Tunisia is a small country with a grand history that goes back to the days of Carthage and a journey here is a discovery of Africa, Berberland and the Islamic world all at once. Our “Berbers of Tunisia” program uncovers the people, the history, the archaeology and the culture of this distinct land.
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrive Tunis/Gammarth
Bonjour and Merhaba! We are warmly greeted to Tunisia and are driven to Gammarth for our two-night stay.
Overnight: Sol Phebus Hotel, Gammarth (2 nights)
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Day 2:
Gammarth
Our first exploration of this unique land starts with a tour of Carthage. Founded by the Phoenician Elyssa Didon in the 9th century B.C., Carthage still reveals its splendid Antonine Spas, Amphitheatre, Theatre, Punic Port and Roman villas. We continue to Sidi Bou Said, a splendid Moorish village perched atop a headland and wreathed in flowers. We enjoy a delicious peppermint tea and a visit to 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!
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Day 3:
Tunis/Kairouan (Drive 165kms/101miles)
We visit one of the most attractive resorts in Tunisia today. Sousse, the ancient “Hadrumete”, is a multifaceted town filled with a far off echo of the Aghlabite era. Discover the ancient ramparts surrounding the old 9th century town Ribat, the rich museum where history is written in mosaics, and the catacombs dug by the Christians from the 2nd to the 4th century. Afternoon, we continue to visit El Jem, ancient Thysdrus, one of the richest towns of Roman Africa. Discover its splendid Amphitheatre, the most impressive historical monument left by the Romans in North Africa. The site museum offers superb mosaic pavements and interesting statues. We continue to the important Berber center of Kairouan. This evening provides an excellent opportunity to meet the local folks.
Overnight: La Kasbah Hotel, Kairouan (1 night)
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Day 4:
Kairouan/Tozeur (Drive 319kms/197miles)
An incredible day ahead as we visit Kairouan, the first capital of the North African Islamic World. Founded in 671 B.C. by Okba Ibn Nafaa, it became a flourishing capital, housing many stately monuments. Our exploration includes the Mosque of Sidi Okba (Grand Mosque), the “Aghlabites basins” and the Mausoleum of Sidi Saheb. Afternoon, we cross the desert to Sbeitla, ancient Sufeitula, founded in 69 B.C. by Vespasian. The city’s Diocletian’s Triumphal Arch, its three magnificent temples dedicated to Jupiter, Juno and Minerva, and its Forum are unforgettable. We then continue to Tozeur with a brief stop at Gafsa.
Overnight: Palmyre Hotel, Tozeur (2 Nights)
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Day 5:
Tozeur
Adventure begins this morning as we take our 4 X 4 vehicles and embark on a desert safari to visit the famous mountain oasis. Perched atop the mountain, we enjoy a stunning panoramic view of old Berber villages surrounded by with waterfalls and canyons. This is an exquisite oasis in the middle of the desert. Next we visit the charming village of Metlaoui, known for its numerous mining activities and board the Lezard Rouge (Bey’s former train). As we continue to Temerza, we discover the splendid landscape of Selja and view Bedouin settlements. Temerza is a Berber village, hidden behind a mountain chain and overlooking a magnificent oasis. We conclude our day with a visit to Chebika and the Dar Charait, a traditional Tunisian museum.
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Day 6:
Tozeur/Douz (Drive 113kms/70miles)
Continuing our desert safari, we switch to horse carriages, allowing us to get a closer look at this interesting old town. In the afternoon we leave for Chott El Jerid, Lake Tritonis and the enchanting sea with its disconcerting mirages. Whole armies are said to have vanished here! We continue to Douz, a town of sandy houses and dusty roads to enjoy camel rides and the beautiful sunset over the Sahara.
Overnight: Mouradi Douz Hotel, Douz (1 night)
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Day 7:
Douz/Tataouine (Drive 185kms/114miles)
We are in for a treat this morning as we visit the famous Thursday market with its camel skin crafts and Berber jewelry, followed by a short journey to the village of Matmata. We tour the unique underground Troglodyte dwellings used in the making of the famous films “Star Wars” & “Raiders of the Lost Ark”. Our next stop is Tataouine, a famous Berber village perched on the rim of a semi circular ridge. Here we have an excellent opportunity to make friends with the local desert people. En route to Tataouine we visit Chenini, a mysterious village, hidden in the depths of palm groves and famous for its Ksars or Castles of the desert. These unique dwellings blend seamlessly and become invisible to the eye from afar.
Overnight: Sangho Privilege Tataouine Hotel, Tataouine (1 night)
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Day 8:
Tataouine/Djerba (Drive 85kms/52miles)
Our journey continues to the popular beachside resort of Djerba via Medenine, a well-known Berber village famed for its Ghorfas, a fascinating dwelling once used by the nomad tribes. Our afternoon tour of Djerba includes the Ghriba, one of the oldest synagogues in the world and a famous pilgrimage site where an 8th century Torah is preserved. We continue for Guellala, a Djerban village famous for its original potteries “les Dieux de l’Argile”. Our last stop is the main “Houmt Souk” with its original potteries, magnificent carpets and filigree silver. The evening is free to join the many activities that this resort town has on offer.
Overnight: Tryp Abounawas Hotel, Djerba (1 night)
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Day 9:
Djerba/Tunis (Flight)
Early this morning we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Tunis. Upon arrival we depart for Dougga to visit the largest Roman ruins in Tunisia, formerly called Thugga, that include the Triumphal Arch of Severus Alexander and ancient temples from the 2nd and 3rd centuries. Later in the afternoon we visit the Arab medina experiencing the days of yore with its typical bazaars and Arabian Nights setting. We experience the hustle and bustle of the souq and of downtown Tunis before returning to our hotel for a farewell dinner.
Overnight: Abounawas El Mechtel Hotel, Tunis (1 night)
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Day 10:
Day 10: Depart Tunis
After an interesting and unforgettable journey through the life of the Berbers and the richness of Tunisia, we transfer to our modern jet aircraft and head back home.
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Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price may vary
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
Tunisia
Tours
Local Culture
Desert Expeditions
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