BENGHAZI, LIBYA

We depart the quayside for our 220-kilometre (137-mile) drive to Cyrene. Cyrene is the largest Greco-Roman site in northern Libya. The wonderfully preserved Greek city, with its temples, tombs, agora, gymnasium and theatre, was originally modelled on Delphi.

We depart the quayside for our 220-kilometre (137-mile) drive to Cyrene. Cyrene is the largest Greco-Roman site in northern Libya. The wonderfully preserved Greek city, with its temples, tombs, agora, gymnasium and theatre, was originally modelled on Delphi. The city covers a huge area and is still only partly excavated. It’s not often you find World Heritage sites still in this rather romantic condition. Mosaics can still be discovered underfoot, and priceless statues often lie covered with creepers. In addition, the location high on a bluff overlooking the sea is stunning. Cyrene is very large and complex. It can be divided into two main areas: the Sanctuary of Apollo, which we will visit first; and the Agora/Forum area, which is the real centre of the city. The Sanctuary of Apollo contains all the buildings dedicated to this god; it attracted many visitors from all parts of the ancient world, who came to perform ablutions in the sacred fountain and to honour the god. The Sanctuary contains the city’s oldest buildings, dating from the 7th century BC, with additions from 300 years later. Before we enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, we will make a short visit to the Cyrene Museum. Refreshed, we proceed to the second area of Cyrene – the Agora/Forum. Here we will find most of the major civic buildings, as well as shops, a theatre and temples. The Agora was the heart of ancient Cyrene. In the main square lies the tomb of Battus, the city’s founder. This was the only tomb to be allowed inside the city walls. Before we head back to our ship in Benghazi, we shall stop at the Temple of Zeus. Up a steep hill, the temple was built in the 5th century BC by the Greeks. Under the Romans, it was rededicated to Jupiter. It is a sombre, solid temple, which looks as if it is rooted in the earth itself. Reflecting Cyrene’s importance in the ancient Greek world, the Temple of Zeus was larger than the Parthenon in Athens.

Please note that although this tour involves a lot of driving (2 ½ hours each way, to and from Cyrene), at the site, there is a significant amount of walking, including at least 24 steps and a lot of rough ground. This tour is not considered suitable for passengers with limited mobility or wheelchairs. The actual itinerary of sights seen at Cyrene is subject to change. Suitable footwear is a must. Toilet facilities will be basic – buses are not equipped with toilets. As alcohol is strictly prohibited in Libya, soft drinks are included with lunch (which could be considered somewhat basic by our standards). Conservative dress should be worn (knees and arms should be covered – avoid tight-fitting clothes), in respect for Islamic law.