Libya, continued

Now that I've identified some group tours that are being
offered to view the eclipse in Libya on March 29, 2006,
I find that their daily cost works out to about $700-$800 for
two people. They may deliver value, but the result is
intensive schedules and way too much archaeology for
my wife. (And I'm the type who prefers to meditate on
ruins at dawn, say, when there are few others around.)

For that kind of money, I'd rather hire a car
with a driver/interpreter/guide. Is that possible in
Libya? Or if not there, in Turkey, where the sky
conditions may be more problematical, but the political
problems presumably fewer. I haven't the slightest
idea of how to research this kind of service, and I'm
wondering if the notion even accords with the experience
and tastes of these newsgroups. Think of it as a Lonely
Planet attitude with deeper pockets...

BTW, our only other overseas trip provides no reference points.
We went to Kenya and Zambia in 2001 -- English-speaking countries
both -- and through friends had letters of introduction, in effect,
and stayed as guests of residents every place we went.

On 10 Aug 2005 04:01:30 -0700, wrote:

Now that I've identified some group tours that are being
offered to view the eclipse in Libya on March 29, 2006,
I find that their daily cost works out to about $700-$800 for
two people. They may deliver value, but the result is
intensive schedules and way too much archaeology for
my wife. (And I'm the type who prefers to meditate on
ruins at dawn, say, when there are few others around.)

The problem is that you need a tour group to arrange for your
visa (and basically baby-sit you).

For that kind of money, I'd rather hire a car
with a driver/interpreter/guide. Is that possible in
Libya?

I'm sure local tour operators would be happy to oblige.
The problem is picking one. There are plenty but their
web presence is pretty weak. Perhaps you can see if any
are recommended in Lonely Planet, and then call or fax them.

Keep in mind the prime viewing areas are in the south or
east so Tripoli based operator may not be the best option.

Zeyd