This historical journey begins in Africa's largest city, Cairo, where we sample the wonders of ancient Egypt before making our way across the North African coast into Libya. You will see (perhaps you are returning to) the places where history was made, where great battles were fought and won, places many only read about. Visit the operations room where the Desert Fox (Rommel) planned his military movements, and see his secret hideout in the Green Mountains of Libya. See Tobruk's famous harbour and visit important WW2 cemeteries and museums. There's also time to relax and enjoy Libya's natural beauty and the splendours of her ancient past. This trip will stir old memories for some, and generate new ones for all. Dr. Fadel Ali Mohamed will accompany us for part of the trip.

Day 1, Cairo: Meet at Djerba airport and transfer to hotel.

Day 2, Cairo: Morning visit to the Egyptian museum. See splendid relics from Egypt's past, including the treasures from Tutankamun's tomb. Afternoon excursion to the enigmatic Sphinx and Great Pyramids at Giza. There is an opportunity for a camel ride into the desert to see the pyramids from the desert side. See the sun set behind these ancient wonders, and the spectacular sound and light show before returning to the hotel.

Day 3, Cairo: Free morning (return to the museum, see Coptic Cairo, or simply wander along the banks of the Nile). Afternoon excursion to the Citadel of Saladin, Mohammad Ali Mosque and the famous Khalili bazaars in Islamic Cairo.

Day 4, Cairo, El Alamein, Mersa Matruh: Morning drive along the Mediterranean coast to El Alamein, historic site of the battle marking the turning point of World War II. Visit the museum and the Commonwealth, German and Italian cemeteries before continuing on to the port of Merse Matruh.

Day 5, Mersa Matruh, Bardia, Tobruk: Visit the Rommel Museum, Cleopatra's Bath, and old railway station. Cross the Libyan border and stop at the coastal town of Bardia to see the splendid mural painted by British soldier, Private John Frederick Brill, during the war. Continue on to Tobruk where we relax for the evening.

Day 6, Tobruk: Morning tour of this important city that lay at the hub of much conflict in WW2. Visit the famous harbour and fascinating WW2 museum where the American B-24 Liberator, the Lady Be Good, recovered from deep in the Libyan Desert is on display. Afternoon visit to the Fig Tree Hospital, a cave where the Australians tended to their wounded during WW2.

Day 7, Tobruk: Morning excursion to the underground headquarters and shelter used by Rommel and Montgomery during WW2. See the operations room where military movements were planned. Afternoon visit to the Commonwealth and German cemeteries.

Day 8, Jaghboub: Day trip into the Sahara to the oasis town of Jaghboub. Much of the town retains its traditional air and there are some examples of 2-storey desert architecture. See the sand dunes and relax by the lake before returning to Tobruk.

Day 9, Derna and Rommel's Hideaway: Morning drive along the Mediterranean coast to Derna. Visit the covered souk and nearby waterfall. Afternoon visit to Rommel's secret residence, hidden in the Green Mountains. Overnight at the Ras el-Hilal coastal resort.

Day 10, Apollonia and Ras el-Hilal: Morning visit to the Greek city of Apollonia, situated right on the Mediterranean. See the rock-hewn amphitheatre, baths, and four Byzantine Churches. Relax and enjoy a traditional Libyan lunch served in an open tent. Free afternoon. Overnight at Ras el-Hilal resort.

Day 11, Cyrene: A full day excursion to Libya's premiere ancient Greek site. Informative guided tour and visit to the museum.

Day 12, Via Slonta, Qsar Libya, Tolmeita, and Tocra to Benghazi: Morning visit to Slonta. See the exquisitely carved pre-Islamic temple. Continue to Qsar Libya to see the fine collection of mosaics recovered from a Byzantine Church. Afternoon visit to the ancient Greek sister-cities of Tolmieta and Tocra. See the Monumental Street and Hellenistic Palace at Tolmeita, and the Turkish fort at Tocra. Continue on to Benghazi.

Day 13, Benghazi: A full day to explore Libya's second largest city. Morning guided tour through the covered alleyways of the medina. See the tomb of freedom fighter, Omar al-Mukhtar, and the Traditional House Museum. Afternoon visit to the Commonwealth and British war cemeteries.

Day 14, Benghazi to Tobruk: See the reservoirs of the Great Man Made River Project before returning to Tobruk via the Green Mountains.

Day 15, Tobruk to Mersa Matruh: Recross the Libyan border and return to Mersa Matruh where we relax for the evening.

Day 16, Mersa Matruh to Cairo: Transfer to Cairo airport.

Accommodation: 16 nights hotels

Transportation: Minibus / Coach

Group Size: 10-20 persons

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

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