National Geographic Expeditions has selected Intercruises Shoreside & Port Services to collaborate in the field of shore excursions for cruise ships with the debut of National Geographic Day Tours, a collection of full-day and half-day itineraries inspired by the spirit of exploration of National Geographic.
The National Geographic Day Tours will launch during the summer of 2023, initially in Mediterranean destinations, with a global expansion in the future.
National Geographic Day Tours, operated by Intercruises, are designed to offer captivating storytelling and experiences inspired by National Geographic's incredible legacy of exploration and understanding of the world. All trips will focus on themes such as conservation, culture, and history and will adhere to the criteria of the Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
“New and inspiring experiences await our travelers, thanks to this exciting collaboration with Intercruises,” said Nancy Schumacher, senior vice president of National Geographic Expeditions. “National Geographic Day Tours is just one more way to expand our storytelling and travel opportunities around the world, and we look forward to the new tours our travelers will soon experience.”
“Two strong brands working together to offer unique experiences. We are proud to collaborate with National Geographic Expeditions,” says Virginia Quintairos, Director of Business Development at Intercruises. “The trend is clear: cruise guests are looking for authentic experiences with a strong, educational story to tell – and these National Geographic Day Tours meet and exceed those expectations.”
The 48 National Geographic Day Tours will include enriching experiences in the following destinations: Marseille, Rome, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, Funchal, Tenerife, Arrecife, Dubrovnik, Naples, Corfu, Kusadasi, Athens, Mykonos, Rhodes, and Santorini. For example:
– Tarquinia and Vulci, Italy: “The Etruscan Legacy”
Focused on knowledge and history, this trip offers an in-depth exploration of the Etruscan civilization with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Etruscan Necropolis of Tarquinia and the Archaeological Park of Vulci. Travelers will learn about important research and new findings from National Geographic explorers who have studied these renowned archaeological sites, and will also discuss the Etruscan influence on modern Italian society.
– Barcelona, Spain: “The Secrets of Restoration”
This tour highlights the importance of art conservation, as travelers meet an expert restorer from the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC) who will guide them on a private tour of the museum’s restoration studios—an exclusive National Geographic experience. This is followed by a visit to the Romanesque collection, the largest and oldest in Europe.
– Dubrovnik, Croatia: “The Benefits and Flavors of Oyster Farming”
The theme of this excursion is sustainability, as travelers discover the benefits of oyster farming and learn how it helps regenerate the marine ecosystem. During this experience, travelers will have a hands-on journey through the bay's waters while listening to the stories of local oyster farmers and shellfish gatherers. They will also get a taste of farm cuisine by sampling oysters straight from the sea.
