National Geographic Introduces Adventure Travel Program

National Geographic Adventures Offers 11 Unique, Active Itineraries Combining Spectacular Places, Cultural Interaction, Physical Challenges

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In keeping with its tradition of adventure and exploration, National Geographic has introduced National Geographic Adventures, a new program offering unique trips for the active traveler. The program allows travelers to experience adventure from new perspectives, such as trekking across mountain ranges to archaeological wonders; kayaking into a glacier-carved wilderness; crossing an entire country on foot; or climbing a little-known route up one of the world’s highest peaks. These adventures also offer immersive cultural experiences like visiting with Andean villagers, hiking to a remote monastery in Bhutan to meet with monks, or living among some of the world’s last hunter-gatherers in Tanzania.

“Each unique itinerary has something special to offer that makes the experience not just a trip through stunning scenery, but an authentic, unforgettable adventure.”

To make these trips possible, National Geographic has partnered with Mountain Travel Sobek, an adventure travel company co-founded more than 40 years ago by the late Barry Bishop, legendary mountaineer, photographer and longtime National Geographic staff member. Together, National Geographic and Mountain Travel Sobek have developed unique, active itineraries in some of the world’s most remote and spectacular places, including Alaska, Bhutan, Chile and Argentina, England, Italy, Mongolia, Nepal, Peru, Spain, and Tanzania.

“Adventure is an integral part of National Geographic’s heritage. These new trips combine the immersive experiences for which we are so well known with the opportunity for a more physically active adventure,” said Lynn Cutter, National Geographic’s senior vice president, Travel and Business Development. “Each unique itinerary has something special to offer that makes the experience not just a trip through stunning scenery, but an authentic, unforgettable adventure.”

Trips are categorized by activity level — easy, moderate, strenuous or ultimate challenge. Each trip has a maximum of 16 travelers, allowing for greater flexibility to take advantage of unexpected opportunities that may arise. The small group size also allows for stays in cozy inns, deluxe tented camps and mountain lodges not able to accommodate larger groups. Along with dynamic and experienced trip guides, travelers are joined by local guides, from sherpas in Nepal to nomads in Mongolia, who share invaluable insights into their culture and their land.

Each itinerary is crafted by tapping into the knowledge and insights of National Geographic experts to bring depth and meaning to the travel experience. Traveling with National Geographic allows adventurers access to special sites, fascinating people and private homes. Whenever possible, National Geographic arranges visits with experts in the field, giving travelers the opportunity to meet with the people whose discoveries have appeared in National Geographic’s television programs and magazines.

For more information or to receive a copy of the 2011-2012 National Geographic Adventures catalog, the public may call [phone] or visit www.nationalgeographicadventures.com.

Participation in a National Geographic Adventure provides support to National Geographic's vital exploration, conservation, research and education programs.

National Geographic Adventures is a part of National Geographic Expeditions, the travel program of the National Geographic Society. Offering trips to more than 60 destinations across seven continents, National Geographic Expeditions features land programs, family programs, small-ship expeditions in conjunction with Lindblad Expeditions, and photography workshops and expeditions. All proceeds support the Society’s aim of increasing global understanding through exploration, geography, education and research. For more information on National Geographic’s travel programs, visit www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.com.