Travelers will soon be able to explore new destinations with exciting additions to National Geographic Expeditions for 2025 and 2026.

If you’re looking to explore the globe in a whole new way, National Geographic Expeditions are for you. National Geographic Expeditions build upon the legacy of National Geographic Explorers, with itineraries crafted by National Geographic Experts that allow travelers to encounter the wonders of the world firsthand. And now, National Geographic Expeditions has revealed three brand new itineraries for 2025 that will allow for travelers to explore even more places than ever before.

National Geographic Expeditions Adds South African Itinerary for 2026

National Geographic Expeditions is returning to South Africa in 2026. A brand-new travel itinerary – Southern Africa: Living History and Legendary Species – will be available to book as part of the company’s Signature Land portfolio.

This new itinerary will take travelers into South Africa and Zambia, offering an expert-led and expertly-led trip that focuses on connecting with the beauty of the included destinations.

On the Southern Africa: Living History and Legendary Species itinerary, guests will have the chance to explore the history, culture, and wildlife of the region. Along the way, the authentic storytelling of National Geographic, local tour guides, and insights from National Geographic Experts will enhance the experience.

The nine-day itinerary will include safari expeditions, the chance to meet with local wildlife conservation experts, historic local villages, and two UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Victoria Falls (one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World).

Bookings for this 2026 itinerary open on January 15, 2025.

Southern Africa: Living History and Legendary Species

During this immersive, nine-day itinerary, travelers will take a deeper look at Southern Africa through a captivating blend of natural beauty, cultural richness and inviting hospitality. Guests will have an opportunity to marvel at the region’s most iconic species on safari expeditions, meet with local experts on wildlife conservation, witness the daily life, heritage and history of local villages, and visit two UNESCO World Heritage sites including one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls.

National Geographic Expeditions Launches Three New Itineraries for 2025

National Geographic Expeditions has shared three new itineraries for trips to Australia, Portugal and the Azores, and Sri Lanka. Speaking on the new additions, Nancy Schumacher, senior vice president and general manager of National Geographic Expeditions, said, “We are thrilled to introduce travelers to three new and exciting National Geographic Expeditions itineraries to Australia, Portugal and the Azores, and Sri Lanka. These immersive experiences will provide our guests with special access as we tour breathtaking landscapes and observe wildlife while also learning from Experts and naturalists.  With National Geographic Expeditions, travelers can be assured they are joining an extraordinary  legacy of global exploration.”

Each tour option will be crafted to connect guests with the destination through National Geographic storytelling as shared by National Geographic Experts and local guides and naturalists. The itineraries allow guests to learn about the history, wildlife, and diverse landscapes they are visiting. Each of the Signature Land trips features a National Geographic Expert who provides “specialized perspectives ranging from filmmaking, conservation, and photography to archaeology, geography, and much more.”

Bookings for all three itineraries are open now, with the new destinations joining a portfolio of more than 150 travel experiences.

Australia: Reefs, Rainforests and Wild Tasmania

The Australia trip will feature an 11-day itinerary where travelers can explore the Great Barrier Reef and indigenous artwork, meet wildlife conservation experts, and visit three UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Explore nature, wildlife and aboriginal cultures on the new 11-day National Geographic Expeditions Signature Land itinerary to Australia, with departures beginning in 2025. Credit: National Geographic Expeditions

Other highlights include:

• Exploring the wild Tasmanian coast.
• Snorkeling and swimming in the UNESCO World Heritage Great Barrier Reef. Guests will also have the option to view marine life and coral up close through a semi-submersible boat or underwater observatory.
• See protected indigenous wildlife, including fairy penguins, in their natural habitat.
• Trek with aboriginal guides at the Daintree Rainforest
• Visit the Port Arthur Australian Convict Site and the Sydney Opera House.

Portugal and the Azores: Explorers, Ecological Wonders and Epicurean Delights

As one of the oldest countries in Europe, Portugal is an incredible destinations for travels. The trip is a 10-day itinerary that includes visits to five UNESCO World Heritage sites, a visit to São Miguel Island in the Azores, and more.

Breathtaking views in the Azores welcome travelers on the National Geographic Expeditions Signature Land trip to Portugal and the Azores, with itineraries launching in 2025. Credit: National Geographic Expeditions

Other highlights include:

• Visiting European art masterpieces at the São Roque Church where the mosaics are made from stone so fine it looks like paintings.
• Tasting traditional cuisine influenced by the spice trade in the East Indies, America and  Africa.
• Visit the Lello Bookstore in Porto, which dates back to 1906
• Touring Porto on an electric tuk-tuk.
• Kayak or bike along the UNESCO World Heritage Douro Valley
• Fly to São Miguel Island in the Azores.

Sri Lanka: Wildlife and Wonders of the Spice Island

On an 11-day exploration that includes six UNESCO World sites, explore historic Sri Lanka. You’ll have wildlife observation opportunities, an ocean experience, and more.

Diverse wildlife is observed on the newly announced National Geographic Expeditions Signature Lane itinerary to Sri Lanka. Departures begin in 2025. Photo Credit: National Geographic Expeditions

Other highlights include:

• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, and the Galle Fort.
• Tour the primate research station, featured in many notable film documentaries.
• Discover the National Geographic-supported foundation, Oceanswell, founded by  National Geographic Explorer Dr. Asha de Vos, a Sri Lankan marine biologist and ocean educator.
• Visit the country’s tea country in the Central Highlands, where you can tour a cinnamon plantation and learn how Sri Lanka produces nearly 90% of the world’s supply.
• Cross the Nine Arch Bridge on a scenic train ride.
• Embark on safari drives in Yala National Park, where you can learn about elephants form rangers and a local conservationist.

How to Book National Geographic Expeditions for 2025 and 2026

Bookings for the new itineraries are open now on the National Geographic Expeditions website, or through our friends at The Vacationeer. These incredible opportunities allow you to visit some of the wonders of the world with an expert to guide you. If you’ve visited ports in places like Portugal or Australia through Disney Cruise Line, a National Geographics Expedition is the next step in helping to expand your knowledge and appreciation of the country with an in-depth trip allowing you to learn the history and culture of each spot.

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