8 Day tour proving a vist to Tripoli – Gasser Al-Hajj – Jadu – Ghadames – Qasr al-Ghoul – Nalut – Gharyan – Leptis Magna – Sabratha
Day 1
In your arrival you will be met, assisted and transferred to the hotel.
Day 2
A tour of Tripoli, founded by the Phoenicians in 1000 B.C. and later conquered by the Romans. Your tour of this beautiful metropolis covers the huge fortress, the National Museum, the old Souk and the Islamic quarters.
Day 3
On our drive to the Berber village of Ghadames, we will visit several interesting sites. Qsar al-Hajj, is not a castle but instead is a Berber granary. Tarmeisa is an abandoned ancient stone village sited on the peak of a mountain with spectacular views across the landscape. In Jadu the local people have created a private museum housing an ethnographic exhibit. Overnight two nights in Ghadames.
Day 4
This morning we will walk through the ancient section of Ghadames. Known as ‘The Jewel of the Sahara’ this oasis town is certainly well preserved. The unique design of connecting roofs with covered alleyways between them allowed the inhabitants to pass freely from house to house without having to expose themselves to the strong sun, blowing sand and heat. All the walls are painted white to reflect the sun and give an additional cooling effect. In contrast to the stark appearance of the town’s exterior, the insides of homes are beautifully decorated with intricate and colorful designs. In the evening we will drive outside of town to a picturesque spot in the Ras al-Ghoul (Mountain of Ghosts) to watch the sun set over the desert. Along the way we stop to explore the ruins of Qasr al-Ghoul (Castle of the Ghost), believed to be haunted by the specters of the Islamic soldiers who died here during a 7th century siege of the fort.
Day 5
As we drive back to Tripoli, we will stop at Nalut to see another Berber granary and Gharyan to see the troglodyte houses, homes built underground as shelter from the intense heat. While here, stop to visit the pottery factory. Dinner and overnight in Tripoli.
Day 6
This morning’s drive takes us east along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea to glorious Leptis Magna. Begun as a trading port for the ancient people of Phoenicia around 1000 BC, it later became part of the Roman province of Africa Proconsularis. contains highly decorated panels alongside Corinthian columns. This monument forms the imperial entrance to North Africa’s most renowned city. Centuries of blowing sand hid and protected the stately buildings. Today they stand as a glorious reflection of Rome in Africa. After lunch wi will visit Villa Sileen, a Byzantine villa set directly on the seashore. The well-preserved mosaics and painted frescoes of this 20-room villa illustrate the comfort and luxury available to those with wealth. We will reteurn to Tripoli.
Day 7
Our explorations take us west of Tripoli this morning. To visit the ruins of Sabratha, lies spread along the glorious beach overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Still visible are the remains of the city’s impressive buildings including the majestic amphitheater that dominates the site. With its fluted Corinthian columns and stunning bas relief carvings, it is considered the finest sites along the North African coast.
Day 8
Transfer to the airport to go back home.
