10 days from

£5795.0

* Current p/p indicative rate.

Overview

Highlights

Dates & Prices

Itinerary

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Ships

HighlightsSousse, El Djem & Kairouan
Tunis & Carthage
Cagliari
Algiers
Cartagena
Malaga

                    Highlights
                    Sousse, El Djem & Kairouan
Tunis & Carthage
Cagliari
Algiers
Cartagena
Malaga

                  

Ship Hebridean Sky

Capacity: 114, Type: Luxury Small Ship Cruise

Join us for this nine night voyage as we travel a less well trodden path across the Mediterranean exploring some of the most splendid and varied remains of the Roman World. These magnificent sites provide an unparalleled experience of life in classical times which, with the help of our knowledgeable Guest Speaker and local guides, will be brought vividly back to life. Our itinerary has been timed for April when the temperatures will be pleasant and agreeable for exploration.

This is a region that is best discovered by sea and from the historic port of Valletta we sail south to Tunisia where we will visit the Roman amphitheatre of El Djem, the ancient city of Kairouan and Carthage with its Phoenician ruins. It is easy to imagine how daily life played out in Roman times in this great city which will transport you to another world and time. Following a day in the Sardinian capital of Cagliari we sail to Algeria for a full day exploration of the ancient city of Tipaza before heading to mainland Spain. Our penultimate call will be to Cartagena, which was used by Hannibal as a strategic base and later became a Roman administrative centre, before our voyage concludes in the delightful city of Malaga.

All this will be achieved with great ease aboard the MS Hebridean Sky and with just over 100 like-minded souls, we are able to explore in a way that is impossible from aboard a large cruise vessel. For those who enjoy exploring the ancient world, this itinerary has it all and the bonus of having a ship for our base, rather than a sequence of hotels, leaves us free to relax and enjoy all the marvellous sights that surround us.

Sousse, El Djem & Kairouan
Tunis & Carthage
Cagliari
Algiers
Cartagena
Malaga

There are no future departures for this trip at this stage.

show reverse itinerary

Day 1 London to Valletta, Malta.

Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky and enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.

Days 2 & 3 Sousse, El Djem & Kairouan, Tunisia.

After a morning at sea we arrive into Tunisia at the port of Sousse which will be our base for the next day and a half of discovery. During our time here we will drive out of the city to the small village of El Djem, see the great Roman amphitheatre, built to accommodate 35,000 spectators, and visit the excellent museum with its collection of mosaics. A tour of Sousse will include the museum, located in the ramparts of the Kasbah and housing a fine collection of mosaics and the imposing Ribat, one of the finest and best conserved buildings of the series of “fortress-monasteries” that dotted the North African coastline. We will also drive to the ancient city of Kairouan where we see the Great Mosque which is a universal architectural masterpiece and one of the most impressive and largest Islamic monuments in North Africa. Also see the Aghlabid Basins, the majestic cisterns built by the Aghlabids in the 9th century which represent a highly sophisticated work of engineering from the Middle Ages.

Day 4 Tunis & Carthage.

From the nearby port of Tunis we drive to the site of Carthage, founded by the Phoenicians in the 8th century BC it became one of the most influential cities in the Mediterranean. This prosperity led to a rivalry with Rome and it was during the third Punic War, in 146 BC, that the Roman forces destroyed the city. Due to the strategic location, the Romans rebuilt Carthage in the 1st century AD to become one of the most important cities in their Empire. See the Phoenician remains of Tophet, the sanctuary of the gods Tanit and Baal as well as some interesting monuments from the Roman era including the baths and the amphitheatre. Later, explore the Bardo Museum which houses some renowned Roman mosaics from the archaeological sites of El Djem, Sousse and Dougga as well as artefacts and sculptures from Carthage.

Day 5 Cagliari, Italy.

Arrive over breakfast in the Sardinian capital of Cagliari, an ancient city which dates back to the Phoenicians and Romans. From the port we drive along the south-western coast to reach Nora which was founded by the Phoenicians but also has Carthaginian and Roman ruins. After a period of Roman prosperity, there was a decline and in the 3rd century AD the city was engulfed by the sea. Still visible today are the remains of Carthaginian warehouses and various Roman buildings including the baths with splendid mosaics and the theatre. After lunch on board, during an afternoon walking tour we will stroll around the old town with its narrow streets running along a steep hillside. See the terraced Piazza del Palazzo and the 14th century Cathedral of St Mary.

Day 6 At Sea.

Spend a relaxing day at sea as we cross the Mediterranean Sea. Maybe join a lecture or find a spot on deck.

Day 7 Algiers, Algeria.

Depart this morning for the ancient city of Tipaza which was probably founded by the Phoenicians but really came into being under the Romans. The city was extended by Emperor Claudius and grew wealthy on Mediterranean trade. It was built on three small hills which overlooked the sea. There are ruins of three Basilicas, two cemeteries, the baths, the theatre, the nymphaeum and the unusual oval shaped amphitheatre. After visiting the city, we will enjoy a typical Algerian lunch before continuing to the mysterious Mausoleum of Mauretania which lies in the hills above the sea about 18 kilometres away from Tipaza. It is one of the most breathtaking sights in Algeria. The vast pyramid-like structure is named the Tomb of the Christian on account of the large crosses that decorate the tomb which predates Jesus Christ. We return to the ship via the Martyrs‘ Monument which offers spectacular views over the city.

Day 8 Cartagena, Spain.

In the early afternoon we arrive in Spain’s main naval port of Cartagena. Enter the deep natural harbour through two fortified rocky headlands for an afternoon of exploration in this historic city that dates back to the Phoenicians. Hannibal used it as his capital city on the Iberian peninsula and named it after Carthage in North Africa whilst the Romans used it as a strategic port and administrative centre. The city walls remained intact until the 20th century creating a dense historic centre. Take the lift or walk up to Concepcio Castle for amazing views of the city and harbour, view the Roman amphitheatre and the archaeological site of Molinete where work continues to uncover the Roman city. Later enjoy a stroll along the tree-lined harbour promenade as we return to the MS Hebridean Sky.

Day 9 Malaga.

Having spent the morning cruising we will have the afternoon to explore the historic city of Malaga. See the Roman theatre, built in the 1st century BC under Emporer Augustus and used until the 3rd century BC. After being left to ruin for centuries the Moors used the amphitheatre as a quarry as they built the nearby Alcazaba Fortress between 1057 and 1063. The site was rediscovered in 1951 and has three parts, the stands, orchestra pit and stage. Alternatively head to La Merced Square where we see the birthplace of Pablo Picasso before we visit the impressive 16th century cathedral which was built on the remains of a mosque. With its mix of Renaissance and Gothic styles it has been declared a national landmark. We remain moored overnight in Malaga for anyone wishing to take an after dinner stroll.

Day 10 Malaga to London.

Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.

Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

show main itinerary

Itineraries are subject to change.

Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.

Spend a relaxing day at sea as we cross the Mediterranean Sea. Maybe join a lecture or find a spot on deck.

Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky and enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.

* = Indicative

Hebridean Sky

Length	90 metres
Built/refurbished	1992/2016

Hebridean Sky has always been known for its effortless elegance, impeccable service and atmosphere of charm and camaraderie. Now we add increased adventure options and an on-site Passenger Service Representative. Hebridean Sky is the perfect blend of luxury and adventurous exploration. Is it a luxury ship? An adventure ship? It’s both! The vessel underwent a multi-million pound refurbishment in Sweden in Spring 2016.

ONBOARD DINING

Great expeditions require great food! We are pleased to offer daily changing breakfast, lunch and dinner menus with an emphasis on providing well balanced and nutritional cuisine. Our team of international chefs has boat loads of creativity and you are sure to experience a variety of interesting dishes throughout your voyage. The restaurant is located on Deck 2 and our service team looks forward to providing a memorable dining experience.

IMPECCABLE SMALL-SHIP AMENITIES

Returning from excursions, passengers enjoy complimentary refreshments, afternoon tea and all-day coffee in The Club, a gracious space for relaxation, surrounded by panoramic windows. Other Sea Explorer features include:

Library with Internet access

Lounge with audiovisual facilities

Dining room

Wraparound sun deck with Jacuzzi

Exercise room

Medical facilities with available doctor

Elevator serving all passenger decks

Swimming/zodiac platform

All Voyages Include:

Up to Two Pre-Voyage Hotel Nights

Complimentary Wine or Beer with Dinner

Certified Emergency MD and Clinic

World Class Cuisine

Live Entertainment

Complimentary Coffee/Tea station

Voyage Photographer

Dedicated Passenger Service Manager

Complimentary Expedition Jacket

Please note deck plan may vary.

Overview

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Dates & Prices

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