Africa's Roman Riches

Itinerary

Spread over seven hills with São Jorge Castle views, bustling Lisbon is one of the world's oldest cities. Elegant Baixa, hilltop Alfama with its yellow tram, and scenic Graça overviewing pastel buildings, are top areas. The Jerónimos Monastery in Belém is a World Heritage Gothic site. The classic Portuguese pastel de nata custard tarts are a local treat. Europe’s longest suspension bridge, the Ponte 25 de Abril, crosses the river Tagus.

Lagos, on the Algarve coast surrounded by golf courses, is a small port famed for its walled old town and sandy Atlantic beaches. Praia do Camilo cove is accessed via wooden steps, and nearby Ponta de Piedade cliffs offer panoramic views with a lighthouse. The old town features charming shops and restaurants, with the 18th-century Igreja de Santo António church and the Castelo dos Governadores, a baroque castle known for its watchtowers.

Tangier, Morocco's northern port city, has been a gateway to Africa for centuries. Founded by the Phoenicians 3,000 years ago, Tangier's long, complex history is reflected in its labyrinthine Medina, 15th-century Portuguese fortress and Kasbah Museum of Mediterranean Cultures with its mosaic of Venus. Today, Tangier is a contemporary Moroccan city with a buzzing café culture and modern port.

A city renowned for passion, culture and flamenco, Seville’s intoxicating atmosphere will infuse even the weariest traveller with a celebratory spirit. The capital of Andalusia is revered for the grandeur of its monuments as well as for exquisite tapas dishes. The magnificent Catedral de Sevilla lords over the historic centre a short distance from the Alcázar (palace), a royal complex of rooms and gardens hidden behind modest terracotta walls.

Exclusive Alcazar

Included

02 h 30 m

Experience the magic of the Real Alcazar without the daytime crowds on a private evening tour
Encounter firsthand one of Spain's best-preserved examples of Moorish architecture with intricate details and unique features that make this palace a true jewel
Admire the beauty of the serene Alcazar gardens with fountains, courtyards and lush greenery

The Amazing Roman Village of Italica

Optional

04 h 30 m

Uncover the secrets of Italica, a once-thriving Roman city and one of the most advanced in its time
Explore its archaeological park, marvelling at mosaics, the theatre, thermal baths and the awe-inspiring amphitheatre
Journey to San Isidoro del Campo monastery, a testament to time, showcasing Mudéjar, Baroque and Gothic architectural styles

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

Founded in the 4th century, Algeria's capital, Algiers' UNESCO-listed Kasbah medina features winding streets, whitewashed buildings, Ottoman palaces and a ruined citadel. Other landmarks include the Great Mosque with a 14th-century minaret, the neo-Moorish Grande Poste and seafront fishermen's houses. Nearby, Tipaza, a former Carthaginian and Roman trading hub, is an archaeological site with a semi-circular theatre framed by the Med.

Inspirational Tipasa & the mysterious Royal Mausoleum

Optional

06 h 00 m

Explore this UNESCO site with one of the Punic world's oldest and most extensive necropolises
Be introduced to the city's Roman religious buildings adorned with mosaics and geometric patterns depicting daily life scenes
Stop by the must-see Royal Mausoleum of Mauritania, noted for its stepped truncated roof

Landmarks & Gardens

Optional

03 h 00 m

Enjoy Hamma's Jardin d'Essai, a world-renowned botanical wonderland where tropical plants thrive alongside elegant French-style gardens
Explore the jungle section of the park, notable for its historical use as a filming location for the iconic 1932 movie, Tarzan
Visit the magnificent Basilica of Notre Dame D'Afrique and marvel at the impressive stained glass windows of this Roman Catholic church

Alger la Blanche & the UNESCO Casbah

Included

03 h 45 m

Get acquainted with the Berber, Arabic and French heritage that live on through the city’s preserved monuments
Drive through the city centre to see La Grande Poste, built by the French in 1920 and continue along Parisian-style boulevards
Enjoy the maze-like alleys, bustling workshops, and vibrant atmosphere of the historic Casbah, stopping at a traditional house for mint tea

A busy market town in Algeria's Kabylie region, Béjaïa has one of the largest Berber-speaking populations. A vast statue commemorates the Algerian War of Independence. Near the old town, Gouraya National Park is home to a colony of endangered Barbary macaques at the 1,410 ft high Pic des Singes (Monkey Peak), which offers panoramic views. Overlooking Béjaïa port stands Cap Carbon Lighthouse, one of the world's highest at 820 ft above sea level.

Bejaia Vistas

Included

03 h 00 m

Take in the astonishing views from the impressive Pic des Singes (Monkey Peak), one of the many wonders of Gouraya Park
Walk through a 65-ft tunnel dug into the mountainside to see the lighthouse, perched on a rocky outcrop 820 ft above sea level, and witness the breathtaking panoramas that surround you
Drive through the old town of Béjaïa and pass notable Spanish sites such as Fort Abdelkader and the well-preserved Sarrazin Gate, an ancient stone archway

Roman Ruins of Djemila

Optional

10 h 30 m

Discover Djemila, one of UNESCO's most stunning Roman ruins, and a remarkable testament to an ancient civilisation
Explore the Djemila Museum with its 18,300 sq ft of extraordinary mosaics extracted from the ruins adorning the museum walls and floors
Discover the grandeur of the Arch of Caracalla, the forum, senate, theatre, basilica and temples nestled amid mountainous surroundings

Bejaia walk and Couscous Demonstration

Optional

02 h 30 m

Explore the main square of the city, Place Gueydon, known for its panoramic view of the port
Learn about Leonardo Fibonacci's time studying in Bejaia during the Almohad dynasty learning calculation methods from the;locals
Experience a couscous demonstration led by a Berber chef, tasting various authentic Algerian couscous dishes with scenic views

Annaba, Algeria's 3,000-year-old port city, blends ancient history with French colonial influence. Known as Bône during the French occupation, the Parisian-style nightlife and the Sacre Coeur-like Basilica of Augustine contrast with historical treasures such as the 11th-century Sidi Abou Merouane mosque in the old city. Nearby, Hi

Roman Ruins Of Hippo Regius

Included

03 h 00 m

Once a thriving Tyrian colony on the west coast of the bay that shares its name, Hippo Regius has a rich history dating back to the Phoenicians in the 12th century B.C.
Visit the Baths, the Theatre, the Christian quarters with its large Basilica and the wealthy quarter located at what used to be the water's edge, now covered with alluvial deposits
Drive along the coast to to Cap de Garde, commonly known as "Ras El Hamra", a lighthouse located in the north-west of the port of Annaba and built 1850

Bridges to Cultures - With Lunch on Board

Included

07 h 00 m

Discover Annaba, which was known as Hippo Regius during Roman times and was also the centre of early Christianity
Visit the Basilica of St. Augustine, perched on a hill overlooking Annaba, which still holds a relic of Bishop St. Augustines wrist bone
Take a photo stop near the Saleh Bey Mosque before a guided walk through the city centre known as “le Cours de la Révolution”

Guelma, Frozen Waterfalls and the Roman Theatre

Optional

06 h 20 m

Experience the breathtaking frozen waterfalls and hot springs at Hammam Debagh, supposedly the hottest springs in the world
Explore the renowned archaeological site: the Roman theatre of Antic Calama and enjoy a picnic lunch
Pause at the majestic Basilica of Saint Augustine on a hill with views over Annaba, reminiscent of the Basilica of Sacré Coeur in Paris

La Goulette port is the gateway to Tunisia's capital, Tunis, said to date to the 2nd millennium BC. Tunis shows its layered history in Parisian style café culture and Medina's traditional ways. Nearby ancient Carthage, a powerful rival to Rome, was the richest Phoenician city before Rome re-established it as a colony. Dating back to 900 BC, this fascinating UNESCO-listed Carthage Archaeological Park preserves Roman ruins, baths and artefacts.

Carthage & Sidi Bou Said

Included

04 h 00 m

Discover Carthage's history, from its destruction by the Romans in 146 B.C. to its revival by Julius Caesar, becoming the Empire’s second largest city outside Rome
Admire the impressive Baths of Antonius Pius and the ancient amphitheatre, alongside the Punic ports and the Carthage Museum
Wander through Sidi Bou Said, where colourful arched doorways reveal charming courtyards with geraniums and bougainvillea

Gems of Berber Cuisine

Optional

06 h 00 m

Discover the cooking techniques and local ingredients that define Tunisian cuisine—a fusion of Mediterranean, Arab, and Berber influences
Immerse yourself in this cooking class for both culinary skills and an introduction to Tunisia's vibrant culture
Master the art of making traditional harissa and delicious couscous, which you'll savour at the workshop's conclusion

Upgraded - Best of Tunis - Best of Tunis

Optional

07 h 15 m

Explore the historic Medina with a labyrinth of alleys packed with shops selling carpets, perfume, spices, brass and copperware
Immerse yourself in the rich history at the Bardo National Museum, showcasing with the world's largest collection of Roman mosaics
Marvel at the extensive archaeological ruins of Carthage, a UNESCO listed ancient Phoenician city

Rugged volcanic cliffs overlook sapphire seas on Pantelleria, an Italian isle between Sicily and Tunisia. The volcanic heritage is evident in its striking landscapes, encompassing black sand beaches, lava fields and thermal springs. Vineyards and olive groves form terraced patterns around Lake Venere, famous for its geothermal hot springs and mud baths. Fragrances of capers and wild fennel drift on the sea breeze, adding to the island's charm.

A feast for the senses, Sicily’s capital is an intoxicating and chaotic melting pot offering up centuries of history and a street food bonanza. Three bustling markets Capo, Bollaro and Vucciria await those ready to embrace Palermo for all that it offers. Narrow side streets lead to hidden palaces and churches along Via Maqueda. The Palazzo dei Normanni, once the seat of Sicilian kings during Norman rule, showcases the city’s past opulence.

This itinerary provides general information about each destination. Also, please be aware that some of the venues and highlights mentioned may not be open or accessible on the day we visit. For the most accurate tour program, we recommend contacting your Swan Hellenic agent or travel agent closer to your departure date.

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Oceanview D4

20 m²

Oceanview Staterooms measure 20m²(215ft²) and can accommodate two guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.

Oceanview M4

20 m²

Balcony D5

25 m²

Balcony Staterooms measure 25m² (269ft²) – including a 5m² (54ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two or three guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.

Balcony M5

25 m²

Balcony D6

25 m²

Junior Suite

32 m²

Junior Suites measure 32-36m² (344-388ft²) – including a 6m² (65ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two guests. They feature a king size bed, have a separate living room area, and luxurious en-suite bathroom.

Suite

41 m²

Suites measure 41m² (441ft²) – including a 5m² (54ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two or three guests. They feature a king size bed, and have a separate living room, with a flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom with separate bath tub and a walk-in shower.

Premium Suite

41 m²

Premium Suites measure 41m² (441ft²) – including 8m² (86ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two guests. They feature a king size bed, separate living room, and flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom – with separate bath tub and shower – and a walk-in wardrobe.