Africa Cruises from Civitavecchia, Italy

Some cruises of the Mediterranean and the Middle East dock in exotic Egypt and Morocco, on the African continent. Whether your itinerary brings you to Alexandria or Port Said, Egypt, you have the opportunity to book a group shore excursion (or a private van and driver) to the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx - surely a must-visit when you are in the Cairo area. Otherwise, you might tour the magnificent Egyptian Museum in Cairo (a little more than 3 hours from Alexandria), which is filled with King Tutankhamun's treasures, or head to Sakkara to see the "step pyramid," which dates, incredibly, to the 27th century B.C. It is believed to be the oldest stone structure on earth. Cosmopolitan Casablanca, Morocco, is a bustling port city with opportunities for shopping for local crafts or leather goods. The most popular visitor's attraction here is likely the Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Africa whose tower you can see from your docked cruise ship. Ask locals where you might sample Morocco's national drink, fresh mint tea, or dine on delicious tangine, a rich and fragrant stew, as well as traditional couscous, kebabs and almond pastries.

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