LIBYA - FROM SIWA TO GHADAMES
A cultural tour of Egypt, Libya & Tunisia

This is a journey into one of the most archaeologically and culturally rich areas in the world. Our tour includes 4 World Heritage Sites in addition to highlights such as Alexandria, the Oasis of Siwa, Second World War cemeteries dedicated primarily to those who fought in the battles between the Allied troops and the armies of General Rommel, as well as an optional extension to Algeria. This is an interesting experience of the ancient, medieval and current history of mankind combined with the gracious hospitality of the North African-Arab people from the cities and the oasis.

Day 01 (SAT): Arrive Cairo
Ahlan wa sahlan! (Welcome in Arabic) We are warmly received at Cairo Airport and transferred to our hotel. En-route we see the hustle and bustle that has made Cairo what it is. (Pre-tour Cairo/Egypt optional tour available)
Overnight: Pyramisa Hotel, Cairo (1 night) (D)

Day 02 (SUN): Cairo/Alexandria (Drive 220kms / 136miles)
Our journey begins with a scenic drive to the historical city of Alexandria, where we visit the newly opened Bibliothek. At the beginning of the 3rd Century B.C. the ancient city of Alexandria was the birthplace of the Bibliotheca Alexandria. The library and its vast storehouse of learning were destroyed in a fire that ravaged Alexandria. A new library was opened at the same location, endowing the world once again with an important focal point for culture, education and science. We then visit the Greco Roman Museum, the Catacombs, Pompey’s Pillar, Montazah Garden, the Citadel of Qaitbay and the Roman Amphitheater. Evening is free to experience the souq of this ancient city.
Overnight: Sofitel Cecil Hotel, Alexandria (1 night) (B, D)

Day 03 (MON): Alexandria/Siwa (Drive 580kms / 362miles)
The enchanting Mediterranean coastline takes us to Al Alamein, scene of the historic Allied victory during World War II. We visit the Commonwealth War Cemetery, to pay homage to the many people who gave up their lives in the war effort. An interesting desert drive takes us to the historical oasis of Siwa that was, during Alexander’s times, as important a site as Delphi.
Overnight: Paradise Hotel, Siwa (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 04 (TUE): Siwa
Our day of exploration of Siwa includes the Oracle of Amun, Jabel Al-Mawta, Cleopatra’s Bath, Shali City, Fatnis Island, Birket Siwa and the traditional Siwan House Museum. It is in Siwa that Alexander, around 331 B.C., was deemed a god by the oracle Jupiter Ammon. Evening we have time to mingle with the desert folks and enjoy the Oasis fervor. (B, D)

Day 05 (WED): Siwa/Mersa Matruh (Drive 298kms / 183miles)
After an awe-inspiring experience at this remote oasis and encounters with the beguiling local Berbers, we head northwards to the Mediterranean Sea resort of Mersa Matruh. Balance of the day is free to enjoy both the silver sand beach and a stroll through the town. Mersa Matruh offers a town that is very different from the large metropolitan Cairo and Alexandria.
Overnight: Beau Site Hotel, Mersa Matruh (1 night) (B, D)

Day 06 (THU): Mersa Matruh/Tobruk (Drive 323kms / 199miles)
Today we cross to Tobruk, a Libyan port famous for the British victory over the Italians in January of 1941. The battle demonstrated Italian incompetence and prompted Hitler to send his famed Afrika Korps to help battle the British. We visit the very well maintained World War II cemetery, where we pay respect to the many soldiers who died in Tobruk.
Overnight: Al-Maseerah Koubrah Hotel, Tobruk (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 07 (FRI): Tobruk/El Beyda (Drive 242kms / 150miles)
Driving along the coastal stretch, we visit the old quarters at Derna, before heading for Lathrun to visit the remains of a Byzantine church and a Greek Necropolis by the shore. After a sumptuous picnic lunch, we depart for Ras Hilal to see another ancient Byzantine church. We end the day in El Beyda.
Overnight: Loloat Jabel Hotel, El Beyda (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 08 (SAT): Cyrene & Apolloniua
Today we have an in-depth visit to the World Heritage Site of Cyrene. The city was part of the 1st century Pentapolis, a “Five-city state” that was second in size only to Athens. It was founded by the Greeks in 631 B.C. and later occupied by the Romans followed by the Arabs. Here we also visit the famous temple of Apollo. After lunch we visit Apollonia (Sousa), which was the port of Cyrene and is located 20kms/12 miles to the north. Our detailed visit includes the majestic Theatre, the Roman baths and the Temple of Slonta. (B, L, D)

Day 09 (SUN): El Beyda/Qasr Libya/Benghazi (Drive 210kms / 130 miles)
Our morning drive through Jabel Akhdar gets us to Qasr Libya, where we visit the interesting museum housing more than 50 pieces of mosaic artifact fragments dating back to the 6th century A.D. Next stop is Ptolemais, the former capital of Pentapolis, with its remains of palaces & theatres. We proceed to Benghazi, arguably the most beautiful city in Libya.
Overnight: Uzo Hotel, Benghazi (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 10 (MON): Benghazi/Tripoli (Flight)
Morning transfer to the airport for a flight to Tripoli. Meet & transfer to the hotel. Tripoli “ Oea“ (the bride) of the Mediterranean is the capital of Libya. Founded by the Phoenicians in 1000 B.C. Tripoli was later conquered by the Romans. Our afternoon tour of this beautiful metropolis covers the huge fortress, the National Museum, the Old Souq and the Islamic Quarters.
Overnight: Kabir Hotel, Tripoli (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 11 (TUE): Tripoli
The highlight of any visit to Libya is the World Heritage Site of Leptis Magna. It became important when it was established as a city by the Canaanites and reached its climax under the rule of Roman Emperor Septimus Severus. We will explore the vast site including the Triumphal Arch, huge Basilica, Forum, Public Baths, Hippodrome, Amphitheater etc. (B, L, D)

Day 12 (WED): Tripoli/Nalut/Ghadames (Drive 630kms / 389miles)
Today we head south to the Saharan oasis of Ghadames. En route, we stop at the “ghost town” of Nalut, located high in the Nafusa Mountains. Nalut offers insights into the traditional life styles of the locals used until the Libyans found the rich oil, enabling them to move from caves to concrete structures. After a tour of Nalut, we head further south towards the immense Sahara Desert. Lunch is at a romantic oasis in the middle of nowhere.
Overnight: Waha Hotel, Ghadames (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 13 (THU): Ghadames
This oasis was settled from prehistoric times and was a major port of call for the traders and pilgrims en route to Mecca. Ghadames is a beautiful desert town that has retained its original culture, visible in the narrow lane streets lined with mud bricked architecture. Our tour will cover both the old ghost town and the desert sand dunes. In the evening we witness the desert sunset, depending on the weather. (B, L, D)

Day 14 (FRI): Ghadames/Tripoli (Drive 630kms / 389 miles)
After the interesting Saharan experience, we proceed to Kabaw, a village with old houses. We also visit the ghurfas, grain stores built by the local Berbers, located at the very top of the village, followed by a visit to Tormisa to see incredible cave structures. Finally we visit the pottery market at Gharian before our return to Tripoli.
Overnight: Kabir Hotel, Tripoli (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 15 (SAT): Tripoli/Djerba/Tunis (Drive & Flight)
Amongst all of Libya’s many archaeological sites, Sabratha stands out as the most majestic. A World Heritage Site, Sabratha was founded by the Canaanites (6th Century B.C.), ruled by Carthage, Phoenicia, Numedia and then Rome in 46 B.C. The site offers a majestic collection of public buildings, arenas, the temples of Liber Peter, Srapis, Isis and Hercules. This site is grand and ancient, the perfect conclusion to Libya. Next we enter Tunisia where our transfer takes us to the Djerba airport to connect with a short flight to Tunis, the capital. (Possible extension available for those wishing to spend time at Djerba). Upon arrival in Tunis we are met and transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Abou Nawas El Mechtel Hotel, Tunis (1 night) (B, D)

Day 16 (SUN): Depart Tunis
The morning is free to visit the local souq and medina. After an awesome journey from Cairo to Tunis, all overland, we are transferred