Tour Egypt Italy & Libya

A 22 - Day Mediterranean Tour

He was the triumvir of Rome, she was queen of Egypt, They fell in love, joining their fates with those of their countries. Travel in Style recreates this ancient bond by taking you to Cleopatra's great cities of Cairo & Alexandria and to Antony's Rome, Naples, Pompeii, Capri and more.

Here's the best of Libya , Egypt & Italy : Join us for a journey to these ancient lands, and an unsurpassed array of sights, sounds and memories. . Weekly - Apr - Oct.

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 six days with five 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. And we'll follow the route of Rommel's famed Afrika Korps to where it met its match at Tobruk in World War II. And then it's onward, to continue your travels through Egypt. The connections are seamless, thanks to our inside knowledge and local contacts .Extend to Libya . Compare with the 15-Day Italy & Egypt version . Add Israel & Palestine

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

DAY 1 - LIBYA - Saturday (D)
Upon arrival at Tripoli Airport our Libyan personnel will assist with your visa ( must have all your passport info at least 45 days prior to arrival otherwise, you'll need to secure your visa prior to arrival, visa is issued in Tripoli for a limited number of nationalities ( USA , Canada, EU etc, pleas check with us ).

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 2 - TRIPOLI - Sunday (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 3 - LEPTIS MAGNA, SILIN - Monday (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 4 - BENGHAZI, PTOLEMAIS - Tuesday (BLD)
We'll head off after breakfast to the airport, and board our plane. It's a flight of under an hour to Benghazi. From there, we'll set out immediately for the ancient port of Ptolemais, founded by the Hellenic dynasty of Egypt. We'll view the great cisterns and Mausoleum, and more artifacts in the museum, where we'll learn about the kingdoms that vied for Libya in ancient times. Then it's off to the surprisingly fertile highlands of Jabel Akhdar. In Gasr Libya, we'll see a Byzantine church with a mosaic floor, and view another mosaic with the only panels known to show ancient Alexandria. Our stop for the night is El Beyda, where we'll lodge in the modest and welcoming three-star Gasr El Beyda Hotel.

DAY 5 - CYRENE, APOLLONIA, TOBRUK- Wednesday (BLD)
We set out after breakfast for Cyrene, the Greek city that once rivaled Athens. Impressive temples to Zeus and Apollo remain Then it's off to Apollonia, Cyrene's ancient port, with a surviving Byzantine palace, theater, and baths. Late in the afternoon, we'll reach Tobruk, where we'll overnight at the comfortable Masira Hotel.

DAY 6 - TOBRUK, ON TO EGYPT and Mersa Matrouh - Thursday (BL)
We've followed in the path of Rommel to reach Tobruk. Today, we'll learn about the titanic and bloody clash of forces that marked the turning point of World War II, and pay a moving visit to the cemeteries where lie the dead from both sides. Rommel's push ended here, but not yours. You'll continue to the border of Egypt, where our Libyan personnel will bid you good-bye, and entrust you to your Egyptian hosts.
Our Egyptian-based personnel will meet you at the border and assist with your visa, no photos required.
.Visa for Egypt is issued upon arrival for a limited number of nationalities such as holders of Australian, NZ, US, EU, Korean, Singaporean Japanese passports with six months of validity remaining at time of arrival).
On to Mersa Matrouh and overnight at a modest 4 stars hotel. ( Always with private facilities)

DAY 7 - EL ALAMEIN - Friday (BL)
We'll cross into another era of history today, as we motor westward through the dunes along the Mediterranean coast, following the route of Field Marshall Montgomery to El Alamein. Here we'll visit the fields of battle where Rommel's advance on Cairo was finally halted. We'll visit the museum. Lunch included at el Alamein, before we head back to Mersa Matrouh, remainder of the day at leisure

DAY 8 - ALEXANDRIA - Saturday (BLD)
After breakfast we head fro Alexandria , where we have a full day today, which begins with a drive through the fertile Nile delta, the source of the wealth of ancient Egypt. Our goal is glorious Alexandria, where we'll explore the sights of Cleopatra's capital. Our first stop will be the Greco-Roman museum. Then we'll move on to see the Roman Amphitheater, the Koum El Shougafa Tombs, the fortress of Kayet Bey, and the Museum of the Crown Jewels. In the afternoon.
Overnight in Alexandria at Palestine Montazah Palace , or Hilton or Sheraton. For El Salamlek Hotel , please add $ 90 Per person in double.
.Dinner is included at the hotel. ( Read some more on Alexandria )

When touring Kayet "Qayet" Bey Fortress look for the recovered items from the French Fleet & Napoleons Flag Ship " L'Orient", sunk by the British & Admiral Nelson, east of Alexandria.

Day 9 - CAIRO - Sunday (BL)
After breakfast we head back south to Cairo , visiting enroute Wadi El Natroun Monasteries.
Our hotel in Cairo : Hyatt , Inter.Continental , Marriott , Conrad or similar .

DAY 10 - CAIRO (BL) - Monday
Today, we'll explore the wonders of the Egyptian Museum, with its treasures of the ancient pharaohs: mummies, statuary, precious stones and metals. Travellers have long come to Cairo just to gaze on these sights, but our day has just started. We'll continue to the Coptic Museum, and the Church of Abu Sarga. At the Ben Ezra Synagogue, we'll see where, according to tradition, Moses was found along the banks of the Nile. We'll take our lunch at a picturesque local restaurant. Afterwards, you'll have time to continue your explorations on your own, and perhaps do some shopping at the fabulous Khan El-Khalili bazaar.

DAY 11 - CAIRO - DAHSHOUR - Tuesday (BL)
After breakfast, we'll motor to the edge of Cairo, to the mysterious Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza. Those who are fit and adventurous enough will be permitted to penetrate into the heart of the Great Pyramid, to the King's Chamber (or, depending on work in progress, the Kephren Pyramid). But we won't stop here. We'll continue to Dahshour, south of Cairo, where still more pyramids are to be explored. Among the monuments we'll visit is the Great Pyramid of Senfru, the father of Cheops. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

Complimentary 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 Cairo l! You'll be invited to a family dinner, and while you enjoy wholesome home-cooked specialties, you'll learn about and appreciate the outlook, aspirations, and way of life of your hosts. Be assured, as curious as you may be about your new friends, they're sure to have questions about your own background. Once the ice is broken, you'll enjoy a lively evening, and find that you have more in common than you ever suspected. Of course, you may enjoy a quiet evening with your travel companions, by letting us know your preferences.

DAY 12 - CAIRO - Wednesday (B)
After breakfast, enjoy Cairo as you wish. Full day at leisure.

Octavious visiting Alexander the Great's Tomb in Alexandria just after the Roman Emperor defeated Cleopatra & Marc Anthony.  He left his coat as a token of respect to Alexander the Great. The search continues for Alexander the Great's Tomb.

DAY 13 - ROME - Thursday (BD)
After breakfast, board your flight for Rome, transfer to hotel, remainder of the day at leisure.
Ah, Italy! Art, architecture, cuisine, history, sun, smiles and sprezzatura. No wonder it's among the world's most popular travel destinations. Italy's ties to the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean are long and deep. (Roman general Marc Antony wooed Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, after all.) Italy is a must-see. 

DAY 14 - Rome - Friday (BD)
Full day on your own to explore Roma ! we'll send you the famous Lonely Planet Guide book with our compliments.

DAY 15 - NAPLES - Saturday (BD)
Enjoy breakfast around 9 AM , our local rep will escort you around 10 AM to the train station and on to Naples : 1st class train ticket is included in our rate ( Express "Rapid" train) , in Naples our local staff will meet you upon your arrival around 12:30 Naples and a brief panoramic tour of Naples:

There's a lot to see in Naples, and we'll leave early to try to fit it all in. First we'll head to the very center of this bustling city. We'll visit the Archaeological Museum, and the Royal Palace from which the Kingdom of Naples was once ruled. We'll move on to Plebiscito Square, Angioino Castle, and Posillipo. Of course, we'll find the time to stop in at a Neapolitan pastry shop, where we'll treat you to a sfogliatella. Afterward, we head for Sorrento , and escort you to your hotel.
The four stars Hotel Corallo, overlooking the Bay of Naples and beach. Sea View room with balcony subject to availability at the time of booking. After you settle in, we'll all meet and get to know each other over dinner. There will be time to rest, and to take a stroll around wonderful, lively Naples.

DAY 16 - POMPEII -Sunday (BD)
We'll leave in the morning for the short drive to Pompeii, just south around the curve of the bay of Naples. Life in this Roman City came to an abrupt end in 79 AD when an eruption of Mount Vesuvius smothered the inhabitants in volcanic ash. But the tragedy has also preserved the city much as it used to be. We'll visit magnificent forums and ancient residences, and admire Roman frescos. You'll choose your restaurant for lunch on your own in Pompeii (our guide can offer suggestions), or assemble a picnic from the mouthwatering offerings of the food shops. Our afternoon will be taken up with visits to coral and cameo workshops, before we return to our hotel for dinner.

DAY 17 - CAPRI, ANA CAPRI - Monday (BD)
We embark this morning for Capri, the isle that has inspired many a musical tribute. We'll visit the Piazzetta and the Gardens of Augustus,St. Michael Museum , among other sites. Select a restaurant or terrace cafe for lunch on your own, or sample the epicurean delights on offer all around. We'll then return to our hotel for dinner in Sorrento .

DAY 18 - SORRENTO - Tuesday (BD)
Enjoy your buffet breakfast at the hotel. Full day at leisure to enjoy the beach, or ask us fro assistance with optional tours.
In the evening : We'll all meet up again for dinner at our hotel.

DAY 19 - ERCOLANO , SORRENTO , SHOPPING - Wednesday (BD)
Today, we drive along the coastal road through Castellammare to Herculaneum , an ancient Roman city , destroyed along with Pompeii when Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. After this half day tour of the uncovered treasures of Herculaneum , we head back to Sorrento , browse and shop for leatherworker and fashion and crafts, and enjoy the seaside atmosphere. It might not be enough. We'll return to your hotel for dinner.

DAY 20 - Caserta and Mount Cassino - Thursday (BD)
After breakfast we leave around 8:30 AM , on a full day tour of Caserta and a visit to the Royal Palace known as the "Versailles of Naples ", where the Bourbon Kings used to have their seat of power. After touring this charming palace and its famous water falls , we head for Mount Cassino and the famous Abbey, founded by St. Benedict in 529 AD.
During World War II it was totally destroyed and has been faithfully restored to its former glory with original frescos and mosaics.

DAY 21- AMALFI, RAVELLO - Friday (BD)
This morning, we'll drive along the Amalfi coast, and appreciate view after magnificent view. Finally, we'll reach the Cathedral, in the historic center of this upscale resort area, where we'll pause for a visit. You can select from the many options in town for lunch on your own, before we continue to Ravello, where we'll view the extraordinary gardens of the Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone

DAY 22- DEPARTURE FOR HOME- Saturday (B)
After breakfast, our Naples personnel will escort you to the airport, where you'll board your flight to begin your homeward journey.

Rates per person

	Category A Hotels
Triple	US$ 6595 .00
Double	US$ 6655 .00
Single	US$ 8895 .00

DEPARTURE DATES

This tour starts weekly on Fridays

Your tour includes:

• All airfares ( economy class ) & sleeper train in Egypt & Libya as per itinerary .
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• Air fare Cairo Rome , one way , economy class, you may start in Italy then fly out of Egypt at the end for $ 200 extra per person

• All transfers in Libya Egypt & Italy .

• Hotel accommodations, including tax and service charges. Regardless of your hotel category choice in Al Alamein and Marsa Matrouh ( hotels are 4 stars) , also will be 4 stars in Italy.In Libya outside of Tripoli , except four stars level in the rest of Libya

• Visa Fee for Egypt and Libya (Only for holders of limited number of nationalities such as Australian, NZ, US, EU, Korean, Singaporean Japanese passports with six months of validity remaining at time of arrival)
  
  

• Libya will not allow you in if you have an Israeli visa stamp in your passport .
  

• Meals as indicated in the tour itinerary: B = continental breakfast; L = set-menu lunch; D = set-menu dinner.

• Guided sightseeing by private air-conditioned motor coach or car as per itinerary, including all entrance fees.

• Complimentary Lonely Planet travel guidebook to Egypt / Italy.

Not Included :

- Transatlantic airfare from / to your home country
.
- Tips

-Trip insurance, please ask us for the flyer.

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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.