The ten-day cruise this writer took in late April 2007 touched on seven countries and ten ports—Cadiz (Spain)--Tangier (Morocco)--Algiers, Bejaia and Annaba (Algeria)--Tunis and  Sousse (Tunisia)--Porto Empedocl/Agrigento (Sicily)--Rethymnon (Crete)--Piraeus/Athens, Greece. Here is a capsulation of our cruise’s port calls and official websites to click for more information on the regions.
Cadiz, Spain
Cadiz was where I boarded the Corinthian II. A charming city, where some of the city's 18th century walls still stand, such as the Landward Gate. Worth a visit are the city's Cathedral and churches of Santa Cruz and San Felipe Neri, which is famous throughout Spain as the place where, in defiance of Napoleon's siege, the provisional government was set up with its own liberal Constitution. Other points of interest are La Santa Cueva, home to several paintings by Goya, and stately mansions such as the Casa del Almirante and Casa de las Cadenas.
From Cadiz, our port of departure, it is only a short voyage (65 nautical miles) to the first call in North Africa. Website: http://www.andalucia.com/cities/cadiz.htm

Tangier, Morocco
A name that suggests much mystery and intrigue. However, the greatest benefit of visiting Tangier is being able to say that one has been there!  The afternoon excursion to the town and its immediate environs was quite sufficient to achieve that goal. And, to ascertain that this port has no longer offers the glamour that it may have once had. The rather grubby Tangier of today earns respect only for handling the heavy traffic across the Straits of Gibraltar. Website: http://www.morocco.com/destinations/tangier/

Algiers, Algeria
An exciting vista from the ship’s aft deck promises the importance of Algiers – the hilly city/port is indeed a very interesting port of call.
A full-day excursion to Tipaza is truly worthwhile as the location is a typical Barbary Coast archaeological site where three layers of civilization are visible through the fascinating ruins of Phoenician, Roman and Byzantine development. The beautiful seaside location of these ruins adds an extra level to the pleasures of Roman Tipaza.
On the way to the Roman city’s seaside city, the coaches from Corinthian II stopped at hilltop location called Tombeau. This is a massive above ground tomb—that was never used as such—intended for the King and Queen of Mauritania. Over the centuries the fine, circular solid structure has withstood everything except for the bombardment from gunners of a Napoleonic field battery (“we’re just practicing”) who may have been hoping to uncover the secret of entering the -supposedly rich- burial place with their cannon fire. Website: http://www.algeriantourism.com/index.php (French)

Bejaia, Algeria
The second port of call in Algeria, Bejaia, provided the access via a 3 ½ hour drive to the marvelous ruins of Djemila, set in the rolling hills of the surprisingly green Algerian plateau. This wonderful archaeological site was the highlight of the voyage.—a really explorer-friendly Roman outpost in a splendid, unspoiled setting. In addition to the spectacle of Djemila the drive to the site was very scenic and a pleasure in itself.

Annaba, Algeria
In Annaba, more Roman remains are the main feature on our third call in Algeria, plus the seaside drive to view the town’s resort and central areas and the vista of the majestic Algerian coastline stretching to the West.

Tunis, Tunisia 
Tunis is the capital of a nation where one might say its major “export” is suntans. The amazingly clean and litter-free city of Tunis is the home of an excellent museum –The Bardo – with displays of Roman mosaics that define the art of floor decoration.  Access to Carthage is an afternoon tour of great interest. Especially impressive are the massive water-supply cisterns, built by the Romans, on a hill overlooking the ruins of Carthage.
Website:  www.tourismtunisia.com/

Sousse, Tunisia
This second port of call in Tunisia—Sousse—offers trips to the El Djem amphitheatre or the holy site of Kairouan. The huge amphitheatre and a Roman villa restoration at Roman city of El Djem are the remarkable destination of an hour’s drive from the coast. Also, this drive to this once significant city passes though vistas of a million or two of Tunisia’s ten million olive trees—producing another major Tunisian export, olives.
Website:  www.tourismtunisia.com/

Agrigento, Sicily (Italy)
The proximity of a small port where the Corinthian II was docked was only a short walk into the city to view the historic wonders of Agrigento. A half-day there offers principally Greek excitement at the fine Archaeological Museum and with walks through the well-preserved Greek remains sprinkled over the Valley of Temples. The city is also known for its early Christian churches, including the cathedral built by the Normans in the 11th century. The former home of writer and playwright Luigi Pirandello is now a public museum. Website: http://www.italiantourism.com/

Crete, Greece
A drive along the mountainous Cretan coastline and across coastal countryside gives glimpses of several layers of civilization from Minoan to Ottoman. I found the relaxed cruise along the beautiful coastline to be a splendid onboard alternative way to spend the day. The ship repositioned to Crete’s commuter-port to collect the overland sightseers from their exploration of the fascinating ages of Crete. Website: http://www.gnto.gr/

Piraeus/Athens, Greece
The port of Piraeus is roughly seven miles from Athens and about 30 minutes from the Athens International airport. It is about a 20 minute walk to the train station from the port where one can take a direct train to the foot of the Acropolis in the heart of the Plaka district. Website: http://www.gnto.gr/