Tour to Libya

Flight from your location to Tripoli, Libya.
Tour leader Vladas Sapranavičius and majority of the group will travel to Tripoli via Istanbul.
You’re welcome to join us either in Istanbul or directly in Tripoli.

We arrive in Tripoli, Libya’s capital and largest city, located on the Mediterranean coast and rich in centuries of layered history. After a warm welcome at the airport, we transfer to our hotel in the city center, settle in, and have lunch. In the afternoon, we begin our first exploration of this vibrant and often overlooked city.
Our walk begins with a visit to the Arch of Marcus Aurelius, a well-preserved Roman triumphal arch dating back to the 2nd century AD. It stands in what was once the Roman heart of ancient Oea—the original city that later became Tripoli—and offers a striking reminder of Libya’s deep imperial past.
We then enter the Old City (medina), a maze of narrow alleyways and hidden courtyards filled with history, scents, and texture. Here, life unfolds slowly and organically: small mosques, traditional bakeries, tailors, and spice shops coexist within whitewashed walls and winding stone paths. We'll visit the souk, where local traders offer everything from textiles and perfumes to dates and antiques, and observe the local rhythm of daily life that has remained largely unchanged for generations.
As the afternoon light softens, we emerge into the more modern quarters of Tripoli, built during the Italian colonial period and characterized by neoclassical façades, cafés, and government buildings—a dramatic contrast to the ancient medina.
Dinner and overnight in Tripoli.

After breakfast in Tripoli, we leave the Mediterranean coast behind and journey westward into the Jebel Nafusa mountains—a striking highland plateau that has long been home to the Amazigh (Berber) people. This region is not only scenically beautiful but also culturally rich, known for its traditional architecture, historic granaries, and deep-rooted mountain communities.
Our first stop is Qasr al-Haj, one of the most impressive fortified granaries in North Africa. Built in the 12th century, this circular structure once stored grain and valuables for local families and traders. With its dozens of carefully stacked compartments, intricate defensive design, and location in the middle of a windswept plain, the qasr offers a fascinating glimpse into communal life and resource sharing in the pre-modern desert world.
From there, we continue along winding mountain roads to Nalut, a village dramatically perched on a rocky ridge. The old quarter of Nalut, built entirely from stone and clay, is a labyrinth of interconnected homes and passageways designed for defense and shade. Its clifftop castle (qasr) is a marvel of vernacular architecture, once used as both storage and shelter. Standing at the edge of the fortress walls, we take in panoramic views that stretch far across the desert plains to the south.
In the late afternoon, we descend slightly to reach Kabaw, a quieter village nestled among the hills. With its laid-back atmosphere and traditional homes, Kabaw offers a peaceful setting to reflect on the day’s discoveries and to experience the hospitality of Libya’s mountain heartland.
Dinner and overnight in Kabaw.

We begin our morning by exploring Kabaw, a historic Amazigh village built along the slopes of the Nafusa Mountains. Known for its hilltop granary and stone architecture, Kabaw offers insight into the traditional ways of mountain life. As we walk through its narrow alleys and quiet courtyards, we get a deeper sense of how these communities lived in harmony with their harsh but beautiful surroundings.
After the visit, we leave the highlands and drive southward into the vastness of the Libyan desert, where the landscape slowly transforms into golden plains and isolated palm groves. Our destination is Ghadames, one of the most iconic oasis cities in North Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Often called the “pearl of the desert,” Ghadames has been continuously inhabited for thousands of years. It served as a crucial stop along the trans-Saharan trade routes, connecting sub-Saharan Africa with the Mediterranean. Upon arrival, we step into the old city, a stunning network of whitewashed, mud-brick alleyways and multilevel homes ingeniously designed to keep out the desert heat. Homes are connected by covered passageways, and private family quarters are hidden behind decorative wooden doors—creating a living example of sustainable desert urbanism.
We enjoy lunch in a traditional home inside the old city, where we’re welcomed with local dishes flavored by desert spices and hospitality. Afterward, we have the opportunity to take photos with local residents dressed in traditional Amazigh attire, celebrating the cultural pride that Ghadames still holds.
As the sun begins to set, we walk out to the nearby dunes to watch the desert sky glow in colors only this landscape can offer. In the evening, we share dinner with a local family, either here in Ghadames or later in the journey, depending on logistics.
Overnight in Ghadames.

After breakfast in the peaceful oasis of Ghadames, we say goodbye to the desert and begin our journey back north toward the Jebel Nafusa mountains. The drive takes us once again through the shifting tones of the Libyan landscape—from sandy flats to rocky plateaus—reminding us of the incredible geographic variety of this region.
As we ascend into the mountains, we return to the heart of Amazigh (Berber) culture. We spend the night in a traditional stone-built Amazigh house, known as Hosh al-Hafr, located either in Yafran or Gharyan. These historic homes are designed around central courtyards and offer not only comfort but also a strong sense of connection to the land and its people.
In the evening, we are treated to a private folklore performance by local artists—an authentic celebration of Amazigh identity (if the group consists of 8+ travelers). With the beat of traditional drums, the melody of desert songs, and the rhythm of ancestral dances, this is not a show for tourists but a cultural sharing, offered with pride and hospitality. Stories are told through music, and laughter echoes through the courtyards.
This special evening gives us a rare chance to experience the living traditions of the mountain communities that have preserved their language, customs, and spirit across centuries.
Dinner and overnight in the Nafusa Mountains.

We start the day slowly, immersing ourselves in the peaceful rhythm of the Nafusa Mountains. In the early morning, we set out for a gentle walk through the hills and valleys around Yafran—a landscape shaped by time, wind, and tradition. The path takes us past olive groves, dry-stone terraces, and quiet orchards that still nourish the surrounding villages.
This region is home to centuries-old Amazigh agricultural practices, and even today, many families tend their land much as their ancestors did. Along the way, we may encounter local shepherds, farmers, or children on their way to school—moments that remind us how daily life continues quietly here, far from the eyes of the world.
The scenery is serene but dramatic, with distant views stretching across the plains below. This walk offers time not just to move, but to reflect—to breathe in the dry mountain air and absorb the stories of the land we’ve been exploring.
In the afternoon, we drive back to Tripoli, returning once again to the pulse of the capital. After checking into our hotel, we enjoy a relaxed evening—perhaps with a stroll along the coastal boulevard or a coffee in one of the city’s quieter corners.
Overnight in Tripoli.

After an early breakfast, we set off for Leptis Magna, one of the most magnificent and best-preserved Roman cities in North Africa. Located along the Mediterranean coast, about two hours east of Tripoli, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a highlight not only of Libya, but of the entire classical world.
Founded by the Phoenicians and later expanded under Roman rule, Leptis Magna reached its peak in the 2nd century AD during the reign of Emperor Septimius Severus, who was born here. His personal patronage brought immense wealth and monumental construction to the city.
As we explore the vast ruins, we walk through the grand theatre, which still gazes out toward the sea, and wander beneath the towering Arch of Septimius Severus, built to celebrate his visit to his hometown as emperor. We continue to the forum, basilica, marketplace, and well-preserved bath complexes, each revealing the scale and ambition of Roman urban planning in North Africa.
The city’s mosaics and carved decorations still speak to the refinement of its golden age, while its coastal location gives the whole site a striking atmosphere—history and the sea meeting at the edge of the desert.
After the visit, we enjoy lunch near the ruins, with time to take in the setting before returning to Tripoli in the afternoon.
Overnight in Tripoli.

After breakfast, we travel west along the Mediterranean coast to the ancient city of Sabratha, a former Phoenician trading post that later became one of the most important Roman settlements in North Africa. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, best known for its breathtaking Roman theatre, which stands just meters from the sea.
The three-story theatre, dating back to the 2nd century AD, is one of the most photogenic and architecturally refined in the entire Roman world. With its rows of intricately carved columns, marble stage backdrop, and panoramic coastal setting, it is a place where history and nature blend in rare harmony. We sit in the very seats where Roman citizens once watched comedies, tragedies, and political speeches, surrounded by the whisper of waves and seabreeze.
Beyond the theatre, we explore the surrounding ruins—including temples, baths, residences, and early Christian basilicas—which reflect the city’s long and layered history. Inscriptions in Latin and Punic, remnants of mosaics, and finely worked columns offer insights into a once-thriving cosmopolitan port that linked Africa to the wider Roman Mediterranean.
After our visit, we return to Tripoli in the afternoon. There’s time for one last walk along the Corniche, a coffee in the old town, or perhaps a bit of last-minute shopping before we gather for a final dinner and reflection on the journey.
Overnight in Tripoli.

On our final day in Tripoli, we take time to unwind and reflect on the journey. In the morning, we visit a traditional Libyan hammam—a steam bath that remains a cornerstone of daily life and social culture in the region. With warm marble floors, aromatic steam, and gentle rhythms of ritual cleansing, this is more than just relaxation—it’s a cultural experience, connecting us to centuries of wellness tradition.
After the hammam, we take a leisurely walk along Tripoli’s seaside promenade, where the Mediterranean opens wide before us. Locals sip tea in small cafés, fishermen tend their nets, and families stroll under palm trees. It’s a peaceful, grounded moment that contrasts beautifully with the desert winds and ancient stones we’ve encountered during the week.
Before departure, there’s free time to visit a market, sip strong Arabic coffee, or simply sit and absorb the atmosphere of this often misunderstood city—one that welcomed us with quiet dignity and unexpected charm.
In the evening, we transfer to the airport for our 19:00 departure (if you depart via Istanbul), carrying with us memories of a country that few have seen—but none forget.

We will finally reach our homes.