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National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Cruises

Expedition Stories

Explore with National Geographic Experts: Photographing Arctic Svalbard with Nick Cobbing

In this episode of Explore with National Geographic Experts, see how National Geographic Photography Expert Nick Cobbing helps travelers photograph Svalbard.

8 Stunning UNESCO Sites to Explore in the Mediterranean

Discover an array of soul-stirring, historic sites that you can explore in the Mediterranean when you sail aboard the National Geographic Orion.

What to Expect: Days at Sea

In this episode of What to Expect, learn how the experiences and amenities on board your ship will make days at sea just as enriching as your time on land.

Daily expedition reports

Daily Expedition Reports

9/27/2024

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Sea Cloud

Calabria, Italy

Sailing the Ionian Sea from Otranto to Sicily is a journey through some of the most beautiful waters in the Mediterranean. Departing from the historic port of Otranto, we followed a route rich with history and natural beauty. As one leaves the coastline of Puglia behind, the azure expanse of the Ionian Sea opens up, offering a sense of freedom and adventure. The winds can be gentle or brisk, making for exhilarating moments on deck as the ship glides toward the southern tip of Italy. The sea’s vibrant hues, from deep blue to turquoise, created a mesmerizing backdrop. As Sicily came into view, the looming presence of Mount Etna offered a dramatic final approach. The journey was a perfect balance of serene sailing, cultural immersion, and awe-inspiring views—a voyage that connects one to both the sea and centuries of Mediterranean history.

Daily Expedition Reports

9/26/2024

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Sea Cloud

Lecce and Otranto, Italy

We spent our first day ashore exploring the colorful region of Apulia, traveling first to the city of Lecce, famed for its Baroque architecture. The over-the-top decoration of the buildings of Lecce is made possible by the region’s easy-to-carve, honey-colored limestone. After an introductory walking tour, we spent our free time exploring the city’s sights, shopping, or sampling what is perhaps Italy’s best gelato. We then returned to the port for a pleasant lunch on Sea Cloud ’s lido deck. Venturing back ashore in the afternoon, we explored the picturesque city of Otranto and its rich history. Our tour included a visit to the Otranto Cathedral, a fascinating church financed by Count Roger of Sicily. The interior of the church features a spectacular mosaic floor dating to the 1100s depicting Biblical, historical, and legendary figures, from Adam and Eve to King Arthur of England. A corner of the church also holds the skeletal remains of some of the recently canonized 800 martyrs of Otranto killed during an Ottoman assault on the city in 1480. Back aboard Sea Cloud, we swapped stories from our eventful day while enjoying a buffet dinner with grilled prawns, local sausages, and a succulent roast pig.

Daily Expedition Reports

9/26/2024

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National Geographic Sea Bird

Palouse River and Falls

Our morning aboard National Geographic Sea Bird began slowly, which was a welcomed chance to relax after yesterday’s adventures of wine and history in Walla Walla, Washington. Breakfast was followed by a presentation on the last 1,000 miles of the Oregon Trail, and guests also had the chance to indulge in a massage or facial from our fabulous Wellness Specialist Allison Dickey. In the afternoon, guests enjoyed a wonderful Zodiac cruise up the Palouse River, witnessing beaver dams, belted kingfishers, and the incredible columnar basalt formations along the riverfront. Guests also had the incredible experience of driving through a sagebrush steppe ecosystem towards a lookout of Palouse Falls. The evening was rounded out with a delicious dinner followed by a wine tasting and presentation by our onboard wine specialist, Kristine Bono.

Daily Expedition Reports

9/26/2024

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National Geographic Islander II

Santiago Island

Today we are visiting Santiago Island, known to be the place where Charles Darwin spent the majority of his time in the Galápagos Islands in 1835 aboard the HMS Beagle collecting data. Also, this place was frequently visited by whalers as it was used as a base for whaling and taking advantage of its resources. We spent an incredible morning kayaking and snorkeling in Buccaneer Cove. Later in the day, we moved to Puerto Egas where we enjoyed a shore walk with picturesque views of the Galapagos Islands and unique animals.

Daily Expedition Reports

9/26/2024

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National Geographic Endeavour II

Santa Cruz Island

As we continue our expedition in the Galapagos Archipelago, today we visited Santa Cruz Island, the second largest island at almost 1000 Km2. Here lies Puerto Ayora, a town that is home to the majority of the population of the Galapagos and also represents the economic center of the province. With an early start, we went to the Galapagos National Park Breeding Center and learned about the history of the prehistoric tortoises, an animal which the archipelago is best known. We also had the chance to explore local businesses like the hydroponics and sugarcane farms, as well as an ecotourist farm with tortoises and delicious food. To finish our day, we celebrated with some local musicians and dancers. It was a perfect ending to a wonderful day.

Joining National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions on any voyage means signing up for adventure; and the reward for your curiosity is inevitable—the most exhilarating experience of pure discovery possible.

Sven Lindblad

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1.800.397.3348

1.800.397.3348