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Archaeological tour L4:10days

this tour covers the Phoenicians and Roman cities of the whole coast of libya .a visiting Tripolitania (means 3 cities ) sabratha ,tripoli(oea) and leptis magana in weastern coast and journy to the east of libya to visit Cyrenecia the greek and Roman cities ,cyrene, Apollonia,Tolmeita (Ptolemais) ,Qasr Libya ,World War II battles and more sites in the way

tour itinerary

day 1 :arriving

arriving to the Tripoli airport and be warmly wellcomed by your local

guide and then transfer to your hotel in Tripoli , The remainder of the day is free to explore on your own before meeting with the group for dinner and our orientation meeting. Tripoli overnight stay

day 2 :Tripoli

start sight seeing tour of Tripoli (oea)the capital of libya founded by Phoenicians 1000 B.C .and later conquerd by Romans ,our tour including the national museum , the old souq ,arch of Marcus Aurelius and the Islamic quarters.

day 3 :Sabratha

day 4 :leptis magana

day 5 : Ghirza ,Gharyan

A morning flight takes us from Tripoli to Benghazi and we then drive towards Apollonia. We stop at Tolmeita (Ptolemais) which was founded in the 3rd century BC and was originally a trading center. During the 3rd century AD, it was the capital of the region. Tolmeita is an excellent place to observe the transition of the area from Greek to Roman rule. We see the Byzantine Church, Villa of the Four Seasons (the Medusa mosaic from the villa is now in the museum), the Odeon theatre and the Villa of the Columns. We also see the Western Basilica, the palace, theatre and underground cisterns that are the largest in Northern Africa. We pay a visit to the museum before continuing on to Qasr Libya. Qasr Libya is the site of a 6th century AD Byzantine fort and church and has one of the best collections of mosaics in Libya. A floor of 50 mosaic panels was discovered by Libyan dam workers in 1957. The museum now houses the collection, which includes depictions of the River Gods Geon, Physon, Euphrates and Tigres, as well as the nymph Kastelia of Delphi. Panel # 48 depicts the Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. One of the panels notes, by Byzantine inscription, that the tiles were laid in 339 AD. After time to visit the museum and site of the fort and church, we continue on to Apollonia for our overnight.

day 6 :

We set off this morning to spend the whole day exploring the most important ancient Greek City in North Africa, Cyrene. The city was founded in the 7th century BC by immigrants from the island of Thera in the Aegean Sea. In 332 BC, it was taken over by Greek General Ptolemy I and his dynasty. Then in 96 BC the Romans took over Cyrenaica and it became a Roman province 18 years later. Continuing Cyrenaica’s turbulent past, in 115 AD there was a Jewish revolt that destroyed most of the city. After rebuilding by Emperor Hadrian, Cyrene prospered until the earthquake of 365 AD and yet again, the city was rebuilt. Today, Cyrene is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ancient city remains are on a number of levels and we begin with one of the highlights, the Temple of Zeus, which is currently being restored. We wander in the Sanctuary of Apollo, which holds the Temple of Apollo, the Sacred Fountain and the Fountain of Apollo. In the Agora, we see the Capitoleum, the Sanctuary of Demeter and Kore where there are statues representing the goddesses of fertility, the Tomb of Battus and the Naval Monument. During our exploration of Cyrene we also take in the Acropolis, the Forum, the House of Jason Magus, The Nine Muses and the Necropolis. After a full day, we return to Apollonia for our overnight.

day 7 :

We drive east today along the coast, making our first stop at Kaf Hawafte, the largest cave in North Africa. We stop for a climb to the entrance and a quick look before continuing on to Ras al-Hillal, in the Jebel Akhdar Mountains. We leave our vehicle behind as we set out on foot to the Shalla Ras al-Hillal Waterfall. The scenery in this area is stunning; with the mountains over-looking the bay of Ras al-Hillal. We continue on by foot to an ancient Greek cemetery and the ruins of the church where we have a picnic lunch in this amazing setting. After lunch, we return to the town of Ras al-Hillal for some free time to wander the town or relax on at the small beach. We continue on to Tobruk to arrive early in the evening. Overnight in Tobruk.

day 8 :

We learn about Libya’s more recent history today as we sightsee in Tobruk, the site of important World War II battles. One of the finest seaports on the coast and a trade and transportation center, Tobruk was considered a very important strategic military location and was captured by the Italians in 1911. During World War II, it was captured by the Australians (The Rats of Tobruk) and then was besieged and bombed by the Germans under Erwin Rommel, until relieved by the British in December. It fell to the Germans in June 1942, but was recaptured by the British in November in an offensive launched from Al ‘Alamayn. We visit the World War II cemeteries including The Knightsbridge, Commonwealth, French and German cemeteries. We also see the four lines of concrete trenches that encircled the city, the location of the Australian Fig Tree Hospital and a square in town that holds Rommel’s Operations Room, a small tank, cannon and antiship gun. We return to Apollonia this afternoon. Overnight in Apollonia.

day 9 :

This morning we tour Apollonia “the city of churches”. Established in the 7th century BC, Apollonia was the port of Cyrene and remained so for more than a millennium. Its importance was such that it remained autonomous of Cyrene during the Roman period and even surpassed it as the major city of the region in the 6th century AD. We see the five Byzantine churches, the Roman and Byzantine baths, the Byzantine Duke’s Palace, one of the largest in the area and the remains of the Greek theatre. Before leaving Apollonia, we visit the Museum, which is well worth a short look. Continuing on, we drive to Slonta, site of a mysterious pre-Islamic funerary temple with carvings of strange animal and human-like figures. There is nothing known about the cult or their origins. We arrive late afternoon to Benghazi. This evening we have a special dinner at one of the finest restaurants in Benghazi, with loads of local charm.

day 10 :

This morning, we take a walking tour of Benghazi, the second largest city in Libya, starting in Freedom Square in the old city. In the square we see the Great Mosque and the Old Town Hall. Other sights on our morning walk include the Osman Mosque and the Souq al-Jreed. After lunch, we transfer to the airport for our flight back to Tripoli, to arrive late afternoon. Should time allow, we visit the Sharia Al-Rashid, one of the most colorful markets in Tripoli, where, if you can carry it, it is probably for sale! Overnight in Tripoli.

note that in all our tours will :

Includes:
* Accommodations - 3/4/5 star hotel on a full board basis (all meals)
* Meet and assist at airports
* Transportation
* Water on the bus
* Local guides
* Entrance fees to all sites
* Photography and video camera fees
* Visa authorization

excluded:
* International Airfare
* Snacks and beverages or minibar
* Tips for guide and driver
* Items of a personal nature such phone/fax, laundry, etc.
* Visa fee payable to the Libyan People's Bureau (you will need to get a bank check in your country and send it to us with a copy of your passport)
* Travel Insurance, which we strongly recommend for all of our trips