The Antarctic Peninsula to the Ross Sea, including Australia's Macquarie Island & the New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands

Selected as a National Geographic Traveler magazine "Tour of a Lifetime" for its authenticity, immersion, sustainability, and connection, our Highlands and Islands expedition offers the most encompassing way to explore Scotland.

Experience the wild grandeur of the White Continent in a more efficient, expedient way. On this new itinerary, bypass the traditional Drake Passage crossing on a two-hour flight to and from Antarctica and discover all of the highlights without sacrificing the extra time.

Embark on an expedition deep into the remote fjords and wild coastlines of Baffin Island and Labrador, where sheer cliffs rise from icy waters and centuries of history are etched into the land. Trace routes once paddled by Inuit hunters and explored by Norse seafarers, guided by our expert staff archaeologists who bring the stories of past and present Inuit settlements to life. Glide by Zodiac beneath towering rock walls, hike along tundra valleys and stand in awe before glaciers tumbling into the sea.

Sail the route of early Viking explorers and discover a region of epic ice home to the Arctic's iconic creatures: polar bears, whales, and vast seabird colonies. We will also be on the lookout for the Northern Lights along Greenland and Iceland at this time of year.

Explore Darwin's islands in one action-filled week aboard the elegant National Geographic Islander ll. Witness the iconic wildlife that sparked the theory of evolution by natural selection, snorkel pristine waters teeming with sea lions and sea turtles, and hike black-sand beaches and lush highlands.

Begin and end your journey where Old World meets New, in historic San Juan, littered with more than 400 restored Spanish colonial buildings. As you continue on this bewitching Caribbean cruise through the Virgin Islands, no two days are alike. One day, you’re shopping chic French boutiques for the latest fashions from Paris. On another, snorkeling a secluded cove known only to lucky yachtsmen – like you. Skip more common and commercial ports in favor of less-visited destinations like Montserrat.

Linger in the temperate rain forests and wildlife-rich channels of British Columbia, and enjoy ample time to explore the breathtaking fjords and towering glaciers of Southeast Alaska. Plus, discover the cultural facets of this coast during captivating performances and interactions with the Kwakwaka'wakw people of Alert Bay.

Drawing from 55+ years of sharing the icy wilds of Antarctica with adventurous guests, this voyage is an action-packed exploration of the continent with the pioneers of Antarctic cruising. Save travel time by flying directly from South America to the Antarctic peninsula, where we embark the National Geographic Orion, purpose-built for polar waters.