Discover Libya , Tunisia and Morocco
A Grand 16 -Day North African Adventure

Here's the best way to see the best of North Africa : Morocco , Tunisia , Egypt, Libya & the Great North African Desert . Tour starts in Morocco Weekly - Year Round

Compare with the 26 day edition including camping in the Sahara in Morocco
Compare with the Nile Cruise version in Egypt . Return to Libya Home Page.

Libya far more than vast sweeps of desert. As you'll see on this tour, Libya is a country of extraordinary and unexpected variety, so rich that it was coveted and conquered in turn by Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, and Byzantines-all of whom left their mark. During five days with four overnights, we'll travel to the province known to the Greeks as Cyrenaica, and see the ruins of Cyrene, Apollonia, Ptolemais and Gasr. We'll ascend to Jabel Akhdar, where the precious moisture allows a unique flora and fauna flourish. For the visitor interested in archaeology, nature, or simply one of the unknown corners of the world, it all makes for exciting discoveries. Compare with Libya & Cairo Version .
Extend your stay in Libya and Tunisia.
Be among the first to rediscover Libya & Tunisia . Explore the key sites both within the city and nearby in the old-new land of Libya & Tunisia . Fantasy, pleasure, and enlightenment, in the Tunisia of Star Wars O yes, galactic traveller, there is a land where fabled cities arise from the sand, where gnomes have left behind their warrens of dwellings, where sleek craft hover millimeters above the surface, free from gravitational bonds. Green oases and palm-fringed beaches promise extraterrestrial pleasures. The land is Tunisia.. You may add or combine with any of our tours of Egypt ,Italy or Spain

DAY 1- CASABLANCA Friday - Weekly - Year Round
Arrive at Casablanca. Our staff greets you at Casablanca's Mohamed V Airport and escorts you to your hotel. We'll drop our luggage, have a refreshing cup of tea or coffee, then head out for a panoramic tour of the city before returning to our hotel ( Royal Anfa for 5 stars ( Category A ) or Idou Anfa or similar 4 stars hotel category B )

DAY 2- RABAT - FES Saturday 195 Kilometers (cBD)
Start the day with a visit to Casablanca's majestic new Grand Mosque of King Hassan II, second only to the Great Mosque at Mecca in size. We'll drive on across the lush countryside to Rabat, Morocco's capital and our first Imperial City, to visit the magnificent Mausoleum of King Mohammed V, the historic Hassan Tower minaret, in the afternoon we drive through forests of cork oak trees, we continue on our way to Meknès, the "youngest" of Morocco's four great imperial cities surrounded by towering medieval walls. We visit the monumental gateway of Bab el-Mansour in the city walls and the palace tombs of Moulay Ismail before continuing to Fez, We reach Fez early evening , where we settle in for the night and our dinner, Sheraton hotel or similar 5 stars.

DAY 3- FEZ Sunday (cBD)
Oldest of the four Imperial Cities, Fez is endlessly fascinating. We tour its medina (Old City) and souk (bazaar), stopping at the gateway of the royal palace, the fortifications of the Kasbah, the 9th-century Karaouine Mosque and University, the medersa (theological college) of Bou Inania, the shrine of the city's founder Moulay Idris II, and the Nejjarine Fountain. On the way to our hotel, we enjoy panoramic city views from the heights overlooking this fabled city.

DAY 4- AZROU, BENI-MELLAL & MARRAKECH Monday (BD)
Out for mountain scenery, we take a leisurely drive along the flanks of the mighty Atlas range via the charming village of Immouzzer du Kandar, the lake of Daiet Aoua, the mountain Ifrane ski resort and town of Azrou before descending to the Kasbah Tadla plain and the fertile region surrounding Beni-Mellal. In the late afternoon we arrive at the palm groves of Marrakech, the fourth of Morocco's great Imperial Cities, to settle in at our hotel, Imperial Borj or Marrakech Plaza or similar 5 stars hotels.
Dinner at the hotel or join an optional " Soiree " at Chez Ali , a traditional Moroccan dinner with folklore, in an oases/palmgrove on the outskirts of Marrakech, the additional cost is $50 per person including transfers.

DAY 5 - MARRAKECH Tuesday (B)
There is much to see in this great city which Winston Churchill called "the most beautiful place in the world at sunset." We tour the stately Koutoubia Minaret, the hidden tombs of the Saadian dynasty, and Bahia Palace. In the afternoon, during our tour of the souk (market), we see some of the age-old guild artisans at work. Finally, we end up in famous Djemaa el-Fna square with its medieval circus atmosphere of itinerant dancers, jugglers, acrobats, storytellers, soothsayers, snake charmers, medicine men and public scribes.

Finally, you'll see the Menara pavilion and gardens , the Majorelle Botanical Gardens of Yves Saint Laurent, planted with trees and flowers from all over the world.

DAY 6- MARRAKECH Wednesday (B)
Now that you've got your bearings, Marrakech is yours to explore as you wish, Lonely Planet guidebook in hand. Henna party ( For ladies only ) :
One of the "insiders" excursions into Moroccan culture, a chance to attend a henna party, the painting of hands and body with this natural red dye is a symbol of joy at weddings and regarded as a way to enhance one's beauty , if interested in attending a Henna party , please let's know in advance.

Dinner is included at a local home:
Meet the locals, you may wish to bring token gifts to exchange with the host family ( T shirt , small souvenirs of your home town):
This evening we'll venture where few ordinary visitors ever tread . . . right into the homes of some of the people of Marrakech l! You'll be invited to a family dinner, and enjoy a wholesome home-cooked specialties Of course, you may enjoy dinner back at the hotel by letting us know your preferences in advance .

Day 7 - Marrakech - Tunis - Sousse - Thursday:(BD)
Our local staff will assist with your transfer to Marrakech Airport to board your flight to Tunis via Marrakech and maybe via Europe depending on the day of the week. Air fare in economy class is included in our rate.
In Tunis our local rep meets you upon arrival at Tunis Carthage International Airport. You'll be assisted with the formalities, and escorted to or Sousse and your 4 stars hotel, Hasdrubal Thalassa and Spa or a similar moderate first class hotel. Complimentary welcome dinner at the hotel.

Day 8 -Tunis - Friday: ( BD)
Full day at leisure in Tunis. Explore on your own or enjoy the local souks . Dinner is included at a charming local restaurant

DAY 9 - El Djem -Roman Amphitheater - SFAX , GABES, MATMATA - Saturday (BLD)
Our busy day starts after an early breakfast , and a tour of Sousse,then on to El Djem, we'll marvel at an ancient Roman amphitheater , before we head for Sfax , Lunch will be served at a comfortable four-star hotel. Drive to the coastal city of Gabes, a Roman outpost of old and a traditional market center where, for centuries, goods from across the sea and across the desert have changed hands. We'll visit the oasis, where palm groves and gardens flourish. Our route takes us through terrain of increasingly sparse grasses and shrubs, into the desert to Matmata. We'll stop to look in on a community of miniature underground houses, (Troglodyte dwellings ) where the earliest settlers sheltered from the extremes of the desert above -- as do the Berbers of today. We'll settle in to comfortable lodgings and dinner at a four-star hotel : Diar El Barbar Hotel or similar.

Day 10 - MATMATA- Ksar Hadada - Tatouine - Sunday (BL)
Tataouine, Ksar Region:
A Ksar (plural Ksour) is a fortified village built in a distinctive style
Usually the Berbers built their Ksour on top of a hill from mud One of the best preserved Ksour in Tunisia is at Ksar Ouled Soltane near Tataouine. Lucas film used Ksar Hadada for shooting some scene. It was used as a Mos Espa background where Qui-Gon (Jedi Master ) and Shmi ( Anakin's mother) speak of Anakin's parentage . Today we visit Ksar Hadada and Ghomrassen, then on to Tatouine , lunch will be served at one of the local four-star hotels. In the afternoon we'll visit Cheninin and Douiret villages. Overnight at Sangho Tatouine Hotel ( 3 stars ), or similar

DAY 11 - TUNISIA / LIBYA - Monday (BLD)
You'll head out after breakfast, and in short order, reach Tunisia's eastern border. After you'll pass through the formalities of customs and immigration at Ras Ajdir, our Libyan personnel will take over and see to your needs for the rest of the way. Our journey continues by road to Sabratha, site of a fine Roman city. We'll tour the ruins and visit the classical museum, and learn about Libya's key position on ancient trade routes. In the afternoon, we continue on into Tripoli, the busy capital of Libya, and settle into our lodgings for the next three nights. You can relax in the evening, or venture out to explore the modern quarters of the town, or the winding lanes of the old city . Check on weather in Tripoli . The climate of Tripoli is Mediterranean with hot dry summers, cool winters and some modest rainfall. Weather can be variable, influenced by the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea which moderates daily temperature ranges.

DAY 12 - TRIPOLI - Tuesday (BLD)
After breakfast, we'll take you for a drive through town to the Tripoli Museum, housing treasures of Libyan history from Roman times and earlier. We'll venture into the Old Town, and along the winding lanes of the souks, where in age-old fashion, merchants and customers haggle over local handicrafts and produce, treasures from across the desert, and practical items from over the seas. We'll see the venerable arch of the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, the Gurgi Mosque, and the Karamanly Museum. Afterwards, you'll be free to explore on your own, and possibly to return to the souks to try your hand at bargaining for some of the crafts and treasures that you spied earlier.

DAY 13 - LEPTIS MAGNA, SILIN - Wednesday (BLD)
We'll spend most of today at Leptis Magna, about 130 kilometers from Tripoli. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered the best-preserved Roman city in Africa. The enormous amphitheater and the remains of fine buildings testify to the city's former importance. After gaining insights into the old city at the ruins and in the museum, we'll continue to the delightful and largely intact Roman villa at Silin, with its remarkably lifelike mosaics and frescoes.

DAY 14 - NAFUSA, GASR EL-HAJ, BERBER ENCOUNTER - Thursday (BLD)
Today's a day filled with adventure. We'll start by driving to the Nafusa highlands, a relatively cool and lush area that even sees snow in wintertime. We'll visit the granaries at Gasr El-Haj. Then we'll gain insights into the way of life of the Berbers, the mountain people of North Africa, at the cliff top village of Tormisa. Our exploration continues to the village of Ruhaybat, and a special opportunity to take tea with local Berber families. You'll treasure this encounter, as you learn about the ways of a people who are so different from yourself, yet have much in common. Finally, we'll settle in for the night, but not at a standard tourist hotel. Travel in Style has arranged for you to stay in a delightful Troglodyte house set right into the earth . . . a delightful conclusion to an extraordinary day.

DAY 15 - LIBYA / Djerba / Tunisia - Friday (BLD)
After breakfast, we'll motor overland to Ras Ajdir, where your Libyan excursion began. After the border formalities, you'll be entrusted to our Tunisian associates to continue your journey on to the famous island of Djerba by ferry, an island where Ulysses once encountered the legendary Lotus-Eaters. You'll have time to explore the old quarters, including the synagogue of Hara Sghira, Hara Kebira with its modern Jewish community, and Guellala, with its craft stalls, and to see the waterfront and fishing fleet, and the lively town of Houmt Souk. Lunch & dinner are included at your hotel.

DAY 16 - Departure- Saturday (B)
We'll have our last views of Tunisia as we motor to the airport of Djerba , air ticket is included Djerba / Tunis. Our local rep will see you through the formalities and assist with the connection at Chartage Tunis Airport, and wish you a pleasant journey onward.
Bon Voyage

RATES per person in USD

International airfare is not included from / to your home country
Tour starts on the first Friday of each month in Tunisia

In Libya, surprises are the order of the day! An invitation to a refreshing glass of mint tea while you browse in a shop . . . an encounter with a humble desert dweller . . . a gust of wind and a swirl of sand, followed by perfect stillness, and vistas under an endless blue sky.

You'll find sometimes that your tour schedule will be switched to accommodate changes in conditions. You might even start with your last day and proceed resolutely to the first! Your hotels will have facilities that match their ratings, and idiosyncrasies in service on the upside and downside, but always with a warm welcome.

It's all part of the experience and privilege of going where few have gone. Be flexible and ready for surprises. If that's not you, don't worry, we offer myriad options elsewhere tailored to your requirements and expectations.

Category A class hotels : Five-star Corinthia Bab Africa in Tripoli (www.corinthiahotels.com)

Casablanca : Royal Anfa ( New ) , Sheraton
Fez: Sheraton
Marrakech : Imperial Borj or Kenzi Farah

Rate Includes:

• Hotel accommodation with tax as listed , 4 stars in Tunisia, and troglodyte accommodation
• All transfers in Libya and Tunisia .
• Air fare between Morocco & Tunisia , in economy class , tax included
• Guided sightseeing including all entrance fees as per itinerary , always by air conditioned sedan/van or mini bus .
• Pre set meals as listed including B = Breakfast, (or cB, Continental Breakfast), L = Lunch, D = Dinner
• North Africa and travel guide book.
  
  

Not Included :

• Any International Airfare from/to your home country
• Tips.
• Beverages with meals
• Travel Insurance ( we'll be glad to mail you the flyer)
• Visa for Libya , please secure your visa prior to arrival . Libya will not issue a visa to you if your passport has any Israeli visa stamps.
  
  
  
  

Tripoli hotels ( Five Stars ) :

Corinthia ( Bab Africa ) ( Five star Superior)
Al Mahari
Al Kabir
Bab Al Bahr

General Sample hotel listing for Tunisia :
Category B class hotels : Subject to change
Tripoli : Yosser Hotel in Tripoli (newly renovated, near old town and Tripoli Museum)
Djerba : Haroun Djerba Hotel ( 3 Stars )
Douz : Mouradi Douz Hotel
Gabes : Oasis Gabes Hotel
Sfax: Syfax Hotel
Sousse : Hasdrubal Thalassa & Spa
Tatouine : Sangho Tatouine Hotel ( 3 stars)
Tunis: El Mechtel Hotel.