In October, the Mediterranean climate of northern Libya will be cool—expect highs in the 60s and 70s, with bursts of rain showers during the day.

Keep in mind that Libya is at least as famous (or infamous) for its authoritative, mercurial leader Muammar al-Qaddafi as it is for its ancient ruins and dramatic deserts and coastlines. Islam is the dominant religion. The Libyan government—whose designation as a state sponsor of terrorism was lifted in June 2006—does not allow travelers whose passports have Israeli visas or entry/exit stamps to enter the country. You can find more background information through the U.S. State Department's Libya travel fact sheet.

Tripoli Castle (Atlantide Phototravel/Corbis) [enlarge photo]

For more one-of-a-kind experiences and trips to far-flung destinations, check the 40 Best Deals from our September issue, devoted to the best places you've never heard of.

Getting There The trip begins and ends in Tripoli. A recent Kayak search yielded these round-trip fares for late October: $1,266 from New York City (British Airways), $1,284 from Boston (British Airways), $1,337 from Chicago (British Airways), $1,373 from Atlanta (Alitalia), $1,579 from L.A. (British Airways), and $1,621 from Seattle (British Airways).

More on Northern Africa:

• The Sahara: Dry But Never Boring

• What $100 Buys In...Tunis

• Best Places You've Never Heard Of: Siwa, Egypt

• To Boycott or Not to Boycott