The Explore Tunisia tour will take you exploring some of the best highlights of Northern Tunisia and Southern Tunisia in just 8 days! Take a tour through time exploring the ancient history of Carthage and other major archaeological and historical sites. Travel to Southern Tunisia to take a hike through mountain canyons and explore the beautiful palmery, plus more!
Tunis-Carthage International Airport
Here are some highlights of what you will see and experience on the Explore Tunisia Tour
Upon arrival in Tunis, the capital of Tunisia, you will be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel.
If you have an early arrival, you will explore the historic Tunis Medina which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. You will make your way through narrow lanes and alleyways stumbling upon local artisans such as copper, leather and wool workers and intricately designed carpets. The famous Zitouna Mosque, spice market, and the gold souk (market) are sites you don’t want to miss. Dinner will be at the hotel
Accommodation: 3★, 4★, or 5★ options
After breakfast, you will visit the ancient archaeological sites 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. We will then continue to the quaint village of Sidi Bou Said, built on and around several hills overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. We will explore its beautifully paved lanes and spectacular sea views.
If you missed exploring the Tunis Medina on the previous day, you can explore it this afternoon.
Accommodation: 3★, 4★, or 5★ options
After breakfast, you will travel to Dougga, which is considered one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in Tunisia. This enormous Roman archaeological site was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997. Overlooking the vast surrounding regions, it is not uncommon to see locals herding their sheep through the Roman ruins.
Continue on to the Roman site of Makthar. There are several notable archaeological wonders including a Trajan forum, large baths, schola juvenum (Roman minor militia club), and other pre-Roman structures. There is also a small museum where you can find some mosaics and other artifacts excavated from this site.
Afterward, you will travel to the important Islamic city of Kairouan. Dinner will be at the hotel.
Accommodation: Kasbah Kairouan 5★ (Half-Board)
This morning, we will visit the grand mosque Okba Ibn Nafaa, established in 670 AD. You will also visit the mausoleum of the Berber companion of Mohammed and the Aghlabid pool.
In Kairouan, there is an ancient medina with winding streets, well worth a visit! You may want to stop at a carpet-making workshop where you can watch, admire, and learn about this incredible artisan work.
Next, visit the archaeological site of Sbeitla with its ancient church sites along with intricately designed baptisteries, temples, baths, and the Arch of Diocletian. When you are done exploring, you will travel to Tozeur. Dinner will be at the hotel.
Accommodation: 3★, 4★, or 5★ options
In the morning, travel to the beautiful mountainside oasis village of Chebika. Chebika was once a Roman outpost, but later became a mountain refuge for the Berber people. You can hike through the Chebika canyon to the source of the mountain oasis.
From Chebika, travel to Tamerza which is the largest mountain oasis in Tunisia. Afterward, travel to Mides where you will have a nice panoramic view of the canyon below. The canyon was used for the filming of Raiders of the Lost Ark and The English Patient.
If time permits, you can explore Ong Jemel, ‘the neck of the camel‘ in the afternoon. Travel over barren land and see the Sahara dunes and a Star Wars Mos Espa film location. Return to Tozeur for your night and dinner.
Accommodation: 3★, 4★, or 5★ options
Morning departure for El Jem. The Roman Coliseum in this city is one of the best preserved in the world. It was constructed between 230 and 238 AD and is believed to at one time have hosted between 30,000 to 45,000 spectators. Take time exploring this enormous structure and do not forget to go down to the rooms where gladiators awaited their upcoming battle.
Following, you will travel to travel to Sousse. If you have time today, you will wander through the ancient medina exploring the Ribat and tower. Dinner will be at the hotel.
Accommodation: 3★, 4★, or 5★ options
First thing after breakfast, if you haven’t already, you will check out the remaining historic sites Sousse has to offer.
After lunch, you will depart for Thuburbo Majus, a Roman site that has a small coliseum, baths, and various Roman houses. Onlookers can imagine life in a quintessential Roman African city.
Next, continue to the mountainside Roman site of Zaghouan, where you will find a temple of the ‘water god’. When you are ready, finish the day in the coastal city of Hammamet.
Accommodation: 3★, 4★, or 5★ options
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Tunis-Carthage International Airport for departure, bringing an unforgettable Explore Tunisia tour to a close.
