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66-Day, Nine-Country Educational Voyage

The Institute for Shipboard Education was born from an idea to create a floating campus that reflected the ideals of the United Nations and the realities of globalization. As Chinese shipping magnate C. Y. Tung put it, “Ships can transport more than cargo—they can carry ideas.” Over the years, the institute’s Semester at Sea program has attracted world-famous guest speakers, including Mikhail Gorbachev, Mother Teresa, and Nelson Mandela. Today, the floating university onboard the MV Explorer, with each educational voyage featuring informative lectures, courses, and optional field excursions that delve into each port of call's culture and history. And with the Institute's Lifelong Learning Program, travelers 40 or older can join college students for a once-in-a-lifetime odyssey across three continents.

With this Groupon, you'll set out on a 66-day Mediterranean voyage starting on June 17, 2013, with stops in nine countries, including Morocco, Turkey, Greece, Italy, France, and Spain. Aboard the ship, the faculty leads several engaging and informative courses, from Architecture of the Mediterranean to Marine Biology. As a Lifelong Learning Program member, you can audit these courses, share your experiences, or mentor an undergraduate college student.

Click here to view the full trip itinerary.

Travelers must be 40 years of age or older with doctor's clearance, pass a criminal background check, and complete the travel application. Visit the Institute’s website for other travel requirements.

June 17–June 22: Set out from Southampton and cruise southward into the Mediterranean to your first port of call, Casablanca, Morocco.

June 23–June 26: Casablanca, Morocco One of Morocco’s less-traditional cities, Casablanca is home to several nightclubs and fast-food chains. Visit the Hassan II mosque, perched high above the Atlantic Ocean, with a roof that slides open, glass floors that afford a bird's-eye view of the water, and lasers that beam from its minaret.

July 3¬–5: Antalya,Turkey Nicknamed the Turkish Riviera, this coastal city enchants visitors with beaches bordered by a mountain backdrop. Here you’ll see some beautiful examples of Ottoman and Roman architecture.

July 8–11: Istanbul, Turkey Known as the gateway between Asia and Europe, Istanbul is known for the hanging lanterns at its Grand Bazaar, as well as the Hagia Sophia, an Orthodox basilica turned mosque. It’s now a museum, and Fodor’s calls it “one of the greatest works of Byzantine architecture.”

July 14–17: Athens, Greece The well-preserved Parthenon has presided over this ancient citadel since 400 B.C. There's a very modern vibe to the Grecian capital, especially on Kolonaki Square, where contemporary brunch restaurants sit alongside high-end art galleries.

July 21–23: Livorno, Italy Tuscany’s coastal region is mostly unspoiled, with canals weaving below hillsides that are lush with pine trees. Take a food tour of the canals to sample some of the area's famous fresh seafood.

July 24–26: Civitavecchia, Italy This port city serves as an unofficial gateway to Rome.

July 29–31: Malta The Mediterranean archipelago is home to ancient temples, cathedrals, and postcard-perfect beaches. Of these, Gozo is a must-visit, with deep-red sands, snorkeling sites, and a towering ark that looks out onto the sea.

August 3–4: Marseille, France This is the second-largest city in France, known for its heady spice bazaars, port-side fish markets, and terra cotta architecture.

August 6–8: Barcelona, Spain The Catalan capital is marked by the architecture of Antoni Gaudí. His Parc Güell includes labyrinthine paths weaving through a vibrant artscape of brightly colored mosaics and palm trees. The unfinished Sagrada Familia cathedral is considered Gaudí’s tour de force, a towering art-nouveau masterpiece that was consecrated by the pope in 2010.

August 11–13: Cádiz, Spain This Andalucian town just northwest of the Straight of Gibraltar is one of southern Europe’s oldest. Visit the Old City’s Plaza de Mina, where many of the city’s inhabitants congregate after sunset.

August 14–16: Lisbon, Portugal Portugal's capital city is the spot to find traditional fadista singers and seaside cafés to sample fresh croissants, caramel flan, and the signature pastéis de Belém egg-tart pastry, which is made by following a carefully guarded 200-year-old recipe.

August 22: Debark in in Southampton.