TRIPOLI, LIBYA

Departing from the quayside we will drive along the scenic Libyan countryside towards stunning Leptis Magna, a glorious coastal city which was home of Septimus Severus, Emperor of Rome in 193 AD.

Departing from the quayside we will drive along the scenic Libyan countryside towards stunning Leptis Magna, a glorious coastal city which was home of Septimus Severus, Emperor of Rome in 193 AD. One of the three cities of Tripolitania that was founded by the Phoenicians as a trading post and was once occupied by the Romans. Today, Leptis Magna is a UNESCO World heritage site and one of the most extraordinary ancient sites in the Mediterranean. Severus launched lavish public building projects for his hometown, in which we will begin our tour from the Arch of Septimus Severus, erected in 203AD to commemorate the visit of the Emperor. We will then visit some of the most famous monuments in Leptis Magna including the Punic Market and the Roman port before proceeding towards Hadrian’s Baths and the Palestra. These were constructed on the basis of the baths in Rome and encompassed by a colonnaded portico of ornate Corinthian-style columns. After our leisurely lunch we shall visit the Grand Amphitheatre of Leptis Magna. Constructed in 56 AD, it boasts unrivalled acoustics and could once accommodate up to 16,000 spectators. We will then make our way back to our awaiting ship.

Please note that there is a moderate amount of walking involved in this tour, and approximately 53 steps to encounter. Not recommended for passengers with limited mobility or wheelchairs. For reference driving time to/from Leptis Magna is 1½ hours. The coaches are not equipped with toilets. Lunch (with soft drinks and Mineral Water only) could be considered somewhat basic. Appropriate conservative dress and comfortable walking shoes should be worn. Bags are not permitted in the museum but may be left on the coaches.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2008 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES