TO U R S W I T H A N E X P E RT
E X P E R I E N C E O U R WO R L D T R AV E L W I T H N A T I O N A L G E O G R A P H I C
For more than 130 years, we’ve sent our explorers across continents and into remote cultures, down to the oceans’ depths, and up the highest mountains, in an effort to better understand the world and our relationship to it. National Geographic Expeditions grew from this legacy as a way to invite others to explore—to encounter the wonders of the world up-close and in-depth, and to be transformed by the experience. Through National Geographic Expeditions, you gain access to people and places. You’re enriched by the knowledge of our experts and guides, and by the local experts you meet along the way. And you give back. When you travel with us, you support the work of our explorers. That is the National Geographic difference.
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TO U R S W I T H A N E X P E RT Immerse yourself in fascinating destinations through enriching experiences, whether you’re examining an Inca temple alongside an archaeologist in Peru, on safari with a wildlife biologist in Tanzania, or exploring the geology of the Grand Canyon with a seasoned naturalist. Led by a National Geographic expert, these trips celebrate the history, culture, and natural heritage of a destination.
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ASIA
B HUTAN: KI NGD OM I N T HE C LO UDS Head into the heart of magical Bhutan hiking to its most famous pilgrimage site, Taktsang Lhakhang (Tiger’s Nest Temple), and participate in an intimate butter lamp ceremony with the monks of Gangtey Goemba. Journey to the countries’ most magnificent destinations including Punakha, Paro and Thimphu where you will discover historic landmarks and experience local traditions that are still practised today. Travel to Phobjikha, one of the largest wintering sites for the endangered black-necked crane
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and - if visited in November - head to the annual Crane Festival. For a more personal perspective on contemporary Bhutan, join a special banquet with community leaders and government dignitaries, and stay at the spectacular Zhiwa Ling Hotel, a National Geographic Unique Lodge that exemplifies the artistry of Bhutanese architecture.
11 days | Prices from £6,120pp WAS £6,790 Departs 11 Mar, 1 Oct & 6 Nov 2019
EUROPE
I R E L A N D : TA L E S A N D T R E A S U R E S O F T H E E M E R A L D I S L E Ireland is a country full of charming and historic treasures. Wake up amid the regal splendour of Ashford Castle, a National Geographic Unique Lodge, and take an exclusive tour of this medieval retreat with the on-site historian. Journey from Dublin to Kilkenny, Cliffs of Moher and Burren, taking in the spectacular scenery, and uncover mysteries from the Neolithic, Bronze Age, and medieval eras. Get full insight on the destination’s medieval times visiting ancient
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sacred sites known as holy wells with a medieval historian who worked on a National Geographicsponsored project to preserve them. Add a culinary element to it by sipping a pint at the Smithwick’s Experience, meeting the chocolatiers at Hazel Mountain Chocolate factory or doing a private tasting with a whiskey expert.
10 days | Prices from £5,655 pp WAS £5,965 Departs 31 May, 21 Jun, 30 Aug & 27 Sep 2019
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EUROPE
H UMAN ORIGINS: SOUTHWEST FRANCE & NORTHERN SPAIN Learn more about the history of mankind during an intriguing expedition that will take you back to prehistoric times. Alongside National Geographic grantee Dr. Ana Cristina Pinto-Llona, take a guided tour of Atapuerca, where Europe’s oldest known hominin fossils were unearthed. Join Christine Desdemaines-Hugon for a guided tour of the National Museum of Prehistory, and visit the famed Lascaux cave on a specially arranged visit to the newly opened International
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Centre for Cave Art. Discover Castel-Merle’s complex of prehistoric stone shelters, and savour a “prehistoric” meal made with ingredients used by Neanderthals. For a more contemporary perspective of the destination, visit Madrid, San Sebastián and Bordeaux and enjoy the flavours of Spain and France all throughout your expedition.
10 days | Prices from £5,425pp WAS £5,810 Departs 5 Jun, 11 Sep, 2 Oct & 9 Oct 2019
EUROPE
I TA LY: R E N A I S S A N C E C I T I E S A N D T U S C A N L I F E Depart on an unforgettable journey through Italy, visiting some of the country’s most iconic destinations including Venice, Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Tuscany and Rome. Walk through picturesque villages, explore medieval castles, stroll along winding canals and delve into the Renaissance masterpieces that hold such significance to this romantic and historic region. Marvel at the works of Italian masters during after-hours visits to the Vatican museums and
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Venice’s Scuola Grande di San Rocco, and explore the Roman Forum and the ruins underneath the Colosseum in the company of a renowned archaeologist. To completely immerse yourself in the local Italian culture, join a local Florentine family for a traditional meal and stay in the Tuscan countryside at a family-owned 13th-century castello.
10 days | Prices from £5,425 pp WAS £5,810 Departs 24 May, 14 Jun, 27 Sep & 18 Oct 2019
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NORTH AND CENTRAL AMERICA
A LASKA: DENALI TO KENAI FJORDS Encounter majestic landscapes and diverse wildlife on an expedition into the heart of Alaska’s untouched wilderness. Experience the rugged beauty of Denali National Park on naturalist-led excursions and search for moose, caribou, wolves, grizzly bears and Dall sheep. Hike amid the soaring peaks of the Alaska Range and journey along the stunningly scenic Seward Highway. Cap off your adventure with a cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park, home to humpback whales and towering tidewater glaciers.
8 days | Prices from £5,270 pp Departs 5 Jun, 12 Jun, 28 Aug & 4 Sep 2019 AFRICA
S OUTHERN AFRI CA SA FA R I BY PRIVATE AI R
SOUTH AMERICA
E X P LO R I N G PATAG O N I A Get expert insights as you explore Patagonia by land and sea, gliding past pristine fjords and vast glaciers on a four-day cruise, then heading inland to explore granite spires, sapphire lakes, and hidden waterfalls. Settle into the stunning Tierra Patagonia, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World, which will serve as our base for discovering the staggering peaks of Torres del Paine National Park, before ending your journey in Santiago, Chile’s vibrant capital.
12 days | Prices from £10,075 pp Departs 3 Feb, 19 Feb, 3 Mar 2019 Other 2019 dates also available AFRICA
T H E G R E AT A P E S O F U GA N DA A N D RWA N DA
Experience some of the world’s best wildlife away from the crowds as you soar over southern Africa’s splendid landscapes and between private game reserves in our own charter aircraft. Choose from a variety of activities, from optional flightseeing at Victoria Falls to canoe safaris and bush walks, and stay at some of Africa’s top safari camps such as Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World.
Set off on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Uganda and Rwanda to encounter chimpanzees and mountain gorillas in the wild. Observe chimpanzees with a National Geographic-funded primatologist, and track gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Volcanoes National Park. Meet with scientists at the Diane Fossey Gorilla Fund’s Karisoke Research Centre and stay in stunning lodges, from a lakeside bungalow at the foot of the Rwenzori Mountains to a hilltop eco-lodge.
10 days | Prices from £14,495 pp
11 days | Prices from £10,950 pp 25 Jun, 16 Jul, 3 Sep 2019 Other 2019 dates also available
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ASIA
I N S I D E JA PA N
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T I B E T A N D N E PA L
This expedition was inspired by travel writer Don George’s article ‘Japan’s Past Perfect’, published in a former issue of National Geographic Traveller. Stay at Benesse House, designed by acclaimed architect Tadao Ando, set within Naoshima’s island-wide art complex and – by special permission – visit Kyoto’s Saihoji temple and stroll its otherworldly gardens. Ascend to the pilgrimage site of Mount Koya, visit the age-old villages of Shikoku, then encounter the bustle of a revitalized Hiroshima.
Delve into the fascinating world of mountain lore and Tibetan and Nepalese cultures while visiting the cities of Lhasa, Shigatse, and Kathmandu. Take in some of the most magnificent mountain vistas on Earth as we journey across the Plateau to the seldom-visited Tibetan side of Mount Everest and gaze up at its soaring crags from the storied North Face Base Camp. Mountaineer Peter Hillary, son of the late Sir Edmund Hillary, joins us on select departures.
11 days | Prices from £7,595 pp Departs 14 Mar, 8 May, 19 Sep, 3 Oct 2019
15 days | Prices from £7,685 pp Departs 20 Apr, 28 Sep & 15 Oct 2019
ASIA
M ONGOLIA: LAND OF THE NOMAD Amid the stark beauty of Mongolia’s varied landscapes lives one of the world’s last surviving nomadic cultures, whose customs pre-date the age of Genghis Khan. On a journey from the mystical steppe to the remote dunes of the Gobi desert, experience an ancient way of life. Ride horseback across wetlands, watch the sunset on the Flaming Cliffs, stay in traditional ger camps and witness the exhilarating contests at a celebration of Naadam.
12 days | Prices from £6,470 pp Departs 9 Jun & 4 Aug 2019
MIDDLE EAST
T H E H O LY L A N D Immerse yourself in the history and culture of the Holy Land on an expedition inspired by the peacebuilding efforts of National Geographic Emerging Explorer Aziz Abu Sarah. Explore the City of David and the ancient desert fortress of Masada; glide across the Sea of Galilee; and discover Jerusalem through the eyes of Jews, Muslims, and Christians. Hear a spectrum of narratives on a trip designed by Israelis and Palestinians, Arabs and Jews.
11 days | Prices from £5,425 pp Departs 16 Mar, 6 Apr, 11 May 2019 Other 2019 dates also available
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NORTH AND CENTRAL AMERICA
C A NAD IAN RO CKIE S BY RA I L A N D T RA I L Rising along the border between Alberta and British Columbia, the Canadian Rockies are a wonderland of twisting peaks, jewel-colored alpine lakes, and glaciers that pour down from towering heights. Take in panoramic views of Canada’s magnificent Rockies from the glass-domed, GoldLeaf service cars of the Rocky Mountaineer train. Explore the pristine wilderness of Banff, Yoho, and Jasper National Parks with a National Geographic expert and in
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myriad ways, including a lake cruise, nature hikes, and a thrilling skytram excursion. Learn about the geology of the powerful Athabasca Glacier on a trekking excursion with an expert guide and settle into historic lakeside hotels in the heart of the Canadian Rockies that will allow you to take in their beauty from every angle.
8 days | Prices from £8,370pp Departs 8 Jul, 12 Aug, 2 Sep & 23 Sep 2019
NORTH AND CENTRAL AMERICA
C O S TA R I C A A DV E N T U R E : F ROM C A N O P Y TO C OA S T Thrilling jungle rivers and sparkling waterfalls, active volcanoes, and a rainbow of wildlife— Costa Rica is a small country packed with natural wonders. Get immersed in this natural wonderland as we explore three distinct regions. Set off on a white-water rafting adventure down the Pacuare River and watch for monkeys, sloths, colourful birds, and more along the way. Hike to azure waterfalls, soak in hot springs, and navigate the hanging bridges that crisscross the lush forest canopy surrounding the Arenal
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Volcano. Then, explore the marine wonders of the Pacific coast on a kayaking and snorkelling excursion. Along the way, you will stay in stunning accommodations nestled within pristine forest, including Finca Rosa Blanca, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World set on an organic coffee plantation just outside San José.
8 days | Prices from £3,485 pp Departs 25 Jan, 15 Feb, 14 Mar 2020 Other 2020 dates are also available
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SOUTH AMERICA
P ERU : MACHU PICC H U I N N TO I N N T R E K Wind your way from lodge to lodge through the luxuriant forests and snowcapped peaks of Peru’s stunning Cordillera Vilcabamba. Trek among glaciers and alpine lakes to local villages and lesser known Inca sites tucked into the slopes. At the end of each day, settle into a picturesque mountain lodge to enjoy a soak in the hot tub, a cozy fire, and a delicious meal. Cap off the trip at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World, and
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venture deep into the mysteries of the Inca as you explore the breathtaking sanctuary of Machu Picchu. For full insight of the enchanting world of the Inca, join an evening with the archaeologist and National Geographic grantee Peter Frost or one of his colleagues.
10 days | Prices from £5,270pp 7 Apr, 5 May, 19 May 2019 Other 2019 & 2020 dates also available
SOUTH AMERICA
ARGENTINA & CHILE: HIKING, KAYAKING & RAFTING THE LAKE DISTRICT On this exhilarating exploration of northern Patagonia, experience the region’s natural beauty while hiking, kayaking, and white-water rafting, and sample its renowned wines along the way. Enjoy spectacular views of the glistening lakes and towering peaks of Bariloche by hiking the Refugio Frey trail, one of South America’s most popular routes. Trek through Pumalín National Park, created in 2018 as a result of an historic conservation effort between the Chilean government and Tompkins Conservation.
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For a different perspective, embark on the fabled Andean Lakes Crossing, sailing from Argentina to Chile by catamaran; navigate the breathtaking Reloncaví fjord by kayak keeping your eye out for sea lions and Austral dolphins; and raft the rapids of Futaleufú, one of the world’s premier whitewater rivers.
12 days | Prices from £5,385 pp 15 Nov, 3 Dec 2019 & 20 Jan 2020 Other 2020 dates also available
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AFRICA
TA NZANIA PHOTO SA FA R I
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Set out on a photo safari amid some of East Africa’s most spectacular landscapes and hone your skills while photographing an ever-changing tableau of wildlife. Alongside a National Geographic Photographer, document interactions between predator and prey; zoom in on birdlife from marabou storks to rainbow-hued lovebirds; and test your wildlife photography skills on elephants, rhinos, cheetahs, and more. With luck, capture the dramatic river crossings of the wildebeest migration across the Serengeti
National Park. Spend time with the Maasai and enjoy a rare chance to shoot portraits and photograph the traditional way of life of these iconic pastoralists in the Ngorongoro Highlands. For a trip back in time, explore Olduvai Gorge, site of the National Geographic-sponsored archaeological excavation where Homo habilis was first identified.
9 days | Prices from £7,865pp Departs 4 Mar, 12 Aug & 8 Sep 2019
ASIA
VIETNAM , LAOS, AND CAMBODIA: TREASURES OF INDOCHINA Delve into the treasures of Indochina, where rural villages, big cities, ancient temples, and French colonial cities weave a cultural mosaic that is vibrant and timeless. Contrast Ho Chi Minh City’s neon-lit streets with charming, traditional Hanoi and its intoxicating Old Quarter; then set out into the Vietnamese countryside to discover the pristine beaches and floating villages of Lan Ha Bay. Meet National Geographic grantees working to conserve endangered wildlife in Vietnam and
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Laos, and join an archaeologist to explore the ancient, crumbling temples at mystical Angkor. For a true insight about the Vietnam War, have lunch with two former Viet Cong soldiers at their home, hearing gripping stories about the war and life in the famed Cu Chi Tunnels.
15 days | Prices from £5,830 pp 19 Oct, 28 Dec 2019 & 18 Jan 2020 Other 2020 dates also available
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ASIA
G EORGI A AND ARM EN I A : C RO S S ROA DS O F C ON TI N E N TS Venture into the age-old towns and delightful mountain valleys of Armenia and Georgia, crisscrossed for millennia by historic trade routes. Visit the charming Silk Road town of Akhalts’ikhe, and learn about Georgia’s ancient natural wine-making method from a local vintner. Unravel layers of history in Yerevan and Tbilisi, visit medieval stone churches with jaw-dropping views, and marvel at some of the oldest-known hominin fossils discovered outside of Africa with
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a National Geographic grantee. Enjoy a lively Armenian folk performance by a Yerevan-based ensemble, and experience the vibrant culture and the diverse cuisine of the South Caucasus through the eyes — and taste buds — of local historians, winemakers, artists, and chefs.
11 days | Prices from £4,650pp 13 Sep, 18 Oct 2019 & 15 May 2020 Other 2020 dates also available
EUROPE / ASIA
TRANS-SIBERIAN RAIL EXPEDITION Set out on an epic train journey across one-third of the world, journeying Russia from Vladivostok to the heart of Moscow along the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway. Join historian George Munro aboard the luxurious Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian and encounter remote cultures and breath-taking landscapes while tracing the history of tsars, exiles, and Mongols. Discover the unique architecture of Siberia’s wooden cottages and Moscow’s onion domes. Delve into their traditions attending musical performances,
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including a private show at the Decembrist House Museum in Irkutsk and a choral concert given by Buryat’s Old Believers, and sipping tea at a family home in the village of Listvyanka, perched along the shores of beautiful Lake Baikal. In Moscow, learn about the history of Russian space exploration during a talk by a cosmonaut. 16 days | Prices from £16,275 pp 4 Aug & 31 Aug 2019
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EUROPE
N ORWAY ’S T RAINS A N D FJO R DS Traverse some of the world’s most scenic railways aboard the famous Flåm Railway, named by National Geographic Traveller as one of the top ten train journeys in Europe, while you experience Norway’s astonishing natural beauty from Oslo to Bergen. Board on a cruise and enjoy views of towering cliff faces sprinkled with waterfalls at the Aurlandsfjord, Naerøyfjord, and Geirangerfjorden fjords, which together are a World Heritage site. Delve into the Norwegian culture and people
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hearing about adventurer Thor Heyerdahl’s history-making seafaring expeditions from a close family connection and learning about life in the rural mountain communities of Western Norway with cheesemakers, cobblers, and choral singers, and on a special after-hours visit to the Norwegian Fjord Centre.
11 days | Prices from £7,945pp 12 Jun, 26 Jun, 24 Jul & 7 Aug 2019
EUROPE
S W I S S T R A I N S A N D T H E I TA L I A N L A K E D I S T R I C T Climb aboard three of Switzerland’s most iconic railways—the Glacier Express, Gornergrat Bahn, and Bernina Express—with a National Geographic expert to experience some of the most spectacular scenery in the Swiss Alps. During a special visit to the Matterhorn Museum, hear a local mountaineer and an Alpine historian recount stories of the earliest attempts to conquer Switzerland’s most iconic peak. Soar high above Zermatt in a gondola, and enjoy a choice of hikes, walks, and tram rides through
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beautiful mountain landscapes. Then cross the Alps into Italy to enjoy the delights on the shores of stunning Lake Como. Cap off your trip with some amazing gastronomic experiences: meet an Italian chef for a cooking demonstration in picturesque Varenna, and enjoy a private chocolate tasting at a patisserie in St. Moritz.
10 days | Prices from £6,200 pp 9 Jun, 16 Jun, 23 Jun 2019 Other 2019 dates also available
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P R I VAT E T O U R S
E X P LO R E YO U R WAY Travel independently — on unique itineraries curated by National Geographic — with the travel companions of your choosing and on the dates that suit you. On our private expeditions you will experience incredible places, explore with private guides, stay in unique accommodation and enjoy the freedom to tailor your trip to your own interests.
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SOUTH AMERICA
P E RU P R I VAT E E X P E D I T I O N From its Pacific beaches to the 22,204-foot top of its highest mountain, Peru’s diverse landscape offers a wealth of exploration. Watch day break over the quietness of the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu and learn about National Geographicfunded excavations that helped uncover the site more than a century ago. Meet with locals and learn about their traditions at Sacred Valley, a treasure trove of ancient ruins, dramatic landscapes, and Andean villages, and stay at National Geographic Unique Lodges all along.
9 days | Prices from £3,795 pp Price based on 6 people ASIA
JA PAN PRI VAT E EXP E DI T I O N Delight in Japan’s contrasts—flashing neon lights and serene bamboo forests, ornate temples and bustling fish markets, the frenetic energy of modern Tokyo and the traditional charms of ancient Kyoto. Navigate old and new Japan with a private guide, discovering how the country’s layered history defines its fascinating culture. Get a glimpse into the beguiling world of geishas in old Tokyo, stay at a ryokan in Hakone, and dig into the bold food scene of Osaka.
10 days | Prices from £5,425 pp Price based on 4+ people and Jun to Aug 2019 departures 14
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CENTRAL AMERICA
C O STA R I C A P R I VAT E E X P E D I T I O N Discover the incredible biodiversity hidden under the canopies of three distinct rain forests, exploring with top naturalist guides. Ride white water through lush river canyons and fly tree to tree on zip lines strung through the forests of Limón. Survey leafy treetops from the peak of a dormant volcano in the northern highlands. Then trek into the jungle with a private guide to meet with a family of Cabécar Indians, Costa Rica’s largest and most isolated indigenous tribe.
9 days | Prices from £3,920 pp Price based on 4+ people and May to Oct 2019 departures AFRICA
T A N Z A N I A P R I VAT E E X P E D I T I O N Encounter the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife of Tanzania on a safari away from the crowds at Tarangire National Park. Then learn about the conservation projects of the Noloholo Environmental Centre, run in partnership with the local Maasai, and picnic on the floor of the massive Ngorongoro Crater while seeking out resident zebras, flamingos, lions, and more. Stay at the elegant Sayari Camp, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World, and spot wildlife from your private veranda.
9 days | Prices from £7,355 pp Price based on 4+ people and Jun 2019 departures
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E X P L O R AT I O N H A P P E N S B E C AU S E O F YO U When you travel with us, you help further the work of our scientists, explorers, and educators around the world. Every year, we distribute a portion of our proceeds to the National Geographic Society, creating more opportunities to work toward a planet in balance. To learn more, visit natgeo.com/giveback In Iceland, National Geographic grantees are examining how expanding meltwater lakes are impacting the rate of glacial retreat. The Society is funding a geological survey of Egypt’s Theban Mountains that will inform the archaeological preservation of ancient tombs and temples. National Geographic photographer and grantee Ami Vitale is documenting the efforts of Kenya’s tribal communities to conserve resident megafauna, including the black rhinoceros.
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0 8 0 0 4 4 0 24 49 W W W.T RAV E LW I T H N ATG EO.C O.U K Price is per person, double occupancy and subject to availability. Prices can change without notice. For single room supplements, please call. International airfare to/from the starting and finishing point of your tour is not included in the expedition cost. Terms and conditions apply, please call for details. All Tours with an expert and Private Tours will be booked by Fred.\ Holidays a trading name of Fred. Olsen Travel Ltd. Argentina and Chile: price based on 2019 departures. Patagonia: Price based on 3 Feb departure and category A cabin.