Libya Express — 4 Days Tripoli, Leptis Magna & Sabratha Short Break

Tour Overview

Discover the ancient Roman ruins and desert beauty of Libya on this 4-day express, from the vibrant capital of Tripoli to the stunning Roman ruins of Leptis Magna and Sabratha, and the beautiful desert oasis town of Ghadames (the pearl of the desert, a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Libya, a country on the Mediterranean coast of North Africa, is home to some of the most impressive Roman ruins in the world and stunning desert landscapes.

Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Arrival in Tripoli & Sabratha

Arrive at Tripoli International Airport (Tripoli, Libya). Transfer to your hotel. Explore Tripoli: visit the Red Castle (Assai al-Hamra), the National Museum of Libya (housed in the Red Castle), the old medina with its narrow streets, historic mosques, madrasas, caravanserais, and traditional markets (souks). Visit the Ahmed Pasha Karamanli Mosque, the Gurgi Mosque, and the various other historic buildings. Visit the Tripoli waterfront (Corniche). After lunch, visit the Roman ruins of Sabratha (approximately 1 hour west of Tripoli), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its stunning Roman theater (one of the most beautiful Roman theaters in the world, with its three-story scaenae frons still standing), beautiful mosaics, temples, basilica, and various other Roman structures. Explore the ruins: the Roman theater, Forum, Basilica, Temple of Liber Pater, Temple of Hercules, baths, houses with mosaics. Visit the museum at Sabratha. Evening return to Tripoli. Welcome dinner with Libyan cuisine including couscous, bazeen, shakshuka, fresh seafood, and mint tea. Overnight in Tripoli.

Day 2: Leptis Magna Roman Ruins

Morning drive to Leptis Magna (approximately 2 hours east of Tripoli), one of the most beautiful and well-preserved Roman cities in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the birthplace of Roman Emperor Septimius Severus. Famous for the Arch of Septimius Severus, the magnificent Forum, Basilica, Theater, Amphitheater, Circus, baths, colonnaded streets, harbor, and temples. Explore the ruins: Arch of Septimius Severus, New Forum, Basilica, Old Forum, Theater, Amphitheater, Circus, baths, colonnaded streets, harbor, Temple of Liber Pater, Temple of Hercules, and various other monuments. Visit the museum at Leptis Magna. After lunch, continue exploring the ruins and the nearby Villa Selene with its stunning mosaics. Evening return to Tripoli. Dinner with Libyan cuisine. Overnight in Tripoli.

Day 3: Tripoli to Ghadames (Desert Oasis)

Morning fly from Tripoli to Ghadames (approximately 2 hours), the pearl of the desert, a beautiful oasis town in the Libyan desert, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its stunning traditional architecture, its covered alleyways, its whitewashed buildings, its beautiful mosques, and its unique way of life. Ghadames is one of the oldest pre-Saharan cities in the world, with a history dating back thousands of years, and it has been called the pearl of the desert because of its stunning beauty and its unique architecture. Upon arrival, explore the old town of Ghadames (a beautiful historic old town with its covered alleyways (to protect from the sun), its whitewashed buildings, its beautiful mosques, its traditional houses (with their unique architecture, including the famous qasba and the beautiful interior courtyards), and its unique way of life. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the best-preserved examples of traditional Saharan architecture. Visit the old mosque, the various historic buildings, the traditional houses, and the beautiful alleyways. Visit the oasis of Ghadames (with its beautiful palm groves, its gardens, its springs, and the traditional irrigation system (the foggara or falaj, a traditional underground irrigation system that brings water from the springs to the gardens and palm groves). Walk through the oasis and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Visit the nearby desert and enjoy the stunning sand dunes and the beautiful desert scenery. Take a camel ride or a 4×4 ride into the desert (if available). After lunch, visit the museum of Ghadames (with its exhibits on the history, culture, and traditional way of life of Ghadames). Visit the nearby villages and the surrounding desert. Evening enjoy a beautiful sunset over the desert and the oasis. Dinner with traditional Libyan and Saharan cuisine, including couscous, lamb, dates, and mint tea. Overnight in Ghadames (in a traditional guesthouse or hotel).

Day 4: Ghadames to Tripoli & Departure

Morning enjoy the beautiful sunrise over the desert and the oasis. Take a final walk through the old town of Ghadames and the oasis, enjoying the beautiful scenery and the peaceful atmosphere. Do some last-minute shopping for traditional Saharan products including crafts, textiles, jewelry, spices, dates, and local products. After breakfast, fly from Ghadames back to Tripoli (approximately 2 hours). Upon arrival in Tripoli, depending on your flight schedule, do some last-minute shopping or visit the National Museum for a final look at the artifacts. Visit the old medina for final souvenirs. After lunch, transfer to Tripoli International Airport for your departure flight. Concluding your 4-day Libya express of Roman ruins and desert oasis.

What’s Included

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Driver
• Fuel Cost, Parking Fee, Toll Fee
• Accommodation in selected hotels
• Daily breakfast

What’s Not Included

• Entrance fees to attractions
• Tour Guide
• Meal (lunch and dinner)
• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses