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

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, 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

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

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)

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

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