Seabourn Sojourn - November 30, 2024

Barcelona is the cultural heartland of Spain, yet its first language is Catalan, the native tongue of the proudly independent Catalonia region. Stroll down the shady, tree-lined Ramblas between street musicians and elegant bistros. Then perhaps visit the venerable Gothic cathedral, Picasso Museum or enjoy the architectural genius of Antonio Gaudi's Church of the Holy Family.

The major island in the chain known as the Balearics, Mallorca is Spain's sunny outpost in the Mediterranean. The town of Palma boasts a shady plaza near the Gothic Cathedral. Visit the Roman ruins and the Drach Caves nearby, or journey to the enchanting village of Valledemosa. Leave time to shop for lovely majolica faux pearls and hand-made lace.

La Goulette, or Halq al-Wadi, serves as a gateway to the capital of Tunis, linked by a seven-mile long canal. La Goulette's proximity to both Lake Tunis and the Gulf of Tunis makes it a popular resort. Visit the ruins of forts that date back to the Spanish and Turkish occupation of the island.

Sousa or Susah is an important port for Tunisia. The town was originally a Phoenician settlement (called Hadrumetum) and you can actually visit a ninth century monastery and fortress, the "ribat", that dates back to that era. Search the local suqs (marketplaces) for olive oil or other bargains.

Located in the middle of the Mediterranean, Malta's coastline features many harbors, bays, sandy beaches and rocky coves. After a leisurely stroll through the Barracca Gardens you'll be awarded with a spectacular view of the harbor of Valetta.

Tel Aviv is Israel's largest city, located on the Mediterranean coast. Visit Jaffa, the old section of Tel Aviv. Traverse the panoramic route along the Tower of David for a terrific panoramic view of the city and then step inside and see exhibits that focus on the rich history of the region, from the Canaanites to the Greeks and Romans to the Muslims and Israelis. Tel Aviv also features terrific entertainment and night life.

Visit the Ashdod Yam Fort, a Muslim fortress with its impressively tall that was built on the Mediterranean coast in the tenth century to protect against naval attacks. Stroll the streets of this bustling port town and shop for homemade knitted goods.

Alexandria was once considered the greatest city in the ancient world; today it is the second largest city in Egypt. As a port perched directly at the mouth of the Nile, it is the gateway to one of the world's most mysterious and intriguing regions. Walk along the Corniche, a seaside boulevard that is home to restaurants, beach huts, and an unbroken line of hotels and apartment buildings.

Alexandria was once considered the greatest city in the ancient world; today it is the second largest city in Egypt. As a port perched directly at the mouth of the Nile, it is the gateway to one of the world's most mysterious and intriguing regions. Walk along the Corniche, a seaside boulevard that is home to restaurants, beach huts, and an unbroken line of hotels and apartment buildings.

The Suez Canal is an artificial waterway running across the Isthmus of Suez in northeastern Egypt. It connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Gulf of Suez, an arm of the Red Sea. The canal, about 101 miles long, has no locks because the Mediterranean Sea and the Gulf of Suez have roughly the same water level. Most of the canal has only a single traffic lane, with several passing bays.

Located at the southern tip of the Sinai, Sharm El-Sheikh is one of the most accessible and developed tourist resort communities on the Sinai peninsula. Sharm El Sheikh is a diver's paradise with crystal-clear waters, lovely reefs, and a variety of exotic fish. On land, you'll find sun loungers, shades, and bars, as well as shops with both foreign and local products.

Sail down the Nile River to the ancient city of Safaga, the gateway to the magnificent antiquities of Luxor and Karnak. Site of the ancient metropolis of Thebes, Luxor has a history that dates back 2,000 years. Marvel at the ancient columns and statues. Stroll down the avenue of the Sphinxes to the ceremonial gateway of the temple of Amon-Ra, or sail across the Nile to the Valley of the Kings.

Like a magic carpet spread before the sea, Oman's coastal plain is one of the most fertile areas of Arabia. Famous since antiquity as the source of frankincense, Salalah was already a prosperous town when Marco Polo visited it in the 13th century! Inland rise the forbidding Al-Quara Mountains, and the desolate "Empty Quarter" of central Saudi Arabia.

The Seychelles have a singular magic, whether you are lazing in the sun or paddling around with a snorkel or scuba gear. Uninhabited until modern times, these East African islands are known for exquisite beaches and pristine coral reefs.

The Seychelles have a singular magic, whether you are lazing in the sun or paddling around with a snorkel or scuba gear. Uninhabited until modern times, these East African islands are known for exquisite beaches and pristine coral reefs.