National Geographic Day Tours
Based on National Geographic's legacy of storytelling and exploration
Why choose National Geographic day tours
Limited to small groups and led by National Geographic-trained guides who are subject matter experts in their fields, these tours, operated by TUI, embody the renowned National Geographic spirit of exploration, conservation and education.
Immersive, enriching & sustainable guided day tours
Whether you prefer history, culture, gastronomy, conservation, nature, adventure, or photography these tours are designed to satisfy your curiosity.
Access
Immerse yourself in the destinations and attractions you explore through exclusive access and hands-on experiences based on National Geographic’s existing relationships around the globe.
Knowledge
Discover the world through the lens of National Geographic as National Geographic-trained guides and local experts share their knowledge and passion of the places and locations you visit.
Give back
Experience meaningful explorations with a commitment to sustainable tourism, with all tours meeting the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria and a portion of proceeds dedicated to fund research.
Local immersion
Become inspired to care about the planet and its people by gaining a deeper understanding of the communities and inhabitants of the places you visit through interaction and insights into their daily lives.
Storytelling
Be a part of the story of each destination you visit through the unparalleled content and research from National Geographic you’ll be exposed to, making you reflect on different current realities.
Top experiences around the world
Cancun - Nat Geo Day Tour: Unveiling the Importance of Cancun’s Reef Restoration
Explore the wonders of the Mesoamerican Reef System on this exclusive National Geographic Day Tour. Led by marine specialists, you will have the unique opportunity to snorkel and witness the impact of humanity on the reef and see coral bleaching. This is followed by an insightful talk on actionable steps for reef restoration.Setting sail when the waters are at their calmest, you'll venture to two different reefs, each affected by bleaching due to global warming, water pollution, and microplastics. Visit the reef known as “El Meco”, which boasts the youngest corals, making it a particularly special attraction.The boats used for the tour are certified by Blue Flag for sustainable tourism, ensuring your voyage aligns with eco-conscious practices. Along the way, you'll also get to know the local fauna and savour samples of traditional snacks including Kibi.During this tour, you will be inspired to protect these marine ecosystems, which is the aim of the National Geographic-sponsored Pristine Seas project. This project has carried out expeditions to Banco Chinchorro, a significant part of the Mesoamerican Reef System. This project's work underscores the importance of safeguarding marine environments from human influence while protecting the last wild places in our oceans.By joining this tour, you will engage with the vital importance of preserving and protecting the precious Mesoamerican Reef System. See for yourself the marvels of the ocean and gain a profound understanding of coral reefs and their critical role in the biosphere.
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Cancun - Nat Geo Day Tour: Exploring the Underworld and Mayan Culture
When you imagine the ancient Mayans peering into mysteriously deep and limpid underground pools, it's easy to see how they came to believe these cenotes were windows to the underworld. This National Geographic Day Tour is a journey into the deepest aspects of Mayan culture, bridging the gap between the tempting beauty of the cenotes the region is so famous for, and the significance they hold in local tradition. You'll begin the day with a descent into either Abuelo or Zoi Che cenote, where you can choose to enjoy a cooling dip. These water-filled caverns offer a tangible connection to the Mayan way of life. Your National Geographic-trained guide will explain how the fresh water of cenotes was crucial for the survival of Mayan settlements, especially given the scarcity of rivers and lakes in the Yucatan. As well as their spiritual status, the guide will also describe the Mayan concept of the underworld, or Xibalba, and it's nine layered structure which is reflected in many of Mexico's Mayan pyramids. Next, you'll take a guided stroll along the Mayan Path of Xibalba where thirteen representations of Mayan gods punctuate the route, and your guide will unravel their stories on the way. National Geographic guests will have private access to the park's recently discovered fifth cenote, steeped in the aura of the ancient world. After your exploration of the connection between cenotes and Mayan culture and beliefs, it's time to relax over a traditional homemade local lunch, a homage to the region's culinary heritage.
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Gran Canaria - Nat Geo Day Tour: Gran Canaria's Southern Charms, a Photography Tour
Uncover the most photogenic corners of southern Gran Canaria on this National Geographic Day Tour. Your adventure begins in the village of Temisas, famed for its olive oil. Wander the narrow lanes lined with white houses with Arabic tiles, then discover the town square and capture traditional architecture. Next up is the hilltop village and authentic Canarian town of Tunte. Explore the charming streets, from the old washing places to the 19th-century fountain of El Rosal. Observe the details of a tile oven, original cobblestone paths, traditional houses, and the Casa Canaria de Tunte – a tribute to the ancient Canaries. As you will soon discover, Canarian villages are characterized by white-washed houses which can be dazzling in the bright sunshine. The photographer will give you valuable tips for making the most of the abundant light for great photos even in these conditions. Explore the villages at your own pace, taking snaps of the unique corners that appeal to you. There's plenty of potential subjects in these photogenic and typical Canarian villages. Climb to El Polvo viewpoint with its striking rock formation. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the village and capture versatile images that tell its captivating story. The final stop is the sleepy hamlet of Fataga. Traverse the winding streets before gazing upon the striking stone massifs that flank the village. Finally, enjoy a spectacular drive down the mountain looking out to Meloneras and Maspalomas. View the imposing humpbacked sand dunes in the distance as you make your way to a local restaurant. Here, you'll review the photos and recap the experience over a well-earned lunch, after which the winning photograph will be revealed.
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Majorca - Nat Geo Day Tour: Marine Treasures of Mallorca, the Posidonia Oceanica
Inspired by the work of National Geographic's Pristine Seas project, which aims to protect the last wild places in our oceans, this National Geographic Day Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful and unspoiled Mediterranean waters by kayak, accompanied by a marine biologist and learn about the importance of Posidonia Oceanica. Posidonia Oceanica is more than just a seagrass. In the words of Manu San Félix, a member of the National Geographic Pristine Seas Project: "Posidonia is the architect of the Mediterranean marine ecosystem." It is an essential part of this ecosystem with broad implications for ecology, coastal stability, tourism, and even climate regulation. Efforts to conserve and protect this important species are crucial to maintaining the health and balance of the Mediterranean environment. This humble plant plays a vital role in oxygenating seawater, helping to stabilize sediment, and providing a habitat for many species of fish and other marine life. Accompanied by a marine biologist, you will paddle your kayak a distance of approximately 2.5 miles around the Marine Protected Area of the Malgrats Islands, a biodiverse ecosystem which is home to dolphins, fish, birds, algae and more. The protected zone was established to safeguard the surrounding marine habitat, an important location for Posidonia Oceanica. Exploring mostly by kayak with an optional snorkel stop, you'll see the Posidonia meadows for yourself, with explanations from the marine biologist about the impact this seagrass has on the Mediterranean and the wider world. Learn how each of us can play a part in protecting the Posidonia meadows, by raising awareness of their role in the battle against global warming, as featured in the National Geographic documentary, 'Pristine Seas: The Power of Protection'.
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Gran Canaria - Nat Geo Day Tour: Guanches Mysteries Unearthed with an Archaeologist
Unveil the secrets of the Guanches, Gran Canaria's extinct aboriginal population, with an archaeologist on this National Geographic Day Tour. Begin your tour at La Fortaleza Museum, where you can learn about ancestral diets, uncovering the nourishment that fuelled generations past. You will also have access to the archive room, exclusive to National Geographic travellers. Inside, a pair of rare mummies will reveal stories about the lives and deaths of the island's original inhabitants. After, you'll enjoy some local delicacies such as olive oil, bread, Tenefé salt, and pastries made with gofio flour, almonds or figs. Next, explore La Fortaleza archeological site, the most complete in all Gran Canaria. Protected by law, it is important both in terms of its historical significance and location. See habitation caves adorned with paintings, granaries, stone houses, funerary monuments, engravings, and the island's oldest sanctuary. Learn why the Guanches' referred to it as the ‘Axis of the World', the place where heaven and earth converged. Witness the ancient way of life in La Fortaleza as you discover the tunnel that traverses the rock, offering panoramas of La Fortaleza de Abajo. This sprawling settlement of excavated houses is just a stone's throw away. Round off this experience with a scenic drive along winding roads to the foot of the caldera. You'll head to Mirador Santa Lucia, where you'll indulge in a typical Canarian lunch of regional cuisine with a side order of impressive views. As you relish the rich flavors, soak up the surrounding landscape and reflect on the history you've uncovered during this journey.
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Costa del Sol - Nat Geo Day Tour: Echoes of Al-Andalus in Malaga
Journey through time and culture as you uncover the fascinating heritage of Al-Andalus in Malaga. Visit the Alcazaba, a formidable fortress standing as a testament to the military prowess of the Arab era. As you explore its imposing walls and strategic design, you'll be transported back to a period of grandeur. Continue the adventure at Malaga Museum, where Al-Andalus' vibrancy is showcased through a collection of ceramics and Moorish calligraphy. Marvel at exhibits merging history and art, delving into the cultural richness of the past. Next, you will stop at a restaurant to enjoy a typical tapa merging Arabic and Mediterranean flavours, washed down with local wine. Then, learn how to write your name in Arabic at a calligraphy workshop, crafted exclusively for National Geographic travellers. Discover the characteristic streets of the historic centre, revealing the urban heritage shaped by Al-Andalus. Admire the decorative tiles and intricate details that bear witness to the fusion of cultures, creating a unique landscape. Wrap up your experience at the colourful Atarazanas Market, its Moorish entrance beckoning you into the sensory overload of colours and aromas. Engage with vendors as you meander through stalls filled with fruits and herbs. To fully immerse yourself in the local experience, take a sip from an Andalusian-style wineskin.
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Majorca - Nat Geo Day Tour: Mallorca's Flor de Sal, Unearthing an Island Treasure
Behind the white sand beach of Es Trenc stretches the Protected Area of the Levante Salt Flats. For millennia, precious salt has been harvested here, and today it's a haven for nature enthusiasts and home to over 160 different species of birds. With luck you will be able to spot avocets, stilts, and pink flamingos among many others. Spanning an expansive 150 hectares, the Levante Salt Flats have been designated as a Natural Area of Special Interest. Three conditions are essential for the purest salt to form – hot sun, sea breeze and low humidity. You will witness the ancient process of salt harvesting as you explore the salt pans on a gentle walking tour, your National Geographic-traned guide providing you with local insight and explaining the history of this ancient Balearic occupation. Watch the expert Salineros using age-old techniques to gather the finest, Flor de Sal salt crystals, and then have a go at harvesting some yourself. The tour also spotlights the sustainable nature of the sea salt industry. The production is in total harmony with the ecosystem, in fact many migratory birds rely on the mineral-rich wetlands to restore balance after long flights from overseas. The delicate nature of salt crystals means hand harvesting is the only workable method, so there is no need for mechanisation. Enjoy landscapes and artisan processes that have remained unchanged for centuries as you soak up the peace and nature of this special place.
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Istanbul - Nat Geo Day Tour: Fener-Balat, from Orthodox to offbeat
Visit historic Greek and Bulgarian sites in Istanbul, Ahrida Synagogue and the colorful steps, and savor Turkish local delicacies.
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