Day 1: Tunis
Salam! Welcome to Tunisia. When you arrive at the Tunis Carthage airport, an included transfer will meet you and take you to your hotel. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe step into the city and check out the National Museum of Bardo and its old Beylic palace – a great way to start dipping your toes into Tunisian culture with its collection of ancient mosaics. After your meeting, head out to dinner with your group and get to know your fellow travellers over some Tunisian cuisine.
Day 2: Tunis - Carthage - Sidi Bou Said - Tunis
Spend your morning exploring the famous medina of Tunis – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses hundreds of monuments, palaces, mosques, mausoleums, madrasas and fountains. This quarter is rich in history, culture and architecture and your leader will fill you in on everything there is to know. Once you’ve soaked it all in, stop into an artisans shop to gain insight into the local traditional craft of calligraphy with a local expert, then head to Carthage to visit an ancient archaeological site. You’ll also stop by the lovely, whitewashed town of Sidi Bou Said perched on the clifftop overlooking the Mediterranean Sea – you might think you’ve transported to Greece! Walk around the town, take in the views, learn from your leader, then enjoy a free evening at your own leisure back in Tunis.
Day 3: Testour - Dougga - Kairouan
Leave Tunis behind today and start your journey to Kairouan. Along the way, make a stop in the town of Testour for a guided walk and a visit to the old Great Mosque. The building is covered in tiles and has four galleries, a courtyard and praying room. Visit the courtyard and admire the unique minaret known for its counterclockwise clock. Fuel up on some coffee or a mint tea then head to the nearby Dougga – the most intact Roman city in North Africa. This massive archaeological site is rarely visited compared to major sites in places like Italy, so this is a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with fewer crowds and a local by your side. After you’ve learned all about the history of the site, head to Thugga hotel for its famous wild boar stew (or whatever else piques your interest on the menu). Continue to Kairouan after for a free evening.
Day 4: Kairouan - Tozeur
Start your morning by learning about Kairouan through a city tour with your group. Visit its many highlights like its Great Mosque, the Aghlabid Basins and Old Medina. Kairouan’s old town is a beautiful way to see everyday life of locals flowing through the streets and is less busy and touristy than the medina in Tunis. Known for its pastries and carpets, you’ll want to stop for a sweet treat and take in the vibrant designs of the local craftsmanship. For a unique glimpse into daily life here, head to a Makroudh-making demonstration at a home bakery. Makroudh is a delicious Tunisian sweet made with semolina and dates shaped with a hand-carved wooden stamp. After, drive to the desert oasis of Tozeur and spend the rest of your free evening at your own pace.
Day 5: Tozeur
After breakfast, begin exploring this unique part of Tunisia with a tour through the medina and oasis of Tozeur. The medina of Tozeur is one of the best preserved in Tunisia with magnificent stone walls. In Tozeur, we’ll visit a traditional brick workshop for a demonstration of how these handmade bricks are produced. The surrounding region has a deep connection with palm cultivation and your leader will fill you in on the history and significance. The oasis of Tozeur is known for its palm grove and abundant date production, providing water to the desert area. Get to know more about the date production with a harvesting demonstration then enjoy the rest of the afternoon free at your own leisure. Maybe hop on a 4x4 for an exciting desert excursion!
Day 6: Matmata - El Jem - Sousse
Wake up early this morning for a long but exciting travel day. Head toward Sousse with stops along the way to break up the drive and learn more about different parts of Tunisia. Drive through Chot El Jerid to see the salt flats create a mirror for the sky and stop for a photo opportunity. Then carry on to Matmata – famous for being the location of Luke Skywalker’s home in Star Wars! This unique village is known for its underground homes carved into the Earth. Check it out for yourself with a home visit – join a local family for lunch in their troglodyte home and learn about their way of life in this area. You’ll then head toward El Jem, an amazing Roman amphitheatre where you’ll visit the ancient Coliseum – less crowded than in Rome! After a day filled with history and rich culture, finally arrive in Sousse for a relaxing evening.
Day 7: Sousse
Have a slow breakfast to start your leisurely day then head out with your group for a morning tour of Sousse’s UNESCO World Heritage Site medina. Your leader will point out its museums, the Ribat and Great Mosque and can give you expert recommendations on what to do for the rest of your free day. Whether you want to relax, continue exploring or enjoy the beach, lean on your local leader to give you the inside scoop on the area.
Day 8: Tunis
Continue your historic exploration of Tunisia with a visit to the Water Temple in Zaghwan. This Roman-era structure was built near a spring as part of a system that supplied water to Carthage and once held 12 statues representing the months of the year. Explore this innovative and effective Roman aqueduct then stop for lunch at a local guesthouse. To learn even more about this region and its practices, visit an olive oil press and watch a medicinal plant distillation demonstration. Once you’ve soaked up all the local knowledge and customs, continue to Tunis for your final evening and a farewell dinner with your group.
Day 9: Tunis
Your trip comes to an end today after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak with your booking agent to organise additional accommodation.
