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Extend the Adventure: 8 Unique Ways to Enhance Your Expedition

Article by Marni Chan
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There’s no better way to maximize your time in the remarkable regions where National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions explores than with one of our voyage extensions. Available to add on either before or after depending on your expedition, extensions provide more time to experience the city where you embark or disembark ship or to venture further inland to witness wild destinations like Alaska's Denali National Park or Argentina's thundering Iguazú Falls. Below are just some of the rewarding options we offer so you can make even more memories while exploring the world’s most inspiring places.

Discover the Lesser-Known Wonders of Mainland Ecuador

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Photo: David Vargas

This three-day, two-night extension blends both ocean and mountain activities in the charming town of Loreto, which sits on the eastern coast of the Baja California Peninsula. Check into the elegant, oceanfront La Mision Hotel and stroll over to the historic “Our Lady of Loreto” Mission in the vibrant town square. Board local panga boats to go in search of majestic blue and fin whales—the two largest animals in the world. Then, hike through the dunes and canyons of the Sierra de la Gigante mountain range to observe desert wildlife like black-tailed jackrabbits, myriad lizards, and several endemic bird species.

See Loreto Post-Voyage Extension >

Explore the Wilds of Denali National Park

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Before or after your small-ship adventure through Southeast Alaska, spend a week experiencing more of the region’s iconic wildlife and landscapes. Start by exploring the Fairbanks Museum, Aurora Ice Museum and the Large Animal Research Station. Then, travel to Denali National Park in first-class style aboard the glass-domed cars of the Alaska Railroad. Immersed in this incredible swath of unspoiled nature, you'll enjoy a range of options that include a Tundra Wilderness Tour, river rafting on the Nenana River and a visit to the award-winning sled dog training facility, Husky Homestead. Cap it all off at the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage to learn more about Alaska’s Indigenous cultures.

See Denali Pre-Voyage Extension >

See Denali Post-Voyage Extension >

Photo: Ralph Lee Hopkins

Experience the Allure of Buenos Aires

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Get a snapshot of Buenos Aires on this three-day extension that will immerse you in the history, culture and urban nature of one of the world’s most intriguing cities. Marvel at renowned artworks in multiple famed museums such as the El Zanjon de Granados and learn about the city’s historic figures on visits to Recoleta Cemetery and Teatro Colón. Savor a traditional dinner as you become entranced by tango dancers showcasing both modern and traditional styles of the sultry dance. Walk through the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve, a well-known bird migration area where you’ll witness a vibrant array of birdlife, then enjoy a private boat tour sailing up the Paraná Delta in Tigre.

See Buenos Aires Pre-Voyage Extension >

Go Glamping in Costa Rica’s Caño Negro Rainforest

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Discover more of Costa Rica’s legendary biodiversity on this five-day voyage extension. Available as a pre- or post-expedition add on, guests will explore the remote Caño Negro district, an important wetlands habitat and prolific birdwatching site. Based out of the Tocú Tent Camp, which features luxurious bedding, air conditioning and private patios with outdoor showers and soaking tubs, nature lovers can explore the iconic waterfall and craters of Tenorio Volcano National Park, walk suspension bridges over lush rainforests and learn about the Maleku, Costa Rica’s smallest remaining Indigenous tribe.

See Caño Negro Pre-Voyage Extension >

See Caño Negro Post-Voyage Extension >

Discover Crete's Ancient Ruins and Storied History

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Extend your Mediterranean adventure with a four-day exploration of Crete, where layered history and living culture unfold at every turn. Begin in Heraklion with a visit to the renowned Archaeological Museum, home to an extraordinary collection of Minoan artifacts, before heading to the traditional village of Arolithos for a hands-on cooking class and dinner rooted in local flavors. Journey to the Palace of Knossos to explore the legacy of King Minos and Europe’s earliest civilization, then continue into the countryside around Archanes, with opportunities to hike or visit an olive oil farm for a tasting. Conclude with a scenic boat cruise to the island of Spinalonga—once a Venetian fortress and later a leper colony—where Crete’s complex past comes vividly into focus.

See Crete Pre-Voyage Extension >

See Crete Post-Voyage Extension >

Journey Through the Fabled Fjords of Norway

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This six-day, pre-trip extension begins in the medieval merchant town of Bergen, where you’ll discover the rich history of the former German trading center. From there, enjoy an idyllic ride on the Flåm Railway, one of the world’s most scenic train journeys, which ascends 2,900 feet in less than an hour. Then, explore the thundering waterfalls and snowy peaks of Norway’s two longest fjords—Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord—as you kayak, canoe and hike along breathtaking lakes. Finish up in the cosmopolitan city of Oslo with a visit to the Fram Museum before embarking the ship for your own Arctic adventure at sea.

See Norwegian Fjords Pre-Voyage Extension >

Delve Into Panama City’s Deep-rooted History

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Widen your understanding of Panama before your expedition through its historic canal on this three-day extension that uncovers the history and art of a city that played an integral part in 20th-century global trade. Venture to the U.S. Army Fort Amador and Miraflores Locks, where you'll gain insight into the rich lore of the creation of the Panama Canal and the U.S. involvement in its birth. Tour the bold, colorful Frank Gehry-designed BioMuseo, his first and only design in Central America, and discover two UNESCO World Heritage sites—the historic Casco Viejo Old Town, with its twin-towered Spanish Colonial-style cathedral, and San Lorenzo Protected Area, one of Panama's little-known natural gems.

See Panama City & San Lorenzo Pre-Voyage Extension >

Witness the Awesome Power of Iguazú Falls

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After taking in Antarctica's otherworldly landscapes, check another natural wonder off your list—Argentina’s Iguazú Falls. Taller than Niagra Falls and twice as wide, this exhilarating waterfall features 275 cascades along nearly two miles of the Iguazú River. This four-day extension offers an in-depth exploration of Iguazú National Park, a subtropical forest and UNESCO World Heritage site filled with rare birds and wildlife. After settling into the luxurious Gran Meliã Iguazú Hotel, with rooms offering stunning views of the falls, you’ll explore the park alongside local naturalists and expert guides.

See Iguazú Falls Post-Voyage Extension >

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