Ancient World tours

	Sites The enormous archaeological sites of Libya take some exploring! On this tour, we visit all the major sites including the Red Fort and National Museum and Leptis Magna. The world heritage oasis of  Ghadames is an architectural gem famed the world over. We end with Apollonia, Cyrene, Qasr Libia, Sabratha and Ptolamais.

Day 1– London/Tripoli

We fly London Heathrow with British Airways to Tripoli. On arrival we will transfer to the el-Khan Hotel or similar in the centre of Tripoli for three nights on room and breakfast basis.

Day 2 – Tripoli City

Today we explore the city itself taking time to visit the National Museum, located within the Red Fort. Occupying a site that dates back to the Roman occupation of the 1st century AD, the museum is home to a rich wealth of artefacts that encompass the Phoenician, Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Muslim periods of the city’s fascinating history. Later we will explore the bustling alleyways and narrow lanes of the souk and the Old Town, taking in the eclectic clash of cultures that has helped to form Libya’s engaging capital. (B)

Day 3 – Leptis Magna A drive east along the Mediterranean coast will take us to Leptis Magna. The UNESCO Heritage Site of Leptis Magna contains, without doubt, the most extensive Roman remains in Africa. Buried beneath the desert sands for centuries, these spectacularly preserved and magnificent ruins represent the zenith of Roman rule in North Africa. You will spend today exploring these grandiose remains, visiting its excellent museum and touring the baths, temples and magnificent amphitheatre. Little about Leptis is understated and it offers a unique insight into the power and wealth of the Roman Empire under Septimus Severus, following the Roman conquest of the city after the third Punic War. From the imposing opulence of the Severan Arch, to the gladiatorial ‘circus’, it is a city that exudes majesty and power. (BL)

Day 4 – Ghadames

Today we will head west towards the Tunisian border to visit the atmospheric town of Ghadames, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an oasis of twisting alleys and courtyards that evokes the true romance of the desert. We spend today driving across an ageless landscape of arid desert, travelling via the Berber settlements of Tarmeisa and Kabaw, en route to this hidden treasure. On arrival we will check-in to the beautiful Dar Ghadames Hotel for two nights. (BD)

Day 5 – Pearl of the Desert

Known as the ‘Pearl of the Desert’ and one of the oldest pre-Saharan cities, Ghadames was an important stop for the caravans and pilgrims crossing the harsh desert terrains of Saharan Africa during the 18th century. Its vital role as a staging post along this well travelled route saw it grow to become an important trading post for the merchants from the north and the slavers from the south. We visit the museum and walk through the labyrinthine streets of the picturesque old town. Late this afternoon we journey out into the desert, to watch the surrounding Saharan dunes bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun. (BD)

Day 6 – Benghazi

We return by road to Tripoli, in time for a late afternoon flight to Benghazi. On arrival we transfer and check-in to Tibesti Hotel or similar for one night. (B)

Day 7 – Apollonia

A morning drive to Apollonia. This afternoon we visit the magnificent remains of Apollonia, nestling besides the glittering waters of the Mediterranean and once the capital of Upper Libya. Along with nearby Cyrene this was one of the five important ‘Pentapolis’ cities, serving as Cyrene’s port before eclipsing its neighbour following its destruction in 115 AD. We will check-in to the Al Manara Hotel close to the site. (BD)

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DEPARTURE DATE Thu 14th Jan 2010 (Note: - 2010) TOUR CODE AWDL140110 Basic Holiday Price: £2,365 Single Supplement: £400 Club Class Upgrade: £950 Land Only Discount: £240 Club Class is available only on International sectors. Meals As indicated B/L/D = Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner as indicated on the daily itineraries.  Book tour

Day 8 – Cyrene

Today we head off to Cyrene, set amidst the lush, pine covered slopes of the Jebel Akhdar highlands. Second only to Leptis in archaeological importance, the city was founded by the Greeks, going on to become one of the largest cities in Africa by the 5th century BC. The city’s fall from grace began following its absorption into the Roman Empire in 74 BC, after which the Jewish population found itself increasingly marginalised, resulting in violent riots that saw its population decimated under the rule of the Emperor Trajan. Today its extensive remains present a quite extraordinary archaeological site, reflecting the influences of its Greek, Roman and Egyptian rulers. (BLD)

Day 9 – Qasr Libia/Ptolamais

Today we return to Benghazi, travelling via Qasr Libia, ancient Olbia where the small museum is famed for the collection of superbly preserved mosaics that once decorated the floors of two nearby Byzantine churches. We also visit the impressive Greek city of Ptolamais in its magnificent setting on the coast with its massive underground water storage system and fine museum. On arrival in Benghazi we will take a look at the WWII cemetery. Overnight at the Tibesti Hotel. (BD)

Day 10 – Sabratha

We take an early morning flight to Tripoli. On arrival we drive out of the city to the spectacular remains of Sabratha, a once thriving trading centre under the Carthaginians. Sabratha went on to achieve fame as one of the great cities of the Roman Tripolitania. The city reached the height of its prosperity and importance during the Roman era, growing rich from the gold, ivory and slave caravans that travelled to the city from the sub Saharan lands of central Africa. After our visit we will return to Tripoli and check-in to the el-Khan Hotel or similar for our last night in Libya. (B)

Day 11–Tripoli/London

A free morning before we depart for London on our British Airways flight in the afternoon. (B)

Expert: Salima Ikram of the American University in Cairo is a specialist on Classical and Near Eastern archaeological method and practice and is a  familiar face from many a TV programme on the glories of Egypt. She has excavated extensively in the Western Desert. We are delighted that Salima is able to join us for the first week of this tour