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New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

Geology and volcanology

In building Discovery Tours, one of the biggest delights has been exploring how we can share the history and deep-time processes of the rocks beneath our feet.

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New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

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

Hiker at Majestic Kvernufoss Waterfall in Iceland

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 who bring the dramatic landscapes to life with their insights.

2 August 2026

6 days*

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

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

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

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

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

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

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

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.

20 September 2026

8 days

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

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

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

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

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

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.

July 2027

5 days

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

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

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

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. 

14 August 2026

11 days

Polar bears on tundra in Arctic sunset, Churchill, Canada

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

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

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

South Stack Lighthouse during sunset, Holyhead, north Wales, UK

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

View of Mount Ararat, Armenia

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 exploration amid breathtaking landscapes.

3 August 2026

12 days

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

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

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

Short Break

Colorado geology exploration through Moab, Arches and Canyonlands national parks: US

Explore the untamed majesty of southeastern Utah, where time and nature have sculpted a breathtaking landscape of deep canyons and rugged rock formations.

1 May 2026

5 days

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

Tour

Uncovering Vesuvius, Pompeii and ancient Naples: Italy

Explore the awe-inspiring ruins of Pompeii and the mighty Vesuvius volcano on an archaeology and volcanology tour that uncovers the secrets of ancient Roman life.

17 April 2026

6 days

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

Short Break

Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton wildlife safari: US

Explore Yellowstone’s iconic Lamar valley, dubbed the "American Serengeti". Expert guides will accompany you in search of wild wolves amid the breathtaking, wildlife-rich landscapes.

28 July 2026

5 days

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

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

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

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

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