Holland America Line has started operating "National Geographic Day Tours" that it says will allow guests to connect more deeply, and in a more sustainable way, with destinations in the Mediterranean. The excursions were developed with National Geographic, a world leader in geography, cartography and exploration.
"We are continually looking for enriching and transformative experiences for our guests and the new National Geographic Day Tours are not only immersive, but provide exclusive access and hands-on experiences," said Carole Biencourt, the VP overseeing shore tour experience for Holland America Line."
"We are pleased to offer them to guests across our Mediterranean itineraries that visit these ports and will look to expand the program in the near future."
Guests on select sailings in the Mediterranean can now book National Geographic tours online or through a travel advisor.
Beginning this summer, guests sailing on Oosterdam and Nieuw Statendam can participate in National Geographic Day Tours that allow them to discover powerful female figures in Kusadasi, Turkey; experience a day in the life of a marine biologist in Naples, Italy; learn about organic honeybee farms in Rhodes, Greece; and meet local families in Santorini, Greece. Each tour is led by a National Geographic trained guide.
Holland America Line's National Geographic Tours
"A Day in the Life of a Marine Biologist" in Naples, Italy
In Naples, cruise guests will visit the oldest aquarium in Europe along with the Darwin Dohrn Museum (DoDaM), the world's first marine biodiversity research laboratory, where more than 20 Nobel Laureates studied and work on marine biology conservation projects, and learn about preserving marine turtles and the grey sharks of Lampione Island.
"Meet the Locals in Santorini" in Santorini, Greece
HAL guests will spend a day in the homes of two Santorini families and hear their stories of life on the island while tasting regional wine, cheese, vegetables and more. They will see the iconic, blue-domed church Panagia Kalamiotissa and visit Santo Winery to taste and pair Santorini's unique wine while enjoying panoramic views of the caldera.
"Influential Women in Turkey: From Past to Present" in Kusadasi, Turkey
This excursion will explore powerful female figures who have influenced Turkish society through the ages, from ancient civilizations to modern times with visits to the Temple Artemis and House of the Virgin Mary on the hill above Ephesus. The tour finishes with a culinary journey guided by a local chef during an exclusive pairing menu at Yedi Bilgeler, a winery that has cultivated 2000-year-old vines.
"The Fascinating World of Bees" in Rhodes, Greece
Participants will discover why honeybees are among the most important living organisms on the planet. They will uncover eye-opening ecological facts, sample local honey varieties, and try their hand at honey extraction at the Bee Museum of Rhodes.
The new National Geographic Day Tours are available on seven-day to 14-day itineraries departing from Trieste (Venice), Italy; Piraeus (Athens), Greece and Barcelona, Spain with stops in Rhodes,Kusadasi (Ephesus),Santorini and Naples.
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