Libya Travel and Tours

St James Hospital – Medical Services

admin — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:30:30 +0000

Some people may be wondering if there are any good medical services in Libya while traveling in Libya. Today I had the opportunity to visit the Saint James Hospital in Tripoli. It is a joint project between Malta and Libya – a private hospital offering all types of medical services.

You can find their website www.stjameshospital.com for more information. Telephone numbers are +218-21-7113092 and +218-21-7190843.

The hospital is located in the area of Ban Ashour on the corner of El Ansar Street and El Jerrah Street. This small but fairly modern hospital seems to be a good option for medical emergencies. Pulling from a large number of medical consultants, St James looks to have specialists in most fields.

One other convenient feature is that it has its own pharmacy on the ground floor which makes it easier for filling prescriptions and finding medications.

We hope that our visitors never need this facilities, but we are listing the information for future reference.

Libya Business Visa

admin — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:45:13 +0000

Almost every other day we receive a request from someone looking to come to Libya on a business visa. They see the huge potential that Libya has to offer in the area of business (training, development, investment etc…) and are hoping to establish a presence in the country. These travelers are asking the same questions: Can you offer a business visa from the immigration of Libya and how much does it cost?

Can we offer a business visa?
We have been successfully able to obtain business visas for our clients, however, we have chosen to use a service company to handle these dealings for us. We need to provide them with a scanned copy of your passport, when you are looking to travel, your profession and your fee (refundable if we don’t received the visa). With this information, we can get you the necessary visa for travel.

How much does it cost?
To be honest the actual business visa is very cheap if done directly by a Libyan company for you. They will pay the registration fee locally and you will have to pay the visa fee at the embassy or airport. Since we have decided to use a service company to obtain your business visa, they will charge you for their work, connections and value added. They will insure that you get your visa as requested and deliver it on time. The price of this service varies depending what type of business visa you want. Some people need a one month visa (single entry) while others are looking for a 6 month (multiple entry). The current cost for a visa is:

1 Month Business Visa: $475
3 Month Multiple Entry Visa:$595
6 Month Multiple Entry Visa:$950
Note: This takes 7-10 day and will be sent to the nearest Libyan Embassy
Note: If you want to collect your 1 Month Business Visa upon arrival at the airport the pricing is $755

More than a visa – need help?
Since the business visa can be obtained from our local service providers, we have decided to focus on supporting business clients on the ground. We can provide you with quality hotel accommodations from reliable 3 star to deluxe 5 star. We can also arrange private transportation with driver on a daily basis (we require 24 hrs notice). Let us know if you need any of these services for your business travel to Libya.

“Guides Were Well Trained”

admin — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:36:42 +0000

My highlight was the trip to Benghazi, to visit Cirenaica, and the city. The sites in Cirenaica are beautifully rich in history. Actually I am fascinated about the North Africa history from Roman and Byzantine times. The guides were well trained in history and gave us a good explanation about the sites. The food was good; I still remembered some of the dishes, as couscous, Libyan soup, and beans tajine. The pottery and art craft are very unique and beautiful.

Elena – Romania

Alsawlajan Hotel – Tripoli

Jill — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:43:39 +0000

Hotel Name: Alsawlajan
City of location: Tripoli, Libya
Our Star Level: High 3 star
# of Rooms: 45 rooms
# of Suites: some junior suites
Amenities: TV, AC, refrigerator, showers & bathtubs, blowdryers
Internet: internet available, both wifi and cable
Restaurant: All 3 meals served
Business Center: none

Our Impressions: The Alsawlajan Hotel is a nice option for a higher level 3 star hotel in Tripoli. It is very clean and the staff is friendly. The restaurant up at the top of the hotel has a great view overlooking the beach, and the beach is just a few minutes walk from the front door of the hotel. It’s a brand new hotel, and the decor is simple, but classy. We would highly recommend The Alsawlajan Hotel if you are looking for a nicer 3 star level hotel!

Libya Transportation – Getting Around

admin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:01:40 +0000

Over the past few weeks, we have had a number of people request transportation service. Their main question has been: What types of transportation are available in Libya? From on the ground in Tripoli, we have noticed a huge void in transportation options…but there are a few:

Private Car with Driver
As we have began to explore, we have found a few people that offer the services of car and driver. These are not necessarily companies providing these services, but individuals filling a need. Most of the drivers do not speak much English, however, it is possible to find someone with some English. Pricing for these services really depends on the vehicle that you require but some sample pricing would be:

Standard Sedan: $80 per day (including driver)

Medium Size: $130 per day (including driver)

Mercedes Style 2008: $235 per day (including driver)

VIP: Get a quote

***Half day rates and transfers are not services that they offer***

Self-drive Rental
There are rental car companies that will offer you cars which you can drive. The contract is made in your name and you are liable for the car. Gas is very cheap but driving is crazy! Pricing for these cars depends on the style of car and company…

Public Transportation
For those looking for an adventure, you can easily jump the Black & White Taxis or the big white Taxi Vans – they are fairly cheap but offer a unique experience. We might label it adventure tourism! The taxis are not metered, so make sure you agree on the price before you start.

If you need help arranging transportation while in Libya, please send us an email or contact us via our online form.

Discover This Mysterious Country!

Jill — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:19:34 +0000

In December 2008 I had the privilege to participate in a trip to Libya organized by Libya Travel & Tours. On our tour we covered mainly the Northern part of the country, i.e. Tripoli and the Mediterranean coast. The week turned out to be one of the most impressive travels I have ever been on. Everything was well-organised up front including our visas.

If I was to summarize the week in a few terms it would be:

- excellent, knowledgable, very professional and experienced guide, who was such fun to travel with
- stunning countryside and view points
- breathtaking historical sites
- interesting encounters with welcoming and sociable local people
- high standard hotels with friendly and cooperative staff
- great and varied food
- relaxed shopping with lots of temptations because of the big variety of beautiful handcrafted items

Personally I was so impressed by the amazing Greek, Roman and Byzantine heritage that you can find along the Mediterranean coast of Libya. In the middle of a beautiful and wild sea side landscape we were taken back thousands of years in time reading the names of students in the days of the ancient Greeks, engraved in the ruins of their gymnasiums, walking the impressive triumphal archways of the Roman emperors and getting a taste of Roman every day life by admiring mosaics and looking into the famous steam baths where you can still see the individual seats and imagine the Roman officials resting and maybe debating politics. In Libya you get to see an authenticity of ancient sites that you will hardly be able to find in densely populated European cities and landscapes.

The fun factor also were the local guides who showed us the sites with pride and presented a lot of good detailed knowledge. At the end of the week we were no longer surprised to find out that the guides often were the ones that had actually helped excavating the ancient sites and statues.

At the end my decision was that I had to come back and discover more of this mysterious country and its riches in people, nature and history. My compassion was with the Lybians during the recent times of war and I often thought of the family that had kindly invited us into their home. I am thrilled that now traveling in Libya is possible again and the Libyans are given a chance to present their beautiful country to visitors.

A big thank you to the organizing team of Libya Travel & Tours! I can only recommend traveling with them and wish them the very best for their new branch in Libya!

Ursula

Libya Group Tour – Oct 29

admin — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 07:29:34 +0000

For those looking to join a group to travel to Libya, we are offering our first group tour!

Libya Explorer Tour – 14 Days

Group Size: 6 – 8 People
Level: 3 star
Start Date: Oct 29, 2012
End Date: Nov 11, 2012

Cover Libya from the Sahara to ancient Roman ruins to famous historical cities. Explore the highlands of the Jebel Nafusa (Western Mountains), the inventive architecture of Ghadames, as well as the Libyan desert and salt lakes. Explore the rock art! This two week tour is the perfect for those wanting a comprehensive tour of Libya. Experience more…

Pricing:

Email us for your price today

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: Tripoli (D)

On arrival at Tripoli Airport, you will be met by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel. This is simply an arrival day so you may arrive at any time. Note that hotel rooms are generally only available after midday. Depending on your arrival time, you may have an introductory visity to Tripoli.

Day 2: Tripoli-Jebel Nafusa-Ghadames (B, D)

Leaving Tripoli, you will drive south into the highlands of the Jebel Nafusa (Western Mountains). The barren, rocky mountains are spectacular, with stone villages looking out over the arid plains. You will visit the 700-year-old Qasr of Kabaw where villagers ‘banked’ their grain to trade with caravans heading south into the desert. This is a fascinating and spectacular spot – and largely devoid of tourists! Ghadames is an ancient, UNESCO world Heritage-listed caravan trading town.

Day 3: Ghadames (B, D)

Ghadames is celebrated for its beautiful and inventive architecture, designed to resist the dramatic extremes of the Saharan climate. The houses are built from mud, lime, and palm tree trunks and fit together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. Covered alleyways run between the houses with adjacent roofs, allowing passage from one house to another. You will spend the bulk of the day exploring this charming town, and visit its museum, before heading out into some beautiful desert landscape for afternoon tea in a sea of undulating sand dunes.

Day 4: Ghadames-Nalut (B, D)

At the southern end of the Jebel Nafusa lies Nalut, one of the most fascinating old towns in the region. Built on an escarpment, with superb views to the east, lies an ancient ‘kasr’ or fortified house, more than 300 years old, which was primarily used for storing grain and oil. The kasr is made up of 400 chambers or ‘ghurfas’. You may spend an hour or so exploring the ancient mud-brick ruins before returning to Tripoli.

Day 5: Leptis Magna (B, D)

Today you will visit the outstanding site of Leptis Magna, one of the greatest ancient sites in the world. It was originally a Phoenician trading port, and prospered for nearly 1000 years before vandal invasions and sand storms brought its downfall. In its heyday during the reign of Libyan Emperor Septimus Severus, it was second only to Rome and housed over 100,000 people. This vast city remained buried for some 1300 years, and it wasn’t until the 1920′s that a major excavation by Italian and Libyan archaeologists revealed the limestone and marble wonders that we explore today.

Day 6: Sabratha-Benghazi (B, D)

After a morning visit to a Tripoli museum, we head out to Sabratha. Like Leptis, Sabratha was a Phoenician trading post that served as an outlet for the products of the African hinterland. It was part of the short-lived Numidian Kingdom of Massinissa before being Romanized and rebuilt in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. It is beautifully situated, overloooking the shores of the Mediterranean, and you will spend the morning exploring its splendid theatre, baths, fountains and mosaics. After your visit you will drive to the Tripoli Airport to check in for your flight to Benghazi where upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel for an evening at your leisure.

Day 7: Cyrene, Apollonia-Benghazi (B, D)

You will travel to Cyrene, which was originally a Greek city, but eventually Romanized and remained a significant metropolis until the earthquake of AD 365, which brought it to its knees. Today, its interest lies not only in the many splendid public buildings, which include the Temple of Apollo, Acropolis, Agora, Forum and the Temple of Zeus – but also in its superb setting. Nearby is Apollonia, the ancient port of Cyrene, which played a critical role in its prosperity. Most of what remains today dates from the Byzantine era, when Apollonia was known as the ‘city of churches’. You will spend a full day exploring these two ancient sites.

Day 8: Benghazi-Tripoli-Sebha (B, D)

In the morning you will fly back to Tripoli and later continue on your journey to Sebha. Note that today’s itinerary is dependent on flight schedules and will be confirmed when you arrive in Libya.

Day 9: Germa-Ghat-Aweinat (B, D)

Deep in the interior is Fezzan, home of dramatic mountains, desert lakes and the finest natural rock art in North Africa. Sebha, a modern city, is the largest oasis and the principal metropolis in the Fezzan Region. From here you will drive south to Germa, in 4WD vehicles. Germa is an ancient city, founded by the Garamantes, who belonged to a large Libyan tribe that was experienced in desert travel. Here can be found ancient houses, temples and baths dating back to ancient Egyptian, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. You will then reach the ancient trading center of Ghat, in the heart of the Fezzan, one of the most attractive Libyan oasis towns. It is one of the few permanent Tuareg settlements in the Sahara. You will have time to explore the enchanting mud-brick medina in the heart of the town. The Acacus Mountains can clearly be seen, which provide a natural fortification for this isolated settlement. You will return to the pleasant oasis town of Aweinat, where the night will be spent in simple huts.

Days 10 – 12: Acacus Mountains (B, D)

This Unesco World Heritage listed area is home to some wonderful scenery with several unique natural rock formations enhanced by the ever-shifting sands of the desert. You will camp out in the desert underneath a spectacular blanket of stars. Hidden in the valleys and wadis of the Acacus Mountains lie some of the most outstanding cave paintings in the world. On narrow ledges under cliff faces, you see red and black images of hunting and ritual dances. Two full days will be spent exploring this extraordinary region and camping out under the stars. The following day you make your way back towards Aweinat, and then on to the Ubari Sand Sea where you spend the night at a fixed campsite.

Day 13: Desert Lakes-Tripoli (B, D)

You enter the Ubari Sand Sea where salt lakes, surrounded by lush vegetation, flash like sparkling gems amongst the towering sand dunes. There are around 11 lakes in the region, the largest of which is Lake Gabraoun. You will have time for a swim before making your way back to Sebha Airport to fly back to Tripoli for your final night.

Day 14: Tripoli (B)

Day 14: Tripoli
Your trip ends today after breakfast. If you have arranged a private airport transfer, you will be advised of the pick-up time.

For current pricing, please contact us now!

Tell us about your vacation! How many people are you traveling with? Is this tour right for you? Tell us a little about yourself and let us know any questions you may have about this tour or any other. Our knowledgeable and kind staff is standing by to respond personally to you.

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“A Very Memorable Experience”

admin — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 06:32:59 +0000

My trip to Libya was one of the most enjoyable and interesting trips I have ever taken. My favorite part of the trip was visiting the Roman ruins at Leptis Magna and Sabratha. These spectacular ruins are some of the world’s best preserved Roman archaeological sites and they made it easy to picture what life was like in the Roman empire. A trip to Leptis and Sabratha is a must for any visitor.

I appreciated our Libyan guides who were very friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to answer our questions and show us around their country. Some highlights for me were relaxing with a cup of coffee or tea in the local cafes, watching the evening activities at Green Square, and enjoying the various shopping opportunities from upscale malls to bargaining with street side vendors. Thank you Experience It! Tours (Libya Travel & Tours) for a very memorable experience. I hope to be back again. Steve

Cleaning up the city

admin — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 07:45:39 +0000

Yesterday we went out to visit a client in a hotel downtown near the Martyrs’ square…something was different! All around the square, buildings are being patched, repaired, and painted. New signs are being hung and the city is starting to be repaired. This is a great sign for the future of Libya and travel to Libya, however, there is still a lot of work to be done.

Graffiti
All over the walls along the main streets is anti-Qaddafi graffiti. Pictures that express their joy for freedom and the end of the regime. Although this graffiti is interesting and some are fairly creative, there is a lot of arabic writing and messy drawings which make Tripoli look like a gang neighborhood. We have noticed some projects to repaint main walls, but this seems to be done by private organizations or associations.

Garbage
Recently the garbage company has began to work again. A few time each week they make their rounds through the city, picking up the mounds of trash by the dumpsters. Although they are just maintaining right now, hopefully soon others will join in to keep the city clean. Compared to most post war countries, Libya is doing an amazing job.

From our vantage point in Tripoli, it seems like things are moving forward. Yes, there are the small flares of unrest and unhappy people, but again, compared to other countries…things are moving in the right direction. It will take time but one day will be a travel destination!

“I highly recommend…”

admin — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 16:04:39 +0000

Libya Travel & Tours was indispensable for my trip to Libya. They assisted in arranging for my visa, hotel, tour guide and translator – all at slightly below-market rates as they are in-country and are able to make long term arrangements with their partners.

The LT&T team is extremely professional, trustworthy and knowledgeable – important traits when traveling to a country such as Libya. Professional – they always returned any e-mails promptly with the precise information; Trustworthy – they were reliable in dealing with my documents/credit card and payments to their partners; Knowledgeable – they live in Libya and were able to advise me on little (but important) things such as phone/internet connections, taxis, restaurants, plane flights, hotels, places to visit, etc…

Finding Libya Travel & Tours was like finding a unique and beautiful pearl in sea filled with mollusks…they are a rare find indeed and I highly recommend using their services.

TS January 2012