National Geographic Expeditions has announced new Private Jet itineraries offering travelers the chance to explore the world in new ways in 2025:
Oceans and Islands of the World by Private Jet, departing April 21-May 15, 2025
On this 25-day itinerary, guests will embark on an extraordinary adventure exploring the oceans and islands of French Polynesia, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia and more. Highlights include:
Discover stunning coral reefs off the coast of island nations around the world—from the Pacific Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea.
Swim in shimmering lagoons, sail along sparkling bays on catamaran cruises and snorkel in crystalline waters that feature blacktip reef sharks, 500-pound clams and non-stinging jellies.
Hike to peaceful mountain temples in Bali, capture images of amazing WWII shipwrecks in Palau and learn about the Aboriginal uses of plants at the Adelaide Botanic Gardens.
Uncover innovative conservation efforts in the Seychelles and dive deeper into the histories of ancient indigenous cultures—like the Māori, the Sinhalese and the Omani—on museum excursions, tours of ancient ruins and more.
Australia & New Zealand by Private Jet, departing May 1-20, 2025
On this 20-day itinerary, guests will experience stunning terrains from New Zealand’s Southern Alps to Tasmania, sacred sites from the bubbling landscape of Rotorua to Uluru and great cities from Queenstown to Sydney. Highlights include:
Go flightseeing over the spectacular landscapes of Milford Sound and the Kimberley—and take thrilling boat rides on the Shotover River and through a horizontal waterfall.
Meet with indigenous people to learn about their ancient cultures in Rotorua and on a private tour of sacred Uluru.
Encounter koalas, kangaroos, emus and more with local wildlife experts—and see Tasmanian devils on a visit to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary in Tasmania.
Explore the oldest section of the ancient Daintree Rainforest and spend a day on the Great Barrier Reef, snorkeling amid colorful marine life or observing it from a glass-bottom boat.
National Geographic Expeditions recently announced that it will be taking travelers to Bhutan beginning in 2024.
Visiting this country on the Himalayan mountains’ eastern edge offers views of dramatic landscapes and stunning architecture. Guests will be immersed in centuries-old traditions ardently protected by its government and its people, and meet with Bhutanese dignitaries offering once-in-a-lifetime conversations as guests learn about this unique country.
Let’s take a look at what guests will experience in Bhutan with National Geographic Expeditions. These are just highlights of all the amazing sights and experiences guests encounter, so be sure to see our website for a complete and detailed itinerary.
Bhutan: Land of Mysticism and Mythology
The first day in Bhutan includes a visit to a monastery where a monk will offer a blessing for safe travels. This blessing is a common Bhutanese practice and is your introduction to the local culture.
The journey on this 11-day excursion continues to Thimphu, the Phobjika Valley, Punakha and Paro.
In Thimphu, guests will stop at the Zangdok Pelri Temple, see the 169-foot Buddha Dordenma statue, hear from Buddhist practitioners and even participate in a butter lamp lighting ceremony. Following lunch, at the Institute of Thirteen Arts and Crafts, guests will see amazing artwork and a traditional painting demonstration. One of the most significant elements of this trip happens at the Folk Heritage Museum. Here guests will meet with a member of the King’s Court for a question-and-answer session followed by dinner at the museum.
Next, the beautiful Dochula Pass and its spectacular views will greet you as you stand in awe of the Himalayan mountains. In the Phobjikha Valley, touring a 450-year-old monastery, hiking in the forested areas to spot birds and wildlife, plus visiting a local farming community and having butter tea and lunch with a local farmer are just a few of the special moments in this region. Guests will also learn about the Black-Necked Crane and the local efforts to preserve and protect their roosting areas.
In Punakha, guests will engage with local villagers as you explore the countryside, Buddhist monasteries, the 520-foot suspension bridge, and the Punakha Dzong, an architectural wonder and the most important fortress in Bhutan.
Paro is also a delight. Here, guests will tour the National Museum to view the finest Bhutanese art collection of more than 3,000 pieces spanning 1,500 years of the country’s history, and visit the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
This is a dream trip for many reasons — the country has long protected its culture and has limited tourism. Known for its Gross National Happiness (GNH) Index, tourism and overall lifestyle are closely monitored by the government to contribute to the collective happiness of its people. For example, there are nine key markers that are measured, including culture, community and the environment.
Travelers will soon have more exciting destinations and countries to explore with National Geographic Expeditions. Beginning in 2024, three new itineraries spanning five countries will be added to the leading global travel portfolio, all featuring the incredible access, deep knowledge and extraordinary storytelling that only National Geographic can provide. Travelers will be inspired by the insights, beauty, landscapes and architecture as they discover the wonders of the world.
The new Signature Land trips visit Bhutan, Colombia and the Baltics. These group-guided itineraries will provide an enriching, in-depth look at the history, cultures and natural heritage of each destination. Each Signature Land trip is hosted by a National Geographic Expert who provides a one-of-a-kind perspective. With specialties such as filmmaking, conservation, photography, archaeology, geography and many more, the Experts who travel on Signature Land expeditions are passionate storytellers who have a close connection to National Geographic, and their unique insights foster a travel experience that enlightens, inspires and goes in-depth like no other.
Bookings for all three itineraries will open on June 13, 2023, with early booking for the following travelers:
June 7 – Lifelong Explorers
June 9 – Past National Geographic Expeditions Guests
June 12 – Disney Vacation Club Members, Golden Oak Residents and Club 33 members
June 13 – Bookings open for general public
Additionally, travelers interested in booking a vacation in 2024 with National Geographic Expeditions can also save with an early booking offer! Book before Sept. 5, 2023 and save $400 per person on select 2024 North America Signature Land itineraries and $500 per person on select 2024 international Signature Land itineraries.
Bhutan: Land of Mysticism and Mythology
The remote kingdom of Bhutan welcomes travelers to experience the wonders of its dramatic landscapes and storied cities. An exploration of this Buddhist kingdom found on the Himalayas’ eastern edge is filled with a rich and unique culture and reflects its commitment to tradition, the environment and the happiness of its people. The 11-day, 10- night itinerary includes visiting much of Bhutan through major destinations such as Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Phobjikha Valley.
Highlights of the expedition include:
Unparalleled access: dining with Bhutanese dignitaries such as business professionals and government officials who will engage with guests and provide insights on everyday life in Bhutan and, a meet and greet with a Buddhist scholar and a privately guided hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
Architectural wonders: touring Punakha Dzong to learn and appreciate Bhutanese architecture and visiting the golden Buddha Dordenma Statue and the Divine Mad Monk Monastery.
Cultural immersion: enjoying hands-on experiences such as participating in the butter lamp lighting tradition and lessons in the national sport of archery.
Renowned medical anthropologist Carroll Dunham has been confirmed as one of the National Geographic Experts slated to join select Bhutan departures. Dunham has lived in Nepal studying Buddhism for the past 30 years. She is an avid storyteller with a focus on environmental conservation related to sacred spaces of Southeast Asia. Dunham has authored four books exploring the feminine divine in South Asian history and culture, and she has also produced more than a dozen films for National Geographic and others on topics ranging from Living Goddesses to polyandry, nomadism and geology.
There are five Bhutan departure dates in 2024 beginning in March and extending through December. Specific Expert dates will be released later this year.
Colombia: Connections to the Land and the Past
Travelers will dive into a nine-day, eight-night tour through beautiful landscapes of Colombia from the mountains to the beaches. They will embark on a journey across Bogota, the Cocora Valley, Pereira, Santa Marta and through Tayrona National Park and Barranquilla to make their way to Cartagena.
Highlights of the expedition include:
Insider experiences: visiting San Basilio de Palenque, the first free town for enslaved people in the Americas, which was proclaimed a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2005.
Inspiration from the past and the present: exploring the archaeological ruins of Taironaka, learning about the modern-day Kogi people or being immersed in the music and traditions of the celebrated Barranquilla Carnaval.
Delicious journeys: sampling local delicacies and savoring the flavors of the coffee region while learning how Colombia became one of the most popular coffee exporters in the world.
Spectacular wildlife: hiking through the towering wax palms of Cocora Valley or gazing in wonder at the endemic species of birds and mammals found in Tayrona National Park.
National Geographic Explorer Rosa Vásquez Espinoza has been confirmed as one of the Experts set to join select Colombia departures. Chemical biologist, educator, conservationist and TV personality, Espinoza travels to the most extreme ecosystems of the planet searching for the tiniest creatures, from heat-loving microbes to Amazonian stingless bees. She is passionate about driving awareness for conservation.
There are six Colombia departure dates in 2024 beginning in January and extending through December. Specific Expert dates will be released later this year.
The Baltics: Enchanted Forests and Medieval Castles
The Baltics are classified as one geographic region, yet it consists of three distinct countries sitting on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea. Travelers will visit all three countries, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, to gain a deeper understanding of what makes each region unique, from language, traditions and beyond. The 11-day, 10-night itinerary will take travelers across destinations such as Vilnius, the Curonian Spit, Klaipeda, Riga, Sigulda, Gauja National Park and Tallinn.
Highlights of the expedition include:
History brought to life: delving into medieval times during privately guided excursions to Cesis Castle and Gusmanas Caves and more recent history of World War II and the Soviet Era during guided visits to the Ninth Fort, Hill of Crosses and Maajamae Palace. Each experience showcases how these countries changed over time and were influenced by foreign occupations.
Cultural preservation: cruising along the UNESCO recognized Curonian Spit or venturing through the UNESCO celebrated Old Town Centers of Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn.
A taste of the destination: touring a local market in Riga and seeing — and trying — the local ingredients that make up Latvian cuisine.
Photographer and naturalist Jeff Mauritzen has been confirmed as one of the Experts slated to join select Baltics departures. With adventures taking him to more than 60 countries around the world, Mauritzen’s photography has appeared in dozens of National Geographic books, several National Geographic Traveler magazine articles and on the @natgeotravel Instagram account.
There are four Baltics departure dates in 2024 beginning in May and extending through October. Specific Expert dates will be released later this year.
Bringing the Disney Wish, the latest Disney Cruise Line ship, from an idea to the sea was a five-year undertaking by thousands of dedicated crew and Cast Members. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into the process, a new documentary by National Geographic gives an amazing behind-the-scenes look at the last year and a half of construction. “Making the Disney Wish: Disney’s Newest Cruise Ship” debuts on Disney+ on February 17. We were able to catch a screening of the show and talk to the filmmakers to learn more about this documentary.
The documentary is a 90-minute special that gives an incredible behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring a Disney Cruise Line ship to life. From designing to constructing and launching the Disney Wish, viewers will be amazed at the process and challenges that Disney Cruise Line and Walt Disney Imagineering faced as they worked through the pandemic, which caused numerous delays.
Filmmakers Chad Cohen (director, writer, and producer) and Bethany Jones (producer and writer) have created a great documentary that will give you an appreciation for the ship and shipbuilders and the incredible Imagineers who were challenged to bring this ship to life. It was especially interesting to learn how the cast and crew worked around the clock during the transatlantic voyage from Germany to Port Canaveral in June 2022. The ship transformed before their eyes as spaces went through last-minute construction, such as painting, carpet laying, and more.
When we spoke to the filmmakers, we learned that they wanted to give some great behind-the-scenes look at the engineering and construction of the ship while also highlighting the heart and dedication of Walt Disney Imagineers. We thought they did a fantastic job covering more technical aspects of the Disney Wish while showing the power of people to pull together to make something amazing. Chad Cohen said they tried very hard not to be an advertisement, and we think they pulled it off. He said it well when he told us he tried to make a documentary that showed “passionate people making cool stuff.”
One very cool scene was the speed trials the ship went through to test the systems. Normally, cameras are not allowed during such tests, and the filmmakers were originally told they would not be able to film, but in the end, they were able to gain access. We’re glad they did because it was neat to see how rigorous the testing is. Another cool scene in the documentary was seeing actor Anthony Mackie film his scenes for the dinner experience at Worlds of Marvel. It’s amazing all of the work that goes into one meal a guest would experience during the cruise.
After watching the documentary, we felt a new appreciation for everyone who brought the ship to life. Having been on the Disney Wish, we know the ship is amazing, and it’s a great reminder that the skill and dedication of the cast and crew are what brought the Wish to life. We highly recommend watching this documentary! We really do think you’ll love it.
“Making the Disney Wish: Disney’s Newest Cruise Ship” debuts on Disney+ on February 17. It’s currently available on Hulu Live and on the National Geographic Channel.
Something that is so much fun, is parents can check their children into the kids club in the Grand Hall on deck 3 and then send them “down the rabbit hole” on a twisting slide to land directly and securely into the central hub of Disney’s Oceaneer Club on deck 2.
National Geographic Expeditions announces its full lineup of Signature Land trips, River Cruises and Private Expeditions with unforgettable experiences for travelers around the world in 2024.
Travelers will have their pick of experiences, from a safari in Tanzania to an immersion in the timeless culture of Japan. Sail the Rhine on a world-class ship, exploring half-timbered villages and rolling wine country on a summertime sail through four countries. Or, get a close-up look at conservation in Costa Rica, meeting scientists at three research stations while exploring the cloud forest, wetlands, volcanoes, and coastal mangroves.
Bookings for 2024 Signature Land trips, River Cruises and Private Expedition itineraries open to the public on Jan. 12. Bookings open early for the following travelers:
Jan. 6 – Lifelong Explorers
Jan. 10 – Past National Geographic Expeditions Guests
Jan. 11 – Disney Vacation Club Members, Golden Oak Residents and Club 33 members
Jan. 12 – Bookings open for general public
Travelers interested in booking a vacation in 2024 with National Geographic Expeditions can also save with an early booking offer! Book before April 7, 2023 and save $400 per person on all available North America Signature Land departures and $500 per person on all available International Signature Land departures for travel between Jan. 2024 and June 2024. Travelers can also save $750 per person on all available 2024 River Cruise departures, excluding the Jordan Extension and Petra Extension itineraries. Additional details can be found on the Offers page.
Click here for more information about National Geographic Expeditions. Travel agents with Guests who are interested in traveling with National Geographic Expeditions, including those who are eligible for early booking, can call 1-888-966-8687 directly to book their expedition.
