Tripoli

Located in the large Citadel, the National Museum boasts some superb exhibits from Libya’s Phoenician, Greek, Roman and Islamic periods, giving you the opportunity to explore the many different backgrounds of the country of Libya.

Hidden in the Old City is the Karamanly House, which was built during the Karamanly Dynasty rule by Ali Basha, to house his Harim. See exhibits showing a typical layout of architecture and furniture of that era. With its elegant architecture, Gurgi Mosque was built comparatively recently in 1833 by Mustafa Gurgi and you’ll have a chance to see inside. Venture further into the old town of Tripoli along the winding lanes of the souks, where merchants and customers haggle over handicrafts and produce. Enjoy some free time to explore and browse for souvenirs. Although no vestiges of the Phoenician settlement remain, you’ll see traces of Roman times including the Arch of Marcus Aurelius (163 A.D.) constructed entirely of marble.

Sabratha city was a permanent settlement from the 4th century B.C., and grew during the Roman period. Like Leptis Magna, Sabratha began as a settlement to service the coastal trade of the Carthaginians. It was developed as a permanent site to act as a terminal for the trans-Saharan trade since it had a natural harbour. The site was later to become one of the 3 cities with Leptis and Oea (Tripoli).

The most prominent features are the Roman public arenas, the Temples of Liber Pater - Sirapis, Isis, and Hercules - the forum, and the public paths. Ruins of the earliest Phoenician settlements have been found beneath the Roman town in the area between the forum and the sea and two mausoleums, one of which was completely restored. The main monument is the Theatre, used in modern times as a theatre and concert hall. There are a variety of public baths, temples and fountains, with many first class mosaics both on site and in the adjacent Museum.

The city of Leptis Magna began as a trading port for the ancient people of Phoenicia around 1,000 B.C. and then became part of the Roman province of Africa Proconsularis. Leptis was the most easterly of the three cities that gave the North African region of Tripolitania its name.

The city grew as a prosperous trading centre, but raids by desert tribes began in the 4th century A.D. and the city was virtually abandoned by the 8th century. Leptis Magna was associated with the Roman Empire for more than 500 years beginning late in the 1st century B.C. During that time, many buildings were constructed and these Roman structures, well preserved under sand for centuries, have made the city an important area for archaeological study since the 1920’s. Leptis Magna was also known as the birthplace of Roman emperor, Lucius Septimius Severus, (A.D. 146-211) and today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Archaeological excavations have unearthed several layers of ruins that show various periods of occupation at the site. Underneath the remains of a large theatre built in the 1st century A.D. is a cemetery probably dating from the 4th or 3rd century B.C. Particularly well preserved are Roman buildings that include the elaborate Hadrian Baths as well the remains of the forum and basilica erected during the era of Emperor Severus. Just outside the main city, you’ll see the Grand Amphitheatre. Constructed in 56 A.D. and boasting unrivalled acoustics, it could accommodate up to 16,000 spectators. A basic snack box will be provided from the ship.

A guided 30-minute panoramic drive will take you around Tripoli City. The city that was once known as the ‘white bride of the Mediterranean’, now has over a million inhabitants, and is one of the most important metropolises in Africa, a mixture of ancient mosques and futuristic skyscrapers, colonial palaces and lively souks.

Pass by the Red Castle, the Museum, 1st September Street, the mosques, the busy streets surrounding the Old City and alongside the long stretches of sandy beach and promenade. After your panoramic tour, your coach will drop you at Green Square, the heart of the city, and from where you can independently visit the markets and souks of the old city. You’ll have approximately 1 ½ hours to wander at leisure, bargaining with the locals, browsing the bustling shops and alleyways for that all-important bargain or memento of your visit to this interesting city.