Holland America Line, which is known for its immersive travel experiences has launched "National Geographic Day Tours", which allow guests to engage more deeply and sustainably with Mediterranean destinations. National Geographic is a leader in cartography, geography and exploration.
Starting this summer, guests on Oosterdam or Nieuw Statendam will be able to participate in National Geographic Day Tours. These tours allow them the opportunity to learn about powerful women in Kusadasi in Turkey, experience a day as a marine scientist in Naples, Italy, discover organic honeybee farming in Rhodes in Greece, and meet locals in Santorini in Greece. Each tour is guided by a National Geographic-trained guide.
"We are continually looking for enriching and transformative experiences for our guests and the new National Geographic Day Tours are not only immersive but provide exclusive access and hands-on experiences," mentioned Carole Biencourt, vice president overseeing shore tour experience for Holland America Line. "We are pleased to offer them to guests across our Mediterranean itineraries that visit these ports and will look to expand the program in the near future."
On select Mediterranean sailings, guests can book National Geographic tours either online or via a travel agent.
"A Day in the Life of a Marine Biologist" in Naples, Italy
Discover the oldest aquarium in Europe, the Darwin Dohrn Museum, the first marine biodiversity laboratory in the world, where over 20 Nobel Prize winners studied and worked on marine biology conservation in Naples. Also, learn how to preserve marine turtles and grey sharks from Lampione Island.
"Meet the Locals in Santorini" in Santorini, Greece
Visit the homes of Santorini's two families to hear their stories and taste local wine, cheese and vegetables. Visit the blue-domed Panagia Kalamiotissa church and Santo Winery for a taste of Santorini wine and a panoramic view of the caldera.
"Influential Women in Turkey: From Past to Present" in Kusadasi, Turkey
Visit the House of the Virgin Mary and the Temple Artemis on the hilltop above Ephesus to learn about powerful women who have influenced Turkish society throughout the centuries, from ancient civilisations to the modern day. The tour concludes with a special pairing menu led by a local cook at Yedi Bilgeler. This winery has been cultivating vines for over 2000 years.
"The Fascinating World of Bees" in Rhodes, Greece
Honeybees play a vital role in the world. The Bee Museum of Rhodes will reveal fascinating ecological facts and allow you to sample honey from the local area. You can also try honey extraction.
National Geographic Day Tours offers seven-day and 14-day tours departing from Trieste, Italy, Piraeus, Greece, and Barcelona, Spain, with stops at Rhodes, Kusadasi, Ephesus, Santorini, and Naples.
Holland America Line offers more than 6,500 shore excursions that are all designed to make sure guests get the most out of their trip. They also want them to have fun and experience an adventure. Holland America Line offers a variety of tours that will allow you to enjoy and experience each port. From zipping over a jungle canopy to gliding across a glacier with sled dogs, to conquering your fear of heights by scaling Sydney Harbour Bridge to moving through the waves on a horse.
Holland America Line offers shore excursions for foodies and wine lovers in partnership with FOOD&WINE magazine. These tours combine food and culture in an entertaining way to show the culinary side. The tours offer guests the chance to learn how to make an authentic Italian pizza, sample wines in New Zealand's oldest vineyard, discover Japan's food culture by exploring with one of its foremost ramen specialists, or shop and cook with a famous Barcelona chef.
