Sustainability & Conservation

Nat Geo Day Tour: Oceanario Odyssey, A Behind-the-Scenes Experience

Get behind-the-scenes access to Lisbon's Oceanário on this National Geographic tour, led by a marine educator and enjoy traditional snacks paired with local wine.

Nat Geo Day Tour: The Valley of the Oranges

Picturesque hills and aromatic citrus orchards best describe Sóller. From Palma de Mallorca, travel into the Serra de Tramontana mountains, where you'll discover this eye-catching town, nicknamed the 'Valley of Oranges'. Historically, Sóller was isolated from the rest of Mallorca due to its mountains, allowing the development of unique cultural and agricultural practices. Sóller's orange groves trace their roots back several centuries, introduced to the region by Arab settlers during the Spanish occupation. On this exclusive tour, you'll uncover the region's conservation initiatives with your National Geographic-trained guide, visiting the Balearic Museum of Natural Sciences for an exclusive audio-visual experience including photos illustrating the history of the orange groves and their impact on Sóller's local economy. After this, tour Sóller's citrus-infused Botanical Gardens, where you'll study the botanical properties of different citrus varieties, enjoy an exclusive visit to the seed bank and learn more about the museum's work to conserve the Balearic Islands' plant species, unique ecosystems and natural habitats. Finish with a cooking demo featuring a zesty dessert with a citrus tang. Next, discover Sóller's secrets on a guided walking tour, before stopping by Sa Fàbrica de Gelats, an ice cream Parlor featured in National Geographic España as one of the best spots for orange-flavoured gelato. Finish with some free time to explore at your leisure.

Nat Geo Day Tour: Regenerative Agriculture at Fattoria Triboli

Discover how regenerative organic agriculture at Fattoria Triboli is improving the natural resources available, then tour the farm and enjoy an olive oil tasting and light lunch of local Tuscan produce.

Nat Geo Day Tour: A Green and Inclusive Sanctuary in Milan

Visit Cascina Biblioteca, a historic oasis in Milan, where a cooperative helps the vulnerable through a variety of projects such as sustainable farming. Explore on a rickshaw, get hands-on helping in local farming and savor homegrown dishes.

Nat Geo Day Tour: Unveiling the Importance of Cancun’s Reef Restoration

Explore the wonders of the Mesoamerican Reef System on this exclusive National Geographic Day Tour. Led by marine specialists, you will have the unique opportunity to snorkel and witness the impact of humanity on the reef and see coral bleaching. This is followed by an insightful talk on actionable steps for reef restoration.Setting sail when the waters are at their calmest, you'll venture to two different reefs, each affected by bleaching due to global warming, water pollution, and microplastics. Visit the reef known as “El Meco”, which boasts the youngest corals, making it a particularly special attraction.The boats used for the tour are certified by Blue Flag for sustainable tourism, ensuring your voyage aligns with eco-conscious practices. Along the way, you'll also get to know the local fauna and savour samples of traditional snacks including Kibi.During this tour, you will be inspired to protect these marine ecosystems, which is the aim of the National Geographic-sponsored Pristine Seas project. This project has carried out expeditions to Banco Chinchorro, a significant part of the Mesoamerican Reef System. This project's work underscores the importance of safeguarding marine environments from human influence while protecting the last wild places in our oceans.By joining this tour, you will engage with the vital importance of preserving and protecting the precious Mesoamerican Reef System. See for yourself the marvels of the ocean and gain a profound understanding of coral reefs and their critical role in the biosphere.

Nat Geo Day Tour: The Fascinating World of Bees

Get a close up look at the fascinating world of bees on this National Geographic Day Tour. You will gain valuable insights about these vital creatures and their important role on our planet, stressing the need to protect them to stop the decline of their populations. Our first stop is the Bee Museum of Rhodes. Here, you'll learn all about the remarkable insect from a specialist in beekeeping, gaining a deeper understanding of the behavior and communication methods of bees. Find out more about the important role the creature plays in our ecosystem, and witness a private honey extraction simulation led by a knowledgeable beekeeping practitioner. Indulge your senses when you sample different types of local honey. Then, discover the techniques behind the production of Rhode's traditional sweet, ‘melekouni' – a tasty treat made of honey and sesame seeds. Once you've mastered the process, you will get to prepare the treat by yourself during an interactive workshop. The highlight of the tour awaits at the apiary, where you'll put on a beekeeper suit and meet a bee farmer to witness the life of a hive up close. Admire the teamwork and hierarchy of the bee community, and develop a practical awareness of the hive's organization, while you marvel at the honeybees in their habitat. This immersive journey offers a profound appreciation for the crucial influence of bees on our biosphere, providing you with a newfound knowledge and lasting memories.

Nat Geo Day Tour: Mallorca's Flor de Sal, Unearthing an Island Treasure

Behind the white sand beach of Es Trenc stretches the Protected Area of the Levante Salt Flats. For millennia, precious salt has been harvested here, and today it's a haven for nature enthusiasts and home to over 160 different species of birds. With luck you will be able to spot avocets, stilts, and pink flamingos among many others. Spanning an expansive 150 hectares, the Levante Salt Flats have been designated as a Natural Area of Special Interest. Three conditions are essential for the purest salt to form – hot sun, sea breeze and low humidity. You will witness the ancient process of salt harvesting as you explore the salt pans on a gentle walking tour, your National Geographic-traned guide providing you with local insight and explaining the history of this ancient Balearic occupation. Watch the expert Salineros using age-old techniques to gather the finest, Flor de Sal salt crystals, and then have a go at harvesting some yourself. The tour also spotlights the sustainable nature of the sea salt industry. The production is in total harmony with the ecosystem, in fact many migratory birds rely on the mineral-rich wetlands to restore balance after long flights from overseas. The delicate nature of salt crystals means hand harvesting is the only workable method, so there is no need for mechanisation. Enjoy landscapes and artisan processes that have remained unchanged for centuries as you soak up the peace and nature of this special place.