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Along the Barbary Coast – A Voyage between Malta and Gibraltar including Tunisia & Algeria

Along the Barbary Coast – A Voyage between Malta and Gibraltar including Tunisia & Algeria

From GBP £6,295

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Description

Located on the North African coast, betwixt the desert and the sea are some of Ancient Rome’s most magnificent sites which we will discover during this fascinating voyage between Malta and Gibraltar. This is a region that is best discovered by sea and from the historic port of Valletta we sail 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. We also spend three days in Algeria where we can explore the ancient city of Tipaza, the mysterious Mausoleum of Mauretania and the city of Tlemcen in the north of the country known for its Moorish buildings including the 11th century Grand Mosque. In addition we call into the city of Oran which was founded at the beginning of the 10th century by Andalucian merchants as a base for trade with the North African hinterland and features an array of historical buildings with Arab, Ottoman and French colonial influences. 
Interspersed between our calls along the North African coast will be a day in the Sardinian capital of Cagliari allowing for the opportunity to visit the ruins at Nora, one of the best preserved Roman cities in Sardinia which rises above the remains of an ancient Phoenician-Punic settlement. We will also visit the little known Spanish enclave of Melilla on the Moroccan coast, a fascinating place to spend a few hours before our voyage concludes in Gibraltar.
All this will be achieved with great ease aboard the MS Hebridean Sky and with just over 100 like-minded travellers, we are able to explore in a way that is impossible from aboard a large cruise vessel and being timed for late October and November, we can expect pleasant temperatures, agreeable for exploration. The 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.

Trip Name
Along the Barbary Coast - A Voyage between Malta and Gibraltar including Tunisia & Algeria
Days
11
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 90.6 metres Passenger Capacity: 118 Built / Refurbished: 1992 / 2016 The MS Hebridean Sky is a beautifully appointed small ship, designed to offer an atmosphere of refined elegance and intimate comfort. With just 59 spacious suites, many featuring private balconies, she provides all guests with an outside view and a sense of relaxed luxury. Suites are finished in warm wood panelling and brass, with thoughtful details such as rainfall showers, dressing gowns, Noble Isle toiletries and flexible bed configurations. The public areas are equally welcoming, from the bright dining room and convivial Club bar to the well-stocked library and panoramic observation deck. A clinic with doctor, hairdressing facilities, a lift serving all decks and complimentary Wi-Fi ensure that every journey is made in comfort and ease. Life on board the MS Hebridean Sky is calm, sociable, and tailored to those who value discovery and relaxation over large-scale entertainment. Dining is a highlight, with talented chefs crafting exquisite à la carte menus often enhanced by fresh local produce, complemented by fine wines included with meals. Guests may enjoy al fresco meals on the Lido Deck, afternoon tea, or informal evenings with music in the lounge. Enrichment comes through fascinating lectures, daily briefings, and the company of like-minded travellers, while the warm and attentive service creates the feel of a private yacht or country house hotel. With her understated elegance, exceptional service, and focus on exploration, the Hebridean Sky offers a truly memorable and distinguished cruising experience.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 London to Valletta, Malta.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky and sail this evening.
Day 2 - Days 2 & 3 Sousse, El Djem & Kairouan, Tunisia.
After a morning at sea we arrive in 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 where we will 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; as well as 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. Finally we will 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 3 - 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 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, we 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.
Day 4 - 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, there will be a guided walking tour during which 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 5 - 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 6 - 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 7 - Day 8 Oran.
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.
Day 8 - Day 9 Ghazaouet.
This morning we reach 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.
Day 9 - Day 10 Melilla, Spain.
Today we visit 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 an afternoon at sea.
Day 10 - Day 11 Gibraltar to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Day 11 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
28-10-202707-11-2027GBP £6,295Amundsen Deck Standard Suite
28-10-202707-11-2027GBP £6,595Byrd Deck Superior Suite
28-10-202707-11-2027GBP £6,995Mawson Deck Premium Suite
28-10-202707-11-2027GBP £7,295Mawson Deck Corner Suite
28-10-202707-11-2027GBP £7,795Amundsen Deck Standard Sole
28-10-202707-11-2027GBP £7,995Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite
28-10-202707-11-2027GBP £8,295Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite
28-10-202707-11-2027GBP £8,295Byrd Deck Superior Sole
28-10-202707-11-2027GBP £8,595Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite
07-11-202717-11-2027GBP £6,595Byrd Deck Superior Suite
07-11-202717-11-2027GBP £6,995Mawson Deck Premium Suite
07-11-202717-11-2027GBP £7,295Mawson Deck Corner Suite
07-11-202717-11-2027GBP £7,795Amundsen Deck Standard Sole
07-11-202717-11-2027GBP £7,995Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite
07-11-202717-11-2027GBP £8,295Byrd Deck Superior Sole
07-11-202717-11-2027GBP £8,295Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite
07-11-202717-11-2027GBP £8,595Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite
07-11-202717-11-2027GBP £6,295Amundsen Deck Standard Suite

Inclusions

    • Roman, Phoenician, and Islamic heritage across Malta, Tunisia, Sardinia, Algeria, and Spain
    • Iconic sites including Carthage, El Djem Amphitheatre, Kairouan, Tipaza, and Nora
    • Rare small-ship voyage through North Africa with diverse cultures and Mediterranean coastlines

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