Door to Libyan Travel Opens Again for Travcoa Travelers

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., May 26 /PRNewswire/ -- After four years of constant work to secure visas, luxury travel company Travcoa announced today the resumption of Escorted Journeys to Libya. The six, small-group journeys beginning this September will give travelers the unique opportunity to visit a country whose rich cultural history and beauty have been largely isolated from Americans over the past 40 years.  

Travcoa's experience leading Escorted Journeys in Libya uniquely positions the company this year: Travcoa led annual journeys to Libya until 1969 during a time when no major luxury travel companies offered expeditions to the destination. "The chance for us to offer travel to Libya again this fall after a brief return in 2004 and 2005 means that Travcoa will have more experience than any other US travel company," says Travcoa President Jerre Fuqua. "We're enormously pleased that the door to Libya is open to us again."

Modeled after the popular, sold-out expeditions of 2004 and 2005 during Libya's short-lived opening to American tourists, the Libya: The Forbidden Sahara expedition takes travelers on a 13-day journey across the enigmatic country, from Tripoli, Libya's capital, to the ancient Greek and Roman ruins of Sabratha, Apollonia, legendary Leptis Magna  and other legacies of Libya's incredible history as a major trade center of the ancient world. The journey also includes a two-night desert experience at the oasis town of Ghadames.

The Travcoa journey begins where the Sahara meets the sea in Tripoli, Libya's most cosmopolitan city. Travelers will discover Tripoli's historical significance as a key North African port on the Mediterranean Sea through visits to a melange of artifacts and architectural gems of the Phoenician, Greek, Roman and Ottoman Empires.

Travcoa travelers also visit Sabratha, a major city in the Roman Tripolitania Province. Known for its extraordinary architecture, Sabratha's role as a key Phoenician and Roman trade center created immense wealth and power in ancient Libya. Sabratha's theater, built in the second century A.D., is the most complete theater in the Roman world and a centerpiece of the city's astounding attractions.

A highlight of the journey is the sprawling, seaside UNESCO World Heritage site, Leptis Magna, the third city of the Tripolitania Province and the largest, best-preserved Roman city in the Mediterranean region. An immense arch dedicated to Septimius Severus, the Libyan-born Roman Emperor of the second century A.D., greets travelers as they enter the ancient city. There will be opportunity to view many of the city's original intricate and colorful mosaics, created during Leptis Magna's Golden Age, one remarkable example stretching over 30 feet in length. Travelers on the Travcoa journey will also explore the Greek ruins of Cyrene and Ptolemais.

In addition to the many historical sites, Travcoa travelers will also fly across the Libyan Desert for a two-night stay at the walled Taureg Berber oasis town of Ghadames. Also a UNESCO World Heritage site, Ghadames is known for its traditional architecture and ancient, labyrinth streets. During their stay, travelers will venture out into the desert at sunset in 4-wheel drive vehicles to enjoy tea and a performance of Taureg songs and dances.

Travcoa has organized six, small group Escorted Journeys to Libya in 2010, offering one departure in September, two in October, two in November and one in December. Each departure is limited to a maximum of 18 guests and is led by a Travcoa Travel Director in addition to experienced local guides. Prices for Libya: The Forbidden Sahara begin at $6995 per person based on double occupancy.

In addition to the six scheduled small-group journeys for 2010, Travcoa offers pre-planned and priced Independent Journeys for private travel through Libya hosted by local guides. Customized expeditions are also available for friends or family who wish to choose the specific destinations, experiences and dates best suited to them.

About Travcoa

Travcoa has been leading in-depth explorations of the world's most interesting destinations since 1954, and offers three types of travel experiences around the globe: small-group "Escorted Journeys" with comprehensive itineraries and regular departures guided by professional Travel Directors; "Private Journeys" for independent travelers who prefer an exclusive traveling party and departure date; and "Expeditions" to remote destinations and events around the world using specially configured Boeing 757s or classic airliners. For more information, visit www.travcoa.com or call (800) 992-2005.

SOURCE Travcoa