This comprehensive journey into the past takes us along Libya's glorious Mediterranean coast where we visit the country's premiere ancient Phoenician, Greek, and Roman archaeological sites. As many of these sites are among the very best in the Mediterranean, this journey is a must for those with a love of classical architecture and an interest in ancient history. Our informative guides ensure we get the most form each site, and since Libya sees relatively few tourists we will most likely have these sites entirely to ourselves. During this trip we also spend time enjoying the beauty of the Jebel Akhdar (the Green Mountains), Libya's most verdant region, and the warm Mediterranean waters.

Day 1, Tripoli: Meet at Djerba airport and transfer overland to Tripoli.

Day 2, Tripoli: Guided tour of Libya's historic capital. Visit the medina, Castle, Jamahiriya Museum (which houses impressive collections of statues, mosaics and artefacts form Libya's classical sites), Gurgi Mosque, Roman Arch of Marcus Aurelius, and Gazelle Fountain.

Day 3, Leptis Magna: A full day to explore these splendid Roman ruins. Includes a visit to the museum and an informative guided tour of the site. Evening drive to Misrata. Day 4, Drive to Benghazi: A long drive across the coast to beautiful Benghazi, Libya's second largest city. Stop en route to see the reservoirs of the Great Man Made River Project.

Day 5, Benghazi: A full day to explore this modern, yet historic city, founded by the Greeks. Originally called Eusperides, it may well be the site of the legendary Garden of Hesperides. Guided tour of the city. See the tomb of freedom fighter, Omar al-Mukhtar, and the Traditional House Museum.

Day 6, Tocra, Tolmeita, Qsar Libya, Slonta: Morning visit to the ancient Greek sister-cities of the Tocra and Tolmieta, both charmingly situated overlooking the Mediterranean. See the Turkish fort at Tocra, and the Monumental Street and Hellenistic Palace at Tolmeita. Afternoon drive through the picturesque Green Mountains to Ras el-Hilal. Stop en route to see the fine collection of mosaics recovered from a Byzantine Church at Qsar Libya (which include the only known depiction of the Pharos Lighthouse at Alexandria), and the exquisitely carved pre-Islamic temple at Slonta.

Day 7, Cyrene: A full day to explore this ancient city, which is the largest and the most impressive of Libya's Greek sites. Informative guided tour and visit to the museum.

Day 8, Green Mountains: A day in the mountains. Discover hidden waterfalls and sweet-water lagoons. Swim in the Mediterranean at Ral el-Hilal.

Day 9, Apollonia: Morning tour of this lovely coastal city built by the Greeks as a port for Cyrene. Visit the rock-hewn amphitheatre, baths, and four Byzantine Churches. Relax and enjoy a traditional Liybian lunch served in an open tent in the Green Mountains before returning to Benghazi.

Day 10, Drive to Tripoli: A long drive back across the coast to Tripoli, where we relax for the evening.

Day 11, Tripoli: A free day for shopping, sightseeing, and generally soaking in the ambience of Libya's capital.

Day 12, Sabratha and Djerba: A short drive to the Roman city of Sabratha. Half day guided tour of this splendid site, including the museum. Continue on to Djerba for an evening of relaxation in a traditional hotel.

Day 13, Djerba: Transfer to Djerba airport. Accommodation: 12 nights hotels Transportation: Minibus Group Size: 10-20 persons Meals: Western-style and traditional Libyan - where possible a choice is offered.

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