Highlights of Libya(Trip #60574)

Tour Overview

Ancient Legacies
Once a vital outpost for trans-Saharan trade, the ruins of coastal Sabratha are the starting point for your explorations of many fascinating ancient sites in Libya. Next you travel to the Jabal Nafusa area to Gharyan. This area is renowned throughout Libya for its spectacular landscapes, dotted among which are many old Berber villages, fortified granaries and troglodyte homes. You will take a day to explore these before you travel back to the coast.

Coastal Treasures
First you travel to Ptolomais before exploring Apollonia and the ruins of the Greek city of Cyrene. Cyrene has a rugged beauty, complemented by stunning Mediterranean views and wild flowers in spring. Continuing to Tripoli the sights of the capital of Libya await, before the highlight of your journey - the magnificent ruins of Leptis Magna, one of Roman Africa's most important cities. Here you can explore the amphitheatre dating from 56 AD and the Hadrianic Baths, one of the largest bathhouses built outside Rome itself.

Responsible Travel
The grassroots nature of this trip provides employment for countless Libyan people, while the money generated from our visits to siteslike Leptis Magna helps future preservation.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1
Join trip Tripoli

Day 2
Visit Sabratha; drive to Gharyan

Day 3
Visit Berber villages, citadels & troglodyte homes; fly to Benghazi

Day 4
Visit Ptolomais; drive to Al Bayda

Day 5
Cyrene & Apollonia

Day 6
Fly to Tripoli; city sightseeing

Day 7
Visit Leptis Magna

Day 8
Trip ends in Tripoli

Departure Dates

15/03/2008
29/03/2008
05/04/2008
13/09/2008
25/10/2008
04/04/2009
11/04/2009
12/09/2009
24/10/2009

Prices

Date: Base Price
15/03/2008: £1149
29/03/2008: £499
05/04/2008: £549
13/09/2008: £499
25/10/2008: £499
04/04/2009: £569
11/04/2009: £569
12/09/2009: £549
24/10/2009: £549

Local payment: $300 USD

Single Room Option: £120
Insurance: £35

Trip Information

Trip Essentials
Graded easy. Libya's tourist infrastructure is still developing. There are some long drives but roads are generally of a good standard.

Transport & Accommodation
Charter bus, internal flight
Hotels (7nts)
7 breakfasts

Frequently Asked Questions
How fit do I have to be?
This is a tough expedition-style trip for the adventurous traveller. Anyone in good health should be able to take part, as an ability to cope with long journeys in a harsh environment, rather than physical fitness is required. Desert tracks are rough and although we provide all necessary camping equipment, conditions are basic, with limited facilities.

When am I free to do my own thing?
There are several opportunities - for example free time to explore Tripoli and Ghadames.

Do I need a visa?
Holders of UK & IRL passports do require a visa. In order to process your visa, Libyan consular services require a translation of your passport into Arabic, however this can usually be easily arranged through one of the London visa agencies. Other EU nationals should contact us for information. Nationals of all other countries should contact their local embassy or consulate.

What are the rules relating to the consumption of alcohol?
Alcohol is strictly prohibited in Libya and there are severe penalties if you are caught attempting to bring it into the country.

What is the dress code?
As in any Moslem country, tight or skimpy clothing is not appropriate. Lightweight and baggy cotton clothing is best for desert travel. Libya is a traditional country and shorts / halter neck or sleeveless tops are not acceptable. Both men and women will find a headscarf useful, as desert travel is dusty.