Tunisia Revealed brings travelers to every corner of this country, from the fertile farmlands of the north to the central part of Tunisia which is filled with Roman ruins that have been rather undisturbed for centuries, to the southwest oasis region stretching with desert housing and the southeast region of indigenous housing. Tunisia will be seen with all its diversity of people, topography and architecture.
We hope you will be able to join us!
Day 1, Friday – Arrive in Tunis
Upon your arrival in Tunis, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the seaside suburbs of Tunis. The remainder of the afternoon is free for relaxation from your flight. At 6:30 pm, you rendezvous in the reception area of your hotel and meet your guide and fellow travelers. Together, you depart your hotel for an opening night dinner with your guide and travel companions. Dinner and overnight in Tunis. (D)
Day 2, Saturday – Tunis environs
This morning, you start your day with a visit to the Bardo Museum, a former Ottoman palace housing one of the finest collections of Roman and Carthaginian mosaics in the world.
This will help set the stage in learning about Tunisia‘s history during Roman times. From the Bardo, you drive to the suburbs of Tunis where you will visit the Andalusian inspired village of Sidi Bou Said. There are numerous places within Sidi Bou Said for lunch, independently.
From Sidi Bou Said, you drive to your hotel to refresh yourself for dinner.
Overnight in Tunis. (B)
Your next stop is the historic heart of Tunis, the medina. You can enjoy an architectural walking tour through the medina with the remainder of the afternoon being independent for you to enjoy the medina and central Tunis.
From central Tunis, you drive to Carthage, the most famous (though by no means the largest) of the ancient sites in Tunisia. Your touring of Carthage will begin at its highest level, Byrsa Hill. This played both a strategic location warning of any possible invaders or simply a viewpoint to see all who are approaching Tunisia. Overnight in Tunis. (B, D)
Day 3, Sunday – Northwest Tunisia/Kairouan
This morning you depart Tunis early for the northwest part of the country, taking scenic, rural roads, with your first main destination being Bulla Regia. This well-preserved site has numerous examples of underground architecture, as well as well-preserved mosaics, in situ.
From Bulla Regia, you drive north southeast to Dougga. Dougga is Tunisia‘s largest Roman site. Covering some sixty acres, Dougga was known as the city of temples and its existence is thought to date back to the 4th century B.C. You will have ample time to walk among the ruins, which are expansive and amidst beautiful rural scenery. Following your visit to Dougga, you drive to Kairouan, arriving early evening. Overnight in Kairouan. (B, L, D)
Day 4, Monday – Kairouan/Sbeitla/Oasis region
This morning you tour Kairouan. Kairouan is a rather provincial town. However, the city was founded and subsequently developed during early Islamic times, with Kairouan’s Great Mosque, dating from the 7th century, reputed to be the oldest mosque in Africa. Kairouan’s location along the caravan routes also provided a base for a flourishing crafts industry.
From Kairouan, you head south along the western portion of Tunisia, a region which until today, still remains rather undeveloped and void of tourism development. You will have the opportunity to visit the ruins of Sbeitla. Known by its early Punic name, Sufetula, this impressive site seems to be in the middle of nowhere. During Roman times, olive trees were cultivated in this region and provided a flourishing olive oil export trade to Italy. You will have plenty of time to explore the site. From Sbeitla, you continue southwest, with an early evening arrival in Tozeur. Dinner and overnight in Tozeur. (B, D)
Day 5, Tuesday – Oasis region
Today is a rather leisure day in the oasis. Your guide will take you on a morning tour of the oasis of Tozeur, helping you learn about life in an oasis. A short distance away, a walk through Tozeur’s old town will provide an opportunity to learn about this region’s unique architectural style. The remainder of your day is at your leisure to visit the market in Tozeur and explore more of the old town, as well as enjoying the amenities of your hotel and this oasis desert town. Overnight in Tozeur. (B)
Day 6, Wednesday – Tozeur/Chott el Jerid/Douz/desert overnight
This morning depart Tozeur going east via the Chott-el-Jerid, Tunisia‘s salt lake and then a stop in Douz, a small town that appears to be plopped down amidst the dunes. Douz is often a jumping-off point for desert treks going further south. In Douz, for those who wish, they can take an optional camel drive into the dunes. You continue on some 3 hours south of Douz to the desert encampment of Abdelmoula, amidst the sand dune and mountains…a beautiful setting. (B, L, D)
Day 7, Thursday, – Matmata region, Jerba
Once you depart your desert encampment, you continue touring the south with a visit to the region of Matmata. This region’s crater-like topography is dotted with troglodyte dwellings. Its exotic settings provided one of the film locations for the movie, Star Wars. You will have an opportunity to explore some of these dwellings and the region, as well as have lunch in a troglodyte restaurant. From Matmata, you drive to the coast and take an old Roman causeway to the island of Jerba. Dinner and overnight in Jerba. (B, D)
Day 9, Saturday – El Jem/Sousse
This morning you take a ferry boat from Jerba to the mainland and begin driving up the coast. You eventually arrive at El Jem, with brief stops en route. Known in Roman times as Thysdrus and noted for its amphitheater, which is similar to the coliseum of Rome. Following your exploration of El Jem and the nearby El Jem Museum, you drive northeast to Sousse. Dinner and overnight in Sousse. (B, D)
Day 10, Sunday – Sousse/Tunis
This morning you visit the historic section of Sousse; the ribat and the Sousse Museum.
You then return to Tunis, where you head directly to the medina, this historic heart of Tunis. You can enjoy an architectural walking tour through the medina with the remainder of the afternoon being independent for you to enjoy Tunis. Your hotel, a restored historic mansion within the medina, makes it particularly enjoyable. Evening rendezvous at your hotel for your “farewell dinner”. Overnight in Tunis. (B, D)
Day 11. Monday – Departure from Tunis
This morning you will be transferred to the airport in Tunis for your departure flight.
Hotels
Tunis: Golden Tulip ★★★★★
Tozeur: Palm Beach or Ras al Ain ★★★★★
Jerba: Radisson Blu ★★★★★
Kairouan: Le Kasbah ★★★★★
Sousse: Marriott ★★★★★
Tunis: Dar Ben Gacem Maison D’Hotel
$3,895 per person. Single supplements $950
What is included?
- All hotels with breakfast and meals included, as indicated by B, L, D
- Entrance fees at sites noted on the itinerary
- Water with group sit-down lunches and breakfasts
- English speaking guide
- Private vehicle and driver
What is not included?
- Gratuities to guide and driver
- International air
- Alcohol, additional beverages and any items of a personal nature.
NOTE: Hotel star ratings reflect the Tunisia Ministry of Tourism ratings and may not be commensurate with international ratings.
For additional information, contact Iconic Journey Worldwide at :
info@iconicjourneyworldwide.com or 888-474-5502
