15 days / 14 nights

• Be one of the first to explore and discover the hidden gems of Libya!
• Incredible Greek, Roman & Byzantine archaeological sites
• Explore the sites of Cyrene, Apollonia, Sabratha and the Leptis Magna
• Spectacular scenery of the Mediterranean and the vastness of the Sahara
• Explore the oasis of Ghadames with its white-washed mudbrick old town
• 4WD trip into the Sahara to watch the changing colours of the dunes
• Walk through the lively souqs of Tripoli’s medina
• Private dinner at the Old British Consulate
• Travel in the company of just 14 others

Itinerary

Day 01 Australia — Tripoli
Fly with Emirates from Australia via Dubai to Tripoli.
In flight

Day 02 Arrive Tripoli
An A&K welcome to Libya! Transfer to your hotel. Welcome dinner at your hotel this evening (D).
Corinthia Bab Africa Hotel (Executive Club Room)

Day 03 Tripoli — Benghazi
Today fly east to Benghazi. This afternoon visit the souk, the World War II cemetery and the Cultural House (B,L,D).
Tibesti Hotel (Executive Club Room)

Day 04 Benghazi — Ptolemais — Al Bayda
Leave Benghazi and drive to Ptolemais. Founded in the 3rd century BC as a port, Ptolemais became the capital of the province of Libya in the time of Diocletian. Visit the museum housing the four seasons mosaic; the remains of the Arch of Constantine; Columns Palace, the most famous building pf Ptolemais and the complex of the great cisterns. This afternoon takes you west of Al Bayda to Qasr Libya, with one of the best collections of Byzantine mosaics in the country. Rediscovered by local workers in 1957, the mosaics were laid in 529 -40 AD (B,L,D).
Al Manara Hotel (Junior Suite)

Day 05 Cyrene & Appollonia
Today takes you to the City of Cyrene. Founded by the Greeks, Cyrene has had various influences over the centuries from Alexander the Great, the Romans and Byzantines and finally the Arabs. Excavations of both Cyrene and Apollonia started in 1705, however it was not until 1922-24 that the ruins were actually documented. Wander through the ancient city, with its Forum, the Agora with the Tomb of Battus, founder of the city and the Fountain and the Sanctuary of Apollo. This afternoon takes you to ancient port of Cyrene, Apollonia with its well preserved city walls and theatre. Finish your day at the museum with highlights the heritage of this area (B,L,D).
Al Manara Hotel (Junior Suite)

Day 06 Al Bayda — Benghazi — Tripoli
This afternoon fly back to Tripoli where the remainder of your day is at leisure.
Corinthia Bab Africa Hotel (Executive Club Room)

Day 07 Sabratha
This morning travel west of Tripoli to the World Heritage Site of Sabratha. Founded by the Canaanites in the 6th century BC, this ancient Roman city was ruled by Carthage, Phoenicia, Nomadic and then by Rome. Time to explore the ruins and also visit the museum. Return to Tripoli where your afternoon is at leisure. Dinner this evening at Al Sarayya restaurant, overlooking Green Square (B,L,D).
Corinthia Bab Africa Hotel (Executive Club Room)

Day 08 Leptis Magna
Today’s sightseeing takes you east of Tripoli to the spectacular sight of Leptis Magna, also a World Heritage Site, and recognised as the best preserved and most extensive Roman ruins in the Mediterranean. Originally a Berber settlement, the city became a key trading port under the Phoenicians and then conquered by Carthage. The trade of slaves, ivory and precious metals saw the city grow into a great metropolis, before falling into decline and then later abandoned to the encroaching dunes. Return to Tripoli where you are hosted by a Libyan family for dinner (B,L,D).
Corinthia Bab Africa Hotel (Executive Club Room)

Day 09 Tripoli — Kabow — Ghadames
Leave Tripoli and travel to the Saharan oasis of Ghadames. Stop at the old town of Kabow, located high in the Nafusa Mountains. Continue driving south towards the Sahara (B,L,D).
Dar Ghadames

Day 10 Ghadames
Explore this attractive oasis town, located on the edge of the Sahara near the Tunisia and Algeria borders, and once the southern outpost of the Roman Empire. Walk through the old town’s streets lined with white-washed mud brick buildings. Visit the Cultural Museum, an original mud brick house, for a traditional lunch, explore the Mosque and the main square. At sunset travel into the desert to watch the sand dunes changing colour (B,L,D).
Dar Ghadames

Day 11 Ghadames — Nalut — Tripoli
Leave the Sahara and return to Tripoli, stopping enroute at the village of Nalut where you visit the Qasr (fortified granary) built by the local Berbers on a hilltop more than 800 years ago (B,L,D).
Corinthia Bab Africa Hotel (Executive Club Room)

Day 12 Tripoli
This morning walk through Tripoli’s fortified medina and visit the Red Castle fortress. Dominating the skyline of Tripoli, this massive structure is a labyrinth of alleyways, courtyards and houses and a great display of architecture. Your afternoon is at leisure for shopping. Finish your trip with a private dinner at Old British Consulate, built in 1744 it was a private residence of the ruler of Tripoli before serving as the British Consulate until 1940 (B,L,D).
Corinthia Bab Africa Hotel (Executive Club Room)

Day 13 Tripoli — Australia
Today transfer to the airport in time for your onward flight (B).
In flight

Day 14 In Flight

Day 15 Return to Australia

Departure Dates & Prices

Tour Departs: On the following dates

Note: Contact A&K for Business Class Airfare Supplement