Roman city of Leptis Magna, Libya

Some of the most amazing Roman and Greek ruins in the world lie along North Africa’s coast. Our journey explores the best ancient sites and most fascinating ports and traditional villages from Cairo to Casablanca.

Photo by Wolfgang Kaehler

display information about this photo

North Africa's Mediterranean Coast

Cairo to Casablanca aboard the Corinthian II

*Cruise Special Offer

Discount of $2,000-$4,000 per person (depending on cabin category)! See the Accommodations tab for complete information by cabin category.

We discover an ancient world between the desert and the sea as we cruise from Egypt to Morocco aboard the all-suite Corinthian II. In Egypt, we cast our eyes on the sheer wonder of the Great Pyramids before voyaging to the palm-fringed coast of Libya, with its alluring collection of perfect Greco-Roman cities set along the sea. Our westward arc brings us to an array of remarkable sites, including the haunting World War II battlefields at Tubruq, the Phoenician and Roman remains at storied Carthage, and fabled Tangier, historical meeting point of Africa and Europe, with its casbah, sultan’s palace, and lively café life. Our guest lecturers, including a distinguished archaeologist, offer fascinating historical and cultural perspectives along the way.

Highlights

  • Cairo: the Great Pyramids at Giza, Sphinx, and the Museum of Antiquities
  • Discover Libya’s stunning Greco-Roman cities, including Leptis Magna, Sabratha, and Cyrene
  • Visit Tubruq’s World War II battlefields
  • Marvel at the great Roman amphitheater at El Djem and the Phoenician ruins at Carthage
  • Explore Melilla, a Spanish city on the Moroccan coast, and Tangier, a bridge between Europe and Africa

Details

  • 17-day trip begins in Cairo, Egypt, and ends in Casablanca, Morocco
  • 14 nights luxury vessel, 1 night in 5-star hotel in Cairo
  • All meals and wine, beer, soft drinks included aboard ship
  • 14-day cruise, cultural exploration and walking tours

Tour Costs

2010 Cruise Cost from $9395 per person with Cruise Special Discount*. See the Accommodations tab for complete information by cabin category.

Departures & Leaders

Nov 5-21, 2010
Nov 2-17, 2011

Suggested Reading

Reading list, click here.

Itinerary at a Glance
North Africa's Mediterranean Coast route-map

Days 1-4
Cairo / Alexandria / Embark

Fly to Cairo and visit the fabled Great Pyramids at Giza, the enigmatic Sphinx, and the dazzling Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. After exploring ancient Alexandria, we set sail aboard the Corinthian II.

Days 5-7
Tubruq, Libya / Cyrene / Apollonia

Cruising west to the harbor town of Tubruq, once a Greek colony, we visit the monumental World War II battle sites and cemeteries, then explore the fantastic 7th century BC Greek city of Cyrene, a World Heritage Site, and Apollonia, Cyrene’s beautiful port for a thousand years. Day 7 is at sea.

Day 8-9
Leptis Magna / Tripoli / Sabratha Leptis

Magna is of one of the most extraordinary sites on the Mediterranean coast. After walking the marble-lined streets of this glorious ancient city, we explore Tripoli’s classic walled Old Town, then travel to the fine Roman city of Sabratha, set by the sea and famed for its extraordinary colonnaded Roman theater.

Days 10-11
El Djem, Tunisia / Carthage

El Djem is noted for its great Roman amphitheater that once seated 35,000 spectators. In Carthage, we roam the medina and tour the Bardo Museum, with its world-renowned Roman mosaics.

Days 12-14
Hippo Regius, Algeria / Djemila

We visit the ancient site of Hippo Regius, with its Phoenician, Berber, and Roman remains, then explore the remarkably well-preserved Roman ruins of Djemila, with its 3rd century Triumphal Arch and Old Forum featuring stunning friezes. Day 14 is at sea.

Days 15-17
Melilla, Spain / Tangier, Morocco / Casablanca

In Melilla, colonized by the Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans, and belonging to Spain since 1497, we visit the walled old city, fortress, and charming market area. We stroll the narrow alleys of Tangier, long a haunt of artists and writers, then disembark in Casablanca on Day 17 and fly home.

This is the Itinerary-at-a-Glance. For the complete trip description, Download Full Trip Brochure

The Corinthian II

The all-suite Corinthian II was built in Italy in 1992 and refurbished in 2005. All 57 outside-facing suites are a minimum of 225 square feet, with two twin-size beds or one queen-size bed, sitting area, TV, mini-refrigerator, and marble-appointed bathroom. Superb continental cuisine, with complimentary wines at lunch and dinner, is served by European chefs in a single seating. The Club is a lovely lounge with panoramic windows, a good place to relax and enjoy a cocktail. The ship also features a library with Internet access, beauty salon, Jacuzzi, and exercise area.

 

2010 Cruise Rates by Cabin Category

Per person, double occupancy
Categories Price Cruise Special* Discount
E $11,395 $9,395 $2,000
D $12,395 $10,395 $2,000
C $13,395 $11,395 $2,000
B $14,895 $12,895 $2,000
A $15,995 $13,995 $2,000
AA $16,995 $14,995 $2,000
VS $20,995 $16,995 $4,000
PHS $21,995 $17,995 $4,000

Single Supplement (Cat D-A): Waived

 

*Cruise Special Offer for 2010 Departure

Discount of $2,000-$4,000 per person (depending on cabin category)

 

Deck Plan

E
 Deluxe suites on Magellan Deck with portholes and sitting area. 225 sq. ft. Suites 250, 252.

 
D
 Deluxe suites on Columbus Deck with window and sitting area. 225 sq. ft. Suites 329-332.

 
C
 Deluxe suites on Magellan Deck with portholes and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. Suites 254-262.

 
B
 Deluxe suites on Columbus Deck with window and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. Suites 333-348.

 
A
 Deluxe suites on Marco Polo Deck with window and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. Suites 416-428.

 
AA
 Deluxe suites on Marco Polo Deck with forward and side windows and sitting area. 285 sq. ft. Suites 414-415.

 
VS
 Deluxe Veranda Suites on Erickson Deck with private balcony and sitting area. 300 sq. ft. Suites 505-512.*

 
PHS
 Deluxe Penthouse Suites on Explorer Deck with private balcony and sitting area. 400 sq. ft. Suites 601-604.*

 
*VS & PHS suites are provided with private butler service and other exclusive amenities.