Greek Islands with Jared Diamond
10 days of Greek islands exploration, ancient ruins, and guided talks.
Perhaps more than any other land, Greece has exerted a profound and lasting influence on the development of the Western world. Democracy, philosophy, historiography, scientific inquiry, and theater, among others, were born here. But Greece is also famed for its sparkling deep blue sea, its iconic islands and their whitewashed towns and villages, its cuisine that gave rise to the Mediterranean diet, and its vibrant contemporary life and culture.
On this journey, we will explore Athens and its celebrated ancient monuments before we embark on the Blue Zephyr. With only 57 spacious suites accommodating a maximum of 114 guests, beautifully appointed common areas and expansive open deck spaces, the Blue Zephyr is more akin to a large private yacht than a cruise ship.
Sail Greece in yacht-like intimacy—57 elegant suites, 114 guests, authentic Greek hospitality aboard Blue Zephyr.
Jared Diamond is a Pulitzer Prize–winning author of six best-selling books, translated into 38 languages, about human societies and human evolution: Guns, Germs, and Steel; Collapse; Why Is Sex Fun?; The Third Chimpanzee; The World Until Yesterday, and Upheaval. As a professor of geography at UCLA (University of California at Los Angeles), he is known for his breadth of interests, which involves conducting research and teaching in three other fields: the biology of New Guinea birds, digestive physiology, and conservation biology. His prizes and honors include the U.S. National Medal of Science, the Pulitzer Prize for Non-fiction, the Tyler Prize for Environmental Science, and election to the U.S. National Academy of Sciences. He is a director of World Wildlife Fund/U.S. and of Conservation International. As a biological explorer, his most widely publicized finding was his rediscovery, at the top of New Guinea’s remote Foja Mountains, of the long-lost Golden-fronted Bowerbird, previously known only from four specimens found in a Paris feather shop in 1895.
In a series of lectures and discussions, Professor Diamond will bring his experience and expertise to bear, providing insight into the significance of the history and culture we encounter.
Our voyage in the fabled Aegean Sea aboard the Blue Zephyr will take us to some of the most beautiful and historically important Greek islands that are considered to be the gems of the Greek archipelago. Also included is Ephesus, one of the most prominent cities of antiquity, now one of the world’s most spectacular archaeological sites.
We hope you will join us on a journey that promises to captivate the imagination, invigorate the spirit, and delight the senses.
Warm Regards,
Michael Shermer
Executive Director, Skeptics Society
9% of your expedition fee will be a tax-deductible donation to the Skeptics Society — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Itinerary, Rates, and Inclusions
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 and questions, please call Thalassa Journeys:
IMPORTANT! This expedition must be booked through Thalassa Journeys. Please do not book through your own travel agent.