Passage to Morocco
A voyage from Sicily to Morocco including Algeria aboard the MS Hebridean Sky with Guest Speaker Chris Bradley
- 4 October 2021
Located in Sicily and on the North African coast, between the desert and the sea are some of Ancient Rome’s most magnificent sites which we will discover during this fascinating voyage from Malta to Casablanca. Our cruise begins with two days of exploration in Sicily, an endlessly fascinating island which lends itself beautifully to discovery by small ship as most points of interest are close to the sea. We will visit the magnificently sited Doric temples of Agrigento and Segesta, one of the grandest Doric monuments to survive.
Like Sicily, North Africa’s Barbary Coast is best explored by sea and after a morning in the Sardinian capital of Cagliari we will sail south to Algeria where the favourable desert influenced climate has been remarkably kind to the historic sites. During our two days in Algeria we will visit Bejaia from where you can discover the Roman ruins of Djemila, some of the finest preserved in North Africa. We also spend a morning exploring the ancient city of Tipaza which was probably founded by the Phoenicians but really came into being under the Romans and Medieval Tlemcen, one of the country’s finest cities.
For those who enjoy exploring the ancient world, this itinerary has it all. 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.
Useful links & Travel Advice
Please find a selection of useful websites to refer to for information from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, on visa requirements, NHS travel health advice and other useful travel tips.
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Travelling with You
Chris Bradley
Chris Bradley has lived and worked in North Africa and the Middle East for over 40 years. He is now an Arts Society lecturer and professional tour guide having led many tours to Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt. He first visited Algeria in 1985 as a Tour Leader and photographer, with one of his photographs chosen to be the Royal Geographical Society membership card image. His published books include the Berlitz guides to Libya, Cairo, Egypt’s Red Sea, Oman, Abu Dhabi, the Insight Guides to Egypt, Jordan, The Silk Road, Travel Photography and the Discovery Guide to Yemen. Over the years he has been an invited consultant for the United Nations World Tourism Organisation to conduct analysis on tourism developments across North Africa. He is a lecturer to noted societies, such as the Royal Geographical Society, the Royal Scottish Geographical Society and the Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Societies. He has been a cameraman and producer on many television documentaries for the BBC, Channel 4 and National Geographic TV. In Morocco he developed and filmed ‘Atlas Biker’ which was Nicholas Crane’s first television adventure documentary. His talks on this cruise will help to uncover the rich layers of North African and Mediterranean history from pre-history through the classical era to the modern day, including the Roman period whose contemporary mosaics give us a fascinating insight into Roman life in Malta, Sicily, Algeria and Morocco.
Chris Bradley will be on the following tour dates: 4 to 13 October 2021
Hebridean Sky
The MS Hebridean Sky is one of our three flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Island Sky and MS Caledonian Sky. All three vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them three of the finest small ships in the world. Formerly known as the Sea Explorer, the vessel underwent a multi-million pound refurbishment in Sweden in Spring 2016 before being re-launched as the MS Hebridean Sky.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Valletta, Malta.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky and enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.
Day 2 Agrigento & Valley of the Temples, Sicily.
Although handsome in its own right and awash with Medieval atmosphere, Agrigento is not our main reason for calling at this southern coast port. Close by is the Valle dei Templi, a series of Doric temples and the most captivating of Sicilian Greek remains, and a grouping unique outside Greece. Surrounded in the greenery of olive and almond trees, admire the Temple of Hera, the Temple of Concord, the Dioscuri Temple, the Temple of Olympic Jove and the Temple of Hercules. After lunch on board the afternoon is free to explore Agrigento and shuttles will run from the port to the town and the excellent archaeological museum where you can explore at leisure.
Day 3 Trapani.
Trapani was the landing point for Peter of Aragon in 1282 to start the Spanish occupation of Sicily and is our base for the day. From the port choose to either travel to the nearby town of Erice, famed in antiquity for its temple dedicated to the goddess of love, the Phoenician Astarte, Greek Aphrodite or Roman Venus. A tour will take us to this stunning site high above the sea and to the beautifully preserved Medieval town characterised by its winding cobblestone streets and beautiful courtyards. Alternatively, travel inland to explore Segesta, one of the grandest Doric monuments to survive. See the unfinished temple dating from 424 BC as well as the theatre from which you can enjoy excellent views of the countryside and distant coastline. Both tour options will end at an 18th century family run olive oil farm where we will learn about the production process and also enjoy a lunch of locally sourced dishes and wines. After lunch there will be time to explore Trapani at your leisure or return to the ship before we sail later this evening.
Day 4 Cagliari, Sardinia.
Arrive over breakfast in the Sardinian capital of Cagliari, an ancient city which dates back to the Phoenicians and Romans. During our walking tour 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. Alternatively, drive along the southwestern 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. Return to the ship for lunch as we sail this afternoon towards the North African coast.
Day 5 Bejaia, Algeria.
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 founded by the Roman Emperor Vespasian and is our base for a choice of excursions today. Maybe choose 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. View the Arch of Caracalla, the Forum, the Basilica and the Temples before seeing the mosaics which are displayed in the museum, representing the best collection in Algeria. This is a long but rewarding excursion. Alternatively, there is the option to 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 November 1954 which lasted for seven years until they gained independence for Algeria on the 5th July 1962. Afterwards visit a Berber village in Kabylia where we see a typical house and various workshops where things are still made in the oldfashioned unhurried way. Enjoy a “dégustation” of Berber olive oil whilst tasting the different types of bread and other local produce as we gain an insight into Berber culture and history.
Day 6 Algiers.
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 At Sea.
Spend the day at sea, maybe join a lecture or find a spot on deck to relax.
Day 8 Ghazaouet for Tlemcen.
This morning we reach the western side of Algeria and 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 Tangier, Morocco.
Having passed the Straits of Gibraltar this morning we arrive in Tangier at lunchtime. Since Tangier was founded in the 4th century BC, Carthaginians, Romans, Phoenicians, Vandals, Arabs, Spaniards, Portuguese and the English have jealously fought for the right to control it. On an afternoon walking tour we will explore the Medina, see the views from the Kasbah situated at the highest point of Tangier, visit the museum and then wander through the Grand Souk. Alternatively, drive across the beautiful Rif Mountains to Tetouan. Visit the unique School of Art Dar Sanaa which is situated in a former palace and teaches the most traditional of Moroccan crafts to its students. We continue to the ancient Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, 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. Stop to savour the Moroccan tea and fresh pastries at a local Riad in the heart of the Medina before returning to Tangier.
Day 10 Casablanca to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
4 to 13 October 2021 | ||
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Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Amundsen Deck Standard Suite | £4795 | £4495 |
Byrd Deck Superior Suite | £4995 | £4695 |
Mawson Deck Premium Suite | £5295 | £4995 |
Mawson Deck Corner Suite | £5695 | £5395 |
Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite | £6195 | £5895 |
Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | £6495 | £6195 |
Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite | £6995 | £6695 |
Amundsen Deck Standard for sole use | £5995 | £5695 |
Byrd Deck Superior for sole use | £6195 | £5895 |
Tour Reference Code: SCHSK041021
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Nine nights aboard the MS Hebridean Sky on full board basis • Wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Shore excursions • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Hebridean Sky
The MS Hebridean Sky is one of our three flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Island Sky and MS Caledonian Sky. All three vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them three of the finest small ships in the world. Formerly known as the Sea Explorer, the vessel underwent a multi-million pound refurbishment in Sweden in Spring 2016 before being re-launched as the MS Hebridean Sky.
Travelling with You
Chris Bradley
Chris Bradley has lived and worked in North Africa and the Middle East for over 40 years. He is now an Arts Society lecturer and professional tour guide having led many tours to Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt. He first visited Algeria in 1985 as a Tour Leader and photographer, with one of his photographs chosen to be the Royal Geographical Society membership card image. His published books include the Berlitz guides to Libya, Cairo, Egypt’s Red Sea, Oman, Abu Dhabi, the Insight Guides to Egypt, Jordan, The Silk Road, Travel Photography and the Discovery Guide to Yemen. Over the years he has been an invited consultant for the United Nations World Tourism Organisation to conduct analysis on tourism developments across North Africa. He is a lecturer to noted societies, such as the Royal Geographical Society, the Royal Scottish Geographical Society and the Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Societies. He has been a cameraman and producer on many television documentaries for the BBC, Channel 4 and National Geographic TV. In Morocco he developed and filmed ‘Atlas Biker’ which was Nicholas Crane’s first television adventure documentary. His talks on this cruise will help to uncover the rich layers of North African and Mediterranean history from pre-history through the classical era to the modern day, including the Roman period whose contemporary mosaics give us a fascinating insight into Roman life in Malta, Sicily, Algeria and Morocco.
Chris Bradley will be on the following tour dates: 4 to 13 October 2021
Tour Extensions
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If you would like to spend some time in Malta before embarking the MS Hebridean Sky, we are offering a two night stay at the five-star Phoenicia Hotel with the chance to explore Valletta and the surrounding area.
Valletta harbour
The Itinerary
Day 1 London to Valletta, Malta.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to our hotel for a two night stay and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Meet tonight for a welcome dinner in the hotel. (D)
Day 2 Valletta.
After breakfast embark on a city tour of Valletta, the 16th century “Fortress City” built by the Knights of St John. Our tour will include the highlights of Valletta with its stunning views across the harbour from the Barakka Gardens. We will explore Merchants Street, containing the surviving auberges built by the Knights of St John of Jerusalem, together with the palace where Napoleon Bonaparte is believed to have stayed in 1798. Our final stop will be the spectacular St John’s Cathedral. The afternoon and evening are free for independent exploration. (B)
Day 3 Valletta.
Enjoy time at leisure before we check out of the hotel in the late morning and transfer to Mdina. Originally this city was given the name of “Citta Nobile” and is now known as the “Silent City” at the heart of the island. Mdina is Phoenician in origin and was the fortified capital of the island, before the arrival of the Knights. We will have lunch in one of the local restaurants before transferring to the MS Hebridean Sky. (B, L)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
2 to 4 October 2021 Category Price Twin £745 Single £1045 Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation as described, meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner), tours as described, Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000