Libya: Archaeology and CultureWith Professor Garrett Fagan
October 8 - 23, 2011
Tadrart Akakus Extension
October 23 - 31, 2011
Off limits to most Americans and Europeans since the mid-1980s, we at Far Horizons are proud that we are the only U.S. tour company to have successfully completed land tours to Libya in 2007 and 2008. The Libyan government has now once again opened its borders to Americans. The country’s rich history and culture have been little experienced by western tourists. Boasting five UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Cyrene, Leptis Magna, Sabratha, the old town of Ghadames, and the rock art sites of Tadrart Akakus in the southern desert - it is a virtual treasure trove of archaeological remains. Advantageous harbors and rich soil drew colonists from Phoenicia and Greece, and later attracted Roman, Byzantine and Arab conquerors. The legacy left behind by Libya’s past occupants - impressive temples, magnificent theaters, exquisite churches and formidable castles, all preserved to an astonishing degree - serve as a magnet to draw visitors today. Of equal fascination is the opportunity to experience modern Libya, its towns and villages, mosques and market places, which reflect an appealing mix of Arab and Berber culture.
Among the many places we will visit on this 16-day trip are the dramatically situated ruins of Cyrene, according to legend founded by a Greek named Battus in order to cure his stutter, and Leptis Magna, a Phoenician port re-founded as a Roman colony and later lavishly renovated by its most famous son, the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus. We will wander through the Berber oasis town of Ghadames, the “Jewel of the Sahara,” where the unique building plan protected residents from the strong sun, blowing sand and heat, and will also experience modern Libya, with a visit to “The Great Man-Made River,” a remarkable series of pipelines built by Colonel Qadhafi in 1984 to transfer drinking water for hundreds of miles.
Join Professor Garrett Fagan, a Roman specialist and of Teaching Company fame, and only 17 others to traverse this fascinating land!
'I always try to approach a trip without having expectations. With Far Horizons I have not experienced a single time of uneasiness or concern. I'd go with you anywhere... so much fun and so educational! The varied experiences really give a good picture of the contemporary life in Libya, and the fantastic ancient sites were amazing and superb.' - Polly Holt
'Each day brought a new vista and delight: the Temple of Zeus at Cyrene, the Bedowin tent in the desert for tea and sunset...so many things.' - Cynthia Draper
`The beauty of the desert was an agreeable surprise, the group was interesting, and the study leader's input was the icing on the cake. Overall an enjoyable experience.' - Bevan Sharp
Click here to request a printer friendly Libya brochure
(B) breakfast, (L) lunch, (D) dinner
Day 1: Depart from New York's JFK Airport for our flight to Tripoli, Libya.
Day 2: Upon arrival into Tripoli, transfer to our hotel where we will stay for two nights. Gather this evening for our festive welcome dinner in a delightful local restaurant. (D)
Day 3: For the Greeks and Phoenicians, Tripoli made an ideal trading post, having an excellent natural harbor. In antiquity, this arid region of western Libya, which the Romans called Tripolitania (“land of three cities”), was comprised of the cities of Leptis Magna, Sabratha, and Oea (now lost under modern Tripoli). This morning's walk takes us to the Jamahiriya Museum, al-Saraya al-Hamra, built into the southeast corner of the city wall, overlooking the harbor. The existing plan of the main complex is Ottoman, with a mosque, harem and many courtyards, but the castle is undoubtedly built on the 
foundations of earlier fortresses. The intricate network of paths within the castle reflects the style of winding arcaded streets seen in the old city. The castle was renovated and re-opened in 1988 as the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Museum, housing cultural artifacts from all periods in Libya's history. This is Libya's primary archaeological museum and we will spend the morning viewing its collections. In the afternoon, explore the modern town of Tripoli, including Algeria Square, where the old Italian Cathedral (now a branch of the Islamic Association) is located, and we will peek in at the Islamic School of Traditional Crafts. Finish the day with a stroll down the First of September Street – the main shopping street of modern Tripoli. (B/L/D)
Day 4: Today, our explorations take us west of Tripoli to Sabratha. Originally a Phoenician trading-post that served as an outlet for the products of the African hinterland, today the ruins of Sabratha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are spread along the glorious beach overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Still visible are the remains of the city's impressive buildings including the majestic amphitheater that dominates the site. The theater can seat 5,000 people and was richly covered in marble sculptures - Comedy masks and reliefs of the Three Graces and other symbolic figures still adorn the front of the stage. As one views this pink sandstone masterpiece, dramatically set on the edge of the sea, one can’t help but admire the skill of its Roman builders. With its fluted Corinthian columns and stunning bas relief carvings, it is considered one of the finest sites along the North African coast. After visiting the site and the adjacent museums, return to Tripoli. (B/L/D)
Day 5: On our drive to the Berber village of Ghadames, we will stop to see two impressive granaries, storage facilities used to house local crops for the communities’ survival. Qsar al-Hajj, is not a castle but instead is a Berber granary. Next we visit the village of Nalut to see another Berber family granary set on a steep hillside overlooking the mountains and plains. Overnight for two nights in the new Dar Sahara Hotel in Ghadames. This lovely hotel was designed in the Berber style and completed in 2004. (B/L/D)
Day 6: This morning we will visit the local museum and walk through the ancient section of Ghadames, a living bridge between traditional and contemporary architecture and aUNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as '
The Jewel of the Sahara' this oasis town is certainly well preserved. The unique design of connecting roofs with covered alleyways between themallowed the inhabitants to pass freely from house to house without having to expose themselves to the strong sun, blowing sand and heat. All the walls are painted white to reflect the sun and give an additional cooling effect. In contrast to the stark appearance of the town's exterior, the insides of homes are beautifully decorated with intricate and colorful designs. In the evening we will drive outside of town to a picturesque spot at Grand Erg Oriental to watch the sun set over the desert. From here we can see Algeria and Tunisia. Along the way we stop to explore the ruins of Qasr al-Ghoul (Castle of the Ghost), believed to be haunted by the specters of the Islamic soldiers who died here during a 7th century siege of the fort. (B/L/D)
Day 7: As we drive east towards our next destination, we will stop along the way to visit a number of interesting sites. One of these sites, Tarmeisa, is an abandoned ancient stone village sited on the peak of a mountain with spectacular views across the landscape. In Jadu the local people have created a private museum housing an ethnographic exhibit. Dinner and overnight in Yefrin in the Yefrin Hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 8: Our first stop this morning is Gharyan where troglodyte houses, homes built underground, were shelter from the intense heat. Gharyan is a pottery making town and while here, we stop to see exhibits of this craft. We continue on our drive taking us east along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea to glorious Leptis Magna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begun as a trading port for the ancient people of Phoenicia around 1000BC, it later became part of the Roman province of Africa Proconsularis. Leptis Magna was associated with the Roman Empire for more than 600 years and was known as the birthplace of the legendary Roman emperor, Lucius Septimius Severus. His arch, erected in 203 AD to honor the illustrious ruler, contains highly decorated panels alongside Corinthian columns. This monument forms the imperial entrance to North Africa's most renowned city. Centuries of blowing sand hid and protected the stately buildings. Today they stand as a glorious reflection of Rome in Africa. We will spend the afternoon onsite. Overnight at the simple Hotel Zlitan. (B/L/D)
Day 9: Spend the morning in Leptis Magna. After lunch return to Tripoli with a stop at Villa Sileen (if open), a Byzantine villa set directly on the seashore. The well-preserved mosaics and painted frescoes of this 20-room villa illustrate the comfort and luxury available to those with wealth. We return to Tripoli to overnight with dinner in a local restaurant. (B/L/D)
Day 10: Morning flight to Benghazi. In the afternoon drive to see an ambitious project, called Great Man-Made River, which was begun in Libya in 1984 by the country's leader, Colonel Qadhafi. The goal of this ‘river of pipelines’ is to transfer water from deep fossil aquifers under the southern desert for hundreds of miles to the coastal cities. Overnight in the Hotel Tibesti in Benghazi. (B/L/D)
Day 11: Today we journey further east and along the way visit two outstanding sites. Teucheira, or Tokra, was founded by the Greeks during the 7th century BC and was one of the five cities of the Greek Pentapolis. In 96 BC Teucheira came under Roman domination and flourished during the 1st and 2nd centuries. The beautiful ruined city is sited on the edge of the sea and was celebrated for its worship of Cybele, in whose honor annual festivals were held. Then it’s on to Ptolemais, or Tolmeita. Named after Ptolemy II Philadelphus, the Egyptian ruler in whose reign it was founded during the 3rd century BC, it was originally a Hellenistic 
mercantile city. During the 3rd century AD, following a decline in the importance of Cyrene, it became the capital city of the region. Archaeological excavations have revealed a forum, parts of the aqueduct, the amphitheater, and an elaborately decorated Hellenistic Palace dating back to the first century BC. The opulent two-story villa once belonged to a noble inhabitant and contains large rooms with mosaic floors and marble paneling. Our final stop is Qasr Libya, site of a Byzantine fort and church dating back to the reign of the Emperor Justinian in the 6th century AD. A floor of stunning mosaic panels was discovered in 1957, the majority of which are now housed in the on-site museum. The mosaics depict pagan subjects as well as human and animal figures, with one panel depicting the Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Dinner and overnight for three nights in al-Manara Hotel on the beach at Apollonia. (B/L/D)
Day 12: The Jebel al-Akhdar is an extremely beautiful stretch of mountains. Also known as the Green Mountains, this part of Libya is indeed a verdant emerald color due to the higher rainfall than in other parts of the country. Today's drive is through the dramatic scenery of Ras al-Hillal where these towering mountains fall to the azure sea. Our first destination is Ras al-Hillal Church with mosaic floors still intact. Nearby L'Atrun, is dramatically sited on a lofty bluff above the Mediterranean. Within the sanctuary are two exquisite Byzantine churches. The well-preserved Western Church has still-standing walls, and inside, the marble panels and pillars are marked with carved Byzantine crosses. Libya's only known cult shrine that pre-dates the Greeks, Slonta is found hidden high in the mountain forests. Within the stone grotto are carvings of human faces and animals found nowhere else in the country. Nothing is known about this mysterious place of worship, but while visiting this quiet place, we will see that the effort it took to construct the figures lends a sense of its sanctity. (B/L/D)
Day 13: The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cyrene is a visual feast - gloriously situated 2,000 feet above the Mediterranean on the side of the Jebal Al-Akhdar and framed by verdant evergreen forests. Climbing into the mountains, gain glimpses of this Greek city's former grandeur as we pass tombs carved into the hillside and look up to see the striking Sanctuary of Apollo dominating the lower slope. The Great Baths were built along side the Sanctuary, and are characterized by elaborate decoration, marble walls and floors, mosaics and spectacularly vaulted roofs. Higher up the hill, are the major civic buildings, including as well as shops, theatre and temples. Encircled by tall, stately Doric columns, the Gymnasium was built in the 2nd century BC by the Greeks. The Romans converted it into the Forum. In the main square lies the tomb of Battus, the city's founder. We will spend the entire day exploring the city's celebrated remains. (B/L/D)
Day 14: Begin the day in Sousa, or Apollonia, the ancient harbor for Cyrene. Most of what remains today dates from the Byzantine era when Apollonia was known as the "City of Churches." Continue to Al Baeda to walk through the Temple of Aesclepius, rarely visited by tourists. Silphium, also known as silphion or laser, an extinct plant possibly of the genus Ferula, brought fame and wealth to this area. This important plant is shown on the column capitals in the Temple. Drive back to Benghazi in time for our evening flight to Tripoli. Overnight for two nights. (B/L/D)
Day 15: Tripoli is a beautiful city rich in history and with a wealth of magnificent sites. It is Libya's western capital and biggest port. The city is divided into two sections - the new and old cities. The ancient walled medina has a street plan that was laid down in the Roman period when the walls were constructed on the landward sides against attacks from the interior of Tripolitania. The high fortifications survived many invasions. In the 8th century the Muslim ruler built a wall on the sea-facing side of the city. Three great gates gave access to the town, Bab Zanata on the west, Bab Hawara on the southeast and Bab Al-Bahr in the north wall. Our final dinner party will be in a stylish restaurant overlooking the Bab al-Bahr Gate. (B/L/D)
Day 16: Depart for USA (or fly to Sabha to begin Akakus extension). (B)
October 23 - 31, 2011
The mountainous region of Tadrart Akakus, located in the southwestern corner of Libya, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Scattered throughout many of the area's wadis, great gorges cut into the sandstone by ancient waterways, are spectacular painted and pecked cave art. Thousands of years ago, the barren sands of the Libyan Sahara were lush verdant grazing lands filled with wildlife. Then the climate changed dramatically. The region’s paintings and petroglyphs give evidence of this change.
The reasons to visit the Akakus are many - stunning rock art, dramatic desert landscapes sculptured by the wind into a spectacular world of rock formations, and endless sweeping golden dunes.
The extension is designed to spend time in the fifth UNESCO World Heritage area, located near the country's southwest border east of the city of Ghat. The region offers spectacular desert and mountain scenery and breathtaking prehistoric rock paintings and carvings, some of which date back 12,000 years. Please note that there are no hotels in the Akakus Mountains. Camping is required to visit this World Heritage Area, and to sleep on the soft sand with the night sky's blanket of brilliant stars overhead is an unforgettable experience.
(B) breakfast, (L) lunch, (D) dinner
Day 16: Transfer to the airport for the flight from Tripoli to Sabha, located in southern Libya. Overnight in Sabha. (D)
Day 17: Begin our drive south in 4-wheel drive vehicles to Wadi Methkandoush. Here, on a towering sandstone cliff-face,fine carvings of numerous animals, some as old as 12,000 years, are displayed. Depictions of elephants, hippopotamus, fighting cats, crocodiles, giraffes and ostriches suggest that in the past there existed a more hospitable climate with abundant water. Camp for the next six nights. (B/L/D)
Day 18: As we drive further into the remote desert, we will skirt the edge of the immense Murzuk Sand Sea, one of the world's greatest sand dune deserts covering an area almost the size of Switzerland. Then we reach the Akakus region and Wadi Tashwinat. Here countless wadis, or valleys, were created by rain runoff thousands of years ago. Today, these deep gorges are filled with famed painted art. (B/L/D)
Days 19 - 20: Continue deeper through magnificent scenery into the mountains to view the profusion of superb Neolithic cave paintings. Enjoy lively scenes of people hunting, herding, dancing and even a representation of a woman being dressed for her wedding. The images are exquisite; the ancient artists' ability to create a sense of motion and fluidity in the animals and people they depict, allows a rare glimpse into their way of life. (B/L/D)
Day 21: As we leave Wadi Tashwinat, drive through Wadi Awiss with a stop to see images of domesticated animals. Then it's on to Ghat. Located on the border with Algeria deep in the Libya Sahara, Ghat was built as a protective outpost and trading center for caravans crossing the desert. Today the old town, 
dominated by a picturesque Italian fort and the imposing massif of Kaf el Djenun, is mainly deserted. There will be time to explore the village, including the Touareg Mosque. (B/L/D)
Day 22: Today's drive takes us to Germa to visit the ancient walled mud city of Garama and royal cemetery of the great Garamantian Empire. This civilization held power in the Sahara for over 1000 years. Recent archaeological work has revealed that the desert civilization known to the Romans as the Garamantes constructed almost a thousand miles of underground tunnels and shafts in order to mine long-buried fossil water. These remarkable people are theancestors of the present-day Tuareg, the famed "Blue Men of the desert "- because their robes are frequently dyed indigo blue. (B/L/D)
Day 23: Enjoy a change of scenery as we drive to the lakes of Ramlat Dawada in the Ubari-Erg area. We will visit several of the beautiful palm-fringed lakes including Mavo, Gebraoun (where there is an opportunity for swimming) Umm al-Maa, and Mandara. We take the evening flight from Sabha to Tripoli and overnight. (B/L/D)
Day 24: Fly back to the USA. (B)
Garrett G. Fagan received his PhD in Roman Studies from McMaster University in Canada and is Associate Professor of Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies and History at Pennsylvania State University. As a specialist in Greco-Roman history, he is the author of Bathing in Public in the Roman World (Ann Arbor, 1999) and The Lure of the Arena (Cambridge, 2011), edited or co-authored three other books, and has numerous scholarly articles and chapters in print. Dr. Fagan has appeared on the acclaimed PBS science series Nova and on The History Channel, and is a lecturer on three courses with The Teaching Company - the History of Ancient Rome, Emperors of Rome, and Great Battles of the Ancient World. His ability to read Latin and Greek, combined with his enthusiasm for the ancient world, makes traveling with him a memorable experience.
ates October 8 - 23, 2011
Tadrart Akakus Extension: October 23 - 31, 2011
$7,995.00 (per person, double occupancy) includes international roundtrip airfare from New York’s JFK to Tripoli; all hotels; most meals (as listed in the itinerary); entry fees; and land transportation.
Cost Does Not Include: a separate donation check (per person); passport or visa fees; airport or departure taxes; beverages or food not included on regular menus; laundry; excess baggage charges; personal tips; telephone and fax charges; or other items of a personal nature.
Single Supplement: $825.00. Should a roommate be requested and one not be available, the single supplement must be charged.
Akakus Extension Trip Cost: $2,995.00 (per person, double occupancy)
Akakus Extension Single Supplement: $345.00. Should a roommate be requested and one not be available, the single supplement must be charged.
Fuel Surcharges: Far Horizons must pass on price increases when additional fuel charges are levied.
Donation Checks: The cost of the trip does not include a separate donation check (per person). As a tour company that benefits from the historical, cultural and natural riches of our destinations, we have a policy of donating to scholars, archaeological and cultural projects, and museums in each of our destinations. This has created a bond with the academic community that allows you to gain an 'insider's view' of work being done in each country. Your donation check will go directly to the project's budget. Detailed information on the donation project in Libya will be available soon.
RegistrationA deposit of $500.00 and the separate donation check are required along with your registration form. Final payment is due 75 days before departure. Upon receipt of your deposit and completed registration form, you will be sent a reading list and a tour bulletin containing travel information. Prior to the trip, we will send links to various websites of pertinent interest to the trip. Click here to download our Registration Form.
Cancellations received in writing at least 75 days before departure will result in an administrative fee of $250.00 per person. Cancellations received less than 75 days before departure will not receive a refund. If for any reason you are unable to complete the tour, we will not reimburse any fees. Registrants are strongly advised to buy travel insurance that includes trip cancellation.
If you do not fly on the group flight, you are responsible for all flight arrangements and transportation (including airport transfers) to join the group. If Far Horizons must change the trip dates or cancel the trip for any reason, Far Horizons is not responsible for any air ticket you may have purchased.
Libya has been without tourists for 20 years and the tourism infrastructure is new and immature. Guides may not be as knowledgeable or educated as we would like. Vehicles may be old and shabby. Most of the so-called 4- and 5-star hotels were nationalized and are run by the government; they have not been well maintained, are not always clean, and generally are not up to American standards. Recently new hotels in several cities have been built using private money. When possible, we will stay in these hotels though they are sometimes small and simple. Traditionally Libyans eat at home, and restaurants that cater to tourists are few and far between and the meals served in them do not contain much variety. During the trip there will be a lot of walking over rough terrain and group members must be physically active and able to walk independently for distances that may exceed a mile or more each day. This trip is for the adventurous and is not appropriate for those who are unprepared for changes in schedule, delays, monotonous food, inexperienced local staff, and long rides over poor roads. Your flexibility and patience will be appreciated.
Changes in our itinerary, accommodations, and transportation schedules may occur. A good book to read as well as a flexible attitude and a sense of humor are essential.
The private tours of archaeological sites and talks by specialists are scheduled in advance and include a donation to each. Specialists working at these sites are excited about showing their work to interested enthusiasts. However, please be aware that there may be times when the director or a member of the staff may not be onsite when our groups arrive due to other commitments.
THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL TOUR TO LIBYA IS LIMITED TO 18 PARTICIPANTS
