Past Empires
Itinerary
We embark on our odyssey following in the footsteps of the Carthaginians and Phoenicians, Alexander The Great, the Romans, Greeks and representatives of the Byzantine Empire. Prepare to step back in time, savour the warm breezes of the Mediterranean and the dry desert air of North Africa as we gain an unique perspective and understanding of the most impressive sites of the ancient world.
Day 1 - Saturday, 1 November 2008
Australia - Dubai
Depart this evening on our overnight flight to Dubai.
Day 2 - Sunday, 2 November 2008
Dubai - Tripoli, Libya
We transit in Dubai early morning and continue to the North African coast and our destination, Tripoli. Upon arrival, and once airport formalities are completed, we transfer to our hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. D
Day 3 - Monday, 3 November 2008
Tripoli
Our tour of Tripoli this morning includes visits to the excellent National Museum of Antiquities, the Arch of Marcus Aurelius and the medina with is beautiful mosques. The old whitewashed walls of Tripoli, some of which date from the fourth century, enclose the old Medina, which is in the most northerly part of Tripoli, with the sea lapping at two of its sides. The souqs here are relaxed compared to other North African souqs and you can browse through trader’s wares in peace and marvel at the skill of the artisans. The remainder of the day is at leisure. B
Day 4 - Tuesday, 4 November 2008
Tripoli - Benghazi - Cyrene - Al Bayda
This morning we fly to Benghazi, the second largest city in Libya and a major commercial centre and port. We will visit the Australian Commonwealth War Cemetery before continuing on to Cyrene, home to extensive ancient Grecian ruins considered the second most important site in Libya after Leptis Magna. Its location high on a bluff overlooking the sea is quite stunning. Although Cyrene was founded after a treaty with the natives, the relations between the Greeks and Libyans were often strained. After all, the native population had not yet reached the Iron Age, when it was suddenly forced to negotiate with the technologically advanced Greeks, who threatened every aspect of Libyan society. Later this afternoon we drive to Al Bayda, which has a number of colonial-style buildings and an influential Islamic university. We continue to our hotel for the evening. BLD
Day 5 - Wednesday, 5 November 2008
Al Bayda - Apollonia - Derna - Tobruk
This morning we visit Apollonia, named for the Greek god Apollo. We see the remnants of the ancient city that sank beneath the Mediterranean in a vast earthquake. Among the most impressive are the marble columns of the Eastern Basilica at Apollonia, seaport for the city of Cyrene. We continue to Derna for lunch. After lunch drive along the scenic coastal highway to Tobruk, the last major city before the Egyptian border. Here we visit Rommel’s bunker and the remains of the bomber, “Lady Be Good”. After our visit we continue to our hotel in Tobruk. BLD
Day 6 - Thursday, 6 November 2008
Tobruk - Benghazi - Tripoli
After breakfast we drive to Benghazi to join our afternoon flight back to Tripoli. Upon arrival transfer to our hotel, with the remainder of the evening at leisure. B
Day 7 - Friday, 7 November 2008
Tripoli - Leptis Magna - Tripoli
A highlight of our tour, Leptis Magna is a spectacular site. It is one of the best preserved ancient cities anywhere in the world. We wander its paved streets at leisure, visiting the theatre, marketplace, baths and vast gladiatorial amphitheatre. The World Heritage Listed UNESCO site Leptis Magna, positioned on the Mediterranean coast belonged to both the Phoenician and Roman civilisations and is considered to be the most attractive archaeological site in Libya. Walking through the ruins, it is difficult to conceive that the buildings you pass through are over 1700 years old, such is their state of preservation. BLD
Day 8 - Saturday, 8 November 2008
Tripoli - Sabratha - Tripoli
Today we visit the third of the ancient tripolis (three cities), Sabratha, a World Heritage Listed UNESCO site. Founded by the Phoenicians, it reached its zenith under the Romans and today its spectacular theatre overlooking the sea is still used for performances. We lunch beside this magnificent site and later this afternoon return to our hotel in Tripoli. BLD
Day 9 - Sunday, 9 November 2008
Tripoli - Tunis, Tunisia
We farewell Libya and join our plane for the short flight to Tunisia, a nearby neighbour. Upon arrival at Tunis, the capital, we are met and transferred to our hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. B
Day 10 - Monday, 10 November 2008
Tunis - Carthage - Tunis
A short coastal drive and we reach fabled Carthage, founded by the Phoenicians in the 8th century B.C. The site contains, Phoenician remains including Tophet, the sanctuary of the gods Tanit, Baal and imposing monuments from the Roman period. We also tour the Bardo Museum, renowned for its spectacular collection of Roman mosaics and the Medina with its colourful souqs. We return to our hotel later this afternoon. BL
Day 11 - Tuesday, 11 November 2008
Tunis
Today is free to explore this vibrant Mediterranean capital. Wonder at the charm, variety and mix of old and new. See bright yellow taxis rushing passengers to a business lunch and all the hustle and bustle of a modern Mediterranean city. Steel and glass blend with the baroque, palm trees look down on chic boutiques, gardens and cafés. Perhaps you may enjoy a walk, beginning at the monument of November 7, which marks Tunisia’s turn towards the future. Stroll down shady tree lined Avenue Habib Bourguiba with its flower stands, passing bookstores and galleries. Beyond the Cathedral and the statue of Ibn Khaldoun looms the gateway to the ancient Medina. As you enter the narrow streets, centuries slip away into another world. Small shops, their treasures of brass, olive wood, leather and brightly coloured garments spill out into the street. Souvenirs, antiques, Berber jewellery, carpets and pottery vie for your attention. Continue, if you can resist their lures, upwards towards the Mosque of the Olive Tree, Ez Zitouna, as old as the town itself and into the heart of the Medina. B
Day 12 - Wednesday, 12 November 2008
Tunis - Valletta, Malta
Today depart for Malta. Upon arrival we are met and transferred to our centrally located hotel overlooking the harbour and ancient battlements of Valletta. Our tour this afternoon will explore this fascinating city. Created a World Heritage UNESCO site in 1980. The foundation stone of Valletta was laid by the Grandmaster of the Order of Saint John, Jean Parisot de la Valette, on 28 March 1566. The Order (which was the long-time ruler of the city and the island) decided to found a new city on the Xiberras peninsula at the end of the Siege of Malta in 1565, to fortify the Order’s position in Malta, effectively binding the Knights to the island. Benjamin Disraeli visited Valletta in August 1830, on the recommendation of his friend, Lord Byron. He described Valletta as “a city of palaces built by gentlemen for gentlemen” and remarked that “Valletta, equals in its noble architecture, if it does not excel, any capital in Europe” and in subsequent letters to friends, that it is “comparable to Venice and Cadiz... not a single tree, but full of palaces worthy of Palladio.” B
Day 13 - Thursday, 13 November 2008
Valletta - Ghar Dalam - Hagar Qim - Blue Grotto - Tarxion Prehistopric
A full day tour to many of Malta’s treasures of the past. Ghar Dalam, meaning the “dark cave” is a huge cavern and a repository of fossilized dwarf elephants, hippopotami, gigantic land tortoises and other extinct species that roamed the island some 250,000 years ago. Hagar Qim Temples, situated on the southern coast of the island, are among the most imposing megalithic structures in Malta. Dating back 3000 years BC. Hypogeum “Hal Saflieni“, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an unique and ancient underground monument. Located 12 metres below street level it consists of a network of passages, chambers and caves cut on three levels similar to the interior of a megalithic temple. More than 7000 skeletal remains have been discovered at the Hypogeum. Visit the picturesque Blue Grotto and its neighbouring system of sea caverns, mirroring the brilliant phosphorescent colours of underwater flora. We take a 25 minute boat trip which allows us to explore these grottoes and sea caverns along this stretch of coast. Tarxion Temples are an unique collection of 4th and 3rd millennium BC temples. Stone idols and tablets, domestic animals carved in relief, altars and screens decorated with spiral designs and other patterns, oracular chambers and riches enhance the attractions of these sanctuaries. Return to our hotel in Valletta later this afternoon. BL
Day 14 - Friday, 14 November 2008
Valletta - Athens - Heraklion, Crete
An early transfer to the airport to join our flight to Crete, with a transit stop in Athens en-route. Upon arrival we are met and transferred to our hotel. The remainder of the day at leisure. B
Day 15 - Saturday, 15 November 2008
Heraklion - Rethymnon - Chania - Heraklion
We return to ancient times as we drive to areas of Crete which flourished during Mycenaean times. After visiting Arcadi and its famous monastery we continue to the beautiful town of Chania, the main town in the west of Crete. It is divided into The New Town, where the day to day business of Chania takes place and the Old Town, built around the Venetian harbour. The numerous picturesque narrow streets and architecture show the influence of decades of foreign domination. This will be a relaxing day to explore another facet of life on Crete. After lunch we continue to Rethymnon and visit the Fortress, Loggia and Rimondi fountain before returning to our hotel. BL
Day 16 - Sunday, 16 November 2008
Heraklion - Phaestos - Knossos - Heraklion
This morning we drive to Phaestos and Knossos to tour its Minoan palaces and nearby Museum of Cretan Ethnology. The recorded history of Crete began around 4000 BC. The Minoan civilisation developed on Crete and flourished here for over 1000 years - the peak years being between 1700-1400 BC. This was an impressive culture that developed a number of Greek firsts including the first Greek government, religion and art. Around 1400 BC the Minoans were overwhelmed by a disaster which may have been the eruption at Santorini and/or a Mycenaean invasion. Knossos is Crete’s most famous archaeological site and it is here that the Minoan civilization grew up and prospered. It is also home of what can be described as the first Greek city-state. Return to our hotel this afternoon. B
Day 17 - Monday, 17 November 2008
Heraklion - Athens - Dubai
Today fly to Dubai, with a transit stop in Athens. Upon arrival at Dubai later this evening we are met and transferred to our hotel. B
Day 18 - Tuesday, 18 November 2008
Dubai
Morning at leisure prior to our afternoon tour of this fascinating city which will reveal the captivating contrast of the cultural and the modern. Our route takes us to the magnificent Burj Al Arab, Jumeriah mosque, the amazing World Trade Centre - one of the tallest buildings in the Middle East and we pass many palaces belonging to the ruling family of Dubai. We take a short break by The Creek then cross to the oldest part of the city, Bastakia. Here, the old wind-towered houses of wealthy merchants are still to be seen. We soon reach the Dubai Museum now housed in the Al Fahidi Fort, which stood guardian over the early settlers for almost two centuries. We travel to the material market, then board water taxis and cross The Creek to the aromatic spice and gold souqs. This will be the last stop on our tour and you may stay and spend more time in the bustling alleys of these souqs amazed by mystical aromas and the breath-taking displays of dazzling jewellery in over 200 individual shops. The coach will return to the hotel. This evening enjoy a special farewell dinner at the hotel. BD
Day 19 - Wednesday, 19 November 2008
Dubai - Australia
Our grand tour of Past Empires draws to a close as we transfer to the airport this morning for our homeward flight to Australia. B
Day 20 - Thursday, 20 November 2008
Arrive Australia
Arrive home early this morning with lasting memories of our exotic tour that has transported us back into antiquity.
