Discover the fascinating ancient history and vibrant modern cultures of the Western Mediterranean on this 14-day cruise aboard Le Champlain. Explore the rich history of Rome, and immerse yourself in the beauty of Corsica. Tour three of Algeria’s most impressive Roman sites—Tipasa on the seacoast near Algiers, once home to 20,000 residents; astounding Djémila, its forums, archways, and temples comprising some of the finest Roman ruins in all of North Africa; and stately Hippo Regius at Annaba, the home of St. Augustine and a center of early Christianity. Wander the brilliant blue city of Chefchaouen, and sail past the iconic Rock of Gibraltar. This unforgettable cruise will introduce you to the magic of the ancients and the vibrance of modern life in these legendary lands.
Highlights
Tour three of Algeria’s most impressive Roman sites
View Tunisia’s opulent Byzantine churches, and superb Islamic mosques
Explore Morocco’s “blue city” Chefchaouen, and shop for unique handicrafts
Set foot on the Rock of Gibraltar for splendid views over the Mediterranean
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Board your independent flight to Italy. Arrive in Rome and transfer to our hotel with the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Gather at the hotel this evening for a welcome dinner.
After breakfast, join a walking tour highlighting the many ancient monuments scattered around Rome’s city center. After lunch at a local restaurant, embark Le Champlain.
Join a walking tour of Porto Vecchio, also known as “salt city” due to its salt marshes that have been in use since antiquity. Take in fantastic views of the natural, lagoon-like harbor from the 16th-century citadel, then wind your way through a maze of narrow alleyways dotted with pretty piazzas, stone stairways, and arched passages to discover cute restaurants, lively bars, and stylish boutiques. Or choose to visit the Natural Reserve of Bouches de Bonifacio where you will find a variety of
seabirds including European shags, Audouin gulls, storm petrels, and Cory’s shearwaters.
From the port city of Sousse, choose from two options today: a visit to Kairouan, “the city of fifty mosques” and the spiritual center of Tunisia, or a drive inland to the World Heritage Site of El-Jem. In Kairouan, explore the walled and turreted medina enclosing a delightful old Arab quarter with a fascinating casbah, the Great Mosque, and a fortified Islamic monastery. Those visiting El-Jem venture through the countryside to this amazing ancient Roman city boasting an enormous, well-preserved 35,000-seat coliseum, almost as large as Rome’s.
This morning, explore ancient Carthage, a World Heritage Site. From the heights of Mount Byrsa, 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 many elegant villas here with mosaic-covered floors. After lunch, visit the delightful Bardo Museum located in a centuries-old Ottoman-style palace. Housing the largest collection from Roman Africa, this museum showcases the extravagant mosaics that once covered the floors and walls of villas.
This ancient port close to the Tunisian border was the home of Augustine of Hippo and a center of early Christianity known as Hippo Regius. This morning, 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. After a late lunch on the ship, explore the heart of Annaba. Highlights include Revolution Court Park, the casbah with the Great Mosque, and a Koranic school.
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. Choose to explore the highlights of Bejaia today, or choose a full-day tour of Djémila, a World Heritage Site 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. A museum on the site is bursting with an incredible collection of mosaics.
Enjoy a full day in Algiers and its environs with a morning excursion west to the scenic Roman ruins of Tipasa, a World Heritage Site. 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 Mauritania, an imposing circular structure over 550 feet in circumference. After lunch on board, explore the city itself and another World Heritage Site—the alleys, passageways, and markets of the labyrinthine Casbah of Algiers. You’ll also visit the museum of National Antiquities and Islamic Art, and the Notre Dame d’Afrique Basilica.
Disembark in Tangier this morning and enjoy an in-depth exploration of Tangier, or depart overland into the Rif Mountains to visit the town of Chefchaouen, famous for its beautiful blue buildings that tumble photogenically down the hillside. Browse the medina for a variety of handicrafts, including hand-woven textiles, gleaming brass work, clay pots, intricate silver jewelry, and traditional spices.
Step ashore on the Rock of Gibraltar, a tiny outpost of Britain that is surrounded on three sides by Spain. Take a cable car up to Europa Point for superb views of the strait and the northern coast of Morocco. Enjoy a walk through the labyrinthine St. Michael’s cave and meet the Barbary apes, introduced macaques that are photogenic icons of The Rock.
This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Italy Tours & Cruises.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Select a Date
Category 1
Ocean-view suites on Deck 3 are 204 square feet and have a sliding glass door leading to a 43-square-foot private balcony.
Select a Date
Category 2
Ocean-view suites on Deck 4 are 204 square feet and have a sliding glass door leading to a 43-square-foot private balcony.
Select a Date
Category 3
Ocean-view suites on Deck 5 are 204 square feet and have a sliding glass door leading to a 43-square-foot private balcony.
Select a Date
Category 4
Ocean-view suites on Deck 6 are 204 square feet and have a sliding glass door leading to a 43-square-foot private balcony.
Select a Date
Category 5
Ocean-view suites on Decks 3, 4, 5, and 6 are 290 square feet and have a sliding glass door leading to a 64-square-foot private balcony.
Select a Date
Category 6
Ocean-view suites on Decks 5 and 6 are 344 square feet and have a sliding glass door leading to a 86-square-foot private balcony.
Select a Date
Suite
Ocean-view suites on Decks 5 and 6 are 484 square feet and have a sliding glass door leading to a 322-square-foot private balcony.
Select a Date
Owner's Suite
This ocean-view suite on Deck 6 is 484 square feet and has a sliding glass door leading to a 322-square-foot private balcony, including a private hot tub.
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
We use cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Continue browsing the site if you're ok with this. For more info, please see our privacy policy.
