Enjoy
spectacular beaches, ancient monuments and archaeological sites in the
Mediterranean Islands of Malta, the bustling city of
Rome,Italy and ride across the
Sahara Desert
in Tunisia while exploring civilizations of the past.
Our trip to Tunisia, once a French Colony, will begin in Tunis where
you can barter at the spice, rug, copper and silver markets, known
as “souks” and visit the Roman ruins with incredibly detailed
mosaics.
Then off to the sites in
Carthage where Roman villas and
baths are located and
El Jem, where one of the world's most
impressive Roman coliseums was built in 230 AD.
We move
down the coast to relax on Mediterranean beaches and then cross
the salt deserts to the Gateway to the Sahara. Water springing from
several sources has created an oasis in many regions that would
otherwise be dry desert land – so expect to see lush green palm
groves in
the middle of these lands!
We will
stop at Bedouin tents to get a glimpse of their customs and
traditions which are centuries old and learn how they weave and
trade rugs and collect salt crystals from salt lakes to make
their living. And yes, you will cross sand dunes and ride camels
through the oasis in the desert, a unique, fun and unforgettable
experience!
And
finally we will visit the village of Matmata, the site of several scenes from “Star
Wars” and the location of underground cave dwellings of an ancient
tribe - the Berbers.
Next,
Malta, a warm and sunny island in the centre of the Mediterranean
Sea, with several sandy beaches, blue green waters, grottos, and
caves. The cities are lively and bustling with great cafes and
shopping opportunities – a very modern culture encapsulated in
ancient historical context.
The villages are filled with friendly
people, lively festivals and very narrow streets – navigating your
way around is part of the fun!
The
island boasts some of the oldest free standing archaeological
structures known in the world from the prehistoric period – which are
similar to, but
First
inhabited by Late Stone-Age Sicilian farmers and later taken over
by Phoenicians,Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs from Tunisia, and masters of ruling
houses in Europe, Malta finally fell under British rule. Now part of
the European Union, the strategically located island has in turn
developed into a nation with foods and a language that reflects all
of these cultures!
Malta
has several sister islands which our group will visit on ferries and
boats, including Comino with its crystal clear waters, and Gozo
with its historical sites, 6000 year old archaeological ruins and
unique glass factories.
While in Italy,
we explore Greek and Roman archaeological sites as well as key
shopping districts, cafes and traditional pizzerias, in
the lively metropolis of Rome.