Destinations & Programs

Travel with a purpose.

Wherever we travel, we have a purpose, a theme that shapes our exploration of the places we visit. Some of these themes are cultural, delving into the past of a destination and puzzling out the ways in which that past manifests itself in the present. Some focus on the natural environment and on the forces that have shaped and continue to shape the world around us.

Expeditions

Whether kayaking in the Norwegian fjords, snorkeling the coral reefs of the Seychelles, exploring Adelie penguin colonies on the Antarctic Peninsula, or canoeing through the mangrove of Madagascar, expeditions are about experiencing the wild and remote regions of the planet and encountering the abundance of wildlife they sustain.

With no rigid schedule to maintain, we are free to adjust our activity to follow a pod of whales through the Lemaire Channel, to spend an extra hour or two at the Aldabra atoll if conditions are especially good, to linger in our Zodiacs as the sun sets over the glaciers of western Greenland. The experience and expertise of our expedition leaders and naturalists ensures that each day will bring new discovery and adventure.

Polar Exploration, Antarctica

Coral Reef, Seychelles

Wild Flowers, Turkey

Baobab Forest, Madagascar

North Atlantic Puffins

Loango National Park, Gabon

Godafoss, Iceland

Red-throated Bee-eater, West Africa

Walrus, Svalbard

Cultural Tours

Our voyages of discovery and learning are built from simple and familiar materials – thoughtfully designed itineraries, onboard lectures and discussions, and carefully curated activities ashore. Of these, firsthand experience of the destination – the very essence of travel – is far and away the most important. But the rest, combined with suggested readings chosen in consultation with study leaders and guides, provide focus and purpose to your travel and offer an intellectually stimulating path toward engagement with the world.

Guided by our study leaders in choosing what to see and do, activities ashore strive to offer an authentic experience of the look and feel, taste and touch of each destination: If there is an opportunity to sample local food or wine, we will seize it. If there is a UNESCO World Heritage site within easy reach of a port, we will explore it. If there is a dance or musical ensemble prepared to entertain us, we will engage them.

Callanish Stones, Isle of Lewis

Meze, Turkey

Outdoor Bazaar, Morocco

Wines & Vineyards, Italy

Ancient Ruins, Greece

Mosque, Morocco

The Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao

Cappella Palatina, Palermo

Chamber Concert, Thessaly

Maori Carving, New Zealand

Honfleur Harbor, Normandy, France

Seville Cathedral, Spain

“

The trip was wonderful... top of the line service, food, excursion leadership, accommodations and amenities... an outstanding tour manager - attended to every detail, including many I'm sure flew under the radar for me... I benefited from spending time with alumnae and from experiencing the quality of the travel experience that Thalassa Journeys delivers.
Kathryn MackintoshExecutive Director, Wellesley College Alumnae Association

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I wondered if you might be able to share the last name of Aristotle, the wonderful tour guide for the Thalassa Journeys Homeric cruise? I’d like to name him in my acknowledgments for [my translation of] the Iliad.
Emily WilsonProfessor of Classical Studies, University of Pennsylvania / Lecturer on "In Search of Homer" Journey 2022

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It is going to take some time to fathom how magnificent our journey was. The detailed care you all put into this experience proved every day that we had the right team... Twenty-nine people had an experience that will inform their perspective for the rest of their lives.
Brian VogtChief Executive Officer, Denver Botanic Gardens / Past Board President, American Public Gardens Association

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We have returned to Ushuaia from our expedition to Antarctica. I want to let you know about the excellent job Laura Gollardo did! She could not have been more caring, knowledgeable, or gracious. She did an excellent job of attending to any of our questions or needs and always helped with a smile! What an incredible time we had!!
Gary M.Antarctica Expedition

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The main reason we signed up for this trip was Bart Ehrman. We would definitely go on another trip with him... our Greek tour guide was absolutely incredible too. She made the history come alive. One of the nicest parts of this tour was the spontaneity we experienced. For example, visiting the museum of the Acropolis in Athens... I really loved seeing the Turkish rug workshop after our lunch in Ephesus.
Kay H.Greece Cultural Tour

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The Antarctica Expedition was fantastic! The trip of our lifetime. Laura Gallardo is one of a kind! She went far beyond expectations, providing superb help and support all the way through. Looking forward to the next adventure.
Frank C.Antarctica Expedition