Beaches and Islands

Although modeled after the well-known Colosseum in Rome, the structure seen in our January mystery photo was recognized by most of those submitting answers this month as the Amphitheatre of El Djem (a town formerly called Thysdrus) in the North African country of Tunisia. The camel parked in front of the structure was a good clue.

Just off the coast of the much larger island of Fuerteventura, Isla de Lobos, one of Spain's Canary Islands, is only 1.8 square miles in area and has no permanent population, yet it has been getting up to 2,000 visitors per day during peak season.

Consequently, in January, the governing council of Fuerteventura introduced a rule limiting tourist visits to Isla de Lobos to 400 per day, split between two groups of 200. Anyone wishing to visit Isla de Lobos must first request and receive a permit. At press time, permits were free; however, a fee may be instituted in the future.

Taking place on an outdoor platform with views of Uluru (Ayers Rock), the "Sounds of Silence" dinner, in its 26th year, can be booked by guests at Ayers Rock Resort (phone +61 2 8296 8010 www.ayersrockresort.com.au).

The 3-course meal, served as a buffet with canapés, main entrée and dessert, features Australian ingredients such as kangaroo, crocodile, pepperberry and bush tomato. During the meal, an Aboriginal "star talker" will point out constellations and relate their significance to the indigenous peoples of Australia.

19 days, 18 nights, June 22-July 10, 2019, including 11 nights on 6-cabin freighter MV Bravo Supporter, 4-night homestay on Pitcairn. Led by astronomy professor. Group limit, 6-10. Highlights: Fly from Papeete, Tahiti, FRENCH POLYNESIA, to island of Mangareva to board ship/on Pitcairn Island, honey tasting at apiary, Pitcairn Island Museum, stargazing from Taro Ground/Henderson Island for birding/Oeno Island for total solar eclipse on July 2. NZD16,550-NZD17,850 (near $11,369-$12,262) ppdo. Single supp., from NZD900 ($617).