MIDDLE EAST, NORTH AFRICA AND ETHIOPIA - Setur

Men Talking before Prayers,Karamanli Mosque, TripolitripolibenghaziLEPTIS MAGNAGHADAMESlibyaSABHAgermaGHATmediterraneanseaCYRENEtobrukal-kufrahegyptBEST TIME TO BE HERELibya enjoys a Mediterraneanclimate along the coast witha dry and extreme desertinterior. The hotter andwindier summer season isfrom May to September andthe cooler winter seasonis from October to April.Spring and Autumn are thebest times for touring, bit it isideal for short breaks allyear round.HIGHLIGHTSGHADAMES A World Heritage Site,chadGhadames is a picturesque oasis town setamong rolling hills with the superb Qasrstronghold on its impregnable hilltop.LEPTIS MAGNA Grand buildings and lavishdecoration await at Leptis Magna with itssplendid carved adornments depicting thetriumphal processions of the Arch of SeptimusSeverus, Hadrianic Baths and unparalled viewsof the Mediterranean.SABHA Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere ofgolden sand dunes, green palm trees and clearspring waters that surround Sabha, the largestoasis in the Fezzan region. The solitude of theSahara is best experienced from a tented camp.WE RECOMMENDApollonia Apollonia was founded by Greekcolonists in the 7th century BC and becamea significant commercial centre, remainingas the port for Cyrene for more than amillennium. With a beach cut by rugged rocksand surrounded by hills, its ruins consist ofthree churches dating back to the Byzantineera and outside the city walls lie the remains ofApollonia’s theatre carved into the rocks.sudanTripoli Wander through the labyrinth ofcourtyards, alleyways and houses in the RedCastle Fortress, looking out for the imposingarched stone gateway that was once theoriginal castle entrance. The Roman andPhoenician galleries at the Museum of Tripoliare well worth exploring and make time forthe galleries showcasing revolutionary Libya.Look out for the fine octagonal minaret of theKaramanli Mosque as you stroll around theold medina and observe everyday life from abustling coffee shop.Sabratha West of Tripoli lie the Roman ruinsof Sabratha, founded by the Canaanites in the6th century BC. The name is thought to be aderivation of a Libyan-Berber word meaning‘grain market’. The spectacular theatre, builtduring the reign of Emperor Commodes, hasa three storey backdrop of columns. Makesure you visit the sandstone Temple of LiberPater, the vibrantly coloured peacock mosaicof the Basilica of Justinian, and the Temple ofSerapes, one of the oldest temples in the city.Low Season 7 nights from £2,995 per personHigh Season 7 nights from £3,442 per personPrices include international flights.EXTENSION SUGGESTIONEgypt We recommnedcombining Libya with one ofEgypt’s great cosmospolitancities, Alexandria. Thecollection at the NationalMuseum houses thousands ofitems spanning the PharaonicEra through Greco-Romantimes to the Modern Era– papyrus scrolls, ancientperfume bottles and paintedmummy cases. See the eerieCatacombs of Kom el-Shuga,the Citadel of Bey and famedPompey’s Pillar. Drive into thedesert to El Alamein, sceneof one of the decisive battlesof World War ii. The MilitaryMuseum displays a collectionof uniforms, memorabilia andpictorial material relating tothe Battle of El Alamein andmany other North Africancampaigns. A visit to the AlliedWar Cemetery, last restingplace of thousands of British,Commonwealth and Alliedsoldiers who died in the 12 daybattle, is a moving experience.call 0845 0700 619 to speak to an expert or visit www.abercrombiekent.co.uklibya P19