BENGHAZI, LIBYA

We depart the quayside for a panoramic tour of the city of Benghazi. Located in the north eastern part of the country, Benghazi is an ancient city once known as ‘Barneek’ – the name of the beautiful and brave princess who became the queen of her people during the Greek rule of North Africa.

We depart the quayside for a panoramic tour of the city of Benghazi. Located in the north eastern part of the country, Benghazi is an ancient city once known as ‘Barneek’ – the name of the beautiful and brave princess who became the queen of her people during the Greek rule of North Africa. In the 7th century, the Arabs conquered the city. Then, in the 15th century, a man named Ghazi moved to ‘Barneek’ and died there after contributing good deeds to the city and to the people, resulting in them naming the city after him – ‘Ban Ghazi’. After several centuries of rule under the Turks, then the Karamanlis, followed by the Ottomans, the city and the rest of the country came under Italian power in 1911, which continued until World War II. After a short rule under the British, the city achieved independence in 1951, when it became the second capital of Libya after Tripoli. We will have the opportunity to visit a traditional Libyan house, and see typical clothing, meal preparations and arts and crafts of the area. Time permitting there will be an opportunity to browse through the covered souks. We then proceed to a five-star hotel in Benghazi for tea, while enjoying a performance by a traditional Libyan dancing group. This tour involves some walking. There are 25 steps at the traditional house (optional visit). As Libya is a Muslim country, conservative dress should be worn (knees and arms should be covered – avoid tight-fitting clothes).