National Geographic Expeditions

Over the past 130 years, the National Geographic Society has sent scientists, storytellers, and adventurers across continents and into remote cultures, down to the oceans’ depths and up the highest mountains in an effort to better understand our planet. National Geographic Expeditions grew from this legacy as a way to invite others to explore—to encounter the wonders of the world up close, in depth, right at the source, and to be transformed by the experience.

Access: Closer Than You’ve Ever Imagined
National Geographic opens doors around the globe: Our relationships with scientists, storytellers, museums, and active research sites allow us special access to places and people, including our own grantees, whose field sites we visit wherever we can. Traveling with us, you go behind the scenes to get a close-up view of work that’s helping illuminate and protect the world’s cultural and natural treasures, from archaeological excavations in Italy to whale conservation in Alaska to the celebration of an ancient Aboriginal culture in the Australian outback.

Knowledge: Let Our Experts Guide You
You gain knowledge when you travel with National Geographic—whether you’re face-to-face with an elephant in the Serengeti, listening to a wildlife biologist explain its every move, or gazing up at prehistoric cave paintings with a paleontologist in France. From the scientists, photographers, and explorers who lead our trips to the local guides and experts we meet in the field, you’ll be surrounded by people who are steeped in knowledge and insights about the places we go. And they’re passionate about sharing that knowledge with you.

Give Back: When You Travel with Us, You Make a Difference
When you travel with us, you support the National Geographic Society’s researchers and explorers who work to preserve, protect, and advance our understanding of the planet and its people. Every year, the Society awards more than 575 grants to scientists, educators, innovators, and storytellers around the world.

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Our Signature Land Expeditions are premium, fully planned itineraries that provide an enriching, in-depth look at the history, culture, and natural heritage of a destination. Each is accompanied by a National Geographic Expert who offers insights on the places we explore through fascinating presentations and informal discussions.

What can you expect when you travel on a Signature Land Expedition?

• A National Geographic Expert—such as an archaeologist, conservationist, or photographer—who enriches your experience with their knowledge and insights
• A seasoned Expedition Leader who curates a personalized, seamless journey, as well as knowledgeable local guides who join us along the way
• Special access to museums, sites, events, and experts in the field—including our own grantees, whose programs we visit whenever we can
• A group of usually 25 or fewer travelers
• High-end (or best available) hotels with many amenities, chosen for their exceptional quality, location, and character
• Gratuities are included for all staff except the Expedition Leader. Most meals are also included, and the restaurants we select primarily feature high-quality local cuisine

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The world’s great rivers evoke a sense of romance and timelessness, linking grand cities, forgotten villages, and endless countryside. On a National Geographic River Cruise, a world-class ship is your base to explore historic waterways. Choose from a wide range of guided excursions every day, from hikes and bike rides to in-depth experiences that focus on the natural world, culture, and history. You’ll travel with a National Geographic expert, who will give talks on board and accompany daily outings; a National Geographic photographer joins all European sailings to share tips on technique and artistry. Along the way, enjoy the utmost in all-inclusive service and amenities: personalized butler service, delectable meals served in a variety of dining venues, an open bar, wellness facilities, Wi-Fi, spacious suites and lounges, and so much more.

What can you expect when you travel on a National Geographic River Cruise?

• A National Geographic Expert, such as an archaeologist or conservationist, and a National Geographic photographer, who enriches your experience with their knowledge and insights, will join every National Geographic River Cruise departure
• Special access to museums, sites, events, and experts in the field—including our own grantees, whose programs we visit whenever we can
• A seasoned Cruise Director who curates a personalized, seamless journey, as well as knowledgeable local guides who join us along the way
• Delectable meals served in a variety of venues
• Taxes, gratuities, and airport transfers are all included

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Our Private Expeditions are unique itineraries designed to bring you and the traveling companions you choose—whether it’s one, two, or ten—to extraordinary places all over the world. Select the itinerary below that captures your imagination and pick your travel dates—we’ll take care of the rest.

Here’s how our Private Expeditions work:

• Choose your traveling companions—be it your spouse, your whole family, or a few friends.
• Pick the travel dates that work for you. Our travel specialists will do the legwork, checking availability and taking care of all the logistics.
• Explore with private guides. Private or shared local guides accompany you throughout your trip, enriching your experience with their knowledge and insights.
• Stay in top accommodations, including some of the world’s leading sustainable lodges on most of our Private Expeditions.

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