15 Days Mediterranean Mysteries Expedition

About the destination: A pleasant Mediterranean port city, Tripoli is the capital and largest city of the North African country of Libya. Founded in the 7th century BC by the Phoenicians, there are multiple sites of archaeological significance in the city and in its surroundings worth exploring. Tripoli can be divided into three sections. At the western end of the harbor is the old city or Medina with its narrow streets, a number of restored houses and a synagogue. In the center, extending eastwards from Martyrs' Square, is the Italian colonial section of the city, centered on Maidan Al-Jezayir, where the Italians built their cathedral in the 1920s. Finally, at the western end of the harbor is the modern city, with its high-rise office blocks. The Assaraya al-Hamra or Red Castle dominates the city skyline and is located on the outskirts of the medina. The city has a bit of everything, a beautiful seaside location, a colorful fishing harbor, a picturesque medina with its minarets, souks, twisting alleys, and so much more. Come and see for yourself.

About the destination: Benghazi is a city in Libya. Located on the Gulf of Sidra in the Mediterranean, Benghazi is a major seaport and the second-most populous city in the country, as well as the largest city in Cyrenaica, with an estimated population of 632,937 in 2019. A Greek colony named Euesperides had existed in the area from around 525 BC. In the 3rd century BC, it was relocated and refounded as the Ptolemaic city of Berenice. Berenice prospered under the Romans, and after the 3rd century AD it superseded Cyrene and Barca as the centre of Cyrenaica. The city went into decline during the Byzantine period and had already been reduced to a small town before its conquest by the Arabs. In 1911, Italy captured Benghazi and the rest of Tripolitania from the Ottomans. Under Italian rule, Benghazi witnessed a period of extensive development and modernization, particularly in the second half of the 1930s. The city changed hands several times during World War II and was heavily damaged in the process. After the war Benghazi was rebuilt and became the co-capital of the newly independent Kingdom of Libya. Following the 1969 coup d'état by Muammar Gaddafi, Benghazi lost its capital status and all government offices relocated to Tripoli. On 15 February 2011, an uprising against the government of Muammar Gaddafi occurred in the city. The revolts spread by 17 February to Bayda, Tobruk, Ajdabya, Al Marj in the East and Zintan, Zawiya in the West, calling for the end of the Gaddafi Regime. Benghazi was taken by Gaddafi opponents on 21 February, who founded the National Transitional Council. On 19 March 2011, the city was the site of the turning point of the Libyan Civil War, when the Libyan Army attempted to score a decisive victory against the NTC by attacking Benghazi, but was forced back by local resistance and intervention from the French Air Force authorized by UNSC Resolution 1973 to protect civilians, allowing the rebellion to continue. Benghazi remains a centre of Libyan commerce, industry, transport and culture. It continues to hold institutions and organizations normally associated with a capital city, including several national government buildings as well as the National Library of Libya.

About the destination: Tunis, the bustling capital of Tunisia, is a fascinating blend of North African tradition and Mediterranean charm. Its heart is the old Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where narrow alleys wind between whitewashed houses, ornate mosques, and centuries‑old caravanserais. As you wander through the souks, you’ll find stalls overflowing with colorful ceramics, leather goods, spices, and traditional Djellabas, while the call to prayer echoes above the hum of everyday life. It’s a place where getting “lost” is part of the experience and often leads to hidden courtyards and local cafés. Just a short tram ride away lies the Bardo National Museum, one of the most important museums in the Mediterranean region. Housed in a former Beylic palace, it is renowned for its extraordinary collection of Roman mosaics, many rescued from archaeological sites across Tunisia. The museum offers a captivating journey through Carthaginian, Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic eras, allowing visitors to understand how Tunis has long been at the crossroads of civilizations. No trip to Tunis is complete without exploring the ruins of ancient Carthage and the cliff‑top village of Sidi Bou Saïd, both easily reachable on the suburban TGM train. Carthage’s scattered remains—amphitheaters, baths, villas, and harbors—hint at the grandeur of a powerful empire that once rivaled Rome. Nearby, Sidi Bou Saïd charms with its iconic blue‑and‑white houses, bougainvillea‑covered lanes, and panoramic views over the Gulf of Tunis. It’s an ideal place to linger over mint tea with pine nuts as the sun sets over the sea. When it comes to practicalities, Tunis is relatively compact and easy to explore, with a mix of modern neighborhoods and historic quarters. The Ville Nouvelle, built during the French colonial period, offers wide boulevards, cafés, and shops, while the Lac district features contemporary hotels and a lively dining scene. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most pleasant times to visit, with mild temperatures perfect for sightseeing. With its layered history, vibrant street life, and access to both ancient sites and seaside charm, Tunis is an ideal introduction to Tunisia and the wider Maghreb.

About the destination: Algiers is the capital and the largest city of Algeria. Algiers is a lively cosmopolitan city. In terms of population, it has grown rapidly of late. Indeed, the city is now home to over three million people, amounting to around a tenth of the population of Algeria as a whole. Modern Algiers is located in and around the waterfront area of the city. Most of the shops and restaurants can be found in this neighborhood, which is centered on the Rue Didouche Mourad. The seafront district of Baba-El Oued is home to Kettani Beach, a popular draw for both local families and visitors alike.

About the destination: Cairo, one of the largest cities in both Africa and the Middle East, is the capital of Egypt. Cairo has been a centre of great importance to many civilisations, cultures and religions. From Pharaonic and Greco-Roman to Ottoman and European, and passing by Jewish, Christian, and Islamic, each of its identities has left a strong imprint on Cairo, thus making it one of the most fascinating cities in the world. The Giza Plateau, that includes the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, is the only remaining monuments of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the country's most famous tourist attraction. The sheer mass of the pyramids is awe inspiring. Islamic Cairo, the centre of historic Cairo, is best done on foot. Located east of downtown, it is full of charming little mosques and water fountains. The most important sites to visit are the Citadel, Mohamed Ali Mosque, Khan el Khalili, the main bazaar, some historic mosques and displays of medieval architecture, as well as some of Cairo's Turkish baths or Hammams. No visit to Cairo is complete without seeing the Egyptian Museum. Exotic atmosphere, chaotic traffic, thousands of minarets, noise, charming people, Cairo is a fascinating city. Few cities in the world surpass Cairo in number of monuments or architectural styles. Cairo is not an ordinary city, Cairo is a whole world.

About the destination: The tiny capital of Malta, the city measures less than 1 sq km, has a lot to offer visitors. Valletta has been described as one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world, thanks to its 7,000 years of history. No wonder, the City of Valletta was officially recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980. Built by the knight of St John in the 16th and 17th centuries for its military and strategic reasons, Valletta was later embellished into a fine example of baroque decorative art – most notably in the magnificent interiors of St John’s Co-Cathedral in the heart of the city. Shady atmospheric alleyways link grand squares, and glorious palazzi sit alongside bars and shop. Lately, the city has undergone some major changes to create a more vibrant urbanity, with the renovation of the main City Gate and the design of a new parliament building, as well as the renovation of the bombed-out Opera House. Valletta's natural deep water port, the Grand Harbour, is the biggest and the most impressive harbour in all the Mediterranean and was, for many thousands of years, the epicentre of Malta’s maritime activity. Proof of this are the 19 historical warehouses still stand dating back 250 years and the historic Quay Wall, where the Knights of St John and European merchants used to unload their wares. The Valletta Waterfront is also the gateway to Malta’s capital city. In fact, as one of the most successful Mediterranean ports, the Port of Valletta welcomes more than half-a-million cruise passengers into this open air museum. Recently, the waterfront has been revitalised into an attractive and vibrant gateway of shops, bars and restaurants. It’s particularly romantic at night when illuminated. There are tons of outdoor pursuits to enjoy thanks to the city’s moderate climate. From diving to sailing, cycling to rock climbing, there are a number of different adrenalin-busting options to satisfy adventurous holidaymakers. Just don't expect Valletta to be buzzing all night, its tranquility is a large part of its charm.

About the destination: A pleasant Mediterranean port city, Tripoli is the capital and largest city of the North African country of Libya. Founded in the 7th century BC by the Phoenicians, there are multiple sites of archaeological significance in the city and in its surroundings worth exploring. Tripoli can be divided into three sections. At the western end of the harbor is the old city or Medina with its narrow streets, a number of restored houses and a synagogue. In the center, extending eastwards from Martyrs' Square, is the Italian colonial section of the city, centered on Maidan Al-Jezayir, where the Italians built their cathedral in the 1920s. Finally, at the western end of the harbor is the modern city, with its high-rise office blocks. The Assaraya al-Hamra or Red Castle dominates the city skyline and is located on the outskirts of the medina. The city has a bit of everything, a beautiful seaside location, a colorful fishing harbor, a picturesque medina with its minarets, souks, twisting alleys, and so much more. Come and see for yourself.