North African Odyssey - A Fascinating Voyage from Malta to Morocco

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

Arrive this morning off the Maltese island of Gozo, thought to be the Calypso Isles of Homer’s Odyssey and a lovely place to spend a day. From our anchorage in Mgaar we will visit the Ggantija Temples in Xaghra. Dating back to 3600 BC, the temples which are now recognised as a World Heritage Site, are one of the most significant archaeological finds in Malta. We continue to the capital of Gozo, Victoria, which is spread beneath the Citadel, the walled castle dominating the island. We will walk within the city walls and view the imposing cathedral before we return to the ship via Our Lady of Victories Church, one of the most richly embellished places of worship on the island which was elevated to the rank of a minor Basilica in 1967. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon to walk the walls or explore the narrow streets of this small and picturesque city. Please note we are at anchor today and will use the ships Zodiacs or local tenders to get to shore.

Our base for the next day and a half is the port of Sousse. During our time here we drive out of the city to the small village of El Djem to see the great Roman amphitheatre, built to accommodate 35,000 spectators, and visit the excellent museum with its collection of mosaics. Our tour of Sousse will include the museum which is located in the ramparts of the kasbah and houses 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 will see the Great Mosque which is a universal architectural masterpiece and one of the most impressive and largest Islamic monuments in North Africa. In addition we 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.

Continuing our exploration of Tunisia we arrive in the port of La Goulette, our base for the next day and a half. There will be a number of guided tours to choose from including the site of Carthage which was founded by the Phoenicians in the 8th century BC and became one of the most influential cities in the Mediterranean. This prosperity led to rivalry with Rome and it was during the Third Punic War, in 146 BC, that the Roman forces destroyed the city. Due to its strategic location, the Romans rebuilt Carthage in the 1st century AD to become one of the most important cities in their Empire. We also hope to 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. Meanwhile, a full day tour will travel inland to the ruins of ancient Uthina, one of the Roman Empire’s oldest cities in Africa. A guided walk includes the nearly fully restored Hadrianera amphitheatre which was dug into the hillside and could hold about 16,000 spectators, the grand Capitole, pinned down on one side by five partially reconstructed columns, and the baths of the Laberii, which take their name from an inscription found on a mosaic of Orpheus charming the animals, now in the Bardo Museum. Later we will drive to Zriba Olia, an abandoned Berber village that was built in the seventeenth century but deserted in the 1960s.

Our first day in Algeria takes us inland to historic Constantine, one of the oldest cities in Africa. Over 2000 years ago it was part of the kingdom of Numidia and went by the name of Cirta. The Phoenicians were the first to build the city and called it Sewa – the Royal City and it was invaded and ruled by the Romans, Ottomans, and French. Today it sits on two sides of a 200 metre gorge which was carved out by the Rhumel River to create a natural fortress. The picturesque city is known as the ‘City of Bridges’ as it has a number of engineering marvels including the Sidi M’Cid bridge which was the highest bridge in the world when constructed in 1912 and offers stunning views towards the town and the gorge below. After taking in the views, we will explore the city centre including the Palace of Ahmed Bey, Islamic University and the imposing Mosque Emir Abdelkader.

Bejaia is built on a beautiful bay protected by mountains which give the city a splendid backdrop. A minor port in Roman times, it was named Saldae having been settled by the Roman Emperor Vespasian and is our base for a choice of excursions today. Perhaps take a full day tour to Djemila which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981 due to its unique adaptation of Roman architecture to a mountain environment. In a remarkable setting, the ruins are some of the finest preserved in North Africa. We will drive along a very scenic route and traverse spectacular scenery as we climb from little Kabilya towards the high plateau of Setif where the Roman ruins are located. See the Arch of Caracalla, the forum, the basilica and the temples before viewing the mosaics displayed in the museum that represent the best collection in Algeria. This is a long but rewarding excursion. Alternatively, drive through the valley of the Soumman, the legendary meeting place of the leaders of the Freedom Fighters. It was here that they launched the revolution of the 1st of November 1954 which lasted for seven years until they gained independence for Algeria on the 5th July 1962. Afterwards we travel to a Berber village in Kabylia where we visit a typical house and various workshops where items are still made in the old-fashioned, unhurried way. Enjoy a ‘degustation’ of Berber olive oil whilst tasting the different types of bread and other local produce and gain an insight into Berber culture and history.

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 and 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. Alternatively, a half day city tour will include the Martyrs’ Monument, a dominant landmark which offers spectacular views over the city and Bay of Algiers. Continue to La Grande Poste, an impressive piece of Hispano-Moorish architecture completed in 1908, and the Basilica of Notre Dame D’Afrique.

Oran is a city of architectural riches, and the Arab, Spanish, Ottoman and French influences are very noticeable. Its originality is owed much to its turbulent history during the Medieval period which profoundly changed the evolution of its landscape to such an extent that, unlike other Algerian cities, it is indelibly marked by its Hispanic past. Today, Oran can be described as an open-air museum of Western military architecture, alongside buildings with Arab and Ottoman influences as well as modern buildings dating from the French colonial period. Arriving at lunchtime we will take an afternoon guided walking tour to view some of the most striking buildings including the Cathedral, La Place d’Armes, Pasha Mosque, Sidi El Houari and the old Arab quarters followed by a drive to Mount Aidour and the Fort of Santa Cruz to take in the sweeping aerial views of Oran. 

Our last call in Algeria is the port of Ghazaouet located close to the border with Morocco. From here we drive approximately 50 miles inland to Tlemcen, an interesting and cultured city. Our visit will include the 11th century Great Mosque and the deconsecrated Sidi Bel Hassan Mosque which was transformed into a museum in 1901 and houses a selection of mosaics, carvings and pottery. After a local lunch we will continue to El Mansourah to see the remains of an old minaret and El Mechouar, which was built as a citadel in 1145 before it became the royal residence of the Zianide dynasty in the 13th century.

Spend the morning at a little bit of Spain in North Africa. Situated on the northern coast of Morocco the Spanish city occupies a rocky peninsula which juts out into the Mediterranean. It has been in Spanish hands since 1497 and previous colonisers included the Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans. It is a fascinating place to spend a morning observing the co-existence of Catholic and Muslim faiths, the influences of Spanish and Moorish architecture and the old walled city, fortress and busy marketplace. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a leisurely afternoon at sea.

Having passed the Strait of Gibraltar we arrive in Morocco and the port of Tangier. A short drive will bring us to the Donabo Gardens located on the coast with wonderful sea views. Divided into ten sections we can explore the Moroccan garden that celebrates the tradition of tea, the mint maze where multiple varieties blend their fragrances along the alleys, a rose garden thriving in the cool shade and a pollinators garden purposely designed to attract bees. Later we can explore the city where on a walking tour we will visit the Medina, enjoy the views from the kasbah situated at the highest point of Tangier, and wander through the Grand Souk. Alternatively drive across the beautiful Rif Mountains to Tetouan. Visit the unique School of Art Dar Sanaa which is located in a former palace and teaches the most traditional of Moroccan crafts to its students before we continue to the Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is full of narrow alleys and streets with vendors selling local handicrafts, foods and spices. Our tour will end at the old Royal Palace, a 17th century building which is itself a reflection of the Hispano-Moresque architecture, and the nearby Hassan II Square.

After a morning at sea we arrive in Casablanca. We will visit the city’s most important sights including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Olive Market. The highlight of our tour will be our visit to the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest religious monuments in the world after Mecca. It took 3300 traditional Moroccan artisans to create the beautiful mosaics, marble floors and splendid wood ceiling. Moor overnight.

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

Itineraries are subject to change.