Adventure, Refined: Introducing National Geographic Signature by G Adventures
At J5Travel, we’ve long championed G Adventures. We’ve always admired their "stubborn" refusal to treat local communities as mere backdrops. They pioneered a model of community tourism where your travel spend stays exactly where it should: in the pockets of the local artisans and guides you meet.
However, we’ll be the first to admit that, until now, G Adventures' version of "adventure" occasionally involved more "character-building" moments—and perhaps fewer Egyptian cotton sheets—than some of our more discerning travelers might prefer.
That is officially changing.
I first got wind of this news back in September during the GX conference in Jordan, and today I am genuinely delighted to introduce their new partnership: National Geographic Signature.
This isn't just a step up; it’s a definitive move into proper luxury travel. Featuring 32 meticulously curated expeditions, this collection pairs National Geographic’s unparalleled storytelling and scientific depth with refined comfort. Now, the only thing "rugged" about your trip is the scenery.
Out of the 32 new expeditions, I’ve hand-picked five that perfectly capture this new era of elevated exploration.
1. Indochina: Vietnam, Laos & the Temples of Cambodia
Duration: 18 Days
This journey elegantly swaps "roughing it" for refined access. You’ll travel from the frenetic energy of Saigon to the spiritual stillness of Luang Prabang, seeing iconic landmarks through a lens of exclusive conservation.
- Restricted Access at Angkor: Go behind the scenes at Conservation d’Angkor—a site usually closed to the public—to view thousands of protected Khmer statues.
- Imperial Hospitality: Enjoy an intimate evening of traditional music and fine dining at the Ben Xuan Garden House in Hue, hosted in the private villa of an imperial descendant.
- Refined Retreats: Sleep in style at curated properties like the Hôtel Des Arts Saigon and the Art Deco Azerai La Residence on the banks of the Perfume River.
2. The Legacy of WWII: London & Normandy
Duration: 10 Days
A profoundly moving exploration of the events that reshaped the 20th century. This trip bridges the strategic planning rooms of London with the hallowed sands of Normandy, replacing typical "museum-hopping" with private access.
- Behind the Glass at Churchill War Rooms: Step behind the glass into the actual Map Room and the Prime Minister’s bedroom—areas strictly off-limits to the general public.
- A Military Historian on Omaha Beach: Walk the D-Day landing sites alongside a renowned military historian to hear the personal stories of the men who stormed the cliffs.
- Elegant Accommodations: Settle into the luxury of The Mayfair Hotel in London and the Château d'Audrieu in Normandy, an 18th-century manor that served as a backdrop to the conflict itself.
3. Peru: Lima, Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley
Duration: 9 Days
This expedition masterfully balances ancient archaeology with modern Andean luxury. Trade the typical tourist path for private workshops, curator-led galleries, and high-altitude retreats.
- Curator-Led Antiquities: Enjoy a private, after-hours tour of the Museo Larco in Lima, led by a resident curator within an 18th-century mansion.
- Textiles with a Nat Geo Explorer: Visit the Ccaccaccollo weaving cooperative alongside an expert to see how indigenous women are reviving ancient techniques.
- Iconic Stays: Retreat to the finest properties in Peru, including the riverside Tambo del Inka and the world-renowned Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel, a converted 16th-century monastery.
4. Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka
Duration: 12 Days
Balance Japan’s neon-lit future with its meditative past. This itinerary offers "hush-hush" access to the rituals that define the island nation, far beyond the standard tourist trail.
- Morning with Sumo Giants: Witness a morning training session at a Tokyo heya (stable), followed by a traditional "chanko-nabe" lunch with the wrestlers.
- Zen Stillness at Joju-ji: Find your center at Kyoto’s Joju-ji Temple with a private meditation session led by a Zen priest.
- Elevated Urban Sanctuaries: Experience five-star comfort at the Hilton Tokyo, the Thai-inspired Dusit Thani Kyoto, and a high-end ryokan in the hot-spring haven of Hakone.
5. Tanzania: Serengeti, Tarangire & Ngorongoro Crater
Duration: 8 Days
A masterclass in the "Modern Safari." Here, the thrill of the Big Five is matched by the intellectual depth of National Geographic’s research.
- The KopeLion Experience: Join conservationists for a private field visit to a Maasai boma to learn how they foster coexistence between lions and local herders.
- Brunch in the Caldera: Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for an elegant, private bush brunch set amidst one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders.
- Wild Luxury: Experience the "Signature" standard of comfort at luxury tented camps like Lemala Ewanjan, where the sounds of the Serengeti are your evening soundtrack.
Ready to see the world through a different lens? If you're looking for an expedition that combines deep local impact with high-end comfort, the National Geographic Signature collection is for you. Let's get started planning.
Hi, I'm John, and I'm told I have a cool accent. I absolutely love travel and I am proud to have built a team as passionate about exploring the world as myself. It took me a very long time to align my career with my undeniable passion for exploring, but now I and the team are here for you. Your personal travel tailors - award reservation and luxury custom itinerary experts. We provide a bespoke service, imagining and creating itineraries for independent minded families and groups.
