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With experts on board, small group sizes, and in the company of fellow travellers who enjoy the discovery of science.

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Tour

CERN and Mont Blanc: Dark and Frozen Matter: Switzerland and France - 1 place remaining

Visit the particle-smashing Large Hadron Collider near Geneva and delve into physics and this lakeside city's history before exploring glaciers in the Alps.

5 May and 8 October 2024

6

Sperm whale fluke, near Azores

Tour

Whale watching and marine ecosystems in the Azores Islands: Portugal

Explore the delights of this mid-Atlantic archipelago with marine biologists, study whales and dolphins, and visit basalt vineyards and volcanic lagoons.

7 May 2024

7

Llanberis, Snowdonia, Wales

Tour

Retracing Charles Darwin’s travels across North Wales

Immerse yourself in the life of Charles Darwin, seeing the areas of Wales he visited before embarking on his famous journey to the Galapagos Islands. Discover the fascinating geology of Wales on a small group tour with Darwin expert Michael Roberts.

13 May and 23 September 2024

6

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Weekender

The science of the Jurassic Coast: Dorset and Devon, England

Unearth the science of one of England’s most stunning geological coastlines, the Jurassic Coast. Explore it by land and sea, while accompanying experts offer talks and insights on its evolution through time.

17 May 2024

3

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Tour

Neanderthal origins and ancient caves: Southern France - 1 place remaining

Journey back in time to key Neanderthal sites in southern France and see some of the oldest stone tools, art objects and cave paintings left by archaic humans.

8 June and 21 September 2024

10

Moraine lake, Alberta, CANADA - July 14, 2017: Moraine Lake in the sun, beautiful blue water, rocky mountains in the back

Tour

The Rockies and the Badlands: Geology and dinosaurs: Canada

Delve into the wildly contrasting landscapes of southern Alberta, from the Rocky Mountains in the west to the Badlands in the east.

17 June 2024

7

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Tour

Ancient caves, human origins: Northern Spain

Step into the past to see how our ancestors lived, tour a cave by torchlight and see ancient cave art, plus wines, expert talks and picturesque towns. 

18 June and 10 September 2024

7

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Tour

Niels Bohr's Copenhagen: Physics past and future: Denmark

Discover Copenhagen's rich science heritage, including Niels Bohr, Tycho Brahe and Ole Rømer, see observatories and delve into Denmark’s Viking past.

3 July 2024

6

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, built by Thomas Telford, and a World Heritage Site, reflecting in the River Dee, with people walking across, near Llangollen, County Borough of Wrexham, Wales, UK

Tour

The science of the waterways: England and Wales

Explore the science of the waterways of England and Wales while visiting six of the seven British wonders of the waterways.

6 July 2024

7

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Short Break

Human origins in prehistoric south-west England

A walking tour to immerse yourself in Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age Wiltshire and Dorset, including Cerne Abbas, Avebury and Stonehenge.

15 July 2024

5

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Short Break

Dinosaurs and Hoodoos: Alberta, US

The Badlands of southern Alberta are home to a trove of dinosaur bones and colorful spires of rock: get up close and personal with them in the Royal Tyrell Museum and at Dinosaur Provincial Park

23 July 2024

3

White-necked jacobin is a large and attractive hummingbird, Ecuador

Tour

In the footsteps of Alexander von Humboldt: Ecuador

Explore Ecuador's stunning natural wonders, including the Amazon and Cloud Forest, and follow in the footsteps of ecologist Alexander von Humboldt. 

16 August 2024

11

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Weekender

The science of rewilding: Coombeshead, Devon, England

Immerse yourself in nature deep in the heart of Devon and discover how wildlife is returning to the British countryside.

16 August 2024

3

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Tour

Geology, Conservation and Culture: Vietnam

Discover a different side of Vietnam in this wide-ranging tour that covers geology, stunning landscapes, animal conservation, culture and history.

Experience tropical jungles, limestone caves, blissful villages and amazing feats of underground engineering. 

17 August 2024

13

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Cruise

Darwin’s Galapagos with Jo Ruxton MBE - 2 cabins remaining

Tour the Galapagos Islands by boat as Charles Darwin did, taking an exclusive yacht to look for famous, long-lived giant tortoises and marine iguanas. 

26 August 2024

8

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Expedition

Dinosaur hunting in the Gobi desert: Mongolia - 1 place remaining

Join a unique expedition to seek dinosaur remains in the beautiful wilderness of the Gobi desert with experts from the Mongolian Institute for Palaeontology.

27 August 2024

15

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Weekender

Mysteries of the universe: Cheshire, England

Discover the riddles of the cosmos and hear from leading scientists who are deepening our understanding of the universe and everything in it.

30 August 2024

3

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Short Break

The science history of Scotland: The enlightenment and beyond

Discover Edinburgh and Glasgow's most famous scientific thinkers, visit key sites from the Enlightenment and enjoy seminars, walks and museums.

5 September 2024

5

Stunning sunset, golden hour at pen y fan brecon beacons. south wales, uk

Short Break

The science of deep time: Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog), Wales

Explore the concept of deep time with engaging talks and walking seminars in underground caves, quarries and mountain summits in the stunning Brecon Beacons. 

9 September 2024

3

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Tour

The birth of modern medicine: Paris and Montpellier: France

Discover the foundations of the modern science of medicine in two French cities: Paris, where the ‘Paris School’ of hygiene and hospital teaching flourished and Montpellier, home to the world’s oldest university medical faculty.

9 September 2024

7

Nemrut Mountain, the most beautiful sunset in the world - Adiyaman, Turkey

Tour

Human origins: Neolithic and Bronze age Turkey

Journey back to the dawn of civilisation at sites in Turkey including Çatalhöyük, the first known city, Göbekli Tepe temple and the underground city at Kaymakli.

12 and 14 September 2024

11

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Weekender

The science of botanical gardening and horticulture: Surrey, England

Unravel the secrets of our gardens and natural landscapes with talks from horticulturalists and authors, then enjoy an in-depth visit to RHS Wisley.

13 September 2024

3

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Tour

Renaissance astronomy in Kepler's Prague: Czech Republic

Discover the secrets of Renaissance period astronomers Kepler and Brahe in Prague, the stunning city of a hundred spires, and stargaze at the Stefanik Observatory.

15 September 2024

6

Stunning mountain landscape in Ainsa with old monastery and hotel, located in the pyrenes, Huesca, Spain

Tour

The geology of the Pyrenees: Spain

Journey through the beautiful landscapes and amazing geology of the central Spanish Pyrenees whilst sampling the best in local culture and cuisine.

15 September 2024

7

"Afternoon sun on sunset rock in the Autumn, overlooking North-South Lake in the Catskills Mountains of New York. (HDR)."

Tour

Geology, paleo-astronomy and art: Northeastern US

Explore the intersections of geology, astronomy, art and architecture from the centre of the deep-time supercontinent of Pangea.

15 September 2024

7

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Tour

Machu Picchu and the science of the Inca: Peru

Immerse yourself in the Inca civilisation’s science, history and most important archaeological sites, including Machu Picchu. Accompanied by anthropologist and Emmy award-winning director and producer, Peter Getzels and Professor of Anthropology, Dr Jean-Jacques Decoster.

17 September 2024

10

Marsican bear cubs, a protected species typical of central Italy. Animals in the wild in their natural habitat, in the Abruzzo region of Italy.

Tour

Rewilding in the Central Apennines: Italy

Journey into Italy’s Central Apennines region and discover a fascinating introduction into the concept and practicalities of rewilding.

23 September 2024

6

High definition shot of red rocks of Monument Valley, Arizona, United States

Tour

A desert adventure: Landscapes and cultures: Utah, US

Southeastern Utah is a breathtaking wonderland of un-tamed landscapes cut by canyons deeper in places than mountains are tall: learn the secrets of this Canyon Country from the ‘deep time’ of earth history through to prehistoric Native Americans, early explorers, miners and outlaws, Mormons and later settlers.

25 September 2024

7

Bright colourful traditional buildings in the old town of Stockholm, Sweden

Tour

Nobel's Stockholm: Celebrating science through space and time: Sweden

Discover the city of Stockholm's past and present, and learn about Alfred Nobel, the prizes named after him, and Sweden’s vast contributions to science. 

28 September 2024

6

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Cruise

The science of whisky: Scottish Hebrides Cruise

A whisky lover’s dream island-hopping cruise taking in some of Scotland’s most renowned distilleries accompanied by whisky experts.

29 September 2024

8

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Tour

The science of how to get more from your time: Thailand

Immerse yourself in an experiential adventure in Thailand that’s designed to be joyous and challenging, educational and transformational.

30 September 2024

8

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Tour

The archaeological wonders of Jordan

Explore archaeological sites from many different periods including the amazing Petra. Plus geology in Wadi Rum and float in the Dead Sea.

30 September 2024

8

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Tour

Behind the ropes: Archaeology at Mycenae: Greece

A unique tour of key Mycenaean sites including a "behind the ropes" experience learning how to explore and excavate with archaeologists. 

10 October 2024

8

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Tour

Land of fire and ice: Iceland

Marvel at volcanoes, erupting geysers, glaciers and waterfalls on a trip of geological adventure, with a chance to see the Aurora Borealis.

25 October 2024

8

Polar bears on tundra in Arctic sunset, Churchill, Canada

Tour

Churchill polar bear expedition: Canada

Take a deep dive into the life and natural history of the polar bear in Canada, home to 60 per cent of the world's polar bear population. 

October 2024

7

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Tour

Volcanology, geothermal valleys and astronomy: North Island, New Zealand

Explore the key geological regions of New Zealands North Island, study significant geological, volcanic on an impressive scale. Visit Rangitoto Island volcano, Waitomo caves, the major geothermal areas and the Tongariro National Park.

1 November 2024

8

Cactus field located in Saguaro, Arizona USA, visited on the discovery geology tour

Tour

Geology, landscapes and heritage: Southern Arizona, US

Discover the stark but beautiful landscapes, dramatic human history, and rich earth history of southern Arizona while indulging in a little hiking and stargazing and enjoying southwestern cuisine and local wine-tasting.

3 November 2024

6

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Tour

The science of biodiversity: Costa Rica

Experience the extraordinary biodiversity of Costa Rica on an expedition around several verdant ecosystems.

6 November 2024

13

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Tour

Glaciology and geology: South Island, New Zealand

Discover the diverse landscapes of New Zealand's South Island. Visiting Milford Sound, the unique Punakaiki geology, Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, fjords and the Southern Alps. 

8 November 2024

8

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Tour

Megalithic Malta: Temples, fortifications and archaeology

Discover 7000 years of history including exceptional archaeological sites, mysterious temples, beautiful coastlines, fishing villages and architecture. 

11 November 2024

6

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Cruise

The science of Antarctica: South Georgia, Falklands and Antarctic expedition cruise

Experience the majesty of the Antarctic Peninsula and the enchanting wildlife haven of South Georgia on this expedition cruise to the southernmost region of the world.

18 November 2024

22

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Short Break

Freud’s Vienna: Psychoanalysis and the Viennese schools: Austria

Gain insight into the mind of Sigmund Freud in the city in which he spent most of his life. Uncover how he explored the subconscious and became known as the founder of psychoanalysis.

25 November 2024

5

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Tour

The science of the Renaissance: Italy

Uncover the scientific wonders of Renaissance cities Florence, Pisa and Bologna, guided through the era's great discoveries and minds by our experts.

25 November 2024

8

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Tour

Astronomy and volcanoes in the Canary Islands: Spain

Visit an array of telescopes, take part in expert-led stargazing and explore the volcanic landscapes at multiple sites across the islands of Tenerife and La Palma.

28 November 2024

7

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Cruise

In the wake of Alfred Wallace cruise: Indonesia

Explore islands, rainforests and the rare species of the Malay Archipelago on a traditional yet luxurious boat, in the company of nature and history experts.

22 January 2025

13

Monarch butterflies on branches of fir tree in Mexico as part of migration

Tour

The great monarch butterfly migration: Mexico

Experience one of the world's most astounding wildlife events that occurs each year in the forested Central Highlands of Mexico, the monarch butterfly migration, featuring the most delicate of creatures.

January 2025

6

Two wolves looking into distance in snowy wilderness, Yellowstone National park in winter, USA

Tour

Yellowstone wolf & wildlife winter safari: USA

Discover Yellowstone and the Tetons on a wonderful winter wildlife safari in search of the elusive icons of the wilderness: wolf, bison and elk.

February 2025

7

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Tour

Wildlife and conservation of Sri Lanka

Embark on an extraordinary expedition in search of leopards, elephants, sloth bears and pangolins as you journey through Sri Lanka's stunning landscapes. 

17 March 2025

12

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Tour

The world capital of astronomy: Chile

Visit world-leading observatories, gain hands-on experiences and stargaze at several sites with exceptionally clear skies. With astronomer Martin Griffiths.

27 March 2025

13

Abisko aurora sky station with Northern lights above, Abisko National Park, Sweden

Tour

Science of astronomy and ice: Sweden

Join a unique expedition to the remote wilderness region of Northern Sweden, to unearth the science of astronomy and ice, whilst staying at the worlds largest Icehotel.  

March 2025

4

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Tour

Tasmania's flora, fauna and geology: Australia

An immersive expedition around Tasmania offering an up close with a diverse range of species on land, in the skies and at sea. Expect to see everything from Tasmanian devils, platypus, little penguins and the eastern quoll along with numerous birds and endemic species.

1 April 2025

12

Mountain path in Parque Arqueolgico do Vale do Coa (Archaeological Park of the Coa Valley), Portugal

Short Break

Rewilding in the Côa valley: Portugal

Explore Portugal's Greater Côa valley, an area rich in biodiversity. Visit and learn about Rewilding Portugal's work which is aiming to build a nature and culture-based economy to create communal support for a wilder environment. 

April 2025

4

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Cruise

The science of the Arctic expedition cruise

Experience the realm of the polar bear and midnight sun with experts onboard a new state-of-the-art polar marine expedition vessel.

June 2025

13

Bubble net feeding from zodiac, Alaska

Cruise

The science of glaciers and whales: Alaska’s Inside Passage

Set sail and explore Alaska’s Inside Passage. Cruise around remote islands, witness glaciers calving and discover an abundance of wildlife. Learn about the history, glaciology and geology of this stunning region accompanied by award-winning freelance science journalist, Lesley Evans Ogden.

31 July 2025

9

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Tour

Volcanoes: Mount Etna and the Aeolian Islands: Italy

Experience the epic beauty and power of active volcanoes Etna and Stromboli, and enjoy the Aeolian Islands, scenic landscapes and Italian hospitality.

August 2025

8

Tucano river boat on the river in the Brazilian Amazon, Brazil

Expedition

The science of the Amazon and Pantanal expedition: Brazil

Join an exceptional journey exploring two of Brazil’s most celebrated ecological regions, the Amazon and the Pantanal, on an expedition to better understand what makes them so incredible and, primarily, what differentiates them.

September 2025

13

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Expedition

In search of Madagascar’s magical wildlife

Discover Madagascar's stunning lemur-packed forests, stunning geology and colourful flora and fauna.

September 2025

16

Scenic view of wild dogs standing on top of a sandbank surveying the area after a recent Kill, with a bright blue clear sky background. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Tour

The science of safari: Big cat conservation: Zambia

Gain insight into one of Zambia’s longest running conservation projects working with the country’s largest populations of wild dogs, lions and other carnivores.

November 2025

8

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Tour

Total Solar Eclipse 2024: Albuquerque to San Antonio, USA - SOLD OUT

Travel through space and astronomy sites of New Mexico to San Antonio then witness one of nature’s most magnificent events.

1 April 2024

10

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Tour

Total Solar Eclipse 2024: Houston to San Antonio, USA - SOLD OUT

Witness one of nature’s most magnificent events at a private viewing site in Texas plus space centres, observatories and NASA Space Centre Houston.

3 April 2024

8

Solar Eclipse "Elements of this image furnished by NASA

Tour

Total solar eclipse 2024: San Antonio to San Marcos, Texas: USA - SOLD OUT

Witness a solar eclipse at an exclusive ranch location in Texas accompanied by expert astronomers. Visit several astronomical and histroically interesting sites along the way as you travel from San Antonio to San Marcos, Texas.

6 April 2024

7

WHY NEW SCIENTIST DISCOVERY TOURS

Great itineraries with a science focus, to appealing destinations, curated by us.

OUR EXPERTS

Drawn from our extensive network of editors, journalists, academics and authors

PEACE OF MIND

We choose our tour-operating partners very carefully ensuring they hold ATOL licenses and/or they have relevant bonding in place to provide financial protection.

GOOD COMPANY

You will be travelling with like-minded guests who enjoy the discovery of science. This leads to better interaction with our tour experts and deep organic conversations with fellow guests.

SOLO TRAVELLERS

All of our tours, cruises, expeditions and weekenders are perfect for solo travellers. If you want your own room, you will need to pay a solo supplement. However, if you are happy to share a room with a fellow guest of the same sex, we will do all we can to match you with another guest so you do not have to pay the solo room supplement.

SUSTAINABILITY

We want to help you discover science through the joy of travel. We want to achieve that in a way that doesn’t harm the environment, people, cultures or wildlife.

Hence, we have set out the following guidelines around impacts, relationships and sustainability for how Discovery Tours operates.

  • We recognise that flying is a luxury that comes at a considerable cost to the planet. As a tour operator we cannot realistically avoid this impact, but we would urge all our customers to think carefully about when and where they fly. To assist in this, we offer alternative travelling arrangements avoiding flying for our tours wherever practical. From 2021, we will be fully separating the cost of travel options from the cost of the tours to give our customers the full freedom to make informed decisions. 
  • Many experts see carbon offsetting as a useful short-term tool for mitigating the effects of our activities on the climate, when employed in conjunction with emissions reductions. If you wish to calculate the carbon impact of your flight and offset emissions, we could recommend the official UN platform for carbon offsetting, which ensures that your money benefits only emissions mitigation projects certified under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
  • We only work with tour operating partners who have clear published sustainable tourism policies and/or are members of the Association of Independent Tour Operators (or similar body) who work with their members to embed sustainable tourism practices.
  • Our tours operate with full respect for local cultures, animal welfare, and the scientific, ecological and cultural significance of the places we visit.
  • We will not undertake any tours or experiences that in the view of the New Scientist editorial team contradict best practice or our values. For an issue where there isn’t clear cut best practice, we will err on the side of caution.

We aim to tread lightly and help our guests appreciate and protect this beautiful world we live in.

CONTACT US

If you have a query, idea or just want to chat, email us at tours@newscientist.com