Explore
21 days
North Africa is home to some of the most impressive sites of the ancient world. The Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans all established significant trading bases on the Mediterranean coast, giving them access to the riches of Africa. The more recent culture is no less interesting and as you pass through the changing landscapes of these three countries, you have the opportunity to learn at close quarters about the peoples, land and culture that make each country unique.
Discover north Africa's most iconic ancient sites
• Visit Berber villages and stay in a Troglodyte cave
• Remote battlefields of the Second World War
Tunisia; Ancient Sites & Berber Villages
From the bustling capital of Tunis we visit the ancient seaport of Carthage before heading inland to explore the Roman cities of Dougga, Bulla Regia, with its underground villas and exquisite mosaics, and Sbeitla. We continue to Kairouan - Tunisia's holiest city - and spend a night in a Troglodyte cave at Matmata. Finally, we explore the hill-crest villages of Tataouine where the Berber tribes fortified their villages and stores against attackers.
Libya; Leptis Magna & Greek Cities
Crossing into Libya we pause at the impressive complex of Sabratha, founded by the Phoenicians as a trading port with Carthage. Next to Tripoli to visit the excellent museum housed in the great fortress that was once the HQ for Arabs, Ottomans and Italians. At Leptis Magna we have plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere of this amazing ruined city, founded 3,000 years ago by the Phoenicians and conquered and embellished by the Romans. Then to the 'Green Mountains' where we'll take our time to visit Ptolemais and the mosaics of Qasr Libya and from our base at Susa, wander among the fantastic temples of the Greek city at Cyrene, and her port Apollonia, that once traded in gold and wild animals.
Egypt, Land of the Pharoahs
A visit to the WWII cemeteries at Tobruk provides us with a stark reminder of Libya's more recent history, before we cross in to Egypt. Continuing along the coast we visit the battlefield of El Alamein and the poignant war cemeteries, where 11,000 men lie buried. We tour Alexandria before visiting the coptic churches of Wadi Natrun en route to Cairo. Our journey ends in Egypt's capital, exploring the excellent Egyptian Museum and the mighty pyramids and Sphinx on the Giza plateau.
2010 Departure Dates & Costs
Mar 5
Mar 26
Sep 24
Oct 15
Nov 5
Tour Cost: $ 2,770 CAD plus local payment of $150 USD
Itinerary in Brief
1 Join Tunis (Tunisia). 2 In Tunis; visit Carthage. 3 Visit Bardo museum; to Le Kef via Dougga. 4 In Le Kef; visit Bulla Regia and optional walk. 5 To Kairouan via Sbeitla. 6 Visit Great Mosque of Kairouan; to Sfax via El Djem. 7 To Matmata; visit troglodyte dwellings. 8 To Tataouine; explore villages. 9 To Tripoli (Libya) via Sabratha. 10 In Tripoli; city tour and visit museum. 11 To Al Khoms, visit Leptis Magna. 12 Revisit Leptis Magna; continue to Sirt. 13 To Benghazi. 14 To Susa via Qasr Libya and Ptolemais. 15 In Susa; visit Cyrene and Apollonia. 16 To Mersa Matruh (Egypt) via Tobruk cemeteries. 17 To Alexandria via El Alalmein. 18 In Alexandria; city tour. 19 To Cairo via Wadi Natrun. 20 In Cairo; visit Pyramids and Egyptian Museum. 21 End tour Cairo.
1 Join Tunis (Tunisia). 2 In Tunis; visit Carthage. 3 Visit Bardo museum; to Le Kef via Dougga. 4 In Le Kef; visit Bulla Regia and optional walk. 5 To Kairouan via Sbeitla. 6 Visit Great Mosque of Kairouan; to Sfax via El Djem. 7 To Matmata; visit troglodyte dwellings. 8 To Tataouine; explore villages. 9 To Tripoli (Libya) via Sabratha. 10 In Tripoli; city tour and visit museum. 11 To Al Khoms, visit Leptis Magna. 12 Revisit Leptis Magna; continue to Sirt. 13 To Benghazi. 14 To Susa via Qasr Libya and Ptolemais. 15 In Susa; visit Cyrene and Apollonia. 16 To Mersa Matruh (Egypt) via Tobruk cemeteries. 17 To Alexandria via El Alalmein. 18 In Alexandria; city tour. 19 To Cairo via Wadi Natrun. 20 In Cairo; visit Pyramids and Egyptian Museum. 21 End tour Cairo.