Swan Hellenic will offer four cultural expedition cruises in 2024 through the heart of the Mediterranean. All of them will take place aboard the SH Diana.
The four cultural expedition cruises in the Mediterranean are as follows:
- The “Secrets of Sicily” cruise, from August 20 to 28, 2024, departs from Palermo for an eight-night circumnavigation of the island, stopping in Trapani, Mazara del Vallo, Porto Empedocle with the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Agrigento, and then Valletta in Malta. From there, the SH Diana will sail to Syracuse, Giardini Naxos, and finally Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands, before completing this rare circumnavigation cruise back to Palermo.
This cruise is part of Maris Culinary Discovery at Sea , in collaboration with JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs, the gourmet organization for chefs under 40 who have already been internationally acclaimed, including Michelin stars to their name.
Chef Nikita Sergeev, owner of Italy's acclaimed Michelin-starred Arcade Restaurant, will accompany this cruise by serving a different dish each night of the trip, culminating in a Gala Dinner created to showcase his creativity and skills.
- “From Magna Graecia to Greece,” from August 28 to September 5, 2024, departs from Palermo, sailing towards the volcanic islands of Lipari and Stromboli, Giardini Naxos, and Crotone. It continues to Otranto, Sarandë (Albania), famous for its beaches and nightlife. Next, the SH Diana will take its guests to the city of Preveza (Greece). Itea is the penultimate port of call before this journey concludes in Piraeus, the port of Athens.
This cruise is part of Explore Space at Sea , in collaboration with the SETI Institute, and will host renowned planetary astronomer Dr. Mark Showalter, who will accompany guests throughout the cruise, both on board and ashore. He will deliver three lectures during the voyage.
In addition, this cruise is also part of Swan Hellenic's Chopra Explore & Restore series , in collaboration with the leading holistic health company founded by world-renowned pioneer Dr. Deepak Chopra .
- “Colors of the Eastern Mediterranean,” from September 5 to 16, 2024, sets sail on an 11-night odyssey from Piraeus, with stops in Monemvasia, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities; Adama, on the volcanic island of Milos; and Rethymnon, on Crete. The itinerary continues to Mandraki, Symi, and Rhodes. Next comes the island of Patmos, followed by Kusadasi. The SH Diana will call at Chios and Mytilene. The final full day will be dedicated to cruising the Dardanelles before the voyage concludes in Istanbul.
- “Cultures of the Eastern Mediterranean,” from September 16 to 24, 2024. The SH Diana will depart from Istanbul for an 8-night cruise along the coasts of Greece and Turkey en route to Cyprus, with a stop to explore Kavala. Subsequent ports of call include Thessaloniki, Volos, Chios, and Kusadasi. The itinerary continues to Heraklion, Rhodes, and finally, Limassol.
The SH Diana is Swan Hellenic's largest cruise ship, accommodating 192 guests in 96 cabins and suites. While it shares the unique design features of its sister ships, it also boasts key upgrades, such as onboard tenders.
Guests can choose from three restaurants and multiple leisure facilities, including a state-of-the-art gym, spa, panoramic sauna, club room and barbecue pool.
Patrizia Iantorno, Commercial Director of Swan Hellenic, comments: “We are delighted to present our 2024 Mediterranean cruises aboard the luxurious SH Diana. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cultures, the Mediterranean continues to captivate travelers from around the world. We look forward to welcoming our guests aboard for unforgettable explorations of this timeless region.”
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