|
Day
1: Arrive Tripoli
Ahlaan wasahlaan “Welcome” to Libya – we
are warmly welcomed and after clearing Custom and Immigration,
we are met at the exit gate and transferred to our hotel.
The drive gives us our first glimpse into the life of
the people
who live in the capital city.
Overnight: Kabir Hotel, Tripoli (1 night) (D)
Day 2: Tripoli / Benghazi (Flight)
Our Libyan experience starts with a tour of Tripoli, founded
by the Phoenicians in 1000 B.C. and later conquered by the
Romans. Our tour of this beautiful metropolis covers the huge
fortress, the National Museum, the old souq and the Islamic
quarters. Later in the day we are transferred to the airport
for our short flight to the second largest and most beautiful
city of Libya, Benghazi. Upon arrival in Benghazi we are met
and transferred to our hotel. Evening we enjoy a typical dinner
at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Uzo Hotel, Benghazi (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 3: Benghazi/El Beyda (Drive 210kms/130miles)
Our day starts with a tour of this beautiful resort city of
Libya. The second largest city of the Jamariya houses a spectacularly
maintained War cemetery (Libya played a major role in the North
African Korps). We see the old town with its artistically designed
buildings, and colourful souq. Benghazi also offers us the
opportunity to meet the Libyan folks and enjoy tea with very
friendly people who have lived history in the making for several
thousand years. An interesting drive along the eastern coast
gets us to the small town of El Beyda. El Beyda might not be
much in terms of tourism, but it is the best base for those
exploring the great ruins of Cyrene, Apollonia, and Slonta.
It also has a number of colonial-style buildings, as well as
an Islamic university. The religious importance of El Beyda
harks back to the Sanussiyy movement that has had a formative
impact on modern Libya.
Overnight: Loloat Jabel Hotel, El Beyda (2 nights) (B, L, D)
Day 4: Cyrene & Apollonia
Our journey today starts with a visit to the World Heritage
Site of Cyrene. The city was part of the 1st century five city
state of Pentapolis and was second in size only to Athens.
Cyrene was founded by the Greeks in 631 B.C. and was later
occupied by the Romans and then the Arabs. We also visit the
famous temples of Zeus and Apollo and after lunch we visit
incredible Apollonia (Sousa), which was the port of Cyrene
and is located 20 kms/12 miles to the north. Here our visit
includes a detailed visit of the majestic Theatre, the Roman
baths as well as the Byzantine palace. (B, L, D)
Day
5: El Beyda / Qasr Libya / Benghazi (Drive 210kms / 130miles)
/ Tripoli
(Flight)
A morning drive through Jabel Akhdar gets us to Qasr Libya
where we visit an interesting museum that houses more than
50 pieces of mosaic artifact fragments dating back to the
6th century AD. Our next stop is Ptolemais, the former
capital
of Pentapolis, offering today remains of palaces, theatres,
Bouleterion and a 3rd century bridge. Lunch at a local
restaurant and then we have some free time in Benghazi
before we are transferred
to the airport for our flight to Tripoli. At Tripoli we
are met and transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Kabir Hotel, Tripoli (3 nights) (B, L, D)
Day 6: Leptis Magna
The highlight of any journey to Libya is visiting the renowned
World Heritage Site of Leptis Magna located east of Tripoli.
From a Berber settlement it became an important community
when it was established as a city by the Canaanites and
reached
its climax under the rule of Roman Emperor Septimus Severus.
We visit the vast site including the Triumphal Arch, huge
Basilica, Forum, Public Baths, Hippodrome, and Amphitheater
etc. Lunch
will be at the local restaurant at the site before returning
to Tripoli. (B, L, D)
Day 7: Sabratha
Amongst all the coastal sites, Sabratha stands out as the
most beautiful. A World Heritage Site, Sabratha was founded
by the
Canaanites (6th c. B.C.), ruled by Carthage, Phoenicia,
Numedia and then Rome in 46 B.C. The site offers a majestic
collection
of public buildings, arenas, temples of Liber Peter, Srapis,
Isis, and Hercules. Tripoli “ Oea“ (the bride)
of the Mediterranean is the capital of Libya. (B, L, D)
Day 8: Depart Tripoli
Morning transfer to the airport for our departure flight
after what will have been a wonder trip to see and experience
the
wonders of Libya. (B)
|
