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Tour Date: 21Apr 2012 - 11 May 2012
Tour Cost ($AUD): $13,847.00
Travel Directors have always been at the cutting edge of adventure travel. In that tradition we invite you to be part of the first western group in the world to return to the 'new Libya'. Having spoken to our operators in Tripoli we are confident that all infrastructure is in place for this tour. The tour will be led personally by Tony Evans who will shortly leave for Libya to meet with our friends and colleagues in the country. This historic, ground-breaking tour, which is more than $3000 cheaper than our October tour, will be offered on a first come first served basis only!
This magical itinerary starts in the mysterious North African countries of Tunisia and Libya. Here we visit magnificent Roman ruins, exotic souks, the fantastic oasis city of Ghadames and palm-fringed, inland desert lakes. From here we move across to the ancient and surprising Mediterranean island of Malta, before crossing by ferry to beautiful Sicily. We stay in the fabulous mountain resort town of Taormina, where we enjoy views of one of the world's most active volcanoes, Mount Etna. This entirely original and exciting journey gives a completely new meaning to the word adventure!
21/04/2012 Australia - Dubai
Touareg tribesman
Check-in at your chosen Australian airport for the flight to Dubai.
22/04/2012 Dubai - Tunis (D)
Downtown Tunis
On arrival in Dubai we connect with our flight to Tunis.
Depart Dubai Emirates Airlines EK 747, 09.35
Arrive Tunis 13.25
On arrival in Tunis we transfer to our hotel.
Hotel Africa
50 Ave Habib Bourguida
Tunis, Tunisia
Ph: 0011-216-71-347477
Fx: 7147432
23/04/2012 Tunis (BLD)
Tunis souk
Modern-day Tunisia is one of the safest and most stable countries in North Africa. Around the 11th century BC, Tunisia began to turn her attention to Europe through commerce and trade. The Phoenicians were the first to colonise the country, hence the fabled city of Carthage. Many other civilisations also influenced the country including Byzantines, Arabs, Ottomans and French. Indeed, the French granted Tunisia independence only in 1957, after a series of violent upheavals.
Today we visit Tunis, starting with the world-famous Bardo Museum. This museum has one of the richest collections of Roman mosaics and marble. After lunch we start to explore the souks, located in the Old Quarter. This area is known as the Medina, which is a World Heritage Site. The souks are home to a huge array of beautiful and distinctive objects. Exploring the range of goods available at a Tunisian souk, from ancient souvenirs to modern novelties (and almost everything that falls in between), is indeed an experience worth cherishing.
24/04/2012 Carthage (BLD)
Whitewashed buildings of
Sidi Bou Said
Today we travel to the eastern side of Lake Tunis, opposite to the capital itself. Here lie the ruins of the ancient city of Carthage. This settlement has a rich history and was of vital importance to the Phoenicians, Punics and Romans. We see the wonders of these civilisations as we visit the baths, cisterns, cathedral and Roman amphitheatre.
After lunch we visit the nearby village of Sidi Bou Said. The beautiful blue and white buildings of the settlement are perched on a cliff overlooking the Bay of Tunis. A legend tells of Saint Louis coming to the town to wage war, but falling in love with a Berber princess. He proceeded to change his name and become the patron saint of Sidi Bou Said! As we meander along cobblestone streets towards the mountain of Bou Kornine, we begin to understand the enchantment that embraced Saint Louis on his first visit here.
25/04/2012 Tunis - Tripoli (BD)
Tripoli by night
Depart Tunis Tunis Air TU 417, 14.15
Arrive Tripoli 16.20
On arrival in Tripoli we transfer to our hotel. Tripoli was founded in the 7th century BC by the Phoenicians, who named it Oea. The capital of Libya is situated on the edge of the desert and is home to 1.7 million inhabitants. The afternoon is at leisure.
Zumit Hotel
Old City Square
Tripoli
Ph: 0011-218-21-3342915
Fx: 4448984
26/04/2012 Tripoli (BLD)
Sabratha
This morning we head west to explore the ancient city of Sabratha. Settled in the early 6th century BC by the Phoenicians, Sabratha reached its zenith in the 1st and 2nd century AD, under the rule of Septimus Severus. Three hundred years later, a series of earthquakes destroyed the city and although it was quickly rebuilt, it occupied a much smaller area. Today, what remains are stunning ruins on the edge of the Mediterranean.
27/04/2012 Tripoli - Ghadames (BLD)
Nalut
This morning we start our 600-km drive to Libya's Berber heartland and perhaps its most intriguing corner. En-route we visit the small town of Nalut. In this fascinating place, at the halfway point to Ghadames, we can easily imagine how life was some 800 years ago. After lunch, we continue to Ghadames.
Dar Ghadames Hotel
Omar Al Mukator Street
Ghadames
Ph: 0011-218-21-3621414
Fx: 0011-218-21-4843408
28/04/2012 Ghadames (BLD)
Ghadames, the pearl of the desert
Ghadames is the most amazing oasis town in Libya, and perhaps in the world. This enchanted, labyrinthine settlement of covered passageways, distinctively decorated houses and romantic palm gardens has a pace of life that mirrors the desert itself. Many people regard Ghadames as the highlight of the Sahara. Often described as 'the pearl of the desert', the city provides an outstanding example of Berber architecture. Ghadames was the southernmost point of the Roman empire and is now World Heritage listed.
29/04/2012 Ghadames - Sebha - Gaberoun Lake (BLD)
Touareg tribesmen deep in
the Sahara Desert
This morning we leave Ghadames and drive across the Sahara towards the Ubari Sand Sea and the desert lakes of Libya. We arrive at the town of Sebha and transfer to 4WD vehicles which take us to our desert camp. Tonight we enjoy dinner around a fire at our well-equipped camp.
30/04/2012 Ubari Lakes (BLD)
The Ubari Lakes
Some of the great wonders of the southwestern Fezzan are the Ubari oases with their palm- fringed saline lakes. Around the lakes rise great sand dunes. Today we explore the area of the so-called Ubari Sand Sea, including Mandara, Um al-Ma and Mavo Lake. Should anyone wish to experience the feeling of a desert caravan, there is the opportunity to ride camels between the lakes.
01/05/2012 Germa - Sebha - Tripoli (BLD)
The Sahara Desert
This morning we explore the ruins of Germa, before heading to Sebha to visit the house where Colonel Gadaffi was born.
Depart Sebha Buraq Air UZ 723, 18.25
Arrive Tripoli 19.10
Zumit Hotel
Old City Square
Tripoli
Ph: 0011-218-21-3342915
Fx: 4448984
02/05/2012 Leptis Magna (BLD)
Leptis Magna
After breakfast we head out of Tripoli to the amazing ruins of Leptis Magna. Originally a Berber settlement, Leptis Magna is without doubt the greatest and most extensive Roman ruin in the world. Like Sabratha, Leptis Magna was founded in the 6th century BC and at its peak had a population of around 80,000. The town prospered as a result of gold, ivory and slave trading, as well as agriculture.
03/05/2012 Tripoli - Malta (BLD)
Harbour at Valletta, Malta
This morning we explore the fascinating old city of Tripoli. The afternoon is at leisure we transfer to the airport for our flight to Malta.
Depart Tripoli Air Malta KM 697, 15.00
Arrive Malta 16.00
On arrival in Malta we transfer to our hotel.
The Victoria Hotel
Gorg Gorg Oliver
Sliema
Ph: 0011-356-21-334711
Fx: 334771
04/05/2012 Malta (BLD)
Valletta
After breakfast we start to explore the island of Malta and its 7,000-year history. We start in the capital, Valletta, and visit the beautiful Barraca Gardens for superb panoramic views of the Grand Harbour. We also visit the Grand Master's Palace, which is the seat of government and the private residence of the President of Malta. After lunch we head south to the three cities of Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea. Here we discover the narrow shady streets that make this historic area unique.
05/05/2012 Malta (BLD)
Waterfront, Malta
This morning we have an early start in order to visit Malta's sister island of Gozo. A mere 20 minutes away from the mainland, it enjoys a unique Mediterranean setting. It is a place where time has stood still and where traditions and customs form part of the daily life of the islanders. The pace of life is slow and most of the population still follow their forefathers' trades of farming and fishing.
06/05/2012 Malta (BLD)
The island of Gozo
After breakfast we visit Mdina, the old capital of Malta located in the central part of the island. This ancient walled settlement is also known as 'The Silent City' and has spectacular views of the countryside from its bastions.
After lunch we visit Rabat, a village next to Mdina, where we enjoy a short walk around the narrow winding roads leading to the area of St Paul's Catacombs and the grotto. We explore the catacombs before returning to our hotel.
07/05/2012 Malta - Pozzallo -Taormina (BLD)
Scala dei Santa Maria steps, Caltagirone
This morning we depart Malta on an early morning ferry to the Sicilian port of Pozzallo.
Depart Malta 07.00
Arrive Pozzallo 08.30
On arrival in Sicily we start our journey north with a visit to the nearby town of Caltagirone. In addition to beautiful architecture, Caltagirone is at the heart of Sicily's ceramic tradition. After our visit here we head towards Catania where we explore the Piazza Duomo, which is impressively surrounded by baroque buildings in the centre of the city. After lunch we continue north to the wonderful town of Taormina.
Hotel Monte Tauro
Via Madonna Delle Grazie 3
Taormina
Sicily
Ph: 0011-39- 0942-24402
Fx: 24403
08/05/2012 Taormina (BLD)
The beautiful town of Taormina, Sicily
This morning we explore Sicily's most picturesque town, located on the terrace of Mount Tauro. Since the end of the 19th century, Taormina has become a world-famous international resort where visitors are captured by its charming atmosphere, ancient history and unspoilt beauty. The afternoon is at leisure to fully appreciate Taormina.
09/05/2012 Taormina - Mt Etna - Taormina (BLD)
Mt Etna, Sicily
We leave Taormina in 4WD vehicles to drive to the base of Mount Etna. To the ancient Greeks, Mount Etna was the realm of Vulcan, the god of fire. At 3,350m high, it is one of the world's most active volcanoes.
Eruptions throughout the 20th century occurred frequently from the four active craters at the summit and on its slopes. Etna is monitored by 115 seismic activity centres spread around the mountain and is under constant satellite surveillance. We also visit the Thieves Cave, the extinct craters of Sartorius Mounts and the lava flow of the 2002 eruption.
10/05/2012 Catania - Rome - Dubai (B)
Early morning we transfer to Catania for our flight to Dubai, via Rome.
Depart Catania Alitalia AZ 1744, 10.40
Arrive Rome 11.55
Depart Rome Emirates EK 098, 15.25
Arrive Dubai 23.15
11/05/2012 Dubai - Australia
In Dubai we connect with the flight to our chosen Australian city.
TOUR INFORMATION
Tour Fitness Level: Easy
APRIL 2012 DEPARTURE:
TOUR COST: $13,847
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $2,247
INCLUDED IN COST:
* All flights between Australia and North Africa/Dubai and Australia
* All ticketable air taxes (may be subject to change)
* All accommodation (twin share)
* All transfers
* All ground transportation
* All meals as specified
* All local guides throughout
* Tour leader
* All entrance fees for specified sightseeing
* All visas and courier fees
* All tips and gratuities
NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR COST:
* Insurance
* Personal expenses
Please note that whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the above pricing, currency fluctuations beyond our control can affect final costs.
A booking form is to be completed by all passengers, followed by a non-refundable deposit of AUD $2,000 per person at the time of booking.
All tours are based on a minimum group size of 10 people travelling.
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