Depart London Heathrow on British Airways flight to Tripoli this morning (3 hours 30 minutes). On arrival transfer to Corinthia Bab Africa Hotel. This evening we enjoy some traditional Libyan hospitality at a local restaurant

This morning we visit the National Museum, Al Mathat Al Jamahiri, located within the formidable edifice of the ‘Red Fort’. Occupying a site that dates back to the Roman tenure of the 1st century AD, the museum is home to a rich wealth of artefacts that encompass the Phoenician, Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Muslim periods of the city’s fascinating history. We also explore the bustling alleyways and narrow lanes of the souk and the Old Town, taking in the eclectic clash of cultures that has helped to form Libya’s engaging capital. We’ll also enjoy lunch amongst its walled Medina, before an afternoon at leisure.

The UNESCO Heritage Site of Leptis Magna contains, without doubt, the most extensive Roman remains in Africa. Buried beneath the desert sands for centuries these spectacularly preserved and magnificent ruins represent the zenith of Roman rule in North Africa. We will spend today exploring these grandiose remains, visiting its excellent museum and touring the baths, temples and magnificent amphitheatre. Little about Leptis is understated and it presents us with a unique insight into the power and wealth of the Roman Empire under Septimus Severus, following the Roman conquest of the city after the third Punic War. From the imposing opulence of the Severan Arch, to the gladiatorial ‘circus’, it is a city that exudes majesty and power.

A morning flight brings us to Benghazi (1 hour 10 minutes), whose myriad alleyways and souks once echoed beneath the boots of Roman, Turkish and Italian invaders. On arrival we transfer to Apollonia, via Tokrah (235 KM/approximately 4 hours). Our stay in Apollonia is at the Al Manara Hotel.

This morning we visit the magnificent remains of Apollonia, nestling besides the glittering waters of the Mediterranean and once the capital of Upper Libya. Along with nearby Cyrene this was one of the five important ‘Pentapolis’ cities, serving as Cyrene’s port before eclipsing its neighbour following its destruction in 115 AD. After our visit we continue to the little visited site at Al Althrun, where we will have lunch and time to explore the ruins.

Today’s excursion takes us to Cyrene, set amidst the lush, pine covered slopes of the Jebel Akhdar highlands. Second only to Leptis in archaeological importance, the city was founded by the Greeks, going on to become one of the largest cities in Africa by the 5th century BC. The city’s fall from grace began following its absorption into the Roman Empire in 74BC, after which the Jewish population found itself increasingly marginalised, resulting in violent riots that saw its population decimated under the rule of the Emperor Trajan. Today its extensive remains present us with a quite extraordinary archaeological site, reflecting the influences of its Greek, Roman and Egyptian rulers.

Returning to Benghazi we travel via Qasr Libia where the small museum is famed for the collection of superbly preserved mosaics that once decorated the floors of two nearby Byzantine churches. Also visit Tolmetha before enjoying a late afternoon tour of Benghazi itself. Strategically important to Roman, Turkish, Arab and European colonists, the city suffered extensive damage during the Second World War, but its ancient centre still retains something of original character, affording us an interesting mix of the old and the new Libya side by side. Overnight at the Tibesty Hotel.

We fly back to Tripoli this morning and head directly out to the spectacular remains of Sabratha, a once thriving trading centre under the Carthaginians, that went on to achieve fame as one of the great cities of the Roman Tripolitania. The city reached the height of its prosperity and importance during the Roman era, growing rich from the gold, ivory and slave caravans that travelled to the city from the sub Saharan lands of central Africa. Later we return to Tripoli, where we check in to the Corinthia Bab Africa Hotel for our final overnight.

Fly mid afternoon on a British Airways non-stop flight to London, arriving back in Heathrow later today.