We'll start this adventure off in the most rugged of these North African countries - Mauritania. In this huge country that is 90% Saharan desert, we'll see incredible monoliths and desertscapes, sunsets from sand dunes, and ancient brick cities with rich histories. We'll see the distinct local dress and maybe even dress up like the locals ourselves! And of course, we'll take an epic journey across the Sahara on the iron ore train. Upon returning to Nouakchott, we'll see some of the colorful highlights of Mauritania's sandy capital city, before moving on to our next country!
Our first day in Algiers is designed to let us catch up on some rest after a late-night flight. After that, we'll sit out for a full city tour that will feel unbelievably modern and bustling compared to Mauritania. The highlight will be the centuries-old alleyways of the Kasbah. From there, we'll fly to North Africa's most breathtaking city, Constantine, and explore the city before heading to the well-preserved Roman ruins of Timgad. Flying south to Djanet, we'll see striking rock formations, red sand dunes, and the most impressive 8000 year-old art you will ever see. We'll take in some Tuareg customs and notice that things feel decidedly different from the north. Next, we'll fly back north to visit one more UNESCO collection of Roman ruins and eat at our favorite seafood restaurant in the world.
Before we head to Libya, we'll make a quick stop in Tunisia! We'll visit ancient Carthage, and the remarkable picturesque town of Sidi Bou Said, which is often compared to Santorini. Upon returning to the relaxed capital of Tunis, we'll explore the bustling market streets of the Medina, which is one of the best-preserved medinas in the Arab world.
Finally, we head to Libya! One of the most misunderstood countries in the world. In Libya, we'll see magnificent Roman ruins, from the massive site of Leptis Magna, to the extremely well-preserved theatre of Sabratah, as well as fascinating Berber granaries and villages. We'll also head south to the old city of Ghadames, which is not only beautiful but full of interesting technology. While in the Libyan Sahara, we'll have another sand dune sunset, and even some dune-bashing for those seeking a thrill. In Tripoli, we'll visit the newly renovated Martyr's Square and hang out with the locals before exploring the markets of the old city and the Arch of Marcus Aurelius. We'll have one last group dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in the city, before saying our goodbyes the next morning.
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