Program details
Cyrenaica Tour Libya
Duration: from 9 Days
Fantastic tour to explore the ancient Phoenician, Greek and Roman ruins of Tripolitania, including visits to Tripoli's Old Medina and its bustling market life, magnificent Leptis Magna, and Sabratha and its colossal theater. You will be accompanied by a local guide during your tour, to make sure everything proceeds according to plan. This tour gives you an introduction to the many different cultures and landscapes of Libya, particularly the archaeological sites of Cyrenaica and Tripolitania. This tour can be modified to include a few days extra to visit the Sahara's Ubari lakes or any other desired site.
Day 1
the Old City
Tripoli: after arrival at Tripoli airport you will be met by your guide, complete the entry formalities, and drive to the city centre for the hotel.
Day 2
tripoli view from the sea
Tripoli: morning visit to Assaraya Alhamra Museum, then the Old City, and the Arch of Marcus Aurelius. Dinner in a traditional restaurant, free time, then return to the hotel for the night.
Day 3
benghazi view from across the lake
Benghazi - Tokra - Apollonia: today you will fly to Benghazi, to start your tour of green Cyrenaica - the home of the Pentapolis: Berenice, Taucheira, Ptolemais, Cyrene and Apollonia. Your first stop will be Teucheira (Tokrah), before continuing towards Apollonia for the night.
Day 4
the temple of Zeus in Cyrene: massive columns
Cyrene: after visiting the archaeological site in Apollonia, you will drive to Cyrene: the capital city of the Pentapolis; beautifully set amidst the verdant hills of the Green Mountain, with spectacular views across the hills. Cyrene was founded around 630 BC, and within a short span of time became one of the wealthiest cities in the whole region. The main sites of interest include: the colossal Temple of Zeus (right), the rock-cut tombs of the city?s necropolis, the Forum, the Temple of Apollo, the Agora, and Cyrene Sculpture Museum. Return to Apollonia for the night, or stay in Cyrene's Apollo Resort. (We recommend the 4-star Al-Manara Hotel in Apollonia.)
Day 5
Qasr Libya - Benghazi - Tripoli: morning drive to Qasr Libya to see some of the finest mosaic on display before heading back to Benghazi Airport for the evening flight to Tripoli, transfer to the hotel.
Apollonia
Day 6
Berber castle, qasr al-haj in Libya's western mountain
Qasr Alhaj: today you will drive to Qasr Alhaj, in Jabal Nafousa, where you will visit the catacomb-like traditional Berber fortified granary. These castles were built from mud bricks, palm wood (for doors), and ropes. They usually consist of several floors, built in a circular fashion with a main door as an entrance to the castle. They were originally built to store the grains and oil for the families making up the village. Drive up the mountain towards Yefren, then continue to Gharyan for the night.
Day 7
Leptis Magna theater
Leptis Magna: leaving the mountain, you will drive to Leptis Magna, the most complete and preserved Roman city in the world - a truly wonderful place to see and the most sought tourist destination in Libya. This is the home of the Berber Septimius Severus, who went on to become the first African Emperor of ancient Rome. There is so much to see here, including the beautiful Amphitheatre, the Museum, the colonnaded street, the Severn Forum, decorated with the magical Gorgon heads, and the Hadrian Baths among other places.?Night in Leptis Magna.
Day 8
sabratha theater
Sabratha: today you will visit the archaeological city of Sabratha: the home of the stunning 2nd century colonnaded theatre - the most complete Roman theater in the world, the Mausoleum of Bes, the Temples of Antoninus and Zeus, the Court of Justice, the Roman Forum, and Sabratha Museum. Return to Tripoli for the night.?
Day 9
Libya
Tripoli: more time to explore the capital city of Libya, shopping in the souks of the Old