We have need to leave the airport before 15:00 to still visit Sabratha
After arrival continue to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sabratha, originally founded in the 4th century BC. It later fell under Greek influence before Rome took hold in the 1st century AD. The most spectacular monument is the Theatre, featuring 108 Corinthian columns rising to a height of twenty metres above the stage.
Below the stage you will see marble friezes depicting mythological figures including, inter alia, the Three Graces, the Judgement of Paris and the Nine Muses. We also see the Punic Mausoleum of Bes, the Temple of Antoninus, the Temple of Zeus, the Court of Justice and the great Roman Forum. (Museum can be closed)
Today, we leave Tripoli and drive into the Berber heartland of the Jabal Nafusa. Our first stop will be at Qasr al-Haj to visit the most beautiful Berber granary qasr (castle) in Libya, and its no wonder that Dan Cruickshank chose this imposing 13th century fortress, circular in build, as one of the Worlds 80 Greatest Treasures in his recent BBC TV series. We continue to Nalut, and then to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ghadames, known as the Jewel of the Sahara, where we stay for two nights. Overnight in Ghadames.
Entering via the ancient gateway of Bab al-Burr, today we explore the labyrinthine streets and enclosed passages of Ghadames old town, once inhabited by the tribes of the Bani Wazid and the Bani Walid. Renowned for its distinctive architecture, we visit the various small squares, the old mosque and a madrasa (Koranic school), see the fruit and vegetable gardens and view the ancient system of irrigation. Lunch(included) will be taken in a richly decorated traditional house in the age-old manner, sitting on the floor eating from dishes. We climb on to the roof of the house to see where the women, forbidden to wander the streets alone, would use the rooftops as a thoroughfare. We also visit Ghadames Museum with its historical and ethnographic displays.
Later in the afternoon, we climb aboard four-wheel drive vehicles to visit Ras al-Ghoul (Summit of the Ghost), the remains of an ancient Roman fort before heading for the sand dunes of the Grand Erg Oriental, bordering the countries of Libya, Algeria and Tunisia to watch the sunset. Overnight in Ghadames.
Leaving Ghadames, head back into the Jabel Nafusa to visit another ancient qasr at Kabow before driving to the abandoned village of Tormisa with its stunning cliff top views. Continue to Gharyan to visit a troglodyte house and the pottery stalls for which the town is famous. Road mileage today: 570kms Overnight in Tripoli.
Full day excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Leptis Magna, the largest and best-preserved Roman city in the world that came to prominence in the 2nd century AD under its native son, the Emperor Septimus Severus. Following his reign, the city fell into decline until revived by the Emperor Justinian in the 5th century AD at which time it fell under Byzantine rule. The vast site is truly spectacular: the sites include the triumphal Arch of Septimus Severus, the Hadrianic Baths complex, the Palaestra (Athletics Ground), the Nymphaeum (Temple of Nymphs), the huge Imperial Forum, the Basilica, the Arches of Tiberius and Trajan, the Theatre with its beautiful backdrop against the Mediterranean Sea, the Sanctuary of the Divine Emperors, and the Market with its unique kiosks which, at the time of construction, were a groundbreaking design in the Roman world.
In the eastern section of Leptis Magna we will see the Circus and enormous Amphitheatre with seating for over 15,000 spectators. We will visit the vast arena, and see the gladiators anterooms and animal enclosures. En route back to Tripoli, if open a visit will be made to the 2nd century Villa Sileen, the home of a wealthy Byzantine that was discovered in 1974. The wall paintings portray scenes such as gladiatorial combat and chariot racing while the mosaics display river scenes that include sea nymphs, birds and animals. Overnight in Tripoli. Road mileage today: 280 km.
We start the tour by visiting Tripoli, known as the White Bride of the Mediterranean. The walled old town of Tripoli encloses, arguably, the most charming medina in all of North Africa. After lunch in an old town restaurant, well explore the warren of streets and alleyways, including the bustling souks, each devoted to a different trade, the historic house of the 18th century governor Karamanli, c, the 16th century Dragut Mosque, burial place of the famous pirate of that name, the 19th century Gorgi Mosque, the 18th century former British Consulate, the former Turkish Prison, now a school, St. George Orthodox Church, the 19th century Ottoman clock tower and the sole surviving building of Roman Oea, the 2nd century Arch of Marcus Aurelius.
Transfer to the airport.
Tekst
This trip is available
Don’t forget to apply for your visa.
More information
These accommodations have been visited by our travel specialists and give an impression of where you will stay during this trip. Because we can deliver 100% customization, it is always possible to adjust it to your wishes!
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our Libya Travel Agent department:
1. Deposit for all Tours:
25% of your tour price shall be paid after you confirm the scheduled tour and would like us to make necessary reservations to ensure your tour commences as expected.
All other services must be paid full amount.
2. Full Payment for all Tours:
Full payment shall be paid 30 days before your tour starts.
Note: Always name your transaction number, your name and tour name with a booking.
3. Pay by Bank Transfer
If you pay by bank transfer, the transfer charge is on your own.
Note that it usually takes about 5-7 working days for the payment to arrive.
Libya is still a country in the process to stability, and this process takes time. We updated our selfs daily with the latest ground information specially the areas we travel and of the hotels that we book.
Our guides are focused on the safety of our clients during their tour-/excursions.
We prevent tours to areas that are deemed to be dangerous and not safe.
Travelers should make their own judgement on the expected safety.
We advise all tourists that travel to Libya, to be well prepared, and informed on the safety conditions of that moment and what to be expected. Travel insurance is to be advise. Travelers should make their own judgement on the expected safety.
Yes, you need a Visa to enter West Libya. You will receive from us an invitation letter with sponsor documents. With these documents you can apply online through www.evisa.gov.ly.
We have also a visa service were we apply for you. Please check our page www.tourslibya.com/libya-tourist-visa
Each group is accompanied by an English-speaking tour leader. At the highlights of Sabratha, Ghadames, and Leptis Magna, an English-speaking site expert will guide you through the monuments.
The tour leader coordinates the program, while our site expert provides in-depth background information about each specific site.
We have included 4 star hotels where it is possible.
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+31 6 57 54 12 05
info@tourslibya.com
Abu Kamash road, Zuwarah, Libya
