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>Home >Travel Destinations >Library Articles >Historic Gems of the Western Mediterranean |
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Historic Gems of the Western Mediterranean |
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The eastern Mediterranean is more or less familiar territory to the experienced traveller: the fabled Parthenon in Athens, the magical island of Rhodes, the Minoan civilization and the Palace of Knossos on Crete, and the wonders of ancient Rome in Turkey—Ephesus, Pergamum, and Perge. They are, literally and metaphorically, well trodden territory. Arguably, too well trodden for those who have visited this region and are ready to extend their explorations farther afield in the Mediterranean... It's wonderful to tread new ground, to go where the number of visitors is but a fraction of those at important but overcrowded sites. And it's even more wonderful to be among the first on the itinerary. The western Mediterranean is home to many well kept secrets, to a multitude of undiscovered sights within easy travelling distance of major North African ports. The absence of mass tourism, thus far, makes the experience all the more memorable. Next April I will join Zegrahm passengers, as a lecturer, for the inaugural voyage of true discovery—North Africa's Roman Legacy—starting either in Malaga, Spain or in Malta (the two voyages run back-to-back and you may choose your departure point). For the voyage we have selected a Zegrahm favorite—the world-class, four-masted sailing ship, Wind Spirit. The number of passengers aboard is limited to just 120 to ensure that small ship, small group approach necessary for an ultimately great travel experience. Together we will visit the outstanding archaeological sites of North Africa in Algeria and Tunisia, after taking in Spain's Islamic heritage at the legendary city of Granada. At a time when Islam is in everybody's thoughts, and, alas, not always for the right reasons, it will be good to take in a personal visit which cannot fail to bring home to us the rich cultural and artistic legacy of the Arab world which exists in the European country of Spain. It is all too easy to forget that Andalusian Spain was part of the world of Islam for half a millennium. Five days in Algeria, calling at the ports of Algiers, Oran, Bejaia, and Annaba, are made possible by the vastly improved security situation in that country. I used to travel there in the 1990s when it was a completely different story, but I am glad to be able to report that things have improved enormously from those days. When people ask me how safe it is now, I tend to say, "Safer than London or New York." Unfortunately, we now live in a world without absolute guarantees of safety, but Algeria is probably no more dangerous than our own homelands. As yet, very few Western travellers have made it to Algeria, so it's a new and alluring—and very worthwhile—destination. The graceful French-style architecture in Algiers, for example, is deeply reminiscent of Marseilles or Cannes with its elegantly shuttered houses and elaborate wrought ironwork. We shall visit the casbah, immortalised in the great movie about the revolt against French imperialism, The Battle of Algiers, and witness first-hand the daily life and culture of the Algerians who live in this famed corner of the sprawling city, today under the auspices of UNESCO. The magnificent Roman sites at Tipasa, Djémila, and Hippo Regius in Annaba—long inaccessible to western visitors—are indescribably beautiful, untouched, and bursting with historical importance. To wander among Algeria's stupendous ruins is an enviable experience. In addition, the natural surroundings are lovely in and of themselves—set among rolling, verdant hills or spread along a coast lapped by the azure waters of the Mediterranean. Tunisia is home to some of the most outstanding Roman sites in the world including the World Heritage Site of El-Jem, just a short drive from the port of Sousse, with its superb, almost intact, Colosseum-like amphitheatre. The museum there houses one of the greatest collections of mosaics—most of which were uncovered at El-Jem. We shall learn how the Romans, under Scipio, landed in North Africa in Utica (Tunisia) in 204 B.C., having held off the forces of Hannibal and his 300 elephants. Although Hannibal returned, he was soundly beaten in battle and Carthage fell and was levelled by the Romans. This was the turning point. Within a century, the Romans would dominate the whole of North Africa. We shall see the remains of legendary Carthage whose architectural splendour was once considered second only to Rome in its heyday and which was home to nearly 400,000 citizens. Whether starting or ending your adventure on the island of Malta, I would strongly urge you to set aside a few days on your own here. My home, when I'm not travelling, is in Malta and I can think of many places to explore on this beautiful crossroads island. Among the most fascinating, and a "must-see," is the megalithic site of the oldest free-standing structures in Europe, dating from around 4,000 B.C. In addition, I highly recommend exploring the medieval walled city of Mdina, an enchanting walled citadel in the center of the island built by Arab Saracens. And, of course, there's the capital of Valletta, built as a perfect Renaissance city by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century. Space is still available on this journey, and, as an onboard lecturer, I'll look forward to sharing first-hand the discovery of the Mediterranean's well-kept secrets with you! |
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Zegrahm & Eco Expeditions — Your Adventure Travel Experts Call us toll-free at 1-800-628-8747 / 206-285-4000, e-mail us at zoe@zeco.com, or see your professional travel agent. Zeco Travel Talk — A Community Blog for Zegrahm & Eco Expeditions Travelers Zegrahm & Eco Expeditions — Giving You The World |