Launched in 1999, National Geographic Expeditions builds upon the legacy of the National Geographic Society’s 135-year history and its belief in the importance of exploration. Alongside expert guides, travelers enjoy up-close and in-depth experiences at notable natural and cultural sites around the globe, with expeditions by land, ship, train, and private jet designed to meet a broad range of interests.
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Because of its relationships with scientists, museums, and active research sites, National Geographic Expeditions offers travelers access to places and people they might not get otherwise. Trip leaders, local guides, and experts share their unique knowledge with guests, and every trip helps further the work of the National Geographic Society to protect and preserve the world around us.
TourScoop takeaways
- Destinations: More than 150 itineraries to more than 80 countries across all seven continents
- Tour size average: Tour sizes vary depending on location, itinerary, and mode of travel. Signature Land trips typically accommodate up to 30 guests. Specialty Signature Land trips are capped at a smaller group size. National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions cruise ships vary in size, but most will accommodate from 130 to 148 travelers, with some vessels for smaller-sized group trips.
- Tour types: Land, ship, train, and private jet tours
How to book
Travelers can book tours through the company’s website, by calling 888-966-8687, or through their preferred travel advisor.
Credibility check
National Geographic Expeditions has been named the United States’ Leading Tour Operator by the World Travel Awards for the last four years. National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions has also received a number of awards and accolades over the years, including Best Expedition Ships by the 2023 Conde Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards, Best Adventure Cruise by the 2023 Women’s Health Travel Awards, and Best Cruise Line for Antarctica Sailings by the TravelAge West 2023 Wave Awards.
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Tour destinations
National Geographic Expeditions offers more than 150 itineraries to more than 80 countries on all seven continents. Tours include safaris in Africa, photography expeditions in destinations like Morocco, expedition cruises in Antarctica, and train and land tours around Europe.
The company introduced three new itineraries for 2025: the 11-day Australia: Reefs, Rainforests, and Wild Tasmania tour, the 11-day Sri Lanka: Wildlife and Wonders of the Spice Island excursion, and the 10-day Portugal and the Azores: Explorers, Ecological Wonders, and Epicurean Delights tour.
Tour types
National Geographic Expeditions offers a variety of tour types to match travelers’ needs and interests. Signature Land tours are premium, fully planned itineraries featuring expert guides and leaders, special access to sites, and lodging at high-end hotels. Train tours offer a nostalgic form of travel through scenic landscapes.
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National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Cruises travel to remote locations like Antarctica and Alaska on smaller-sized ships outfitted with equipment like kayaks, paddleboards, and Zodiac watercraft and staffed by an expedition team that helps travelers get immersed in a destination. River Cruises operated by Ama Waterways provide another option for exploring by water along the rivers of Europe.
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The company also offers Journeys and Family Journeys, operated by G Adventures, and National Geographic Day Tours, operated by TUI.
Tour guides
Expedition leaders and local guides help guests explore and learn about the destinations visited. National Geographic experts add to the experience, sharing their knowledge and insight about everything from photography and anthropology to history and marine biology via presentations and discussions.
What’s included
Signature Land expeditions include:
- Accommodations as indicated in the itinerary
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Daily activities and excursions as indicated in the itinerary
- National Geographic experts and expedition leader
- Ground transportation
- Most transfers
- Baggage handling
- Pre-trip materials
- All gratuities except for the expedition leader and those otherwise noted
National Geographic Expeditions River Cruises include:
- Accommodation as indicated in itinerary
- Meals as indicated in itinerary
- Unlimited fine wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Welcome and farewell receptions, Cocktail Hour on select nights, and tapas, snacks, and refreshments served daily
- Activities and entrance fees to sites as indicated in itinerary
- Airport transfers
- Ground transportation as indicated in itinerary
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Lectures by a National Geographic expert
- Gratuities for guides, drivers, ship staff, and restaurant staff at included meals
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Cruises include:
- Transfers upon arrival/departure for guests booked on recommended group flights
- Accommodations aboard the expedition ships of the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet or a luxury chartered ship
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages (excluding some premium brands)
- Daily activities and excursions as indicated in the itinerary
- Basic Wi-Fi with the option to upgrade
What’s not included
Airfare to and from the destination, trip cancelation insurance or any other travel insurance, visas, and gratuities for expedition leaders are generally not included in the tour price.
Typical travelers
The minimum age for most Signature Land trips is five; travelers should review each itinerary page for age minimums. Each experience is unique depending on the destination and the activities.
All itineraries are designed to include full, active days. The pace and physical activity level varies by trip and travel style. Be sure to read the full details of an itinerary before booking a trip, understanding that certain itineraries may not be suitable for all guests due to terrain, local conditions, or the nature of the activities.
For questions about a specific itinerary’s activity level, pace, and physical requirements, visit the “What to Expect” section on each itinerary’s page, or speak with a National Geographic Expeditions travel specialist at 888-966-8687.
Communication
After booking a National Geographic Expeditions trip, travelers receive additional information about the destination, packing suggestions, and other info related to the specific trip booked. An expedition leader or in-trip representative will communicate with guests throughout the trip.
The FAQs section on the National Geographic Expeditions website answers a lot of the common questions travelers might have. If more information is needed, you can call a National Geographic Expeditions travel specialist at 888-966-8687.
Sustainability efforts
In providing authentic travel experiences, National Geographic Expeditions aims to both support the local economies of destinations visited and inspire travelers to serve as stewards of those destinations during the trip and beyond. A pillar of National Geographic Expeditions is the “Give Back” element: Traveling with the company helps support the National Geographic Society’s efforts to protect the world through exploration, research, and education and the work of National Geographic Explorers around the globe.
Health and safety practices
The most up-to-date info about the company’s health and safety protocols can be found on the FAQs page. Travel insurance is strongly recommended, and certain trip types and destinations may require the purchase of trip insurance.
