ANCIENT CITIES OF IBERIA & NORTH AFRICA
August 9–22, 2025
A Voyage From Lisbon to Sicily Aboard the New Expedition Cruise Ship Diana
Dear Friends,
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.
map of the route
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. Members of the team comprise a truly astonishing assortment of expertise and intellect. 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. Accommodating only 192 guests in beautifully appointed staterooms and balcony suites, Diana features several lounges, a restaurant, outdoor café, spa, library and beauty salon, and is equipped with the latest safety and environmentally-friendly technology.
We welcome Skeptics Society travelers aboard Diana to discover some of the remarkably rich stories of the Ancient Cities of Iberia & North Africa: A Voyage from Lisbon to Sicily.
Warm regards,
Dr. Michael Shermer
Executive Director, Skeptics Society
8% of your cruise fee will be a tax-deductible donation to The Skeptics Society — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Swan Hellenic’s Luxurious Expedition Ship Diana
Built in Finland, and launched in April 2023, Swan Hellenic’s Diana is a new generation expedition cruise ship. Although at 12,100 tons the ship is large enough to accommodate more than 350 passengers, Diana will accommodate a maximum of 192 guests in 96 spacious staterooms and balcony suites. The low guest density results in one of the most generous indoor and outdoor spaceto- guest ratios among cruise ships.
Featuring the latest advances in technology and engineering, Diana is among the world’s first environmentally responsible ships. Equipped with hybrid engines and a unique water filtration system, Diana leaves a minimal footprint. For cruising in Polar regions, the ship meets the stringent requirements of the new Polar Code with its high PC5 Category A ice strengthened hull and other advanced features. A computer-controlled Dynamic Positioning System allows the ship to maintain position without anchoring. Operated by a complement of 135 experienced European officers and international crew members, Diana will carry a fleet of Zodiacs, versatile landing boats, and kayaks. Powerful stabilizers provide a smooth ride.
Diana’s interior spaces exude sophisticated elegance, with most rooms opening to panoramic views of the sea. All staterooms and suites face outside and are equipped with private facilities, climate control, TV, Wi-Fi and USB connections and other amenities. Of the ship’s 96 staterooms, 76 have balconies. Public areas include a spacious observation lounge equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for lectures and presentations; a club lounge; a restaurant that accommodates all guests at one seating; an outdoor café/bar that surrounds the heated swimming pool; a wellness area with gym, spa, and sauna with an adjoining outdoor jacuzzi; library; beauty salon; and an infirmary that is attended by a fulltime doctor and nurse. The ship also features expansive open-deck areas. Two elevators connect all decks. Attentive service is provided on a 24-hour basis. The outstanding cuisine is complemented by fine wines at lunch and dinner.
Itinerary, Cabin Rates, Inclusions
For a detailed, day-to-day itinerary, cabin rates, and inclusions, please download and share with family and friends the complete 8-page Expedition Brochure (PDF):
Download the complete Expedition Brochure
FOR RESERVATIONS & INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL THALASSA JOURNEYS AT:
1-866-633-3611
OR EMAIL reservations@thalassajourneys.com
IMPORTANT! This expedition must be booked through Thalassa Journeys. Please do not book through your own travel agent.
Loyalty Reward Program
Travel on this cruise program and enjoy savings of $400 to $900 per person on your next voyage with The Skeptics Society and Thalassa Journeys aboard a Swan Hellenic ship. Savings are determined by the stateroom category booked and is applicable when you reserve your trip within 30 days of the completion date of Ancient Cities Of Iberia & North Africa This saving cannot be combined with other offers and is subject to change.
Savings for Solo Travellers
A limited number of cabins are available for single occupants in Category D at 120% of the per-person, double occupancy rate, and in Categories C, B, and A at 150% of the per-person, double occupancy rate.
THALASSA JOURNEYS
1-866-633-3611
Reservation with Colin Church: reservations@thalassajourneys.com
406–8815 Conroy-Windermere Rd.
Orlando, FL, 32835
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