Island life | New tour | Punk dinosaurs

The beautiful blues of St Martin & Tresco, Isles of Scilly.

Hello,

There’s something magnetic about islands.

Perhaps it’s the sense of remove – of stepping into a world apart. Or maybe it’s the way geology, history and culture collide more vividly when you're stranded somewhere surrounded by the sea.

Islands may be small, but they rarely feel that way. Their stories are big: ancient landscapes, rich traditions and tightly-knit communities with long histories, all set against dramatic backdrops.

My favourite islands are anywhere deep time meets human story. I can't resist them! Perhaps that why many of our most popular small group tours feature islands – and I think you’ll love exploring them as much as I do.

We’re also developing a brand-new three-night Isle of Wight tour – like I said, I can't resist! This island off the south of England is a place where fossil-rich cliffs meet royal retreats. Keep an eye on this newsletter for more details, coming soon.

Yours,

Rob

Rob Knipe
Chairman, Emeritus Professor and Tour Guide

Featured tours

Stories to inspire your next journey

Landscapes, legends and life at the edge: 7 of the most beautiful islands around the UK and Ireland

The British Isles might be famed for their royal castles, green countryside, vibrant cities and beautiful islands, but you’ll find some of their most incredible experiences beyond the busy mainland.  

The small islands around the UK and Ireland are worlds within worlds. Some feel like a country distilled to its essence, others like a realm apart. For those curious about how landscapes shape lives – and vice versa – these islands are a revelation.

From Shetland to the Scillies, here are 7 GeoCultura favourites that deserve a top spot on your must-see islands list.   

3 curious things for inquisitive travellers

🧷 Punk-rock dinosaurs

The discovery of a bizarre armoured dinosaur with metre-long spikes sticking out from its neck has shocked scientists – and we've got to admit that they do look rather unusual. The fossils, uncovered in Morocco, could make experts rethink how ankylosaurs evolved. 

🏛️ Beautiful bookshops

1000 Libraries has compiled the top 10 most beautiful bookshops in the world 2025. We're torn between planning a trip around the one in the theatre in Buenos Aires or the one with a mirrored ceiling in Chengdu – but we'll definitely visit The Gently Mad Bookshop next time we're in Edinburgh for one of our Scotland tours.

⛵Plain sailing for this naming

A new dinosaur with an "eye-catching sail" along its back has been named after the record-breaking round-the-world yachtswoman Dame Ellen MacArthur. Discovered on the Isle of Wight – a nice tie-in with our new small group tour to the island, coming soon! – it's now on display in the Dinosaur Isle Museum in Sandown.

What our guests say

"The visit to Tresco was my highlight and the purpose of going to the Scillies. Having the head gardener to guide us was a great bonus ... [I especially enjoyed] staying in a good hotel, in a very comfortable small castle room with views out to sea. Also, seeing the way of life of islanders, flower growing and talking to locals including Jess and the couple, retired divers, who had dinner with us."

Isles of Scilly Holidays – Francoise F

Why travel with GeoCultura?

We take you beyond the landscape. Uncover the stories behind the view on our expert-led, small-group tours. We do private and bespoke tours, too.

💬 Ready to chat? Get in touch.