BOB HOHLFELDER

Archaeologist Bob Hohlfelder has written and lectured widely on ancient Mediterranean civilizations. In recent years, he has served as a visiting scholar at the American Academy in Rome where he has conducted research on ancient Roman maritime life and the engineering of Roman harbors. Bob has participated in nearly 40 archaeological expeditions around the Mediterranean Basin, including several funded in part by the National Geographic Society. Bob has plans to conduct research at the site of Leptis Magna in 2006.

Day 1 and 2 New York/Valletta, Malta
Depart New York on an overnight flight to Valletta, Malta. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and enjoy the afternoon at leisure before a welcome reception this evening.
Corinthia Palace Hotel

Day 3 Valletta
Valletta, the capital of Malta, was founded by the Knights of St. John to defend against the invading Ottoman Turks. Explore the city’s masterpieces, including St. John’s Co-Cathedral, built by the Knights in the late 16th century; the Palace of the Grand Masters, which houses the Maltese Parliament; and the Auberge de Provence, once the home of the French crusaders and now the National Museum of Archaeology. Tonight, gather for a festive welcome dinner.
(B,D)

Day 4 Valletta
This morning, discover Malta’s early history at Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, a remarkable subterranean complex dating from 2500 B.C., and Tarxien, an extraordinary megalithic temple complex adorned with carved animals and idols, sacrificial altars, and oracular chambers. Board the Sea Cloud in the late afternoon and enjoy the captain’s welcome reception and dinner.
Sea Cloud (B,L,D)

Day 5 At Sea
After breakfast, watch the crew set the Sea Cloud's sails for a day at sea. Relax and enjoy a talk by your National Geographic expert as we sail across the Mediterranean Sea to the North African coast.
(B,L,D)

Day 6 Tripoli, Libya/Sabratha
Disembark in Tripoli this afternoon for a visit to the Roman amphitheater of Sabratha, constructed in the second and third centuries A.D. and still in excellent condition. Enjoy its fine acoustics during a specially arranged theater performance.
(B,L,D)

Day 7 Tripoli
Tripoli, Libya’s capital city and chief port, was founded around the seventh century B.C. by the Phoenicians. Visit the Jamahiriya Museum’s fine collection of mosaics, statues, and other artifacts from archaeological sites on Libya’s north coast. Stroll the old city’s byways, see the monumental Arch of Marcus Aurelius, and browse the shops of the medina.
(B,L,D)

Day 8 Tripoli/Leptis Magna
Drive to the Roman port of Leptis Magna, a city that rivaled Rome in splendor, architecture, and wealth. Leptis is one of the very best preserved Roman cities and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its spectacular architecture includes monumental arches, huge marble and granite baths, shrines, forums, and amphitheaters. Roman emperor Septimus Severus was born here and lavished his attention and the resources of the empire on the city.
(B,L,D)

Day 9 At Sea
During a second full day at sea, cruise along the coast of Libya across the Gulf of Sidra, enjoying specially arranged behind-the-scenes tours of the Sea Cloud and a talk by our National Geographic expert.
(B,L,D)

Day 10 Carthage/Tunis, Tunisia
Dock in the port city of La Goulette and proceed to Carthage, the former Phoenician colony that became the dominant power of the western Mediterranean in the fifth century B.C., and archrival of the Romans in the second and third centuries. Stroll among the scattered ruins, observing the evocative Punic harbor where Phoenician sailing ships docked before departing on voyages of adventure and exploration. Before leaving Carthage, visit the National Museum, then travel to Sidi Bou Saïd, a charming little whitewashed village perched high above the Gulf of Tunis, for lunch. Continue this afternoon to Tunis, the capital city of Tunisia. At the Bardo Museum, a former palace, see one of the world’s finest collections of mosaics, representing the Carthaginian, Roman, early Christian, and Arab-Islamic eras.
(B,L,D)

Day 11 At Sea
Enjoy a final day on board the Sea Cloud.
(B,L,D)

Day 12 Catania, Sicily/New York
Disembark in Catania and transfer to the airport for your flight home.
(B)

Sicily
October 23-27, 2006
The post-trip extension to Sicily includes guided tours of the ruins at Siracusa and the Greco-Roman theater in Taormina; visits to Mount Etna and the Villa Casale Roman hunting lodge, Palermo’s Norman castle and chapel, and the Byzantine mosaics of Monreale; and a private wine tasting. Spend two nights in Taormina and two nights in Palermo. Call for a detailed itinerary.

MAP

ABOUT THE SEA CLOUD

Built in 1931 for Marjorie Merriweather Post, the legendary Sea Cloud is a ship without comparison. Although she is equipped with auxiliary diesel engines, sails are the essence of the cruise, and they are used as much as possible. The 64-passenger Sea Cloud is decorated with original oil paintings, antique furniture, fireplaces, and rich wood paneling. Her decks are polished teak. Original staterooms (Superior, Deluxe, and Owner’s Suite) are beautifully appointed in their own style, some with fireplaces, and each has a private marble bath with either a tub or shower. New staterooms (Types A, B, and C) each have a private bathroom with shower.

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