Holland America Line has started operating “National Geographic Day Tours” that allow guests to connect more deeply, and in a more sustainable way, with destinations in the Mediterranean. The exclusive shore excursions were, as the name suggests, developed with National Geographic.
Beginning this summer, guests sailing on Oosterdam and Nieuw Statendam can participate in "National Geographic Day Tours" that allow them to discover powerful female figures in Kusadasi, Turkey; experience a day in the life of a marine biologist in Naples, Italy; learn about organic honeybee farms in Rhodes, Greece; and meet local families in Santorini, Greece. Each tour is led by a National Geographic trained guide.
Guests on select sailings in the Mediterranean can now book National Geographic tours online or through a travel advisor.
National Geographic Tours
“A Day in the Life of a Marine Biologist” in Naples, Italy
As part of the tour, travelers will be able to visit the oldest aquarium in Europe along with the Darwin Dohrn Museum (DoDaM), the world’s first marine biodiversity research laboratory, where more than 20 Nobel Laureates studied and work on marine biology conservation projects in Naples, and learn about preserving marine turtles and the grey sharks of Lampione Island.
“Meet the Locals in Santorini” in Santorini, Greece
The tour will allow travelers to spend a day in the homes of two Santorini families and hear their stories of life on the island while tasting regional wine, cheese, vegetables and more. They will also see the blue-domed church Panagia Kalamiotissa and visit Santo Winery to taste and pair Santorini's unique wine while enjoying panoramic views of the caldera.
“Influential Women in Turkey: From Past to Present” in Kusadasi, Turkey
This tour gives travelers a chance to explore powerful female figures who have influenced the local Turkish society through the ages, from ancient civilizations to modern times with visits to the Temple Artemis and House of the Virgin Mary on the hill above Ephesus. The tour ends with a culinary journey guided by a local chef during an exclusive pairing menu at Yedi Bilgeler, a winery that has cultivated 2,000-year-old vines.
“The Fascinating World of Bees” in Rhodes, Greece
Travelers on this tour will discover why honeybees are among the most important living organisms on the planet; uncover eye-opening ecological facts, sample local honey varieties, and try their hand at honey extraction at the Bee Museum of Rhodes.
The new "National Geographic Day Tours" are available on seven-day to 14-day itineraries departing from Trieste (Venice), Italy; Piraeus (Athens), Greece and Barcelona, Spain.
For more information, visit www.hollandamerica.com.
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