This remarkable journey takes you from the bustling souks of Tripoli to the quiet whitewashed streets of Ghadames; from the palm-fringed desert lakes of Ramlat Dawada to the rugged Akakus Mountains and immense sand seas deep in the Sahara desert. You will also see old villages and mosques, the remains of the Garamantian civilisation, some of Libya's finest Neolithic rock-art, and a crater lake. We return to the coast to visit the impressive ruins of Leptis Magna and Sabratha, both spectacularly situated on the seashore. This journey combines some of Libya's best desert locations with the cream of her Roman archaeological sites, the impressions of which will remain with you long after you leave.

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

Day 2, Tripoli: Guided tour of the city. Includes the Castle, medina, Museum, Gazelle Fountain, Roman Arch of Marcus Aurelius and Gurgi Mosque.

Day 3, Nalut and Ghadames: Journey through the foothills of the Jebel Nafusa mountain range to the small village of Nalut. See the 300 year-old 400 chamber mud-brick ksar crowning the old village, and the even older Alala mosque, which is a fine example of vernacular architecture. Continue on to Ghadames.

Day 4, Ghadames: Spend the day exploring the old town. Visit tiny vacated houses, the historic House Museum, ancient mosques, market places, and gardens.

Day 5, Ghadames to Terkirkiba: A long drive east across the vast mesa-studded plain of the Hamada al Hamra to Terkirkiba, on the edge of the Ramlat Dawada.

Day 6, Lakes of Ramlat Dawada: Travel by 4WD over dunes into Ramlat Dawada. Visit several of the beautiful palm-fringed lakes including Mavo, Gabraoun (where there is an opportunity for swimming), Oum al-Maa, and Mandara.

Day 7, Ghat and Akakus: Journey south-west deep into the Sahara to the Tuareg village of Ghat. The imposing massif of Kaf el Djenoun, believed to be the sacred home of spirits and genies, dominates the horizon as we approach. Visit the old town before continuing on to the Akakus Mountains where we see the monolithic Tuareg "thumb" at Adhad.

Day 8, Akakus: Continue deeper into the Akakus Mountains. See many of the superb Neolithic cave paintings and drawings that are plentiful in the area. If we are lucky, we may even meet up with some of the Tuareg who live there.

Day 9, Akakus and Murzuk Sand Sea: Visit the massive natural rock arch at Afsiger before departing the Akakus Mountains for the towering dunes of the Murzuk sand sea.

Day 10, Murzuk Sand Sea: An early rise for those who wish to scramble up the dunes to catch the sunrise. There is an opportunity for "sand-boarding" or simply relax and enjoy the splendour of this remarkable place. Return to Terkirkiba.

Day 11, Garamantian civilisation and Wadi Mathendush: Visit the "royal" cemetery of the great Garamantian empire that held power in the Sahara for over 1,000 years. Then travel by 4WD to the open-air gallery of Neolithic rock-engravings at Wadi Mathendush where we spend the remainder of the day. Return to Terkirkiba.

Day 12, Murzuk, Zueila, Waw Namus: Journey east across the Sahara to the lunar landscape of Waw Namus, stopping en route at Murzuk to see the castle and charming vernacular mosque, and at Zueila to visit the Islamic tombs of seven of the prophet Mohammad's followers.

Day 13, Waw Namus: Excursion up the volcanic mountain at Waw Namus to see the incredible crater lake in the top. Drive to Sebha.

Day 14, To Misrata via Sirt: Journey back across the desert to Mistara on the coast. Stop en route to see the reservoirs of the Great Man Made River Project.

Day 15, Leptis Magna: A full day excursion to the Roman archaeological site of Leptis Magna. Informative guided tour of the site and visit to the museum. Return to Tripoli.

Day 16, Tripoli: A free day for shopping, sightseeing, and generally soaking in the ambience of Libya's capital.

Day 17, 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 18, Djerba: Transfer to Djerba airport.

Accommodation: 9 nights hotels 8 nights camping (Days 5-12)

Transportation: Minibus / 4WD Group Size: 3-7 persons

Meals: Western-style and traditional Libyan - where possible a choice is offered.

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