National Geographic Family Journeys launch in Ecuador, Mexico and Spain

New National Geographic Journeys trip in Egypt also announced

 

September 25, 2024 – G Adventures and National Geographic Expeditions are announcing the addition of three new ‘National Geographic Family Journeys with G Adventures’ trips with Ecuador, Mexico and Spain being added to the program. 

 

This collection of trips is designed for parents, children and extended families who are traveling together to connect with the world around them in a culturally immersive way as they spend time together, unifying learning and adventure with some of the world’s most incredible settings as a backdrop. 

 

Each new National Geographic Family Journeys itinerary features unique, interactive activities inspired by National Geographic’s expertise in photography and storytelling, wildlife, culture and history, and exploration. 

 

In Ecuador, families will explore the jungle by foot and canoe, learning all about the Amazon and observing a variety of native wildlife, including birds and monkeys in their natural habitat. In Mexico, they will participate in communal life in the small vibrant Maya community of Yaxunah and test their culinary skills whilst preparing a historical dish incorporating ancient Mayan techniques. Spain will see family travelers dive into the history and glory of the Real Madrid soccer team with a tour of the iconic Bernabéu stadium. 

 

New trips now available to book include: 

 

• Ecuador Family Journey:  Volcanoes and the Amazon – From the thriving jungles of the Amazon to a deep Indigenous heritage and incredibly diverse environments, Ecuador is an extraordinary place for families to delve deeper into the rich biodiversity of a geographically small but mighty country. Spend three nights in a jungle lodge, set off on walks through the rainforest and explore life beneath the dense canopy to see native plants and animals. Discover the history of chocolate and get in touch with water at the interactive Yaku Water Museum near Quito. With plenty of experiences and adventurous outdoor activities, this nine-day Ecuador Family Journey is the perfect blend of fun and discovery for all ages.
• Mexico Family Journey: Ruins and Cenotes of the Yucatan – The Yucatán Peninsula is a young explorer’s dream come true. Full of marine life, Maya ruins, and wildlife-packed jungles, this eight-day journey through some of Mexico’s must-see historical sites, quaint towns, cenotes, and biosphere reserves offers a wonderful educational experience for the entire family to share. Spend a day on a wildlife-spotting safari across the island of Cozumel, snorkel among reefs near the largest pyramid at Chichen Itza, visit a Maya community to participate in local life, and enjoy ice cream in Izamal after a visit to the golden town’s pyramid to the Maya Sun God, Kinich Kak Mo. The perfect blend of cross-cultural connections, history, and swimming in crystal-clear ocean waters, this Family Journeys experience offers a lifetime of memories.
• Spain Family Journey: Vibrant Cities and Artistic Icons – Jump into an explorer’s mindset and discover Spain’s vibrant culture, rich history and incredible food on this nine-day tour of some of the country’s most iconic sites. Get the most out of Barcelona by exploring the Gothic Quarter on a scavenger hunt, then step in and be dazzled by Gaudi’s monumental Sagrada Familia cathedral. Visit the elaborate and surreal house of Salvador Dalí and take a cooking class to make mouth-watering paella. In Madrid, embark on a foodie walk through a bustling local market and head out on a day trip to the medieval city of Toledo where the past comes alive. Explore Real Madrid’s home football stadium for a glimpse into the team’s glorious past and present. From tapas to soccer fandom, art to architecture, Spain is a feast for the senses to be enjoyed by travelers of all ages.

 

Additionally, a new ‘National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures’ trip will commence in Egypt, the first time the country is featured in the program. As with all Journeys trips, the itinerary will highlight hands-on experiences and cultural exploration, all with community tourism at their core. 

 

On the new National Geographic Journeys Egypt trip – which can also be combined with the existing Jordan trip – travelers will learn about the ongoing excavations of some of Egypt’s most famed archeological sites – including the West Bank at Luxor – from an archeologist. They will also be able to support the entrepreneurial spirit of local business owners and experience Egyptian culture through urban food counters during a private guided experience in Cairo. 

• Journeys – Discover Egypt – Follow in the footsteps of the pharaohs on a remarkable journey through Egypt. Uncover its most iconic archeological sites – Abu Simple, Philae Temple, Edu fu Temple, Kom Umbo Temple, and the Valley of the Kings –  with tours led by subject matter experts through each of these jaw-dropping wonders. Experience the warmth and hospitality of Egyptian culture with a food tour through Egypt’s sprawling capital, enjoy a meet-and-greet with locals at a G for Good project and delight in a traditional Egyptian meal in the home of a Nubian family.

 

The new trips in the collection bring the total number of trips to 93 across both collections, including 19 designed especially for families. They are all available to book now, with the first departures taking place in 2025. 

 

For more information or to book, please visit: www.gadventures.com.  

 

About G Adventures

 

Founded in 1990 by social entrepreneur Bruce Poon Tip, G Adventures is the pioneer of community tourism and leader in small group travel, offering more than 750 life-changing trips in 100 countries on all seven continents. G Adventures’ award-winning trips support communities, giving travelers meaningful exchanges with local people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife, while offering them the freedom and flexibility to explore on their own. G Adventures’ responsible approach to travel is demonstrated through its ‘G for Good’ social impact commitments, which include travel guidelines for children , wildlife and Indigenous people. The operator also has more than 100 community tourism projects built into its trips around the world, developed together with its non-profit partner, Planeterra, which was also founded by Bruce Poon Tip. In 2018, G Adventures was the first travel company to introduce an industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’ assessment which measures how many of a traveler’s dollars stay in the local economy, and in 2023 it announced its Trees for Days initiative which supports local environments and communities through tree-planting, with one tree per G Adventures’ traveler being planted per day. For more information on G Adventures, please visit www.gadventures.com. 

 

About National Geographic Expeditions

 

For more than 135 years, National Geographic Explorers have ventured across continents and into remote cultures, down to the oceans’ depths and up the highest mountains to further their understanding of the world. National Geographic Expeditions builds upon this legacy, inviting travelers to embrace their inner explorer and encounter the wonders of the world firsthand — up close and in depth — and be inspired by the experience. With many ways to explore the world via Signature Land, Expedition Cruise, River Cruise, or Private Jet, National Geographic Expeditions gives travelers unparalleled access to the world through the eyes of knowledgeable Experts. Additionally, traveling with National Geographic Expeditions helps further the work of the global community of National Geographic Explorers around the world. Your purchase has purpose. Every trip booked helps support the U.S.-based global nonprofit National Geographic Society which works to protect and illuminate our world through exploration, research, and education. For information on National Geographic Expeditions, please visit  www.natgeoexpeditions.com  or follow along at @natgeoexpeditions.