New Scientist Discovery

23/04/2025

There are so many incredible UNESCO World Heritage Sites waiting to be explored, and there is no better way to do that than being accompanied by expert archaeologists.

Join us this year to discover these incredible sites and uncover the origin of the human story.

23 May 2025 - 12 days for £4,450 per person
10 September 2025 - 12 days for £4,550 per person - 1 place remaining
24 September 2025 - 12 days for £4,550 per person

Follow the link for full details and how to book: https://www.newscientist.com/tours/human-origins-neolithic-bronze-age-turkey/

21/04/2025

Just one of the many pieces of amazing feedback we get on our Land of fire and ice tour in Iceland.

Discover Iceland’s majestic landscapes, timed to give you days filled with volcanic and geological adventure, with expert volcanologists accompanying.

For the June departure you will get to experience the phenomenon of the midnight sun with 21 hours of sunlight, warmer days and volcanic activity in evidence – accompanied by Dr Dave McGarvie who has spent years studying 21 of Iceland’s volcanoes.

For the October departure there will be evening opportunities to see the dancing lights of aurora borealis – accompanied by Dr Tamsin Mather, professor Earth sciences at the University of Oxford.

9 June 2025 – 8 days – from £3,999 per person.
18 October 2025 – 8 days – from £3,699 per person.

Follow the link for full details and how to book: https://www.newscientist.com/tours/iceland-land-of-fire-and-ice/

18/04/2025

If you’re a solo traveller who has dreamed of seeing the Arctic, then look no further!

Take to the seas from Svalbard, Norway on an unforgettable adventure exploring the Arctic's icy landscapes, awe-inspiring beauty and the science behind it. Departing in June, it is the best time to witness vibrant wildlife including polar bears, Arctic foxes and many species of birds. With a capacity of just 112 people, connect to this remote region of the Earth with like-minded curious travellers.

We have a limited number of cabins available on a twin share basis which require no single supplement!

22 June 2025 – 12 days – From £14,395 per person

Follow the link for full details and to book your place:
https://www.newscientist.com/tours/new-scientist-arctic-cruise/

16/04/2025

Departing soon!

Join a captivating weekend getaway to the Jurassic Coast where the wonders of geology come to life. Discover the rich tapestry of prehistorical finds around the cliffs of Lyme Regis and learn about the geological processes which formed the incredible scenery from an expert local geologist on a coastal cruise.

This weekender will be hosted by Dr Anjana Khatwa, a foremost earth scientist who will bring the story of the Jurassic Coast to life in a series of talks. You will also take a deep dive into the myriad of fossils found in the region from palaeontologists at the Lyme Regis Museum, former home of renowned fossil collector Mary Anning whose discoveries shaped our perception of history.

Steve Etches, a renowned fossil expert and collector, will also speak at this event. He who recently discovered what is thought to be the most complete Jurassic pliosaur skull ever found on the Dorset coast. Check out the video on our website to learn more about this find by clicking the link below.

16 May 2025 – 3 days – from £999 per person

View full details and book your place: https://www.newscientist.com/tours/science-jurassic-coast-devon-dorset/

11/04/2025

Journey to the island nation of Madagascar, famed for its unique wildlife and diverse habitats. Explore its ancient, fossilised forests, towering baobabs, surreal geological formations, lush rainforests, and semi-arid plains.

Join local guides and conservation experts to uncover the secrets of what makes these unique ecosystems tick and go in search of elusive lemurs, fossa and many more endemic species.

Delve deep into the geological history behind Madagascar’s isolation from mainland Africa, while enjoying its natural beauty in all its splendour.

3 September 2025 – 16 days for £8,399 per person

Follow this link for full information and how to book: https://www.newscientist.com/tours/wildlife-of-madagascar/

09/04/2025

⛰ The Rocky mountains are calling! Explore these majestic geological formations west of Calgary, combined with the otherworldly Badlands to the east. Discover the stunning scenery and geology of southern Alberta and immerse yourself in the history of the settlements in this remote but beautiful region. Visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites with world-class rock outcrops and outstanding dinosaur fossils.

You will be accompanied throughout by your tour expert, Jon Noad, consulting geologist and palaeontologist, who is an Adjunct Professor at Mount Royal University, Calgary.

Enjoy exclusive access to UNESCO World Heritage Site Dinosaur Provincial Park, to areas usually off-limits to the general public.

This tour is perfect for those who are fascinated by geological history and palaeontology. The unique beauty of the landscapes of the Rockies and Badlands cannot be overstated, so for those who appreciate stunning scenery while immersed in millions of years of history, this is the tour for you.

16 June 2025 – 7 days for £4,800 per person

Follow the link in our bio for full information and how to book.

Follow this link for full information and how to book: https://www.newscientist.com/tours/rockies-badlands-geology-dinosaurs-canada/

07/04/2025

Join this unique expedition to seek dinosaur remains in the beautiful wilderness of the Gobi Desert, together with experts from the Mongolian Institute for Palaeontology.

This is a unique opportunity to take part in live prospecting across keys sites, gaining hands-on experience and visiting some of the major hotspots of palaeontological discoveries, including the Flaming Cliffs where the dinosaur eggs were first discovered in 1922.

Experience the desert at night! After a day out fossil hunting the night sky transforms into an incomparable celestial spectacle. With the absence of urban lights, the Gobi desert has one of the clearest views of the night sky in the world.

Start and finish this tour in the capital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, visiting some of the key museums and laboratories of the institute.

16 August 2025 - 15 days for £7,799 per person

Follow this link for more information and how to book: https://www.newscientist.com/tours/dinosaur-hunting-gobi-desert-mongolia/

04/04/2025

🌍 Experience the wonders of the Galapagos Islands 🌍

Calling all nature enthusiasts! Discover the ultimate bucket list destination where you can observe species found nowhere else on Earth. Explore the isolated volcanic archipelago famously studied by Charles Darwin, accompanied by expert naturalists.

Begin your adventure on Baltra Island, then journey through Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago, Rabida, and Chinese Hat. Each island offers unique wildlife and stunning landscapes. Whether you prefer snorkelling, hiking, or relaxing aboard the intimate Solaris yacht, this expedition is designed for an exclusive and immersive experience.

Accompanied throughout by Darwin scholar Dr Jim Costa for insightful talks on the importance of these islands both to the world and Darwin’s legacy.

14 July 2025 – 8 days for £7,999 per person - 1 twin/double cabin remining (accompanied by Jo Ruxton MBE)

24 August 2026 - 8 days for £7,999 per person

Follow this link for full details and how to book: https://www.newscientist.com/tours/darwins-galapagos/

31/03/2025

🛳 All aboard!

Embark on an unforgettable journey to uncover early human civilisations and encounter fascinating wildlife among Scotland's wild isles aboard a state-of-the-art expedition vessel.

Begin your adventure in the historic Scottish capital of Edinburgh, then set sail to the enchanting Scottish islands. From the windswept Hebrides, inhabited for over 8000 years, to the captivating Orkney and Shetland Isles, where ancient Neolithic, Bronze Age, and Viking sites evoke images of long-lost civilizations. Glide by Zodiac past sea-sculpted coastlines, keeping an eye out for dolphins, seals and whales, along with one of Europe’s largest seabird colonies.

Follow the this link for full details and how to book: https://www.newscientist.com/tours/cruise-scotland/

28/03/2025

🐒 Borneo is a must-see destination!

Explore its primary rainforests and wetlands, including the Kinabatangan wetlands, Tabin Rainforest, and the Danum Valley.

Stay in secluded, idyllic lodges and nature resorts in the heart of the forest reserves.

Teeming with rare and endangered species, expect to see orangutans, sun bears, civet cats, langurs, gibbons, proboscis monkeys, rhinoceros hornbills and many more. Enjoy wildlife safaris, cruises, treks, and evening walks through hectares of pristine and undisturbed tropical rainforest.

Learn all about the conservation projects going on in this important part of the biosphere, including engaging talks on how species and habitats are being protected and rehabilitated.

10 August 2025 - 10 days for £5,399 per person

Full tour details and how to book are here: https://www.newscientist.com/tours/primary-rainforests-and-wetlands-malaysian-borneo/

26/03/2025

Join us on a unique astronomy experience discovering the dark skies of Hawaii combined with cruising around the beautiful and fascinating islands of Hawaii aboard an expedition yacht – the Safari Explorer – which is small enough to venture where larger ships can’t. Visit Hawaii's world-famous observatories whilst discovering the islands’ unique marine life, volcanic landscapes and history.

So why Hawaii? Hawaii’s geographic location allows for excellent visibility of both northern and southern hemisphere stars, providing a broader view of the night sky compared with other locations. In addition to stargazing, you will learn about Hawaiian navigational traditions, focusing on how ancient Polynesians used the stars to explore and settle vast areas of the Pacific Ocean.

16 April 2026 – 10 days from £6,495 per person

Full cruise details and how to book are here: https://www.newscientist.com/tours/hawaii-marine-astronomy-cruise/

21/03/2025

Have you ever wondered what the lives of our human ancestors were like? Join us on an incredible tour in France through the Vezere Valley from Bordeaux to Montpellier as we uncover the story of Neanderthals and our ancient ancestors. Marvel at astonishingly well-preserved prehistoric cave art at Lascaux and Chauvet IV caves, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Enjoy insightful talks on human evolution and Stone Age art from accompanying Tour Expert, New Scientist's Kate Douglas.

20 September 2025 - 9 days for £5,395 per person.

Follow the link below for full details and how to book.

https://www.newscientist.com/tours/caves-neanderthal-human-ancestors-france/

14/03/2025

Discover some of the world's oldest known cave paintings in the northern Spain. Travel back 40,000 years to explore how our ancestors lived, played and worked. Experience the wonders of several renowned caves full of art from before the dawn of civilisation, including El Castillo, Las Monedas, Santimamiñe, El Pindal and Tito Bustillo. Plus, visit the stunning replica of Altamira, the Bilbao Archaeological Museum and the Archaeological Museum of Santander.

In addition to your tour leader, you will also be accompanied by an expert in human origins. In June, you will be accompanied by Emily Wilson, former editor-in-chief of New Scientist who has had a deep interest in early human history for many years. In August you will be accompanied by Rob Dinnis who is an expert on the Palaeolithic period and archaeology of the last Ice Age.

17 June 2025 - 7 days for £3,395 per person
26 August 2025 - 7 days for £3,495 per person

Follow the link for full tour details and how to book: https://www.newscientist.com/tours/spain-ancient-caves-human-origins/

12/03/2025

We’re delighted that New Scientist Discovery Tours’ own Senior Product Manager, Lara Paxton, will be part of a panel speaking about expedition cruising at Sailawaze Live. She'll be speaking at 13:00 on Saturday 22nd March 2025 at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.

Follow the link below and use the following discount code for free tickets to the event: SW100

https://live.sailawaze.com/

10/03/2025

Discover the dawn of civilisation where our Neolithic and Bronze age ancestors changed from hunter-gatherers to organised societies with agriculture, ritual and an understanding of the wider world. Visit multiple excavations, museums and cities across several contrasting regions of Turkey, and visit astounding UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Göbekli Tepe, Goreme Open Air Museum, Hattusa and Mount Nemrut.

23 May 2025 - 12 days - £4,450 per person
10 September - 12 days - Sold out

Click here for full details and to book your place: https://www.newscientist.com/tours/human-origins-neolithic-bronze-age-turkey/

07/03/2025

Spend your days exploring and learning about marine life, current conservation efforts, animal intelligence, ecosystems, and what makes this unique group of volcanic islands so special. May is one of the best times to see marine wildlife in the Azores, previous New Scientist tour groups have spotted a variety of marine species including blue, orca, humpback and fin whales, common and bottlenose dolphins, as well as Cory's Shearwaters, turtles and Man o’ War jellyfish.

Accompanied by a team of marine experts, including marine biologist and oceanographer Russell Arnott, spend time both at sea and on land surrounded by a host of different animals. During your days at sea, search for blue whales – the world’s largest mammals – and s***m whales, which boast the largest brain.

13 May 2025 - 7 days for £3,499 per person.

Follow the link for full details and how to book:

13 May 2025 - 7 days for £3,499 per person May 2027 - Register at [email protected] and we will contact when confirmed details including dates and prices are available. Experience the hidden paradise of the richly biodiverse Azores islands, their lush flora and fauna, volcanic craters, la...

05/03/2025

Join an unforgettable tour of Iceland’s majestic landscapes, timed to give you days filled with volcanic and geological adventure, with expert volcanologists accompanying.

For the June departure you will get to experience the phenomenon of the midnight sun with 21 hours of sunlight, warmer days and volcanic activity in evidence – accompanied by Dr Dave McGarvie who has spent more than 3 years studying 21 of Iceland’s volcanoes.

For the October departure there will be evening opportunities to see the dancing lights of aurora borealis – accompanied by Dr Tamsin Mather, professor Earth sciences at the University of Oxford.

Why join this New Scientist tour?
• Visit a spectacular ice cave, located underneath Europe's biggest icecap, Vatnajökull, which has around 30 glaciers flowing out from it.
• Explore the famous Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, a beautiful sea of floating icebergs with blues that contrast vividly with the charcoal-coloured sand of the beach.
• Spend time exploring the Reykjanes Peninsula to see where two tectonic plates meet and the volcanic fissures created.
• Explore Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls and the Jokulsarlon Jökulsárlón glacier Lagoon.

9 June 2025 – 8 days – from £3,999 per person.
18 October 2025 – 8 days – from £3,699 per person.

View full details and book your place here: https://www.newscientist.com/tours/iceland-land-of-fire-and-ice/

03/03/2025

We are thrilled that Mark Stratton has been nominated for an Inspire Global Media Award for his article on New Scientist Discovery Tours' The science of whisky cruise, Inverness to Islay: Scotland.

Find out more about the cruise and how to book by following this link: https://www.newscientist.com/tours/whisky-cruise/

Read more about what Mark experienced and the full article here:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/cruises/learning-the-science-of-whisky-on-a-hebridean-cruise/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabKGeMf47dCd8ZmyjIHuYo4NIaoMncGNR6jScOFZy5FuVkGzm_7oAvt5vQ_aem_GYjPXQx6j6TxG2YkiCf5fQ