6-day Libya Group Tours » Tripoli + Ghadames + Leptis + Sabratha + Jebel Nafusa

Arrival Time: 10:05 AM via Turkish Airlines
Transfer to Hotel: 12:00 PM
Old City Tour: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Approx. distance: 25 km

After your arrival at Mitiga International Airport, our local representative will meet you inside the terminal and assist with immigration, visa processing, and other border formalities. This personal meet-and-greet ensures a smooth and welcoming start to your journey. From the airport, it’s a short transfer to your hotel in the heart of Tripoli, where you’ll check in and have time to refresh before your first real taste of the city.

At 2:00 PM, we begin our guided tour of Tripoli’s Old City—a place where Roman, Ottoman, and Italian layers of history coexist in a living, breathing setting. We begin at Martyr’s Square, the symbolic heart of the capital. Once known as Green Square during the Gaddafi era, this open plaza has witnessed everything from royal parades to political protests and remains central to Libyan public life.

Just a few minutes away stands the Arch of Marcus Aurelius, built in 165 AD. This remarkably well-preserved Roman triumphal arch is a reminder that Tripoli—once called Oea—was part of the Tripolitania region under Roman rule. From here, we trace the winding alleyways past the imposing exterior of the Red Castle (As-Saraya al-Hamra), a fortified palace that once served as the seat of power for both Ottoman pashas and later, Italian colonial governors.

We continue along Bab Al-Menshia Street, a lively pedestrian stretch where artisans craft traditional goods and locals gather over coffee and conversation. You’ll feel the rhythm of daily life unfolding all around you.

Our walk takes us to the Saraya Market, a traditional souk where spices, textiles, and copperware are still sold in the same way they have been for generations. From there, we step into the quiet elegance of the Gurgi Mosque, built in 1834, known for its intricate tilework and peaceful courtyard. Finally, we visit the House of Yusuf Karamanli, a beautifully restored 19th-century palace that once belonged to one of Tripoli’s most influential Ottoman governors. With its carved wooden ceilings, marble fountains, and fine mosaics, the house offers a window into the refined urban life of Ottoman Tripoli.

✅ Highlights:

• Martyr’s Square
• Arch of Marcus Aurelius
• Red Castle exterior
• Saraya Market
• Gurgi Mosque and Karamanli House

📌 What to Expect:

A relaxed introduction to Libya’s capital, combining Roman, Ottoman, and modern elements. The pace is easygoing to let you settle in. Expect light walking and plenty of opportunities to interact with locals in the markets.

Departure: 7:30 AM
Sabratha visit: 8:30 AM
Qasr al-Hajj: 11:30 AM
Kabaw Qasr: 2:30 PM
Arrival in Ghadames: 7:00 PM
Distance covered: ~600 km

We begin the day with an early departure from Tripoli, heading west along the Mediterranean coast. Our first stop is the magnificent archaeological site of Sabratha, once one of the three great cities of Roman Tripolitania, alongside Leptis Magna and Oea (modern Tripoli). Originally founded by the Phoenicians in the 4th century BC, Sabratha flourished under Roman rule between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD. Set against the backdrop of the sea, its remarkably well-preserved theater, Roman temples, baths, and detailed mosaics offer an open-air museum experience with few, if any, other visitors.

After time to explore this extraordinary site, we leave the coast and begin climbing into the Jebel Nafusa, a rugged mountain range long inhabited by the Amazigh (Berber) people. This region has preserved a distinct cultural identity and way of life that feels worlds away from the capital. Our journey brings us first to Qasr al-Hajj, one of Libya’s finest surviving examples of a communal granary. Built in the 12th century, it once stored grain and olive oil for the entire village. Its honeycomb-like architecture and central courtyard are as practical as they are photogenic.

We continue deeper into the mountains to Kabaw, where another ancient qasr (fortified granary) sits atop a hill, surrounded by traditional stone houses and panoramic views. These structures reflect centuries of communal resilience, cooperation, and adaptation to harsh environments.

By late afternoon, we descend from the mountains and drive across the vast desert plains toward Ghadames, one of the oldest towns in the Sahara. Often called the “Pearl of the Desert”, Ghadames welcomes us at sunset with its whitewashed architecture and the calming silence of the dunes. After check-in at your guesthouse, the evening is yours to rest, reflect, or enjoy a peaceful walk under the desert sky.

✅ Highlights:

• Roman ruins of Sabratha
• Seaside Roman theater
• Qasr al-Hajj granary
• Kabaw Berber village
• Scenic drive through Jebel Nafusa

📌 What to Expect:

A long but rewarding day. Expect historical depth, varied scenery (coastline, mountains, desert), and meaningful cultural insight. Wear comfortable shoes and be ready for a few hours on the road with regular stops and photo ops.

Old City Tour: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
4WD Safari: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Total driving: ~50 km (mostly within Ghadames & dunes)

This morning, we dedicate our time to exploring the unforgettable Old City of Ghadames, one of the most iconic and best-preserved pre-Saharan towns in the world. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986, Ghadames has been inhabited for over 2,000 years and served as a crucial stop for trans-Saharan trade caravans, connecting North Africa with the deeper Sahel.

What makes Ghadames truly exceptional is its architecture, purpose-built to face the extremes of the desert climate. We’ll walk through its maze-like covered alleyways, where each turn reveals whitewashed houses, internal courtyards, and rooftop pathways that double as elevated streets. These upper-level passages allowed women to move freely across the town without descending into the bustling streets below—an ingenious and culturally sensitive design that still fascinates architects today.

As we wander through the city, you’ll discover how families lived in perfect balance with nature, making use of communal water systems, seasonal airflow, and passive cooling techniques long before modern solutions existed. The houses are adorned with colorful tiles, carved wooden doors, and symbols that reflect Amazigh, Islamic, and Saharan traditions. You’ll feel the rhythm of a place where time moves differently.

After a midday rest, the second part of the day takes us into the golden sands that surround Ghadames. In the late afternoon, we hop into 4WD vehicles for a short desert safari. Our first stop is the Ras Al-Ghoul Fort, an ancient defensive outpost that offers panoramic views over the surrounding dunes and palm groves.

As the sun begins to set, we continue deeper into the desert for a Touareg-style tea ceremony by the fire. Here, under a sky that feels impossibly wide, we’ll enjoy the timeless hospitality of the Sahara. The tea—strong, sweet, and poured high—is prepared the traditional way, as it has been for centuries. It’s a beautiful moment of stillness, culture, and connection to the nomadic spirit of this land.

✅ Highlights:

• Ghadames Old City
• Traditional Saharan architecture
• 4WD dune safari
• Ras Al-Ghoul Fort
• Touareg fire camp & tea experience

📌 What to Expect:

A full cultural day that mixes calm exploration with an exciting evening in the desert. Ghadames is photogenic, peaceful, and rich in symbolism. The 4WD trip adds a fun and adventurous twist.

Departure: 7:30 AM
Al Majabrah Road Stop: 10:30 AM
Bu Gheilan (Troglodyte houses): 2:30 PM
Arrival in Tripoli: 5:00 PM
Distance covered: ~600 km

After breakfast, we say farewell to the timeless calm of Ghadames and begin our journey back toward Tripoli—but not without uncovering more hidden layers of Libyan heritage along the way.

Our route takes us through the quiet, open landscapes of the Al Majabrah road, a lesser-traveled path that cuts across stone plateaus and ochre plains. The scenery here is striking in its simplicity—vast skies, cracked earth, and silhouettes of distant mountain ridges. This road offers a glimpse into the harsh, beautiful silence of the Saharan fringe, a place few outsiders have seen.

By easly afternoon, we arrive at Bu Gheilan, a remote village known for its troglodyte dwellings—traditional homes carved directly into the earth. These underground structures are masterclasses in desert survival, naturally cool in the blistering heat and warm in the winter cold. Built centuries ago by local Amazigh communities, they blend seamlessly into the landscape and reflect a deep, ancestral understanding of living in harmony with the environment.

You’ll be able to step inside these homes, see how rooms are connected through tunnels and courtyards, and appreciate the hand-dug architecture that speaks of resilience, sustainability, and simplicity.

After our visit, we continue our drive toward the Mediterranean coast. By late afternoon, we arrive back in Tripoli, where you can settle into your hotel for a well-earned evening of rest.

✅ Highlights:

• Scenic desert drive
• Remote Al Majabrah region
• Troglodyte houses of Bu Gheilan
• Return to the coast
• Insight into desert life and survival

📌 What to Expect:

A contemplative day with long but peaceful drives, ideal for reflection and photography. Expect simple facilities in remote areas. The day ends with comfort back in Tripoli.

Departure: 8:00 AM
Leptis Magna Visit: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Corniche Tour: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Driving: ~250 km round trip

After breakfast, we set off for one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in North Africa—Leptis Magna. Located about 120 km east of Tripoli (roughly a 2-hour drive), this monumental ancient city was originally founded by the Phoenicians around the 7th century BC and rose to prominence during the Roman Empire, especially under the rule of Emperor Septimius Severus, who was born here in 145 AD.

Under his patronage, Leptis Magna became one of the grandest Roman cities in Africa. Today, the site remains breathtaking in scale and preservation. You’ll walk through a vast network of ruins that include an amphitheater, forum, basilica, marketplace, and the famous Arch of Septimius Severus. The city’s layout still speaks of wealth, power, and meticulous Roman urban planning. What makes the visit so extraordinary is the silence—no large crowds, just the wind and the weight of history.

We’ll take our time exploring the site with your guide, who will bring its stories and significance to life, from gladiator games to imperial ceremonies. After a local lunch nearby, we return to Tripoli for a gentler afternoon.

Back in the capital, we’ll enjoy a scenic drive along the Tripoli Corniche, where the city meets the Mediterranean. This stretch of road offers sea breezes, colonial-era facades, and a window into modern Libyan life. We’ll stop at Algiers Square, a historic hub surrounded by Italian and Ottoman architecture, and a popular gathering spot for locals.

✅ Highlights:

• Roman ruins of Leptis Magna
• Arch of Septimius Severus
• Roman basilica and amphitheater
• Coastal views on Tripoli Corniche
• Algiers Square

📌 What to Expect:

A strong finish to your journey, with ancient history in the morning and modern Tripoli in the afternoon. Leptis Magna involves a fair amount of walking on uneven ground—bring water, sun protection, and good shoes.

Airport Transfer: 9:00 AM
Flight Departure: 12:05 PM via Turkish Airlines

After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to Libya. Our team will assist you with check-out and accompany you on the short transfer to Mitiga International Airport, ensuring a smooth departure process.

As you prepare for your outbound flight, take a moment to reflect on the journey: from Roman amphitheaters and Berber mountain villages to the golden silence of the Sahara. You’ll leave with far more than photos—you’ll carry home the feeling of walking through time, the taste of desert tea, the quiet beauty of forgotten places, and stories that most travelers have never heard.

We thank you for traveling with us and look forward to welcoming you again on your next adventure.

✅ Highlights:

• Hotel check-out
• Final look at Tripoli
• Airport assistance
• Turkish Airlines departure
• End of services

📌 What to Expect:

A smooth and efficient departure process with full support from our team.