / Moderate
M.V. Stella Australis or M.V. Ventus Australis Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAY 7
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SOUTH AMERICA
DAT E S
MAGDALENA ISLAND/ PUNTA ARENAS
2018: Nov. 7–18 Dec. 29, 2018– Jan. 9, 2019*
Take a morning walk on Magdalena Island, home to a colony of more than 100,000 Magellanic penguins. Disembark in Punta Arenas and continue across the southern Pampas, looking for herds of guanacos as well as rheas, gray foxes, Patagonian hares, and blacknecked swans. Settle into our spectacular hotel— a member of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World collection.
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TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK
During the next three days, tailor your exploration to your interests, choosing among a variety of hiking and horseback-riding excursions in the park. Discover Lago de Grey and its incredibly blue sculpted ice; hike through beech forests F E AT U R E D N AT I O N A L G E O G R A P H I C U N I Q U E LO D G E
COST
Tango dancers are caught mid-lunge in the colorful La Boca district of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
along the shore of Laguna Azul; and marvel at rock paintings left by the indigenous Aonikenk people, some of the earliest inhabitants of the region. Photograph wildlife near the northern limits of the park; or relax at the hotel, taking advantage of its wonderful amenities. Enjoy evening lectures, and cap off your stay in the park with a festive barbecue in the company of local gauchos, getting a glimpse into traditional Patagonian cowboy culture. Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa | Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAY 11
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PUNTA ARENAS/SANTIAGO, CHILE
Today, drive to the Punta Arenas airport for the flight to Santiago. Arrive in Santiago this evening and check in to our hotel. The Singular Santiago On this trip you’ll spend four nights at Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa celebrated for its award-winning architecture that blends in with the landscape while offering stunning views of the peaks of Torres del Paine from each room. Selected as a charter member of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World collection, the hotel is a model of sustainable tourism while providing an exceptional guest experience. Explore the spectacular Torres del Paine National Park with top guides, enjoy excellent cuisine and a world-class spa, and learn about the lodge’s cutting-edge design on a private behind-the-scenes tour.
Feb. 3–14 Feb. 19–Mar. 2
*These departures are aboard the M.V. Stella Australis. All other departures are aboard the M.V. Ventus Australis.
Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa | Meals: B/L/D
DAYS 8, 9, AND 10
2019: Jan. 10–21 Jan. 22–Feb. 2*
Meals: B/L
DAY 12
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SANTIAGO, CHILE
Spend a full day exploring Santiago. On a walking tour of the city center, see the elegant Plaza de Armas, the Palacio de la Moneda, and the 18th-century Metropolitan Cathedral. View the impressive collection at Santiago’s Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, and enjoy a farewell celebration at a Chilean winery. This evening, transfer to the airport for your flight home. Meals: B/L
Category A
$11,795
Category AA
$12,995
Category AAA
$14,995
Prices are per person, double occupancy. Please visit our website for single-room pricing. Airfare to Buenos Aires and return from Santiago, and within Argentina and Chile, is not included in the expedition cost. The group flights within Argentina and Chile are $1,200 per person (subject to change). Maximum group size: 25
OUR EXPERT A National Geographic expert and expedition leader will accompany this trip. National Geographic Emerging Explorer and high-altitude archaeologist Constaza Ceruti will join the November 2018 and both February 2019 departures. Read her bio and find more experts on our website.
ABOUT THE M .V. S T E L L A A U S T R A L I S / M .V. V E N T U S A U S T R A L I S The M.V. Ventus Australis (built in 2017) and M.V. Stella Australis (built in 2010) are sister ships designed specifically to cruise the spectacular Patagonian waterways. Each ship's 100 cabins are all outside-facing and feature a large window, an en suite bathroom, a satellite phone, and individual temperature controls. Cabins are available on three levels: Category A on the second level, Category AA on the third level, and Category AAA on the fourth level. Facilities include an open deck, three lounges, a library, a game room, and a single-seating dining room. See photos and deck plans on our website. All cabins in our allotment are the same size.
W H AT TO E X P E C T Please visit our website for important information regarding local conditions and/or physical considerations.
OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS Add a four-day post-trip extension to Easter Island. Or extend your trip to Chile’s Atacama Desert with a stay at Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa, another member of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World collection. Visit our website or call for details.
F O R A D D I T I O N A L T R I P S T O PATA G O N I A , V I S I T N ATG EO E X P E D I T I O N S .CO M / PATAG O N I A
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A R O U N D T H E W O R L D B Y P R I VAT E J E T T H E N AT I O N A L GEOGR APHIC DIFFERENCE • Alongside a team of National Geographic experts, explore 12 UNESCO World Heritage sites. • Attend a demonstration of traditional Andean weaving techniques by National Geographic grantee Nilda Callañaupa in Cusco, and then travel to Machu Picchu by privately chartered train. • Join archaeologists on Easter Island to explore mysterious moai statues, and delve into the isle’s famously lost culture. • Meet with National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence Meave or Louise Leakey in Tanzania, and get a firsthand account of the family’s groundbreaking fossil discoveries.
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moai. Explore the island’s treasures with resident archaeologists Edmundo Edwards, Patricia Vargas, and Claudio Cristino.
DAY S
Hangaroa Eco Village & Spa | Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAY 7
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CROSS THE INTERNATIONAL DATE LINE
Depart for Samoa and lose a day crossing the international date line. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 8
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APIA, SAMOA
Trace the coast on a scenic drive, passing through charming seaside villages. Enjoy a traditional Polynesian feast and a fia fia, a colorful performance of Samoan dance and song. Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey's Resort | Meals: B/L/D
DAY 1
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WASHINGTON, D.C.*
We begin this extraordinary adventure with a welcome reception at National Geographic headquarters, followed by dinner at our hotel. The Hay-Adams | Meals: D
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DAYS 2, 3, AND 4
CUSCO/MACHU PICCHU, PERU
Arrive by private jet in Lima, Peru, then travel to Cusco by local flight. Explore Machu Picchu, an ancient citadel abandoned by the Inca and redis-
covered in 1911. Excavated by Hiram Bingham with funding from National Geographic, it is one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites. Continue to Cusco’s Plaza de Armas and the Sacsayhuaman fortress overlooking the city. Belmond Palacio Nazarenas | Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 5 AND 6
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EASTER ISLAND, CHILE
Travel 2,300 miles off the coast of Chile to Easter Island, an open-air museum of ancient stone villages, sanctuaries, and giant statues called
DAYS 9 AND 10 I THE GREAT BARRIER REEF OR DAINTREE RAINFOREST, AUSTRALIA Explore the Great Barrier Reef, the largest known coral reef in the world and home to a rich variety of marine life. Enjoy snorkeling and swimming in this legendary marine ecosystem. Or, discover the natural wonders of the Daintree Rainforest with an Aboriginal guide. Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa | Meals: B/L/D Daily
Above: The enormous moai statues on Easter Island cast long shadows in the evening light. 120
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Potala Palace and the nearly 600-year-old Sera Monastery. Alternatively, you may choose to stay in Nepal and visit Chitwan National Park, one of Asia’s premier wildlife reserves.
P R I VAT E J E T
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Private Jet
Light / Moderate
St. Regis Lhasa Resort or Taj Meghauli Serai Lodge | Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 16 AND 17
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AGRA, INDIA
Return to Kathmandu by local flight and continue on our private jet to Agra. See the majestic Taj Mahal, one of the world’s greatest monuments to love. The Oberoi Amarvilas Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 18 AND 19
The architectural splendor of India’s Taj Mahal is mirrored in a reflecting pool.
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DAYS 11 AND 12
ANGKOR, CAMBODIA
Fly to Siem Reap and transfer to Angkor. Survey Angkor Wat’s massive temple complex, and encounter the royal city of Angkor Thom and the extraordinary Bayon Temple. Raffles Grand Hotel D'Angkor | Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAY 13
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KATHMANDU, NEPAL
Travel to Kathmandu, and visit the medieval city of Bhaktapur, once a royal capital whose stunning pagodas, palaces, and squares still captivate today. Stay overnight before flying to Tibet. Dwarika’s Hotel, Kathmandu | Meals: B/L/D
DAYS 14 AND 15 I LHASA, TIBET OR CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK, NEPAL Depart by local flight to Lhasa. Visit the Jokhang Temple, the region’s oldest and most revered temple, and explore colorful Tibetan markets. The next day, venture into the fabled F E AT U R E D N AT I O N A L G E O G R A P H I C U N I Q U E LO D G E
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TANZANIA
Fly to Kilimanjaro Airport and choose from two options: go deep into Serengeti National Park to witness the greatest concentration of plains game in Africa, or descend into the Ngorongoro Crater and observe the permanent population of about 25,000 animals in the largest unbroken caldera in the world. National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Meave Leakey or Louise Leakey joins us to discuss the family’s historic fossil finds. Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti or
andBeyond Ngorongoro
Crater Lodge | Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAT E S 2018: Oct. 26–Nov. 18 Dec. 28, 2018–Jan. 20, 2019*
2019: Mar. 24–Apr. 16* Oct. 3–26
*These departures follow the itinerary shown but begin and end in Orlando, Florida, with accommodations on Day 1 at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes.
COST 2018
$82,950
2019
$86,945
Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $8,950 in 2018, and $8,695 in 2019. Transportation by private Boeing 757 jet and other conveyance, as noted in the itinerary, is included in the expedition cost. Airfare to/from Washington, D.C. or Orlando is not included. Please note: There is a $5,000 per-person deposit for this trip. See our website for specific terms and conditions. Maximum group size: 75
DAYS 20 AND 21
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PETRA, JORDAN
Experience Petra, the lost city of the Nabataeans. Hidden in Jordan’s deep canyons south of the Dead Sea, this remarkable city of elaborate buildings carved into red sandstone cliffs was founded more than 2,000 years ago. Gather for a lively Bedouin dinner this evening. Mövenpick Resort Petra | Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 22 AND 23
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MARRAKECH, MOROCCO
OUR EXPERTS A team of National Geographic experts will accompany this trip. Geographer Stephen Cunha (pictured), National Geographic photographer Stephen Alvarez, and author Tim Jepson will join the October 2018 departure. Read their bios and find more experts on our website.
F LY B Y P R I VAT E J E T
Arrive in Marrakech and transfer to our hotel. The next day, see the Koutoubia Mosque and visit Bahia Palace. Wander through the medina and the open-air market of Djemaa el Fna, or take a stroll in the stunning Majorelle Garden. Tonight, toast our extraordinary adventure at a festive farewell banquet with traditional entertainment. La Mamounia | Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAY 24
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MARRAKECH/ WASHINGTON, D.C.*
Fly by private jet to Washington, D.C. and connect with your flight home. Meals: B/L Right on the rim of the Earth’s largest intact caldera, andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is a crossroads of African architecture and old world elegance, perched high above one of the greatest wildlife habitats in the world. Go on game drives; view the crater from a variety of angles; and tour the on-site nursery, where you will discover indigenous trees and learn about their medicinal value.
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YO U R T R I P M A K E S A D I F F E R E N C E The National Geographic Society funds research, conservation, and exploration, including a study on the response of the Great Barrier Reef to environmental stress.
CALL 1-800-224-1894 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/PRIVATEJET
Our specially outfitted Boeing 757 is ideally suited for this extraordinary expedition. Its long-range capabilities and ability to land in smaller airports afford us unmatched flexibility. We set our own schedules, flying direct and avoiding layovers, which gives us the freedom to make the most of our adventures on land. Instead of the standard 239 seats, the jet’s interior has been customized and refitted to accommodate just 75 guests in two-bytwo, VIP-style leather seating. Visit our website for more information and photos of the jet.
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T H E N AT I O N A L GEOGR APHIC DIFFERENCE • Meet 14 National Geographic Explorers-inResidence, Fellows, and experts, and learn about their groundbreaking work. • Spot spectacular wildlife in Kenya’s Masai Mara alongside filmmakers, conservationists, and National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence Dereck and Beverly Joubert; and discuss human origins with Meave and Louise Leakey. •Venture to South Africa’s Cradle of Humankind to visit the historic fossil site where Homo naledi was unearthed by National Geographic Explorer-inResidence Lee Berger. • Discover the vibrant city of Baku with anthropologist and National Geographic Fellow David Harrison, and uncover Petra’s ancient wonders with archaeologist and National Geographic Explorer Sarah Parcak.
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DAY S
satellite archaeology includes the 2016 discovery of a monumental structure at Petra. Sarah will lead us on a tour of Petra, beginning at the Siq, a dramatic opening in the bedrock. Gather for a Bedouin dinner, then travel to Wadi Rum. Mövenpick Resort Petra | Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 4 AND 5
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BAKU, AZERBAIJAN
Explore Baku, Azerbaijan with anthropologist and National Geographic Fellow David Harrison. Take a tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town and see the magnificent Shirvanshah’s Palace. Then visit an artist’s studio. If you wish, opt for a day trip to Gobustan National Park. Four Seasons Hotel Baku | Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 6, 7, AND 8 I KATHMANDU AND THE HIMALAYA, NEPAL DAY 1
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LONDON, ENGLAND
Arrive in London and gather with experts, staff, and fellow travelers for a welcome reception and dinner. Rocco Forte Brown’s Hotel | Meals: D
DAYS 2 AND 3 I THE LOST CITY OF PETRA AND WADI RUM, JORDAN Meet National Geographic Explorer Sarah Parcak, whose pioneering work in the field of
In Kathmandu, we are joined by archaeologist and National Geographic grantee Robin Coningham. Visit Nepal’s largest stupa, Bodhnath, then explore ancient Bhaktapur. Later, fly via helicopter and local chartered aircraft to the mountaintop Kongde Lodge, where you can enjoy breakfast at 14,000 feet with Everest as your backdrop (weather permitting). Dwarika’s Hotel, Kathmandu | Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 9, 10, AND 11
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SEYCHELLES
Introducing you to the Seychelles will be awardwinning photographer and National Geographic Explorer Brian Skerry. Witness the archipelago’s biodiversity while snorkeling, and sample the local creole cuisine. Or explore Praslin’s Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve. Next, travel to La Digue and the blush pink sands of Anse Source D’Argent— named by National Geographic’s The 10 Best of Everything travel guide as the world’s best beach. Banyan Tree Seychelles | Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 12, 13, AND 14 I MASAI MARA AND LAKE TURKANA, KENYA Meet Explorers-in-Residence Dereck and Beverly Joubert, the award-winning filmmakers and conservationists who established National Geographic’s Big Cats Initiative. Embark on game drives in the Masai Mara to search for the “big five” and other creatures. Next, travel to Lake Turkana to meet National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence Meave and Louise Leakey, whose family of renowned paleontologists has conducted excavations in the Turkana Basin with support from National Geographic. Fairmont Mara Safari Club (A limited number of upgrades are available at
Mara Plains Camp.)
Meals: B/L/D Daily
Above: Prayer flags radiate from Bodnath, an immense stupa in Kathmandu circumambulated by thousands of pilgrims every day. 122
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P R I VAT E J E T
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Private Jet
Light / Moderate
DAT E 2018: Oct. 28–Nov. 17
$97,945
COST
Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $8,950. Transportation by private Boeing 757 jet and other conveyance, as noted in the itinerary, is included in the expedition cost. Airfare to/from London is not included. National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence Beverly and Dereck Joubert pause for a pose while fi lming in the African bush.
DAY 15 I JOHANNESBURG AND THE CRADLE OF HUMANKIND, SOUTH AFRICA
DAYS 16, 17, AND 18
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From Johannesburg, travel to the Rising Star cave in the Cradle of Humankind. In 2013, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Lee Berger and his team discovered more than 1,550 fossil elements buried within the cave— the largest hominin fossil find yet made on the continent of Africa. The excavation and analysis of Homo naledi, as this new species of human ancestor has been named, was featured in the October 2015 National Geographic magazine cover story. Learn about the significance of these historic finds. Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff
South African conservationist and National Geographic Explorer Steve Boyes meets us here to discuss his work with the Okavango Wilderness Project. Explore by open safari vehicle or by mokoro canoe (water-level dependent), coming face-to-face with magnificent creatures. Duba
Meals: B/L/D
In Fez, we’ll meet with paleontologist and National Geographic Explorer Nizar Ibrahim. In the Moroccan Sahara, Ibrahim recovered the bones of Spinosaurus, a massive, semiaquatic predator—and these findings were featured in National Geographic magazine. Visit the colorful medina and view the Royal Palace. Later, celebrate our journey at a farewell dinner.
THE OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA
Plains Camp, Kings Pool Luxury Camp, Little Mombo Camp, Mombo Camp, andBeyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge, or Vumbura Plains Camp Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 19 AND 20
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Maximum group size: 75
OUR EXPERTS Paleoanthropologist and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Lee Berger will accompany the entire expedition. Naturalist, editor, and biologist Robert Hernandez will accompany the entire expedition.
FEZ, MOROCCO
Fes Marriott Hotel Jnan Palace | Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAY 21
Please note: There is a $5,000 per-person deposit for this trip. See our website for specific terms and conditions.
LONDON, ENGLAND
National Geographic photographer Nevada Weir will accompany the entire expedition.
Biologist, conservationaist, and National Geographic Explorer Paula Kuhumbu will join the expedition in Kenya
Archaeologist, Egyptologist, and National Geographic Explorer Sarah Parcak will join the expedition in Jordan.
Fly by private jet to London, where you connect with your independent flight home.
YO U R T R I P M A K E S A D I F F E R E N C E The National Geographic Society funds research, conservation, and exploration, including a bioarchaeological analysis of Petra’s North Ridge, which examines the site’s transformation from a nomadic encampment to a major capital city.
An immense bronze door at the Royal Palace in Fez, Morocco is set among elaborate wood carvings and mosaics. I
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National Geographic photographer and marine biologist Brian Skerry will join the expedition in the Seychelles. Please visit our website to see the other experts joining this expedition.
F O R A D D I T I O N A L P R I VAT E J E T T R I P S , V I S I T N ATG EO E X P E D I T I O N S .CO M / P R I VAT E J E T
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B L U E Z O N E S ™: D I S C O V E R I N G S O U R C E S O F H A P P I N E S S A N D LO N G E V I T Y B Y P R I VAT E J E T
NEW
T H E N AT I O N A L GEOGR APHIC DIFFERENCE • Travel to longevity hot spots with "blue zone" areas expert Dan Buettner to learn about the three P’s—pleasure, purpose, and pride—the strands of experience that, when woven together, make for true happiness. • Attend an almsgiving ceremony at a temple in Luang Prabang, Laos, and converse with a monk about his life of meditation. • Discover the dietary secrets to longevity in Sardinia, Italy and Ikaria, Greece, and dive into the aquatic life of Crete on snorkeling or boating excursions. • Visit with village elders in Okinawa, and cultivate their cultural concept of ikigai— your reason for being.
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DAYS 6 AND 7
DAY S
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LUANG PRABANG, LAOS
Continue by private jet to Luang Prabang, nestled at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers. Explore the Royal Palace, visit the area’s most revered temples, and cruise the Mekong River to the cave temples of Pak Ou. If you wish, rise early to experience the ancient Buddhist tradition of almsgiving. Then meet with a monk to learn about different meditation techniques. Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao and Amantaka Resort, Luang Prabang Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 8, 9, AND 10 I PARO AND THIMPHU, BHUTAN DAYS 1 AND 2
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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
Gather for a welcome reception and dinner. The next day, depart for Japan, and lose a day crossing the international date line. Fairmont Olympic Hotel | Meals: Day 2: D
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DAYS 3, 4, AND 5
TOKYO AND OKINAWA, JAPAN
Land in Tokyo and explore the serene Meiji Jingu Shrine and the gardens of the Imperial Palace, then experience a traditional tea ceremony.
Travel by private jet to Okinawa, home to the world’s longest lived women, and visit with elders in a local village to learn about their lifestyle. Witness ancient and modern customs intersect as you visit with artisans, observe centuries-old rituals, and listen to traditional music. Embrace moments of calm, and cultivate your understanding of ikigai—your reason for getting up each morning. The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo; The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa Meals: B/L/D Daily
Fly by private jet to Kathmandu, Nepal and take a local flight to Paro, Bhutan. Speak with a government official about the kingdom’s “gross national happiness” indicator, famously used to measure the country’s well-being. Witness a Buddhist chanting ceremony at the Choeding Temple. Then visit Thimphu to observe pilgrims circling the National Memorial Chorten; and see the Royal Textile Academy and Museum, as well as the Dechen Phodrang monastery. Or choose to set out on a vigorous hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest monastery, one of Bhutan’s most sacred pilgrimage sites. Zhiwa Ling Hotel | Meals: B/L/D Daily
Above: Friendly monks walk toward an intricately carved temple in Bhutan. 124
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P R I VAT E J E T
I N F O R M AT I O N Trip Type
Activity Level
Private Jet
Light / Moderate
DAT E 2018: June 14–July 1
$99,945
COST
Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $9,945. Transportation by private Boeing 757 jet and other conveyance, as noted in the itinerary, is included in the expedition cost. Airfare to Seattle and from Copenhagen is not included. Please note: There is a $5,000 per-person deposit for this trip. See our website for specific terms and conditions. Maximum group size: 52 Fishing boats hug the pier on the Greek Isle of Crete.
O U R
DAYS 11, 12, AND 13
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CRETE AND IKARIA, GREECE
Land on Crete and take a charter flight to Ikaria, another hotbed for longevity. Learn how locals live on this idyllic Greek isle, where social connections are paramount, and the rugged terrain encourages an active lifestyle. Meet with a representative of the municipality, and enjoy a festival organized for our group. Then return to Crete and take to its crystalline waters with snorkeling excursions, water sports, or a scenic cruise. If you wish, visit the archaeological site of Knossos, or delve into Greek cuisine during a hands-on cooking class. Blue Palace Hotel and Spa
DAYS 16 AND 17
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COPENHAGEN, DENMARK
Fly to Denmark, a perennial front-runner in the annual Happiest Country in the World rankings. Cruise the harbor of Copenhagen, and enjoy mood-lifting endorphins as you cycle the streets like the locals do. Or take a culinary tour to discover the award-winning wave of new Nordic cuisine based on fresh, organic ingredients. As you explore this enticing city, discover how creativity flourishes in Denmark’s egalitarian society. Cap off the journey with a farewell dinner at the landmark Ledreborg Palace. Nobis Hotel Copenhagen | Meals: B/L/D Daily
E X P E R T S A team of National Geographic experts will accompany this trip. Researcher, explorer, and New York Times bestselling author Dan Buettner will accompany the expedition from Seattle to Greece. Dan founded BlueZones®, a company that puts the world's best practices in longevity and well-being to work in people’s lives. Naturalist, editor, and biologist Robert Hernandez will accompany the entire expedition. During his three decades at National Geographic, Rob served as senior editor of the magazine, as well as founder and head of the Society's international division.
Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAY 18
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DAYS 14 AND 15
SARDINIA, ITALY
Head to the mountainous highlands of Sardinia, home to the world’s highest concentration of centenarian men. Residents here keep to a traditional lifestyle that includes hunting, fishing, and harvesting their food. Immerse yourself in Sardinian traditions with a visit to a local vineyard, learning about Sardinia’s native Cannonau—a heart-healthy red wine. As you explore, meet some of the locals, who gather in the streets each afternoon to socialize. Later, cruise to stunning La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, a geo-marine protected area.
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COPENHAGEN
Connect with your commercial flight home. F E AT U R E D N AT I O N A L G E O G R A P H I C U N I Q U E LO D G E
F LY B Y P R I VAT E J E T
Hotel Cala di Volpe and Hotel Romazzino Meals: B/L/D Daily
Spend two nights at Zhiwa Ling Hotel, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World that was intricately built, painted, and carved by Bhutanese artisans. As a National Geographic guest, you'll have a special invitation to participate in Mahayana Buddhist rituals with local monks. I
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Award-winning photographer Nevada Wier will accompany the entire expedition. Her work has appeared in numerous publications, including National Geographic and National Geographic Traveler magazines.
CALL 1-800-224-1894 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/PRVATEJET
Our specially outfitted Boeing 757 is ideally suited for this extraordinary expedition. Its long-range capabilities and ability to land in smaller airports afford us unmatched flexibility. We set our own schedules, flying direct and avoiding layovers, which gives us the freedom to make the most of our adventures on land. Instead of the standard 239 seats, the jet’s interior has been customized and refitted to accommodate just 52 guests in two-by-two, VIP-style leather seating. Visit our website for more information and photos of the jet. Content is courtesy of Blue Zones, LLC and is used by permission. Blue Zones® is a registered trademark of Blue Zones, LLC. I
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C E L E B R AT E T H E Y E A R O F T H E B I R D W I T H N AT I O N A L G EO G R A P H I C A hundred years ago, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act was signed, establishing powerful protections for bird species around the world. Today, birds face serious threats from a changing environment and loss of habitat. To bring attention to their plight, and to reignite bird conservation efforts, National Geographic has joined forces with the National Audubon Society, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and BirdLife International to celebrate 2018 as the Year of the Bird. Along with the new birding trips below, we’re pleased to offer a number of ways to focus on our feathered friends when you travel with us.
W I N G S OV E R CO S TA R I C A
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Dates: Jan. 9–19, 2019 • Jan. 30–Feb. 9 | Maximum group size: 16 Cost: $5,995 (per person, double occupancy) • Discover Costa Rica’s winged wonders with a birding expert as you explore from the central highlands to the mangrove-fringed coast. • Spot colorful tropical species such as resplendent quetzals, tanagers, macaws, toucans, spectacled owls, and myriad hummingbirds. • Visit the renowned La Selva Biological Station and the Monteverde Institute, and learn about the legacy of National Geographic-funded research in the region. • Writer and photographer Noah Strycker is the associate editor of Birding magazine and has worked on National Geographic’s book Birds of the Photo Ark. Noah will join both departures of this expedition, along with an expedition leader.
Resplendent quetzal
PERU: BIRDS OF THE ANDES AND AMAZON
NEW
Dates: Aug. 31–Sept. 10, 2018 • Oct. 12–22, 2018 | Maximum group size: 16 Cost: $7,995 (per person, double occupancy) • Journey to the birder’s paradise of Peru with an expert, and seek out some of the nearly 2,000 different species of birds that inhabit this biologically diverse land. • Stay at four National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World: deep in the Amazon jungle, amid the slopes of the Sacred Valley of the Inca, in the cloud forest at the foot of Machu Picchu, and in the heart of historic Cusco. • Search for the majestic Andean condor and the vibrant Andean cock-of-the-rock, watch parrots and parakeets at a clay lick, and wake up to the cacophonous sound of macaws. • Avid birder Kitty Coley is a geologist and naturalist who serves as a consultant to National Geographic magazine. She will join both departures of this expedition, along
Andean cock-of-the-rock
with an expedition leader.
EC UA D O R AV I A N P R I VAT E E X P E D I T I O N
NEW
Dates:
Cost:
This is a private expedition that is
6 people 4 people 2 people
offered year-round, so you may select any dates that are convenient for you.
from $5,595 from $5,995 from $6,495
• Head from the Amazon jungle to the cloud forests of the Andes, watching for a dazzling array of birdlife on hikes, dugout canoe trips, and canopy tours. • Seek out 19 types of hummingbirds while staying at Mashpi Lodge, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World situated in the heart of the Chocó rain forest, a biodiversity hotspot. • Venture to the Andean town of Papallacta for a soak in restorative hot springs— and for a chance to spot the iconic Andean condor.
Pale-mandibled aracaris
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BIRDING EXCURSIONS AT O U R N A T I O N A L G E O G R A P H I C LO D G E S Many National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World are nestled within pristine wilderness— cloud forests or rain forests or unspoiled coasts where the birding is phenomenal. For those who seek a sighting of a scarlet-rumped trogon or a blue-necked tanager, or hope to add a new hummingbird species to their life list, more than 30 of our lodges offer guided birding excursions. Below are just a few. G R O OT B O S P R I VAT E N AT U R E R E S E R V E
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WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA
Built on a hillside where two oceans collide, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve hosts numerous species of weaverbirds as well as colorful sunbirds and sugarbirds that feed on the exotic fynbos blooms. On the water, wildlife sightings include Cape gannets and African penguins along with southern right whales and great whites. SARARA CAMP
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kenya
Nestled within 850,000 protected acres in the mountains of northern Kenya, Sarara Camp invites guests to encounter wildlife alongside guides from the local Samburu community. On a birding safari, spot some of the area’s 500+ bird species, including five types of hornbill, 11 types of starling, Narina trogons, breeding pairs of pygmy falcon, and much more. SUKAU RAINFOREST LODGE
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Malaysian Borneo
Perched on stilts near the edge of the Kinabatangan River, Sukau Rainforest Lodge is a gateway into a rare and pristine wilderness where endangered birds like the Storm’s stork and the Bornean ground cuckoo can be found, as well as numerous kingfishers and hornbill species. They share the forest with orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and pygmy elephants. BELCAMPO LODGE
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Belcampo Lodge
Belize
Where the jungle meets the coast in southern Belize, Belcampo looks out from its hilltop roost over a 12,000-acre reserve of pristine rain forest and tropical gardens. Fix your binoculars on native and migratory bird species, including toucans, raptors, kingfishers, trogans, euphonias, hummingbirds, herons, manikins, and parrots. More than 200 species have been spotted here in a single day.
YEAR OF THE BIRD AMBASSADORS O N O U R E X P E D I T I O N C R U I S es Select departures of expedition cruises aboard our fleet will be staffed by an expert birder, who will help identify and describe the species we encounter on the voyage. Read about some of these naturalists below, and visit our website to read their full bios and find the departures that they will accompany. SANTIAGO IMBERTI Naturalist
Patagonia-born ornithologist, photographer, and writer Santiago Imberti has used his ornithology skills to guide trips to Patagonia, Antarctica, and the Arctic for some 25 years. He has worked to save the critically endangered hooded grebe, which is endemic to Patagonia; and was instrumental in the creation of Patagonia National Park, a massive protected area that aims to save the grebe and some of the least known habitats in South America. Santiago will join select departures of Upper Amazon; South Georgia and the Falklands; and Patagonia: Chilean Fjords and Argentina's Staten Island.
D O U G G U A LT I E R I Naturalist
Conservation biologist Doug Gualtieri has studied a diverse range of natural sciences, with an emphasis on ecology, animal behavior, and migratory birds. Has has worked as a naturalist in Denali National Park and Preserve, and spent more than seven years introducing travelers to Alaska and Denali. Doug will join select departures of Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands; Baja California: A Remarkable Journey; Exploring Alaska's Coastal Wilderness; French Polynesia: Beyond the Postcard; Patagonia: Chilean Fjords and Argentina's Staten Island; and Whales and Wildness: Spring in the Sea of Cortez.
J U A N C A R LO S AV I L A Naturalist/Certified Photo Instructor
Juan Carlos grew up in mainland Ecuador before moving to the Galápagos in high school. He has spearheaded efforts to clean up the public beaches of Isla Santa Cruz and protect the island’s complex ecosystems in the face of oceanic oil spills. Now a naturalist and rescue diver, he interprets the curious habits and courting rituals of frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, waved albatrosses, and more. Juan will join select departures of our Upper Amazon and Galápagos voyages.
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DECK PLANS
NATIONAL GEOGR APHIC EXPLORER wellness specialist, a photography instructor, a video chronicler, a full-time doctor, an Internet café, a fitness center, two spa treatment rooms, a sauna, and laundry service. A National Geographic photographer accompanies every departure.
Above: A Category 7 cabin; the fitness center offers panoramic views; travelers learn about bridge navigation in the National Geographic Explorer's chart room.
WELLNESS DECK
CHART ROOM DECK
LOUNGE 107
105-S
103
101
Part of the National Geographic-Lindblad fleet, the National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art, fully stabilized, ice-class expedition ship with a reinforced forward hull that enables it to navigate polar environments while providing exceptional comfort. The ship carries kayaks and Zodiacs, as well as sophisticated video equipment that allows access to the underwater world. Our open bridge provides guests an opportunity to meet our officers and learn about navigation. All dining venues on board offer regionally inspired cuisine using fresh, local ingredients. CAPACITY: 148 guests in 81 outside cabins
SUN DECK
VERANDA DECK
PUBLIC AREAS : A bistro bar, a chart room, a gift
RESTAURANT
BISTRO
RECEPTION 219 221 230
BALCONY BAL. BALCONY
228
BAL. BAL. BAL. BAL. BAL. BAL.
217
226
224
222
220
218
206
202
GALLEY
204
CABINS : All cabins feature ocean views with windows or portholes, en suite bathrooms, and climate controls; some have balconies.
BAL.
215
GLOBAL GALLERY
BAL.
213
216
212
214
207
210
211
205
208-S
BAL. BAL.
209
203-S
201
shop, a library, a restaurant, a lounge/bar with multiple TV screens and modern audiovisual facilities, an observation lounge, and a mudroom
UPPER DECK 343-T
341-T
350
346
344
342
348
338
332-S
340
330-S
339
331-S
328
337
329-S
326
334-S
327
324
336
325
322
335
323
320
333-S
319
316
318
321
317
312-S
314
315
313
310-S
311-S
309-S
308
304
306
302
307
303
305
301
SPECIAL FEATURES : An undersea specialist, a
108
OVERALL LENGTH : 367 feet
EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT: 13 Zodiac landing craft, 36 double kayaks, a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), a hydrophone, a SplashCam, an underwater video camera, a crow’s-nest remote-controlled camera, and a video microscope
106-S
104
DECK
102
REGISTRY: Bahamas
MAIN DECK
Note: See our website for additional decks not shown above.
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NATIONAL GEOGR APHIC ORION Part of the National Geographic-Lindblad fleet, the state-of-the-art National Geographic Orion serves as our luxurious base camp for voyages to far-flung corners of the planet. A fully stabilized, ice-class vessel with a reinforced hull, the National Geographic Orion is at home navigating polar ice as well as small harbors in the South Pacific. CAPACITY: 102 guests in 53 outside cabins REGISTRY: Bahamas
accompanies every departure; a video chronicler and an undersea specialist are on Arctic, Antarctic, and South Pacific voyages; and two dive masters are on South Pacific voyages. Note: Scuba divers must be certified by an internationally recognized dive association prior to the voyage, and certification cards and logbooks must be shown on board. Divers must have logged 25 dives in total and have made a dive within the 12 months preceding the voyage.
Above: A Category 4 deluxe suite; the observation lounge and library offer stunning views; the ship’s main lounge is a great place for guests to gather.
OVERALL LENGTH: 338 feet PUBLIC AREAS: An outdoor café, a lounge/bar with multiple TV screens and modern audiovisual facilities, a sundeck, an observation lounge and library, a global gallery, and a marina platform CABINS: All cabins feature ocean views, en suite bathrooms, climate controls, Internet access, and a flat-screen TV with DVD/CD player; some have balconies. EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT: Zodiac landing craft, kayaks, a hydrophone, underwater video cameras, and a video microscope; a crow’s-nest camera and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) on Arctic, Antarctic, and South Pacific voyages; stand-up paddleboards, snorkel gear for all guests, and scuba gear for as many as 24 guests on South Pacific voyages. SPECIAL FEATURES: A photography instructor and a full-time doctor; laundry service; and wellness services, including a sauna, a fitness room, and a massage/spa treatment room. A hot tub on the observation deck doubles as a plunge pool in warm climates. A National Geographic photographer
Note: See our website for additional decks not shown above.
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DECK PLANS
NATIONAL GEOGR APHIC QUEST/ VENTURE
NATIONAL GEOGR APHIC SEA BIRD/SEA LION
REGISTRY: United States
Twin sister ships of the National Geographic-Lindblad fleet, the National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion are large enough to operate in coastal waters, yet small enough to enter narrow waterways inaccessible to bigger ships. Both ships have been recently restyled and refreshed. A fleet of kayaks and expedition landing craft provides easy access to places of interest, and plenty of public spaces allow guests to relax in comfort after a day of exploring. Meals are served in a single seating with unassigned tables and feature locally inspired fare. Our captain and officers welcome guests to the open bridge.
OVERALL LENGTH: 238 feet
CAPACITY: 62 guests in 31 outside cabins
PUBLIC AREAS: A partially covered sundeck with chairs, tables, and an outdoor bar; a fitness center; a mudroom; a lounge with full-service bar and audiovisual facilities; a spa; an observation deck; and a global gallery
REGISTRY: United States
The twin, state-of-the-art sister ships the National Geographic Quest and the National Geographic Venture are the newest additions to the National Geographic–Lindblad fleet. The ships are large enough to operate in coastal waters, yet small enough to navigate narrow inlets and passages. Our captain and officers welcome guests to the open bridge. All meals are served in a single seating with unassigned tables and feature locally inspired fare. CAPACITY: 100 guests in 50 outside cabins
CABINS: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes, private facilities, and climate controls. Category 4 cabins have balconies and sliding glass doors. Connecting cabins are also available in Categories 1, 2, and 3. EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT: A fleet of eight Zodiacs, 24 kayaks, snorkeling
gear (where applicable), a hydrophone, an underwater video camera, a video microscope, a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), and a SplashCam SPECIAL FEATURES : Internet access and an elevator. A photo instructor, a video chronicler, an undersea specialist, and a wellness specialist are also on board. A doctor is on board in Costa Rica/Panama, Belize/Guatemala, and Baja.
108
106
104
107
105
103
ELEVATOR
OVERALL LENGTH: 152 feet PUBLIC AREAS: A library, a global gallery, a lounge with full-service bar and audio-visual facilities, an observation deck, a partially covered sundeck with chairs and tables, and an outdoor stretching area CABINS: All cabins face outside with windows, private facilities, reading lights, and individual climate controls. EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT: A bow camera; a hydrophone; kayaks; snorkeling gear; expedition landing craft; a SplashCam; stand-up paddleboards; an underwater video camera; a video microscope; and, in Baja, wet suits SPECIAL FEATURES: Internet access, exercise equipment, a LEXspa, a wellness specialist, a photo instructor, and a video chronicler. A doctor is on board in Baja, and an undersea specialist is on board in Baja and Alaska.
102
SUNDECK 101
SUN DECK LEXspa
OBSERVATION DECK
105
103
101
CPTN.
106
104
102
100
BRIDGE
BRIDGE W.C.
GYM EQUIPMENT
BRIDGE DECK 228
226
224
222 220
218
216
214
229
227
225
223
221
219
217
215
ELEVATOR
W.C.
212
210
208
206 204
202
211
209
207 205 203
201
UPPER DECK
217
215 211
209 207 205 203 201
216
214
212 210
208 206 204 202 200
310
312
308 306 304 302
305 303 301
ELEVATOR
DINING ROOM W.C.
315
OBSERVATION DECK
UPPER DECK
MUD ROOM
314
219
MAIN DECK
LOUNGE
304 302 300
309 307 305 303 301
311
BAR
MAIN DECK
TREATMENT ROOM
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NATIONAL GEOGR APHIC ENDEAVOUR II
NATIONAL GEOGR APHIC ISL ANDER
The state-of-the-art National Geographic Endeavour II is one of the latest additions to the National Geographic–Lindblad fleet, offering guests a variety of ways to explore. Our Ecuadorian captain and officers welcome guests to the open bridge. All meals are served in a single seating with unassigned tables, and the menu is international with an Ecuadorian flair.
Designed for just 48 guests, the intimate National Geographic Islander of the National Geographic-Lindblad fleet offers comfortable public spaces and a variety of exploration tools. Our Ecuadorian captain and officers welcome guests to the open bridge. All meals are served in a single seating with unassigned tables, and the menu is international with an Ecuadorian flair.
CAPACITY: 96 guests in 52 outside cabins
CAPACITY: 48 guests in 24 outside cabins
REGISTRY: Ecuador
REGISTRY: Ecuador
OVERALL LENGTH: 236 feet
OVERALL LENGTH: 164 feet
PUBLIC AREAS: A new forward lounge and bar accommodating all guests for presentations and gatherings, a restaurant, a large library with Mac ® kiosks, an open-air observation deck, a fitness center, and an underwater gear area
PUBLIC AREAS: A covered deck with hammocks, chairs, and tables; a fitness center; a gift shop; a spa; a library; a lounge with full-service bar and audiovisual facilities; and a sky deck. The ship is fully air-conditioned.
CABINS: All face outside with large windows, private facilities, and climate controls. Beds can be configured as two twins or as a single queen. Seven sets of cabins feature a connecting door and can be booked together—great for families.
CABINS: All cabins have a window with an outside view, private facilities, and climate controls. Beds can be configured as two twins or as a single queen.
EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT: Zodiacs, a glass-bottom boat, kayaks and stand-up
paddleboards, snorkel gear and wet suits for both adults and children, a video microscope, and an underwater video camera SPECIAL FEATURES: A shipboard doctor, a National Geographic–Lindblad certified photo instructor, a wellness specialist, a video chronicler, a family program for kids, snorkel instruction, a fitness center, Wi-Fi access, laundry service, and a global gallery GYM & SPA
415
413
411
EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT: Kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, snorkeling gear, an underwater video camera, a video microscope, wet suits, and Zodiac landing craft SPECIAL FEATURES: Internet access, laundry service, a family program for kids, and snorkel instruction. The ship is staffed by a wellness specialist and features exercise equipment and an outdoor stretching area. A doctor, a photo instructor, and a video chronicler are also on board.
409 BRIDGE
LIBRARY 422
GLOBAL GALLERY
420
418
416
414
406
407
405
404
402 401
403
412
UPPER DECK FITNESS CENTER
EXPEDITION GEAR 321
319
317
315
313
318
316
314
311
BAR
320
306
304
305
303
302
LOUNGE WC
330 328 326 324 322
LIBRARY
BRIDGE
BRIDGE DECK 327 325
408
LOUNGE
301
INTERNET
BRIDGE DECK
LOUNGE DECK
217
215
213
211
209 207 205 203
210 208
201
DINING ROOM 228 226 224 222
UPPER DECK
218
216
214
RECEPTION DESK
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209 207
208 206 204 202
206 204 202
LEXspa
219
205 203 201
DOCTOR
221
RECEPTION
DOCTOR’S OFFICE 229 227 225
MAIN DECK
Note: See our website for additional decks not shown above.
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DECK PLANS
JAHAN
SCENIC AUR A
NEW
Designed in the style of colonial cruise liners of old, the elegant RV Jahan is one of the fi rst modern boutique-style riverboats to sail the Mekong. The ship’s cabins are beautifully furnished with floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies. The restaurant features Western and regional cuisine served in single seatings with unassigned tables. Guests are welcome on the open bridge to meet the captain and officers and learn about navigation.
Launched in 2016, the Scenic Aura was designed in the style and luxury of a five-star hotel. The ship is equipped with state-of-the-art amenities and a variety of casual and upscale dining options, and a one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio ensures the highest level of service. Each outward-facing cabin features a private balcony that can be converted into a glass-enclosed sun lounge for all-weather sightseeing.
CAPACITY: 48 guests in 24 outside cabins
CAPACITY: 44 guests in 22 balcony suites
REGISTRY: Vietnam
REGISTRY: Myanmar
OVERALL LENGTH: 230 feet
OVERALL LENGTH: 213 feet
PUBLIC AREAS: A pool deck, a whirlpool spa, an outdoor bar, a lounge with a
PUBLIC AREAS: A spacious rooftop sundeck and an outdoor lounge feature comfortable patio furniture for relaxation and al fresco dining. The ship also offers an elegant dining room as well as indoor bar and lounge areas, all surrounded by expansive panoramic windows.
library, a full-service bar, audiovisual facilities, a gym, a boutique, and a spa. The ship is fully air-conditioned. CABINS: All cabins are spacious and face outside with glass doors and private balconies. Each has private facilities and a hair dryer, individual climate controls, a music entertainment system, and a minibar. SPECIAL FEATURES: Wi-Fi Internet where available, morning tai chi classes, and DVD players and iPods® available on request. A National Geographic– Lindblad certified photography instructor will be on board all departures.
MEALS: Fare served on board is inspired by regional cuisine from the destinations visited along your journey. The main dining area offers buffet and à la carte options three times daily, while the more casual café offers light meals and snacks, and a bar and lounge has a robust menu of wine, beer, and spirits. SUITES: Each of the vessel’s spacious one-bedroom suites has a private bathroom and an open-air balcony that can be converted into an all-weather sun lounge. Select suites offer spacious lounge areas and private terraces with outdoor Jacuzzis® and daybeds. Each accommodation is equipped with a highdefi nition television, individual climate controls, an in-room safe, toiletries, and complimentary minibar and Wi-Fi. SPECIAL FEATURES: A plunge pool, a wellness center, a fitness center, a library, laundry facilities, and a gift shop. A National Geographic expert accompanies each voyage.
RESTAURANT
TERRACE DECK 201
203 205
207 209
211
BAR LOUNGE
308
306
304
302
307
305
303
301
208
206
204
202
207
205
203
201
DIAMOND DECK
202
204 206
208 210
212
UPPER DECK
MAIN DECK
103 105
107 109
111
113
104 106
108 110
112
114
SAPPHIRE DECK
104
102
100
105
103
101
JEWEL DECK
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SCENIC A ZURE
SCENIC RUBY
NEW
Launched in 2016 and custom built to sail Portugal’s sinuous Douro River, the Scenic Azure joins luxury with cutting-edge technology. The ship is equipped with a range of state-of-the-art amenities and a variety of casual and upscale dining options, and a one-to-two staff-to-guest ratio ensures the highest level of service. CAPACITY: 96 guests in 48 outward-facing suites
NEW
The recently refurbished Scenic Ruby was custom built to navigate the inland waterways of Europe. The ship is equipped with a range of state-of-the-art amenities and a variety of casual and upscale dining options, and a favorable staff-to-guest ratio ensures the highest level of service. CAPACITY: 167 guests in 84 outward-facing suites REGISTRY: Malta
REGISTRY: Portugal
OVERALL LENGTH: 445 feet
OVERALL LENGTH: 265 feet PUBLIC AREAS: The vessel is outfitted with four decks, including a spacious all-
weather sundeck with comfortable lounge furniture for relaxation and al fresco dining. The ship also features three elegant dining areas as well as indoor bar and lounge areas, all surrounded by expansive panoramic windows. MEALS: Fare served on board is inspired by Portuguese and Spanish cuisine.
The main dining area offers buffet and à la carte options three times daily, and exquisite multicourse meals with wine pairings are served in two intimate dining rooms. The more casual café offers light meals and snacks, and a bar and lounge has a robust menu of wine, beer, and spirits. SUITES: All suites face outward and have en suite bathrooms, and most feature private balconies that can be converted into all-weather sun lounges. Select suites offer spacious lounge areas and large bathrooms. All accommodations are equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi. SPECIAL FEATURES: A plunge pool, a wellness center, a fitness center, and a gift shop. A National Geographic expert and photographer accompany each voyage.
PUBLIC AREAS: The vessel is outfitted with four decks, including a spacious allweather sundeck with comfortable lounge furniture for relaxation and al fresco dining. The ship also features three elegant dining areas as well as indoor bar and lounge areas, all surrounded by expansive panoramic windows. MEALS: Fare served on board is inspired by regional cuisine from the destinations visited along your journey. The main dining area offers buffet and à la carte options three times daily, and exquisite multicourse meals with wine pairings are served upon invitation in three intimate dining rooms. The more casual café offers light meals and snacks, and a bar and lounge has a robust menu of wine, beer, and spirits. SUITES: All cabins face outward and have en suite bathrooms, and most feature private balconies that can be converted into all-weather sun lounges. Select suites offer spacious lounge areas and larger bathrooms. Each accommodation is equipped with a high-defi nition television, as well as a complimentary minibar and Wi-Fi. SPECIAL FEATURES: A wellness center, a rooftop walking track, and a gift shop. A National Geographic expert and photographer accompany each voyage.
Diamond Deck
Diamond Deck
HYDR
322
320 318 316 314 312 489
920
310 308 306 304 302
2 PAX
2 PAX
2 PAX
2 PAX
2 PAX
2 PAX
2 PAX
2 PAX
2 PAX
2 PAX
2 PAX
2 PAX
2 PAX
2 PAX
2 PAX
2 PAX
2 PAX
2 PAX
2 PAX
336
334 332 330 328 326 324 322 320 318
316
314
312 310 308 306 304 302
337
335 333 331 329 327 325 323 321 319
317
315
311 309 307 305 303 301
LED tv
2 PAX
UP
LIFT
2 PAX DN
321 319 317 315 311 920
309 307 305 303 301
DN
LED tv
323
UP
489
2 PAX
UP
Sapphire Deck
Sapphire Deck 220 218 489
920
2 PAX
2 PAX
216 214 212 210 2 PAX
2 PAX
2 PAX
2 PAX
2 PAX
2 PAX
2 PAX
2 PAX
208 206 204
202
2 PAX
2 PAX
2 PAX
2 PAX
2 PAX
2 PAX
2 PAX
2 PAX
FLUSH ESC
234 232 230 228 226 224 222 220 218 216 214 212 210 208 206 204
202
235 233 231 229 227 225 223 221 219 217 215 211 209 207 205 203
201
UP
2 PAX
489
221 219 219 920
217 215 211 209
201 207 205 203 201
DN
Jewel Deck 114 112 110 108 106 104 102 100
Jewel Deck
115 111 109 107 105 103
106 104
102
105 103
101
2 PAX
2 PAX
2 PAX
2 PAX
2 PAX
2 PAX
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DECK PLANS
DELFIN II
SEA CLOUD
CAPACITY: 28 guests in 14 outside suites REGISTRY: Peru OVERALL LENGTH: 120 feet PUBLIC AREAS: An enclosed air-conditioned lounge; an observation deck with sofas, chairs, and a bar; a small gym and spa; a reference library; and an open bridge SUITES: Elegant, air-conditioned guest suites feature large windows and private facilities. Four are master suites with 90-degree panoramic windows, and four suites can be interconnected to accommodate families. EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT: Ten-person skiffs with individual seat cushions and
plenty of leg room, a fleet of kayaks, rain ponchos, and rubber boots SPECIAL FEATURES: A National Geographic–Lindblad certified photography
instructor and a wellness specialist will be on board all departures.
The Sea Cloud, a four-masted square-rigger, was built in 1931 by Wall Street businessman E. F. Hutton for his wife, Marjorie Merriweather Post. Cabins and common areas are beautifully appointed with antiques and period-style furniture. The Sea Cloud carries 30 sails measuring a total of 32,000 square feet. They are raised by hand by a spirited crew, and guests have the chance to learn about their design and function during the voyage. All meals are served in a single seating, with cuisine that features tastes of the regions we visit. Guests are welcome on the open bridge to learn how the Sea Cloud is navigated and sailed. While the ship is elegant, the atmosphere on board is relaxed and casual. A Lindblad–National Geographic certified photography instructor will be on board all departures. CAPACITY: 58 guests in 30 cabins, including two owner’s suites REGISTRY: Malta OVERALL LENGTH: 360 feet PUBLIC AREAS: The outdoor lido bar, two sundecks, a fi rst-class restaurant, and an elegant bar and lounge CABINS: The ship features 30 outside staterooms and cabins equipped with windows or portholes, private facilities, individual climate controls, and a hair dryer. The two owner’s suites, once the quarters of Hutton and Post, have sitting areas, fi replaces, and walk-in closets—and were designed by Ms. Post herself. The Main Deck cabins have antique and period-style furniture. These cabins are the ship’s original cabins, including the Owner’s Suites originally occupied by E. F. Hutton and Marjorie Merriweather Post.
36 34 32
30
37 35 33
31
BRIDGE
The Delfin II is an intimate riverboat with luxurious suites that offer expansive Amazon views. Skiffs and kayaks allow guests to venture down narrow jungle waterways on day and night excursions. The onboard chef serves fi ne cuisine made from local, sustainable ingredients in a dining room with large windows for excellent views. All meals are served in a single seating with unassigned tables.
CAPTAIN’S AND LIDO DECK LOUNGE
24 22 20 18
28
LOUNGE RESTAURANT
29
16 17
25 23 21 19
PROMENADE DECK 10 9
8
6
7
5
4
2
3
1
MAIN DECK
134
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RESPONSIBILITY National Geographic Expeditions (as defined herein) will provide educational enrichment for trips as outlined in its catalog and on its website (natgeoexpeditions.com) (each an “Expedition”) and has licensed qualified professional tour operators to organize and administer such Expeditions. The designated tour operator, in turn, acts only as an agent for any transportation carrier, hotel, ground operator, or other suppliers of services connected with specific Expeditions (“Other Providers”), and the Other Providers are solely responsible and liable for providing their respective services. The passenger tickets in use by the carriers will constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the passenger; the carriers are not responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time the participants are not aboard their conveyances. National Geographic Partners, LLC d/b/a National Geographic Expeditions, its parent, subsidiaries, and their respective employees, affiliates, officers, directors, successors, representatives, assigns (collectively “National Geographic”) and the tour operator will not be held liable for (A) any damage to, or loss of, property or injury to, or death of, persons occasioned directly or indirectly by an act or omission of any Other Provider, including but not limited to any defect in any aircraft, watercraft, or vehicle operated or
TERMS AND CONDITIONS BASIS OF RATES: All prices are per person based on two persons sharing a room or cabin. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars. The rates are based on tariffs, currency values, airfares and third-party charges as of catalog publication date and are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. While National Geographic will do everything possible to maintain the listed prices, if it is necessary to levy a surcharge, National Geographic reserves the right to do so, and notification will be given at the time of final invoicing. ELIGIBILITY: Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the entire Expedition. Some itineraries have minimum age requirements—call for more information. INCLUDED IN EXPEDITION COST: Accommodations and meals as indicated in the itinerary (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner); educational materials; pre-departure information; entrance fees, excursions, and sightseeing noted as included in the itinerary; all gratuities except those for train or ship's crew, unless otherwise noted on the itinerary page; ground transportation during the Expedition; transfers to and from group flights where applicable; services of National Geographic experts and/or local guides, lecturers, Expedition leaders, and any other staff; and taxes, port charges, baggage handling, and service charges. Please note: the “B, L, D” notations apply to the period during the Expedition only and do not include any meals on flights to/from the Expedition. Internal airfare is included on some international Expeditions as indicated in the itinerary. NOT INCLUDED IN EXPEDITION COST: AAir transportation and related fees (except as indicated in the itinerary); activities noted as optional in the itinerary; gratuities for train or ship’s crew, unless otherwise noted on the itinerary page; passport, visa, and permit expenses; medical expenses and immunizations; baggage/accident/cancellation insurance; personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone calls, and alcoholic beverages; and any other items not specifically noted as included. SINGLE/SHARED ACCOMMODATIONS: A limited number of single rooms/cabins are available at an extra cost on a first-come, first-served basis. National Geographic Expeditions and/or the tour operator will assist persons requesting a roommate. The participants will be notified if a suitable roommate is not available, in which case the single rate will be charged. PAYMENTS, CANCELLATIONS, AND REFUNDS: To reserve space on an Expedition, a $500 per-person deposit is required for Expeditions that are nine days or less; a $750 per-person deposit is required for Expeditions that are ten to 15 days; and a $2,000 per-person deposit is required for Expeditions that are 16 days or more except if noted on the itinerary page. Final payment is due no later than 90 days prior to departure. Payments must be made by credit card. A participant’s reservation may be canceled if full payment has not been received by 90 days prior to departure. For reservations made within 90 days of the departure date, full payment is required when the reservation is accepted. All cancellation notices must be received in writing and will become effective as of the date of the postmark. If a participant cancels 120 days or more prior to departure, a refund less an administrative fee of 50% of the deposit will be made. Per-person charges for cancellations that occur less than 120 days prior to departure (“Cancellation Penalty Period”) are as follows: 91-119 days prior to departure: 100% of the deposit amount; 45-90 days prior to departure: 50% of the Expedition cost; 44 or fewer days prior to departure: 100% of the Expedition cost. This policy also applies to pre- and post-Expedition extensions. Any revisions made within the Cancellation Penalty Period, such as a change in departure date or choice of Expedition, are subject to this cancellation policy. Any airline tickets issued are subject to the carrier’s refund policy. Arriving late or leaving an Expedition in progress, for any reason whatsoever, will not result in a refund, and no refunds will be made for any unused portions of an Expedition. National Geographic Expeditions reserves the right to cancel any Expedition because of inadequate enrollment that makes the Expedition economically infeasible to operate or
provided by such Other Provider; and (B) any loss or damage due to delay, cancellation, or disruption in any manner caused by the laws, regulations, acts or failures to act, demands, orders, or interpositions of any government or any subdivision or agent thereof, or by acts of God, strikes, fire, flood, war, rebellion, terrorism, insurrection, sickness, quarantine, epidemics, theft, or any other cause(s) beyond their control. The participant waives any claim against National Geographic and/or the tour operator for any such loss, damage, injury, or death. By registering for an Expedition, the participant certifies that he/she does not have any mental, physical, or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for himself or herself or other participants. National Geographic Expeditions and the tour operator reserve the right in their sole discretion to accept, decline to accept, or remove any participant on an Expedition. National Geographic Expeditions and the tour operator reserve the right, without penalty, to make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in their judgment, conditions warrant or if they deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of the participants.
because of good-faith concerns with respect to the safety, health, or welfare of the participants. If an Expedition is canceled prior to departure, the tour operator will provide the participants with a full refund of monies paid to the tour operator; except in the event that the cancellation is due to a significant event that makes it infeasible to operate the Expedition as planned, in which case the tour operator will provide the participants with a refund and/or credit toward a future Expedition equivalent to the amount paid to the tour operator. If National Geographic Expeditions cancels the Expedition in progress, the participants will receive a prorated refund based on the number of days not completed on the Expedition. Except as outlined above when National Geographic Expeditions cancels an Expedition, National Geographic and the tour operator have no responsibility for any expenses, including any non-refundable expenses, incurred by the participants in preparing for a cancelled Expedition or for any additional arrangements should the participants embark prior to the scheduled group departure date. Trip-cancellation insurance is available at an additional cost and is strongly recommended. For more information about and to enroll in an option available through Travel Insurance Services, visit the “Travel Insurance” section of our website at natgeoexpeditions.com. ITINERARY CHANGES: The itineraries and staff presented in the catalog or on the website are subject to modification and change by National Geographic Expeditions or the tour operator. Every reasonable effort will be made to operate Expeditions as planned, but alterations may still occur after final itineraries are sent. DOCUMENTATION: Participants are responsible for obtaining any documents required for their participation in the Expedition such as a valid passport, all visas, vaccination certificates, and any other documents. Failure to obtain documents does not negate the terms and conditions, and any extra costs incurred for rerouting due to travel without the necessary documents will be the participant’s responsibility. HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: Participants must be in good physical and mental health. Any physical condition, diet, or treatment requiring special attention must be reported in writing when the reservation is made. National Geographic Expeditions encourages participants to consult a doctor for specific medical advice about any activities or destinations. Certain Expeditions may require that the participant obtain medical consent prior to departure as a condition of participation. MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION AND COVERAGE: In the event the participant becomes sufficiently incapacitated as to be unable to direct his or her own care, there is no one on the Expedition who can direct participant’s care, and National Geographic Expeditions is unable or does not have time to contact participant’s emergency contact, the participant, by registering and paying a deposit for an Expedition, authorizes any medical treatment deemed necessary in the event of any injury or illness while participating in the activity including, but not limited to, X-ray, examination, anesthetic, medical or surgical diagnosis, or treatment and hospital care which is deemed advisable by, and is to be rendered under the general or specific supervision of, any physician and/or surgeon licensed in the United States, or, if in a foreign country and no physician licensed to practice in the United States is reasonably available, by a duly licensed physician deemed competent to render the necessary care. In addition, the participant certifies that they have medical insurance which will cover personal accidents, medical expenses, medical evacuation, air ambulance, loss of effects, repatriation costs and all other expenses which might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience occurring to the participant, or that in the absence of this medical insurance coverage, the participant agrees to pay all costs of rescue and/or medical services as may be incurred on the participant’s behalf. PHOTOGRAPHY: National Geographic Expeditions and the tour operator and the Expedition leader reserve the right to take photographs or videos
© 2018 National Geographic Partners, LLC E Printed on Recycled Paper NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPEDITIONS and the Yellow Border Design are trademarks of the National Geographic Society, used under license.
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Neither National Geographic, nor the tour operator, will be liable for any air carrier's cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket to or from the participant's Expedition departure city. Baggage and personal effects are at all times the sole responsibility of the participant.
during the operation of any Expedition or part thereof and to use the resulting photography, videos, or recordings for promotional or commercial use. By making a reservation on an Expedition, the participant agrees to allow his/her likeness to be used by National Geographic, National Geographicauthorized third parties, and the tour operator without compensation to the participant. If the participant prefers that his/her likeness not be used, he/ she must notify National Geographic Expeditions and/or the tour operator in writing prior to departure of the Expedition. Copyright in all photographs, video, and related materials created by the participant (“Expedition Materials”) will belong to the participant upon creation. The participant grants to National Geographic a non-exclusive, worldwide, irrevocable license to use any Expedition Materials provided to National Geographic and/or the tour operator in any media for the following limited purposes: editorial use, promotion of this editorial use, promotion of National Geographic’s travel programs, or promotion of the mission of National Geographic. ASSUMPTION OF RISK: By registering for an Expedition, the participant acknowledges that he/she is aware that travel such as the Expedition he/ she is undertaking involves potentially dangerous activities, some in remote areas of the world, with a risk of illness, injury or death which may be caused by forces of nature, illness, or by willful or criminal conduct of third parties or by terrorism. The participant further acknowledges that weather conditions may be severe, adverse and/or unpleasant and that medical services or facilities may not be readily available or accessible or consistent with standards in the United States during some or all of the time during which he/she is participating on the Expedition and that when available may not be of the quality which exists in the United States. ARBITRATION AGREEMENT: Arbitration Agreement policy and process is available at natgeoexpeditions.com/terms PRIVACY POLICY: Our privacy policy can be found at nationalgeographic. com/community/privacy/ MAILING LIST: If you are receiving duplicate catalogs, have address updates, or would like to be removed from future National Geographic Expeditions mailings, please call toll-free 1-888-966-8687. OTHER: The applicable Terms and Conditions may vary from those listed above based upon the specific Expedition selected by the participant. Please see our website to review the most up-to-date Terms and Conditions for each Expedition. A copy of the final Terms and Conditions applicable to each participant will be sent in pre-Expedition communications. COMPLETE TERMS: For the most complete and up-to-date Terms and Conditions, please see natgeoexpeditions.com/terms
PHOTO CREDITS: KEY: T=TOP, C=CENTER, B=BOTTOM, L=LEFT, R=RIGHT Amy Cadge (132l); Marc Cappelletti (130l); Ken Carlson (71b); Adrian Cerda (87b); Marvin del Cid (92); Stewart Cohen (128br); Paul Cowan (55); David Cothran (129tl); Jennifer Davidson (109b); Stephen Emerson (60); Tim Greenleaf (12br); Ralph Lee Hopkins (102t, 102b, 103t, 106t, 106b, 128tl); Joshua Howard (13bl); Jonathan Irish (29b); Coral Keegan (37); Scott Kish (12bc, 18); Eric Kruszekwski (7); Longitude 131° (5); Michael Luppino (129l); Jeff Mauritzen (71t); Joe McDonald (107b); Emily Mount (72); Carlos J. Navarro (74); Flip Nicklin (105); Michael S. Nolan (3r, 86t, 86b, 103b, 104, 106b, 107t); K Quin Paek (84); Marco Ricca (129rc); Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours (10, 13t, 25, 42-48, 132r, 133); Susan Seubert (76, 78); Erika Skogg (89t, 89b); Tom Soucek (70t); Keren Su (111); Jack DeWolf Swenson (87t); Monica and Michael Sweet (100); Rikki Swenson (130r); David Vargas (131l, 134l)
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EXPEDITIONS CALENDAR 2019 DEPA RTU RE DAT E S
PAGE
TRIP TYPE
# OF DAYS
2 0 1 8 D E PA R T U R E D AT E S
ON SAFARI: TANZANIA'S GREAT MIGRATION
16
L
9
TANZANIA FAMILY EXPEDITION
18
F
9
TANZANIA PRIVATE EXPEDITION
19
PR
9
SOUTHERN AFRICA SAFARI BY PRIVATE AIR
20
L
10
SOUTH AFRICA FAMILY EXPEDITION
22
F
9
THE GREAT APES OF UGANDA AND RWANDA
23
L
11
MOROCCO: LEGENDARY CITIES AND THE SAHARA
24
L
12
MAR.
APR.
MAY
JUNE
JULY
AUG.
SEPT.
OCT.
22
5
2
7
NOV.
DEC.
JAN.
FEB.
MAR.
27, 30
21
18
4
AFRICA
18
24
15, 29
22, 27
Visit our website or call 1-888-732-2379 to request your preferred travel dates. 30
17
22
20
24
22
5
10
22
19
11
27 27
1
14
27
12
23
1
6, 27
ASIA IRRAWADDY RIVER CRUISE
25 RC
NEW
11
CHINA: IMPERIAL TREASURES AND NATURAL WONDERS
26
L
15
INDIA'S FABLED RAJASTHAN BY RAIL
28
T
11
INSIDE JAPAN
30
L
11
JAPAN: WINTER FESTIVALS AND SNOW MONKEYS
31
L
11
JAPAN FAMILY EXPEDITION
32
F
9
VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA: ALONG THE MEKONG RIVER
33
EC
15
TIBET & NEPAL: EXPEDITION TO THE HIGHEST HIMALAYA
34
L
15
MONGOLIA: LAND OF THE NOMAD
35
L
12
BHUTAN: KINGDOM IN THE CLOUDS
36
L
11
BORNEO PRIVATE EXPEDITION
37 PR 10
18
16, 23 5
14
3
20
25
4 2, 22
15
24
8, 22
5 14, 22
20
11, 19, 25
13 3
5
21
13
6
Visit our website or call 1-888-732-2379 to request your preferred travel dates.
EURASIA 38
T
16
SWISS TRAINS AND THE ITALIAN LAKE DISTRICT
40
T
10
JEWELS OF EUROPE BY RIVER*
42 RC
15
44 RC
8
30
45 RC
8
19
45 RC
8
46 RC
11
47 RC
8
48 RC
11
TRANS-SIBERIAN RAIL EXPEDITION
5
2
19, 28
9, 16
EUROPE
NEW
RHINE HIGHLIGHTS RIVER CRUISE*
NEW
GEMS OF THE DANUBE RIVER CRUISE*
NEW
DANUBE CHRISTMAS MARKETS BY RIVER BEAUTIFUL BORDEAUX RIVER CRUISE*
NEW
NEW
DUTCH SIGHTS AND BELGIAN DELIGHTS RIVER CRUISE* UNFORGETTABLE DOURO RIVER CRUISE*
NEW
NEW
10
24
8
26 11 2 26
14
HUMAN ORIGINS: SOUTHWEST FRANCE AND NORTHERN SPAIN
49
L
9
14
5
2
8, 22
6
ITALY: RENAISSANCE CITIES AND TUSCAN LIFE
50
L
10
16
14
4
3
15
A = ACTIVE
136
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F= FAMILY
|
J = PRIVATE JET
|
L = LAND
|
PH = PHOTO
|
PR = PRIVATE
|
RC = RIVER CRUISE
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|
T = TRAIN
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2019 DEPA RTU RE DAT E S
PAGE
TRIP TYPE
# OF DAYS
2 0 1 8 D E PA R T U R E D AT E S
ITALY FAMILY EXPEDITION
51
F
10
GREECE: WONDERS OF AN ANCIENT EMPIRE
52
L
11
GREECE FAMILY EXPEDITION
53
F
10
UNDER SAIL: GREECE TO THE DALMATIAN COAST*
54 EC
12
SAILING THE GREEK ISLES*
55
EC
FRANCE FAMILY EXPEDITION
56
TOUR DU MONT BLANC
MAR.
APR.
MAY
JUNE
JULY
23
14, 28
AUG.
SEPT.
OCT.
23
14
NOV.
DEC.
3, 10
29
JAN.
FEB.
MAR.
EUROPE (CONTINUED)
6
17 16
28
7, 21
4
7
21
14
9
17
31
7
F
7
17
15, 29
57
A
10
2, 30
28
18
1, 15
REMEMBERING D-DAY: LONDON TO NORMANDY BEACHES
58
L
8
2, 16
HIKING ENGLAND COAST TO COAST
59
A
13
27
17, 24
1, 15 1, 15
5, 19
22, 29
5, 12, 19, 26
2
SCOTLAND'S HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS
60 EC
9
IRELAND: TALES AND TREASURES OF THE EMERALD ISLE
61
L
10
SCANDINAVIA: GREAT CAPITALS OF THE BALTIC SEA
62
L
10
27
11
DENMARK AND NORWAY FAMILY EXPEDITION
63
F
9
23
14, 28
64
T
10
17
1, 15, 29
65
L
10
A CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF ICELAND
66 EC
11
28
7, 16, 25
ICELAND FAMILY EXPEDITION
67
F
8
14, 23
28
68
L
11
ALASKA'S INSIDE PASSAGE †
70
EC F
8
13, 20, 27
WILD ALASKA ESCAPE
72
EC
6
19, 24, 29
ALASKA: DENALI TO KENAI FJORDS
73
L
8
ALASKA: DENALI TO KENAI FJORDS FAMILY EXPEDITION
73
F
8
TREASURES OF THE INSIDE PASSAGE
74
EC
14
ALASKA PRIVATE EXPEDITION
75 PR
9
EPIC ALASKA: MISTY FIORDS TO THE LYNN CANAL
76
EC
11
EXPLORING BRITISH COLUMBIA AND THE SAN JUAN ISLANDS
77
EC
8
CANADIAN ROCKIES BY RAIL AND TRAIL
78
T
8
2
13
3, 24
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
79
L
7
7
4, 13
8
NORWAY'S TRAINS AND FJORDS ICELAND: VOLCANOES, GLACIERS, AND WHALES
NEW
10, 17 20
18
22
31
28
22
12
29
12, 22
4
MIDDLE EAST THE HOLY LAND: PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE
17
21
5
6, 20
NORTH AMERICA 3, 10, 17, 1, 8, 15, 5, 12, 19, 24 22, 29 26 3, 28
3, 8, 13
6, 13
7, 12, 17, 22 1, 29
4, 11
5
8
30
2
Visit our website or call 1-888-732-2379 to request your preferred travel dates. 8, 18 15, 22, 29
6, 13, 20
*Departure dates beyond March 2019 are listed on the itinerary pages for these trips. † While these itineraries do not have designated family departures, there are activities for children ages 7 to 17 on all departures.
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
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# OF DAYS
TRIP TYPE
PAGE
2 0 1 8 D E PA R T U R E D AT E S
MAR.
APR.
MAY
JUNE
JULY
AUG.
SEPT.
OCT.
NOV.
DEC.
JAN.
FEB.
20
3, 17
MAR.
NORTH AMERICA (CONTINUED) COLUMBIA AND SNAKE RIVERS VOYAGE
80 EC
7
ARCHES, CANYONLANDS, AND MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARKS* N E W
81
L
7
YELLOWSTONE AND GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARKS
82
L
8
YELLOWSTONE AND GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARKS FAMILY EXPEDITION
82
F
8
WINTER WILDLIFE IN YELLOWSTONE
83
L
6
24, 30
WINTER WILDLIFE IN YELLOWSTONE FAMILY EXPEDITION
83
F
6
27
GRAND CANYON, BRYCE CANYON, AND ZION NATIONAL PARKS
84
L
8
GRAND CANYON, BRYCE CANYON, AND ZION NATIONAL PARKS FAMILY EXPEDITION
84
F
8
23
7, 28
YUCATÁN ADVENTURE: WHALE SHARKS AND MAYA RUINS N E W
85
A
8
4, 18
16
BAJA CALIFORNIA AND THE SEA OF CORTEZ: AMONG THE GREAT WHALES
86 EC
10
CUBA: DISCOVERING ITS PEOPLE AND CULTURE
88
L
8
MYSTERIES OF THE MAYA
90
L
11
BELIZE AND TIKAL PRIVATE EXPEDITION
91
PR
9
REEFS AND RUINS: BELIZE TO TIKAL, GUATEMALA
92
EC
9
NICARAGUA PRIVATE EXPEDITION
93 PR
9
NEW
12, 18
17, 23, 29 5, 11, 17 7, 21, 28 19
2
16, 25 5, 12, 19, 26
21
26
2
8, 20
4
4
1, 9
6
13 12, 19, 28 4, 13, 20
12, 26
23
14
4
2, 27
13, 20
17
8
27
17
21
1, 8 17
Visit our website or call 1-888-732-2379 to request your preferred travel dates. 13, 18, 23, 5, 10, 15, 28 20
Visit our website or call 1-888-732-2379 to request your preferred travel dates. 8, 15, 22, 29
5, 12, 19, 26
COSTA RICA AND THE PANAMA CANAL
94
EC
8
19
COSTA RICA FAMILY EXPEDITION*
95
F
7
17
COSTA RICA PRIVATE EXPEDITION
96 PR
9
Visit our website or call 1-888-732-2379 to request your preferred travel dates.
97 PR
13
Visit our website or call 1-888-732-2379 to request your preferred travel dates.
9, 23
7
4
2
22, 27
T H E PAC I F I C & AU S T R A L I A AUSTRALIA PRIVATE EXPEDITION
L
18
FRENCH POLYNESIA: BEYOND THE POSTCARD
100 EC
10
EASTER ISLAND TO TAHITI: TALES OF THE PACIFIC
101 EC 20
AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITION
98
NEW
12, 26
5, 12, 19, 26
7
26
4
2
13
17
25, 26
5, 6, 15, 16, 25, 26
4, 5, 14, 15, 24, 25
3, 4
2 30
POLAR REGIONS JOURNEY TO ANTARCTICA
102 EC
14
SOUTH GEORGIA AND THE FALKLANDS
104 EC
19
ANTARCTICA, SOUTH GEORGIA, AND THE FALKLANDS
105 EC
24
LAND OF THE POLAR BEARS
106 EC
11
A = ACTIVE
|
EC = EXPEDITION CRUISE
|
F= FAMILY
|
J = PRIVATE JET
6
22
6 5, 6
13, 14
16, 23, 30 |
L = LAND
|
PH = PHOTO
|
PR = PRIVATE
|
RC = RIVER CRUISE
|
T = TRAIN
*Departure dates beyond March 2019 are listed on the itinerary pages for these trips. † While these itineraries do not have designated family departures, there are activities for children ages 7 to 17 on all departures.
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2019 DEPA RTU RE DAT E S
# OF DAYS
TRIP TYPE
PAGE
2 0 1 8 D E PA R T U R E D AT E S
MAR.
APR.
3, 10, 17, 24, 31
14, 28
MAY
JUNE
JULY
AUG.
SEPT.
OCT.
NOV.
DEC.
5, 12, 19, 2, 9, 16, 7, 14, 21, 4, 11, 18, 26 23, 30 28 25
1, 8, 15, 22, 29
6
24
1, 8, 15
7, 14
19, 26
JAN.
FEB.
MAR.
SOUTH AMERICA ISLANDER
EC 108 F
GALÁPAGOS †
5, 12, 19, 2, 9, 16, 26 23
2, 9, 16, 23, 30
4, 11, 18, 25
1, 8, 15, 22, 29
10 2, 9, 16, 6, 13, 20, 4, 11, 18, 23, 30 27 25
ENDEAVOUR II
1, 8, 15, 6, 13, 20, 3, 10, 17 22, 29 27
2, 9, 16, 7, 14, 21, 23, 30 28
1, 8, 15, 22
Visit our website or call 1-888-732-2379 to request your preferred travel dates.
ECUADOR PRIVATE EXPEDITION
110 PR 10
UPPER AMAZON
111 EC
10
3, 10, 17, 24, 31
PERU: LAND OF THE INCA
112
L
8
4, 10, 18, 1, 7, 15, 21, 2, 10, 16, 8, 14, 22, 5, 11, 19, 2, 9, 16, 5, 13, 27 24 29 24, 30 28 25 23, 30
PERU PRIVATE EXPEDITION
113 PR
9
PERU FAMILY EXPEDITION*
114
F
7
23
14
4
PERU: AMAZON, MACHU PICCHU, AND LAKE TITICACA
115
L
14
5
3
7
4
PERU: MACHU PICCHU INN TO INN TREK
116
A
10
23
5, 23
5, 25
9, 30
PATAGONIA PRIVATE EXPEDITION
117 PR
10
EXPLORING PATAGONIA
118
L
12
120
J
24
26
122
J
21
28
124
J
18
TANZANIA PHOTO SAFARI
17
PH
9
MOROCCO PHOTOGRAPHY EXPEDITION
24 PH
12
INDIA BY RAIL PHOTOGRAPHY EXPEDITION
29 PH
11
INSIDE JAPAN PHOTOGRAPHY EXPEDITION
31
PH
11
TIBET & NEPAL PHOTOGRAPHY EXPEDITION
34 PH
15
MONGOLIA PHOTOGRAPHY EXPEDITION
35 PH
12
BHUTAN PHOTOGRAPHY EXPEDITION
36 PH
11
ITALY PHOTOGRAPHY EXPEDITION
50 PH
10
EPIC ALASKA: MISTY FIORDS TO THE LYNN CANAL PHOTOGRAPHY EXPEDITION
76
PH
11
WINTER IN YELLOWSTONE PHOTOGRAPHY EXPEDITION
83 PH
6
GALÁPAGOS PHOTOGRAPHY EXPEDITION
109 PH
10
25
1
13, 20, 27 7, 20
3
5, 12, 19, 2, 16, 23 2, 9, 16 26
8, 15, 29
3, 10, 18, 2, 9, 22, 24 30
5, 12, 20, 3, 9, 17, 26 23
3, 9, 17, 23, 31
Visit our website or call 1-888-732-2379 to request your preferred travel dates.
8, 22
9, 25
22, 27 12 27
Visit our website or call 1-888-732-2379 to request your preferred travel dates. 7
29
10, 22
3, 19
P R I VAT E J E T AROUND THE WORLD BY PRIVATE JET* CELEBRATING 130 YEARS OF EXPLORATION: AN EXTRAORDINARY JOURNEY BY PRIVATE JET
NEW
BLUE ZONES™: DISCOVERING SOURCES OF HAPPINESS AND LONGEVITY BY PRIVATE JET N E W
28
24
14
PHOTOGRAPHY EXPEDITIONS 19 12
19
4
29 15
29
11
18
1 22 10
26 6 17
18, 28 22 11
13, 27
10
23, 30
BIRDING EXPEDITIONS WINGS OVER COSTA RICA
NEW
PERU: BIRDS OF THE ANDES AND AMAZON ECUADOR AVIAN PRIVATE EXPEDITION
I
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NEW
NEW
126
L
11
31
12
126
L
11
31
12
126 PR
10
9, 30
Visit our website or call 1-888-732-2379 to request your preferred travel dates.
CALL 1-888-966-8687 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM
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1 1 4 5 1 7 T H S T R E E T N .W. , W A S H I N G T O N , D.C . 2 0 0 3 6
N E W T R I P S F O R 2 0 1 8–2 0 1 9 TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE ON A NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPEDITION, CALL 1-888-966-8687 OR RESERVE ONLINE AT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM
8 9 70 –1 8 F
A R C H E S N AT I O N A L PA R K
RIVER CRUISES
PAGE 81
P A G E S 2 5 , 4 2–4 8
BIRDING EXPEDITIONS PAGE 126
AUSTR ALIA AND NEW ZEALAND PAGE 98
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