National Geographic Expeditions has introduced three new immersive travel experiences for 2025, exploring Australia, Sri Lanka and Portugal and the Azores. Each tour is led by National Geographic Experts who provide specialized knowledge.
Travelers soon can expand their exploration of the world on three new and exciting itineraries with National Geographic Expeditions.
Australia, Portugal and the Azores, and Sri Lanka – three countries with distinctive characteristics and each with centuries of rich history and culture – are now added to the Signature Land portfolio with departures beginning in 2025.
Each tour is crafted to authentically connect guests to the destination through National Geographic storytelling as shared by National Geographic Experts and local, knowledgeable guides and naturalists. Whether guests are seeking a deeper travel experience to learn about history, wildlife and diverse landscapes, or to be inspired by real-time research and discovery, these newly announced itineraries will immerse travelers into the heart of each country.
“We are thrilled to introduce travelers to three new and exciting National Geographic Expeditions itineraries to Australia, Portugal and the Azores, and Sri Lanka,” said Nancy Schumacher, senior vice president and general manager, National Geographic Expeditions. “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 Signature Land trip features a National Geographic Expert who provides specialized perspectives ranging from filmmaking, conservation and photography to archaeology, geography and much more. These Experts are passionate storytellers who have close connections to National Geographic and to the places visited. Their unique insights foster a travel experience that enlightens, inspires and goes in-depth like no other.
Sri Lanka: Wildlife and Wonders of the Spice Island
Visiting Sri Lanka is a history lesson come to life. The country’s founding can be documented back 3,000 years, and travelers will be immersed in the unique stories of this biodiverse island country through art, dance, food and wildlife. This 11-day exploration includes six UNESCO World Heritage sites, plus several wildlife observation opportunities, including an ocean experience where work conducted by a National Geographic Explorer continues, including guests in real-time exploration and study.
Highlights of this expedition include:
- Exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the Galle Fort.
- Touring the primate research station, featured in many notable film documentaries, and learning about some of the endemic species of primates that reside there. Guests will enjoy an early-morning, privately guided tour at the time of day when the animals are most active.
- Discovering the National Geographic-supported foundation, Oceanswell, founded by National Geographic Explorer Dr. Asha de Vos, a Sri Lankan marine biologist and ocean educator. Guests can identify some of the numerous marine species that call this ocean home and participate in research data collection as part of this exclusive ocean experience.
- Visiting the country’s famed tea country in the Central Highlands, touring a cinnamon plantation to learn how Sri Lanka produces almost 90 percent of the world’s supply and enjoying a traditional clay pot cooking class in the home of a local family.
- Crossing the iconic Nine Arch Bridge on a scenic train ride, a true Sri Lankan cultural experience.
- Embarking on safari drives in Yala National Park – to learn about elephants from rangers and a local conservationist – and in Bundala National Park to see wildlife, migratory and native birds, waterways and dunes along the Indian Ocean.
Sri Lanka Travel News 