Libya

Situated in North Africa, this Arabian country mixes vast stretches of arid desert land with beautifully preserved Roman ruins. Many cross-Sahara treks start at Tripoli, Libya’s capital. Along the way stop at secluded oases; see dramatic sand dunes and pre-historic rock art. For some of the best preserved pre-historic rock art in the world visit Jebel Acacus, featuring art that is over 10,000 years old in a setting near natural archways and towers scattered over a moon-like landscape. The Ubari Dunes are another must-see. In your desert trek you may come across the Tuareg, a group of berbers that are nomadic in nature. Back towards the more fertile coastline, Leptis Magna is considered one of the best preserved Roman sites in the world. Once a leading city in Roman Africa and a major trading post, large stretches of the city contain nearly intact buildings scattered across the complex. Sabratha, often considered a companion city, was constructed between the 1^st and 2^nd Centuries AD and contains a Roman theatre that is in superb condition. For Greek ruins, Cyrene is a must see. The Beautiful Jabalu I-Akhdar site overlooks the Mediterranean Sea featuring a necropolis almost 10km² in size. Closer to the coast, Apollonia features more Greek ruins perched on the seaside. For a change in pace, visit Gharyan, where you can see the distinctive troglodyte buildings – dwellings dug into the ground. After you are done head back to Tripoli where a number of museums, castles, mosques and synagogues can be visited.