G Adventures, National Geographic add 30 trips, update itineraries

G Adventures and National Geographic Expeditions are expanding their partnership with 30 new and updated itineraries that put local people, stories and communities at the heart of the travel experience.

The additions include 24 new National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures and six updated National Geographic Family Journeys with G Adventures, giving travellers more ways to experience destinations through the people who live, work and help protect them.

The new itineraries shift the focus beyond sightseeing, monuments and landscapes to the connections travellers make along the way.

From Buddhist scholars and local winemakers to wildlife specialists, historians, naturalists and families welcoming travellers into their homes, the trips are designed to put the “who” behind the “where” at the centre of the experience.

National Geographic’s legacy of science, exploration, education and storytelling is incorporated into the itineraries, alongside hands-on experiences supporting G Adventures’ community tourism mission.

New experiences for families

The launch also introduces six updated trips within the National Geographic Family Journeys with G Adventures collection.

Each is led by two dedicated Expedition Leaders, with one focused on keeping children engaged, entertained and learning through play, while the other oversees logistics and discovery.

Also new is Junior Explorers Night, giving children an evening separate from, but close to, their parents to connect with other kids and participate in guided activities.

Families will also participate in a Made Together Moment, collaborating on a craft such as jewelry making or ceramics.

With small groups of up to 22 travellers, the trips are designed to encourage families to explore together through shared learning and connections with local communities.

Galápagos through a conservation lens

Among the additions is the eight-day Journeys: Wildlife of the Galapagos Islands.

The itinerary connects travellers with conservationists working to protect the Galápagos’ wildlife and environment, as well as artisan chocolatiers in Quito's colonial quarter.

Travellers spend time with scientists at the Charles Darwin Research Station and join a naturalist-led boat excursion to observe, learn about and snorkel alongside turtles, rays, sharks and other wildlife.

They can also plant native trees as part of conservation efforts on the islands.

Northern Thailand through local eyes

The eight-day Journeys: Best of Northern Thailand incorporates a Khantoke dinner with a local family in their home, time with monks at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep following evening chanting and a traditional cooking class with local instructors.

The itinerary also includes swimming in the pools of Erawan Waterfall and hiking through the jungle trails of Kanchanaburi.

Travellers cross the River Kwai on the historic Death Railway, connecting the region's landscapes with its history.

Christmas markets with a local connection

In Europe, the new eight-day Journeys: Iconic Christmas Markets explores the holiday traditions of Central Europe through food and local encounters.

Travellers cook with a local chef in Prague, learning family recipes passed down through generations, before sitting down for schnitzel at a local restaurant.

In Budapest, the group shares a meal at a community café dedicated to social inclusion for people with disabilities before riding a vintage tram through the city's Christmas lights.

Other experiences include a dinner cruise along the Danube, a chocolate-making workshop in Budapest and visits to Christmas markets alongside National Geographic Expedition Leaders.

Wine, history and local expertise in France

The eight-day Journeys: Highlights of the Loire Valley & Bordeaux explores two of France's renowned wine regions through the people connected to them.

Travellers visit Château de Chenonceau with a local historian who shares details about its royal past and explore the gardens and rooms of Château de Cheverny.

They will also meet winemakers and taste vintage wines shaped by generations of family experience.

Other experiences include cruising the Cher past châteaux and exploring the ancient catacombs of Saint-Émilion.

Families explore Peru

The nine-day Peru Family Journey: The Amazon & Machu Picchu combines wildlife, history and hands-on learning.

Naturalist guides lead nighttime wildlife walks and caiman-spotting cruises in the Amazon, while members of the Cuyo Chico community teach children and parents ceramic painting.

At the Parwa community restaurant, families learn how a farm-to-table program is supporting the local economy.

Guides also share Incan legends around a campfire and explore the history of Machu Picchu, while a visit to the Cusco Planetarium examines the ancient Incas' relationship with the stars.

From Halong Bay to Angkor Wat

The 12-day Southeast Asia Family Journey: Halong Bay and Angkor Wat similarly puts local hosts and communities at the centre of the itinerary.

Families learn skills from performers at Cambodia's Phare Circus, make noodles with STREETS International instructors in Hanoi and experience traditional farming and Vietnamese cooking with a host family in Tra Que Village.

During a Halong Bay cruise, parents and children make Vietnamese spring rolls together, while an interactive photo challenge at Angkor Wat turns a visit to the temples into a family activity.

The 30 new and updated itineraries expand a collaboration between G Adventures and National Geographic Expeditions built around exploration, education, community tourism and meaningful connections with the people who know each destination best.

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