National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions will mark the fifth anniversary in 2013 of its flagship, National Geographic Explorer, with five new itineraries. All expeditions are set aboard the National Geographic Explorer, a 148-guest expedition ship.
The new 2013 itineraries include:
· Epic South America - Jungle Rivers, Rain Forests & the Colonial Coast: The journey will begin in Trinidad ending in Buenos Aires, Argentina visiting eight countries – with experiences added to the expedition over the next 14 months. You’ll have the opportunity to explore three rivers—the Orinoco, Amazon and Essequibo—and experience the region’s exuberant cultures. The journey also includes: riverine and rain forest habitats, virgin beaches and access to Fernando de Noronha to explore and snorkel. A focus on the region’s musical styles and cultural heritage will be woven into the voyage. The itinerary includes flexibility—to take advantage of the unexpected wonders sure to occur in this exciting part of the world. The 38-day adventure departs Sept. 18, 2013. Rates begin at $34,730 per person based on double occupancy in a category 1 cabin.
· A Circumnavigation of Iceland: Cruise among icebergs in Jokulsarlon, spend a day on the Arctic Circle spotting birdlife, kayak into fjords and bays and go hiking on remote stretches of the coast. Explore Europe’s largest ice cap, and discover the lava-sculpted landscapes of the Westman Islands. Soak in hot springs, and see mud pots and the Godafoss Waterfall. Go whale-watching on the shores of Iceland and its surrounding isles. Cap off the adventure with a soak in Reykjavik’s Blue Lagoon. Joining the voyage is Andrew Evans, National Geographic travel writer and author of the Bradt Travel Guide: Iceland. Departs July 10, 2013 for 10 days/8 nights, rates begin at $7,990 per person based on double occupancy in a category 1 cabin.
· Along the Viking Trail – From Iceland to Greenland: Explore Iceland’s western fjords by Zodiac; kayak among the icebergs of East Greenland; and hike amid northern hamlets. Along the way, become immersed in Nordic history on visits to Viking sites and settlements with National Geographic experts. Explore Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital city, and discover the western coast of Iceland. Venture to two sites on the Viking Trail, settled by Erik the Red 500 years before Columbus. Joining the voyage is author and adventurer Tim Severin, one of the last traditional style explorers. Departs July 18, 2013 for 12 days/10 nights. Rates begin at $9,620 per person based on double occupancy in a category 1 cabin.
· Arctic Quest: Greenland and the Canadian High Arctic: Venture deep into the far reaches of the Arctic, where we will trace the rugged fjords of Greenland and navigate the mouth of Canada’s Northwest Passage. Glide between icebergs at the mouth of the Ilulissat Icefjord, spot polar bears on the pack ice, and watch for a wide variety of whales—from minke and killer whales to the rare narwhal. They voayge explores Uummannaq, the site of Greenland’s impressive mummy find, and visits the Inuit village of Sermermiut, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Get up close to glaciers and hike the islands that dot Canada’s northern shores. Joining the voyage is Henning Thing, Ph.D. in arctic wildlife ecology. The 17-day expedition departs July 27 and Aug. 10, 2013. Rates begin at $16,160 per person based on double occupancy.
· A Circumnavigation of the Baltic Sea: Discover the nine countries united by the Baltic Sea. Meet former President Lech Walesa in his hometown of Gdansk, Poland. Stroll through the medieval old towns of Lübeck, Riga and Tallinn, designated UNESCO World Heritage sites; visit the maritime capital of Stockholm; and explore the tiny islands along the Finnish and Swedish coasts by kayak or on nature walks. View one of the art collections at the Hermitage Museum, explore St. Petersburg’s imperial treasures, including the palace of Catherine the First. Departs on May 10, 2013 for 16 days/14 nights. Rates begin at $13,990 per person based on double occupancy in a category 1 cabin.
For more information, visit www.expeditions.com.