The Royal Geographical Society Collection

Royal Geographical Society with Travelsphere


Travelsphere has been leading the way in escorted touring for more than 60 years, and we are immensely proud of our heritage and pioneering spirit. From operating trailblazing trips that hit the headlines – such as the first ever tour that cruised through the Yangtze Gorges – to our dedicated approach to community tourism – we have always operated with the belief that travel can and should be transformative. We have a positive impact on the places we go to, as well as the customers we take there and the communities.

  1. The Society

    The Royal Geographical Society was founded in 1830 as an institution to promote the advancement of geographical science. Its mission remains unchanged. Today the Society works with a wide range of audiences, including teachers and pupils in schools, academics and researchers in higher education institutions, professional geographers in the workplace, researchers and expeditioners in the field, as well as members of the public with a curiosity about our world.

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  2. The Collection

    The Royal Geographical Society houses over two million historical items including the largest private map collection in the world, an image collection of nearly one million photographs and artworks, and a vast archive of handwritten accounts by geographers, scientists and travellers’ from 1830 to the present. Together they form an unparalleled resource tracing 500 years of geographical research and act as a significant record of societal and environmental change.

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  3. Work in the field

    The Royal Geographical Society promotes and supports geographers, geographical communities, and geographical research. The Society prioritises the responsible custodianship of our physical environments and, through its grants programme, develops new knowledge and advances geographical science by supporting UK and international research. In 2024, with the generous support of their donors, funding was allocated to support 70 field research and school fieldwork projects.

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See our collection of tours

  1. Pompeii, Paestum & Herculaneum

    Uncover captivating stories, marvel at majestic ruins and wander the well-preserved streets of some of Italy’s most fascinating archaeological sites.

    • Return flights
    • 7 nights half-board in a 4-star hotel
    • 14 meals: 7 breakfasts, 7 dinners and welcome drink
    8 days from
    £1,549
    See Tour

  2. Pompeii, Paestum & Herculaneum with Island of Ischia Add-on

    Explore this fascinating part of Italy with Mount Vesuvius as your backdrop. Your holiday includes four nights on the delightful island of Ischia where you can fully appreciate authentic Italian Island life.

    • Return flights
    • 11 nights in 4-star hotels
    • 22 meals: 11 breakfasts, 11 dinners
    12 days from
    £2,448
    See Tour

  3. Magnificent Maggiore & Lake Como

    Discover the allure and mesmerising natural beauty of Lake Maggiore and be wowed by the captivating charm of Lake Como.

    • Return flights
    • 7 nights half-board in a 3-star hotel
    • 14 meals: 7 breakfasts, 7 dinners and welcome drink
    8 days from
    £1,299
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  4. The Best of Sicily with Aeolian Islands Add-on

    Brooding Mount Etna forms a dramatic backdrop to your discoveries as you revel in Roman history in Sicily followed by a relaxing four days on the UNESCO-protected Aeolian island of Lipari.

    • Return flights
    • 12 nights in 4-star hotels
    • 21 meals: 12 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 7 dinners and welcome drink
    13 days from
    £2,648
    See Tour