The Best of Tunisian History tour will take you back thousands of years as you explore the ancient history in Carthage. Take a tour through time to explore major archaeological and historical sites to discover the rich history of Tunisia. In 8 days, you will visit ancient Roman cities, an underground Numidian capital, a roman amphitheater, marvel at the largest mosaic collection in the world, Roman temples, the 4th holiest city in Islam, renown medinas, old-walled city, a citadel, plus more!
Tunis-Carthage International Airport
Here are some highlights of what you will see and experience on the Best of Tunisian History Tour
Upon arrival at Tunis-Carthage International Airport, you will be met by your private driver / guide and taken to your hotel for check-in. Depending on your arrival time, you may begin with a tour of the old Medina of Tunis (ancient city). From the charming architecture to the picturesque souks (markets), the ancient medina is well worth a visit.
Accommodation: 3★, 4★, or 5★ options
After breakfast, you will visit the ancient archaeological site of Carthage, once the largest ancient city in northern Africa. This site holds ruins from many eras of history. Throughout time, the Punics, Romans, Vandals, and Byzantines all laid claim to this area. Your guide will take you to the Phoenician Cemetery, Antonin’s Bath, Punic Harbors, the Carthage Museum, and more. Depending on your time, you may want to take a drive up to the beautiful Sidi Bou Said, which overlooks the Gulf of Tunis.
Accommodation: 3★, 4★, or 5★ options
After breakfast, you will travel to Dougga, the Roman Archaeological site. This enormous site is one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in Tunisia and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Overlooking the vast surrounding regions, it is not uncommon to see locals herding their sheep through the Roman ruins.
Continue north to Bulla Regia where you will find some of the best-preserved underground Roman villas. You will visit a basicila and an amphitheater with a large mosaic of a bear. St. Augustine of Hippo once visited Bulla Regia in 399 AD and stood in this amphitheater to reproach the citizens for their lack of faith.
After your visit, travel to El Kef for the night. If you make it before sundown, you can watch the sunset from the city’s kasbah (fortress).
Accommodation: Guesthouse
After breakfast, you will visit the archaeological site of Makthar. There are several notable archaeological wonders to keep an eye out for including a Trajan forum, large baths, schola juvenum (Roman minor militia club), and other pre-Roman structures. At the entrance to the archaeological site in Makthar is a museum where you can find some mosaics and other artifacts excavated from this site.
Your next visit will be to the archaeological site of Sbeitla. As you explore this site you will see numerous ancient church sites along with intricately designed baptisteries, temples, baths, and the Arch of Diocletian. Sbeitla also has a museum that contains a variety of mosaics and other objects found at the site
Afterward, you will depart for the famous and important Islamic city of Kairouan. You will have time to relax in the evening.
Accommodation: La Kasbah 5★ Hotel
After an early breakfast, you will want to visit the amazing mosque of Sidi Okba, the ancient medina, and the Aghlabid pool.
Afterward, continue to Tunisia’s most renowned site, the Coliseum of El Jem; a must-see site. Stop for a minute to imagine life in the gladiator times while discovering the history of El Jem.
Afterward, you will travel alongside the beautiful Mediterranean coastline, passing by the coastal cities of Mahdia and Monastir.
If time permits, you may visit the Bourguiba Mausoleum, a monumental grave of former president Habib Bourguiba, the father of Tunisian independence. Your final destination is the coastal city of Sousse.
Accommodation: 3★, 4★, or 5★ options
After breakfast, you will have the opportunity to explore Sousse. Founded in 800 BC, there is plenty of history to be seen in this ancient city. The Great Mosque, Kasbah, and the archeological museum all tell a story of Sousse’s ancient past. You can spend the afternoon shopping in the medina or return to your beach resort to relax or for a swim in the Mediterranean Sea.
Accommodation: 3★, 4★, or 5★ options
After breakfast, you will continue to the mountainside Roman site of Zaghouan, where you will find a temple of the ‘water god’.
Afterward, depart for the Roman-Berber city of Oudhna (Uthina). The ruins here include an amphitheater in great condition, carved out of the hillside, that once sat 16,000 spectators. You can also explore the Forum and the Capitol, the Great Baths, and underground vaults dating back to the Byzantine era. When you are ready, travel to Tunis where you will spend the night.
Accommodation: 3★, 4★, or 5★ options
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure, thus ending your Best of Tunisian History Tour.
