Curious to explore the world but short on time? National Geographic Day Tours, operated by TUI, recently added half-day and full-day land itineraries to their portfolio, and we’re excited to share the details with you!
More than 40 new shorter time-block tours are available within the National Geographic Day Tours portfolio of 100-plus land and shore excursions in 14 countries throughout the world. The small-group tours are based on National Geographic’s extraordinary legacy of storytelling and exploration, plus they are led by National Geographic-trained guides!
Opening Doors of Discovery Around the Globe
National Geographic Day Tours offer a wide array of topics, including nature, conservation, photography, culture, gastronomy and history. Most trips feature local specialists — such as archaeologists, marine biologists, chefs, farmers, photographers, historians, scholars and more — who will illuminate each experience with their expertise and storytelling.
Here are a few of the amazing new land tours.
For food and baking lovers:
- Naples, Italy: The History of Pasta — Join a local historian in the green hills of Gragnano, the global epicenter of dried pasta, and visit a reconstructed water mill rarely open to the public. Visit a family-run pasta factory, hear about their family story, make fresh pasta by perfecting the knead and roll technique, and enjoy lunch made with ingredients sourced from the garden. This tour was inspired by the National Geographic Magazine article, “The Twisted History of Pasta,” which points to 13th century references to pasta dishes, including macaroni, ravioli and more.
- Paris, France: Baguette and Eclair Initiation with a French Master Baker — Take a hands-on lesson in traditional French baking taught by a French master baker and learn the art of making a superior dough, shaping and baking delectable treats, and about the importance of bread and pastries to French cultural heritage. This tour was inspired by the National Geographic Magazine article, “Explore the World Through 9 Different Breads.”
In Paris, the National Geographic Day Tours “Baguette and Éclair Initiation with a French Master Baker” experience will give guests a hands-on lesson in traditional French baking — taught by a French master baker — as they will learn about the importance of bread and pastries to French cultural heritage. (Photos courtesy of TUI Musement)
For marine life enthusiasts:
- Lisbon, Portugal: A Visit to the Oceanarium — Gain an in-depth understanding of the ocean through this tour of the Lisbon Oceanarium, led by a marine biologist with specialist knowledge on the importance of our oceans and their biodiversity. Go behind the scenes and learn about the animals, feeding techniques and engineering behind the aquariums, as well as the Oceanario Foundation’s collaboration projects with National Geographic to raise awareness about the protection of our oceans and the marine species that call them home.
For city explorers:
- New York: Hudson Yards, Where Sustainability Meets Urban Design — Marvel at the engineering which built this neighborhood above the railway yards in New York City and meet and talk with the design team, including the chief engineer. Visit areas not open to the general public, including a section of the roof with a private observation deck for views of the New York City skyline unique to this location. Inspiration for this tour is from a National Geographic Magazine article, “The New New York City Skyline” in which Hudson Yards is referenced.
For art and architecture aficionados:
- Barcelona, Spain: Homage to Miró — Discover the artworks of Miró and their interaction with the spaces created to house them by architect Josep Lluis Sert. Miró’s work – paintings, sculptures, murals, paper and lithographs – was inspired by artists and poets he met in his journeys throughout Europe, including Pablo Picasso. Visit the Fundacio Miró before it opens to the public and learn from architectural and art restoration specialists with in-depth knowledge of Miró’s work and Sert’s architecture. This tour was inspired by an article in National Geographic Magazine titled, “Homage to Catalonia – and Miró.”
On the “Homage to Miró” National Geographic Day Tours experience in Barcelona, guests will discover the artworks of Miró and the spaces created to house them by architect Josep Lluis Sert. (Photos courtesy of TUI Musement)
National Geographic Day Tours Does the Planning for You
When I learned about these new shorter time block tour options with the added bonus of direct booking, I immediately recalled when I’ve traveled on vacation or for business and had a small window of opportunity to explore on my own. Just like many of you, I’d search on my phone, map out nearby places that would allow me to encounter the destination’s highlights and local culture for the day, then figure out all the details.
This is where National Geographic Day Tours shine. It’s easy to sign up and go! The website allows you to sort by destination, date or inspiration.
These authentically National Geographic experiences are incredible opportunities to take deep dives into subjects and places with access I could never achieve on my own. The portfolio is unique, fascinating and brimming with discovery, plus knowledgeable trip planning experts have organized all the details.
Giving Back and Traveling with Purpose
I’m also thrilled to share that National Geographic Day Tours furthers the work of National Geographic Explorers around the world. Every trip booked helps support the global nonprofit National Geographic Society in its work to protect and illuminate our world through exploration, research, and education.
Available to Book Now
Land tours are available now for direct booking at www.natgeodaytoursbytui.com, or they can be booked through a travel advisor. Day Tours also offers shore excursions that can be reserved through select cruise operators. In addition, be sure to visit National Geographic Expeditions to learn about multi-day land, river cruise and expedition cruise experiences to every continent.