North Africa Eclipse Cruise Itinerary

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Program Itinerary

Day 6 Sun, March 26 B/L/D
Tripoli, Libya

With its spacious natural harbor, the site occupied by Tripoli attracted Phoenician and Greek settlers, followed by the Romans, who left behind the impressive triumphal arch to Marcus Aurelius. Spend the day exploring Libya’s capital, concentrating in the Medina, the medieval walled town built on the site of the Roman settlement. We also visit the Jamahiriya Museum, housed in the massive Citadel, which dates from the medieval period. The Museum houses superb exhibits from Libya’s Phoenician, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic periods. There will be time to explore the city’s colorful souks.

Day 7 Mon, March 27 B/L/D
Leptis Magna

Arrive at Libya’s Tripolitania coast, calling at Khoms. Nearby are the ruins of Leptis Magna, surely among the most extraordinary ancient sites in the Mediterranean. Leptis Magna achieved its height under the Severan emperors in the 3rd century A.D., who launched an unprecedented and lavish building scheme, embellishing the city with extraordinary public buildings. Excellently preserved to the present day, thanks to its burial under shifting sands, this glorious coastal city gives a unique example of ancient town planning. Spend the day exploring the city’s magnificent buildings, monuments, temples, and streets. Also visit Villa Sileen, a recently restored Roman residence with vivid mosaics depicting chariot races and gladiatorial combat scenes which will be opened especially for us.

Day 8 Tue, March 28 B/L/D
At Sea

Enjoy the day at sea as Corinthian II sails toward our solar eclipse observation point.

Day 9 Wed, March 29 B/L/D
Total Solar Eclipse

We position ourselves at the prime observation

spot off the Libyan coast in order to witness the natural highlight of our voyage—a total eclipse of the sun in its maximum duration. Near noon, anticipation grows as the shadow of the moon takes a small bite out of the solar disc and then grows for about half an hour while it gradually covers the
sun. As daylight diminishes, the western sky darkens, and the sun narrows to a crescent. In the few minutes before totality, the sun quickly becomes a sliver, and Baily’s Beads—the last solar rays—emerge on the moon’s shadow. A brilliant corona begins to ring the sun. Then suddenly the blackness of totality plunges the sun into a shadowy abyss for several minutes. Finally the reddish prominences—giant solar gas clouds—surprise us with their unique shapes. The sky is now dark enough for us to see the closest and brightest planets and stars, and yet a yellow-orange twilight appears to herald the return of the light. As totality ends and the shadow of the moon slips toward the east, we know we have experienced one of nature’s most mysterious and spectacular wonders. In awe, we set sail for Derna.

Day 10 Thu, March 30 B/L/D
Derna / Cyrene / Apollonia

Corinthian II calls at Derna, the ancient Darnis, a pleasant port town on Libya’s Cyrenaican coast. Drive for the day to Cyrene, one of the great ancient cities of North Africa. Founded by Greek colonists from the island of Thera (Santorini) in the 7th century B.C., Cyrene was built on the side of a hill facing the plain and sea. Its substantial remains testify to its wealth and power. On the return to the ship, stop at Apollonia, Cyrene’s port, where its Museum displays, among other objects, excellent mosaics from the region’s early Byzantine churches.

Day 11 Fri, March 31 B/L/D
At Sea

Enjoy the day at sea as Corinthian II sails toward Malta.

Day 12 Sat, April 1 B
Valletta, Malta / Disembarkation / USA

Disembark in Valletta and transfer to the airport for return flights to the U.S.

A two-night Optional Extension In Valletta, malta
is being offered in conjunction with this program. Press the button below for details.

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