Mediterranean Africa

Overview
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Maps
Ship Information
Highlights

A voyage from Malta to Seville along the coasts of Libya, Tunisia and Algeria with Stephen Phillips aboard MS Island Sky

Africa’s Mediterranean coast has always been a magnet for travellers. In addition to Libya, we have included some calls in Algeria making this springtime voyage even more eventful. As we take our passage through history, our guest speaker and local guides will enhance our knowledge of these epic lands.

First colonised by the Phoenicians and Greeks around the 7th century B.C., the region eventually fell to Rome who developed the narrow coastal band as a breadbasket. Vast quantities of grain were grown and transported to sustain Rome’s armies and with agricultural development came cities; many impressive and said to rival Rome in their magnificence.

In Libya there are wonderful Roman sites, which in the main are little visited, and yet offer the visitor some of the most splendid and varied remains of the Roman World. The Roman city of Leptis Magna, birthplace of Septimus Severus, is an extraordinary site, the largest in Libya with its enormous Basilica and huge Forum.

Tunisia also has a wealth of sites from the Phoenician ruins of Carthage to the great Roman amphitheatre at El Djem and the holy city of Kairouan. In Algeria look out over the Mediterranean from the ruins of Tipasa’s temples, visit the well-preserved Roman ruins of Djemila and venture to Hippo Regius. St Augustine was bishop here until his death in A.D. 430 and everywhere there are reminders of the Phoenicians, Berbers and Romans. Our journey concludes in the great Moorish city of Seville, a fitting end for our voyage of discovery.

Mediterranean Africa itinerary:

Day 1 - LONDON TO VALLETTA, MALTA.

Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival, transfer to the MS Island Sky and embark.

Day 2 - AL KHOMS/LEPTIS MAGNA, LIBYA.

Landing at Khoms we will take a short drive to Leptis Magna, certainly one of the most impressive Roman sites anywhere. Explore the site including the amphitheatre, the aqueduct, the Nymphaeum, the Forum and old harbour.

Day 3 - TRIPOLI, LIBYA.

We will spend the day in the Libyan capital which was founded by the Phoenicians in approximately 500 B.C. The old walled section, the Medina, is one of the finest in the Mediterranean. Tour the old town including the National museum, Tripoli’s oldest mosque, the En-Nagah and the World War Two British and Commonwealth cemetery outside the city. Moor overnight.

Day 4 - TRIPOLI FOR SABRATHA, LIBYA.

This morning drive to nearby Sabratha which began life as a Carthaginian trading post. Under the Romans the city flourished and the impressive ruins including temples, public baths, fountains and an excellent museum are located by the sea.

Day 5 - SFAX, TUNISIA.

Arrive this morning in the medieval city of Sfax, Tunisia’s capital of the south. Drive to the small village of El Djem to see the great Roman amphitheatre built to accommodate 35,000 spectators. Day 9 - AT SEA.

Day 6 - TUNIS FOR CARTHAGE, TUNISIA.

From the nearby port of Tunis drive to the site of Carthage, founded in the 8th century B.C. See the Phoenician remains of Tophet, the sanctuary of the gods Tanit and Baal as well as some interesting monuments from the Roman era. Later, explore the Bardo Museum which houses some renowned Roman mosaics.

Day 7 - ANNABA, ALGERIA.

Arrive this morning in Algeria. Known as Hippo Regius during Roman times, its history probably dates back to Phoenician times. We will visit the ancient site with its Phoenician, Berber and Roman influences. Explore the Roman forum thought to be the largest and oldest on the African continent and the baths, dedicated to Septimus Severus.

Day 8 - BEJAIA, ALGERIA.

Cruise along the Algerian coastline to the port of Bejaia, better known locally as Bougie. From this historic port with its Carthaginian, Roman, Germanic Vandal, Byzantine, Berber, Spanish, Ottoman Turk and French invaders we will drive through delightful countryside to Djemila. This remarkably well preserved Roman site includes the Triumphal Arch to Emperor Caracalla (A.D. 216), the Grand Baths, the market and the Old Forum that features friezes and a 3rd century altar. Today will be a long but rewarding day. Alternatively, join the optional morning tour of Bejaia.

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’s a fascinating place to spend a few hours observing the co-existence of Catholic and Muslim faiths, the influences of Spanish and Moorish architecture and the old walled city, fortress and busy market place.

Day 11 - CADIZ & SEVILLE.

Disembark this morning in Cadiz and drive to the great city of Seville. Our guided tour will include the old quarter, the 15th century cathedral with its famous Giralda and the Alcazar, the royal palace that dates back to the 12th century with its charming Murillo Gardens. After its Roman and Moor colonisation, Seville’s fortunes prospered with the discovery of America. Many expeditions to the New World originated from the very port of Seville where we will re-embark the vessel.

Day 12 - SEVILLE TO LONDON.

Disembark after breakfast and return to London by scheduled flight.

Island Sky

With a maximum passenger capacity of only 116, a vessel of her size is capable of carrying many more but instead the MS Island Sky has the benefit of unusually large suites, luxuriously appointed public areas and spacious outside decks.

On board there is a high ratio of crew to passengers. Our friendly crew of 75 are mainly Filipino and Eastern European and our Scandinavian captains are experienced mariners, having been in service aboard large 2000 plus passenger vessels and who now prefer a less frantic life aboard a small ship. If, like them and us, you prefer a more peaceful life at sea, you will find the MS Island Sky the perfect ship. When choosing the vessel for your next voyage of discovery, you can select a ship with endless entertainment and impersonal service or come with us where peace, high quality service and attention to detail are the order of the day. We promise there will be no organised entertainment, fancy dress, deck games or any of the usual big ship experiences. The atmosphere on board is more akin to a private yacht or country hotel. A little music in the lounge or bar after dinner, guest speakers, informative port briefings from our cruise director and of course good food which may be enjoyed leisurely in the attractive dining room. After a day ashore you will return to the comfort and peace of a well run and exceedingly comfortable ship.

Your Suite
Onboard there are 57 exceptionally spacious and well designed suites. All feature a sitting room area and some have private balconies. The feeling of luxury is enhanced by the wood panelling and brass, which predominates throughout the vessel conveying the atmosphere of a private yacht. The passenger accommodation is arranged over five decks and all suites have outside views. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring marble-topped vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower, large wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool and excellent storage. There is a mini-fridge, flat screen television with inbuilt DVD player which can also play CDs and a telephone in each suite. Bottled water, towelling dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Other facilities include a programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted toiletries and individually controlled air-conditioning and heating. The suites on each deck have their own colour theme. Soft hues and blended tones enhance the traditional maritime style making the passenger accommodation an inviting and relaxing place to be.

Your Space
The spacious and finely decorated public rooms include a large lounge where daily briefings and talks will be provided throughout the voyage and an elegant bar where a pianist plays periodically throughout the day. The bar also features a 24-hour tea and coffee station. The onboard library is the perfect place to relax with a book and is stocked with reference books pertaining to the places the vessel is visiting along with a selection of games and two computers with internet access. Daily newspapers and magazines are also placed in the library depending on local availability. There is also WI-FI access throughout the vessel. Outside there is a rear sun deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade, a bar and comfortable deck furniture for sun bathing or relaxing with a book. On the top deck there is a Jacuzzi and further observation and sun deck. There is also a small hairdressers on board with appointments made on request.

Your Dining
Another benefit of a small ship is the quality of the cuisine. With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the galley is able to provide delicious meals. Where possible and when it meets his high standards, the chef will obtain local produce in markets or buy the catch of the day from a passing fishing boat. Such purchases enhance the well stocked larders and bring a local touch to the varied menus. In the main elegant dining room, breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items cooked to order and lunch and dinner is à la carte. When weather permits, breakfast and a buffet-style lunch are also served on deck. To enhance your dining experience even further a selection of wines are included with lunch and dinner. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge and tea and coffee are available 24 hours. With sufficient notice, most diets can be catered for on board.

Exploring Ashore & Expedition Cruising
Our inclusive pricing policy for the MS Island Sky means that the majority of shore excursions are included in the price of your cruise. Due to her size the MS Island Sky has the freedom of the seas and can come alongside in small docks or drop anchor in any suitable spot. In remote, undeveloped areas or places with restricted access, we will use the vessel’s tender to go ashore and when the vessel is operating expedition cruises in areas such as the British Isles, we will employ the vessel’s Zodiacs. These inflatable craft offer marvellous manoeuverability allowing us access to otherwise impossible landing places. There is snorkelling equipment onboard and when weather and location permits, the expedition team will set up a snorkelling platform. One of the joys of expedition cruising aboard a small vessel is the flexibility it allows. We have twenty years experience of designing trips to some of the most remote places in the world and although we set sail with a set itinerary it is the unscheduled events that often become the highlight of the journey. It is our belief that you do not go on holiday to be part of the all engulfing masses which descend on a town when a number of large ships dock at the same time. Arriving at a port for the first time should be an invigorating experience and can certainly be so when the right place is chosen and your arrival is on a small ship. With only 116 passengers, there is no queuing to disembark or embark the MS Island Sky for an excursion and when required there will only be three coaches waiting on the quayside to transport you to the day’s attraction as opposed to a whole fleet waiting for the passengers travelling on the big ships.

For Your Comfort & Security & Safety
Our vessel is equipped with the latest safety, navigation and communications equipment along with roll stabilizers to minimize the ship’s motion. The captain and officers operate an open-bridge policy that allows passengers onto the bridge at most times with the exception of arrival and departure from port and during times of complicated navigation. Here you can check the ship’s progress by charts and learn more from the officers about your journey. There is also a dedicated channel on your television in your suite showing the routing of the vessel along with technical information and estimated times of arrival and departure from port. On board you will also find a clinic and doctor and a lift that serves all decks. Smoking on board is restricted to outside decks only.