Slowly opening up to the outside world, Libya has some of the most beautifully preserved Roman ruins of North Africa. Your itinerary should include Ptolemais, the ancient port of Barce, which flourished up until the 5th century, and at least two days in and around Cyrene. Here you can visit Ras El Hilal on the coast; the important Greek, Roman and Byzantine remains at Apollonia and the Byzantine Basilica at Qsar Libya, where, in 1957, an extraordinarily complete 6th century panelled floor was discovered by an English archaeologist.

In Tripoli, you should take in the medina and souq and drive some 85 miles east to Zliten, the stopping off point for Leptis Magna, the truly magnificent ancient Phoenician emporium. For those with a healthy interest in ancient classical history, Libya is a real 'must' and is guaranteed to provide a host of experiences to be savoured for many years to come.