For anyone who loves seeing legendary sites up close and walking around gorgeous landscapes, there’s a destination in the North Atlantic that has it all — actually, make that 6,000 destinations. The British and Irish Isles — which also include Scotland, Wales and the 6,000-plus islands around them — pack in endless fascination for travelers. For nature buffs, a trip to this Atlantic archipelago is an especially magical experience. It’s a chance to see spectacular animals and rare plants in the wild, all while hiking in beautiful surroundings dotted with archaeological ruins and local charm. A voyage around this part of the Atlantic brings unexpected daily discoveries along the cliffs, shores and hiking trails of the islands.
Off the western coast of Sweden lies a small group of ice-scoured granitic islands. Väderöarna (or the Weather Islands, in English) is one of those places that seeps into your soul. A remote oasis in the middle of the ocean, it’s way off the beaten path, far from the noise and stressors of everyday life.
Where Spain and Portugal meet southern France, the bounty of the ocean and farmlands, paired with traditional wines and spirits, create a culinary adventure like no other.
National Geographic photographer Alison Wright shares some of her favorite highlights along the European coastline--from enjoying a glass of local ruby port in Portugal to biking England's picturesque Tresco Island.
The medieval walled city of Saint-Malo has birthed explorers and privateers, and risen like a phoenix from the rubble of World War II to become a stunningly picturesque small city known for its authentic character.
Discover some of the awe-inspiring vestiges of history we explore on our diverse European expeditions: from the Suez Canal to the fortress on Belle-Ile-en-Mer.
These fascinating European cities each hold a secret identity, the result of ancient cultural influences. Here's your chance to discover two cultures in one stop.
Back to Daajing Giids! After an incredible day in SGang Gwaay visiting an ancestral village with still-standing historic totem poles, our Haida hosts thought it appropriate to bring us to Old Massett – and what a joy it was! This remarkable township is home to two master carvers responsible for sharing their culture far and wide. Jim Hart showed us his home studio where we got to meet his mother and his son. Together, Jim and his son shared the stories of the three totem poles outside of their home, each with a unique story regarding close family members. Another master carver some 5 minutes down the road, Christian White, beckoned us into his carving shed where he and his apprentices were actively shaping a canoe out of red cedar. Christian and Jim honor their ancestors’ legacies by training young Haida as carvers, each having several apprentices. In both workshops, the smell of newly carved cedar brought a sense of purpose and hard work; wood shavings danced in the air like the Haida dancers would just after lunch today. It was another wonderful day of sharing, dancing, singing, and laughing.
The spring campaign for the Columbia and Snake Rivers Journey made its final visit of the season to the wine-loving Walla Walla Valley. Nearly 20 of our guests spent the morning tasting and touring Dunham Cellars, Walla Walla’s ninth-oldest winery. Others visited the Whitman Mission National Historic Site. Guests met for lunch at Three Rivers Winery, which is owned by California businessman/philanthropist, William Foley. Bon Appétit Management of Whitman College handled the catering which made for a very tasty meal. Next was a self-guided walking tour of downtown Walla Walla that featured Lindblad-arranged tastings at Bergevin Lane Vineyards, Browne Family Vineyards, Mark Ryan Winery and Rasa Vineyards as well as shopping at the many small businesses along Main Street. Among those favored by guests were Bright’s Candies, Hot Poop Record Store, Pinecone Creamery, and Colville Street Patisserie. Upon returning to National Geographic Sea Bird , after-dinner education featured a presentation titled, ‘Down the Rivers with the Lewis & Clark Expedition’ by historian Robert Heacock.
The first day of adventure around the Channel Islands National Park found National Geographic Quest exploring Anacapa Island. Inhabited and named by the Chumash people, Anyapax (or Anacapa in English) means mirage or illusion and refers to the atmospheric phenomena that occasionally distorts the appearance of the island when viewed from the mainland. Known as the Galapagos of North America, guests were able to experience Anacapa Island both by foot and by Zodiac cruising during the morning operations. Taking in sights such as endemic plants, blooming coreopsis, and California sea lions. The afternoon had us transiting over to Santa Cruz Island where some guests were able to get ashore while others enjoyed a lecture by naturalist Jim Coyer. Drinks and yummy hors d’oeuvres were plentiful during cocktail hour and recap, and the evening wrapped up with another lecture on island ecology by naturalist Kelly Morgan. It was a wonderful start to our Channel Islands adventure.
Today we were taken back in time as we visited Santiago Island. Starting the morning activities at Buccaneer Cove, we enjoyed the wonderful landscape while kayaking and paddle boarding. Afterwards we had fun snorkeling. It was delightful to swim among big schools of colorful fish and whitetip reef sharks. The afternoon brought us to Puerto Egas where several of our guests went for a walk along the coast, following in Charles Darwin’s footsteps. Others enjoyed the black sandy beach and the easy snorkeling off the shore. Today there was even time for two presentations, one on human history given by Omar Adrian, and I gave the second lecture about Charles Darwin and the Voyage of the Beagle. It was such an amazing day, making memories that will last a lifetime!
Today's adventure whisked us away to enchanting Futuna, where tales of resilience and tradition echo through the land. Guided by experts, we journeyed back in time, tracing the footsteps of the ancient Lapita civilization. Marveling at ancient artifacts, we admired the ingenuity of past generations. Our exploration led us to the World's Last Cannibal Oven, a poignant reminder of Futuna's complex history. Amidst verdant taro plantations, we learned of the island's defiance against Tongan invasions, preserving its cultural identity. We visited the Cathedral of Poi, where locals honor Saint Pierre Chanel, whose legacy resonates across Polynesia. A cultural war dance immersed us in Futuna's vibrant spirit, brimming with tradition. We reveled in local delights, from snorkeling in pristine waters, to basking on sandy shores. As the day closed, we shared tales over tea and cocktails, cherishing our connections to Futuna's past and present.