National Geographic Expeditions Adds Three New 2025 Itineraries: Australia, Portugal, and Sri Lanka

National Geographic Expeditions has announced three new Signature Land trips launching in 2025: an 11-day Australian adventure covering the Great Barrier Reef and Wild Tasmania, a 10-day Portugal and Azores journey through UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Atlantic island ecology, and an 11-day Sri Lanka expedition spanning ancient temples, wildlife, and spice country. Bookings open June 4 at NationalGeographicExpeditions.com.

National Geographic Expeditions has announced three new Signature Land itineraries launching in 2025 — covering Australia, Portugal and the Azores, and Sri Lanka. Each multi-day trip is grounded in authentic Nat Geo storytelling, guided by researchers and local experts actively working in their fields, with built-in connections to National Geographic programming and conservation efforts.

Australia: Reefs, Rainforests and Wild Tasmania

The first new itinerary brings travelers to Australia on an 11-day journey through some of the continent's most iconic natural wonders. The trip opens at the Great Barrier Reef, where participants can snorkel alongside colorful reef fish or observe underwater life from a semi-submersible boat or underwater laboratory. From there, aboriginal guides lead a trek through the ancient Daintree Rainforest, while visits to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and Healesville Sanctuary offer close encounters with rescued native animals.

On Tasmania's east coast, the itinerary features the endangered Bicheno penguins before travelers embark on a catamaran sailing to spot marine mammals at Wineglass Bay with Pennicott Wilderness Journeys — a company led by 2012 National Geographic Traveler of the Year Robert Pennicott. Local wineries also feature on the Tasmanian leg. The expedition concludes in Sydney with a private tour of the Sydney Opera House and exploration of the Rocks District.

Portugal and the Azores: History, Ecology, and Epicurean Delights

The 10-day Portugal and the Azores itinerary combines two destinations for an immersive exploration of European maritime heritage and Atlantic island ecology. Founded in 1143, Portugal was once at the center of the Age of Exploration, and the trip highlights five UNESCO World Heritage Sites across both locations. Highlights include visiting the famed Lello Bookstore in Porto, an electric tuk-tuk ride through historic town centers, and kayaking or biking alongside the Douro River through the valley's wine terraces.

In Lisbon, local guides explore the architecture and history of Sao Roque Church, the Carmo Convent, and Jeronimos Monastery. The Azores segment features whale watching, a session with a local marine biologist discussing ocean conservation, a visit to Parque Terra Nostra, a farm-to-table meal at a local farmhouse, and exploration of the stunning volcanic landscape at Sete Cidades.

Sri Lanka: Wildlife, Culture, and Spice

The Sri Lanka itinerary spans 11 days across six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, weaving together art, dance, food, and wildlife in a biodiverse island nation. The journey opens at the Dambulla Cave Temple, followed by observation of primate families among the ruins of Polonnaruwa Ancient City. In Sigiriya, travelers discover the famous Rock Fortress, and in Kandy participate in a clay pot cooking class at a local family residence.

The Central Highlands reveal Sri Lanka's role as the fourth largest tea producer in the world, while a southern coast visit to a cinnamon estate shows how this island produces 90% of the world's cinnamon. An exclusive ocean experience in collaboration with Oceanswell — founded by National Geographic Explorer Dr. Asha de Vos and supported by the National Geographic Society — gives travelers a chance to actively assist with marine data collection.

Traveling with Purpose

Across all three itineraries, every booking made with National Geographic Expeditions directly funds the work of National Geographic Explorers worldwide and supports the global nonprofit National Geographic Society in its mission to protect and illuminate the world through exploration, research, and education. With more than 150 expeditions available on all seven continents, travelers can explore these or any other Nat Geo itinerary at NationalGeographicExpeditions.com or by calling 888-732-2379.