HAL-Holland America Line is enhancing its reputation for immersive travel experiences by introducing "National Geographic Day Tours" in the Mediterranean. These exclusive shore excursions, developed in partnership with National Geographic, offer guests a deeper and more sustainable connection with the destinations.
Starting this summer, passengers on HAL's boats ms Oosterdam and ms Nieuw Statendam can book National Geographic Day Tours guided by certified Nat Geo experts. These tours enable guests to explore captivating experiences such as discovering influential women in Kusadasi-Ephesus Turkey, experiencing the life of a marine biologist in Naples Italy, learning about organic honeybee farms in Rhodes Greece and meeting local families in Santorini Greece.
Guests on select Mediterranean sailings now have the option to book these National Geographic tours online or through a travel advisor.
The National Geographic Tours include various activities:
- "A Day in the Life of a Marine Biologist" in Naples, Italy: This tour visits the oldest aquarium in Europe, the Darwin Dohrn Museum (DoDaM), and the marine biodiversity research laboratory. Guests learn about marine biology conservation projects, including the preservation of marine turtles and the grey sharks of Lampione Island.
- "Meet the Locals in Santorini" in Santorini, Greece: Participants spend a day in the homes of two Santorini families, hearing their stories while sampling regional wine, cheese, vegetables, and more. The tour also includes visits to the iconic blue-domed church Panagia Kalamiotissa and Santo Winery, offering panoramic views of the caldera.
- "Influential Women in Turkey: From Past to Present" in Kusadasi, Turkey: This tour explores the impact of powerful female figures throughout Turkish history, including visits to the Temple Artemis and the House of the Virgin Mary. The tour concludes with a culinary journey, featuring an exclusive pairing menu at Yedi Bilgeler, a winery with 2000-year-old vines.
- "The Fascinating World of Bees" in Rhodes, Greece: Participants discover the crucial role of honeybees in the ecosystem, learn about ecological facts, sample local honey varieties, and even try honey extraction at the Bee Museum of Rhodes.
These new National Geographic Day Tours are available on itineraries ranging from 7 to 14 days departing from Trieste (Venice), Italy; Piraeus (Athens), Greece; and Barcelona, Spain. The tours include stops in Rhodes, Kusadasi (Ephesus), Santorini, and Naples.