Day 01: Arrive Tunis

Bonjour and Merhaba! We are warmly welcomed to Tunisia and are driven to our hotel. People here are fluent in French and Arabic, ofcourse with a large number also speaking English. Hotel check in time starts from 1400 hrs.

Overnight: Majestic Hotel, Tunis (2 nights)

Day 02: Tunis

Our first exploration of this unique land starts with a visit to the Medina of Tunis*, which is one of the first Arab-Muslim towns of the Maghreb (698 A.D.). Capital of several universally influential dynasties, it represents a human settlement that bears witness to the interaction between architecture, urbanism and the effects of socio-cultural and economic changes of earlier cultures. With its souqs, urban fabric, residential quarters, monuments and gates, this ensemble constitutes a prototype among the best conserved in the Islamic world. Our next stop is the Bardo Museum, famous for its fine collection of mosaics. The Punic vestiges, array of Roman mosaics and unique sculptures in this museum are truly astounding! In the afternoon we tour Carthage*. Founded by the Phoenicians, Carthage is an extensive archaeological site, located on a hill dominating the Gulf of Tunis and the surrounding plains. Metropolis of Punic civilization in Africa and capital of the province of Africa in Roman times, Carthage has played a central role in Antiquity as a great commercial empire. During the lengthy Punic wars, Carthage occupied the territories that belonged to Rome, which then destroyed its rival in 146 AD. The town was rebuilt by the Romans on the ruins of the ancient city. We continue to Sidi Bou Said, a splendid Moorish village perched atop a headland. (B, D)

Day 03: Tunis/Dougga/Kairouan (Drive)

Morning, we visit the archaeological city of Dougga/Thugga* covers an area of approximately 75 ha. The various components in what was a complete city are a testimony to the more than 17 centuries of history. They are an outstanding example illustrating the synthesis between different cultures: Numidian, Punic, Hellenistic, and Roman. Continue onto Kairouan – Islam’s 4th holiest city.

Overnight: La Kasbah Hotel, Kairouan (1 night) (B, D)

Day 04: Kairouan/Sbeitla/Sfax (Drive)

This morning we tour the holy city of Kairouan*. Founded in 670, the city flourished under the Aghlabid dynasty in the 9th century. Despite the transfer of the political capital to Tunis in the 12th century, Kairouan remained the Maghreb's principal city. Its rich architectural heritage includes the Great Mosque, with its marble and porphyry columns, and the 9th-century Mosque of the Three Gates. Afternoon, we visit Sbeitla – a small town in the central. western region of Tunisia. Sbeitla is  known for its remarkable Roman sites and its Capitol, made up of not one but three temples, dedicated to Minerva, Jupiter and Juno, the gods who protected Rome. From here we continue to the enchanting city of Sfax. After dinner recommend that you walk through Sfax.

Overnight: Concorde Sfax/Les Olivers Palace, Sfax (1 night) (B, D)

Day 05: Sfax/El Jem/Mahdia/Port El Kantaoui (Drive)

We start this exciting day with a panoramic tour of Sfax.  In the medina of Sfax, the stalls ring with the work of the small-scale craftsmen. Later we take a tour of the picturesque fish market visiting also the Great Mosque and the Kasbah, the former citadel. Leaving the old districts, we will see stunning buildings dating back from the time of the French Protectorate of the Arab-Moorish inspiration. We visit El Jem* Coliseum where we explore the impressive ruins of the largest colosseum in North Africa with a huge amphitheater that could hold up to 35,000 spectators. This 3rd-century monument illustrates the grandeur and extent of Imperial Rome. A short drive gets us to the coastal city of Mahdia. Mahdia’s monumental gateway calls back to its glorious past. It was the first capital of the great Fatimid dynasty who would go on to reign Egypt, Syria, Yemen. Its medina stretches out along a narrow peninsula, surrounded by deep blue waters; it’s beautiful beaches delight are very popular with tourists. Certainly, a charming city with many faces. After exploring the Medina, the Skifa Kahla and the historical cemetery we drive to Port El Kantaoui.

Overnight: El Mouradi Club Kantaoui/Marhaba Hotel (1 night) (B, D)

Day 06: Port El Kantaoui/Sousse/Hammamet(Drive)

It will surprise us of how rich a history Tunisia has had. Our first stop today will be Sousse*, which was an important commercial and military port during the Aghlabid period (800–909). This is a typical example of a town dating from the first centuries of Islam. With its kasbah, ramparts, medina (with the Great Mosque), Bu Ftata Mosque and typical ribat (both a fort and a religious building), Sousse was part of a coastal defense system. Next, we make our way to Hammamet, to visit the Spanish fortress and the Medina.  Continue on a short drive to Hammamet.

Overnight: Le Sultan Hotel, Hammamet (1 night) (B, D)

Day 07: Hammamet/Kerkuane/Tunis (Drive)

Tunisia is well known for its pottery and in order to see some of the majestic creation we drive to the coastal town of Nabeul, the main centre of the Tunisian pottery industry. Then we head to Kelibia, to visit the recently restored fortress overlooking the harbor. In the afternoon, we visit the Punic Town of Kerkuane and its Necropolis*. This Phoenician city was probably abandoned during the First Punic War (c. 250 B.C.) and as a result, was not rebuilt by the Romans. The ruins are the only surviving example of a Phoenician-Punic city.

Overnight: Hotel Majestic (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 08: Tunis

It’s not over yet as we explore the ruins of Utica, set on a low hill, composed of several Roman villas. Their walls still preserve decorative floor mosaics. To the northwest of these villas is a Punic necropolis with Punic sarcophagi. In the afternoon, we visit Thuburmo Majus or Colonia Julia Aurelia Commoda, its Roman name. Originally a Punic town, it became a Roman veteran colony which allowed former soldiers to start their post-army lives with lands of their own. Its strategic location and access to trade routes made it an important establishment. (B, D)

Day 09: Depart Tunis

After our enlightening journey through millenary history, we are transferred to the airport for our departure flight. Check out time is by 1100 hrs. (B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

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Notes

Inclusions

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 02 participants

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Contact Info
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