Iberia and North Africa

The history of the southern and western shores of the Mediterranean can be told from many perspectives.

To an ancient historian, it is the story of early Phoenician expansion westward, followed by Roman conquests, and ending with the Punic Wars and the destruction of Carthage in the 2nd century BC.

For a medievalist, the story begins with the stunningly rapid spread of Islam across North Africa and onto the Iberian Peninsula in the 6th–8th centuries and ends with the Spanish reconquest of Granada in 1492.

During this voyage, we will touch on chapters of each of these stories, as we call in ports along North Africa and in Spain and Portugal.

In Tunisia, we visit the ruins of Carthage and marvel at the stunning Roman mosaics in the Bardo Museum.

Tipasa’s ancient temples and ruins are our first call in Algeria, followed by the UNESCO-designated Roman ruins at Djémila.

Further west along the North African coast, we encounter Pantelleria, Italy notable for its beautiful wild scenery that includes volcanic formations, hot springs, and a rocky coastline. 

Our activities in the ancient cities of Iberia and North Africa are planned and conducted by a team of expedition leaders and naturalists who are among the most experienced in the field, with several years of leading small-ship cruise expeditions to this incredible region of the world.

Onboard and ashore, through talks and presentations they will create a comprehensive understanding of the history, culture, geology, and natural life of this region. The experience we will provide is not just one of awe-inspiring sightseeing, but a complete learning adventure.

Our vessel for this extraordinary journey, the Swan Hellenic Diana, is a state-of-the-art, new-generation expedition cruise ship, launched in early 2023.

We hope you will join us on this adventure that will enrich as much the spirit as the senses.

Michael Shermer 
Executive Director, Skeptics Society
8% of your expedition fee will be a tax-deductible donation to The Skeptics Society — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

For a detailed, day-to-day itinerary, rates, and inclusions, please download and share with family and friends the complete 8-page Expedition Brochure (PDF):

FOR RESERVATIONS & QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL THALASSA JOURNEYS AT:

IMPORTANT! This expedition must be booked through Thalassa Journeys. Please do not book through your own travel agent.