Award-winning small-group tour operator, Exodus Adventure Travels, has announced new Citizen Science departures for 2025 and 2026.
The Citizen Science departures enable customers to spend a part of their Exodus holiday – usually just a couple of hours – taking part in valuable scientific research.
Freshwater samples will be taken in key locations across the world and then analysed by Exodus’ partner Nature Metrics, who extract and catalogue the eDNA from these samples.
The samples taken on these trips play a vital role in building the IUCN’s eBioAtlas, – a pioneering global atlas of the world’s largest repository of flora and fauna species, helping to inform worldwide nature conservation efforts.
Once analysed, clients on these trips will receive an update on what valuable conservation data samples from their trip have helped to identify.
In 2024, 78 global samples were taken on Exodus’ Citizen Science departures, which resulted in the detection of 797 species. Importantly, seven IUCN threatened species were identified, including the Fire Salamander, the endangered American Eel and the vulnerable Military Macaw.
The trips allow guests to leave their holiday knowing they’ve contributed to the conservation and restoration of local and global biodiversity.
See below for four trips that include Citizen Science departures – the water sampling activity will be integrated into the existing itinerary.
CLASSIC DOLOMITES – PREMIUM ADVENTURE
Adventurers on this eight-day tour of the Dolomites will explore the national parks of Fanes-Sennes and Dolomiti di Sesto, and the spires of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
Visitors will walk through the flower-filled Braies Valley, under the ridge of Knieberg, up to the summit of Durrenstein and ascend a flat-top mountain towards an open-air museum dedicated to World War I.
In the village of Villabessa, guests will stay in the four-star Hotel Adler, enjoying the spa and fine-dining restaurant of the 400-year-old building, allowing the trekkers to relax in between the hikes of each day.
Exodus Adventure Travels’ eight-day tour, Classic Dolomites – Premium Adventure, is priced from £1,849 per person, excluding flights and including B&B accommodation, all additional listed meals and all transport and listed activities. Citizen Science departure on 12 July 2025.
COLOMBIA: CULTURE, COFFEE & CARIBBEAN
Guests will explore Tayrona National Park and the Indigenous seaside village of Katanzama on the Caribbean coast, learning about Arhuaco traditions, culture and agriculture with the help of a local guide.
In Bogotá, there is the chance to sample chicha (a traditional fermented corn liquor) and take part in an explosive game of tejo at a Colombian social club.
Other highlights include marvelling at Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral and taking in the pre-Columbian stone carvings at San Agustín, and the trip ends in Cartagena, where travellers will enjoy a local rum tasting and explore this thriving city.
Exodus Adventure Travels’ 15-day tour, Colombia: Culture, Coffee & Caribbean, is priced from £3,249 per person, excluding flights and including B&B accommodation, all additional listed meals and all transport and listed activities. Citizen Science departures on 5 July and 13 September 2025.
JORDAN: CULTURE & NATURE IN DEPTH
This 12-day tour will take travellers to all six of Jordan’s UNESCO sites in addition to incredible nature reserves the country has to offer. With two days in Petra, guests will enter the remarkable city through a narrow chasm to its houses and tombs.
Adventure-seekers can opt to embark on the arduous hike to the High Place of Sacrifice to take in the views of the city. A 4×4 tour of Wadi Rum will be led by Beouins, unlocking the dramatic landscapes of the valley.
Other highlights include exploring the Roman city of Jerash, taking in views of the Sea of Galilee from Gadara ruins and spotting migratory birds in the Azraq Wetlands. Guests will also be able enjoy a moment of relaxation by floating in the Dead Sea.
Exodus Adventure Travels’ 12-day tour, Jordan: Culture & Nature in Depth, is priced from £1,979 per person, excluding flights and including B&B accommodation, all additional listed meals and all transport and listed activities. Citizen Science departures on 19 September and 24 October 2025.
FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK
In the heart of Oulanka National Park, in one of Europe’s most sparsely populated areas, visitors can enjoy an alternative snow break encompassing a variety of winter activities.
This includes dogsledding through silent snow-caked forests, visiting a reindeer sanctuary, cross-country skiing at Juuma Lake and snowshoeing under the iconic Northern lights.
Adventure-lovers will jump at the chance to learn wilderness skills, including the ancient art of quinzee (snow-shelter) building, with the option available for guests to stay in their very own construction.
Accommodation is at Basecamp Oulanka, a complex of cosy wooden buildings in a remote, unspoiled location overlooking Juuma Lake.
Exodus Adventure Travels’ eight-day tour, Finnish Wilderness Week, is priced from £2,049 per person, excluding flights and including B&B accommodation, all additional listed meals and all transport and listed activities. Citizen Science departures on 14 December 2025 and 1 February 2026.
For more information, visit Exodus Adventure Travels.
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