Land Expeditions

Enrichment at Every Turn

No matter the itinerary, unparalleled insights await travelers on our top-tier land trips.

Our Signature Land Expeditions feature premium, fully planned itineraries that provide an in-depth look at the history, culture, and natural heritage of each destination they include. All expeditions are accompanied by a National Geographic Expert—such as an archeologist, conservationist, or photographer—who enriches travelers’ experience everywhere they visit by sharing their knowledge and insights through compelling presentations and informal discussions.

Guests also enjoy the services of a seasoned Expedition Leader, who curates a personalized, seamless journey, as well as the expertise of knowledgeable local guides who join the group along the way. Special access to museums, sites, events, and experts in the field includes our own grantees, whose programs are incorporated into itineraries whenever possible.

Additionally, on National Geographic’s Signature Land Expeditions, clients won’t get “lost in the crowd” —most groups comprise 25 or fewer travelers. No worries about hotels, tipping, and dining, either. Guests are accommodated in high-end (or best available) properties with many amenities, all chosen for their exceptional quality, location, and character. Gratuities are included for all staff, with the exception of the Expedition Leader. Most meals are also included and are hosted at restaurants that primarily serve high-quality local cuisine.

Itineraries and More Itineraries

Our varied menu of featured itineraries encompasses a wide variety of options to suit a myriad of interests.

Human History: Northern Spain and Southwest France

Tracing the footsteps of early humans is the focus of this expedition, which features a fascinating exploration of the cradle on Spain’s northern coast and in southwest France as travelers:

Take an expedition designed in conjunction with paleoanthropologist Donald Johanson, to examine carvings and cave paintings that illustrate life up to 40,000 years ago
Stay in beautiful medieval towns that dot the long-inhabited landscapes of the Basque Country to the Dordogne—and regions in between

Palau: Snorkeling and Kayaking the Pristine Seas

Identified by National Geographic’s Pristine Seas project as one of the richest marine ecosystems on the planet, the Pacific archipelago of Palau is home to an aquatic wonderland of more than 1,300 species of fish and some 700 species of coral. This beautiful island nation is a world leader in marine conservation, with an ancestral tradition of environmental protection that dates back thousands of years. It has also undertaken an ambitious modern-day conservation program that includes the creation of a historic 193,000-square-mile marine reserve—one of the largest of its kind in the world. This itinerary sends guests on an unforgettable adventure to experience Palau firsthand, including opportunities to:

Snorkel and kayak among emerald islets in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock Islands
Experience the “underwater Serengeti” of Ngemelis Island, designated one of the most vibrant marine-protected areas in Palau by our Pristine Seas team
Hike through lush forests
Meet Palauan people who strive to honor and protect their natural heritage

Scotland Hiking Adventure: From the Highlands to the Island

Amid the velvet hills and craggy peaks that rise from Scotland’s western reaches, saints and kings have passed, clans and armies have clashed, and poets and rebels have sought refuge. And on this hiking expedition through the country, clients will:

Encounter the untamed Highlands and the remote isles of the inner Hebrides on foot, exploring glittering lakes and waterfalls, fantastic geologic formations, and historic sites that date back more than a thousand years
Follow in the footsteps of famed native Scots such as John Muir, Sir Walter Scott, and Bonnie Prince Charlie as they learn the rich history and legends of Scotland’s wild western lands

Swiss Trains and the Italian Lake District

Exploring a country or region by train is an experience travelers will never forget. And this itinerary delivers just that and more, paving the way for travelers to:

Board some of Switzerland’s legendary trains to admire the spectacular, scenery of the Swiss Alps, from the twisted peak of the Matterhorn to the breathtaking vistas of the Bernina Pass
Soar above Zermatt in a gondola
Participate in a selection of hikes, walks, and tram rides through beautiful mountain landscapes
Cross the Alps into Italy, capping off the trip on the shores of stunning Lake Como

As if that weren’t enough, additional Signature Land Expeditions are on tap for 2024, including:

Bhutan: Land of Mysticism and Mythology
Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia: Enchanted Forests and Medieval Castles
Colombia: Connections to the Land and the Past

Click here to learn more about next year’s Signature Land Expeditions options.