
Science-inspired tours and cruises for curious minds.
With experts on board and in the company of fellow travellers who enjoy the discovery of science.
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Tour
Featured: 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 enjoy wines, expert talks and picturesque towns.
16 June 2026
7 days

Cruise
Featured: Total solar eclipse 2026, Iceland to Greenland polar cruise - Last few cabins
Experience an awe-inspiring total solar eclipse in 2026, aboard a boutique polar expedition vessel while exploring the longest fjord system in the world.
7 August 2026
13 days

Expedition
Featured: Dinosaur hunting in the Gobi desert, Mongolia
Join a unique expedition to seek dinosaur remains in the beautiful wilderness of the Gobi desert with experts from the Mongolian Institute of Palaeontology.
22 August 2026
15 days

Cruise
Featured: Marine cruise exploring Darwin’s Galapagos
Tour the Galapagos Islands by boat as Charles Darwin did, sailing aboard an exclusive yacht to look for famous, marine wildlife, giant tortoises and marine iguanas.
24 August 2026
8 days

Tour
Scientific pioneers of the ancient world, Cairo and Alexandria: Egypt
Embark on a captivating journey through Cairo and Alexandria, two of Egypt’s most iconic cities, from the majestic Pyramids of Giza to the historic streets of Alexandria.
13 March 2026
7 days

Short Break
Science of astronomy and the northern lights: Sweden
Join a unique expedition to the remote wilderness region of northern Sweden, to unearth the science of astronomy, while staying at the world's largest hotel made of ice.
18 March 2026
5 days

Tour
Insect and ecosystems safari: Sri Lanka
Explore Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity on a guided nature and ecology tour through its forests, highlands and rainforests, perfect for curious nature enthusiasts.
30 March 2026
11 days

Tour
A geological journey through ancient landscapes: Vietnam
Uncover Vietnam’s hidden wonders - from tropical jungles and limestone caves to serene villages, rare wildlife, and incredible underground feats.
11 April 2026
13 days

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.
16 April 2026
6 days

Tour
Uncovering Vesuvius, Pompeii and ancient Naples: Italy
Explore the awe-inspiring ruins of Pompeii and the mighty Vesuvius volcano on a volcanology tour that uncovers the secrets of ancient Roman life.
17 April 2026
6 days

Tour
Megalithic Malta: Temples, architecture and archaeology
Discover 7000 years of history, including exceptional archaeological sites, mysterious temples, beautiful coastlines, fishing villages and architecture.
21 April 2026
6 days

Tour
CERN and Mont Blanc, dark and frozen matter: Switzerland and France
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.
27 April 2026
6 days

Tour
Retracing Charles Darwin’s travels across north Wales
Explore the geology of Wales through the eyes of Charles Darwin, uncovering dramatic cliffs, ancient rocks, and the landscapes that inspired his revolutionary ideas.
27 April 2026
6 days

Tour
Astronomy and radio telescopes in New South Wales: Australia
Uncover the celestial wonders of the southern hemisphere while gaining exclusive access to Australia’s premier telescopes and cutting-edge observatories.
29 April 2026
8 days

Tour
Canals and the Industrial Revolution: England
Uncover the captivating history of the Birmingham Canal Navigation, which fuelled the industrial revolution and transformed the local economy.
10 May 2026
7 days

Tour
Astronomy and culture through Silk Road cities: Uzbekistan
Explore Uzbekistan’s Silk Road cities and uncover a rich legacy of astronomy, culture, and history at the crossroads of ancient civilisations.
15 May 2026
14 days

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 wonders of the UK's waterways.
16 May 2026
7 days

Cruise
Human origins, archaeology and wildlife: Scottish isles cruise
Discover early human civilisations, wildlife and fascinating history among the Scottish wild isles of the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland Islands, aboard a luxury expedition ship.
26 May 2026
12 days

Tour
Geology and dinosaurs in Lake Louise, the Rockies and the Badlands: Canada
Trace a dramatic geological journey from the glacially carved peaks of Lake Louise and the Rocky Mountains to the fossil-rich, erosion-sculpted Badlands of eastern Alberta.
15 June 2026
7 days

Cruise
Arctic expedition cruise with Dr Russell Arnott: Svalbard, Norway
Discover the Arctic through a scientific lens with Dr Russell Arnott, take part in hands-on research and witness amazing wildlife encounters.
17 June 2026
12 days

Walking Tour
Walking Hadrian's Wall and Roman innovation: England
Embark on a walking tour of Hadrian's Wall, exploring Roman life, innovation and culture on the fringes of the Roman Empire
23 June 2026
7 days

Short Break
Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton wildlife safari: US
Explore Yellowstone’s iconic Lamar valley, dubbed the "American Serengeti" in search of wild wolves amid the breathtaking, wildlife-rich landscapes.
28 July 2026
5 days

Tour
Land of fire and ice: Iceland
Marvel at volcanoes, erupting geysers, glaciers and waterfalls on an unforgettable journey of geological discovery, accompanied by expert volcanologists.
2 August 2026
6 days*

Tour
Archaeology exploration across the Caucasus: Georgia and Armenia
Embark on an unforgettable archaeology tour of Georgia and Armenia, where ancient ruins, historic monasteries and rich cultural heritage await.
3 August 2026
12 days

Tour
Total solar eclipse 2026: Madrid to Valladolid, Spain
Witness the 2026 total solar eclipse at a hand-picked viewing site after watching the Persied meteor shower at an observatory and visiting the historic cities of Madrid, Burgos and Valladolid.
9 August 2026
6 days

Tour
Alaskan brown bear, ecology and wilderness adventure, US
Venture into the wild heart of Alaska for an unparalleled encounter with brown bears in their natural environment.
9 August 2026
6 days

Short Break
Total solar eclipse 2026: North-central Spain - Waitlist only
Immerse yourself in the 2026 total solar eclipse and the Perseid meteor shower on a short break in the medieval city of Burgos.
10 August 2026
5 days

Tour
Neanderthals, human origins and cave art: France
Step back in time on a journey to the key Neanderthal and Upper Palaeolithic sites of southern France between Bordeaux and Montpellier.
15 August 2026
9 days

Tour
The science of rainforests and wildlife: Malaysian Borneo
Explore Malaysia’s primary rainforests in search of orangutans, sun bears, civet cats, langurs, gibbons, proboscis monkeys, rhinoceros hornbills and many more.
24 August 2026
10 days

Walking Tour
Human origins and gentle walking 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.
24 August 2026
5 days

Tour
Stargazing and space science in the land of the rising sun: Japan
Journey through Japan, where cutting-edge astronomy meets timeless tradition. From Tokyo’s futuristic planetariums to pristine mountain skies.
5 September 2026
14 days

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.
6 September 2026
5 days

Expedition
An expedition through unique ecosystems: Madagascar
Embark on an adventure through Madagascar's diverse habitats, discovering playful lemurs, majestic baobab trees and unique ecosystems that will leave you in awe.
5 September 2026
16 days

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.
9 September 2026
12 days

Weekender
Mysteries of the universe: Cheshire, England
An unforgettable weekend delving into the mysteries of the universe, including a visit to the iconic Lovell Telescope at Jodrell Bank.
11 September 2026
3 days

Tour
The history and future of space exploration: US
Explore the US space frontier, visiting iconic NASA centres, cutting-edge observatories and dark-sky sites, for an immersive journey into astronomy, space science and exploration.
11 September 2026
9 days

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.
14 September 2026
6 days

Tour
Archaeological wonders of the Maya: Mexico and Guatemala
Explore the mysteries of the Maya at lesser-known sites like Tenam Puente, Chincultik, Palenque, Bonampak, Yaxchilán, and Tikal, uncovering their ingenious achievements.
14 September 2026
10 days

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 professor of anthropology Dr Jacques Decoster.
16 September 2026
11 days

Walking Tour
The science of pilgrimage along the Camino Way: Portugal and Spain
Embark on the Portuguese Camino Way. Discover the science of endurance and the profound positive impacts this journey has on your body and mind.
19 September 2026
9 days

Tour
Prehistoric, Bronze Age and Roman archaeology: Morocco
Journey from Casablanca to Marrakech via the Sahara desert and Atlas Mountains, uncovering Morocco's rich history through its archaeological finds
19 September 2026
10 days

Short Break
SURF and the Black Hills, ancient and dark matter: South Dakota, US
Discover the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) and the Black Hills, frontiers of new discoveries and prehistoric wonders.
21 September 2026
5 days

Tour
Mycenaean and Peloponnesian archaeology: Greece
A unique tour of key Mycenaean sites, including a "behind the ropes" experience learning how to explore and excavate with archaeologists.
28 September 2026
8 days

Tour
The archaeological wonders of Jordan
Discover archaeological sites from many different periods including the amazing Petra. Plus, explore geology in Wadi Rum and float in the Dead Sea.
28 September 2026
8 days

Walking Tour
Caves, geology and gentle walking: Croatia and Slovenia
Join a gentle walking tour across Slovenia, where caves, historic monasteries and rich cultural heritage await exploration amid beautiful landscapes.
29 September 2026
8 days

Tour
The world capital of astronomy: Chile
Visit world-leading observatories, gain hands-on experience and stargaze at several sites with exceptionally clear skies together with astronomer Martin Griffiths.
1 October 2026
13 days

Tour
Churchill polar bear adventure: 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.
14 October 2026
6 days

Expedition
Journey to the Cradle of Humankind: South Africa
An immersive journey into the Cradle of Humankind, combining real fossil excavations, expert-led research access and iconic palaeoanthropological sites.
25 October 2026
12 days

Tour
Volcanology, geothermal valleys and astronomy: North Island, New Zealand
Explore New Zealand’s North Island where geology comes alive - towering volcanoes, vast geothermal realms, and landscapes shaped by fire and stone.
1 November 2026
8 days

Tour
Stargazing, safari and sand dunes: Namibia
Enjoy a guided astronomy adventure across Namibia’s stunning deserts and wildlife-rich landscapes, where world-class stargazing and extraordinary natural wonders come together.
2 November 2026
13 days

Tour
The science of biodiversity: Costa Rica
Experience Costa Rica’s vivid biodiversity firsthand and gain a deeper understanding of the science behind it.
3 November 2026
13 days

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 2026
9 days

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.
3 December 2026
7 days

Cruise
Spirit of Antarctica expedition cruise: Antarctic Peninsula
Embrace the spirit of polar exploration on an expedition cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula guided by a team of experts, ensuring a rich and insightful journey.
7 December 2026
12 days

Tour
Astronomy and tiger conservation safari: India
Immerse yourself in jungle life in the search for the Bengal tiger and spend time exploring the night skies in India's first Dark Sky Park, Pench National Park.
11 January 2027
11 days

Cruise
Alfred Russel Wallace expedition 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 2027
13 days

Tour
Yellowstone wolf and wildlife winter safari: US
Discover Yellowstone and the Tetons on a wonderful winter wildlife safari in search of the elusive icons of the wilderness: wolf, bison and elk.
25 January 2027
7 days

Tour
Annular solar eclipse 2027: Patagonia, Argentina
Experience the 2027 annular “ring of fire” eclipse in Patagonia with astronomer Jamie Carter, exploring Buenos Aires, Bariloche and El Maitén while enjoying guided stargazing and cultural highlights.
3 February 2027
8 days

Tour
Arctic northern lights adventure: Churchill, Canada
Chase the aurora in one of Earth’s most electrifying hotspots, exploring its science with expert guides, cosy observatories and thrilling nights beneath blazing Arctic skies.
3 February 2027
7 days

Expedition
Land of the snow leopard: India
Embark on an extraordinary journey into the high Himalayas of India in search of the elusive and majestic snow leopard in its natural, snow-covered realm.
14 February 2027
10 days

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.
22 February 2027
6 days

Tour
Wildlife and wilderness of Tasmania: Australia
Traverse Tasmania’s forests, mountains, coasts, and islands while spotting Tasmanian devils, quolls, penguins, platypuses, and rare endemic birds.
1 March 2027
13 days

Cruise
Wild Antarctica expedition cruise exploring the Weddell Sea
Sail in Shackleton’s footsteps, marvel at huge icebergs and discover the science of Antarctica’s Weddell Sea.
2 March 2027
13 days

Tour
The northern lights, fjords and glaciers: Svalbard and Tromso, Norway
Explore Norway and Svalbard with astronomer Jamie Carter, chasing the northern lights and discovering Arctic landscapes, wildlife, and the wonders of the night sky.
5 March 2027
7 days

Tour
Angkor Wat and the archaeological wonders of Cambodia
Trace Cambodia’s history from the ancient Funan and Chenla kingdoms to the grandeur of Angkor, exploring temples, lost cities and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
5 March 2027
12 days

Tour
Baja whale watching adventure: Mexico
Experience gray whales in Baja’s lagoons on a science-rich expedition exploring their migration, behaviour and conservation.
11 March 2027
6 days

Tour
Astronomy adventure in the Andes and the Salar de Uyuni: Bolivia
Explore Bolivia’s high-altitude observatories, ancient cosmology and the Salar de Uyuni, experiencing some of the clearest night skies on Earth beneath the southern stars.
29 April 2027
10 days

Tour
Marvels of mountain engineering: Switzerland
Explore Switzerland's engineering marvels from the world's first open-top gondola to the steepest funicular railway on Earth and much more.
April 2027
7 days

Tour
Whales, dolphins and marine life of the Azores Islands: Portugal
Study whales and dolphins with marine biologists, visit volcanic lagoons and explore the delights of this mid-Atlantic archipelago.
6 May 2027
7 days

Short Break
Stargazing and geology in Moab, Arches and Canyonlands national parks: US
Explore Utah’s dramatic canyons by day and experience expert-guided stargazing under some of the darkest skies in the US.
7 May 2027
5 days

Expedition
Fossil hunting in the outback: New South Wales and Queensland, Australia
Head out on an immersive adventure into the Australian outback to discover fossil-rich sites, dinosaur trackways and unique opalised fossils.
May 2027
13 days

Short Break
The science of the Jurassic Coast: Dorset and Devon, England
Unearth the science of one of England's most geologically important regions where every moment offers a profound connection to the Earth’s dynamic past.
May 2027
5 days

Tour
The wonders of the night sky in Petra and Wadi Rum: Jordan
Explore Jordan’s desert landscapes, ancient astronomy, and UNESCO heritage sites, from the city of Petra to Wadi Rum, experiencing some of the clearest night skies on Earth.
2 June 2027
7 days

Tour
Astronomy safari in the Serengeti: Tanzania
Experience the magic of an astronomy safari in the Serengeti, where starlit skies and wild landscapes come together for an unforgettable cosmic adventure.
June 2027
9 days

Tour
Pioneering scientists in northern Europe: Sweden and Denmark
Journey through Sweden and Denmark, exploring the rich history of scientific discovery in northern Europe.
June 2027
9 days

Cruise
Total solar eclipse 2027 Nile cruise: Egypt
Experience the longest total solar eclipse of our lifetime in August 2027 and delve into the fascinating connection between astronomy and Egypt's ancient temples on a luxurious Nile cruise.
27 July 2027
10 days

Tour
Total solar eclipse 2027: Morocco
Observe the longest remaining solar eclipse of this century in the northern foothills of Morocco's Rif mountains.
July 2027
8 days

Tour
In the footsteps of Alexander von Humboldt: Ecuador
Explore Ecuador's stunning natural wonders, including the Avenue of Volcanoes and Cloud Forest, and follow in the footsteps of ecologist Alexander von Humboldt.
July 2027
8 days

Short Break
The science of rail travel: York, England
Explore England's rail heritage through iconic museums, expert talks, scenic train journeys and live engineering works, celebrating over 200 years of railway innovation and impact.
July 2027
5 days

Tour
Jaguar and wildlife adventure in the Pantanal: Brazil
Explore the Pantanal on an intimate expedition, encountering jaguars, giant river otters and rich birdlife across the world’s largest tropical wetland.
2 September 2027
11 days

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.
September 2027
8 days

Tour
Engineering and innovation in Milan and Turin: Italy
Discover northern Italy’s engineering and scientific marvels with expert-led insights into innovation, invention and industrial history.
September 2027
6 days

Tour
The science of cheese and wine: France
Discover the science behind two of France's most iconic culinary exports, cheese and wine, from your base in the gastronomic heart of France - Lyon.
September 2027
6 days

Tour
Science of the senses, Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains: Morocco
An immersive gastronomic adventure, blending the bustling energy of Marrakech's souks with the serene beauty of the Atlas Mountains' landscapes.
December 2027
6 days

Cruise
Marine biology cruise exploring the Great Barrier Reef: Australia
Explore the farthest reaches of the Great Barrier Reef aboard an intimate expedition ship. Take part in research led by marine experts.
March 2028
11 days

Short Break
Land of fire and stars: Astronomy and volcanoes, Hawaii, US
Discover the fascinating blend of Hawaiian culture, world-renowned observatories and some of the most spectacular night skies on Earth.
April 2028
5 days

Tour
Conservation and rewilding in the Central Apennines: Italy
Journey into Italy’s Central Apennines region in a fascinating introduction to the concept and practicalities of rewilding.
May 2028
6 days

Cruise
Total solar eclipse 2028 cruise: The Kimberley, Western Australia
Witness the 2028 total solar eclipse on a remote island off the Kimberley coast sailing aboard a luxurious expedition vessel.
15 July 2028
12 days

Tour
Total solar eclipse 2028: Uluru to Darwin, Australia
Enjoy the 2028 total solar eclipse in central Australia. Explore ancient landscapes, Indigenous culture and the vast southern sky.
17 July 2028
9 days

Tour
Total solar eclipse 2028: Darwin to Kununurra, Australia
Explore the Australian outback, ideal for stargazing, then experience the total solar eclipse with over five minutes of totality, accompanied by Jamie Carter
17 July 2028
9 days

Tour
Total solar eclipse 2028: South Island, New Zealand
Experience the 2028 total solar eclipse in the Southern Alps of New Zealand. Plus stargazing, stunning geological landscapes, history and Indigenous culture.
19 July 2028
7 days

Tour
Total solar eclipse tours and cruises: 2026, 2027 and 2028
See our full range of highly immersive total solar eclipse tours and cruises, accompanied by experts.
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 auseful 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 theofficial 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








