Libya Sahara Explorer — 3 Days Tripoli, Leptis Magna & Sabratha Quick Immersion

Tour Overview

Discover the ancient Roman ruins of Libya on this 3-day Sahara explorer, from the vibrant capital of Tripoli to the stunning Roman ruins of Leptis Magna (one of the most beautiful and well-preserved Roman cities in the world) and Sabratha (another stunning Roman city with its beautiful theater and mosaics). Libya, a country on the Mediterranean coast of North Africa, is home to some of the most impressive Roman ruins in the world, with five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the stunning Roman cities of Leptis Magna and Sabratha.

Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Arrival in Tripoli & City Tour

Arrive at Tripoli International Airport (Tripoli, Libya). Transfer to your hotel. Explore Tripoli, the capital and largest city of Libya, a vibrant Mediterranean city with its beautiful old medina, historic mosques, museums, and the stunning Red Castle. Visit the Red Castle (Assai al-Hamra, a stunning historic castle on the waterfront, one of the most iconic landmarks of Tripoli, with its beautiful architecture, museums, and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea). Visit the National Museum of Libya (housed in the Red Castle, with its excellent collection of artifacts from Libya’s rich history, including prehistoric artifacts, Phoenician and Carthaginian artifacts, Roman artifacts from Leptis Magna and Sabratha, Byzantine artifacts, Islamic artifacts, and exhibits on the history and culture of Libya). Visit the old medina of Tripoli (a beautiful historic old town with its narrow streets, historic mosques, madrasas, caravanserais, traditional markets (souks), and beautiful architecture. Visit the Souq al-Turk (the Turkish market), the Souq al-Mushir, and the various other markets and shops. Visit the Ahmed Pasha Karamanli Mosque (a beautiful historic mosque with its stunning architecture and the tomb of Ahmed Pasha Karamanli, the founder of the Karamanli dynasty), the Gurgi Mosque (a beautiful historic mosque with its stunning architecture and beautiful tile work), and the various other historic mosques and buildings. Visit the Tripoli waterfront (the Corniche) and enjoy the beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea. After lunch, visit the nearby Roman ruins of Sabratha (approximately 1 hour west of Tripoli), one of the most beautiful and well-preserved Roman cities in Libya, 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), its beautiful mosaics, its temples, its basilica, and the various other Roman structures. Explore the ruins: visit the Roman theater (with its stunning architecture and the beautiful sea views), the Forum, the Basilica, the Temple of Liber Pater, the Temple of Hercules, the various baths, the houses with their beautiful mosaics, and the various other structures. Visit the museum at Sabratha (with its collection of artifacts and mosaics from the site). Evening return to Tripoli. Welcome dinner with Libyan cuisine including couscous, bazeen (a traditional Libyan dish of bread and meat), shakshuka, fresh seafood, and mint tea. Overnight in Tripoli.

Day 2: Leptis Magna Roman Ruins

Morning drive from Tripoli 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 ancient Roman city of Leptis Magna (the birthplace of the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus, who expanded and beautified the city in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, making it one of the most beautiful cities in the Roman Empire). Leptis Magna is famous for its stunning Roman architecture, including the famous Arch of Septimius Severus (a beautiful triumphal arch with its stunning carvings and reliefs), the magnificent Forum, the Basilica, the Theater, the Amphitheater, the Circus, the various baths, the beautiful colonnaded streets, the harbor, and the various temples and monuments. Explore the ruins: visit the Arch of Septimius Severus (the iconic triumphal arch of Leptis Magna, with its stunning carvings depicting the emperor and his family), the New Forum (the magnificent forum built by Septimius Severus, with its beautiful columns and the Basilica), the Basilica (a stunning Roman basilica with its beautiful columns and architecture), the Old Forum, the Theater (a beautiful Roman theater with its stunning architecture and sea views), the Amphitheater (a large Roman amphitheater where gladiatorial contests and other events were held), the Circus (a Roman circus for chariot races), the various baths (including the Hadrianic Baths and the later baths), the colonnaded streets (the beautiful cardo and decumanus maximus with their columns and paving), the harbor (the ancient Roman harbor of Leptis Magna, with its lighthouse and the various harbor structures), the Temple of Liber Pater, the Temple of Hercules, the Temple of Rome and Augustus, and the various other temples and monuments. Visit the museum at Leptis Magna (with its collection of artifacts, statues, and mosaics from the site). After lunch, continue exploring the ruins and the beautiful surrounding area. Visit the nearby Villa Selene (a beautiful Roman villa with its stunning mosaics) and the various other sites in the area. Evening return to Tripoli. Dinner with Libyan cuisine. Overnight in Tripoli.

Day 3: Tripoli & Departure

Morning free for last-minute exploration of Tripoli or shopping for Libyan products including traditional crafts, textiles, jewelry, spices, olive oil, and local products. Visit the Tripoli markets (souks) for souvenirs. Visit the National Museum for a final look at the artifacts, or relax at a café overlooking the Mediterranean. Visit the nearby town of Tajoura or the surrounding area if time permits. After lunch, transfer to Tripoli International Airport for your departure flight. Concluding your 3-day Libya Sahara explorer of the Roman ruins of Leptis Magna and Sabratha.

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