Polar bears in Canada

G Adventures and National Geographic Expeditions have paired up to create 18 new itineraries for 2017, with destinations including Namibia, Japan and Canada.

The new tours, suitable for small groups, have been created as part of the National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures line-up and bring the total number of holidays in this collection up to 83.

See the polar bears

Among the highlights of the 2017 line-up is a Canadian Polar Bear Experience that provides a rare opportunity to see polar bears in their natural habitat.

Groups taking this trip will be led by an expert from Polar Bears International, an organisation that has collaborated with National Geographic.

Other highlights on this six-day trip include a visit to the Parks Canada Visitor Centre at the Heritage Railway Station for a lecture about the area.

Groups will also get to explore a collection of Inuit art and artefacts at the Eskimo Museum and hear from a Churchill resident about what life is like in this isolated northern Canadian town.

Namibia and Japan

Two other new highlight trips are Wonders of Namibia and Iconic Japan.

Wonders of Namibia is a ten-day trip that will visit the global field research and education facility at the Cheetah Conservation Fund, an organisation supported by National Geographic Big Cats Initiative.

After a lecture by a researcher, the group will go on a wildlife viewing drive to see cheetahs up close in their natural habitat.

Further highlights include safari in Etosha National Park and the chance to explore Mondesa Township with a resident guide, followed by dinner and local entertainment in a family home.

Iconic Japan, meanwhile, is a 12 day holiday. Itinerary highlights include Tokyo's famous Tsukiji Fish Market, said to be the largest in the world.

The group will also get to take a sushi-making class with recognised masters, and visit a local temple to delve into the history and practice of Zen Buddhism in Japan and try out the art of Zen calligraphy.

Group travel information

The 18 new National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures trips for 2017 are now available for sale with departures beginning in April. 

The trips are suitable for smaller groups of up to around 16, but private groups of a larger number can be catered for on selected trips.

Group travel organisers should call 0344-272 2040 or visit www.gadventures.co.uk for further information.