Discovering North Africa & Malta

The narrow, winding streets of Tangier’s Medina present an exciting assault on the senses, with bustling souks selling traditional crafts, spices, fresh fish, fruit, and vegetables, and restaurants offering local dishes like Tajines of stew in a thick sauce and cooked in a large earthenware pot, couscous, or mouth-watering brouchettes (kebabs) of meat or swordfish. You can immerse yourself further into the Moroccan way of life by participating in the mint tea culture at Café Hafa, frequented by famous musicians and writers of the past, or sample sweet baklava for an authentic taste of Tangier. Meanwhile, the Kasbah fortress dominates the skyline, and the Dar el Makhzen inside offers opportunities to delve into the city’s deep history.

Linking the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean, the Strait of Gibraltar is known to be one of the busiest waterways in the world. However, it is also a haven for whales and dolphins, and a variety of migratory birds. The Strait is overlooked by the iconic Rock of Gibraltar, also known as Caple Mons, soaring dramatically above the sea.

Originally constructed in 223 B.C by the Carthaginians, Cartagena is immersed in ancient history and has been through some incredibly turbulent times. Its heyday was during the Roman era, and there are several archaeological sites in the city, many only discovered when built over in recent years. The first of these sites to be discovered was the Roman Theatre, which held 6,000 spectators; and other sites including the Baths and the Augsteum.

Located close to the Mediterranean coast, Algiers is situated on the slopes of the Sahel Hills. Founded by the Phoenicians, the city was modernised when under French colonial rule, and theatres, museums and public gardens were built. The UNESCO World Heritage Site Kasbah of Algiers is home to souks, hammams and mosques, hidden within the picturesque labyrinth of lanes. To be able to visit Algiers from your cruise ship, you will need to be booked on an organised Shore Tour, which our team can arrange for you.

The instantly recognizable 16th century walls and Grand Harbour of Valletta have seen many conflicts, and its diverse architecture is testament to them. Influences from the Romans, Greeks, Crusaders and British are evident in the various churches and palaces. Most noteworthy are the National War Museum, housing many military artefacts and the Casa Rocca Piccola Palace. Located in the north of the island is the silent city of Mdina, home to the Roman burial complex of St. Paul’s Catacombs.

La Goulette offers many sights and experiences to savour, with its undoubted highlight being the nearby ancient site of Carthage, renowned for its historical significance and archaeological treasures. Best discovered on a tour from your ship, you’ll also have opportunities to explore Tunis, whose rich history has forged a distinctive fusion of ancient and modern cultures, in particular the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Medina, home to a wealth of mosques, Moorish houses, and souks selling spices and local souvenirs, where you’re expected to barter with stall owners for the best price!

Located at the top of the Gulf of Angels, Cagliari is considered to be the most Italian city of the autonomous region of Sardinia. The local language is Sardu, and so Cagliari is known as Casteddu, meaning castle. The ancient city is dominated by palazzi and domed structures, leading to the iconic hilltop citadel Il Castello, where the old medieval city is a maze of intriguingly narrow high-walled alleyways.

Carved out of the Moroccan coastline, Melilla has both an old town - containing a 14th century fortress, which juts out into the sea, caves and numerous museums; and the 'new town', full of Modernist buildings - the second-largest collection outside of Barcelona. The centre is the long triangular Parque Hernández, well worth exploring, and the sandy beaches are ideal for relaxing on. Tax is lower here than on the mainland, and it is one of the last places in Spain to still provide free tapas with every drink in all its bars.

Matosinhos is a delightful city to explore, where, during the winter months, the coastline offers a refreshing change of pace, with scenic walks along the promenade, sweeping ocean views and welcoming cafés overlooking the Atlantic. Venture further afield to Porto, and you’ll be offered opportunities to explore the narrow, cobbled streets and colourful houses of Ribeira, or perhaps take a boat trip along the Douro River to witness scenic landscapes of terraced vineyards and traditional wine estates known as quintas. Meanwhile, the city is well known for its production of Port wine, which can be sampled at one of the many wine cellars, or for enjoying Porto’s signature dish, Francesinha, a mouth-watering hearty sandwich of meat covered with melted cheese and a hot, thick sauce in an authentic Portuguese restaurant.