Get personal advice about this trip from our dedicated expert. Call Alastair on 020 7978 7333 or Email

CALL BACK (office hours only)
When to Call ASAP In 2 hrs In 4 hrs In 6 hrs Tomorrow

THE BIG SHORT BREAK BOOK PERK
One free camel ride for two people What's this?

HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS
The Roman ruins of Leptis Magna > the scenery of the Akakus Mountains > the sand sea of the Murzuq Dunes

The coast of Libya has been colonised by everyone from the Phoenicians, ancient Greeks and Egyptians to the Italians in the 20th century, but it was the Romans who left behind the most impressive reminders of their presence.

Either side of Tripoli are the ancient cities of Sabratha and Leptis Magna, arguably the most impressive classical ruins in the whole Mediterranean. Together with Tripoli (originally known as Oea) these were the ‘three cities’ of the Roman province of Africa from which modern Tripoli takes its name.

Remarkably well preserved by the desert sands, Leptis Magna in particular is perhaps the most complete surviving example of a Roman city. Its forum, baths, circus, amphitheatre and triumphal arches are all the more spectacular for being framed by the blue Mediterranean.

The other great attraction of Libya is the stunning scenery of the Sahara. Down in the far south-west of the country are the dramatic landscapes of the Akakus Mountains, the vast ‘sand sea’ of the Murzuq Dunes, and the picture-perfect, palm-fringed oases of the Ubari Lakes. Getting there requires a bit of effort, but it’s well worth it.

The mountains also contain rock art dating back thousands of years. These paintings and engravings were made at a time (not that long ago in geological terms) when the Sahara was lush and fertile, and are dramatic evidence of previous climate change on planet Earth.

Back in Tripoli, there are souqs to go shopping in, the Red Castle and the Jamahiriya Museum, which contains some of the finest artefacts recovered from the classical ruins.

Those with more time can travel over the Jebel Nafusa mountain range, with its troglodyte villages, to the ancient town of Ghadames. This town was the starting point for caravans setting off across the Sahara, and its narrow alleys and baked mud dwellings are like something out of Star Wars.

Last but not least, the ancient Greek city of Cyrene, with its magnificent Temple of Zeus, can be reached by flying to Benghazi on the north-eastern coast. After decades of being off-limits to independent travellers, Libya is at last open for exploration again.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRICES
The price shown above is based on the sample itinerary, with flights in economy class, accommodation on a B&B basis (or more where stated), transfers and activities specific to this trip. Where prices fluctuate throughout the year, the price is based on low season rates and where more than one accommodation option is listed, on the cheapest available. We would be delighted to put together a current and 100% accurate quotation based on your specific travel requirements, so please contact the relevant member of our expert team.

TAILORED TO YOUR EXACT SPECIFICATIONS
Almost every one of our Big Short Breaks and Beyond the Big Short Breaks can be entirely tailormade from scratch, so you can enjoy the holiday exactly how you want it, exactly when you want it, and for exactly as long as you want it. Our expert team, who have been to every one of our destinations, are here to talk you through all the options available in order to create the trip best suited to you.