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SH Diana - 192 Guests

Mysteries Of Carthage And The Moors

Departing Lisbon, settle in for a historical odyssey of Portuguese, Spanish, north African and Italian coastal gems on our 10-night journey Along the North African Coasts aboard our luxury ship. On this specially curated voyage you have time to roam North Africa´s most beguiling souks and medinas. From the French influences of Annaba to Oran´s complex past, Algeria is a land shaped by the many civilisations that ruled here. In Tunisia, explore the remains of the ancient city of Carthage. Conclude this intrepid journey in Sicily, a cultural melting pot offering up centuries of history of Middle Eastern, Northern African and European influences all melded together.


 

 

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Feast on history, flamenco and tapas in the Andalusian capital of Seville
  • Marvel at the city church of Oran’s Saint-Louis d’Oran’s rich and complex history
  • Visit a colony of endangered barbary macaques in Bejaia’s Gouraya National Park
  • Ride the charming antique trams up the tumble-down streets of Lisbon
  • Get lost in the whitewashed, steep, winding alleyways of the Kasbah medina in Algiers

DATES / RATES

Rates are listed per person
Start DateEnd DateFrom EURFrom USD
Aug 10, 2024Aug 20, 20244,773 5,160
Rates are listed per person
Start DateEnd DateFrom EURFrom USD
Aug 10, 2024Aug 20, 20244,773 5,160

ITINERARY

LISBON
DAY 1
One of the oldest cities in the world, Lisbon’s technicoloured past is evident just about everywhere. The medina-like streets of Alfama still bear Moorish influences. Baroque architecture surrounds you in Baixa and scars of the Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755 can still be found throughout the city. It’s estimated that over 100,000 people died in what became one of history’s deadliest earthquakes. Today Lisbon is a delightful mix of colourful neighbourhoods, all brimming with history, culture and tradition. Baixa is where you’ll find the hustle and bustle, set below São Jorge Castle. Nearby Chiado is one of Lisbon’s trendiest neighbourhoods with its historic cafes and designer shops.


PORTIMAO
DAY 2
The Algarve’s second-most populous city dates back to the time of the Phoenicians. With golden sand beaches set beneath dramatic cliffs and the aroma of freshly cooked sardines drifting through the streets, Portimao is a wonderful spot for some downtime. Venture further into town for Praia da Rocha, one of the Algarve’s most beautiful beaches. Or head to Praia Grande, another stunning local beach - this one has its own 16th-century castle. Get your culture fix at the award-winning Museum de Portico. Housed in a 19th-century fish cannery, the museum displays local archaeological artefacts and intriguing underwater finds. There is also an interesting recreation of the former fish cannery.


SEVILLE
DAY 3 - 4
A city renowned for passion, culture and flamenco, Seville’s intoxicating atmosphere will infuse even the weariest traveller with a celebratory spirit. Dating back to Roman times, Seville has witnessed Muslim and subsequent Christian occupation. The magnificent Catedral de Sevilla lords over the historic centre, just a short distance from the Alcázar (palace), a royal complex of rooms and gardens hidden behind modest terracotta walls. Explore the birthplace of flamenco in the courtyards of the riverside district of Triana. Wander through the winding medieval lanes of the Santa Cruz Quarter, sampling the tapas bars as you go. Or simply watch the cheerful crowds over a drink in the buzzing plaza.


TANGIER
DAY 5
Founded by the Phoenicians 3,000 years ago, Tangier has a long, complex history thanks to its ideal trading position. Consequentially it has been fought over and occupied by many nations and civilisations. Today Tangier is a modern Moroccan city, however, until the mid-20th century, it was poorly governed by an international committee. The city fell into neglect and transformed into a haven for counterculture artists, musicians and writers including Henri Matisse, Paul Bowles, Jack Kerouac and the Rolling Stones. Contemporary Tangier has distanced itself from its dissonant past, now just another interesting aspect of its incredible history. Today the white city gleams with pride, with its buzzing café culture and modern port.


ORAN
DAY 6
Steeped in history, the port city of Oran, nicknamed ‘the radiant’, is Algeria’s second-largest city. Founded by Andalusian explorers, the Oran has since been influenced by Islamic, Haussmann and Spanish occupants. This complex legacy can be explored in The Palace of Culture, which houses exhibits detailing the city’s artistic and cultural past. A visit to Rosalcazar, a Spanish fortress perched above the city, offers an interesting insight into Oran’s succession of influences. The city’s church of Saint-Louis d’Oran is a fitting testament to its convoluted past. Since its construction, it has been a mosque, synagogue, church and cathedral.


ALGIERS
DAY 7
Algeria’s fascinating capital city is simultaneously battle-worn, beautiful and impressive. Founded by seafaring Phoenicians around the 4th century, the city later became a thriving Roman port. Ottoman rule arrived in the early 16th century followed by French occupation in 1830. Algeria gained its independence in 1962, and the influence of its many rulers and residents can be seen in the city’s rich and complex architecture. The Grande Poste is particularly impressive. Commissioned by the French in 1910, the neo-Moorish building features graceful arches and an elegant marble staircase. Standing in contrast to the historical architecture is the modern Martyrs Monument. The monument opened in 1982 and commemorates Algeria’s war of independence.


BEJAIA
DAY 8
Located on Algeria’s Mediterranean coastline, the city of Béjaïa is home to one of the largest Berber speaking populations in Algeria. The city was first founded by Numidian Berbers and was subsequently occupied by numerous conquering forces and empires including the Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans and the French before gaining its independence along with the rest of Algeria. The city’s tumultuous past can be explored in the fascinating Béjaïa Museum, and relics of its history remain throughout Béjaïa. Outside of the city, nature is beautiful and abundant. This can be appreciated in the nearby Gouraya National Park. Several protected species can be found here, including the endangered Barbary ape, wild cat and Algerian hedgehog.


ANNABA
DAY 9
Known as Bône during the French occupation, modern-day Is Annaba is Algeria’s third-largest city. Located less than 100 kilometres from the Tunisian border, the port town exhibits a particularly European ambience, thanks to its strong French heritage. From the Parsian-esque nightlife along the Cours de la Revolution to the striking Basilica of Augustine, reminiscent of Paris’ Sacre Coeur, French influence is alive and well here. The nearby War Cemetery is an important memorial to the British Empire’s soldiers and airmen who fought in the region during World War II. And further afield El Kala National Park, a recognised UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is home to an impressive population of endemic flora and fauna.


LA GOULETTE
DAY 10
La Goulette port is the gateway to Tunisia’s capital city and cultural hub, Tunis. Tunis is said to date back as far as the second millennium BC. The city has been subject to many occupying influences over the years which is evident in its modern-day society. Parisian style café culture dominates the main boulevard whilst in the Medina of Tunis, many continue their ancestor’s traditional way of life. Just beyond Tunis lies the ancient city of Carthage. This once-powerful city lay at the centre of the Phoenician trade network. It grew to be the richest city in the Mediterranean before being burned to the ground by the Roman Empire in the wake of the Punic Wars. Julius Caesar later re-established Carthage as a Roman colony, and after several decades it became one of Rome’s most important colonies. The ruins can be explored on a visit to UNESCO-listed Carthage Archaeological Park.


PALERMO
DAY 11
A feast for the senses, Sicily’s capital is an intoxicating and chaotic melting pot. Bustling street markets, ancient buildings, opulent palaces and millennia of history await those ready to embrace Palmero for all that it offers. Palmero’s history is complex, to say the least. Middle Eastern, Northern African and European influences are all melded together here. The Greeks, Romans, Carthaginians, Arabs, Goths and Vandals have come and gone through the ages, leaving countless treasures in their wake. The 12th-century Arab-Norman cathedral, built over a 9th-century mosque, houses the tombs of the Norman rulers and is a fitting manifestation of the city’s convoluted past. The opulent Palazzo de Normanni, once the seat of power for the kings of Sicily during Norman rule, is a dazzling display of the opulence that the city’s rulers once enjoyed.

SH Diana (Luxury Expedition, 192-guests)

The 2023-built SH Diana will be providing elegant and spacious 5-star accommodation for 192 guests in 96 spacious staterooms and suites, the vast majority with large balconies.

(Click image to view Ship details)

WHAT'S INCLUDED


  • Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
  • One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
  • All meals onboard
  • Onboard accommodation in a stateroom selected category
  • 24-hour room service
  • Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
  • Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
  • One selected shore excursion/expedition activities per port of call
  • Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions
  • Standard WiFi
  • Onboard gratuities & port taxes


KINDLY NOTE THE EXCURSIONS FOR 2024

DAY 2
PORTIMAO
Shore Excursion

Discover the Algarvian Coast By Rib Boat
Duration: 02 h 30 m
Optional
Enjoy speeding along on a small rib boat
Marvel at the stunning Benagil sea cave
Take a refeshing dip in the ocean at the end of your trip

Birdwatching At “Abicada”
Duration: 04 h 00 m
Optional
Look out for local trees, such as carob, fig and almond
Admire the natural beauty of Mexilhoeira Grande
Spot Woodchat Shrikes, Red-legged Partridges, Spoonbills and Black-winged Stilts

Alvor Board Walk
Duration: 03 h 15 m
Optional
Take photos of the traditional white-washed houses and cobbled streets
Discover Praia do Alvor, one of the largest sandy beaches of the Algarve
Learn the history of the protected marshlands of Ria de Alvor Nature Reserve

Lagos & Sagres
Duration: 04 h 50 m
Included
Take photos at Ponta da Piedade of the beautiful sweeping bay views
Get close to nature with Sagres’ frothing ocean and sea-carved cliffs
Visit Cape of St. Vincent and discover a combination of nature, culture and myth

DAY 3-4
SEVILLE
Shore Excursion

Seville and Casa Pilatos
Duration: 04 h 30 m
Included
Discover the main sites of the Old Quarter of Seville.
Visit the magnificent Cathedral, known as the Cathedral of St. Mary of the See, it is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the third Christian temple.
Enjoy casa Pilatos, a combination of Italian Renaissance styles and the Spanish Mudejar style. It is considered a prototype Andalusian palace.

The River Majaceite Walk
Duration: 07 h 20 m
Optional
Surround yourself with nature on an accessible, fun hike
Try a variety of tapas and drinks at an old fashioned restaurant
Relax in a magnificent woodland setting

Exclusive Alcazar
Duration: 02 h 30 m
Included
Learn about this jewel in the crown of Spanish cultural treasures on an exclusive tour
Explore one of the best preserved examples of Moorish architecture in Spain
Stroll through the beautiful Alcazar gardens

The amazing Roman Village of Italica
Duration: 04 h 30 m
Optional
Find out how Italica became one of the most advances cities of the Roman Empire
Delve into the history of the historic monastery
Experience San Isidoro del Campo’s range of different architectural styles, including Mudéjar, baroque and gothic

DAY 5
TANGIER
Shore Excursion

Natural beauties and history of Tangier
Duration: 04 h 00 m
Included
Discover the history of Tangier from prehistoric times to the 19th century
Enjoy a trip to the Kasbah Museum, housed in the former sultan's palace of Dar El Makhzen
Explore Tangier's medina (Old Town) area with your knowledgeable guide

DAY 6
ORAN
Shore Excursion

Oran City Highlights Tour
Duration: 02 h 30 m
Included
Explore Oran’s rich architectural heritage
Visit the Great Mosque, built in 1796 by order of Baba Hassan, Pasha of Algiers
Admire the imposing, 20th-century Cathedral of Sacré Coeur, with its mix of architectural styles

Stroll in the Busy souq of la Bastille
Duration: 02 h 30 m
Optional
Immerse yourself into the local atmosphere walking trough "Le Marché de La Bastille"
Stop at the city’s main square “La Place d’Armes”
Walk the quirky streets of Sidi El Houari and admire the old Pasha Mosque

DAY 7
ALGIERS
Shore Excursion

Inspirational Tipasa & the mysterious Royal Mausoleum
Duration: 05 h 30 m
Optional
Discover the amazing history of this incredible site
Learn about colonisation from the 6th century BC to the 6th century AD
Join your guide on a pleasant walk as you explore Tipasa

Landmarks & Gardens
Duration: 03 h 00 m
Optional
Enjoy exploring one of the best botanical gardens in the world
Visit the park’s jungle area, used to film scenes in the 1932 movie, Tarzan
Marvel at the Roman Catholic church’s impressive stained glass windows

Panoramic Algiers & Casbah
Duration: 03 h 45 m
Included
Surround yourself in the history of the busy Bab El Oued district
Gain an insight into the colourful history and culture of Algeria
Investigate tiny workshops, tucked away in the allies

DAY 8
BEJAIA
Shore Excursion

Bejaia Vistas
Duration: 03 h 00 m
Included
Drive through the old town of Béjaïa, and spot the Spanish-era military complex of Fort Abdelkader
See Sarazzin Gate, a carefully preserved stone arch once part of Arab fortifications
Walk through a 20m tunnel dug into the mountainside for wonderful picture postcard views of the lighthouse

Roman Ruins of Djemila
Duration: 10 h 00 m
Optional
Enjoy a panoramic drive through picturesque countryside
Learn the history of this incredible once-bustling Roman city
Explore the spectacular ruins of this unforgettable archaeological site

DAY 10
LA GOULETTE
Shore Excursion

Carthage & Sidi Bou Said
Duration: 04 h 00 m
Included
Follow in the footsteps of Julius Caesar as you explore Carthage
Admire the ruins of Antonins Baths, the largest set of Roman thermae built on the African continent
Stroll Sidi Bou Said’s atmospheric cobbled streets and learn about the architecture there


 
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