Highlights of Trans-Maghreb

Cairo

Cairo is Egypt's capital and Africa's largest city, with a population of over 15 million. Cairo is one of the world's oldest Islamic cities, founded initially in the 7th century after Arab armies entered Egypt. Cairo thrived in the following centuries under various dynasties and rulers including the Fatimids, Saladin, the Mamelukes and the Ottomans. Amidst the vast urban landscape of modern Cairo, much of this historical heritage remains with over 600 classified monuments. These include the 9th century Great Mosque of Ibn-Tulun, the 10th century Mosque of al-Azhar, Saldin's Citadel, the City of the Dead cemetery and the Ottoman Mosque of Mohammed Ali. The Egyptian Museum of Antiquities is a must-see - an incredible collection of relics and artefacts from Egypt's rich history dating back to 4000 BC, including the amazing Tutankhamen treasures.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Historic Cairo

The Egyptian Pyramids

The Pyramids at Giza are without doubt one of the most extraordinary sights in the world, the only surviving of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. Built as tombs for the pharaohs of the Old Kingdom of Egypt, they served as a necropolis for Memphis, the capital in the 3rd millennium BC, and are a testament to the brilliance of its civilisation. The first stone pyramids were built at Saqqara for the pharaoh Djoser who ruled from around 2668 BC and at Maidum by Huni, the last pharaoh of the Third Dynasty. These are the oldest step pyramids in the world. The necropolis at Dahshur to the south was used by the pharaoh Snefru who founded the Fourth Dynasty and ruled from 2613 BC. He introduced the square-based pyramid seen at Giza and built the Red Pyramid and the Rhomboid (or Bent) Pyramid. At Giza, just south of Cairo, the pyramids reached their pinnacle - the Great Pyramid of Cheops, Snefru's son, is the largest at 145 metres high with a base of 232 metres while his successors built the Pyramids of Chephren and Mycerinus. Together with the Sphinx, a lion with a human head carved from rock, they form an astonishing and must-see site.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur

Alexandria is located on the Mediterranean coast and is a city with a long history, famed for its library, the lighthouse at Pharos (one of the Ancient Wonders of the World) and its associations with Alexander the Great and Cleopatra. Today, little physical evidence of its past remains but Egypt's second city is a cosmopolitan and attractive city in an excellent coastal location. The National Museum contains excellent collections from the Pharaonic, Greco-Roman and Islamic periods. The Roman Catacombs are the largest Roman burial site in Egypt and comprise three tiers of tombs and chambers cut out of the rock 35 metres deep. The only ancient monument in Alexandria is Pompey's Pillar, the remains of a 3rd century temple complex. The Qaitbey Fort is situated on the site of the Pharos Lighthouse.

The early Christian holy city of Abu Mena was built near the Mediterranean coast and was an important site of pilgrimage. Archaeological excavations have revealed an entire town comprising a basilica complex, monasteries, houses, cemeteries and public buildings.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Abu Mena

In October 1942, the Battle of El Alamein changed the course of the war in North Africa after the Allied Eighth Army led by General Montgomery defeated the Afrika Korps of General Rommel. The battle is commemorated through the 7,000 white headstones at the British and Commonwealth War Memorial, the German and Italian War Memorial and the war museum which explains the importance of the battle and has a collection of tanks and other items from conflict. Further up the coast near Marsa Matruh lies Rommel's Cave, which was the Desert Fox's headquarters for a period and now houses a small museum.

Tobruk was the site of an important battle during the Second World War when Allied soldiers held out against a German siege in 1941. Little remains of the town today which was reduced to rubble during the battle, but the cemeteries for the Commonwealth, French and German soldiers can be visited.

Cyrene and Apollonia

Founded as a Greek colony in the 7th century BC, Cyrene soon became one of the wealthiest and most important cities in the Hellenic world before coming under Ptolemaic and then Roman control. One of the most impressive and varied complex of ruins anywhere, Cyrene's highlights include the Temples of Zeus and Apollo, the Acropolis and the Agora, as well as its baths, gymnasium and theatre. Its port at Apollonia lies 18km away on the Mediterranean coast, with further Greek, Roman and Byzantine remains including a Greek theatre overlooking the sea.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Archaeological Site of Cyrene

Leptis Magna

Leptis Magna was widely regarded as one of the most beautiful Roman cities and its excellently preserved remains make it one of the best Roman sites. Founded by the Phoenicians in the 5th century BC, Leptis Magna came under Roman control in the 2nd century BC. It flourished under the reign of its native son, Septimis Severus, in the 3rd century AD who enlarged and embellished the city, becoming second only to Rome with a population of 100,000. Buried under sand for centuries, the city has been extensively excavated since the 1920s. Among its many highlights are the Gladiator Circus, amphitheatre, marketplace, theatre, basilica and the many forums, baths, streets and arches.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Archaeological Site of Leptis Magna

Tripoli

Tripoli, Libya's capital, was founded by the Phoenicians in the 5th century BC and rule and occupation by the Romans, Ottomans and Italians have all contributed to its historic and cultural heritage. The Jamhariya Museum contains excellent collections of Roman and Islamic artefacts, including mosaics from Leptis Magna and Sabratha. The walled Medina, or old city, is filled with mosques and souks, more peaceful and authentic than the more touristy souks of Istanbul and Marrakech. Other attractions include the Roman Arch of Marcus Aurelius dating to the 2nd century AD, the Gurgi Mosque and the Red Fort.

Sabratha

Sabratha was a Phoenician trading post, part of the short-lived Numidian kingdom of Massinissa and under the influence of Carthage before coming under Roman control in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. It prospered as a trading centre for gold, ivory, leather, spices and slaves brought to the Mediterranean from central Africa which saw the city rebuilt with many impressive monuments. Like the more famous Leptis Magna, Sabratha today has some excellently preserved Roman ruins in a beautiful setting on the Mediterranean coast. Most famously, its theatre has a capacity of 5,000 and the stage area has been renovated with a three storey, marble-columned frons scena. Other features include the large forum surrounded by the temples of Liber Pater, Serapis, Hercules and Isis, the Christian basilica of Justinian and the Capitolium.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Archaeological Site of Sabratha

The oasis town of Douz is known as a gateway to the Sahara Desert and is the location of the Festival of the Sahara. The souks, camel market and the Sahara Museum in town are worth a visit but the main attraction here is to take a camel trek into the rolling sand dunes of the desert, watch the sunset and camp under the desert stars in a Bedouin tent.

Tozeur

The oasis town of Tozeur is capital of the south of Tunisia, a busy market town with its extensive palm grove covering over 10 km². In town, the Dar Charait Folklore Museum has treasures from the Arab world and scenes of simple Tunisian life. Outside of the town, the sand dunes of Neflayet were used in the filming of 'Star Wars' while the desert area of Ong Jmal contains stunning scenery used in the film 'The English Patient'.

Amphitheatre of El Jem

The small village of El Jem (known in classical times as Thysdrus) contains the impressive ruins of the largest Roman amphitheatre in North Africa, and the third largest in the world after the Colosseum in Rome and Capua near Naples. Built in the 3rd century AD, the amphitheatre was elliptical in form, probably four storeys high and designed to accommodate up to 60,000 spectators. Lack of funds and political rivalries meant the amphitheatre was never finished, but today it remains incredibly well preserved and intact. You can climb several storeys to survey the whole amphitheatre or explore the underground passageways where the gladiators and animals waited before being released into the arena.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Amphitheatre of El Jem

Kairouan

Kairouan is Islam's fourth holiest site after Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem and the holiest in Tunisia and North Africa. It was founded in the 7th century and the first Islamic place of worship in the Maghreb, the Zawiya of Sidi Sahab, was established here just 38 years after the death of the Prophet Muhammed. The medina of Kairouan is surrounded by 3km of walls with 3 gates, and includes markets with traditional crafts such as copper and silver engraving, carpet weaving and saddle making, as well as numerous mosques and zawiyas (or monasteries). The Great Mosque and the Mosque of the Three Gates are both important religious sites and great examples of Islamic architecture.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Kairouan

Roman ruins of Dougga

Dougga was an important Punic city prior to Rome's annexation of Numidia in 46 BC but flourished under Roman and then Byzantine control. The ruins today form the most impressive Roman site in Tunisia. These include the capitolium dedicated to Jupiter, Juno and Minerva (one of the finest Roman monuments in North Africa), the forum surrounded by a marble colonnade, the amphitheatre, circus and public baths. The mausoleum in the southern part of town is the only surviving major Punic monument in Tunisia.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Dougga / Thugga

Carthage

Carthage was one of the great cities of the ancient world and home to one of its great civilisations. Founded in the 9th century BC by Phoenicians from Tyre in Lebanon, Carthage soon developed a powerful and wealthy empire across North Africa and the southern Mediterranean. This was based on its expertise in shipbuilding and sailing, using Carthage's excellent harbours, and trade in gold, silver, lead, ivory, African wild animals and other goods. Carthage soon came into conflict with other regional powers - it emerged triumphant from a 200 year war with Greece but was defeated by Rome after the Third Punic War in 146 BC. Much of the city was destroyed but a new Roman city was built at the site in the 1st century AD. Much of the ruins at the site today are from the Roman period such as the Antonine baths and Roman amphitheatre but the Punic ports are reminders of this lost empire.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Site of Carthage

Tunis

The Medina of Tunis is the largest in North Africa, covering 2.7 km² and containing most of the city's 700 historic monuments, including mosques, mausoleums, palaces and fountains. Elsewhere the Bardo Museum, set in the former palace of the Husseinite beys, is one of the best archaeological museums in the region, particularly its collection of Roman and Byzantine mosaics as well as Greek bronze statuary and Islamic artefacts. Nearby, Sidi Bou Said is an attractive town of narrow streets, whitewashed buildings and numerous art galleries and shops selling pottery, jewellery and carpets.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Medina of Tunis

Marrakech

Marrakech is one of the most evocative names in travel and this medieval North African city remains very popular with travellers. Founded in the 11th century by the Almoravids, Marrakech has numerous historical structures of interest and retains a medieval atmosphere reminiscent of the Arabian Nights. The Medina, or old city, is centred around Djemaa el Fna Square, one of the largest public spaces in the world, which comes alive at nights with travelling musicians, acrobats, snake charmers, storytellers, jugglers and hundreds of small restaurants and food stalls. Marrakech's other highlights include the beautiful 19th century Bahia Palace, the 16th century Saadian tombs and the Dar Si Said palace which houses the Museum of Moroccan Arts. The Koutoubia Mosque is the largest in Marrakech, and its spectacular and graceful minaret dominates the skyline and is a symbol of the city. The labyrinth of souks off Djemaa el Fna Square are world famous and the perfect place to haggle for Moroccan souvenirs.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Medina of Marrakesh

The port town of Essaouira lies on Morocco's Atlantic coast. It dates back to the 15th century but was largely rebuilt in the late 18th century with a significant European architectural influence. Essaouira is a relaxed and picturesque town from the narrow streets and white-washed buildings of its medina to the ramparts and fortifications along the sea wall. The former pirate's lair is now a substantial fishing port and it's interesting to observe the daily catch and auction. The coast provides a scenic and fascinating stroll, along the ramparts and beaches to the crumbling castle. Elsewhere, the shops and artisans' workshops in the medina offer opportunities to buy rustic leather belts, gold and silver jewellery or elaborately decorated wooden boxes.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Medina of Essaouira (formerly Mogador)

The ksar at Ait-Ben-Haddou in Ouarzazate province is the most famous and best preserved example of this traditional type of pre-Saharan habitat. A ksar comprises a densely packed group of red earthen buildings enclosed by a high defensive wall reinforced by towers. Ait-Ben-Haddou dates to the 15th century and if it looks familiar, it's because it has been used as the location for the Hollywood epics Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth and Gladiator.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou

The Todra Gorge is a spectacular canyon of the Todra River in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains in eastern Morocco. The cliffs rise vertically up to 300 metres leaving a narrow pass for the river and a track to walk through the chasm. Trekking through the canyon in the morning you can follow the local Berber women taking their goat herds to higher ground for grazing. Following them to the Abdelali viewpoint will give you spectacular vistas down into the gorge and across to the Jebel Sahro mountain range and the Dades Valley. Keep an eye out for the rare Bonelli’s Eagle that nest in the cliffs.

The Merzouga Sand Sea lies on the edge of the Sahara Desert in eastern Morocco, near the small Berber village of Merzouga. This vast area of sand dunes makes for a breathtaking landscape, particularly at sunrise or sunset. The best way to experience this region is to take a camel ride to a camp in the desert and sleep under the stars enjoying traditional Moroccan food and hospitality.

Fez

Though it lost its status as political capital of Morocco to Rabat in 1912, Fez remains the spiritual and cultural capital of the country and one of the finest examples of a medieval Islamic city in the world. Home to the world's first university, Fez was one of the great centres of education and learning in the medieval world, especially at its peak under the Marinids in the 13th and 14th centuries. Walking through the medina of the old city of Fez (there are no cars), Fez el Bali, is an almost overwhelming assault on the senses. Its narrow streets are packed with mosques, madrassas, fondouks (or shops), artisan workshops, khans and palaces, little changed since medieval times. Buildings of note include Karouine University, Attarine madrassa and the Royal Palace. Outside the medina are the other parts of Fez - Fez el Jedid is the new city founded by the Marinids, a planned city with broad streets and many gardens, Nouveau Ville has a distinctive European character while the Mellah is the Jewish quarter.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Medina of Fez

Roman Ruins of Volubilis

Founded in the 3rd century BC, Volubilis became an outpost at the edges of the Roman Empire in the 1st century AD, as capital of its province of Mauritania Tingitana. Housing the best Roman ruins in Morocco, Volubilis is best known for its numerous and detailed floor mosaics. Some of the notable structures remaining are the ruins of the basilica, capitol, the great houses of Orpheus and Ephebus and the triumphal arch of Caracalla which spans the decumanus maximus.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Archaeological Site of Volubilis

Meknes

Founded in the 11th century by the Almoravids as a military settlement, Meknes reached its peak during the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail from 1672-1727, who made it his capital city and developed an imperial city within Meknes. Built in Hispano-Moorish style, the medina is surrounded by high walls and monumental gates, within which are palaces, mosques and numerous souks, as well as the tomb of Moulay Ismail.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Historic City of Meknes

Rabat

The historic city of Rabat became capital of the French Protectorate in 1912 and Morocco's capital after independence. The earliest settlement was in the Chellah area in the 1st century BC where the remains of the citadel are now found. The city's historic areas have many important attractions, including the Hassan Mosque minaret, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the Royal Palace and the walled Kasbah des Oudaias.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Rabat, modern capital and historic city: a shared heritage