Itinerary

Monday & Tuesday, August 29 & 30, 2011

Depart on your independent flight to Spain. Arrive in Granada and enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Welcome dinner and overnight at our hotel.

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

After breakfast we depart for an exploration of the Alhambra, the most celebrated example of Moorish architecture and a World Heritage Site. The expansive complex commands an impressive view from its hilltop location overlooking the city and surrounding hills. The multiple palaces within the Alhambra were built by a succession of Muslim kings of Granada between the 13th and 14th centuries who carried out the original concept of representing paradise on earth. The exquisite individual architectural components magically blend into a fantasy-land of lacy stonework, slender columnar arcades, graceful porticos, and courtyards which surround a series of light-reflecting water basins. The most famous of these is the Court of the Lions. In the Gardens of the Generalife, a five-mile-long conduit of water feeds dozens of fountains and waterfalls; hundreds of nightingales live in the park’s foliage. After lunch we continue on to Málaga where we embark the Clipper Odyssey in the early evening.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Our lecture series begins as we are introduced to the history, culture, art, and current affairs of Algeria and its place among the countries of North Africa.

Friday, September 2, 2011

The tenacious roots of this important western Mediterranean port are said to lie in the legendary trading post, Icosium, founded by the companions of mythical Hercules. For five centuries, until the 5th century, it was incorporated into the Roman Empire, then conquered in succession by the Vandals, the Arabs, and the Spanish. In the 16th century, Algeria declared itself under Ottoman rule under Barbarossa and became a pirate base for 300 years. In 1830 the French occupation began and modern Algiers still reflects that influence in its wide boulevards lined with museums, cathedrals, and shops. On the steep hills behind it rises the legendary whitewashed architecture of the old city. Our full day in Algiers and its environs begins with a morning excursion west to the scenic Roman ruins of Tipasa, a World Heritage Site. We explore the villas, theater, fountains, baths, and museum of this Roman seaside town which once boasted 20,000 inhabitants. Nearby, situated on a hillside overlooking the valley and sea, is the enormous Mausoleum of Mauretania, an imposing circular structure over 550 feet in circumference. After lunch onboard visit the imposing Basilica of Notre Dame d’Afrique (Our Lady of Africa), which lies on a promontory commanding panoramic views and pointing towards Rome, the capital of Christendom. We take a tour of the city center and proceed to Victory Park and the Martyrs Monument, commemorating the Algerian war for independence. Return to the Clipper Odyssey for dinner and overnight pier side.

Saturday, September 3, 2011

After breakfast we tour the Museums of Antiquities and Islamic Arts, and then the famous Casbah of Algiers—a World Heritage Site. From King’s Palace walk a short distance to a traditional home where we learn about the way of life for a typical Algerian family. Proceed to the roof for mint tea and typical local snacks accompanied by sweeping views over the Casbah and the port of Algiers. After refreshments we explore a veritable maze of charming streets and narrow lanes, filled with both shopping and photo opportunities. Pass Ketchaoua Mosque to Martyr’s Square, where we board our coaches for lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon stop at the Jardin d’ Essai for a leisurely walk through the gardens before we return to the ship.

Sunday, September 4, 2011

The seaside town of Bejaia is a jumble of narrow, winding streets nestled between beach and mountains. Its strong Berber roots are evident throughout the city in landmarks such as Fort Abdelgader, the Sarazzin Gate, and the casbah, along with nearby Park De Gourya and the remarkable view of Cap Carbon and its lighthouse. Bejaia is the starting point for our excursion inland and we travel along a scenic mountain gorge to the World Heritage Site of Djémila encompassing some of the finest Roman ruins in North Africa. Founded in the first century to capitalize on the region’s rich agricultural potential, Djémila’s citizens once enjoyed two forums, public baths, a 3,000-seat theater, temples, and a basilica and baptistry. The on-site museum houses an incredible collection of mosaics.

Monday, September 5, 2011

This ancient port close to the Tunisian border was the home of Augustine of Hippo—St. Augustine (396 – 430 A.D.)—and a center of early Christianity known as Hippo Regius. This morning we visit the Basilica of St. Augustine, an imposing structure built in Roman, Byzantine, and Arabian styles (and resembling Sacré Coeur in Paris), which overlooks the city and sea from a superb hilltop position. Nearby is the site of Hippo Regius whose network of large, flat stone roads, constructed with the help of elephants, connects the large forum, Christian quarter, and basilica. Once a thriving port city, the seldom-visited ruin site is surrounded by rolling hills and a surprisingly lush landscape. After lunch we explore the heart of Annaba whose highlights include Revolution Court Park and the bustling casbah with the Great Mosque.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Tunisia evokes visions of the thriving Phoenicians who settled this coastline in the 9th century B.C., and whose trading boats fanned out to all corners of their extensive Mediterranean commercial empire. This exceptional landscape is surrounded by natural beaches, dotted with date palms and olive groves, and home to brilliant examples of Roman and Islamic architecture.

This morning we visit the delightful Bardo Museum located in a centuries-old Ottoman-style palace. Housing the largest collection from Roman Africa, this museum showcases extravagant mosaics that once covered villa floors and walls. After lunch we explore ancient Carthage, a World Heritage Site. From the heights of Mount Byrsa, formerly the acropolis of both Punic and Roman Carthage, scan the horizon as Hannibal did millennia ago, before visiting the ruins of Hadrian’s theater, the vast thermal baths, and the amphitheater. The Romans built elegant villas here with mosaic-covered floors. We make a brief stop at the nearby U.S. Cemetery, then head for Sidi Bou Said, a picturesque town of blue and white houses perched on the cliffs overlooking the Bay of Tunis. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight pier side.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

After breakfast we depart for Dougga, considered the best-preserved small Roman town in North Africa, and a World Heritage Site. Surrounded by picturesque countryside, Dougga’s architectural highlights include a Punic-Libyan mausoleum, the capitol, the theater, and the temples of Saturn and Juno Caelestis. After lunch enjoy an afternoon at leisure to further explore Tunis on your own. We set sail for Sousse this evening.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

From our seaside base at Sousse we drive inland for a visit to Kairouan, “the city of fifty mosques” and the spiritual center of Tunisia. Here we explore the walled and turreted medina enclosing a delightful old Arab quarter with a fascinating casbah, the Great Mosque, Berber Mosque, and a fortified Islamic monastery. After lunch enjoy a guided tour of the casbah with free time to shop for handicrafts, or relax at one of the many charming cafes.

Friday, September 9, 2011

Today we venture through scenic countryside to the World Heritage Site of El Jem. This amazing ancient Roman city boasts an enormous, well-preserved 35,000-seat coliseum, almost as large as Rome’s. Its museum displays a collection of vibrant Roman floor mosaics. Return to the ship for lunch as we set sail for Sicily.

Saturday, September 10, 2011

We disembark in Porto Empedocle this morning for a scenic drive to the World Heritage Site of Agrigento. Here we walk through the Valley of the Temples where the exquisite architecture dates back to the 4th and 5th centuries B.C. and showcases the Temples of Juno, Concord, and Hercules, as well as the Temple of Zeus—the largest Doric temple from Greek antiquity. After visiting the Museum of Santa Nicola we enjoy leisure time in Agrigento before returning to the ship for lunch.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as our lecturers recap our experiences thus far.

Monday, September 12, 2011

This morning embark on a full day tour of Delphi, a World Heritage Site known in ancient times as the navel of the world. Pass by Castalia Spring, visit the archeological site with the Temple of Apollo, famous for its oracle, and tour the Museum of Delphi, with its spectacular finds, including the bronze Charioteer, the Naxian Sphinx, and the Statue of Antinoos. After Delphi visit the picturesque mountain village of Arachova, built on the south slopes of Parnassus, well known for its attractive hand-woven carpets, rugs, and quilts, as well as for its excellent wine and cheese. Visit the Byzantine Monastery of Osios Louca before lunch at a local restaurant. Return to the ship with an afternoon at leisure to explore on your own or dine ashore.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

This morning we transit the Corinth Canal, a narrow passage connecting the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. Arrive in Athens after lunch and depart on a tour of the city’s highlights including the Acropolis, our final World Heritage Site. Enjoy a festive farewell dinner as the Clipper Odyssey overnights pier side.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Athens / Disembark Clipper Odyssey / Home

Disembark the Clipper Odyssey after breakfast and transfer to the airport for independent homeward flights.

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