The Splendors of Tunisia tour will take you to marvel at the splendors across Tunisia in 11 days. You will visit and experience the dramatic contrasts throughout Tunisia – vast Sahara desert, ancient Roman ruins, vibrant souk markets, sandy white beaches with crystal blue water, palm oasis, picturesque canyons, and more!
Tunis-Carthage International Airport
Here are some highlights of what you will see and experience on the Splendors of Tunisia Tour
Upon arrival in the Tunis capital, 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. Make your way through narrow lanes and alleyways stumbling upon local artisans of copper, leather, and wool. The famous Zitouna Mosque, spice market, and gold 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 site of Carthage, once the largest ancient city in northern Africa. This site holds ruins from many eras of history: the Punics, Romans, Vandals, and Byzantines all made claim to this area at some point.
Continue to the quaint village of Sidi Bou Said which overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. We will explore its beautifully paved lanes and spectacular sea views.
Return to Tunis and visit the Bardo Museum. This world-class museum features the largest collection of mosaics in the world. The museum also has numerous rooms featuring artifacts from the Punic to Islamic periods. Dinner will be at the hotel.
Accommodation: 3★, 4★, or 5★ options
After breakfast, you will travel to Dougga, considered one of Tunisia’s best-preserved Roman ruins. 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. Several notable archaeological wonders include a Trajan forum, large baths, schola juvenum (Roman minor militia club), and other pre-Roman structures. There is also a small museum displaying 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, you will visit the grand mosque Okba Ibn Nafaa which was 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 an excellent panoramic view of the canyon below. The canyon was used to film Raiders of the Lost Ark and The English Patient.
Return to Tozeur for lunch. In the afternoon, explore Ong Jemel, ‘the neck of the camel‘. 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
After breakfast, travel across the Chott el Jerid, the largest salt flat in Tunisia, until you arrive in Douz. Douz is considered a ‘gateway to the Sahara’ and has the most significant date palmary in southern Tunisia. Next, travel to Matmata and visit a troglodyte museum and home. For Star Wars fans, you can visit Hotel Sidi Idriss, which was the Star Wars film location of Luke Skywalker’s interior home.
Afterward, travel to the beautiful oasis of Ksar Ghilane. This oasis is situated right next to the Sahara dunes. Enjoy the natural hot spring or take a quad or camel trek to a Roman fort.
Accommodation: 3★ hotel, campsite with amenities, or authentic Sahara camping
This morning, you will depart the Sahara Desert and make your way to Chenini. Wander through this historic Berber mountainside village. The mountaintop view is well worth the climb to the top.
When you are ready, travel to the island of Djerba for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation: 3★, 4★, or 5★ options
After breakfast, you will begin your island tour of Djerba. Explore the wonders of Djerba Island with stops at El Ghriba Synagogue (the oldest synagogue in North Africa), Djerbahood, and Guellala (pottery town).
You may want to visit Houmet Souk to explore its markets and to have a fresh fish lunch.
Once you have finished the island tour, return to your hotel for an afternoon of rest or extra time at the Mediterranean beach.
Accommodation: 3★, 4★, or 5★ options
Today, you will have a morning departure for El Djem. 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. There is a museum in the town that hosts a plethora of mosaics.
Travel to Sousse and if time remains in the day, perhaps you would like to see the archeological museum, kasbah, and medina. Dinner will be at the hotel.
Accommodation: 3★, 4★, or 5★ options
After breakfast, you will visit the historic sites of Sousse. During the trip, you will wander through the ancient medina, explore the Ribat and tower, and the archaeological museum of Sousse.
After lunch, you will depart for Thuburbo Majus, a Roman site that has a small coliseum, baths, and various Roman houses allowing onlookers to 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 Splendors of Tunisia tour to a close.
