Delve into the rich culture and history of Turkiye on an intoxicating journey across this incredible land.
A chance to explore breathtaking sights in three fascinating South American countries.
The Society’s archives hold a varied collection of material relating to Türkiye and Greece, from 17th century maps of various Greek islands by Dutch cartographers Joan Blaeu and Petrus Schenk to the early 19th century watercolours of Istanbul by artists William Purser and Joesph Brown.
In the footsteps: Gerald Vere de Gaury | In the footsteps: Johann Ludwig Heinrich Julius Schliemann | In the footsteps: Elizabeth Wilhelmina Ness
Gerald Simpson Hillairet Rutland Vere de Gaury was born on the 1st April 1897. He was a British military officer, Arabist, explorer, historian and diplomat who spent a great amount of time in Saudi Arabia with Ibn Saud, the founder and first monarch of Saudi Arabia. He was also great friends with Freya Stark and Lesley Blanch.
De Gaury served in the Hampshire Regiment in the First World War, where he fought at Gallipoli and the Somme, and was wounded on several occasions. In 1917 he was awarded the Military Cross,
De Gaury was also an excellent photographer and a skilled artist. The Society holds many fine examples of his work in its Collections.
'Being carried down by an Australian’. Gerald de Gaury was wounded several times during his service at Gallipoli and the Somme during World War I. Sketched by Gerald de Gaury, Aug 10th, 1915.
Johann Ludwig Heinrich Julius Schliemann was born on the 6th January 1822. He was a German businessman and an influential archaeologist who advocated that the Iliad of Homer reflected actual historical events. To this end he extensively excavated Troy, Mycenae and Tiryns.
Schliemann excavated nine layers of archaeological remains at the ancient site of Troy; an act that has been criticized as destructive of significant historical artefacts, including the layer that is believed to be that of Homeric Troy.
Many have disagreed with his methods over time, but Schliemann was responsible for the discovery of a huge volume of ancient artefacts and fuelled a generation of interest in archaeology and a desire to learn more of the heritage of this globally important part of the world.
‘Troy as it appears after the excavation of 1879’. Illustration from ‘Ilios, City and Country of the Trojans’ by Dr Henry Schliemann, 1880
Elizabeth Wilhelmina Ness, also known as Mrs Patrick Ness (1881–1962), was an English traveller. She was one of the first female Fellows of the Royal Geographical Society, and the first woman to be elected to the RGS Council.
Ness’s husband died suddenly at sea on 19th April 1914, leaving her an independently wealthy widow. She then dedicated her life to travel. Between 1908 and 1913 she travelled extensively in Central Africa, including the Mount Kenya Region, and in 1923 she undertook a journey from Beirut across the Syrian desert to Isfahan in Persia. Ness described her travels in ‘Ten thousand miles in two continents’, published in 1929.
Ness also travelled through Greece and the wider Mediterranean, photographing the sites and people she encountered. She visited Athens and also Mycenae and Tiryns, both sites popularized by Dr Heinrich Schliemann.
In 1953 she endowed the Ness Award to the Royal Geographical Society to highlight travellers, particularly those who have successfully popularised geography and the wider understanding of our world and its environments. Past award winners have included Michael Palin, Nick Danziger, Ray Mears, Rory Steward and Lemn Sissay.
Discover the incredible diversity of Indonesia as you journey through Java and Komodo before unwinding in beautiful Bali.
Discover the incredible diversity of Indonesia as you journey through Java and Komodo before unwinding in beautiful Bali with time to explore at your own pace.
Discover India's diverse landscapes, from historic temples built by ancient dynasties to the forests where Bengal tigers roam freely.
Part of the Royal Geographical Society collection, travel from top to toe and explore Italy’s famous landmarks. Visit iconic cities Venice, Florence and Rome and discover the hidden gems of Pompeii, Sicily and more.
From Tokyo to Kyoto, Osaka and beyond, discover the unforgettable highlights of Japan including an incredible high-speed ride on the Bullet Train.
Venture through seven states and be mesmerised by the breath-taking and diverse scenery on this Royal Geographical Society tour to Americas National Parks.
Soak up the spectacular sights and sounds of four Latin American countries - Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Brazil - on a tour that's strictly for the adventurous.
From east to west, this ultimate trip across Canada takes in all the must-see highlights and includes a breathtaking journey on the Rocky Mountaineer train.
Journey from East to West taking in the best of Canada, plus a ride on the iconic Rocky Mountaineer train topped of with a relaxing stay in Vancouver.
Soak up the spectacular sights and sounds of four Latin American countries - Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Brazil - on a tour that's strictly for the adventurous. Enjoy extended time in the fascinating city of Rio de Janeiro at the end of your holiday.
All historical images (photos, artwork, maps) ©RGS-IBG
