Join this brand-new itinerary highlighting the very best of the Iberian Peninsula’s diverse history, cultural traditions, and architectural wonders. Tour the Alhambra, visit the Sagrada Familia Church, stroll through the old town of Porto, and follow in the footsteps of ancient Christian pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela.
Mike Messick
Cofounder & Expedition Leader
Mike is one of the original cofounders of Zegrahm Expeditions. He was raised in Switzerland and began working in expedition travel during a summer break from college. He received a degree from Skidmore College in bio/psychology where he graduated in 1985. That same year Mike embarked on a full-time career in adventure travel. With nearly 35 year’s experience, Mike is considered the most experienced expedition leader in the industry. Mike has conducted research at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in its onshore laboratory and aboard one if its research vessels, he is a member of The Explorers Club, holds a US Coast Guard captain’s license, and received his scuba instructor certificate from NAUI. When not leading expeditions, Mike lives in Salt Lake City and spends his free time traveling around the globe.
Mike's Blog Posts
Where in the World is Niuatoputapu?
All In for Subtropical Asia
Mike's Upcoming Expeditions
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Iberian Peninsula
April 18 — May 3, 2019 -
Wild & Ancient Britain with Ireland
May 3 — May 18, 2019Witness some of Europe's largest seabird colonies—puffins, gannets, guillemots, kittiwakes, and more—on our return to the British Isles. Visit Giant’s Causeway, Neolithic monuments, and a variety of architectural wonders.
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Papua New Guinea
September 20 — October 6, 2019Highlights of our return to Papua New Guinea include snorkeling or diving among some of the most biodiverse waters in the world; meeting friendly Trobriand Islanders; and watching the spectacular fire dances of the Baining tribe.
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Tahiti to Easter Island: Marquesas, Tuamotus & Pitcairns
October 10 — October 29, 2019Beyond the typical Polynesian paradise, one may delve deeper, to find aquamarine lagoons affording the world’s most dazzling snorkeling and diving, an intriguing Easter Island tour and the sky-piercing volcanoes of the Marquesas.
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Sub-Antarctic Islands of New Zealand
January 16 — February 2, 2020One of the few operators allowed to travel the far-flung isles of the Southern Ocean, join us on a journey through the Sub-Antarctic Islands of New Zealand, as well as Macquarie Island. Observe several albatross species, huge colonies of penguins, and island endemics including melodious bellbirds and red-crowned parakeets.
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Philippines with Palau & Taiwan
February 29 — March 16, 2020On this exotic Philippines tour, explore mangrove forests and scenic coastlines on numerous Zodiac excursions, while nature hikes reveal the amazing biodiversity of these isolated islands. A special highlight is the opportunity to interact with native cultures whose customs are reflected in their intricate tribal dress, colorful dances, and rich folklore.
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Wild Kamchatka with the Kuril Islands
May 20 — June 4, 2020Search for the region's prolific wildlife on Zodiac cruises and naturalist-guided walks. Witness huge concentrations of seabirds in a frenzy of breeding activity, step ashore on beaches crowded with northern fur seals and Steller's sea lions, and photograph stunning scenery, including wildflower studded tundra backdropped by volcanic peaks.
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Circumnavigation of the Black Sea
June 26 — July 10, 2020Centuries of history and architecture come to life as you discover the countries surrounding the Black Sea—Turkey, Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, Romania and Bulgaria—and its busy bazaars, archeological treasures, and stunning landscapes.
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Melanesia, Solomon Islands & Vanuatu
September 10 — September 27, 2020Introducing the extraordinary diversity of Melanesia and its fascinating people, our award-winning journey to these idyllic islands features incredible bird-watching opportunities, elaborate local traditions and ceremonies, snorkeling over pristine coral reefs, and much more.