Where can you explore one of the best-preserved Roman small towns in North Africa? Relax on some of the best Mediterranean Beaches? And visit one of Islam’s most important cities? Enjoy all of this plus more adventures in a Northern Tunisia Discovery Tour.
Tunis-Carthage International Airport
Here are some highlights of what you will see and experience on the Northern Tunisia Discovery Tour
When you arrive in Tunis, you will be picked up by an experienced English-speaking guide who will bring you to your hotel. Take time to rest upon arrival and if time remains explore the historic medina which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. 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, your driver will transfer you to the Bardo Museum for a visit. This is one museum you do not want to miss! This is a world-class museum that contains a vast number of important mosaics from the Roman period.
After lunch, we visit the ancient archaeological site of Carthage, once the largest city in northern Africa. This site holds ruins from many eras of history, such as the Punic, Roman, Vandal, and Byzantine eras.
We then continue to the quaint village of Sidi Bou Said located on surrounding hills overlooking the Mediterranean Sea where we will explore its beautifully paved lanes and many spectacular sea views.
You will return to Tunis for a walk through the ancient medina and ‘souk‘ or traditional market. Here you will make your way through narrow lanes and you may see local artisans at work in trades such as copper, leather, wool, and carpet designing.
Accommodation: 3★, 4★, or 5★ options
After breakfast, you will travel to Bizerte. Spend some time wondering the beautiful harbor, the Kasbah and Ksibah. Continue on your way to Tabarka with a stop at the Roman site of Utica, which was founded approximately 300 years before Carthage.
Upon arrival to Tabarka, you will spend time tanning, swimming, or just walking the beautiful beaches. This would be a great time for some snorkeling and scuba diving. It is the best snorkeling and scuba diving in all Tunisia. Dinner will be at the hotel.
Accommodation: 3★, 4★, or 5★ options
After breakfast, you will depart from Tabarka and head to Bulla Regia. Bulla Regia is a well-preserved Roman Site offering you to go underground and explore Roman Villas.
From there you will travel to Dougga. This enormous site is one of the best preserved Roman ruins in Tunisia, and it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The site overlooks the vast regions surrounding it and it’s not uncommon to see locals herding their sheep through the Roman ruins.
When you are ready, we will travel to the important Islamic city, Kairouan where you will have dinner and spend the night at your hotel.
Accommodation: Kasbah Kairouan 5★
We will spend the morning sightseeing in Kairouan. We will visit the grand mosque Okba Ibn Nafaa and the mausoleum of the Berber companion of Mohammed, along with other sites. Afterwards, you may be interested in a visit to a carpet-making workshop where you can observe, admire, and learn about this incredible artisan work. There is an ancient medina with winding streets, which make for a nice place to have lunch.
After lunch, you will depart for Sbeitla. Sbeitla is where you will see numerous ancient church sites along with intricately designed baptisteries, temples, baths, and the Arch of Diocletian. Sbeitla also has a museum which contains a variety of mosaics and other objects found at the site. You will spend the night in the coastal town of Sfax and dinner at your hotel.
Accommodation: 3★, 4★, or 5★ options
Travel north to discover El Jem. This Roman Coliseum 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 the gladiators waited their upcoming battle. There is a museum in the town that hosts a plethora of mosaics.
After your visit, we will travel along the gorgeous seaside road passing through Mahdia and Monastir until we reach the town of Sousse. There you will explore the Medina and the archaeological museum which boasts great views over the sea. Then you will continue north to the Hammamet where you will spend the night.
Accommodation: 3★, 4★, or 5★ options
In the morning, you will explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kerkouane. Kerkouane is the world’s best-preserved Carthaginian city. It was abandoned in the 3rd century BC.
Travel to Cap Bon and see some of the best coastline Tunisia has to offer. Stop at the Korbous natural hot spring and join the locals swimming in the ocean were the hot springs run into the ocean. You will travel to Tunis from there where you will spend your last night in Tunisia.
Accommodation: 3★, 4★, or 5★ options
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for departure. Now you have time to reflect on all the sights and sounds of Tunisia’s North. Thus bringing to a close your discoveries in Tunisia’s North.
