From the Disney Parks Blog and written by: Ruth Ruiz
Greetings travelers!
Today, I’m thrilled to share that beginning in 2025, you can discover Australia, Portugal and the Azores, and Sri Lanka with National Geographic Expeditions! These three new Signature Land trips will take you into authentic National Geographic storytelling.
Imagine learning from researchers who are actively working in their respective fields, exploring wildlife sanctuaries and hearing the keepers talk about the care and conservation of these marvelous animals, enjoying activities and visiting with locals who will share the history, cultures and food unique to each region.
Check out these three new experiences of a lifetime:
Australia: Reefs, Rainforests and Wild Tasmania
Our first trip is to the land down under where you’ll explore the nature, wildlife and aboriginal cultures at the heart of this thrilling 11-day itinerary.
Your Australia expedition leads off at the Great Barrier Reef where you’ll get up-close to colorful reef fish and coral by snorkeling or observing from a semi-submersible boat or underwater laboratory.
During the trip, you’ll also trek with aboriginal guides at the Daintree Rainforest and learn about the thriving ecosystem, view native wildlife at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and at Healesville Sanctuary, and hear about the rescued Australian animals there.
On Tasmania’s east coast, the adorable and endangered Bicheno penguins will take center stage (cameras ready!). You’ll also sample wines at local wineries. In true Nat Geo fashion, you’ll embark on a catamaran sailing to spot marine mammals at Wineglass Bay with Pennicott Wilderness Journeys and share the same inspiration as 2012 National Geographic Traveler of the Year and Tasmanian native Robert Pennicott.
This expedition concludes in Sydney with a private tour of the Sydney Opera House and exploring the Rocks District. For complete details, please click here.
Portugal and the Azores: Explorers, Ecological Wonders and Epicurean Delights
Next is our trip to Portugal and the Azores. Founded in 1143, Portugal was once at the center of the Age of Exploration, and the Azores are a marvelous archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The marrying of these two splendid locations on this 10-day itinerary gives travelers the best of both worlds without having to choose.
Five UNESCO World Heritage sites plus other activities offer deep connections to the country. Highlights include visiting the famed Lello Bookstore in Porto, savoring delicious food and wines, and embarking on an electric tuk tuk ride through historic town centers.
In the Douro Valley you can bike, kayak or walk alongside the Douro River while admiring the beautiful hills, valleys and grape wine terraces. In Lisbon, local guides will share their knowledge about architecture, monuments and history at Sao Roque Church, the Carmo Convent and Jeronimos Monastery, as well as through stories of trade, maritime findings and the colonization of this region.
The Azores welcome each guest with breathtaking views. Get ready for whale watching, interacting with a local marine biologist who will share insights into research and conservation in this region, touring the Parque Terra Nostra, savoring a delicious farm-to-table meal at a local farmhouse, and exploring the stunning Sete Cidades.
For complete details, please click here.
Sri Lanka: Wildlife and Wonders of the Spice Island
And our 11-day itinerary to Sri Lanka is a historical and cultural lesson come to life through art, dance, food and wildlife. With visits to six UNESCO World Heritage sites and numerous connections to National Geographic programming, you will be immersed in the unique stories of this biodiverse island country.
A tour of the Dambulla Cave Temple launches this exciting trip. In Polonnaruwa, be prepared to observe primate families that call the Polonnaruwa Ancient City and its monumental ruins their home. In Sigiriya, you can discover the Rock Fortress, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic sites, then partake in a clay pot cooking class at a local family residence in Kandy for lunch.
You’ll visit the Central Highlands to learn how the country is the fourth largest producer of tea in the world, and a cinnamon estate near the southern coast to see how 90% of the world’s cinnamon is produced here.
National Geographic Expeditions is especially excited to take you on an exclusive ocean experience in collaboration with Oceanswell, founded by National Geographic Explorer Dr. Asha de Vos. Her foundation is supported by the National Geographic Society – and during your trip, you’ll even be able to assist with data collection!
For complete details, please click here.
Giving Back and Traveling with Purpose
I’m also excited to share that every trip booked with National Geographic Expeditions furthers the work of National Geographic Explorers around the world and helps support the global nonprofit National Geographic Society in its efforts to protect and illuminate our world through exploration, research, and education.
Have you started packing your suitcase yet? These new National Geographic Expeditions itineraries are sure to rise to the top of your bucket list of destinations to explore. I know they did on my list!
Booking Information
Bookings for the new itineraries open on June 4. To learn more or to book these or any of the 150 National Geographic Expeditions on all seven continents, visit NationalGeographicExpeditions.com, call 888-732-2379 or contact a travel agent.
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