Libya has been largely off limits to travellers for the most part of a decade. However, the tides have been changing, and we are thrilled to be offering the opportunity to visit this stunning country on our Libya holidays and tours.
Libya’s stunning Mediterranean coastline is a treasure trove of history. The magnificent Roman sites of Leptis Magna and Sabratha stand as timeless monuments to ancient civilisations, and are some of the best preserved archaeological sites in the world. Unlike similar sites elsewhere, you’ll find no crowds here, as you explore against a backdrop of azure waters.
As you venture further south, the scenery transforms dramatically into the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert. Pristine dunes, mud brick villages and picturesque oases dot the landscape.
Amidst this untamed wilderness, you will encounter the proud Tuareg people and the rich Berber culture. These indigenous communities have a deep connection to the desert, with intimate knowledge of its secrets, and have adapted to life in such a harsh and unforgiving environment.
In the heart of the Sahara lies Ghadames, a city known as the “pearl of the desert.” This UNESCO World Heritage site of labyrinthine alleys and traditional whitewashed houses, provides a stark contrast to the surrounding dunes.
Deeper still, palm-fringed lakes and ghost towns whisper tales of ancient trade routes and nomadic legacies.
No exploration of Libya would be complete without experiencing the cosmopolitan capital Tripoli, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Tripoli is a melting pot of cultures, old and new. Take a leisurely stroll along the lively promenade, where you can savour freshly grilled fish and seafood, a testament to the city’s rich maritime heritage. Get lost in the souqs and Ottoman medina without the tourist crowds of other North African cities. The traders here are more likely to persuade you to have tea with them than to buy something!
Libya is back. Come and explore it with us…..
Top highlights on Libya holidays and tours
- Visit the UNESCO site of Leptis Magna
- Wander through the old town of Ghadames
- Explore the vibrant streets of Tripoli
- The ancient site of Sabratha
Culture
Libya’s main language is Arabic, and spoken by almost everyone. The local Libyan Arabic is spoken alongside Modern Standard Arabic and there are also Berber dialects. Libya is fairly homogenous in terms of religion, with most people being Sunni Muslim and very few followers of other faiths.
Libya’s cuisine is a blend of North African, Berber and Mediterranean. The main course usually revolves around rice and couscous with a sauce of meat and vegetables. There are also similarities with Italian cuisine, with pasta and seafood dishes available. Bazin is a popular Libyan dish, consisting of unleavened bread cooked into a dough like consistency and surrounded by sauce. Vegetarianism is not common in Libya and you will find that most meals are accompanied by lamb.
When to go on holiday to Libya
The best times to visit Libya are spring and autumn, when temperatures are at their least oppressive.
Start planning your Libya holiday
Check out our small group tour to Libya, Although many of our trips are small group adventures with set departures, as a bespoke operator, we can design and create trips to suit any traveller, from solos to larger group. If you would like to find out more about tailor-made holidays to Angola or our group tours, call us on 01473 328546 or email us via our contact page. We’d love to hear from you.