BENGHAZI, LIBYA

We will depart from Benghazi for a drive of 105 kilometres (65 miles) Northeast to the city of Ptolemais. Founded in the 3rd century BC, Ptolemais was the port of the city of Barce, and later became the capital of the Pentapolis (five-city state).

We will depart from Benghazi for a drive of 105 kilometres (65 miles) Northeast to the city of Ptolemais. Founded in the 3rd century BC, Ptolemais was the port of the city of Barce, and later became the capital of the Pentapolis (five-city state). Ptolemais replaced Cyrene as the capital city of the region. Like Cyrene, Ptolemais suffered a major earthquake during the year 365 AD, although it wasn’t until the 6th century AD that Apollonia replaced Ptolemais as the region’s capital. The city of Ptolemais flourished during the Roman occupation of Cyrenica, during the year 96 AD. Its populace enjoyed good and prosperous standards of living only to be found elsewhere in the Roman capital, Rome, at that time. Among the archaeological sites we shall visit include the Odeon Theatre – a small, semicircular theatre which was once the town council chambers – and the Underground Cistern – an impressive piece of construction beneath the paving of the gymnasium. There are 17 vaulted chambers running north south and east-west. We will also see the Byzantine Baths and the Columned Palace – the most famous building in Ptolemais, dating back between the 2nd-1st century BC. After lunch at a local restaurant, we will enjoy a guided tour of the small but excellent Ptolemais Museum which houses some of the site’s monuments, such as the Four Seasons Mosaic and the Fountain of the Eight Dancing Menadi.

This tour involves a lot of walking over rough and uneven ground. There are approximately 14 steps which will be encountered. Not recommended for passengers with limited mobility or wheelchairs. 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. For reference, driving time to/from Ptolemais is 1 ½ hours. The coaches are not equipped with toilets.