National Geographic Expeditions vs Quark Expeditions - Tour Companies Compared
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Tour Company |
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| Rating Breakdown |
Overall — 3.5
Value — 3.5
Guide — 3.9
Activities — 4.0
Lodging — 3.8
Transportation — 3.6
Meals — 3.6
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Overall — 4
Value — 4.0
Guide — 4.0
Activities — 4.0
Lodging — 4.0
Transportation — 4.0
Meals — 4.0
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| Recent Reviews |
perfect trip0.0 May 2019P
Patricia Recommends
Wow I do not miss ng have loved it my while life and I am 70 my perfect trip would be yellowstone
Tour National Geographic Expeditions Company ReviewsGreat sites, poorly managed0.0 November 2018D
Disappointed Does Not Recommend
I grew up with National Geographic so when I signed up for a NG trip I was quite excited. I spent a lot of time on a crowded bus. Some of the accommodations were two star, peeling paint, smelly rooms, poorly catered. This was an expensive trip all my girl friend and we spent 17,000 dollars for the two of us. Some of the guides were actually wrong about what they were saying about the history of Sicily, and you did not have to be an expert to realize this. There were a number of representations that tour operators made that turned out to be less than accurate. The tour group one night was having dinner in Sorento, and I asked about the wine they were serving, that is the grape and vintage, the only explanation I got was "its red". In another circumstance, the tour operator lost guests at Pompeii, and then threatened to leave them. It was a mess. I could go on, but I would cross this trip off the list.
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Aamazing experience0.0 March 2018C
Cathy Recommends
We just returned from an amazing experience exploring the Galapagos Islands then following up with another awesome week in Peru -- highlighted by touring the ruins of Machu Picchu. The naturalists, local guides and expedition leaders were outstanding! We'll be talking about this trip for years. This was our first experience with National Geographic Expeditions and loved it so much we've already made reservations for our next trip!
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Tour National Geographic Expeditions Company Reviews |
Most AMAZING experience ever0.0 March 2018J
Jodie-Anne Recommends
You guys rock! Thanks for the most AMAZING experience ever. Totally exceeded our expectations. Expedition Crew and Hospitality Crew were outstanding. We highly recommend QUARK. Special shout out to the Kayaking Crew, you're exceptional!
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Tour Quark Expeditions Company ReviewsProfessional and satisfactory0.0 January 2018J
Jill Recommends
Any company can be good when things go well, it's how they perform when things go wrong that is important. I was on the 7th Jan Fly the Drake expedition that got cancelled after 3 days of bad weather meant we were unable to land on King George Island. They were honest with us whilst events were unfolding and took care of our food and accommodation needs. Since returning home, my dealings with them via my travel agent have been professional and satisfactory. So much so that I have booked to travel with them next year.
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Tour Quark Expeditions Company ReviewsFantastic trip0.0 December 2017R
Rachel Recommends
I was on the Ocean Endeavor over Christmas and everything was amazing. The service, expedition leaders, and the itinerary. What I liked was that they were not set on landing at exact locations. One area was inaccessible by ice, so we went somewhere else. I liked the decisions the captain and expedition leader made to ensure we had a fantastic trip. The food was plentiful and overall service perfect. I wouldn't hesitate to book another trip with Quark!
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Tour Quark Expeditions Company Reviews |
| Tours | 63 Trips | 14 Trips |
| Average Trip Price Per Day | $ 703 | $ 745 |
| Operator Type | Mixed Land & Cruise | Small Ship & Expedition Cruise Line |
| Size | Global Operator | Local Specialist |
| Trip Styles |
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| Service Level | Standard | Luxury |
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| Known For |
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| Headquarters | Northwest, Washington, D.C, United States | Seattle, Washington, USA |
| Year Established | 1999 | 1991 |
| Solo Friendly | N/A | N/A |
| Tour Languages | English | N/A |
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In 1999, National Geographic launched their own tour company component: National Geographic Expeditions. Since then they have expanded to offer trips on all 7 continents in over 60 destinations. Recently they partnered with G Adventures to provide even more variety to their devoted customers.
What Makes National Geographic Expeditions Stand Out?
- Multiple modes of travel
- Expert guides and photographers
- After hours and special access to sites
With National Geographic, you can travel by small, expedition-style ships; classic train journeys; land tours; active adventures; photo tours; family-oriented trips; or private, independent expeditions based on your desires and budget.
Wherever you go with National Geographic, which has been in the tour business for 15 years, you can expect doors to open: entry to research sites, archaeological digs, private homes or special events.
Many expeditions are accompanied by a National Geographic expert or expert team who share their knowledge and passion for a region and help make each experience enriching and unforgettable.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling With National Geographic Expeditions?
- Photography enthusiasts
- All ages
- Adventurous minded
- Nature lovers
- History buffs
- Life long learners
National Geographic is one of those special brands that has managed to successfully straddle the line between “your grandfather loves them” and “your eighteen year old sister loves them”. They cover a wide range of topics, themes, and travel styles, with the educational aspect always prevalent yet not overbearing.
If you love feeling like an explorer and an adventurer when you travel, and love learning about the world from experts in a variety of fields, National Geographic is the perfect place for you. This is a company for those who want to dig deeper, like getting the inside story from multiple perspectives - historical, cultural, political, economic, scientific and more.
National Geographic trips are great for families, and you can choose a private tour or a family friendly group, where hands on activities will widen your children’s worldview in innumerable special ways.
National Geographic trips are also extremely popular with photographers - novice photographers will enjoy their photography-centric tours, while many dedicated hobbyists can be found on their other trip styles as well.
If you’re the kind of traveler who sacrifices the space for a pair of shoes in your suitcase for another lens or photography accessory...you’ll be right at home on a trip with National Geographic Expeditions.
In the same way that National Geographic magazine has always inspired and furthered conversation and discourse, so too do their trips. The spirit of learning about the world is intertwined in every itinerary, so if you consider yourself a lifelong student, you should definitely consider traveling with National Geographic Expeditions.
Top Destinations
National Geographic Expeditions go all around the world, and cover almost every travel style imaginable. One might think they have a favoring of the more “exotic” locations but an impressive number of United States and European tours are offered as well as farther reaching destinations. National Geographic Expeditions in the Galapagos are especially popular.
Regardless of where you travel, you will be sure to get off the beaten path and discover unique cultural landmarks, meet interesting people, and enjoy a sense of adventure.
Small-ship expeditions, done in conjunction with Lindblad Expeditions, can take you to Antarctica, the Galapagos and points beyond. Classic train journeys include the Trans-Siberian and trains through India, Spain, and Switzerland. Active adventures might take you hiking in Bhutan or meeting Berbers in Morocco. Land tours could take you to Tanzania, Peru or the Grand Canyon.
National Geographic Expeditions Travel Style
The travel style with National Geographic Expeditions has an aura of old fashioned exploration with a modern twist.
National Geographic Expeditions is a family friendly outfit, offering a wide range of prices and trip styles. Trips vary from mid range budget to higher. Physical level is usually light to moderate.
By virtue of their longstanding presence in the world, National Geographic has a wide reaching global network to lean on for incredibly unique and authentic lodging options, knowledgeable guides, and VIP access to historical and archaeological sites.
They have several broad travel styles you can choose from:
Land Trips - National Geographic Land Trips are immersive explorations, often covering nature and wilderness points of interest such as national parks. They also dive into ancient cities and cultures, with trips exploring everything from monks in Burmese mountainside temples to the lives of nomadic Mongolian peoples. Most trips are around 11 days and physical level is between light and moderate, with some trips featuring moderately challenging hikes in various altitudes.
River Cruises - a relatively new addition, Nat Geo now offers around 7 river cruises in Europe covering the Danube, Rhine, and Douro. Currently they also have 1 river cruise in Asia, along the Irrawaddy. These trips are typically between 7 - 11 days and feature wine tasting, history tours, and very light physical activity.
Private Expeditions - If you and your family, significant other, or a few close friends are looking for a more intimate travel experience than a group of strangers, Private Expeditions are a great way to travel. These trips are customizable, and can be crafted to perfectly suit your interests and dates.
Photography Trips - National Geographic has consistently featured award winning travel photography. They run regular contests for those inspired by the thousands of groundbreaking and historic photographs taken by journalists and travel photographers around the world. On National Geographic photography trips you can actually learn tricks of the trade from real-world photographers and improve your skills.
Train Trips - Travel was revolutionized with the implementation of the railroad, allowing people to travel in what was then a rapid pace from destination to destination. Today this ideal has been flipped on its head, and train travel is a leisurely paced excursion allowing time to relax and appreciate the slower meandering through beautiful countrysides. National Geographic train trips cover the classics, such as the Trans-Siberian railway and the Rocky Mountain railroad. Accommodations are comfortable, around a premium level, with options to upgrade.
Active Expeditions - For those who enjoy a bit more of an adrenaline pumping and active travel experience, National Geographic also has trips for you. These trips feature multiple active outings, such as kayaking, hiking, and caving. Expect to explore the outdoors covering unique natural phenomena and gaining insight into how and why the landscape has been shaped the way it has. These trips also feature cultural insights, just to a lesser extent.
Family Expeditions - National Geographic is the perfect company to travel with when you have curious and adventurous youngsters eager to see the world. They will learn about other cultures, people, food, nature and wildlife from experts with “cool jobs” that might even inspire lifelong interests and perhaps influence a career. These trips are specifically designed to be hands on, allowing everyone to get involved and learn about how things work.
Private Jet Trips - For a luxurious and more lengthy travel experience, nothing beats a Private Jet tour. A dedicated team will be with you, and you’ll experience all the best that National Geographic has to offer from local guides to premiere accommodation. These trips are in a very high budget range, but if it’s in your wheelhouse - it’s a superb way to travel and cover a lot of ground.
Journeys - Part of a partnership with G Adventures, these trips are adventurous and immersive small group excursions imbued with the spirit of National Geographic. The best of two top travel worlds!
Why Choose a Tour With National Geographic Expeditions?
When you travel with National Geographic you are participating in and contributing to a spectacular legacy. Over the years National Geographic has cultivated a reputation for being about cultural exploration, scientific advancement, and broadening perspectives.
Their travel experiences are perfect for anyone wishing to get back to the roots of what adventurous, experiential travel really means and enjoy discovering the world from multiple angles.
Really one of the best parts about traveling on a tour with National Geographic Expeditions is the sheer breadth of knowledge, personal and professional experience their guides bring to the table. They help provide richly detailed context, historical information, and dive into the details of local life, by showing and doing as well as explaining. You the traveler will have the true experience of getting to know a place from the inside out.
If that wasn’t enough of a reason, proceeds from your trip price go towards supporting National Geographic’s ongoing nonprofit work in conservation, exploration, education, and cultural preservation.
Founded in 1991, Quark specializes in polar expedition cruises to the Arctic and Antarctica.
What Makes Quark Expeditions Stand Out?
- Adventurous and off the beaten path destinations
- Knowledgeable and expert guides
- Small groups
- Strong commitment to sustainable travel
If you'd like to follow in the wake of some of the great Arctic and Antarctic explorers, this company will provide you the opportunity. Passengers often board Zodiacs to get out on the water or make landings in remote locations.
Quark was in fact the first company to lead cruises for tourism through the Northwest Passage; adventure and pushing boundaries is in their blood and their destinations and itineraries reflect this.
Quark has been a leader in expedition-style cruising for nearly a quarter century, specializing in the polar regions. You can travel in an icebreaker -- including one that's nuclear-powered and goes to the North Pole -- or in smaller, more mobile ships, all of which hold fewer than 200 passengers.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling with Quark?
- Adventurous travelers
- History buffs
- Ages 45-65
- Wildlife lovers
- Photographers
Travelers who choose Quark will be adventurous minded, seeking a cruise not for the luxury aspect but for the types of destinations only accessible by this mode of travel. Be ready for lots of winter weather and challenging but rewarding shore excursions.
Quark cruises are all about functionality first - designed to be able to travel to remote corners of the globe.
This is not to say that the accommodations are bare bones - but travelers who love the mechanics of expedition cruises and are interested in the style of these ships will most enjoy traveling with Quark among other expedition cruising enthusiasts.
Because these ships are quite small, the stateroom space allotted for their limited passenger numbers is spacious and comfortable.
Top Destinations
Quark is known for traversing the polar regions - the rugged Arctic and expansive Antarctic. Their ships are designed specifically to cut through icy waters and navigate remote byways.
Quark Expeditions Travel Style
The Quark cruise style is comfortable but not excessive. Think packing hiking boots and thermal layers instead of a cocktail dress or dinner jacket. Accommodations are comfortable but basic and the style aboard ship is informal.
For Quark the travel experience is about what’s on shore rather than on board - though the on board amenities are certainly not non-existent. Travelers used to luxury cruises may find the Quark on board experience a bit jarring.
Why Choose a Cruise with Quark?
If you are seeking a true adventure on board state of the art vessels designed to visit remote polar destinations than Quark is for you.
