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Trip Itinerary
Thursday, November 9, 2006
USA
Fly from the United States to Palermo,
Sicily.
Friday, November 10
PALERMO, SICILY, ITALY |
EMBARKATION
Arrive in Palermo and transfer to the port
to embark Corinthian II. (D)
Saturday, November 11
VALLETTA, MALTA
Corinthian II sails into the dramatic Grand
Harbor of Malta’s Valletta, renowned for
its architectural beauty, medieval relics,
and ancient monuments. The Knights of
St. John of Jerusalem, later the Knights of
Malta, established a military base here in
the 16th century under the auspices of
Charles V, and Valletta owes much of its
charm and character to this military religious
order. Explore St. John’s Co-
Cathedral, an opulent repository for
Malta’s finest art treasures; the Palace of
the Grand Masters; and the National
Museum of Archaeology. (B, L, D)
Sunday, November 12
KHOMS | LEPTIS MAGNA |
KHOMS, LIBYA
This morning, call at Khoms on Libya’s
Tripolitanian coast. Nearby are the ruins
of Leptis Magna, one of the
Mediterranean’s most compelling ancient
sites. Leptis Magna achieved its prominence
in the 3rd century A.D. under the
Severan emperors, who launched an
unprecedented, lavish building scheme,
embellishing the city with extraordinary
public buildings. Excellently preserved to
the present day because of its burial under
shifting sands, this glorious coastal city is
a unique example of ancient town planning.
Spend the day exploring the city’s
magnificent buildings, monuments, temples,
and streets. Also visit Villa Sileen, a
recently restored Roman residence with
vivid mosaics depicting chariot races
and gladiatorial combat scenes.
(B, L, D)
Monday, November 13
TRIPOLI
With its spacious natural harbor,
Tripoli’s site attracted Phoenician and
Greek settlers, followed by the Romans,
who erected the impressive triumphal
arch honoring Marcus Aurelius. Later,
Tripoli grew wealthy from the Saharan
caravan trade. Spend the day exploring
Libya’s capital, focusing on the Medina,
the medieval walled town built on the
site of the Roman settlement. Also tour
the Jamahiriya Museum, housed in the
massive Citadel, which dates from the
medieval period. The museum’s collection
encompasses Libya’s Phoenician,
Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic
periods. There will be time to explore
the city’s colorful souks. (B, L, D)
Tuesday, November 14
TRIPOLI | SABRATHA |
TRIPOLI
From Tripoli, travel to nearby Sabratha,
the ancient city that began as a
Carthaginian trading post, became a
permanent settlement in the 4th century
B.C., and flourished in the Roman
period. Located by the sea, Sabratha’s
ruins include temples, public baths,
fountains, and a museum noted for its
collection of mosaics. (B, L, D)
Wednesday, November 15
SOUSSE | KAIROUAN OR
EL DJEM | SOUSSE, TUNISIA
Land in the morning in Sousse in central
Tunisia. There will be a choice of
two excursions. One will visit Kairouan
and the Great Mosque of Sidi Okba
and the Sidi Sahab Mausoleum.
Alternatively, drive to El Djem to explore
its great Roman amphitheater, and the
Museum, with its collection of mosaics.
(B, L, D)
Thursday, November 16
TUNIS | CARTHAGE | TUNIS
Arrive in Tunis and tour storied Carthage,
founded by Phoenicians in the 9th century
B.C. The site contains Phoenician
remains including Tophet, the sanctuary
of the gods Tanit and Baal, and imposing
monuments from the Roman period. Also
tour the Bardo Museum, renowned for its
spectacular collection of Roman mosaics,
and in Tunis, visit the Medina and its
souks. (B, L, D)
Friday, November 17
ANNABA | HIPPO REGIUS |
ANNABA, ALGERIA
From Annaba, visit the ancient site of
Hippo Regius, which bears the mark of
Phoenicians, Berbers, and Romans. St.
Augustine was a bishop here from 396
until his death in 430. Explore the Roman
Forum, the largest and oldest in North
Africa, and the Baths, dedicated to
Septimius Severus. Also visit the modernday
Basilica of St. Augustine, which
crowns the hill overlooking the site. Sail
along the rugged Algerian coast in the
afternoon. (B, L, D)
Saturday, November 18
BEJAIA | DJEMILA | BEJAIA
Disembark in Bejaia for an excusion
through beautiful countryside to the
remarkably well-preserved Roman ruins of
Djemila. The site includes the Triumphal
Arch to Emperor Caracalla built in 216
A.D.; the Grand Baths; the market; and
the Old Forum, featuring stunning friezes
and the 3rd-century altar. Also visit the
Museum with its collection of superb
mosaics. (B, L, D)
Sunday, November 19
ALGIERS | TIPASA | ALGIERS
Tipasa’s ancient temples and ruins beautifully
overlook the Mediterranean. Explore
the Villa of Frescoes on the water’s edge, a
large Roman mansion; the 2nd century
A.D. Judicial Basilica; and the 4th-century
Christian Basilica. Also visit the site’s
museum as well as the nearby Tombeau de
la Chretienne, a massive ancient tomb
know as the burial place of Mauretanian
king Juba II and of his wife Cleopatra
Selene. In the afternoon, enjoy a tour of
Algiers, Algeria’s capital city and a former
Phoenician trading post. (B, L, D)
Monday, November 20
AT SEA
Corinthian II cruises toward Malaga.
(B, L, D)
Tuesday, November 21
MALAGA, SPAIN |
DISEMBARKATION | USA
Arrive at the port of Malaga and transfer
to the airport for connecting flights to the
United States. (B)
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