Highlights of Trans-Maghreb

Below are some of the major travel highlights for Trans-Maghreb. For more in-depth attractions of each country on this route, click on the country names below or select a route to see the highlights on this section of the journey. Click on the icons below to focus on specific types of features (click again to return to all).

In-depth highlights: Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia


Natural	History	Wildlife	Trekking	Cities	Religious Monument	Boat Journey	Rail Journey	Diving	Cultural	Adrenaline	UNESCO WHS

Cities of interest of Cairo - Tunis

Cairo
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

Cairo

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

Alexandria
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.

Alexandria

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.

Tripoli
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.

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.

Tozeur
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'.

Tozeur

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'.

Tunis
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

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