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CLASSICAL LIBYA
Day 1 London to Tripoli
Today fly non-stop with British Airways from London to Tripoli. On your arrival
you will be met and transferred to the Villa Arkno for your two night stay.
(N)
Day 2 Tripoli
Once known as the 'White Bride’ of the Mediterranean, Tripoli is a captivating
city that exudes charm. Its lively medina which lies upon the Roman City of
Oea is today the heart of the city and the souk has a truly authentic, and
welcoming, air free from hassle and resplendent with friendly faces. Spend
the day sightseeing with your guide. (B)
Day 3 Tripoli to Benghazi – by air
Transfer to Tripoli airport for your flight to Benghazi where you will be
met on arrival and transferred to the Tibesti Hotel for your one night stay.
Situated on the eastern edge of the Gulf of Sirte, Benghazi ranks as the second
largest city in Libya and a major commercial centre although the city today
displays little of its ancient heritage. In the afternoon visit the World
War II cemetery, Souk al-Jareed and Tahrir Square. (B/D)
Day 4 Benghazi to Cyrene – 200kms
After breakfast depart by car with your guide for the Greco-Roman sites of
Teuchira and Ptolemais, the latter noted for its columned palace and underground
cisterns. Afterwards continue onto Cyrene where you will stay for three nights
at a Local Hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 5 Cyrene
Founded in the 7th Century BC, Cyrene is said to be the best preserved of
the Greek cities of Cyrenaica with the temples, tombs and theatre originally
modelled on those at Delphi. The city covers a huge area, is still only partly
excavated and, due to its location high on a bluff overlooking the Mediterranean
Sea, is a breathtaking site. Places of interest include the Temple of Apollo,
Acropolis, Agora, Forum, Stoa of Hermes and Hercules, House of Jason Magnus
and the Temple of Zeus. (B/L/D)
Day 6 Cyrene
This morning visit the picturesque ancient port of Apollonia, north of Cyrene,
and reached by a pleasant road descending 1,800 feet over two escarpments
from which fine views down to the coastal plain. Surrounding the city there
are a variety of tombs constituting part of the vast necropolis which dates
from the early Greek to the late Roman period and where some of these tombs
were reused as oil press chambers by the Romans and later even became dwellings
for local inhabitants. In the 2nd and 3rd Century Apollonia increased in size
and wealth and by the 4th Century AD had become the capital of the province
of Upper Libya. Also visit the Basilicas of Ras-al-Hilal and Al-Atrun. (B/L/D)
Day 7 Cyrene to Benghazi
Benghazi to Tripoli – by air
Today visit the tiny pre-Islamic temple of Slontah noted for its eerie carvings,
as well as Qasr Libya to see the Byzantine Church and unique collection of
mosaics. Later continue to Benghazi airport for your return flight to Tripoli
where you will Stay overnight at Villa Arkno. (B)
Day 8 Tripoli to Ghadames – 650kms
Depart with your guide and travel through the Jebel Nefusa mountain range
and through expanses of vast desert scenery to Ghadames – southwest
of Tripoli – stopping on the way at the beautiful fortified Berber granaries
of Qasr al Haj and Nalut. Stay for two nights at the Dar Ghadames Hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 9 Ghadames
Famous for its desert architecture, the oasis town of Ghadames lies 650km
south-west of Tripoli and is close to the borders of both Algeria and Tunisia
in what was once the southern outpost of the Roman Empire. The old town of
Ghadames is very picturesque and is notable for its ‘cake and icing’
architecture and its labyrinthine streets. This afternoon enjoy a 4x4 excursion
to Ras al-Ghoul and the sand dunes. (B/L/D)
Day 10 Ghadames to Gharyan – 570kms
Today take a different route back towards Tripoli visiting Kabaw to see the
fascinating fortified grain store and the abandoned escarpment village of
Tormisa. Head on to Gharyan noted for its troglodyte houses. Stay overnight
in Gharyan at the Dar Gharyan Hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 11 Gharyan to Zliten – 170kms
In the morning return to the coast and the World Heritage site of Leptis Magna,
regarded as the best Roman site in the Mediterranean. It is a triumph of Roman
engineering with spectacular architecture on a massive scale that will impress
even the most ruin-weary traveller. Leptis Magna is among the most complete
and magnificent of the three towns, or Tripolis, of North Africa. During your
tour of the site you will also visit the excellent museum (closed on Monday,
but the main site is open). Stay overnight in nearby Zliten or Al-Khoms at
a Local Hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 12 Zliten to Tripoli via Leptis Magna – 170kms
This morning visit the Mausoleum and Mosque of Sidi Abdusalam and then return
to Leptis Magna for further viewing. In the afternoon return to Tripoli and
stay at Villa Arkno for two nights. (B/L/D)
Day 13 Tripoli – visit Sabrata
Visit the city of Sabrata, located on the Mediterranean coast, a one hour
drive west of Tripoli, which was founded by the Canaanites in the 6th Century
BC. A Phoenician trading-post that served as an outlet for the products of
the African hinterland, Sabrata was part of the short-lived Numidian kingdom
of Massinissa before being Romanized and rebuilt in the 2nd and 3rd centuries
A.D. (B/L)
Day 14 Tripoli to London
Today your morning is at leisure before returning to Tripoli Airport in the
afternoon for the British Airways flight back to London. (B)
STAYING ON
Experience a different side to Libya and extend your time with a visit to the country’s desert interior. Home of the nomadic Tuareg people, Libya’s central Sahara region is a varied land of majestic sand dunes, deep desert valleys, palm fringed oases and the great ancient trade routes that once traversed the continent.
Planning your journey: We can design a unique journey to suit you as our tours are totally tailor made. By combining your own ideas with our knowledge and experience we can help you to create your own journey tailored exactly to your requirements Once you have formulated your ideas, or if you require some general or specific advice, please call us on 01892 515966 or simply send your ideas to pettitts@btconnect.com. On receipt of your enquiry we will provide you with a full written quotation together with our suggestions and recommendations.
A Guide to Price – CLASSICAL LIBYA
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is from £3,140. All prices are per person and are based on a minimum of TWO persons travelling together and sharing a twin bedded room with meals as indicated. If you wish to travel alone we will be pleased to assist you with your arrangements and can provide a proposal on request.
Note: Meal Basis (N) = No Meal; (B) = Breakfast; (L) = Lunch; (D) = Dinner
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