From the Great Pyramids to Libya's Ancient Cities

From the Great Pyramids at Giza to magnificently preserved Roman and Greek cities set by the sea, we follow the routes of the Roman emperors on this Mediterranean odyssey. We explore “eternal Cairo” from the Pyramids to the Sphinx, visit Alexandria, then head out into Egypt’s Western Desert to the lush palm groves of the ancient Siwa Oasis. Crossing into Libya, we contour the history-filled Mediterranean Coast, visiting haunting World War II sites and amazing archaeological wonders from Greek Cyrene to Roman Sabratha—among the least visited and best preserved antiquities in the world, and all in wonderful seaside settings. Our grand finale is glorious Leptis Magna, one of the largest Roman cities in Africa, wonderfully intact and sprawling along crystal-clear Mediterranean seas. Antiquities aside, our journey is also a chance to learn about daily life in these fascinating countries, and our farewell dinner in is in the home of a Libyan family.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-2
Cairo and the Great Pyramids

We take in the mesmerizing sight of the Great Pyramids and gaze at the enigmatic face of the Sphinx. At the incomparable Egyptian Museum, we examine the golden treasures of young King Tut’s tomb and view the astonishing mummies of the Royal Mummies Room. Our hotel is the historic Mena House Oberoi.

Days 3-4
Alexandria

Journey to Alexandria, the Mediterranean’s most glorious city under the Ptolemies, the dynastic Greek family that reigned as pharaohs over Egypt. The next day, our visits include Qait Bey Fort, and the Catacombs of Kom El Shugafa, the largest Roman burial site discovered in Egypt.

Days 5-6
Siwa Oasis

Head east to explore the beautiful Siwa Oasis, surrounded by Egypt’s vast Western Desert. Alexander the Great visited this remote oasis to consult the Oracle of Amun, and the natural beauty of the oasis is still impressive, with thick palm groves, fresh springs, rolling dunes, and craggy peaks.

Days 7-8
Tobruk, Libya

Cross into Libya to Tobruk, beautifully situated along a U-shaped harbor between the sands of the Sahara and the sparkling Mediterranean. Tobruk was the stage for a number of crucial World War II battles and we visit haunting battlefield sites and well-tended World War II cemeteries.

Days 9-10
Cyrene / Apollonia

We visit the spectacular 7th century BC Greek city of Cyrene and its ancient port, Apollonia.

Days 11-12
Ptolemais / Qsar Libya / Benghazi

After exploring Ptolemais, a Greco-Roman ruin set on the Mediterranean, and Qsar Libya, with its Byzantine fort and 6th century church, we fly from Benghazi to Tripoli, the capital.

Days 13-15
Tripoli / Leptis Magna

Our grand finale is stunning Leptis Magna, one of the most extraordinary ancient sites in the Mediterranean, with its beautifully preserved temples along the sea. Depart from Tripoli on Day 15.

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What the Trip is Like

This trip is Level 3, Moderate. Although this trip is not particularly rigorous, it is involves long days of rugged 4WD travel over desert roads. The shape you are in will be an important factor in your enjoyment of your trip. Participants should be fit, healthy, and have no mobility restrictions. Please be aware that our daily itinerary in Libya is subject to change due to road conditions, availability of accommodations, and other factors.

Explanation of Trip Levels