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Sailing the Skeptical SeasSKEPTOID ADVENTURES
Malaga to Nice,
Join Brian Dunning and the Skeptoid team as we gather with other skeptical thinkers on this amazing Skeptoid Adventure aboard the world's largest sailing vessel: the SV Royal Clipper (check out this short video of this gorgeous ship, and this virtual tour). We board at Málaga, Spain, enjoy a mini-conference at sea in the ship's cozy conference center, then visit fascinating ports along the beautiful coasts of Spain and France — all while enjoying luxurious accommodations on this spectacular sailing vessel. This is an Adventure you won't want to miss!
Don't miss the (optional) skeptical side quests, one at each port we visit. Those completing all the side quests will be generously rewarded. Aboard this true sailing ship, you can climb the ratlines and lookout from the crow's nest. You can help handle the sails, even go out on the yardarms if you like. You can even go up to the bridge and take the helm, and actually steer the ship. You can go out on the bowsprit, and even relax in the netting, reading your book as dolphins ride the bow wave beneath you.
There are no casinos, shops, or stage shows on this ship, and its relatively small size allows access to small harbors where the bigger ships can't go; so once ashore, you'll see no vendors or tourist traps. I'll have skeptical side-quests for you to enjoy (if you want) at each these historic towns:
I hope you can join me on this adventure of a lifetime. Deposits are fully refundable, and this ship always sells out, usually by the end of October, so you do need to move quickly:
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MÁLAGA, SPAIN — Perched on Spain's sun-drenched Costa del Sol, Málaga offers a rare blend of seaside leisure and cultural depth. Beyond its golden beaches and lively waterfront promenades, the city boasts Roman amphitheater ruins, Moorish fortresses like the Alcazaba, and a historic center where Picasso was born. Visitors can wander shaded plazas lined with tapas bars, explore world-class museums, and savor Andalusian cuisine under palm trees.
VALENCIA, SPAIN — Valencia blends centuries of history with a spirit of innovation. Within its old quarter, you'll find Gothic cathedrals, bustling plazas, and winding streets that open onto market squares while just beyond rises the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, a common shooting location for Sci Fi films and TV. The birthplace of paella, Valencia captures both the traditions of old Spain and the dynamism of its modern future.
PALMA DE MALLORCA — Palma de Mallorca combines a stunning Mediterranean coastline with rich cultural heritage. The Gothic masterpiece of La Seu Cathedral overlooks a maze of cobblestone streets filled with cafés, boutiques, and hidden courtyards. Peaceful harbors and golden beaches make it easy to slip from historic exploration to seaside relaxation. With its blend of Moorish, Catalan, and modernist influences, Palma offers travelers a cosmopolitan island experience that is deeply rooted in tradition.
MAHON, MENORCA — Mahon, the capital of Menorca, enchants visitors with its spectacular natural harbor, one of the largest in the world. The town's Georgian-style architecture reflects centuries of British influence, while narrow lanes lead to lively markets, waterfront cafes, and ancient fortresses guarding the bay. Its charming churches and museums offer a slower pace, combining cultural depth with easy access to pristine beaches and turquoise coves.
AJACCIO, CORSICA — Ajaccio, the sun-soaked capital of Corsica, sits gracefully between rugged mountains and the sparkling Mediterranean. Famous as the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, the city displays its history yet its atmosphere is anything but austere. The old town's pastel facades, lively cafes, and bustling markets spill onto a scenic harbor lined with yachts and fishing boats. With sandy beaches a short stroll from the center and the island's wild interior within easy reach, Ajaccio captures a blend of French refinement, Italian warmth, and unspoiled natural beauty.
CALVI, CORSICA — Calvi, perched on Corsica's northwestern coast, charms visitors with its striking blend of seaside beauty and medieval history. Dominating the skyline is the imposing Genoese citadel, whose stone ramparts look out over turquoise waters. Below, a lively marina buzzes with cafes and restaurants, while narrow cobbled streets climb past boutiques and churches toward panoramic viewpoints. With its mix of culture, scenery, and relaxed Mediterranean pace, Calvi offers an unforgettable slice of Corsican life.
NICE, FRANCE — We finish our Adventure in Nice, the glittering heart of the French Riviera, which offers a seamless mix of Mediterranean glamour and Provencal charm. Its famed Promenade des Anglais stretches along a dazzling seafront, with its Belle Epoque hotels and palm-lined boulevards. In the old town, narrow alleys overflow with lively bistros serving Nicoise specialties, while world-class museums honor artists like Matisse and Chagall. With its mild climate and easy access to both pebbled beaches and the surrounding hills of Provence, Nice stands as a radiant gateway to the Cote d'Azur's timeless appeal.