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Expeditions Aboard the National Geographic-lindblad Fleet | 2015–16
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Expeditions aboard the National Geographic-Lindblad fleet 38 63
North America 12 14 16 62 62 63 63
Baja California and the Sea of Cortez Costa Rica and the Panama Canal Alaska's Inside Passage The Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland Wild Islands and Treasures of Baja California Sailing the Caribbean Columbia and Snake Rivers Journey
polar regions
South America 18 Galรกpagos 20 Upper Amazon 22 Coastal Treasures from the Panama Canal to Peru NEW 24 Peru and Chile: Ancient Sites and Natural Wonders NEW 26 Rounding the Cape: Chilean Patagonia and Argentina's Staten Island NEW
Europe 28 30 32 34 36
Sailing the Greek Isles Under Sail: Greece to the Dalmatian Coast Scotland's Highlands and Islands Exploring the British and Irish Isles Azores to Sevilla: Island Wonders and Fabled Shores
Spain and Portugal: Legacy of the Moors NEW Exploring the Low Countries: Holland and Belgium
NEW
40 42 44 45 46 48 62
Land of the Polar Bears Norway's Fjords and Arctic Svalbard Exploring Greenland and the Canadian High Arctic Greenland, Baffin Island, and the Ellesmere Islands Journey to Antarctica Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falklands Svalbard, Iceland, and Greenland's East Coast
asia 50 52 54
Wild Encounters from Borneo to Bali Vietnam and Cambodia: Along the Mekong River Bali to Palau: Exotic Indonesia NEW
Indian Ocean and Oceania 56 Tahiti to Easter Island: Tales of the Pacific NEW 58 Treasures of the Indian Ocean: Zanzibar and the Seychelles NEW 58 Indian Ocean Odyssey: Seychelles, Maldives, and Sri Lanka NEW 58 Wild Islands of Sri Lanka, Borneo, and the Andaman Sea NEW 58 Wildlife and Cultures of South Africa, Mozambique, and Madagascar NEW
Call TOLL-FREE 1-888-966-8687 or reserve online at nationalgeographicexpeditions.com
Dear Traveler, When National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions joined forces ten years ago, we kicked off our partnership with the inaugural voyage of the National Geographic Endeavour, setting sail from Valparaiso, Chile to the Panama Canal – the first of many extraordinary expeditions to come. Since then, our fleet has grown in size to take us beyond South America to the other six continents. We’ve counted former presidents, Nobel Laureates, and Pulitzer Prize winners among our expedition teams; and our state-of-the-art tools have allowed us to explore farther and deeper with each subsequent year. Ten years later, it seems fitting that we’ll return to South America next year to trace the length of the continent’s western coast—this time aboard the National Geographic Explorer. On three remarkable expeditions, we’ll discover seldom-seen treasures from Ecuador to Colombia, Peru, Argentina, and beyond. The National Geographic Explorer will also ply the wildlife-rich waters of the Atlantic on a series of voyages including the wild isles of the Azores and Madeira and the historically rich coasts of Spain and Portugal. In 2015, we’ll continue our new chapter of South Pacific exploration aboard the National Geographic Orion. Experience jubilant island welcomes in the Cook Islands and French Polynesia, dive some of the world’s finest reefs in the Southern Line Islands and Indonesia, and delve into the mysterious history of Easter Island—among many other highlights.
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Palau to Solomon Islands: Along the Pacific Equator NEW Solomon Islands to Fiji: Hidden South Pacific NEW Fiji to the Cook Islands: Polynesian Discovery NEW Cook Islands to Tahiti: Pristine Reefs of the South Pacific
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AUsTRALIA 60 61
Australia's Wild Northwest Australia's Wild Northwest with the Spice Islands
Resources 4 5 6-9 10-11 64-69 70 71
National Geographic Moments Special Offers The National Geographic-Lindblad Difference Travel with National Geographic Photographers, Expedition Staff, and History Makers Deck Plans Expedition Calendar Terms and Conditions
Front Cover: Guests photograph the King penguins of South Georgia. © Ralph Lee Hopkins. Above: The National Geographic Explorer cruises by the Azores coast; an orangutan rests in the jungle foliage; two kayakers pass by a seal resting on an iceberg in Antarctica.
As our alliance grows and prospers, so too does our commitment to protecting the places we explore. The Lindblad-National Geographic Fund currently supports conservation and educational projects in the Galápagos Islands, Baja California, Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, the Amazon, and Cambodia. The high points of the past decade are many (including my own personal highlight—traveling to Antarctica aboard the National Geographic Explorer last year), but one constant remains: our commitment to enriching, hands-on exploration that inspires travelers to care about—and preserve—the planet’s wonders. We look forward to another incredible decade of exploration with you. Sincerely,
Gary E. Knell President and CEO National Geographic Society When you travel with us, you make a difference. Proceeds from our expeditions help fund the National Geographic Society's core mission programs. By traveling with us, you are helping support our grantees and explorers in their efforts to preserve species and habitats, protect cultures, and advance understanding of our incredible planet. Copyright © 2014 National Geographic Society C Recycled paper National Geographic Expeditions and the Yellow Border Design are registered trademarks of the National Geographic Society.
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Celebrating 10 years of National Geographic Moments Every day This year marks the tenth anniversary of our partnership with Lindblad Expeditions. Since 2004, we’ve ventured into the Northwest Passage, circled the globe by sea, traced the full lengths of Africa and South America, and introduced countless travelers to the glorious—and imperiled—icescapes of the Arctic and Antarctica. The National Geographic moments we have experienced together could fill volumes: We’ve spotted a rare “blond” penguin and been ogled by a minke whale in Antarctica. We danced with joyful islanders in the South Pacific and watched with white knuckles as the world’s original bungee jumpers sailed off teetering wooden towers in Vanuatu. We raced dolphins in the Sea of Cortez, felt the tickle of an elephant seal
pup's whiskers in South Georgia, watched humpback whales bubble-net feed in Alaska, and observed the birth of a sea lion in the Galàpagos. And that was just this past year. Each incredible encounter is made possible by our accomplished field staff, nimble expedition ships, fleets of kayaks and landing craft, and cutting edge exploration technology. Perhaps most importantly, we gave back to the places we explored, supporting local people through organizations like Minga Peru, which trains and educates communities in the remote Amazon rain forest in fields such as natural resource management. Here’s to another ten great years of National Geographic moments together!
Celebrate with Special Savings on Select Expeditions
Book one of these expeditions by December 31, 2014, for savings on select departure dates.* South Georgia and the Falklands Receive complimentary round-trip international airfare between Miami and Buenos Aires, plus complimentary charter flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, on the Mar. 6, 2016 departure. See page 49 for the itinerary. Wild Islands and Treasures of Baja California Receive a $550 air credit on the Dec. 20 and 27, 2014, and Jan. 3 and 10, 2015 departures. See page 62 for more information. Galápagos Receive complimentary round-trip international airfare from Miami or New York City to the Galápagos on select 2015 departures. See page 18 for the itinerary. Visit our website or call for departure dates. Galápagos and Peru’s Land of the Inca Receive complimentary round-trip international airfare from Miami or New York City to the Galápagos and return from Lima on select 2015 departures. See our website for the full Galápagos and Peru: Land of the Inca itinerary and departure dates.
Costa Rica and the Panama Canal Lock in 2014/15 season prices for 2015/16 departures, and receive a complimentary hotel night in Panama City at the start or end of select 2015 and 2016 departures. See page 14 for the itinerary. Visit our website or call for departure dates. Coastal Treasures from the Panama Canal to Peru Receive complimentary airfare from Miami to Panama City, and return from Lima to Miami. See page 22 for the itinerary. Alaska’s Inside Passage Receive complimentary round-trip airfare between Seattle and Alaska on select May and June 2015 departures. See page 16 for the itinerary and departure dates. SPAIN AND PORTUGAL: LEGACY OF THE MOORS Receive complimentary airfare from New York City to Sevilla, and return from Bilbao to New York City. See page 38 for the itinerary. VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA: along the mekong river Receive complimentary round-trip international economy airfare on select 2015 departures. See page 52 for the itinerary. Visit our website or call for departure dates.
AZORES TO SEVILLA: ISLAND WONDERS AND FABLED SHORES Receive complimentary airfare from Boston to Azores, returning from Sevilla to New York City. See page 36 for itinerary. Svalbard, Iceland, and Greenland’s East Coast Receive complimentary charter airfare between Oslo and Longyearbyen. See our website for the full itinerary.
THE INDIAN OCEAN, BORNEO, INDONESIA, AND THE SOUTH PACIFIC Receive 10% off the expedition price on 11 National Geographic Orion voyages; Lifelong Explorers double your discount and receive 20% off the expedition price. Offer applies to the expeditions on pages 50-51, 54-55, 56-57, and 58-59.
Along The Viking Trail: From Iceland to Greenland Receive complimentary charter airfare between Kangerlussuaq and Ottawa. See our website for the full itinerary. Sea Cloud voyages: Under Sail: Greece to the Dalmatian Coast; Sailing the Greek Isles; and Sailing the Caribbean. Travel on 2016 Mediterranean or Caribbean expeditions aboard the
Sea Cloud and we will cover your bar tab on board and all tips for the crew. See pages 28, 30, and 63 for the itineraries.
*Offers are for new bookings and may not be combined with other offers. Complimentary airfare must be booked through Lindblad Expeditions.
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we are all explorers
When curious travelers set out to sea to actively explore the wild world, great things happen. The travelers may span all ages, backgrounds, and experiences, yet they are drawn together by the excitement of exploration and the joy of discovery in the planet’s most extraordinary and treasured places. Aboard the National Geographic-Lindblad fleet, the exploration is multifaceted, conducted on foot, by snorkel, or by boat; informed by naturalists and authorities on the local culture; enhanced by experts we meet in the field. It is recorded by an onboard videographer who compiles great memories for us, but it is also documented by you, working with our certified photo instructor to take stunning shots of the places we go. Over the years, our travelers have witnessed firsthand the work of National Geographic’s writers, scientists, photographers, educators, and adventurers who have used our ships as the base for their projects. Books, magazine stories, film and television productions, and even groundbreaking scientific discoveries have come out of experiences on our fleet, and each time, we are treated to a behind-the-scenes look at what exploration at National Geographic really means. Featured here are just a few examples of explorers and storytellers who have traveled with us aboard our ships.
Greg Marshall
The world got an animal’s perspective when National Geographic’s Greg Marshall and his Remote Imaging team deployed Crittercams on humpback whales, leopard seals, and more using the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet as platforms. Greg will be joining the June 26 and July 3, 2015 Galápagos departures.
James balog
Paul nicklen
National Geographic Adventure contributing editor and award-winning photographer James Balog has achieved global renown for his Extreme Ice Survey (EIS) initiated in 2007—the most wide-ranging ground-based photographic glacier study ever conducted. In an unprecedented collaboration, National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions are enabling the EIS team to extend their polar ice-monitoring activities by helping them place time-lapse cameras in Antarctica. The EIS team traveled aboard the National Geographic Explorer to set up their cameras overlooking numerous glaciers on the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia Island, and trained the expedition team to act as adjuncts to Balog’s team—monitoring the cameras and facilitating the ongoing collection of photographs.
National Geographic photographer Paul Nicklen spent many weeks camped out on the Arctic ice on assignment for National Geographic magazine and his book Polar Obsession. He used the National Geographic Explorer as his base, restocking supplies, sharing tales with travelers, and warming up each time the ship passed by.
Grosvenor Teacher Fellow Program
National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions host the Grosvenor Teacher Fellow Program aboard the fleet. This professional development opportunity recognizes K-12th grade educators committed to geographic learning. This year another 25 teachers, bringing the program’s total to 75, will travel to the Arctic, Galápagos, and more pristine regions, giving them field experience to bring to their classrooms, colleagues, and communities.
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A Rich History of
Exploration Founded in 1888, the National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Throughout its history, the Society has sought to expand our understanding of our planet, its cultures, and its creatures, and to raise awareness about the issues that threaten them. To date, we have funded nearly 11,000 research, conservation, and exploration projects around the globe, ranging from crossing the Arctic by dogsled to documenting ancient traditions in Papua New Guinea. What drives us is the pioneering mindset of our researchers and explorers, the thrill of discovery, and an unwavering commitment to inspire people to care about the planet. When you travel aboard the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet, you experience this spirit of exploration firsthand. You encounter the world’s wonders close up, and dig deeper with the ready insights of our top-notch expedition staff. On many trips you may have the opportunity to meet National Geographic’s grantees—on our ships and in the field—and hear about their projects and the bold dreams that inspire them. By traveling with us, you not only help support the work of our grantees, but in the great tradition of National Geographic, you also become an explorer and a storyteller in your own right.
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Read about our featured projects, marked by red flags, on the interactive map at nationalgeographic.com/explorers/projects The Society has funded nearly 11,000 projects since its creation in 1888. Go online to browse projects by location or keyword. You’ll find details on the explorers, project descriptions, disciplines, locations, and durations.
Pictured left to right: The National Geographic Society sponsored Hiram Bingham’s excavations of Machu Picchu in 1912, 1914, and 1915. And the April 1913 issue of National Geographic magazine made his work accessible to the waiting world—using photos and Bingham’s diaries to take a breathless reading public into the wonder of his discovery. National Geographic grantee Jacques Cousteau redefined our understanding of the undersea, sharing footage from his marine explorations with the world. With support from the Society, Dr. Biruté Galdikas established Camp Leakey, a research center in Borneo’s Tanjung Puting National Park, and the Orangutan Foundation International, to research and protect orangutans and their habitat. Dr. Galdikas will join our Camp Leakey expedition, Wild Encounters from Borneo to Bali. See page 50 for the full itinerary.
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Travel with National Geographic Photographers, Expedition Staff, and History Makers Exploring alongside former presidents and renowned photographers brings a travel experience to a whole new level. Aboard the National Geographic-Lindblad fleet, our expedition teams are full of dynamic and passionate people—naturalists, certified photo instructors, undersea specialists and more—who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to each place we visit. At the helm of every team is an expedition leader, a veteran explorer who has forged relationships with local communities from the Azores to Easter Island—a personal connection that allows us to get to know the places we visit on a more intimate level. A top National Geographic photographer accompanies every voyage aboard the National Geographic Explorer and the National Geographic Orion, and on select trips, we’ve also invited celebrated luminaries and explorers to share their tales and insights as we discover remote places together. Below, meet a few of the acclaimed photographers, history makers, and celebrated naturalists who will be traveling with us in 2015.
Casey Anderson
The host of Nat Geo WILD’s Expedition Wild and America the Wild, naturalist Casey Anderson was nicknamed the “animal magnet” while growing up in Montana. In 2002, Casey rescued an abandoned grizzly bear cub and dedicated his life to raising Brutus to be an ambassador for his wild grizzly cousins. Casey built the cub named Brutus a sanctuary which became the Montana Grizzly Encounter, a bear rescue and education facility. Together, they have been featured in the National Geographic Channel’s Expedition Grizzly and in numerous educational videos, films, and television shows. When not on set, they spend their days at the rescue center helping educate the public about wildlife conservation. Casey will join the May 16 and 23, 2015 Alaska Inside Passage departures.
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Whether I am in search of giant Kodiak grizzly bears or the elusive wolverine, Alaska never disappoints.
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—Casey Anderson blog
Gil Grosvenor
Gil Grosvenor has served National Geographic since 1954, first as a writer and photographer, then as the editor of National Geogrpahic magazine, president of the Society, and—until 2010—as chairman of the board. Gil helped design the Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland itinerary based on his experience sailing the same waters with his father, Melville Bell Grosvenor, on assignment for National Geographic for an article in the September 1967 issue of National Geographic magazine. Gil will join the September 11, 2015 Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland departure.
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Beyond the masts of fishing trawlers rose the Brittany-like port...
— Melville Bell Grosvenor, “White Mist Cruises to wreck-haunted St. Pierre and Miquelon,” National Geographic magazine, September 1967
César Gaviria
Former Colombian President César Gaviria was elected President of Colombia in May 1990. During his four-year term, he enacted policies to strengthen democracy, promote peace, and reintegrate armed rebels into civilian life. After his term ended, President Gaviria successfully created The Otun Group, an international business advisory firm located in New York City. Returning to Colombia in 2005 he once again became active in politics and was proclaimed the sole chief of the Colombian Liberal Party in June 2005. President Gaviria currently serves on the Board of Directors of Oceana, the global organization that creates policy changes to reduce ocean pollution. President Gaviria will be joining a portion of the September 27, 2015 Costal Treasures from the Panama Canal to Peru.
Ralph Lee Hopkins
Ralph Lee Hopkins is founder and director of the Expedition Photography program for the Lindblad-National Geographic alliance. For more than 20 years he has led expeditions from the Arctic to Antarctica. Back on land he is a lecturer with the National Geographic Traveler digital seminar series and teaches workshops for National Geographic Expeditions. Images from Ralph’s travels have been published widely in National Geographic. He will be joining the following 2015 departures: July 28 and August 7 Exploring Greenland and the Canadian High Arctic; May 23 and June 2 Wild Encounters from Borneo to Bali.
Sisse Brimberg and Cotton Coulson
Photographers Sisse Brimberg and Cotton Coulson have collectively photographed more than 60 stories for National Geographic and National Geographic Traveler magazines. Both Sisse and Cotton have been awarded numerous prizes by Pictures of the Year International, the National Press Photographers Association, and the White House Press Photographers Association. Sisse and Cotton will be joining the following 2015 departures: March 27 Azores to Sevilla: Island Wonders and Fabled Shores; April 3 Spain and Portugal: Legacy of the Moors; May 19 Norway's Fjords and Arctic Svalbard; Nov. 7 Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falklands; Dec. 17 and 27 Journey to Antarctica.
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The [Antarctic Peninsula] area is teeming with wildlife and has many different forms of ice. It also presents some of the most extreme photo-shooting conditions on the planet. You have a chance to photograph leopard seals, humpback whales, and penguins of all sorts.
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— Sisse Brimberg and Cotton Coulson, "Tips for shooting in cold weather," nationalgeographic.com
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Baja California and the Sea of Cortez: AMONG THE GREAT WHALES Aboard the National Geographic Sea Bird
Expedition team & EXPERTs
Expedition Highlights ɋɋGet an up-close view of gray whale mothers and their calves in the breeding grounds of Bahía Magdalena.
ɋɋGo snorkeling amid sea lions, brilliant blue damselfish, and schools of king angelfish.
ɋɋKayak clear, blue waters on the lookout for a variety of bird species including magnificent frigatebirds.
ɋɋExplore diverse landscapes, including sand dunes, a cactus forest, and desert islands.
National Geographic photographer and marine biologist Flip Nicklin is one of the world's leading photographers of whales. His majestic photos and amazing audio recordings of humpbacks and orca whales have been featured in numerous National Geographic publications and television specials. The North American Nature Photography Association named him Outstanding Nature Photographer of the Year for 2012. Flip will join a diverse team of naturalists and experts on the January 16 and 23, 2016 departures.
Gray whales often approach our expedition landing craft, as curious about us as we are about them.
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trip details Dates: 2015: Jan. 17-24, Mar. 14-21 Bristling cacti soak up the sun on Isla Santa Catalina.
Itinerary: 8 days Day 1: u.s./La Paz, Mexico Arrive in La Paz and drive along the beautiful Malecón to meet our ship. National Geographic Sea Bird (D) Day 2: Exploring the Sea of Cortez Search for whales among the islands of the southern Sea of Cortez, an area that has proven to be one of the best for finding blue whales, and often common and bottlenose dolphins. Explore the many uninhabited islands such as Isla San José or Isla Santa Catalina to walk among huge cacti and observe the diverse bird life. Swim or snorkel with king angelfish, butterfly fish, damselfish, and the beautiful parrotfish. (B, L, D) Day 3: Los Islotes and ISLA Espíritu Santo At Los Islotes, don flippers, a mask, and snorkel (which we’ll gladly provide) and swim with curious sea lions. We have a leisurely afternoon to swim, kayak, or hike at Isla Espíritu Santo. Brown pelicans, gulls, and boobies are all part of the landscape. Finish the day with a relaxing beach barbecue complete with a campfire and a star-filled sky. (B, L, D)
Day 4: Gorda Banks and Los Cabos This morning cruise past Friars Rocks at Land’s End and visit the historic town center of San José del Cabo. The afternoon is spent at the Gorda Banks seamount or La Fortuna, gathering places for whales, especially humpbacks, dolphins, and other sea life. (B, L, D) Days 5-7: Bahía Magdalena Navigate through an immense system of protected coves and channels, surrounded by a fringe of mangrove channels at one edge of a vast, windswept plain. Each winter, during their long migration, gray whales travel south from their Arctic feeding grounds to breed and raise their calves in these sheltered waters. Observe migrating whales from the ship and up close from our expedition landing craft. Watch for magnificent frigate birds, pelicans, cormorants, terns, great blue herons, ibis, and willets. (B, L, D Daily)
2016: Jan. 16-23, Jan. 23-30*, Jan. 30-Feb. 6, Feb. 6-13*, Feb. 13-20, Feb. 20-27*, Feb. 27-Mar. 5, Mar. 5-12*, Mar. 12-19 * These departures follow the itinerary shown but in the reverse order, beginning in San Carlos and ending in La Paz.
Expedition Cost: 2015 Category 1 $5,990 Located on Main Deck Category 2 $6,890 Located on Upper and Bridge Decks Category 3 $7,730 Located on Upper and Bridge Decks Call or visit website for 2016 pricing. See photo and deck plans for the National Geographic Sea Bird on page 66. Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin in 2015, add $3,000 in Category 1 and $3,450 in Category 2. International airfare between Los Angeles and La Paz is not included in the expedition cost. Kayakers paddle in crystal clear waters
Day 8: San Carlos/La Paz/u.s. After breakfast, disembark in San Carlos and drive across the peninsula to La Paz for your return flight home. (B)
Reserve online at nationalgeographicexpeditions.com 13
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Costa Rica and the Panama Canal Aboard the National Geographic Sea lion
Expedition Highlights ɋɋDiscover hidden pools and waterfalls deep within the jungles of the Osa Peninsula.
ɋɋExplore the tiny islands of the Gulf of Panama, and snorkel off Isla de Coiba.
ɋɋEnjoy special access to the protected forests of Barro Colorado Island. ɋɋExamine the fascinating lock system that made the Panama Canal one of the greatest engineering achievements of its era.
Expedition team & EXPERTs National Geographic photographer Michael Melford has produced more than a dozen feature stories for National Geographic, as well as 30 for National Geographic Traveler, including eight cover stories. On assignment for National Geographic for the past ten years, Michael has often used photography to bring attention to the planet's wonders and the need to preserve them. Michael will join a diverse team of naturalists and experts on the March 12, 2016 departure. Please visit our website for National Geographic photographers on other departures.
An adult and juvenile brown capuchin monkey
north america “With its biodiversity, the Osa Peninsula [rated one of the 50 Places of a Lifetime]is considered one of the planet’s most magnificent places.” –Alvaro Ugalde, “Striking Gold in Costa Rica," National Geographic Traveler, October 2009
Itinerary: 8 days
ideal for kayaking and swimming. (B, L, D)
Day 1: U.S./San José, Costa Rica/ Herradura Upon arrival in San José, transfer to Herradura and embark our ship. National Geographic Sea Lion (D)
Day 5: Coiba National Park, Panama Isla Coiba, one of Panama’s most remote national parks and a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers some of the best reefs for snorkeling in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Our staff will assist novice and expert snorkelers alike, and you’ll also observe a vibrant undersea world while swimming and kayaking. (B, L, D)
Day 2: Manuel Antonio National Park Spend the morning in Manuel Antonio National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where thick forests fringe white-sand beaches. Watch for three-toed sloths lazing among the branches, and spot monkeys and vividly colored birds. This afternoon, trace the Pacific coastline south and stop for a refreshing swim or a hike. (B, L, D) Day 3: Osa Peninsula Anchor off the Osa Peninsula to see some of the most pristine lowland rain forest on the Pacific coast. In the environs of Corcovado National Park, swim in waterfall pools, ride horses on the beach, or trek through the rain forest for a chance to see four species of monkeys—howler, spider, capuchin, and squirrel. (B, L, D)
Transiting the Panama Canal
Day 4: Golfo Dulce Enter the mangrove-fringed Golfo Dulce along the southwestern edge of Costa Rica. Visit the Casa Orquídeas, a tropical paradise of ornamental palms, bromeliads, heliconias, and orchids that is only reachable by boat. Keep your eye out for tanagers, parrots, and toucans. Later, explore the placid bay, which is
Day 6: Gulf of Panama Islets/Panama Canal Transit Today, explore the tiny islets of the Gulf of Panama by expedition landing craft or kayak. Here, we might spot frigatebirds, brown pelicans, neotropical cormorants, and brown boobies. Set sail for the Panama Canal this afternoon. Stretching more than 50 miles, the canal was a colossal engineering feat completed in 1914 and is still traversed by some 14,000 ships every year. As cargo ships tend to pass through the canal during the day, we’ll most likely begin our crossing at night, when the canal is dramatically lit. (B, L, D) Day 7: Gatún Lake/Panama Canal Transit Board an expedition landing craft 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, researching its 120 mammals and diverse tree species. It is also the site of a National Geographic-supported project that tracks tagged animals using automated radio signals and wireless technology. Join local guides for a walk through the forests. This evening, continue through the complex lock system of the canal. (B, L, D) Day 8: Colón/Panama City/U.S. After breakfast, disembark in Colón and transfer to the airport in Panama City for your flight home. (B)
Visit our website to find out about photo expeditions to Costa Rica and the Panama Canal. ⊲
trip details 2015/2016 Season: Nov. 28; Dec. 5*, 12 19*, 26; Jan. 2*, 9 , 16*, 23, 30*; Feb. 6, 13* , 20, 27*; Mar. 5, 12*
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* These departures follow the itinerary shown but in the reverse order, beginning in Panama City and ending in San Jose.
Expedition Cost:
2015/16
Category 1 $6,190 Located on Main Deck Category 2 $6,990 Located on Upper and Bridge Decks Category 3 $7,920 Located on Upper and Bridge Decks See National Geographic Sea Lion deck plan on page 66. Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin, add $3,100 in Category 1 and $3,500 in Category 2. International airfare from Miami to San José and return from Panama City is not included in the expedition cost. OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS Add a three-day pre-trip extension to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve or the new seven-day post-trip extension to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Sarapiquí River, and Tortuguero. Visit our website or call for details. Special offer Book by December 31, 2014 to lock in 2014/15 season pricing and save up to $230 off the 2015/16 departures. Also receive a complimentary hotel night in Panama City at the start or end of select 2015 and 2016 departures, including access to the Frank Gehry BioMuseo and new Panama Canal Expansion Observation Center. Please visit our website or call for details.
Visit our website to find out about our new Costa Rica land-based expedition.
call toll-free 1-888-966-8687 15
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Alaska’s Inside Passage Aboard the National Geographic sea bird and the NAtional Geographic Sea Lion
Expedition Highlights ɋɋKayak into protected coves and look for sea otters, seabirds, and harbor seals.
ɋɋHike through lush forests to cascading waterfalls, and ride an expedition landing craft into coves looking for brown bears.
ɋɋMeet members of the Alaska Whale Foundation to learn about the
local whale population, and get a firsthand perspective on Alaska’s indigenous people from a Tlingit cultural interpreter.
ɋɋDiscover Alaska’s seldom-seen, vibrant marine life, revealed by our undersea specialist.
Humpback whales bubble-net feeding off Alaska's coast
Expedition team & EXPERTs The host of Nat Geo WILD’s Expedition Wild and America the Wild, naturalist Casey Anderson was nicknamed the “animal magnet” while growing up. In 2002, Casey rescued an abandoned grizzly bear cub and dedicated his life to raising Brutus to be an ambassador for his wild grizzly cousins. Together, they have been featured in the National Geographic Channel’s Expedition Grizzly and in numerous educational videos, films, television shows, and commercials. Casey will share insights from his many adventures, including those in Alaska where he studied the grizzly population of Kodiak Island, on the May 16 and 23, 2015 departures.
north america “The naturalist John Muir was exploring the coves and islands of the Inside Passage when he wrote, ‘To the lover of pure wildness, Alaska is one of the most wonderful countries in the world.’ Once you leave the larger towns in your wake and head up the quiet inlets…it’s easy to find the Alaska that charmed Muir.” —Heather Lende, “Alaska Cruise,” National Geographic Traveler, September 2010
Itinerary: 8 days Day 1: Seattle/Juneau, Alaska Fly from Seattle to Juneau, the capital of Alaska. Visit the imposing Mendenhall Glacier and spend the evening exploring Juneau on your own. National Geogeaphic Sea Bird/ National Geographic Sea Lion (D)
otters reside. We’ll search for whales in the rich waters of Icy Strait and, conditions permitting, lower the ship’s hydrophone to listen in on the whales’ communication. (B, L, D)
Day 2: 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. (B, L, D)
Day 6: Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve By special permit, we explore Glacier Bay, a not-to-be-missed gem of Alaska. See glaciers that end abruptly at the water’s edge and observe them calving as tons of ice crash into the sea. Wildness abounds—mountain goats and brown bears patrol the shore; harbor seals, Steller sea lions and puffins live 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. (B, L, D)
Day 3: Petersburg Search for humpback whales as we head towards the small Alaskan town of Petersburg on Mitkof Island, founded more than 100 years ago by Norwegian fishermen. Explore southeast Alaska’s muskeg, an area with stunted trees and carnivorous plants. There is an opportunity for optional flightseeing (weather permitting) or bike riding. Enjoy a crab feast for dinner this evening. (B, L, D)
Day 7: 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, beachcomb, and hike stunning forest trails, or see bear tracks worn into the soil while walking an isolated meadow. Sightings of bald eagles are very common. If conditions permit, we’ll do some kayaking, always watching for marine and terrestrial life. (B, L, D)
Day 4: Exploring Frederick Sound and Chatham Strait With luck, we’ll see whales breaching, tail-slapping and feeding. We’ll explore spectacular bays and inlets, following bear trails and salmon streams. Later, hike or kayak for up close exploration. (B, L, D)
Day 8: Sitka/Seattle After breakfast we disembark in Sitka, southeast Alaska’s only oceanfront town. Visit the onion-domed St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Church. At the Raptor Rehabilitation Center, get an up-close view of species normally seen at a distance. Drive to the airport for our afternoon flight to Seattle. (B)
Day 5: ICY STRAIT AND INIAN PASS Hike and kayak among the Inian Islands, where an abundance of Steller sea lions and sea
trip details Dates: 2015: May 16*, 17*, 23, 24, 30*, 31*; Jun. 6, 7, 13*, 14*, 20, 21, 27*, 28*; Jul. 4, 5, 11*, 12*, 18, 19, 25*, 26*; Aug. 1, 2, 8*, 9*, 15, 16, 22*, 23*, 29, 30 *These departures follow the itinerary shown but in the reverse order, beginning in Sitka and ending in Juneau.
Expedition Cost:
Category 1 $6,290 Located on main deck Category 2 $7,340 Located on upper and bridge decks Category 3 $8,390 Located on upper and bridge decks See photo and deck plans for the National Geographic Sea Bird/Sea Lion on page 66. Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin, add $3,150 in Category 1 and $3,670 in Category 2. Airfare is not included in the expedition cost. Optional EXTENSIONS Add a seven-day extension to Alaska’s Denali National Park. Or, explore Seattle and Mt. Rainier National Park over three days. Visit our website or call for details. Special offer Book by December 31, 2014 and receive complimentary round-trip airfare between Seattle and Alaska on the following 2015 departures: May 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, and 31; June 6 and 7. Visit our website or call for departure dates.
⊲ Visit our website for information on special family and photography expeditions to Alaska’s Inside Passage and A Remarkable Journey to Alaska, British Columbia, and Haida Gwaii.
Reserve online at nationalgeographicexpeditions.com 17
Galápagos Aboard the National Geographic endeavour and the National Geographic islander
Expedition team & EXPERTs
Expedition Highlights ɋɋSnorkel amid shimmering fish, sea turtles, penguins, and playful sea lions.
ɋɋCruise to pristine islands and walk among colonies of wildlife and birds unfazed by your presence.
ɋɋObserve rare giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station. ɋɋExplore the waters of the Galápagos by kayak, glass-bottom boat
(Endeavour only), or Zodiac.
Lynn Fowler first arrived in the Galápagos in 1978 as a naturalist guide for the Galápagos National Park. Lynn completed her doctorate based on her research of the giant tortoises of Alcedo Volcano on Isabela island, where she spent over a year living on the rim of the crater, collecting data. A diverse team of naturalists will join every departure. Lynn will join the following 2015 departures: Jan 10, 17, 24, 31; Mar 7, 14, 21, 28; Apr 4; May 30; Jun 6, 13, 20, 27; Jul 25; Aug 1, 8, 15; Oct 3, 10, 17, 24; Nov 21; Dec 12, 19.
Sea lions cuddle up for a nap on the beach in Galápagos.
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south america Itinerary: 10 days Day 1: U.S./Guayaquil, Ecuador Depart for Guayaquil and upon arrival, transfer to our hotel. Hotel Hilton Colón Day 2: Guayaquil/Galápagos This morning, fly to the Galápagos Islands and board our comfortable expedition ship. After lunch, we begin our exploration of the islands and their diverse wildlife. National Geographic Endeavour or National Geographic Islander (B, L, D) Days 3–8: Exploring the Galápagos Listed below are some of the islands we visit during our expedition. Each itinerary will include Isla Santa Cruz and a selection of the other stops listed on these pages. (B, L, D Daily) Isla Bartolomé Walk to the top of Bartolomé's volcanic cone for a stunning view of Pinnacle Rock and the surrounding beaches. After the hike, immerse yourself among schools of multicolored reef fish. You may also have the opportunity to swim with Galápagos penguins. Isla Santiago Follow a path along a series of tide pools and underwater caverns in search of Galápagos fur seals, marine iguanas, sea lions, shore birds, and Sally Lightfoot crabs. A pair of blue-footed boobies
Isla Santa Cruz At the Charles Darwin Research Station, a breeding station for endangered endemic species, learn about the research done here. Visit the neighboring captive breeding program for endangered species of Galápagos giant tortoises and endemic land iguanas, run by their partners in conservation, the Galápagos National Park Service and supported by the ⊲
Lindblad-National Geographic Fund. Later, travel into the highlands to observe and photograph these tortoises in the wild. Isla Isabela Explore the largest island in the group, home to enormous 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 and hike against the backdrop of giant shield volcanoes, and snorkel in the cool, rich waters that often draw whales and dolphins to the area. Isla Floreana Take a prebreakfast hike to a turtle nesting beach and a lagoon home to flamingos and other bird species. At Champion Islet, snorkel among sea lions, or peer into an underwater world in a glass-bottom boat (Endeavour only). 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 Fernandina 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. Isla Española See swallow-tailed gulls, Española mockingbirds, boobies, and waved albatrosses on 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.
trip details Dates: 2015: Expeditions depart every Friday on the National Geographic Endeavour and every Saturday on the National Geographic Islander. See the calendar on page 70 for specific departure dates. Expedition Cost:
Category 1 Category 2 Category 3 Category 4 Category 5
Endeavour
$6,290 $6,990 $7,650 $8,290 $10,280
Islander
$6,760 $7,590 $8,270 $8,750 $10,650
Prices are per person, double occupancy. 2015 pricing applies to all departures except for holiday departures. Holiday departures are Dec. 18, 19, 25, and 26, 2015. Please visit our website for specific holiday rates. International airfare is not included in the expedition cost. Charter airfare between Guayaquil and Galápagos is $495 (subject to change). See the National Geographic Endeavour and Islander descriptions, photos, and deck plans on page 67. Special offer Book by December 31, 2014 and receive complimentary round-trip airfare from Miami or NYC to the Galápagos on select 2015 departures. Visit our website or call for departure dates.
Day 9: Galápagos/Guayaquil After breakfast, disembark the ship and fly to Guayaquil. The evening is at your leisure. Hotel Hilton Colón (B) Day 10: Guayaquil/U.S. Depart Guayaquil this morning, arriving home the same day. (B)
Giant tortoises in the highlands of Santa Cruz
Visit our website for special Galápagos family and photography expeditions, and details on extending your trip to Machu Picchu.
call toll-free 1-888-966-8687 19
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Upper Amazon Aboard the delfin II
Expedition Highlights ɋɋExplore the waterways of the flooded “Mirrored Forest” of PacayaSamiria National Reserve with a team of expert naturalists.
ɋɋGlide down jungle streams by skiff or kayak, spotting pink and gray
dolphins, enormous water lilies, monk saki monkeys, three-toed sloths, piranhas, and scarlet macaws.
ɋɋLearn about the everyday traditions of the native ribereños on visits
to villages at the river’s edge and hear about the Lindblad–National Geographic Fund's work with Minga Peru to support families in rural areas of the Peruvian Amazon.
ɋɋGo on rain forest hikes, birding walks, and nocturnal river safaris, and
get immersed in the wild atmosphere of the Amazon from the comfort of the intimate Delfin II.
A scarlet macaw peers through the foliage
Expedition team & EXPERTs Kitty Coley is a geologist, naturalist, and avid birder who serves as a consultant to National Geographic magazine. As a professional geologist, she has worked in remote rain forests and rugged landscapes around the world. Kitty's love of nature has inspired her to explore through scuba diving, backpacking, whitewater and sea kayaking, and biking. A diverse team of naturalists and experts will join every departure. Kitty will share her knowledge of the Amazon's geology, flora, and fauna on the November 14 and 21, 2015 departures.
south america
Sunrise over the River of Mirrors on the Delfin II
Itinerary: 10 days Day 1: U.S./Lima, Peru Arrive in Lima in the late evening and transfer to our hotel. Costa Del Sol Ramada Day 2: Lima/Iquitos/Nauta After a morning visit to the celebrated Larco Herrera Museum, fly to Iquitos and continue overland to Nauta, where our ship awaits. Get settled in your elegant, hardwood-paneled cabin and gather for a welcome dinner of fine Peruvian cuisine prepared by our onboard chef. Tonight, step out on deck to gaze at the magnificent night sky over the Amazon. Delfin II (B, L, D) Days 3 and 4: Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve Glide into the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, one of the largest swaths of pristine jungle in South America, stretching more than five million square acres. The reserve floods annually with nutrient-rich waters and is known locally as the Mirrored Forest for the reflections created by its glass-like waterways. In kayaks or skiffs, skim along the Pucate River looking for parrots, macaws, and perhaps shaggy-tailed monk saki monkeys or saddle-back tamarins. Encounter a very different ecosystem on hikes on terra firma, or explore up river in a skiff. Reach the junction of the Marañón and the Ucayali, two powerful rivers that border the reserve and converge to create the Amazon, and later, pay a visit to a village on the river’s edge to learn about the traditions of the ribereños. Learn about the inspiring work of Minga Peru, a nonprofit that has helped improve health and livelihoods for the people of the Amazon with the support of the LindbladNational Geographic Fund. (B, L, D Daily) ⊲
Days 5 and 6: Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve Venture deeper into the rain forest on narrow tributaries, seeking out pink dolphins, iguanas, and giant water lilies. On a birding hike, look for an astounding variety of species, from tanagers and hummingbirds to oropendolas. As the sun sets, slip through the forest in a skiff, using a spotlight to find caimans, frogs, fishing bats, and other creatures of the night. From December through May we explore Atun Poza by skiff, looking for lagoon birdlife, and take a short walk to a local community. From June through November, hike through the rain forest in search of the soaring ceiba, or kapok tree. In skiffs, we reach Yanayacu lagoon, the furthest point in our journey, and with luck, enjoy a chance to swim with pink dolphins. (B, L, D Daily) Days 7 and 8: Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve During the wet season, look for massive paiche, the Amazon's largest fish, and infamous piranhas, an important food source for the local people. As the water recedes later in the year, explore the spontaneous ecosystems of temporary islands that appear. Travel by skiff to Puerto Miguel and get acquainted with the culture, folklore, and daily life of the villagers. (B, L, D Daily) Days 9 and 10: Nauta/Iquitos/Lima/U.S. Enjoy one last morning excursion by skiff to view wildlife. After lunch, disembark in Nauta and return to Iquitos in time for a late afternoon flight to Lima. After breakfast the next day, transfer to the airport for your flight home. Costa Del Sol Ramada (Day 9:B, L; Day 10: B)
Visit our website or call for details on extending your trip to Machu Picchu.
trip details Dates: 2015: Jul. 18–27, Aug. 22–31, Aug. 29–Sep. 7, Sep. 5–14, Sep. 12–21, Sep 19–28, Nov. 14–23, Nov. 21–30, Nov. 28–Dec. 7, Dec. 5–14 2016: Jan. 9–18, Jan. 16–25, Jan. 23–Feb. 1, Jan. 30–Feb. 8, Feb. 13–22, Feb. 20–29, Feb. 27–Mar. 7, Mar. 5–14, Mar. 19–28, Mar. 26–Apr. 4, Apr. 2–11, Apr. 9–18, Apr. 16–25, May 14–23, May 21–30, Jul. 23–Aug. 1, Jul. 30–Aug. 8, Aug. 6–15, Aug. 13–22, Aug. 27–Sep. 5, Sep. 3–12, Sep. 10–19, Sep. 17–26, Oct. 29–Nov. 7, Nov. 5–14, Nov. 19–28, Nov. 26–Dec. 5, Dec. 3–12 Expedition Cost:
2015
2016
Suites $6,390 $6,690 Located on Upper and Main Decks Master Suites $7,460 $7,830 Located on Upper and Main Decks with panoramic views See the Delfin II photo and deck plan on page 69. 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. International airfare between Miami and Lima is not included in the expedition cost. Charter airfare between Lima and Iquitos is $430 (subject to change).
Giant Lily Pads
Reserve online at nationalgeographicexpeditions.com 21
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Coastal Treasures from the Panama Canal to Peru Aboard the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER
Expedition Highlights ɋɋEncounter rare tropical species, magnificent bird colonies, and dazzling marine life while snorkeling and hiking national parks and marine preserves from Panama to Peru.
ɋɋVenture into the remote reaches of the Darién Gap to meet the
welcoming Emberá people and experience their age-old traditions.
ɋɋExplore the rain forests and reefs of Utría National Park and Isla Gorgona on the National Geographic Explorer’s inaugural visit to Colombia in the company of Colombia's former president, César Gaviria.
ɋɋDiscover South America’s largest ancient adobe city—Chan Chan—and the temples of the sacred Moche River valley.
Expedition team & EXPERTs Award-winning photographer, journalist, and author Kike Calvo has traveled in more than 85 countries, and transformed his fascination with Latin America into a career focus. He is a guest lecturer for the Leica Akademie and a freelancer for the New York Times. His cultural and environmental documentary photography has been published in National Geographic, Time, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, New York Magazine, Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair, and many other publications. Kike will join a diverse team of naturalists and experts on this departure.
Emberá man in Panama
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south america Itinerary: 14 days SEPT. 27: U.S./PANAMA CITY, PANAMA/ PANAMA CANAL TRANSIT Upon arrival in Panama, transfer to Colón and embark our ship. Begin our 50-mile transit of the Panama Canal, passing through the Gatún Locks. National Geographic Explorer (D) SEPT. 28: PANAMA CANAL TRANSIT Completed in 1914 and still traversed by some 14,000 ships each year, the Panama Canal was a colossal engineering feat that linked two oceans and allowed ships to avoid sailing around the tip of South America. Cruise through the canal’s complex lock system, and see new locks under construction. (B,L,D) SEPT. 29 AND 30: Islas de las Perlas/ DARIÉN NATIONAL PARK Settled by the Spanish in the 16th century, the Pearl Islands offer wonderful opportunities to explore by foot and by Zodiac, and swim and snorkel in turquoise coves. Then head for the Isthmus of Panama and the Darién Gap, which confounded the builders of the Pan American Highway. Venture upriver into this little-traveled wilderness, home to spider monkeys and tapirs. Meet the indigenous Emberá people, known for their body painting and colorful basket weaving, and experience village life. (B,L,D DAILY) OCT. 1: BAHÍA SOLANO, COLOMBIA Our first landfall in Colombia is this remote stretch of gold-sand coast, flanked by the jungles of the Chocó region. Anchor in the bay’s sapphire waters and enjoy numerous opportunities to explore. (B,L,D) OCT. 2 AND 3: UTRÍA NATIONAL PARK/ ISLA GORGONA Discover the incredible biodiversity of Colombia’s Utría National Park, from jungleclad mountains to mangrove forests and pristine reefs. From the months of June to October, migrating humpback whales can be spotted in these waters. Follow the coast to Gorgona Island, once inhabited by Spanish ⊲
conquistadors and now a national park. Visit the ruins of the island’s former penal colony; search for endemic blue anole lizards, sloths, and brown boobies; and snorkel vibrant coral gardens. (B,L,D DAILY) OCT. 4: SAN LORENZO, ECUADOR San Lorenzo protects a fantastic system of some of the world's tallest mangroves, along with sandy islands that harbor thousands of birds. There are good hiking possibilities too. Our visit may well be the first by any expedition ship. (B,L,D) OCT. 5 AND 6: ISLA DE LA PLATA AND PUERTO LÓPEZ/ISLA SANTA CLARA Experience the dazzling marine life of Isla de la Plata, known as “Ecuador’s other Galápagos.” Part of Machalilla National Park, the island is an important breeding site for frigatebirds, blue-footed and Nazca boobies, and sea lions. Visit seaside Puerto López, and spend the following day discovering the wildlife refuge at Santa Clara Island and its colonies of blue-footed boobies, pelicans, and frigatebirds. (B,L,D DAILY) OCT. 7 AND 8: ISLA LOBOS DE TIERRA/ TRUJILLO/CHAN CHAN, PERU Along Peru’s northern coast, explore islands rich with bird and sea lion colonies. Our next landfall is the colonial city of Trujillo. After touring the city, venture into the sacred Moche River valley, center of the ancient Moche culture that ruled this arid coast two thousand years ago. Encounter the famous Temples of the Sun and the Moon. Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Chan Chan, the capital of the Chimú kingdom and the largest ancient adobe city of its kind. (B,L,D DAILY) OCT. 9 AND 10: LIMA/U.S. Disembark in Peru’s capital and explore its golden past, visiting the Mercado del Indio (Indian market) in Miraflores and the splendid Larco Museum. Later, transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home. (OCT. 9: B)
trip details Dates: 2015: Sept. 27- Oct. 10 Expedition Cost: Category 1 $12,590 Located on Main Deck with porthole Category 2 $13,430 Located on Main Deck with window Category 3 $14,380 Located on Main Deck with window Category 4 $14,990 Located on Upper/Veranda Decks with window Category 5 $17,450 Located on Upper Deck with balcony Category 6 $20,380 Located on Upper/Veranda Decks—suite Category 7 $23,280 Located on Upper Deck—suite with balcony See National Geographic Explorer photos and deck plan on page 65. Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin, add $3,360 in Category 2 and $3,050 in Category 3. Special offer Book by December 31, 2014 and receive free roundtrip airfare to Panama City and returning from Lima. Call for details. Note: A State Department travel warning for Colombia is currently in effect (http:// travel.state.gov). We expect to operate this voyage as planned, but will continue to closely monitor events in the region, and will alter the itinerary if necessary.
Visit our website or call for details on adding a stay in Panama or Machu Picchu.
call toll-free 1-888-966-8687 23
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Peru and Chile: Ancient Sites and Natural Wonders Aboard the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER
Expedition Highlights ɋɋTake a flightseeing excursion over the Nasca Lines, seeing the
remarkable animal figures and geometric shapes carved into the desert more than a thousand years ago.
ɋɋSpend two days exploring the salt-glazed, wind-sculpted, spectacular landscapes of the Atacama Desert, the driest place on Earth.
ɋɋSee penguin and seabird colonies; visit historic towns from Peru’s
Arequipa to La Serena, Chile; and hike the vibrant rain forests of Isla Grande de Chiloé.
ɋɋExplore the seldom-visited Juan Fernández Islands, thought to have inspired the novel Robinson Crusoe.
Expedition team & EXPERTs National Geographic photographer Michael Melford has produced more than a dozen feature stories for National Geographic magazine and more than 30 for National Geographic Traveler, including eight covers. On assignment for National Geographic for the past ten years, Michael has often used photography to bring attention to the planet's wonders and the need to preserve them. He shot the cover story, "Places We Must Save," for the October 2006 issue of National Geographic magazine, as well as a cover story on threats to America's national parks. Michael will join a diverse team of experts and naturalists on this departure.
Aerial view of Juan Fernández Islands
south america Itinerary: 17 days OCT. 8: U.S./LIMA, PERU Fly to Lima, check into our hotel, and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. OCT. 9: LIMA/CALLAO Discover pre-Columbian treasures on a visit to the Museo Larco and browse handicrafts at the Mercado Indio. Embark the National Geographic Explorer in Callao this afternoon. (B,L,D) OCT. 10: PARACAS/ BALLESTAS ISLANDS Cruise amid the rock arches and pink granite caves of the Ballestas Islands, encountering sea lions and thousands of seabirds. Gaze at the “candelabra,” a mysterious geoglyph etched into the rock, and later explore the Paracas National Reserve or the Inca ruins at Tambo Colorado. (B,L,D) OCT. 11: NASCA LINES Drop anchor in Puerto San Juan and drive to the barren coastal plains where pre-Hispanic peoples carved vast geometric shapes and animal forms now known as the Nasca Lines. Take a flightseeing excursion over this enigmatic UNESCO World Heritage site and learn the different theories about its creation. After lunch at a hacienda, visit nearby archaeological sites if you wish. (B,L,D) OCT. 12: MEJÍA LAGOONS OR AREQUIPA From the port of Matarani, head to the Mejía Lagoons National Sanctuary, a refuge for migratory birds, or drive to the World Heritage site of Arequipa, one of Peru’s most beautiful colonial towns. (B,L,D) OCT. 13 and 14: ARICA/ATACAMA DESERT, CHILE In historic Arica, dominated by the enormous rock of El Morro, see a Gustave Eiffeldesigned cathedral and other sites. Then fly to the Atacama Desert and spend two nights at a stunning desert lodge, enjoying a variety of hikes and walks. Visit Dinosaur Valley and Death Valley, and venture into the otherworldly Valley of the Moon. Tierra Atacama Hotel and the Cumbres Hotel (B,L,D)
OCT. 15 and 16: ATACAMA DESERT/ ANTOFAGASTA/ Isla Pan de Azúcar After a final morning in the Atacama Desert, drive to the port city of Antofagasta and rejoin the National Geographic Explorer. In kayaks or Zodiacs, take to the shores of Isla Pan de Azúcar, a national park with a large colony of Humboldt penguins. (B,L,D) OCT. 17: Coquimbo From our base at Coquimbo, choose from several options: delve into the mist forests of Bosque de Fray Jorge National Park (part of a larger UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve); visit the fertile Elqui Valley, home of Nobel Prize-winning poet Gabriela Mistral; or see the colonial towns of Coquimbo and La Serena and visit a colony of burrowing parrots. (B,L,D) OCT. 18-20: AT SEA/Juan Fernández Islands A day at sea brings us to the remote and rarely visited Juan Fernández Islands, once home to sailor Alejandro Selkirk, who inspired the novel Robinson Crusoe. Look for Magellanic penguins, an endangered red hummingbird, endemic fur seals, and unique indigenous plants. (B,L,D) OCT. 21 and 22: AT SEA/Ancud, Isla Grande de Chiloé Spend a day sailing to Isla Grande de Chiloé, the northern gateway of the Patagonian fjords. Anchor off Ancud and board local boats to navigate the submerged forests of the Chepu wetlands. Later hike through temperate rain forest to the beach, enjoying the sights and sounds of myriad bird species. Alternatively, visit historic towns nearby. (B,L,D) OCT. 23 AND 24: PUERTO MONTT/ DISEMBARK/HOME Disembark in Puerto Montt. Take a charter flight to Santiago and connect with your flight home, arriving the next day. (Oct. 23: B) ⊲
trip details Dates: 2015: Oct. 8-24 Expedition Cost: Category 1 $17,690 Located on Main Deck with porthole Category 2 $18,990 Located on Main Deck with window Category 3 $19,590 Located on Main Deck with window Category 4 $20,990 Located on Upper/Veranda Decks with window Category 5 $25,290 Located on Upper Deck with balcony Category 6 $28,890 Located on Upper/Veranda Decks—suite Category 7 $33,730 Located on Upper Deck—suite with balcony See National Geographic Explorer photos and deck plan on page 65. Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin, add $4,750 in Category 2 and $4,900 in Category 3. International round-trip airfare to Lima returning from Santiago is not included in the expedition cost. Charter airfare one-way from Puerto Montt to Santiago is $200. The Paracas Candelabra, Peru
Visit our website or call for details on adding a stay in Machu Picchu, Torres del Paine, or Easter Island.
Reserve online at nationalgeographicexpeditions.com 25
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Rounding the Cape: Chilean Patagonia and Argentina’s Staten Island Aboard the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER
Expedition Highlights ɋɋBe one of the few people to explore Isla de los Estados (Staten Island), located at the extreme end of South America, where we have been granted special permission to explore.
ɋɋSee Patagonia’s signature Torres del Paine National Park with
naturalists, and explore the glorious Chilean fjords by Zodiac, kayak, and on foot.
ɋɋVenture through pristine wildlife reserves not readily accessible to the
public, including Yendegaia National Park and privately held Karukinka reserve in Tierra del Fuego.
ɋɋTransit the legendary Beagle Channel and take in the view of Cape Horn.
Expedition team & EXPERTs National Geographic photographer Bob Krist has shot several articles for National Geographic magazine and more than 30 articles for National Geographic Traveler, where he is a contributing editor. His many assignments have taken him to all seven continents and his images have won awards in the Pictures of the Year, Communication Arts, and World Press Photo competitions. Bob will be on hand to help you photograph the stunning scenery and vibrant cultures we will encounter throughout the expedition, along with a diverse team of naturalists and experts.
Guanacos, Torres Del Paine National Park
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south america Itinerary: 21 days OCT. 21 - 23: U.S./SANTIAGO, CHILE/PUERTO MONTT/EMBARK Arrive in Santiago, Chile after an overnight flight and take a guided tour of the city. The next day, fly to Puerto Montt, the northern gateway to Chilean Patagonia. Embark the National Geographic Explorer. OCT. 24 and 25: Isla Grande de Chiloé/ Pumalín National Park On Isla Grande de Chiloé, see fishermen’s houses perched on stilts at the water’s edge. Explore the forests and wetlands of Chiloé National Park on a variety of walks, or learn about a unique way of life on visits to rural villages. Head into Pumalín National Park, home to some of the last forests of the huge and ancient alerce tree. Go on a forest walk with naturalists, visit a hidden waterfall, or take an exhilarating climb to the rim of a volcanic caldera. (B,L,D) OCT. 26-30: THE INLAND PASSAGE and THE CHILEAN FJORDS Venture into a vast wilderness of snowcapped peaks and mirror-like lakes, thick glaciers and islets blanketed with vegetation. In this pristine landscape, fjords cut between soaring granite walls and waterfalls splash down from high above. Set out to explore in Zodiacs, kayaks, and on foot, and peer beneath the water using our undersea imaging technology. Hike along the extensive Pio XI Glacier, and look for condors and other wildlife as our ship transits a small passage called the White Narrows. (B,L,D) OCT. 31: PUERTO NATALES/TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK From Puerto Natales, drive to Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere reserve. Discover one of the most spectacular and wildlife-rich areas in the Americas, covering 450,000 acres of glaciers, forests, and grasslands, rivers, and gem-colored lagoons, and crowned with the blackened, twisted pinnacles of the Torres del Paine mountains. (B,L,D) ⊲
NOV. 1 and 2: Tierra DEL FUEGO: KARUKINKA NATURAL PARK Continue to the newest and largest protected area on Tierra del Fuego: Karukinka, meaning "our land" in the language of the ancient inhabitants. We have obtained permission to visit the private reserve, which harbors abundant wildlife, including the guanaco, the endangered culpeo fox, and the Andean condor. (B,L,D) NOV. 3-5: CHILEAN FJORDS/BEAGLE CHANNEL and YENDEGAIA National Park/ CAPE HORN Venture into narrow fjords by Zodiac and kayak and discover glaciers, verdant forests, and myriad bird species. Sail the Beagle Channel to Yendegaia, a 370,000 acre national park of stunning wilderness created in 2013 out of a former cattle ranch and a grant of adjacent government land. The next day, we round Cape Horn, the southernmost tip of South America, and, weather permitting, take Zodiacs ashore for panoramic views. (B,L,D) NOV. 6-8: ISLA DE LOS ESTADOS (STATEN ISLAND), ARGENTINA We have received special permission to visit Isla de los Estados, whose wild, untouched landscapes are home to colonies of southern rockhopper and Magellanic penguins, countless water birds, fur seals, otters, and sea lions. See the 1884 San Juan de Salvamento “lighthouse at the end of the world,” which inspired Jules Verne’s novel of the same name, along with the ruins of a penal colony and perhaps an archaeological site. The National Geographic Explorer is one of the only expedition ships to be granted access here, and the experience is bound to be unforgettable. (B,L,D) NOV. 9-10: USHUAIA/DISEMBARK/BUENOS AIRES/U.S. Disembark in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Take a charter flight to Buenos Aires and connect to your overnight flight home, arriving the next day. (Nov. 9: B, L)
trip details Dates: 2015: Oct. 21-Nov. 10 Expedition Cost: Category 1 $18,880 Located on Main Deck with porthole Category 2 $20,140 Located on Main Deck with window Category 3 $20,910 Located on Main Deck with window Category 4 $22,180 Located on Upper/Veranda Decks with window Category 5 $26,170 Located on Upper Deck with balcony Category 6 $30,560 Located on Upper/Veranda Decks—suite Category 7 $34,920 Located on Upper Deck—suite with balcony See National Geographic Explorer photos and deck plan on page 65. Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin, add $5,040 in Category 2 and $5,230 in Category 3. International airfare to Santiago and returning from Buenos Aires is not included in the expedition cost. Charter flights from Santiago to Puerto Montt, and Ushuaia to Buenos Aires, are $600. Rockhopper penguin
Visit our website or call for details on adding a stay in Iguazú Falls or Easter Island.
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Sailing the Greek Isles Aboard the Sea cloud Expedition Highlights ɋɋDiscover magnificent ruins at the ancient sanctuary on Delos, the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.
ɋɋRide a donkey or cable car down a cliff side to the harbor on beautiful Santoríni.
ɋɋSoak up the lively culture, mythology, and Venetian legacy of ancient villages.
ɋɋExplore the Cyclades under full sail aboard the historic square-rigger Sea Cloud.
A cobalt dome sets off the bright whitewash of a hilltop church in Santoríni.
Expedition team & EXPERTs Along with a diverse team of experts, National Geographic photographer Michael Melford has produced more than a dozen feature stories for National Geographic magazine and more than 30 for National Geographic Traveler, including eight covers. On assignment for National Geographic for the past ten years, Michael has often used photography to bring attention to the planet's wonders and the need to preserve them. He has photographed the beauty of Greece during his travels and he looks forward to joining a diverse team of historians and experts on the September 10, 2016 departure.
europe of Panagia Evangelistria, where thousands of pilgrims come every year to pray at Greece’s holiest shrine. (B, L, D) Day 5: Delos The tiny archaeological gem of Delos is the mythological birthplace of the twin gods Artemis, goddess of animals and the hunt; and Apollo, god of healing, music, and light. Spend the morning discovering the island’s incredible ruins, including the Terrace of the Lions and the Temple of Apollo. (B, L, D) Day 6: Amorgós Drop anchor at Amorgós, the easternmost isle of the Cyclades. 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. Later, return to the Sea Cloud and enjoy a relaxing afternoon beneath its splendid sails. (B, L, D)
The majestic Sea Cloud under sail
Itinerary: 9 days Days 1 and 2: U.S./Athens, Greece/Piraeus Depart on an overnight flight to Athens. After some time at leisure and lunch in the city, travel to Piraeus and settle into your cabin on the majestic Sea Cloud. Cast off this afternoon, and take in your first Grecian sunset at sea. Sea Cloud (L, D) Day 3: AT SEA/SíFNOS Our first morning on board is spent at sea. We may stop for a late-morning swim before visiting the island of Sífnos. Distinguished for its pottery and its Venetian dovecotes, Sífnos is a rugged island with a harbor village and a beautiful upper chora (village), waterfront tavernas, and convenient beaches. This afternoon, find a spot on deck to watch as the Sea Cloud’s sails are hoisted up their impressive masts by hand as we set sail for the Cyclades. (B,L,D) Day 4: Tinos Drop anchor at beautiful Tinos, dotted with villages steeped in Venetian history. The island’s terraced hillsides and green marble quarries have long made it a haven for artists. Explore the picturesque village of Pyrgos, adorned with carved marble facades, and visit the church
Day 7: Santoríni Incomparable Santoríni 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 through windswept vineyards to the beautiful town of Ía. Set high on a cliff, Ía affords unrivaled views of the caldera below. After lunch, ride a donkey or a cable car down the cliffside back to the ship. (B, L, D) Day 8: At Sea Enjoy a glorious day of sailing among the idyllic isles of the Cyclades. Relax on deck with a book, observe the crew as they man the rigging and trim the sails, and attend presentations by our team of experts on the area’s history and ecology. In the late afternoon, we may have a chance for an impromptu stop and a swim. (B, L, D) Day 9: Piraeus/Athens/U.S. Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for your return flight. (B)
trip details Dates: 2015: Sold out! 2016: Jun. 3-11, Jul. 17-25, Jul. 24-Aug. 1, Aug. 14-22, Sep. 10-18 Expedition Cost:
Category 1 $9,230 Located on the Promenade Deck Category 2 $10,370 Located on the Promenade Deck Category 3 $12,380 Located on the Captain’s Deck Category 4 $13,110 Located on the Captain’s Deck Category 5 $14,570 Located on the Main Deck Category 6 $15,490 Located on the Main Deck Category 7 $17,720 Located on the Main Deck See the Sea Cloud deck plan on page 68. Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin, add $4,610 in Category 1. International airfare to and from Athens is not included in the expedition cost. Optional Extension Add a two-day extension in Athens and/ or a three-day extension in Crete. Visit our website or call for details. Special offer Travel on the Sea Cloud in 2016 and we will cover your bar tab and all tips for the crew.
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Under Sail: Greece to the Dalmatian Coast Aboard the Sea cloud Expedition Highlights ɋɋPly the waters of the Aegean, Ionian, and Adriatic seas aboard the magnificent Sea Cloud.
ɋɋStep back in history amid the evocative ruins of Olympia, Greece, and Butrint, Albania, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.
ɋɋSkim across Montenegro’s Gulf of Kotor to Our Lady of the Rocks, a tiny islet created over centuries by local fishermen.
ɋɋSpend a day among the marble-paved lanes and ramparts of Dubrovnik.
Expedition team & EXPERTs Historian Grace Fielder is an expert on the history, culture, and languages of the Dalmatian Coast. She has studied the local lore, music, and cuisine of this region, and has even moonlighted as a lavender harvester on the island of Hvar. When not traveling with us, Grace is a professor of Balkan and South Slavic linguistics. Grace will join a diverse team of historians and experts on the June 20, 2016 departure.
Encircled by medieval battlements, the terra cotta roofs of Dubrovnik shimmer in the Adriatic light.
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“Those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik.” —George Bernard Shaw, Quoted in National Geographic Traveler, March 2004
Itinerary: 12 days Days 1 and 2: U.S./Athens, Greece/Piraeus Depart on an overnight flight to Athens, arriving the next morning. This afternoon, transfer to Piraeus and settle into your cabin aboard the elegant Sea Cloud. (L, D) Day 3: At Sea Round the southern coast of the Peloponnisos peninsula, enjoying a full day of sailing. Watch the crew hoist the Sea Cloud’s many sails by hand. Relax with a book on deck, photograph our yacht, and attend talks by our expedition team. (B, L, D) Day 4: Olympia Dock in Katákolon and travel to the ancient site of Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games. Visit the legendary ruins of this UNESCO World Heritage site, the Olympic stadium, and the superb Archaeological Museum. (B, L, D) Day 5: ITHáKi Discover gemlike Ionian villages nestled along the coast of Itháki today. Drive around the island to view the sites that some claim link the island to Homer's Ithaca, and in the afternoon, cruise into one of the island's stunning bays for a swim. (B, L, D) Day 6: Sarandë and Butrint, Albania Cut off from the world for 50 years by its Stalinist dictator, Albania is now feeling its way into the 21st century. Explore the ancient city of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and return to Sarandë for local refreshments at Lekuris Castle overlooking the bay of Sarandë and Corfu Strait below. (B, L, D) Day 7: KRUJË Dock in Durrës, drive to the ancient capital of Krujë, and visit the medieval market and Ethnographic Museum. Also visit the Skanderbeg Museum, dedicated to Albania’s national hero. (B, L, D)
Day 8: Perast and Kotor, Montenegro Sail into Montenegro via the magnificent Gulf of Kotor. Stop at the historic town of Perast before taking a local boat to the islet of Gospa od Škrpjela, or Our Lady of the Rocks. Steeped in lore, the tiny islet was created by fishermen dropping rocks from their rowboats. Explore medieval Kotor this afternoon, or drive up 27 serpentine switchbacks to the top of the fjord. (B, L, D)
trip details Dates: 2015: Sold out! 2016: Jun. 10-21, Jun. 20-Jul. 1*, Aug. 21-Sep. 1, Aug. 31-Sep. 11* *These departures follow the itinerary shown but in the reverse order, from Dubrovnik to Athens.
Expedition Cost:
The town of Perast, Montenegro
Day 9: Dubrovnik, Croatia Known as the “pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik is regarded as one of the bestpreserved medieval towns in the world. Spend the day exploring the marvelous old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoy a private performance of traditional Croatian klapa music. (B, L, D) Day 10: KorČula Anchor at the island port of Korčula, one of the most beautiful medieval towns in the Balkans. Visit the town’s sites, and see the house believed by some to be Marco Polo’s birthplace. This evening, attend a private traditional Moreška sword dance. (B, L, D)
Category 1 Located on the Promenade Deck Category 2 Located on the Promenade Deck Category 3 Located on the Captain’s Deck Category 4 Located on the Captain’s Deck Category B—Deluxe Located on the Main Deck Category A—Deluxe Located on the Main Deck Owner's Suites Located on the Main Deck
$12,210 $13,800 $16,680 $17,550 $19,100 $20,670 $23,300
See Sea Cloud photo and deck plan on page 68. Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin in Category 1, add $6,100. International airfare to Athens and return from Dubrovnik is not included in the expedition cost.
Day 11: Hvar At the height of Venetian rule, Hvar was the region’s most prosperous center. Take a tour inside the delightful walled city. Visit the arsenal and Croatia’s oldest active theater, and if you choose, hike up to the citadel. (B, L, D)
Optional Extension
Day 12: Dubrovnik/U.S. Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for your return flight. (B)
Travel on the Sea Cloud in 2016 and we will cover your bar tab on board and all tips for the crew.
Add a two-day extension in Athens; or a three-day extension in Croatia and Bosnia, including stops in Split, Trogir, and Mostar. Visit our website for details. Special offer
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Scotland’s Highlands and Islands Aboard the Lord of the Glens
Expedition team & EXPERTs
Expedition Highlights
Photographer Catherine Karnow first traveled across Scotland to illustrate a book on the Scottish whisky trail. She's been drawn back ever since and recently lead a photography workshop in Scotland. Catherine has photographed everything from Australian Aboriginals to Bollywood film stars. She shot the cover story "Inside Provence" for National Geographic Traveler's April 2006 issue and captured rare images of Prince Charles for the May 2006 National Geographic magazine feature "Not Your Typical Radical." Catherine will share her love for photography on the July 26, 2015 departure.
ɋɋKayak on Loch Ness, and wander through the charming seaside town of Tobermory.
ɋɋStroll across the battlefields at Culloden where Bonnie Prince Charlie was dramatically defeated.
ɋɋHike through stunning scenery on the Isle of Skye, and learn about the tiny community on the remote island of Eigg.
ɋɋAttend the Edinburgh Military Tattoo on an optional extension in Edinburgh.
View of Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland
europe Itinerary: 9 days DAYS 1 AND 2: U.S./INVERNESS, SCOTLAND/ KYLE OF LOCHALSH Depart for Inverness, arriving the next morning. Drive to Kyle of Lochalsh, and board the Lord of the Glens to the strains of a highland piper. Settle into your cabin and gather for a reception and dinner on board tonight. (D) DAY 3: ISLE OF SKYE/INVERIE Visit the Isle of Skye and take a guided walk in the Cuillin Hills (weather permitting), or explore Eilean Donan Castle and the quaint village of Plockton on the mainland. At the Museum of the Isles, trace the legacy of the 1,300-year-old Clan Donald, who once ruled the west coast of Scotland, and walk through the woodlands of Armadale. Then sail to Inverie, where you can have a drink at the most remote pub in the British Isles. (B, L, D) DAY 4: ISLE OF EIGG/TOBERMORY, ISLE OF MULL Sail to tiny Eigg and see what life is like for the roughly 90 people who live in this island community. Look for marine animals, including Atlantic seals, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and a variety of seabirds. Alternatively, we may visit the Isle of Rum, renowned for spectacular Kinloch Castle. Continue to the Isle of Mull in the Inner Hebrides to explore Tobermory. (B, L, D) DAY 5: IONA/DUART CASTLE/OBAN Sail along the coast of Mull and cross to Iona by ferry to explore this picturesque island. Visit the medieval abbey ruins and the rebuilt abbey church. Stroll through St. Oran’s Chapel and the royal graveyard where generations of Scottish kings are buried, and enjoy a brief
Lord of the Glens glides by the ruins of Urquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness.
walking tour of Iona. Visit photogenic Duart Castle, an imposing fortress with a dungeon. Sail across to the town of Oban, set on a picturesque bay on the Firth of Lorn. (B, L, D) DAY 6: OBAN/LOCH LINNHE/GLENFINNAN/ BANAVIE Explore the lively town of Oban on foot, visiting a whisky distillery and McCaig’s Tower, a monument on a hill overlooking the town and bay that was inspired by the Roman Colosseum. Sail Loch Linnhe and ascend Neptune’s Staircase, a set of eight interconnected locks. Drive to Glenfinnan, a village nestled within the mountains, and enjoy an afternoon walk. Continue to Banavie and this evening welcome local musicians on board for a lively performance. (B, L, D)
trip details Dates: 2015: Jul. 26–Aug. 3,* Aug. 2–10, Aug. 9–17,* Aug. 16–24, Aug. 23–31,* Aug. 30–Sep. 7 *These departures follow the itinerary shown but in the reverse order.
Expedition Cost: Category 1 $6,990 Located on the James Watt Deck Category 2 $7,990 Located on the A. G. Bell and David Roberts Decks
The colorful harbor at Tobermory
DAY 7: LAGGAN LOCKS/FORT AUGUSTUS Sail into Loch Lochy and descend an impressive flight of locks that runs through the heart of Fort Augustus. Glide down the tree-lined canal known as Laggan Avenue, or hike or bike along the towpath. Moor at Fort Augustus and set out on a kayak excursion or a hike. (B, L, D) DAY 8: LOCH NESS/CLAVA CAIRNS/ INVERNEsS/CULLODEN Enter Loch Ness, where we’ll learn about the legendary monster said to inhabit the loch's depths. Sail to Inverness and visit Culloden, the infamous battlefield where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite forces were defeated in 1746. See the prehistoric standing stones and passage tombs of Clava Cairns. (B, L, D)
See the Lord of the Glens photo and deck plan on page 69. Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin, add $1,750 in Category 1 and $2,000 in Category 2. International airfare to and from Inverness is not included in the expedition cost. Optional Extension Edinburgh (2 Days) 2015: Add a two-day exploration of enchanting Edinburgh to your voyage. Discover Edinburgh Castle; examine Scotland’s crown jewels and the legendary Stone of Destiny; stroll the Royal Mile to St. Giles Cathedral; and on August departures, experience the Military Tattoo. Note: The Military Tattoo is not included on the July 26 pre-trip extension. Edinburgh’s spectacular Military Tattoo
DAY 9: INVERNESS/U.S. Disembark in Inverness and transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)
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Exploring the British and Irish Isles Aboard the National Geographic Explorer
Expedition team & EXPERTs
Expedition Highlights
National Geographic photographer Jim Richardson is proud of his Celtic roots. A veteran of more than 40 articles for National Geographic magazine and National Geographic Traveler, Jim spent two years photographing the Celtic realm for the March 2006 National Geographic article "Celt Appeal." Jim will join a diverse team of experts on this voyage.
ɋɋVenture into ancient ruins on the isle of Iona and explore caves lined with geometric basalt columns on Staffa.
ɋɋPeer into the past in the prehistoric homes of Skara Brae in the Orkney
Islands and visit Jarlshof, a 4,000-year-old settlement in the Shetlands.
ɋɋGaze up at Ireland's soaring Cliffs of Moher and see the Celtic fort at Dun Aengus on the Aran Islands.
ɋɋDiscover timeless coastal villages including Fowey in England and Dingle in Ireland.
The Ring of Brodgar, Orkney Islands
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europe “At every graceful turn this emerald world will steal your heart away.”
Itinerary: 15 days May 6 AND 7: U.S./LONDON, ENGLAND Depart on an overnight flight to London and embark the National Geographic Explorer on the Thames River. As we sail out of London, stand on deck to catch a panoramic view of the city's iconic landmarks. (May 7: D) MAY 8: Portsmouth Set sail to Portsmouth, the naval port from which the D-Day invasion was launched. Delve into Britain’s nautical history here, and see the HMS Victory, which helped defeat the French at Trafalgar. (B, L, D) MAY 9: FOWEy/EDEN PROJECT Wander through the medieval streets of this charming coastal town where explorers Drake and Raleigh set sail. Then visit the Eden Project, an innovative nature center, or stroll through the Lost Gardens of Heligan. (B, L, D) MAY 10: Isles of Scilly According to Arthurian legend, the Isles of Scilly are all that remain of Lyonesse, a land that vanished beneath the Atlantic. Meander through Tresco Abbey Gardens, where subtropical plants flourish. (B, L, D) MAY 11: Skellig Rocks and Dingle Peninsula, Ireland The isle of Skellig Michael was once an important center of Celtic Christianity. From the ship, gaze up at the beehive huts of its monastery, clinging to the jagged peak 600 feet above the sea. After lunch, explore the ancient sites of the Dingle Peninsula and wander through the village. (B, L, D) MAY 12: Cliffs of Moher/Aran Islands View the towering Cliffs of Moher as we sail by them this morning. Continue to the Aran Islands, known for their limestone moonscapes and strong Gaelic identity. Visit Dun Aengus, an enigmatic Celtic ring fort perched on the edge of a cliff. (B, L, D) MAY 13: County Donegal Dock at the fishing harbor of Killybegs and drive to the town of Glencolumbkille to discover
—Jennifer S. Holland, “Beneath Irish Isles,” National Geographic magazine, March 2005
ancient cairns and dolmens. Cruise past Slieve League, soaring 2,000-foot cliffs that are the highest in Europe. (B, L, D) MAY 14: Iona and Staffa, Inner Hebrides, Scotland On Iona, venture into an ancient nunnery and a 13th-century abbey. Examine the Celtic high crosses of kings such as Duncan and Macbeth. This afternoon, explore Staffa, an island famed for its geometric basalt columns and deep caves. It was here that Felix Mendelssohn was inspired to write his Hebrides overture. (B, L, D) MAY 15: Outer Hebrides/St. Kilda/Callanish Visit the Outer Hebrides, where Scottish Gaelic is still spoken and artisans weave traditional woolen fabrics. Weather permitting, explore the cottages of remote St. Kilda, a UNESCO World Heritage site inhabited since the Bronze Age. (B, L, D) MAY 16: Inverewe Gardens/Ullapool Stroll through Inverewe Gardens, where colorful subtropical flora thrives. Later, explore the charming fishing village of Ullapool. (B, L, D) MAY 17: Orkney Islands Encounter a sophisticated Stone Age culture on visits to the Ring of Brodgar and the 5,000-year-old stone-slab village of Skara Brae. Step into the medieval St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall. (B, L, D) May 18: Fair Isle/Mousa Visit the bird research station, located on the migration flyway, and hike to a nearby beach to look for puffins. Then, on the uninhabited island of Mousa, see one of the best examples of an Iron Age broch. (B, L, D) MAY 19: Shetland Islands Dock at the Shetland Islands, an archipelago of about 100 islands and islets. Drive through a rolling landscape dotted with Shetland ponies. Explore the ruins at Jarlshof, which reveal 4,000 years of near-continuous settlement. (B, L, D)
trip details Dates: 2015: May 6-20 Expedition Cost: Category 1 $12,990 Located on Main Deck with porthole Category 2 $13,640 Located on Main Deck with window Category 3 $14,250 Located on Main Deck with window Category 4 $14,850 Located on Upper/Veranda Decks with window Category 5 $17,730 Located on Upper Deck with balcony Category 6 $20,460 Located on Upper/Veranda Decks—suite Category 7 $23,720 Located on Upper Deck—suite with balcony See National Geographic Explorer photos and deck plan on page 65. Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin, add $3,410 in Category 2 and $3,560 in Category 3. International airfare from New York to London and returning from Bergen is not included in the expedition cost. Optional Extension Add a six-day pre- or post-trip extension in Wales. Explore Welsh culture, castles, gardens, and abbeys, and take a scenic railway ride through the Snowdonia mountains. Please visit our website or call for details.
MAY 20: Bergen, Norway/U.S. Disembark in Bergen and transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)
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Azores to SEVILLA: Island Wonders and Fabled Shores Aboard the National Geographic Explorer
Expedition Highlights ɋɋVisit the remote Azores archipelago, hiking near hot springs, sampling traditional cuisine, and delving into local seafaring traditions.
ɋɋExplore waters rich in marine life, searching for fin and sperm whales among other species.
ɋɋWalk with naturalists in Madeira’s Laurisilva forest, a UNESCO World
Heritage site, and soak up the evocative music of a fado performance.
ɋɋStep ashore in romantic Sevilla, Spain, visiting the Alcazar palace,
a UNESCO World Heritage site, where the king and queen of Spain greeted Columbus.
Expedition team & EXPERTs Photographers Sisse Brimberg and Cotton Coulson have collectively photographed more than 60 stories for National Geographic and National Geographic Traveler magazines. Both Sisse and Cotton have been awarded numerous prizes by Pictures of the Year International, the National Press Photographers Association, White House Press Photographers Association, and Communication Arts. They will join a diverse team of experts on this departure.
Scenic coastal views on the island of Madeira
europe “Madeira blooms like a garden. Iridescent waterfalls crash over the treacherously narrow road. Dreamlike flowers glimmer through a mist of rainbows. Exotic fruits dangle from primeval tree limbs.” –John McCarry, "Madeira Toasts the Future," National Geographic magazine, November 1994
Itinerary: 10 days
museum. Sample Madeira’s famed seafood
MAR. 27 AND 28: U.S./São Miguel, Azores, Portugal Fly overnight to Ponta Delgada on the island of São Miguel in the Azores, where we embark the National Geographic Explorer. Set out into the Furnas valley to discover the archipelago’s volcanic origins. Explore steaming hot springs and beautiful botanical gardens. Later, savor a traditional cozido lunch, slow-cooked underground in the geothermal heat. (Mar. 28: L,D)
and wines and listen to the evocative strains
MAR. 29: Faial, Azores In the whale-watching mecca of the Azores archipelago, go in search of these gentle giants. Later, explore Faial on foot and see how the terrain was dramatically reshaped when an undersea volcano erupted offshore in the 1950s. Stroll along the marina, visit a scrimshaw museum, and raise a glass at Peter’s Café Sport, a legendary watering hole for sea adventurers. Scuba diving excursions can also be arranged. (B,L,D)
Watch for whales and seabirds, enjoy the ship's
MAR. 30: Santa Maria, Azores Christopher Columbus first made landfall at Santa Maria upon his return from the New World. After a hike along this storied island’s trails, join local whale experts for an afternoon of whale-watching. Like the Maasai trackers of East Africa, our local experts have ancestral ties to these islands and an instinct for scouting their wild inhabitants. (B,L,D) MAR. 31-APR. 2: MADEIRA A day at sea brings us to the beautiful island of Madeira, often referred to as the “floating garden of the Atlantic.” Keep an eye out for dolphins, porpoises, and sperm whales. On shore, go for a walk in Madeira’s Laurisilva Forest, the largest surviving area of laurel forest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander along former irrigation channels, or levadas, that network the island, and delve into maritime history at the whaling
of fado, Portugal’s folk music. Later, choose to ride one of the island’s traditional wickersided toboggans down the steep streets of Monte, or hike along the windswept headland
trip details
of Ponta de São Lourenço at the eastern tip of
2015: Mar. 27–April 5
the island. (B,L,D)
Expedition Cost:
APR. 3: At Sea amenities, and attend talks by our experts as we sail to Spain. (B,L,D) APR. 4: CÁDIZ, SPAIN/SEVILLA A morning at sea brings us to the shores of Spain where we disembark. From the port city of Cádiz, we head through Spain’s southern province of Andalucía, famous for flamenco dancing. The provincial capital of Sevilla blends the vibrant culture of today with centuries of history and old-world charm. Explore the Old City, visiting Sevilla’s impressive Gothic cathedral, one of the world’s largest. A highlight is our visit to the Alcázar palace where the king and queen greeted Columbus. This evening, return to the ship in Cadiz. (B,L,D)
Category 1 $8,790 Located on Main Deck with porthole Category 2 $9,320 Located on Main Deck with window Category 3 $9,690 Located on Main Deck with window Category 4 $10,250 Located on Upper and Veranda Decks with window Category 5 $11,990 Located on Upper Deck with balcony Category 6 $14,100 Located on Upper and Veranda Decks—suite Category 7 $16,150 Located on Upper Deck—suite with balcony See National Geographic Explorer deck plan on page 65. Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin, add $2,330 in Category 2 and $2,420 in Category 3. International airfare to the Azores and returning from Sevilla is not included in the expedition cost.
APR. 5: cadiz/SEVILLA/U.S.
Special offer
After breakfast, transfer to the airport in
Book by December 31, 2014 and receive complimentary round-trip international airfare from Boston to the Azores, and return Sevilla to New York.
Sevilla for your return flight. (B)
Exploring the Botanical Garden, Madeira.
Reserve online at nationalgeographicexpeditions.com 37
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SPAIN AND PORTUGAL: legacy OF THE MOORS Aboard the National Geographic Explorer
Expedition Highlights ɋɋExplore five UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Sevilla's
Alcázar palace, the Tower of Belém in Lisbon, and the old city of Oporto.
ɋɋJoin the pilgrims at the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela on a visit timed to coincide with the swinging of its fabled incense burner.
ɋɋDelve into the lively musical traditions of Andalusia and
Portugal with our onboard ethnomusicologist, Jacob Edgar.
ɋɋExplore and photograph the monolithic Rock of Gibraltar and the friendly Barbary macaques.
Expedition team & EXPERTs Photographers Sisse Brimberg and Cotton Coulson have collectively photographed more than 60 stories for National Geographic and National Geographic Traveler magazines. They have spent most of their careers working in Europe, shooting stories from the Arctic and Scandinavia to Italy and France. Today they spend most of the year on the road producing magazine stories and videos for National Geographic and they will join a diverse team of experts on this departure.
Nestled in the Sierra Nevada, the Alhambra Palace was built by Moorish kings in the 13th century.
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europe “Known as the Moors, they ruled in Spain for almost 800 years...the Moors left behind a cultural legacy still evident in both Spain and Morocco.” –Thomas J. Abercrombie, "When the Moors Ruled Spain," National Geographic magazine, July 1988
Itinerary: 11 days APR. 3–5: U.S./SEVILLA, SPAIN/CáDIZ Depart on an overnight flight to Sevilla, the capital of Andalusia. After lunch, transfer to the Melia Seville Hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure. The next day, we explore the Old City, seeing the Giralda Tower from Moorish times and the Alcázar palace. Visit the gardens where the king and queen of Spain greeted Columbus on his return from the New World. In the afternoon we drive through the Andalusian countryside bound for Cádiz, where we embark our ship. (Apr. 4: L, D; Apr. 5: B, L, D)
sandstone castle and fortress built by the Moors, and walk along its ramparts for expansive views. (B,L,D) APR. 9: AT SEA/LISBON, PORTUGAL Salute Portugal’s proud maritime traditions as we approach Lisbon by sea. Peer up at the likes of Vasco da Gama and Prince Henry the Navigator at the Monument to the Discoveries. See the Tower of Belém, built by King Manuel I as a river fortification and to commemorate Vasco da Gama’s expeditions to India. Step into the cloisters of the Hieronymites Monastery, the jewel of Portugal’s unique Manueline architectural style. (B,L,D)
APR. 6: MOTRIL, SPAIN/GRANADA Dock in Motril and drive north to Granada, the last stronghold of the Moors in Spain. Ascend to the Alhambra, a magnificent 13th-century fortress, and wander through its breathtaking courtyards and gardens. Venture into the Generalife, the summer palace of the Moorish rulers, and stop for a lunch of Andalusian specialties at the beautiful Hotel Alhambra Palace. (B,L,D)
APR. 10: PORTO Porto’s historic center has been declared a World Heritage site for its many centuries’ worth of fine architecture. Gaze at the dazzling baroque interior of the Church of St. Francis, and see the 19th-century neoclassical Stock Exchange. Port wines, produced in the Douro Valley, were named after this city and we’ll stop at a riverside port house for a tasting. (B,L,D)
APR. 7: GIBRALTAR, U.K. This morning we arrive in Gibraltar. This British rock fortress is one of the few places in the world where you can see two continents at once. Explore the Rock by minibus and spend some time with the famous Barbary apes, Gibraltar macaques. Legend has it that as long as the apes are in Gibraltar, Britain will hold the Rock. This evening we exit the Mediterranean Sea, passing between the Pillars of Hercules and through the Strait of Gibraltar. (B,L,D)
APR. 11: Muros, SPAIN/SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA/LA CORUÑA Drive from Muros to Santiago de Compostela, the endpoint of the legendary pilgrimage route, the Camino de Santiago. In the heart of the old city, step into the hallowed cathedral and by special arrangement, witness the swinging of the botafumeiro, a roughly 125-pound silver incense burner. Enjoy a Galician lunch at the Hostal dos Reies Catolicos and then meet the ship in La Coruña. (B,L,D)
APR. 8: PORTIMAO, PORTUGAL/ALGARVE The pastoral hills of the Algarve are a delightful blend of present-day farmlands and remnants of Moorish culture that once dominated the region. From Portimao, we drive north, meandering through orange groves and almond orchards to Silves, one of the oldest and typical villages on the Algarve. Visit the dramatic 12th-century
APR. 12: AT SEA/BILBAO, SPAIN Enjoy talks from our expedition team as we sail east this morning. In Bilbao, visit the undulating sheets of titanium at Frank Gehry’s extraordinary Guggenheim Museum. (B,L,D)
trip details 2015: Apr. 3 –13 Expedition Cost:
Category 1 $8,790 Located on Main Deck with porthole Category 2 $9,320 Located on Main Deck with window Category 3 $9,690 Located on Main Deck with window Category 4 $10,250 Located on Upper and Veranda Decks with window Category 5 $11,990 Located on Upper Deck with balcony Category 6 $14,100 Located on Upper and Veranda Decks—suite Category 7 $16,150 Located on Upper Deck—suite with balcony See National Geographic Explorer deck plan on page 65. Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin, add $2,330 in Category 2 and $2,420 in Category 3. International airfare to Cadiz and returning from Bilbao is not included in the expedition cost. Special offer Book by December 31, 2014 and receive complimentary round-trip international airfare from New York to Sevilla, and return from Bilbao to New York. Visit our website or call for details.
APR. 13: BILBAO/DISEMBARK/U.S. Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for your return flight. (B)
call toll-free 1-888-966-8687 39
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Land of the Polar Bears Aboard the National Geographic Explorer
Expedition team & EXPERTs
Expedition Highlights
Award-winning photographer, filmmaker, and instructor Rich Reid has specialized in environmental and adventure photography for more than two decades. Recently, the North America Nature Photography Association presented Rich with a Fellows Award for his professional contribution to nature photography. Rich has shared his photography passion with guests on National Geographic expeditions throughout the globe and he will join a diverse team of naturalists and experts on the June 8 and 15, 2015 departures of this expedition.
ɋɋSearch for the very symbol of the Arctic—the polar bear—and observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, on the sea ice.
ɋɋTake naturalist-led shore walks through the tundra, and cruise among beautiful icebergs in a Zodiac or a kayak.
ɋɋExperience the legendary midnight sun: the ethereal light of the northern summer, when the sun never sets.
ɋɋWatch for huge walruses, bearded and ringed seals, arctic foxes, and reindeer.
A mother polar bear and her two cubs
polar regions “I looked up to see a light dusting of snow on a tombstone-gray sea cliff. Glassing the scene with my binoculars, I realized I wasn’t seeing snow at all. It was the blending of tens of thousands of kittiwakes nesting on cliff ledges, their white heads creating a pointillist effect from miles away.”
–Bruce Barcott, “Svalbard’s Ice Paradise,” National Geographic magazine, April 2009
Itinerary: 11 days
Kittiwakes in flight over a Zodiac
Days 1 and 2: U.S./Oslo, Norway Depart on an overnight flight to Oslo. Upon arrival, check into our hotel. On an afternoon tour of this charming city, stroll among the famed Vigeland sculptures—hundreds of lifesize human figures set in terraced parkland. Visit the Fram Museum, showcasing the polar ship Fram and dedicated to the explorers and wooden vessels that navigated the Arctic Sea in the late 1800s and early 1900s. This evening, explore Oslo on your own. Thon Hotel Bristol Day 3: Oslo/Longyearbyen Depart Oslo on a private charter flight, and enjoy breathtaking vistas en route to Longyearbyen. Embark the National Geographic Explorer, your base for the next six days. (B, L, D) Days 4–9: 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 summer sun never sets. With our fully stabilized ice-class expedition ship, we are able to probe the
A walrus displays his impressive tusks
trip details Dates: 2015: June 1–11, June 8-18, June 15-25 Expedition Cost:
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 and a seasoned naturalist staff, venture 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. Nowhere can the polar bear be seen more reliably in its natural environment than here. (B, L, D Daily) Day 10: Longyearbyen/Oslo In Longyearbyen, the largest settlement in Svalbard, disembark and enjoy time to explore. 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 (B, L) Day 11: Oslo/U.S. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the return flight home. (B)
Category 1 $9,440 Located on Main Deck with porthole Category 2 $10,070 Located on Main Deck with window Category 3 $10,460 Located on Main Deck with window Category 4 $11,090 Located on Upper and Veranda Decks with window Category 5 $13,090 Located on Upper Deck with balcony Category 6 $15,280 Located on Upper and Veranda Decks—suite Category 7 $17,460 Located on Upper Deck—suite with balcony See National Geographic Explorer photos and deck plan on page 65. Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin, add $2,520 in Category 2 and $2,620 in Category 3. International airfare to and from Oslo is not included in the expedition cost. Charter flight between Oslo and Longyearbyen is $725 (subject to change). Optional Extension 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 and the Golden Circle. Visit our website for details.
Reserve online at nationalgeographicexpeditions.com 41
NORWAY’S FJORDS AND ARCTIC SVALBARD Aboard the National Geographic Explorer
Expedition Highlights ɋɋStroll past medieval wooden houses in Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Bergen.
ɋɋDiscover hidden inlets and cascading waterfalls while kayaking in the spectacular fjord lands.
ɋɋBy special permission, learn about the cultures that flourish on the island of Smøla.
ɋɋSpot polar bears and seals on the ice floes of the Svalbard archipelago.
Expedition team & EXPERTs Photographers Sisse Brimberg and Cotton Coulson have collectively photographed more than 60 stories for National Geographic and National Geographic Traveler magazines. They have spent most of their careers working in Europe, shooting stories from the Arctic to Scandinavia. Both Sisse and Cotton have been awarded prizes by Picture of the Year International, the National Press Photographers Association, and the White House Press Photographers Association. They will join a diverse team of naturalists on this expedition.
Brightly painted cottages encircle a emerald green shoreline in the Lofoten archipelago.
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polar regions Itinerary: 17 days MAY 19 AND 20: U.S./BERGEN, NORWAy/ EMBARK Depart on an overnight flight to Bergen, the gateway to the fjord lands. Ringed by seven hills, this beautiful city was once an important Hanseatic trading center. Discover Bergen’s maritime history on a guided walk of Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage site before embarking the National Geographic Explorer. (L, D) MAY 21: NORDFJORD Glide through the little-known Nordfjord and travel overland to see the jagged peaks and turquoise lake of Olden Valley. Hike through deep, glacially carved valleys to Briksdal Glacier. (B, L, D) MAY 22: SMØLA A small, flat island in the North Sea, Smøla is home to a fishing community of about 2,100. Spend time today exploring the wetlands, fishing villages, and rugged coasts by special permission. Go for a coastal walk or bike ride, or a take a kayaking excursion in the island's protected bays. Many a ship has sunk around Smøla, and our ROV should be able to view wrecks dating back hundreds of years. (B, L, D) MAY 23 AND 24: EXPLORING THE FJORDS OF NORWAY Along the dramatic coast of central Norway, cruise in a Zodiac along vertical rock faces, paddle a kayak past countless waterfalls, and go for a hike with our naturalists. Explore hidden gems such as Melfjorden, a spectacular narrow channel that cuts between high granite cliffs. (B, L, D Daily) MAY 25: LOFOTEN ISLANDS Travel among the islets by Zodiac to view Atlantic puffins, razorbills, and guillemots. Go ashore for a stroll at the island of Værøy. Later, cruise into dramatic Trollfjorden, one of the most famous fjords in Norway. (B, L, D) MAY 26: TYSFJORDEN This morning, enter the long fjord of Tysfjorden, where only a few small villages cling to the rocky shores. Explore Hellemobotn
and the area’s numerous side channels by Zodiac, kayak, or on foot. (B, L, D) May 27: TROMSØ Tromsø is known as the “gateway to the Arctic” because so many Arctic expeditions originated here. Visit the Polar Museum and the Arctic Cathedral, where the unique architecture evokes snow and icebergs. (B, L, D) May 28 and 29: AT SEA/BJØRnØYA (BEAR ISLAND) We now set our sights on the high Arctic, taking advantage of opportunities to explore on our way to Bear Island. Glide via Zodiac into the coves and inlets of this mist-shrouded island, populated by hundreds of thousands of fulmars, kittiwakes, and guillemots. (B, L, D Daily ) A curious polar bear cub and its mother
MAY 30-JUNE 2: EXPLORING SVALBARD Spend four days searching for walruses, seals, reindeer, arctic foxes, and polar bears among the deep fjords, mountains, and ice sheets of Svalbard. Our itinerary is flexible to allow us to make the most of ice and weather conditions, and wildlife sightings. Shore walks and Zodiac and kayaking adventures bring us up close to untouched landscapes and passing icebergs. (B, L, D Daily) JUNE 3: LONGYEARBYEN/DISEMBARK/OSLO Disembark in Longyearbyen and visit the Svalbard Art Gallery and Svalbard Museum. Then board our charter flight to Oslo. Radisson Blu Airport Hotel (B, L, D) JUNE 4: OSLO/U.S. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight. (B)
trip details DATE: 2015: May 19–June 4 Expedition Cost: Category 1 $15,170 Located on Main Deck with porthole Category 2 $15,990 Located on Main Deck with window Category 3 $16,820 Located on Main Deck with window Category 4 $18,120 Located on Upper and Veranda Decks with window Category 5 $20,690 Located on Upper Deck with balcony Category 6 $24,150 Located on Upper and Veranda Decks—suite Category 7 $27,750 Located on Upper Deck—suite with balcony See National Geographic Explorer photo and deck plan on page 65. Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin, add $4,000 in Category 2 and $4,200 in Category 3. International airfare from New York to Bergen, and return from Oslo is not included in the expedition cost. Charter airfare one-way from Longyearbyen to Oslo is $360 (subject to change). Optional Extension Add a four-day post-trip extension to Iceland that includes Reykjavík and the Golden Circle. Visit our website or call for details.
call toll-free 1-888-966-8687 43
Exploring Greenland and the Canadian High Arctic Aboard the National Geographic Explorer
Expedition team & EXPERTs
Expedition Highlights
Ralph Lee Hopkins's wildlife images have appeared in National Geographic's books, magazines, and online galleries. Ralph is founder and director of the Expedition Photography program for the LIndblad-National Geographic alliance. Ralph also served as a photographer on the historic Arctic Expedition for Climate Action in July 2008 and has traveled beyond the Arctic Circle many times during the past 20 years. Ralph will join a diverse team of naturalists and experts on the July 28 and August 7, 2015 departures.
ɋɋGlide between icebergs at the mouth of the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
ɋɋObserve polar bears, walruses, and beluga whales in their natural habitats.
ɋɋFollow in the wake of legendary explorers as we explore the Lancaster Sound, the gateway to the Northwest Passage.
ɋɋDiscover the incredible wildlife and landscapes of Baffin Island on hikes and excursions by Zodiac.
Zodiac cruising in Ilulissat, Greenland
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polar regions Itinerary: 13 days
and attend talks by our experts as we travel through Baffin Bay. (B, L, D)
Day 1: U.S./Ottawa, Canada Arrive in Ottawa and check into the hotel in time for a welcome reception and dinner. Fairmont Chateau Laurier (D) Day 2: Ottawa/Kangerlussuaq, Greenland/EMBARK Fly by chartered aircraft to Greenland, the land of the midnight sun. Embark the National Geographic Explorer at the head of Kangerlussuaq Fjord, a scenic waterway that stretches 100 miles, and is aptly known as the “big fjord.” (B, L, D) Day 3: Greenland’s West Coast and Sisimiut Dozens of deep fjords carve into Greenland’s west coast, many with glaciers fed by the ice cap that covers about 80 percent of the island. Discover this beautiful and ragged coastline in Zodiacs, searching for humpback and minke whales. At Sisimiut, a former whaling port, visit the museum and wander amid a picturesque jumble of 18th and 19th-century wooden buildings. (B, L, D)
Days 6-8: Exploring the Canadian High Arctic Carved by Ice Age glaciers, Lancaster Sound is the eastern gateway to the Arctic Archipelago. European explorers like William Baffin first ventured here in the 15th century to search for the Northwest Passage. The sound has been a favorite Inuit hunting and fishing location for hundreds of years. Our days here will be spent searching for ringed seals, arctic foxes, walruses, and polar bears, as well as beluga and bowhead whales. We may even see the elusive narwhal, an arctic whale known for the long, spiraling tooth that projects up to ten feet from its upper jaw. (B, L, D Daily) Days 9-11: EASTERN BAFFIN ISLAND Using our years of experience in judging ice conditions, we make the most of the eastern Baffin shores. Hike the tundra in search of caribou and arctic foxes, or follow our botanist to learn more about the hardy arctic plants. We’ll cruise the coastline in search of walrus and other icons of the Canadian North. (B, L, D Daily)
A polar bear pads across an ice floe
Days 12 and 13: IQALUIT, NUNAVUT/ OTTAWA, CANADA/U.S. Disembark in Iqaluit and fly to Ottawa by chartered aircraft. Spend the night at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, or similar. Fly home the following day. (Day 12: B, L; Day 13: B)
Day 4: Disko Bay and Ilulissat Icefjord Sail into Disko Bay and set out to explore the Ilulissat Glacier, a tongue of the Greenland ice cap. Take an extraordinary cruise among towering icebergs. Explore the historic Inuit fishing village of Sermermiut, and view the Jacobshavn Icefjord and its immense, calving glacier. (B,L,D) Day 5: At Sea/Baffin Bay Watch for wildlife, enjoy the ship’s amenities,
New Itinerary: Greenland, Baffin Island, and the Ellesmere Islands 23 DAYS
Aug. 17–Sep. 8, 2015 This brand-new epic voyage traverses the west coast of Greenland and traces the shores of north Baffin Island. Encounter glaciers, ice sculptures, soaring cliffs, canyons, and fjords, and spot polar bears, whales, and the elusive narwhal. Visit our website for details.
trip details Dates: 2015: Jul. 28–Aug. 9, Aug. 7– 19* *This voyage travels in reverse from Iqaluit to Kangerlussuaq.
Expedition Cost:
Category 1 $12,990 Located on Main Deck with porthole Category 2 $13,990 Located on Main Deck with window Category 3 $14,430 Located on Main Deck with window Category 4 $15,550 Located on Upper and Veranda Decks with window Category 5 $18,680 Located on Upper Deck with balcony Category 6 $21,290 Located on Upper and Veranda Decks—suite Category 7 $24,790 Located on Upper Deck—suite with balcony See National Geographic Explorer photos and deck plan on page 65. Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin, add $3,500 in Category 2 and $3,610 in Category 3. International airfare to and from Ottawa is not included in the expedition cost. Charter flights from Ottawa to Kangerlussuaq, and Iqaluit to Ottawa, or vice versa, are $1,750 (subject to change).
Bowhead whale
Reserve online at nationalgeographicexpeditions.com 45
Journey to Antarctica Aboard the National Geographic Explorer AND THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ORION
Expedition Highlights ɋɋView the magnificent mountains, towering icebergs, and ice formations that make up the dramatic Antarctic landscape.
ɋɋCruise aboard sturdy Zodiac landing craft in search of leopard seals. ɋɋKayak in protected waters, paddling around icebergs as penguins swim nearby.
ɋɋWalk on shore amid thousands of penguins, including gentoo, Adélie, and chinstrap.
Gentoo penguins waddle through the snow 46
Expedition team & EXPERTs Award-winning travel and editorial photographer Susan Seubert has photographed more than 20 feature stories for National Geographic Traveler since joining the magazine as a contributor in 2004. Her work has been recognized by the department of journalism at Columbia University with an Alfred Eisenstadt Award and most recently by the North American Travel Journalists Association for excellence in photography. Susan will join a diverse team of naturalists and experts on the November 27 and December 7, 2015 departures. Visit our website for National Geographic photographers on other departures.
polar regions “[A traveler] stands among the penguins, incredulous. 'I know I'm here, but I don't believe I'm here,' she exclaims to no one in particular. 'It's beyond all dreams.'" –Kenneth Brower, "The Great White Hope," National Geogarphic Traveler, October 2013
Itinerary: 14 days Days 1 and 2: U.S./Buenos Aires, Argentina* Depart on an overnight flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital. Settle into our hotel before heading out on an afternoon tour of the city. Gather tonight for a welcome reception. Caesar Park Hotel/MGallery Day 3: Buenos Aires/Ushuaia Fly to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, and enjoy lunch aboard a catamaran cruise on the Beagle Channel. Then embark the National Geographic Explorer or National Geographic Orion and set sail. (B, L, D) Day 4: At Sea/Drake Passage While crossing the spectacular Drake Passage, spot whales and other marine life that glide alongside the ship. (B, L, D) Days 5–10: Exploring Antarctica With long 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 making several
Zodiac landings each day to hike, kayak among the icebergs, and experience close encounters with wildlife. (B, L, D Daily) Depending on weather and sea conditions, we plan to make the following stops: Paradise Bay This pristine bay is edged by soaring, ice-covered peaks. Hike to a summit for a breathtaking view, or kayak along a cliffside rookery in search of blue-eyed shags. 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. Neko Harbor Dock in Neko Harbor. Walk among penguins on the beach or climb high onto an ice field for a panoramic vista of untouched peaks surrounding this idyllic bay. Port Lockroy 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: 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 your voyage at a farewell dinner on board. (B, L, D Daily)
A curious minke whale circles our Zodiacs for a closer look. ⊲
trip details Dates: 2015/2016 Season: Nov. 27–Dec. 10*, Dec. 6–19, Dec. 7–20*, Dec. 16–29†, Dec. 17–30*†, Dec. 26, 2015–Jan. 8, 2016†, Dec. 27, 2015–Jan. 9, 2016*†, Jan. 5–18, Jan. 6–19*, Jan. 16–29* *These departures are aboard the National Geographic Explorer and begin and end in Buenos Aires, Argentina. All other departures are aboard the National Geographic Orion and begin and end in Santiago, Chile.
Expedition Cost: 2015/2016 Season
Category 1 Category 2 Category 3 Category 4 Category 5 Category 6 Category 7
Explorer
Orion
$12,970 $13,940 $14,370 $15,460 $18,550 $21,250 $24,740
$12,970 $13,940 $15,460 $18,550 $21,250 $24,740 N/A
See descriptions, photos, and deck plans for the National Geographic Orion and National Geographic Explorer on pages 64 and 65. Prices are per person, double occupancy. For single cabin pricing, please visit our website. †For pricing on Dec. 16, 17, 26, and 27 holiday departures, please visit our website. International airfare to and from Buenos Aires (or Santiago) is not included in the expedition cost. Charter airfare between Buenos Aires (or Santiago) and Ushuaia begins at $850 (subject to change).
Days 13 and 14: Ushuaia, Argentina/ Buenos Aires*/U.S. Disembark in Ushuaia. Fly to Buenos Aires and connect with your overnight flight home. (Day 13: B, L)
Visit our website or call for details on adding additional nights in Buenos Aires and posttrip extensions to Easter Island or Iguazú Falls.
Zodiac navigates near an iceberg
call toll-free 1-888-966-8687 47
Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falklands Aboard the National Geographic Explorer ANd the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ORION
Expedition Highlights ɋɋGlide past massive icebergs in a Zodiac or a kayak. ɋɋTrace the story of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s fateful expedition to
Antarctica and South Georgia and celebrate the centennial of his voyage with a complimentary vintage-style expedition jacket and a toast at the historic gravesite of Shackleton.
ɋɋExperience a sea of black and white amid thousands of king penguins in South Georgia.
ɋɋVisit the outposts of Port Stanley in the Falklands and Port Lockroy in Antarctica.
Visiting one of South Georgia’s king penguin colonies is an incredible experience.
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Expedition team & EXPERTs Photographers Sisse Brimberg and Cotton Coulson have collectively photographed more than 50 stories for National Geographic and National Geographic Traveler magazines. Both Sisse and Cotton have been awarded prizes by Picture of the Year International, the National Press Photographers Association, and the White House Press Photographers Association. They will join a diverse team of naturalists and experts on the November 7, 2015 departure. Visit our website for National Geographic photographers on other departures.
polar regions “If doctors told me I had only two weeks to live, I’d spend one week on South Georgia and the other week getting there.” –Brent Houston, “Island of the Kings,” National Geographic Traveler, October 2009
ITINERARY: 24 DAYS Days 1 and 2: U.S./Buenos Aires, Argentina* Depart on an overnight flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital. Settle into our hotel before embarking on an afternoon tour of the city. Caesar Park Buenos Aires Day 3: Buenos Aires/Ushuaia Fly to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, and enjoy lunch aboard a catamaran cruise on the Beagle Channel. Then set sail on the National Geographic Explorer. (B, L, D) Day 4: At Sea Settle into shipboard life as we sail to the Falkland Islands. Keep a lookout for seabirds, as well as whales and other marine life that swim alongside the ship. (B, L, D) Days 5 AND 6: Falkland Islands Dock in Port Stanley, and stroll along streets lined with Victorian-style houses. Visit the Anglican Cathedral and the Falkland Islands Museum. Hike and kayak along rocky coasts, spotting Magellanic penguins, herds of elephant seals, and the largest albatross colony in the world. (B, L, D Daily) Days 7-13: At Sea/South Georgia Island After two days at sea, arrive in South Georgia, renowned for its beauty and wildlife—and Shackleton’s final resting place. Glide past dramatic cliffs, and look for young Antarctic fur seals. Hike through this breathtaking landscape, and cruise into a remote bay where thousands of king penguins await. (B, L, D Daily) Days 14 AND 15: At Sea As we head west toward the Antarctic Peninsula, watch for whales from the ship’s bridge, attend talks by our experts, and enjoy the amenities on board. (B, L, D Daily) ⊲
Days 16-20: Exploring Antarctica With long hours of daylight 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. We anticipate making several landings each day to hike, kayak among the icebergs, and experience close encounters with wildlife. Depending on conditions, we plan to kayak in pristine Paradise Bay and sail between the jagged snowcaps that flank Lemaire Channel. (B, L, D Daily ) DAYS 21 AND 22: At Sea On our final days at sea, enjoy one last chance to view the marine life of these southern waters. Toast our epic voyage at a festive farewell dinner. (B, L, D Daily) Days 23 and 24: Ushuaia, Argentina/ Buenos Aires*/U.S. Disembark in Ushuaia with some time to explore. Fly to Buenos Aires by private charter. Connect to your flight home, and arrive the next day. (Day 23: B, L)
New Itinerary: SOUTH GEORGIA & THE FALKLANDS 19 DAYS
MARCH 6–24, 2016 Steeped in Shackleton lore and covered in glaciers, South Georgia explodes with life: dense colonies of king penguins, fur seals, elephant seals, and macaroni penguins. Add the Falklands, ablaze with tussock grass, colonies of rockhopper penguins, and ledges filled with albatrosses—and you have one of the most brilliant travel experiences on the planet. Visit our website for details. ⊲
SPECIAL OFFER: Free international and charter airfare. Visit our website or call for details.
trip details Dates: 2015/ 2016 Season: Nov. 7–30*, Jan. 25–Feb. 17, Feb. 14–Mar. 8, Feb. 15–Mar. 9* *These departures are aboard the National Geographic Explorer and begin and end in Buenos Aires, Argentina. All other departures are aboard the National Geographic Orion and begin and end in Santiago, Chile. Please note: The 2016 departures follow the itinerary shown but in the reverse order.
Expedition Cost: 2015/2016 Season
Category 1 Category 2 Category 3 Category 4 Category 5 Category 6 Category 7
Explorer
Orion
$22,430 $24,030 $25,160 $26,350 $32,320 $37,300 $43,250
$22,430 $24,030 $26,340 $32,320 $37,300 $43,250 N/A
See descriptions, photos, and deck plans for the National Geographic Orion and National Geographic Explorer on pages 64 and 65. Prices are per person, double occupancy. For single cabin pricing, please visit our website. International airfare to and from Buenos Aires (or Santiago) is not included in the expedition cost. Charter airfare between Buenos Aires (or Santiago) and Ushuaia begins at $850 (subject to change).
Guests kayaking in Antarctica
Visit our website or call for details on adding additional nights in Buenos Aires and posttrip extensions to Easter Island or Iguazú Falls. Reserve online at nationalgeographicexpeditions.com 49
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WILD ENCOUNTERS FROM BORNEO TO BALI Aboard the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ORION
Expedition team & EXPERTs
Expedition Highlights
National Geographic photographer and naturalist Jeff Mauritzen's travels have immersed him in the wildlife of nearly 50 countries around the world. Jeff recently completed an extensive shoot for National Geographic Kids photographing wildlife for an upcoming Animal Encyclopedia. Jeff has lived at sea aboard seven different ships and he looks forward to sharing his passion for wildlife photography and life at sea on the August 28 and September 7, 2015 departures. A diverse team of naturalists and experts will join every departure. Please visit our website for National Geographic photographers on other departures.
ɋɋMeet with National Geographic grantee Dr. Biruté Galdikas on a visit
to Camp Leakey, an orangutan research and conservation center she established in the forests of Indonesian Borneo.
ɋɋSkim through the jungles of Tanjung Puting National Park on an all-day excursion by boat, and interact with orangutans and other rare wildlife at Orangutan Foundation International's rehabilitation center.
ɋɋExplore the incredible array of Borneo's flora and fauna at Bako National Park, home to seven different ecosystems.
ɋɋ Swim and snorkel the coral reefs off the pristine, uninhabited isles of the Natuna and Anambas archipelagos.
A pair of young Bornean orangutans embrace
asia Itinerary: 13 days Days 1–3: U.S./Singapore/At Sea Depart for Singapore, crossing the international date line and arriving the following afternoon. We will have time to explore Singapore’s diverse neighborhoods before boarding the National Geographic Orion. As we set sail on the South China Sea, hear talks by our experts, and get acquainted with our ship and its amenities. (Day 3: D)
Snorkeling over a pristine reef
DAY 4: ANAMBAS ARCHIPELAGO Our first stop is the remote Anambas Archipelago, where we’ll snorkel the unspoiled reefs surrounding Pulau Lintang, perhaps ending the day with a beach barbecue. (B, L, D) DAY 5: NATUNA ARCHIPELAGO Scattered in the South China Sea between Borneo and the Malaysian peninsula, the 272 islands of the Natuna Archipelago are graced with white-sand beaches and volcanic peaks and fringed with coral reefs. Depending on the weather, we will likely stop to snorkel at either Pulau Senua or Pulau Tiga, both pristine and uninhabited, and later enjoy a festive welcome ceremony in one of the fishing villages that dot the islands. (B, L, D) DAY 6: BAKO NATIONAL PARK, SARAWAK, BORNEO In Bako National Park, thick rain forests give way to secluded beaches, and the coast is ornamented with sea arches and colorful sea stacks. The park harbors seven distinct ecosystems and most of the plant species
found in Borneo. Enjoy a full day to explore on a variety of walks and hikes, go birding, and track rare primates like the proboscis monkey. (B, L, D) DAYS 7–9: KUCHING/AT SEA Continue to Kuching, the capital of the Malaysian state of Sarawak. Visit the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, discuss ongoing research on orangutan behavior, and hear about a successful program that has reintroduced more than a thousand endangered animals into the wild. During free time this afternoon, discover the cultural treasures of Kuching. Spend two days relaxing at sea, tracing the western coast of Kalimantan, or Indonesian Borneo. (B, L, D Daily) DAYS 10 AND 11: TANJUNG PUTING NATIONAL PARK, KALIMANTAN Set on a peninsula jutting out from the southern edge of Kalimantan, Tanjung Puting National Park is a trove of rare species and diverse habitats. While the park is home to some 220 bird species and numerous monkey species, its most famous residents are the endangered orangutans. Board boats for a full-day excursion into the forest, gliding on narrow channels on the lookout for hornbills, crocodiles, and perhaps the unusual proboscis monkey. Our destination is Camp Leakey, a research station established in 1971 by primatologist Dr. Biruté Galdikas, a protégé of legendary paleontologist Louis Leakey and the founder of Orangutan Foundation International (OFI). A many-time National Geographic grantee, Dr. Galdikas joins us to discuss her efforts to save the orangutan from extinction through rehabilitation and habitat preservation. Our boats bring us to feeding stations throughout the forest, where we can observe these gentle creatures at close range. The following day, visit the OFI’s wildlife rehabilitation center to learn how captive and orphaned orangutans are rescued and rehabilitated. (B, L, D Daily) DAY 12 AND 13: AT SEA/DENPASAR, BALI/U.S. Cross the Java Sea to the lovely Indonesian island of Bali. Disembark the following morning and transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home. (Day 12: B)
trip details Dates: 2015: May 23–Jun. 4*, Jun. 2– Jun. 14, Aug. 28–Sep. 9*, Sep. 7–Sep. 19 *These departures follow the itinerary shown but in the reverse order.
Expedition Cost: Category 1 $9,550 Located on Main Deck with large oval windows Category 2 $11,090 Located on Main Deck with large oval windows Category 3 $13,170 Located on the Upper Deck–suite with window Category 4 $14,420 Located on the Bridge Deck–deluxe suite with window Category 5 $17,210 Located on the Bridge Deck–suite with balcony Category 6 $19,990 Located on the Bridge Deck–owner's suite with balcony See National Geographic Orion photos and deck plan on page 64. Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin, add $4,740 in Category 1 and $6,570 in Category 3. International airfare to Singapore and return from Bali is not included in the expedition cost. Special offer Book by December 31, 2014 and receive 10% off the expedition price; Lifelong Explorers double your discount and receive 20% off the expedition price.
call toll-free 1-888-966-8687 51
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Vietnam and Cambodia: Along the Mekong River Aboard the Jahan
Expedition team & EXPERTs
Expedition Highlights
Barry Till is a curator of Asian art with a wide knowledge on culture, history and archaeology. He has traveled extensively throughout Asia and lectured on numerous expeditions— including trips to Vietnam, Cambodia, and Myanmar—for more than 30 years. He has published more than 100 catalogues (including The Buddhist Arts of Asia), books, and articles on various Asian art topics. Barry will join a diverse team of historians and experts on the March 1, 2016 departure.
ɋɋSail the Mekong River on a seven-night cruise aboard the elegant riverboat Jahan.
ɋɋWatch the sun rise at Angkor Wat, and spend two full days immersed in the splendor of Angkor’s temples and palaces.
ɋɋExplore the vibrant cities of Phnom Penh and Saigon, and experience rural life on visits to floating homes, farms, and traditional villages.
ɋɋWitness the revitalization of Cambodian arts with an apsara dance and a visit to a local craft workshop.
Draped in bright saffron robes, two monks gaze at Cambodia’s Angkor Wat.
asia Itinerary: 14 days DAYS 1 AND 2: U.S./Siem Reap, Cambodia Depart for Siem Reap and arrive the following evening. Settle into our Khmer-style hotel on the banks of the Siem Reap River. La Résidence D'Angkor
Day 8: Phnom Penh Explore the Cambodian capital by cyclo (bicycle taxi), and visit the Royal Palace and the National Museum of Cambodia. Learn about the reign of the Khmer Rouge on a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. This evening, enjoy a dance performance. (B, L, D) Day 9: Cruising the Mekong Take in views of everyday life along the river, attend talks by our experts, and join our chefs to learn how to cook regional dishes. Cross the border into Vietnam. (B, L, D)
A Vietnamese woman paddles along the river
Days 3 and 4: Angkor Rise early to watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat. This 12th-century Khmer temple, one of the world’s largest religious monuments, is adorned with elaborate bas-reliefs and sculptures. Ride a tuk-tuk, or motorized rickshaw, to the walled city of Angkor Thom, and discover the shrines of Ta Prohm and the Bayon Temple. Visit a workshop where local youth are trained in age-old Khmer arts. (Day 3: B, L, D; Day 4: B, D) Day 5: Kampong Cham Drive to the bustling town of Kampong Cham, and embark the Jahan, our home for the next seven nights. (B, L, D) Day 6: Wat Hanchey/Angkor Ban At Wat Hanchey, see a variety of temples, including an eighth-century temple from the preAngkor Chenla period. Continue to the village of Angkor Ban, and encounter its traditional houses and friendly residents. (B, L, D) Day 7: Kampong Chhnang/Kampong Tralach Visit a village where artisans make traditional pottery, and board local boats to see the clustered houses and shops that float in midstream. At Kampong Tralach, take an oxcart ride through rice paddies to a Buddhist temple. (B, L, D)
Day 10: Chau Doc, Vietnam Explore the colorful markets of Chau Doc, and stop at a floating village to watch traditional fish farming methods. Cruise through the narrow Tan Chau Canal that connects the lower and upper Mekong River branches. (B, L, D) Day 11: Sa Dec/Cai Be Take a local boat to experience rural life in the Mekong Delta. See the floating market of Cai Be, step into a rice “factory” to watch ricebased candies being made, and cruise among floating markets and fish farms. (B, L, D) Day 12: My Tho/Saigon Disembark in My Tho and visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda. Then journey to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) and check into the Park Hyatt Saigon. This afternoon, meet with a local expert on Vietnam’s modern history. (B, L, D) Day 13 and 14: Saigon/U.S. Embark on a tour of Saigon’s landmarks, including the Reunification Palace, headquarters of the South Vietnamese government during the Vietnam War. This evening, connect with your return flight home, arriving on Day 14. (B) Extend your expedition and visit Halong Bay.
trip details Dates: 2015: Jan. 28–Feb. 10*, Feb. 3–16, Feb. 25–Mar. 10*, Mar. 3–16 2016: Jan. 5–18, Jan. 13–26*, Jan. 27–Feb. 9, Feb. 2–15*, Mar. 1–14 *These departures follow the itinerary shown but in the reverse order, from Saigon to Siem Reap.
Expedition Cost: 2015 Category 1 $9,870 Located on Main Deck Category 2 $10,590 Located on Upper Deck Category 3 $12,350 Located on Main and Upper Decks Category 4 $14,800 Located on Upper Deck–suite
2016
$10,460 $11,230 $13,190 $15,790
See Jahan photo and deck plan on page 68. Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin in Category 1, add $4,920 for 2015 departures, and $5,230 for 2016. International airfare to Saigon and return from Siem Reap is not included in the expedition cost. Optional Pre- and Post-trip Extensions Vietnam: From Hoi An to Halong Bay (8 Days) 2015: Jan. 21-28, Feb. 16–24, Feb. 17–26, Mar. 16–24 2016: Jan. 5-14, Jan. 19-28, Jan. 18-26, Feb. 15-23, Mar. 14-22 Discover Hoi An’s Old Town, explore the Forbidden Purple City in Hue, and sail amid the limestone pinnacles of Halong Bay. Visit our website or call for a detailed itinerary and pricing. Special offer Receive complimentary round-trip international airfare on select 2015 departures. Visit our website or call for departure dates.
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BALI TO PALAU: EXOTIC INDONESIA Aboard the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ORION
Expedition team & EXPERTs
Expedition Highlights
National Geographic photographer Michael Melford has produced more than a dozen feature stories for National Geographic magazine and more than 30 for National Geographic Traveler, including eight covers. On assignment for National Geographic for the past ten years, Michael has often used photography to bring attention to the planet's wonders and the need to preserve them. He shot the cover story, "Places We Must Save," for the October 2006 issue of National Geographic magazine, and he will join a diverse team of experts and naturalists on this departure.
ɋɋExperience Indonesia’s vibrant island traditions during welcome ceremonies, festivities, and visits with local artisans.
ɋɋDiscover a dazzling world of corals and tropical fish while snorkeling or diving Raja Ampat.
ɋɋSpot legendary Komodo dragons, the world’s largest living lizards, in their natural habitat in Komodo National Park.
ɋɋ Encounter ethereal red birds of paradise and other rare wildlife on naturalist-led walks.
Aerial view of Palau's Rock Islands
OCEANIA asia Itinerary: 16 days SEPT. 17-19: U.S./DENPASAR, BALI, INDONESIA Depart the U.S., cross the international date line, and arrive in Denpasar, Bali. Enjoy a scenic tour before embarking the National Geographic Orion. (Sept. 19: D) SEPT. 20: SUMBAWA ISLAND Our first landfall is the volcanic isle of Sumbawa, where villagers welcome us with a lively cultural display. Witness a mock traditional wedding ceremony and an exhilarating wild buffalo race through a rice paddy field. (B,L,D)
Snorkel and dive some of the world's richest marine environments.
SEPT. 21: KOMODO NATIONAL PARK Explore Komodo National Park, home to the world’s largest living lizard—the Komodo dragon, which can grow up to ten feet long and weigh 200 pounds. Learn about the conservation of these prehistoric giants from park rangers who join us on a hike to spot the lizards in their natural habitat. Then enjoy an afternoon of swimming, snorkeling, diving, or beachcombing. (B,L,D) SEPT. 22-24: LESSER SUNDA ISLANDS Forming the southern edges of the Flores and Banda Seas, these arid islands offer exceptional opportunities for exploration. Meet the people of Flores and Alor, known for producing some
of the world’s finest ikat textiles; and head out on Zodiac, kayaking, and snorkeling excursions to discover the surrounding reefs and waters. Join our naturalists on deck to search for whales and dolphins. (B,L,D Daily) SEPT. 25: BANDA ISLANDS, MOLUCCAS Sail into the heart of the Moluccas archipelago, also known as Maluku or the Spice Islands. A kora kora,or traditional war canoe, escorts us to the beautiful isle of Bandanaira, once a hub of the Dutch East India Company and a major source of nutmeg and mace. Stroll past stately Dutch architecture and visit Fort Belgica, built to protect the spice trade. Later, swim or snorkel within view of the conical volcano of Gunung Api. (B,L,D) SEPT. 26: AT SEA As we journey north, enjoy the ship’s amenities and hear talks by our team of experts. (B,L,D) SEPT. 27-29: EXPLORING RAJA AMPAT Situated off New Guinea’s Bird’s Head Peninsula, the archipelago of Raja Ampat has the richest coral reef biodiversity for its size in the world. Snorkel or dive in a kaleidoscopic underwater world of more than a thousand fish species, and glide in Zodiacs and kayaks around the limestone pinnacles and white-sand coves of these lush islands. Take a birding walk to spot red birds of paradise, sulfur-crested cockatoos, and more. (B,L,D Daily) SEPT. 30-OCT. 2: AT SEA/PALAU/U.S. After a final day at sea, arrive in Palau and disembark our ship. Transfer to the airport for your flight home, arriving the next day, or check into our hotel and extend your stay in Palau. (Sep. 30: B,L,D; Oct. 1: B,L)
trip details Dates: 2015: Sept. 17–Oct. 2 Expedition Cost: Category 1 $14,130 Located on Main Deck with large oval windows Category 2 $16,340 Located on Main Deck with large oval windows Category 3 $19,330 Located on the Upper Deck–suite with window Category 4 $21,160 Located on the Bridge Deck–deluxe suite with window Category 5 $25,190 Located on the Bridge Deck–suite with balcony Category 6 $29,180 Located on the Bridge Deck–owner's suite with balcony See National Geographic Orion photos and deck plan on page 64. Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin, add $7,060 in Category 1 and $9,660 in Category 3. Internatinal airfare to Bali and returning from Palau is not included in the expedition cost. Special offer
Ikat textiles of Flores Island
Book by December 31, 2014 and receive 10% off the expedition price; Lifelong Explorers double your discount and receive 20% off the expedition price.
call toll-free 1-888-966-8687 55
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Tahiti to Easter Island: Tales of the Pacific Aboard the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ORION
Expedition team & EXPERTs
Expedition Highlights
National Geographic photographer Bob Krist has shot several articles for National Geographic magazine and more than 30 articles for National Geographic Traveler, where he is a contributing editor. His many assignments have taken him to all seven continents and his images have won awards in the Pictures of the Year, Communication Arts, and World Press Photo competitions. Bob will be on hand to help you photograph the stunning scenery and vibrant cultures we will encounter throughout the expedition, along with a diverse team of naturalists and experts.
ɋɋDive or snorkel the stunning reefs of Atoll Fakarava, part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and the Pitcairn Islands, identified as one of the most unspoiled reef systems in the world by National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Enric Sala.
ɋɋTrace the legend of the ill-fated H.M.S. Bounty from Tahiti to Pitcairn Island, where descendants of its mutineers still live today.
ɋɋExplore the unusual geology and wildlife of Henderson Island, a
UNESCO World Heritage site, and look for endemic bird species.
ɋɋDelve into the intriguing lost culture of Easter Island, and examine ancient burial sites and towering moai with an archaeologist.
Easter Island is shrouded in mystery and guarded by the famous moai statues.
OCEANIA asia Itinerary: 19 days NOV. 13 AND 14: U.S./PAPEETE, Tahiti Depart the U.S. and arrive in Papeete, French Polynesia. Take a short tour of Tahiti before embarking the National Geographic Orion. (Nov. 14: D) NOV. 15-20: TUAMOTU ARCHIPELAGO/ AT SEA We begin our exploration of what was once called the “Dangerous Archipelago” at Fakarava, one of the largest atolls in French Polynesia and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. After a festive welcome with music and dancing, learn about the island’s pearl industry and walk its pristine beaches. Snorkel the protected reefs or ride the current into the lagoon on a world-famous drift dive. In true expedition mode, set out to explore one of the uninhabited atolls, such as Tahanea. Navigate reefs and islets during a day at sea on our way to remote Atoll Pukarua, where we’ll be greeted by traditional dancers and get acquainted with the island culture. (B,L,D Daily) NOV. 21 AND 22: MANGAREVA, GAMBIER ARCHIPELAGO/AT SEA Famous for its black pearls, Mangareva is the largest of the Gambier Islands. Venture underwater to snorkel or dive, meet islanders to learn about their culture and the
Look for endemic bird species on Henderson Island in the Pitcairns, including the Henderson fruit dove.
missionaries who made their home here, and go on a hike with our naturalists. Then spend a day at sea scanning the horizon with our naturalists, or relaxing on deck with a good book. (B,L,D Daily) NOV. 23-27: PITCAIRN ISLANDS/AT SEA Many of the mutineers of the legendary Bounty made their home on Pitcairn Island in the late 18th century, and about 50 of their descendants still live here today. Visit this fragment of the British Empire and learn about its place in 18th-century exploration. Meet the residents and hear a few words of the unusual Pitkern dialect—a combination of English “sailor speak” and Polynesian phrases. Visit the gravesite of the last surviving Bounty mutineer, John Adams, and see the Bounty’s anchor, which was salvaged in 1957. Our next stop is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Henderson Island, an uplifted atoll that is uninhabited and virtually untouched by humans. On hikes and Zodiac excursions, discover the island’s four endemic bird species, rich flora and fauna, and fascinating geology. Then spend a day on Ducie Atoll, watching for frigatebirds and boobies and snorkeling or diving among spectacular reefs. The Pitcairn Islands have been identified as one of the last unspoiled ocean environments on the planet as part of the National Geographic Pristine Seas project. Set out on our final leg east, listening to talks by our experts as we sail two days towards Easter Island. (B,L,D Daily) NOV. 28-DEC. 1: EASTER ISLAND/SANTIAGO, CHILE/U.S. Disembark on Easter Island and check into Hotel Hangaroa for two nights. Venture to volcanic calderas, jagged lava fields, and sweeping grasslands to discover the colossal moai statues, the astonishing legacy of a long-lost culture. Join archaeologists to examine these statues and discuss their meaning and creation; visit burial sites, quarries, and intricately carved ceremonial altars. Enjoy time to explore on our final morning, fly to Santiago, Chile, to connect to your overnight flight home. (Nov. 28-29: B,L,D; Nov. 30: B,L)
trip details Dates: 2015: Nov. 13–Dec. 1 Expedition Cost: Category 1 $17,390 Located on Main Deck with large oval windows Category 2 $19,990 Located on Main Deck with large oval windows Category 3 $23,790 Located on the Upper Deck–suite with window Category 4 $25,990 Located on the Bridge Deck–deluxe suite with window Category 5 $30,990 Located on the Bridge Deck–suite with balcony Category 6 $35,920 Located on the Bridge Deck–owner's suite with balcony See National Geographic Orion photos and deck plan on page 64. Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin, add $8,600 in Category International airfare to Tahiti and returning from Easter Island is not included in the expedition cost. Special offer Book by December 31, 2014 and receive 10% off the expedition price; Lifelong Explorers double your discount and receive 20% off the expedition price.
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EXPLORE
THE INDIAN OCEAN AND SOUTH PACIFIC aBOARD the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ORION
Special Offer: Book by December 31, 2014 and receive 10% off the expedition price on any of the voyages featured on these pages; Lifelong Explorers double your discount and receive 20% off the expedition price.
Wildlife and Cultures of South Treasures of the Indian Ocean: Africa, Mozambique, and Madagascar Zanzibar and the Seychelles ITINERARY: 23 days From the exotic flora of South Africa’s Western Cape to the volcanic isles of the Comoros, discover an array of treasures. Encounter South Africa’s legendary wildlife and proud Zulu people; Mozambique’s marine wonders and colonial architecture; and the tree-leaping lemurs of Madagascar. Explore turquoise lagoons and white-sand beaches as we delve into the legacies of bold warriors, imperial conquests, and exuberant cultures. Dates: 2015: March 20-April 11 Expedition Costs: FROM $25,940
Indian Ocean Odyssey: Seychelles, Maldives, and Sri Lanka
ITINERARY: 15 days The tropical waters of the Indian Ocean shimmer with pristine coral atolls, exotic species, and azure lagoons fringed by powder-white beaches. Delve into the spice-infused history of Zanzibar. Explore Aldabra Island, an atoll where giant tortoises roam amid fantastic limestone formations. Encounter the pink sands of La Digue, the kaleidoscopic reef fish of Assumption, and vestiges of the slave trade at Astove. Dates: 2015: April 8-22 Expedition Costs: FROM $13,290
Wild Islands of Sri Lanka, Borneo, and the Andaman Sea
itinerary: 22 days Elephants, leopards and orangutans; ITINERARY: 21 days fortified towns and futuristic cities; Explore the pristine and seldomremote cultures and far-flung islands seen wonders of the Indian Ocean. fringed with jaw-dropping coral reefs: a voyage across the eastern In the Seychelles, discover islands Indian Ocean promises a wealth of unforgettable encounters. Explore teeming with vibrant corals, rare wildlife, and botanical treasures. Snorkel a kaleidoscope of natural and cultural wonders from Sri Lanka to the and dive at the farthest reaches of the Maldives, an area of extraordinary Andaman Islands, Sumatra, and Indonesian Borneo. biodiversity, and experience the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka. Dates: 2015: May 4-25 Dates: 2015: April 18-May 8 Expedition Costs: From $21,040 Expedition Costs: FROM $19,930 Call 1-888-966-8687 or visit nationalgeographicexpeditions.com to see detailed itineraries, reserve online, and find many more trips.
call
Palau to Solomon Islands: Along the Pacific Equator
Solomon Islands to Fiji: Hidden South Pacific
Fiji to the Cook Islands: Polynesian Discovery
itinerary: 19 days
itinerary: 13 days
itinerary: 13 days
Sailing east through the heart of Micronesia, explore seldom-visited islands and learn first-hand of the region’s fascinating World War II history. Search for Yap’s famous manta rays and snorkel and dive the reefs and wrecks of Chuuk (Truk) Lagoon. Turn south into Melanesia, where you’ll be welcomed ashore with sing-sings in Papua New Guinea and warrior displays in the Solomon Islands.
This voyage takes us through the heart of Melanesia to the western edge of Polynesia. In the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, you’ll be greeted with traditional “warrior welcomes” as you land by Zodiac on remote and verdant shores, while a warm smile and "bula" greet you on arrival in Fiji. Search for endemic bird species, snorkel and dive stunning reefs and wrecks, and soak up the tranquil beauty of palm-fringed beaches.
The ideal South Pacific getaway, this short escape will take you from Fiji’s “Garden Isle” to verdant Rarotonga. Explore the western reaches of Polynesia, visiting tropical islands and reefs that few ever see. Immerse yourself in Tonga’s warm turquoise waters, and experience genuine Polynesian welcomes throughout the Cook Islands.
Dates: 2015: September 29-October 17 Expedition Costs: FROM $17,390
Dates: 2015: October 24-November 5 Expedition Costs: FROM $10,870
Dates: 2015: October 14-26 Expedition Costs: FROM $10,870
Cook Islands to Tahiti: Pristine Reefs of the South Pacific itinerary: 13 days Walk pristine beaches, snorkel amid clouds of colorful reef fish, and experience true Polynesian hospitality. Discover the popular notion of paradise—and some of the world’s best dive sites—while sailing from the sparkling white shores of the Cook Islands to Tahiti’s lush volcanic crags. Snorkel and dive amid the corals of the Southern Line Islands, identified as one of most unspoiled reef systems in the world by National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Enric Sala. Dates: 2015: November 3-15 Expedition Costs: FROM $10,870
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Australia’s Wild Northwest Aboard the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ORION
Expedition Highlights ɋɋCruise the turquoise waters of the Kimberley coastline and soar over the beehive formations of the Bungle Bungle Range during a scenic flight.
ɋɋTravel by Zodiac up the spectacular King George River, where you’ll feel dwarfed by the towering red rock canyon walls, then cooled by the mist of King George Falls.
ɋɋExamine some of the oldest rock art in the world at an outdoor Gwion Gwion gallery, and learn about ancient Aboriginal mythology.
ɋɋExplore mangroves, narrow inlets, and reefs by Zodiac, spotting a variety of wildlife such as crocodiles and water birds. Search for humpback whales, which begin to arrive in June and are most abundant in August.
Guests glide along the King George River via Zodiac.
Expedition team & EXPERTs Ira Block began shooting for National Geographic magazine in the mid-1970s, and later worked with both National Geographic Traveler and Adventure magazines. His assignments have taken him to locations as diverse as Africa, the Australian outback, the Gobi Desert, Siberia, the North Pole, Greenland, and Baffin Island. Ira will join a diverse team of naturalists and experts on the June 15 and June 25, 2015 departures. Visit our website for National Geographic photographers on other departures.
AUSTRALIA Itinerary: 14 days Days 1–3: U.S./Darwin, Australia Depart for Darwin, cross the international date line, and arrive on Day 3. Embark the National Geographic Orion this afternoon. (Day 3: D) Days 4 and 5: COM, EAST TIMOR/At Sea Settle into your cabin and prepare for the Kimberley's amazing photographic opportunities with talks and hands-on instruction by our National Geographic photographer and Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor. The ship makes a brief technical stop at Com, before continuing into the heart of the Kimberley. (B, L, D Daily) Day 6: The Bungle Bungles or Lake Argyle, western Australia Spend the day in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Purnululu National Park, home of the breathtaking Bungle Bungle Range, striped sandstone hills shaped like giant beehives. Get a view of this otherworldly cone karst landscape during a flightseeing excursion. Or cruise the Ord River to Lake Argyle, keeping an eye out for crocodiles, wallabies, jabirus, and learn about the area’s pioneers on a visit to the Durack homestead. (B, L, D) Day 7: King George River Ride Zodiacs up King George River, weaving between towering canyon walls to King George Falls, where water drains off the plateau in twin cascades, careening down some 260 feet. In the early season, we will linger in the thundering mist. Later in the season, we will get much closer, even under the falls. If you wish, hike to the top of the falls and cool off in a freshwater rock pool. (B, L, D) Day 8: Vansittart Bay On Jar Island, discover the mystical culture of Kimberley’s Aboriginal people at an outdoor gallery of prehistoric Gwion Gwion rock art. The images, known as the “Bradshaw figures” date back nearly 40,000 years. Later, see the remains of a World War II DC-3 that crashed nearby. (B, L, D) Day 9: Hunter River Against a backdrop of crimson cliffs, navigate the thick mangroves of Hunter River in Zodiacs, on the lookout for crocodiles and numerous bird species. Take an optional
helicopter flight to Mitchell Falls to get a unique perspective on the Kimberley’s vast, rugged, and hard-to-reach interior. (B, L, D) Day 10: Montgomery island & Raft Point The Kimberley coast is known for its dramatic tides. Conditions permitting, the quick tide change at Montgomery Reef creates raging torrents of water as the sea level drops and the reef seems to rise from the ocean. Watch from your Zodiac, and look for cormorants, egrets, sea turtles, and reef sharks as they forage for marine life trapped on the reef. At Raft Point, climb up to a saddle of rock filled with ancient rock art depicting the Wandjina spirits. (B, L, D) Day 11: Talbot Bay Today, hop in Zodiacs to witness Horizontal falls of Talbot Bay, an extraordinary phenomenon created by the sudden tidal fall, when double waterfalls surge ten or more feet high as landward waters cascade through a narrow gap to the ocean. Later, discover the fascinating geology of an ancient seabed at Cyclone Creek. (B, L, D) Day 12: Nares Point & Crocodile Creek At Nares Point, a long finger of sandstone jutting into the sea, explore by Zodiac and go on beach walks with our naturalists. Take a swim in the natural pools of Crocodile Creek— free of crocodiles despite its name. (B, L, D) Days 13 and 14: Broome/U.S. Disembark in Broome and transfer to the airport for an overnight flight home. (Day 13: B)
ADDITIONAL Itinerary: Australia's Wild Northwest and the Spice Islands 18 DAYS
AUGUST 14-31, 2015 Experience Australia’s dramatic Kimberley coast and the tropical isles that edge the Banda and the Flores Seas. Explore natural wonders from the reefs of Rowley Shoals and towering King George Falls to the pink coral beaches of Komodo. Spot crocodiles in the Kimberley, look for humpbacks as we pass through breeding areas, and observe the Komodo dragon in the wild. See our website for details.
trip details Dates: 2015: Jun. 15-28*, Jun. 25-Jul. 8, Jul. 5-18*, Jul. 15-28, Jul. 25-Aug. 7*, Aug. 4-17 *These departures travel in the reverse direction from Broome to Darwin.
Expedition Cost: Category 1 $8,990 Located on Main Deck with large oval windows Category 2 $10,380 Located on Main Deck with large oval windows Category 3 $12,450 Located on the Upper Deck–suite with window Category 4 $13,630 Located on the Bridge Deck–deluxe suite with window Category 5 $16,270 Located on the Bridge Deck–suite with balcony Category 6 $18,910 Located on the Bridge Deck–owner's suite with balcony See National Geographic Orion photos and deck plan on page 64. Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin, add $4,560 in Category 1 and $6,230 in Category 3. International airfare to Darwin and return from Broome is not included in the expedition cost.
A wallaby and her joey
Reserve online at nationalgeographicexpeditions.com 61
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More Trips with
National Geographic Expeditions THE CANADIAN MARITIMES AND NEWFOUNDLAND ITINERARY: 8 DAYS Aboard the National Geographic Explorer Trace the footsteps of Vikings, European explorers, and inventors on a special voyage with Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Governors of the National Geographic Society Gil Grosvenor. Aboard our flagship, the National Geographic Explorer, discover the Acadian culture of the Îles-de-la Madeleine, and visit the French island of SaintPierre. Dock at coastal fishing villages and small islands along the rugged coast of Newfoundland. Venture into the ancient Viking settlement of l'Anse aux Meadows and join a geology expert in Gros Morne National Park, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Explore the Fortress of Louisbourg on Cape Breton Island, and visit the home of Alexander Graham Bell, the second president of the Society and Gil's great-grandfather. Dates: 2015: Sept. 11–18 Expedition Costs: From $7,690
Svalbard, Iceland, and Greenland's East Coast
Wild Islands and Treasures of Baja California
ITINERARY: 17 DAYS Aboard the National Geographic Explorer
ITINERARY: 8 DAYS Aboard the National Geographic sea bird
Ice, wildlife, and adventure— that is what draws us to the icy waters sweeping down from the Arctic Ocean. This is an expedition for the seasoned traveler—suited more than ever to the special capabilities of the ultimate expedition ship, the National Geographic Explorer, and our expert naturalist staff. Like the brave sailors of the golden age of exploration who set out with no set itinerary—seeking adventure, knowledge and the unknown—we are completely dependent on ice, wildlife and weather conditions, allowing nature to guide us to her wonderful surprises. From Arctic Svalbard, just 600 miles from the North Pole, National Geographic Explorer probes the ice—with the quest of exploring the ice’s edge all the way from Svalbard, Norway to eastern Greenland, ending in Iceland. Dates: 2015: June 22- Jul. 8 Expedition Costs: From $13,820
Discover the pure wildness of Baja’s desert islands and the living sea, and then go further and delve into the Peninsula’s unique culture and art from ancient times to modern. You’ll find the dolphins, seabirds, and extraordinary marine life enchanting and the region’s history and culture rich and intriguing. And when you see Baja’s islands with rugged cliffs and white sand beaches reflected in an azure sea, you’ll understand immediately why UNESCO designated them a World Heritage site. Dates: 2014: Dec. 20-27, Dec. 27-Jan. 3 2015: Jan. 3-10, Jan. 10-17 Expedition Costs: FROM $4,990
Call 1-888-966-8687 or visit nationalgeographicexpeditions.com to see detailed itineraries, reserve online, and find many more trips.
Exploring the Low Countries: Holland and Belgium
SAILING THE CARIBBEAN islands on the Sea Cloud
Columbia and Snake Rivers Journey
itinerary: 9 days | Aboard the National Geographic Explorer
itinerary: 8 Days | aboard the SEA CLOUD
itinerary: 7 days | Aboard the National Geographic Sea Bird/SEA LION
Voyage from Germany to the Netherlands and Belgium, exploring the seaside village of Harlingen and the dune-capped West Frisian Islands, and take in a dazzling view of the fields of North Holland. In Amsterdam and Antwerp, experience the incredible artistic heritage of the Dutch Golden Age and the Flemish Primitives. Stroll the canal-carved medieval towns of Brugge and Gent, and revel in the rich culinary and musical traditions of the region.
Set sail aboard the magnificent four-masted Sea Cloud, and explore the lush islands and vibrant cultures of the Lesser Antilles. Hike the rain forests of Dominica, explore a volcanic crater in Saint Lucia, and glide on a catamaran in the Grenadines. Enjoy opportunities to swim and snorkel at coral reefs and white-sand beaches, and discover the hidden corners of the Caribbean Sea.
Retrace the Pacific Northwest portion of Lewis and Clark’s epic 19th-century expedition. Cruise through the lush landscapes of the Columbia River Gorge, the mountains of the Cascade Range, and the historical lands of the Native American tribes the intrepid duo encountered. Dine on locally-sourced cuisine, and sample the region’s famed wines and microbrews.
Dates: 2015: Apr. 29–May 7 Expedition Costs: From $7,690
Dates: 2015: Feb. 26–Mar. 5, Mar. 5–12, Mar. 12–19 2016: Jan. 21–28, Jan. 28–Feb.4, Feb. 4–Feb. 11 Expedition Costs: FROM $7,990
Dates: 2015: Sept. 21–27, Sept. 22–28, Sept. 28–Oct. 4, Oct. 3–9, Oct. 4–10, Oct. 10–16, Oct. 27–Nov. 2 Expedition Costs: FROM $4,590
Peru: Land of the Inca itinerary: 8 days Experience incomparable Machu Picchu and encounter a wealth of ancient Inca temples, Spanish colonial cathedrals, and the charming villages of the Sacred Valley of the Inca. Visit Lima’s renowned Larco Herrera Museum, and immerse yourself in the ancient capital of Cusco. Then spend the night among the ruins of Machu Picchu, rediscovered and excavated by Hiram Bingham with funding from National Geographic more than 100 years ago. Dates: 2015: Expeditions depart every Saturday and Sunday. See our website for more details. Expedition Costs: From $4,990 Travelers take in a sweeping vista of Machu Picchu, Peru’s lost Inca citadel.
63
Photos (from top): Category 4 deluxe suite; Category 6 owner's suite; Category 1 & 2 cabin.
PUBLIC AREAS: Outdoor café, lounge and cocktail bar perfect for briefings
and entertainment, restaurant, sun deck, reception desk, state-of-the-art lecture theater, library, global gallery, marina platform and mud room. Guests are welcome on the “open bridge” to meet the captain and officers and learn about navigation. MEALS: Served in a single seating with unassigned tables. Exceptional cuisine
Geographic photographer, and a Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor, plus undersea specialists and divemasters on voyages where snorkeling and scuba diving are offered. Wellness: Spa features a unisex dry sauna, fitness center with LifeFitness equipment, and LEXspa massage treatment room. A whirlpool hot tub is available on the Observation Deck, which doubles as a plunge pool in warmer temperatures. LOUNGE Scuba DivingOBSERVATION Requirements: DiversLECTURE must be certifiedWHIRLPOOL & LIBRARY ELEVATOR HOTby TUB an internationally THEATER recognized dive association prior to the voyage, and certification cards and logbooks must be brought on board. Divers should have logged 25 dives in total, and have made a dive within the 12 months preceding the voyage. SAUNA
SUNDECK
506
504
505
503
501
BRIDGE
508
507
502
510
511
515
ELEVATOR
LOUNGE
404
402
407
405
403
401
411
406
415
408
412
417
409
414
419
UPPER DECK
RECEPTION
410
416
GLOBAL GALLERY
OUTDOOR CAFE
ELEVATOR
302 304 306 308 310
311 315
301 303 305 307 309
319 321
317
312 314
323
316 318
322
320
video cameras, a video microscope, and a crow's nest camera in the Kimberley. Plus kayaks, snorkeling gear for all guests, scuba gear for 24 guests, a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), and a glass-bottom boat on voyages where snorkeling and scuba diving are offered.
509
BRIDGE DECK
Some cabins have balconies. Cabins offer Internet access, a flat screen TV and DVD/CD player. Single cabins in Category 1 and Category 3 include cabins #301, 322, 323, and 512, and are highlighted in bright pink or bright blue. EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT: Zodiac landing craft, a hydrophone, underwater
ELEVATOR
512
features tastes of the regions we visit and special signature menus designed by Sydney’s Serge Dansereau of the The Bathers' Pavilion restaurant. CABINS: All cabins offer ocean views, private facilities, and climate controls.
FITNESS CENTER/ LEXSPA TREATMENT ROOM
OBSERVATION DECK
RESTAURANT
MAIN DECK
Reserve online at nationalgeographicexpeditions.com ZODIAC BOARDING
MUD ROOM
National Geographic Orion is a state-of-the-art expedition ship, and the newest addition to the National Geographic-Lindblad fleet. It is a fully stabilized, ice-class vessel with an ice reinforced hull, enabling it to navigate polar ice as well as small harbors in the South Pacific.
SPECIAL FEATURES: Laundry, a full-time doctor, video chronicler, National
DOCTOR’S OFFICE
CAPACITY: 102 guests in 53 outside cabins. REGISTRY: Bahamas. OVERALL LENGTH: 338 feet.
418
64
National Geographic Orion
MARINA PLATFORM
National Geographic Explorer
Photos (from top): The National Geographic Explorer; Chart room; an Upper Deck cabin with balcony; the fitness center offers panoramic views.
Public areas: bistro bar, chart room, restaurant, gift shop, library, and
Special Features:ELEVATOR A full-time doctor, undersea specialist, photo LIBRARY OBSERVATION LOUNGE
specialist and video chronicler, National Geographic photographer, BRIDGE Internet café, and laundry. BRIDGE DECK
Wellness: The vessel is staffed by a wellness specialist and features
a glass-enclosed fitness center, outdoor stretching area, two spa treatment rooms, and a sauna. SAUNA
WELLNESS DECK
CHART ROOM
LOUNGE 107
103
101
DECK
FITNESS CENTER
SUN DECK
108
106-S
104
DECK
102
Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international.
VERANDA DECK RESTAURANT
BISTRO
RECEPTION BAL.
230
228
226
222
224
220
218
212
206
204
202
BAL. BAL. BAL. BAL. BAL. BAL.
219 221
GLOBAL GALLERY
GALLEY
BALCONY BAL. BALCONY
216
215
214
217
BAL.
213
211
210
BAL. BAL.
209
205
208-S
207
203-S
201
Cabins: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes, private
UPPER DECK 319
321
323
325
327
329-S
331-S
333-S
335
337
314
316
318
320
322
324
326
328
330-S
332-S
334-S
336
338
346
344
342
340
350
317
312-S
348
315
343-T
313
310-S
341-T
311-S
339
309-S
308
MAIN DECK INTERNET CAFE
UNDERSEA SPECIALIST
ZB
LOCKERS IW DOCTOR’S OFFICE
+
304
306
302
307
303
305
301
facilities, and climate controls. Some cabins have balconies. Single cabins in Category 2 include cabin numbers 309–312 and 329–334 and are highlighted in bright blue. Single cabins in Category 3 include cabin numbers 105, 106, 203 and 208 and are highlighted in bright pink.
105-S
lounge with full service bar and state-of-the-art facilities for films, slide shows and presentations, mud room with lockers for expedition gear, and observation lounge. Our “open bridge” provides guests an opportunity to meet our officers and captain and learn about navigation.
LEXspa
National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship, and the flagship of the National Geographic-Lindblad fleet. It is a fully stabilized, ice-class vessel with an ice 1A rating on the forward hull, enabling it to navigate polar environments while providing exceptional comfort. It carries 36 double kayaks and a fleet of 13 Zodiac landing craft. An undersea specialist operates a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and sophisticated undersea video equipment, extending access to the underwater world.
Expedition Equipment: Zodiac landing crafts, kayaks, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), hydrophone, SplashCam, underwater video camera, crow’s nest remote-controlled camera, video microscope.
WC
Capacity: 148 guests in 81 outside cabins. Registry: Bahamas. Overall Length: 367 feet.
MUD ROOM ZODIAC BOARDING
STAFF OFFICE
call toll-free 1-888-966-8687 65 ZB
B DECK
66
National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion
Public Areas: Our twin sister ships feature a library; lounge with
full service bar and facilities for films, slide shows and presentations; observation deck; partially covered sun deck with chairs and tables, and spa. Our “open bridge” provides guests an opportunity to meet our officers and captain and learn about navigation.
Photos (from top): The National Geographic Sea Lion; cocktail hour recaps are informative and always social; the sundeck is a great place for a morning stretch with our wellness specialist; a comfortable category 2 cabin.
SUNDECK LEXspa
Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal
atmosphere and easy mingling. Breakfast is a wide selection buffet and lunch is often served family style. Menu emphasizes regional fare.
CPTN.
106
104
102
100
219
217
215 211
209 207 205 203 201
216
214
212 210
208 206 204 202 200
OBSERVATION DECK
UPPER DECK 305 303 301
Special Features: Guest Internet access. A certified photo instructor
and video chronicler on board all voyages. A ship’s doctor is on board in Baja and Costa Rica/Panama. An undersea specialist is on board in Baja and Alaska.
101
BRIDGE DECK
controls. gear, SplashCam, underwater video camera, video microscope, wet suits in Baja, and expedition landing craft.
103
GYM EQUIPMENT
cabins: All face outside with windows, private facilities, and climate Expedition Equipment: Bow camera, hydrophone, kayaks, snorkeling
105
BRIDGE
Capacity: 62 guests in 31 outside cabins. Registry: United States. Overall length: 152 feet.
DINING ROOM
LOUNGE
304 302 300
MAIN DECK
Wellness: The vessel is staffed by a wellness specialist and features exercise equipment, spa, and outdoor stretching area. Reserve online at nationalgeographicexpeditions.com
BAR
National Geographic Endeavour
National Geographic islander
Capacity: 96 guests in 56 outside cabins. REGISTRY: Ecuador. Overall length: 295 feet.
Capacity: 48 guests in 24 outside cabins. Registry: Ecuador. Overall length: 164 feet.
Public Areas: Ship is fully air-conditioned. Covered deck with chairs and tables; doctor’s office; fitness center; spa; gift shop; library; lounge with full-service bar and facilities for films, slide shows and presentations; sauna and small swimming pool; and sun deck. Our Ecuadorian captain and officers welcome guests to the bridge in accordance with our “open bridge” policy.
Public Areas: Ship is fully air-conditioned. Covered deck with hammocks,
Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an
chairs and tables; doctor’s office; fitness center; gift shop; spa; library; lounge with full-service bar and facilities for films, slide shows and presentations; and sky deck. Our Ecuadorian captain and officers welcome guests to the bridge in accordance with our “open bridge” policy. Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables, meals are informal for easy mingling. Menu is international with an Ecuadorian flair.
informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international with Ecuadorian flair.
Cabins: All cabins have a window with an outside view, private facilities
Cabins: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes. Each has
Expedition Equipment: Kayaks, snorkeling gear, underwater video camera, video microscope, wet suits, Zodiac landing craft.
private facilities and climate controls. Single cabins in Category 1 include cabin numbers 219, 222, 309–312, 314–316, and 318 and are highlighted in bright blue. Single cabins in Category 2 include cabin numbers 124, 126, 127, and 205 and are highlighted in bright pink. Expedition Equipment: Kayaks, glass-bottom boat, snorkeling gear, SAUNA DOCTOR BRIDGE underwater video microscope, wet suits, and Zodiac SUN DECK video camera, LIBRARY LEX spa landing craft.
and climate controls.
Special Features: Guest Internet access and laundry service.
A ship’s doctor and video chronicler are also on board. Wellness: The vessel is staffed by a wellness specialist and features
exercise equipment and outdoor stretching area.
FITNESS CENTER
BRIDGE DECK OBSERVATION Special Features: Guest Internet access, laundry service,DECK floating
408
406
massage platform, and wellness program. A certified photo instructor, POOL and LOUNGE ship’s doctor, video chronicler are also on board.
407
405
SHOP
204 202
305
303
302
301
INTERNET
BRIDGE DECK LEXspa
205 203 201
DOCTOR
312 310
209 207
206 204 202
315 311 309
318 316 314
DINING ROOM
RECEPTION
210 208
300
350 351
304
Internet
Purser
208 206
205 203 201
209
222 220 218 216 214 212 210 219 217 215 211
Reception
Zodiac Boarding
LIBRARY
306 LOUNGE
MAIN DECK 352
401
403
BRIDGE
106 104 102
DINING ROOM
107 105
115 111 109
117
124
122 120 118 116 114 112 110 108 125 123 121
126 129
127
FITNESS CENTER
UPPER DECK
353
402
UPPER DECK
VERANDA DECK
A DECK
404
MAIN DECK
call toll-free 1-888-966-8687 67
68
sea cloud
Jahan
CAPACITY: 58 guests in 30 cabins including two Owner’s Suites. REGISTRY: Malta. OVERALL LENGTH: 360 feet.
Capacity: 48 guests in 24 outside cabins. REGISTRY: Vietnam. OVERALL LENGTH: 230 feet.
PUBLIC AREAS: The Sea Cloud was commissioned in 1931 by Wall Street businessman E.F. Hutton for his wife, Marjorie Merriweather Post. Public areas are incomparably furnished and immensely comfortable. The covered lido bar is a superb place to congregate and enjoy the outdoors. The open-air “Blue Lagoon” is a wonderful place to relax. The sumptuous lounge is a superb gathering point. Guests are welcome on the “open bridge” to learn how the Sea Cloud is navigated and sailed.
PUBLIC AREAS: The ship is fully air-conditioned. Outdoor areas include
MEALS: Served in a single seating, exceptional cuisine features tastes of
the regions we visit along with Continental fare. Fine house wines are included with lunch and dinner. CABINS: Décor is in keeping with the ship’s storied traditions, and
cabins have antique and period-style furniture. The main deck has the ship’s original cabins, including the Owner’s Suites originally occupied by E.F. Hutton and Marjorie Merriweather Post. Cabins on the promenade and captain’s decks have antique furnishings. There is a tasteful elegance throughout the ship. All cabins have private facilities, individual climate controls, and a hair dryer. SPECIAL FEATURES: There is no ship afloat that can compare to Sea Cloud for grace, fine service, and the sheer joy of sailing. Sails are raised by hand by a spirited crew. The ship carries 30 sails measuring a total of 32,000 square feet, and guests have the chance to learn about their design, deployment and function during the course of the voyage. Although the ship is elegant, she is also friendly and informal. Dress aboard ship is relaxed and casual. A certified photo instructor will be on board all departures.
the pool deck, with both covered and open-air spaces, a Jacuzzi, and a bar. The lounge has a library, and facilities for films, slide shows and presentations. Guests are welcome on the “open bridge” to meet the captain and officers and learn about navigation. MEALS: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables. The menu
is international, with a focus on the outstanding Vietnamese and Cambodian cuisines. CABINS: All face outside with glass doors and private balconies. There
is a mix of twin-bed and queen-size bed cabins. Each has private facilities and hair dryer, individual climate control, music entertainment system, and a mini bar. SPECIAL FEATURES: Spa, with choice of massage treatments, gymna-
sium with exercise equipment, boutique with selection of local artwork; morning Tai Chi classes. DVD and iPod® players are available on request. A certified photo instructor will be on board all departures.
RESTAURANT
TERRACE DECK 201
203 205
207 209
211
202
204 206
208 210
212
103 105
107 109
111
113
104 106
108 110
112
114
BAR LOUNGE
BRIDGE
30 32 34 36 31 33 35 37
UPPER DECK
CAPTAIN’S AND LIDO DECK LOUNGE
16
18 20 22 24
28
RESTAURANT LOUNGE
17
29
19 21 23 25
PROMENADE DECK
MAIN DECK 2
1
4
3
6
8
5
7
10 9
MAIN DECK
Reserve online at nationalgeographicexpeditions.com Cat 1 color
Cat 2 color
Cat 3 color
Suite color
Lord of the Glens
Delfin II
Capacity: 48 guests in 26 outside cabins. Registry: Great Britain. Overall length: 150 feet.
Capacity: 28 guests in 14 outside suites. Registry: Peru. Overall length: 120 feet.
Public Areas: With exterior teak decks, hardwood finished interiors
Public Areas: The comfortable, enclosed and air conditioned top deck
and fine fabrics, the Lord of the Glens offers a stylish and relaxing ambience. The two lounges and two open-air viewing areas are social hubs aboard ship. There is a bar and space to read books from the well-stocked library.
invites you to linger, unwind or enjoy drinks at the bar. The natural history staff will give their presentations here. There is a small reference library and the bridge, where you are welcome to meet the captain and officers.
Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables, meals focus
on healthy cuisine, including fresh Scottish poultry, salmon, trout, and other options. Cabins: All cabins have outside views. Facilities include a private
bathroom with shower, individually controlled air-conditioning and heating, satellite television, music system, hair dryer, telephone, safety deposit box, bathrobes, and toiletries. SPECIAL FEATURES: Bicycles are on board and a kayaking excursion
is offered at Loch Ness. There is complimentary Internet access at a computer in the reception area. Lord of the Glens is the only ship of its kind able both to navigate the locks of the Caledonian Canal and sail SIR WALTER SCOTT TERRACE DAVID LIVINGSTONE TERRACE of the Inner Hebrides. among the islands A certified photo instructor LOUNGE/LIBRARY LOUNGE will be on board all departures.
Meals: Meals are served in a single seating with unassigned tables;
large windows provide panoramic views. Often special dishes will include sustainable products of the rain forest and sauces made with exotic regional fruits. SUITES: Elegant, air-conditioned guest suites on the main and upper decks all offer exceptional vistas. Each spacious suite has a minimalist dĂŠcor with a luxurious overtone. Expedition Equipment: 10-person skiffs with individual seat cushions
and plenty of leg room. Fleet of comfortable, safe kayaks. Onboard rain ponchos and rubber boots are distributed if needed. Special Features: Guests may swim directly from the skiffs using
the convenient swim ladder, weather permitting. A certified photo instructor will be on board all departures.
THOMAS TELFORD DECK 305 306
303 301
RECEPTION
ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON
304 302
ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL DECK 219* 218*
217 216 214
211 209 212 210
ENCLOSED LOUNGE
BAR
OPEN LOUNGE
RESTAURANT
207 208
205 203 206 204
TOP DECK
201 202
12
14
16
11
13
15
DINING ROOM
DAVID ROBERTS DECK
UPPER DECK
105
106* 104*
2
4
6
8
1
3
5
7
JAMES WATT DECK
MAIN DECK
call toll-free 1-888-966-8687 69
70
no. of days
ship
DEPA RTURE DATE S 2015
page
Expedition Calendar:
feb
12
8
Sea Bird
7, 14, 21, 28
mar 14
apr
may
jun
july
aug
SEP
oct
2016 nov
dec
jan
feb
5, 12, 19, 26
16, 23, 30 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
6, 13, 20, 27 6, 13, 20, 27
21, 28
4
mar
North America
Baja California & the Sea of Cortez: Among the Great Whales** Costa Rica and the Panama Canal
14
8
Sea Lion
Alaska's Inside Passage
16
8
Sea Bird/ Sea Lion*
Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland
62
8
Explorer
Wild Islands and Treasures of Baja California**
62
8
Sea Bird
28 16, 17*, 23, 24*, 30, 31*
5, 12 5, 12
6, 7*, 13, 4, 5*, 11, 1, 2*, 8, 9*, 14*, 20, 21*, 12*, 18, 19*, 15, 16*, 22, 27, 28* 25, 26* 23*, 29, 30*
11
Columbia and Snake Rivers Journey
63
7
Sea Bird/ Sea Lion*
Sailing the Caribbean
63
8
Sea Cloud
Galรกpagos
18
10
Endeavour/ Islander*
Upper Amazon
20
10
Delfin II
Coastal Treasures from the Panama Canal to Peru
22
14
Explorer
Peru and Chile: Ancient Sites and Natural Wonders
24
17
Explorer
8
Rounding the Cape: Chilean Patagonia & Argentina's Staten Island
26
21
Explorer
21
Sailing the Greek Isles*
28
9
Sea Cloud
Under Sail: Greece to the Dalmatian Coast*
30
12
Sea Cloud
21, 22*, 28* 26
3, 4*, 10*, 27
5, 12
south America 6, 7*,13, 6, 7*,13, 14*,20,21*, 14*,20,21*, 27,28* 27,28*
3,4*,10, 11*,17,18*, 24,25*
5,6*,12, 1,8,15, 20*, 22,29,30* 13*,19, 26,27*
3,4*,10, 11*,17,18*, 24,25*,31
1*,7,8*, 14,15*,21, 22*,28,29*
4,5*,11, 18,19*,25, 26*
18
22,29
5,12,19
3*,10*,30, 31*
6,13,14*, 20,28*,27
5*,11,12*, 18,19*,25, 26*
14,21,28
5
1,2*,8, 5,6*,12, 9*,15,16*, 22,23*,29, 13*,19,20*, 26,27* 30*
4,5*,11, 12*,18,19*, 25,26*
9,16,23, 13,20,27 5,19,26 30
27
europe
Scotland's Highlands and Islands
32
9
Lord of the Glens
Exploring the British and Irish Isles
34
15
Explorer
Azores to Sevilla: Island Wonders and Fabled Shores
36
10
Explorer
Spain and Portugal: Legacy of the Moors
38
11
Explorer
3
Exploring the Low Countries: Holland and Belgium
63
9
Explorer
29
Land of the Polar Bears
40
11
Explorer
Norway's Fjords and Arctic Svalbard
42
17
Explorer
Exploring Greenland and the Canadian High Arctic
44
13
Explorer
Greenland, Baffin Island, and the Ellesmere Islands
45
23
Explorer
Journey to Antarctica
46
14
Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands
48
24
Explorer/ Orion Explorer/ Orion
South Georgia & the Falklands
49
19
Explorer
Svalbard, Iceland, and Greenland's East Coast
62
17
Explorer
26
2,9,16, 23,30
28
7
6 27
polar 1,8,15 19
27 7
6, 7, 16, 17, 26, 27 5, 6, 16 25
14, 15
17
6
22
asia
Wild Encounters from Borneo to Bali
50
13
Orion
Vietnam and Cambodia: Along the Mekong River
52
20
Jahan
Bali to Palau: Exotic Indonesia
54
16
Orion
Tahiti to Easter Island: Tales of the Pacific
56
19
Orion
Treasures of the Indian Ocean: Zanzibar and the Seychelles
58
15
Orion
8
Indian Ocean Odyssey: Seychelles, Maldives, and Sri Lanka
58
21
Orion
18
Wildlife & Cultures of South Africa, Mozambique, & Madagascar
58
23
Orion
Wild Islands of Sri Lanka, Borneo, and the Andaman Sea
58
22
Orion
Palau to Solomon Islands: Along the Pacific Equator
59
19
Orion
Solomon Islands to Fiji: Hidden South Pacific
59
13
Orion
14
Fiji to the Cook Islands: Polynesian Discovery
59
13
Orion
24
Cook Islands to Tahiti: Pristine Reefs of the South Pacific
59
13
Orion
Australia's Wild Northwest
60
14
Orion
Australia's Wild Northwest with the Spice Islands
61
18
Orion
23 3, 25
2
28
7
3
5, 13, 27 17
Indian Ocean and Oceania 13
20 4 29
3
AUSTRALIA 15, 25
5, 15, 25
4 14
2
1
RESPONSIBILITY National Geographic Society will provide educational enrichment for National Geographic Expeditions as outlined in its catalog and on its website (www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.com) as a sponsoring organization and has licensed qualified professional tour operators to organize and administer National Geographic 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 National Geographic 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 shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the passenger; the carriers are not responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time participants are not aboard their conveyances. National Geographic Society its employees, subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors, successors, representatives, assigns (collectively “National Geographic”) and its designated tour operator shall 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 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 its designated tour operator for any such loss, damage, injury, or death. By registering for a National Geographic Expedition, the participant certifies that he/she does not have any mental, physical, or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for him/herself or other participants. National Geographic and its designated tour operator reserve the right in their sole discretion to accept, decline to accept, or remove any participant on a National Geographic Expedition. National Geographic 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 participants. Neither National Geographic, nor its designated tour operator, shall be liable for any air carrier's cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of
Our Loyalty Program
Once you’ve traveled on three National Geographic Expeditions, you’ll qualify for enrollment in our Lifelong Explorer loyalty program. Lifelong Explorers are entitled to discounts on any National Geographic Expedition as well as a host of other benefits. To learn about the Lifelong Explorer program, visit nationalgeographicexpeditions.com/lifelongexplorer.
a nonrefundable ticket to or from the participant's National Geographic Expedition departure city. Baggage and personal effects are at all times the sole responsibility of the participant.
Terms and Conditions Basis of Rates: All prices are 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: Participation in a National Geographic Expedition is a benefit of membership in the National Geographic Society. Membership dues for 2014 are $39. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the entire journey. 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: Air 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. We will assist persons requesting a roommate. 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 a National Geographic Expedition, a $500 per-person deposit is required for expeditions that are nine days or less, and a $750 per-person deposit is required for expeditions that are ten 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 reserves the right to cancel any expedition because of inadequate enrollment that makes the expedition economically infeasible to operate or 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 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 participants with a refund and/or credit toward a future National Geographic Expedition equivalent to monies paid to the tour operator. If National Geographic cancels the expedition in progress, participants will receive a prorated refund based on the number of days not completed on the expedition. Except as outlined above when National Geographic cancels and expedition, National Geographic and its designated tour operator has no responsibility for any expenses, including any non-refundable expenses, incurred by participants in preparing for a cancelled expedition or for any additional arrangements should 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 www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.com. Itinerary Changes: The itineraries and staff presented in the catalog or on the website are subject to modification and change by National Geographic or its designated tour operator. Every reasonable effort will be made to operate programs 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 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 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 is unable or does not have time to contact participant’s emergency contact, the participant, by registering and paying a deposit for a National Geographic 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 and its designated tour operator and expedition leader reserve the right to take photographs or videos 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 a National Geographic Expedition, the participant agrees to allow his/her likeness to be used by National Geographic, National Geographic-authorized 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 us in writing prior to departure of the expedition. Copyright in all photographs, video, and related materials created by the participant (“Expedition Materials”) shall 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. Dispute Resolution: Dispute Resolution policy and process is available at www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.com/information/terms Other: Additional Terms and Conditions may apply to some expeditions and will be provided with pre-expedition mailings. 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. See more at: http://www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.com/ information/terms By registering for a National Geographic Expedition, the participant agrees to the Responsibility statement and the Terms and Conditions published in the catalog and on the website. Key: t=top, c=center, b=bottom, l=left, r=right: Photo Credits: Alamy (32, 38, 55, 61), Sisse Brimberg & Cotton Coulson (6, 42, 46), Michael Brooke/Alamy (57bl), Jan Butchofsky/ Alamy (59tc), David Cothran (5tc, 64), Mark Conlin/Alamy (58bl), Derek Croucher (34), Alexandra C. Daley-Clark (67tl), Jay Dickman (13br), Holger Ehlers/Alamy (14), Tony Eveling (31c), Michele Falzone/Alamy (58tr), David W. Haynes (25br), Justin Hofman (5tl), Ralph Lee Hopkins (front cover, 2t, 11br, 13tl, 21t, 21br, 26, 27br, 40, 41c, 43c, 45cl, 60, 61, 62br, 63b, 65), Edis Jurcys (22), Frans Lanting (50), Sven-Olof Lindblad (3, 4tr, 44, 47bl), Stefan Lundgren (62bl), Richard Maack (69tr), Paul Nicklen (41bl, 45br), Flip Nicklin (48), Michael S. Nolan (4tl, 4-5, 18, 27b, 47br, 49br, back cover), Nick Rains (59tl), Kevin Schafer (16), Stacy Sindlinger (19br), Susan Seubert (12), Hugh Sitton (52), Rick Smith (10), Keren Su/China Span/Alamy (20), Rikki Swenson (66), David Vargas (15bl, 29t, 53tl, 63tc, 68tr), Sawan Waidyanatha/Alamy (58br), Jan Wlodarczyk/Alamy (36, 37bl)
Back cover: Guests from the National Geographic Explorer explore the coast of South Georgia. *Departure dates beyond March 2016 are listed on our website for these trips. **Departure dates before February 2015 are listed on our website for these trips.
call toll-free 1-888-966-8687 71
1145 17th Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036
4948-14
Embark on a small ship expedition to one of these spectacular destinations with National Geographic: Alaska
British and Irish Isles
Easter Island
Maldives
Spain
Amazon
Canadian Maritimes
Fiji
Patagonia
Sri Lanka
Antarctica
Caribbean
Galรกpagos
Peru
Vietnam
Australia
Chile
Greenland
Portugal
Tahiti
Azores
Costa Rica
Iceland
Scotland
and more!
Baja California
Greece
Madagascar
Seychelles
Borneo to Bali
Dalmatian Coast
South Georgia
To reserve your space today, call toll-free 1-888-966-8687. Or reserve online at nationalgeographicexpeditions.com