Best of Tunisia

Welcome to Tunisia! On arrival you will be met and transferred from the airport to your hotel for dinner and overnight in Tunis. (D)

Layers of Civilization: A Day in Timeless Tunis

Walk through centuries of history, from Phoenician power to Islamic artistry, on a journey that reveals the heart and soul of Tunisia’s capital.

Your day begins amid the ruins of ancient Carthage, once a powerful Phoenician city and rival to Rome. Stroll among the scattered columns and crumbling temples that whisper stories of Hannibal, trade empires, and centuries of conquest. Highlights include the Antonine Baths, one of the largest Roman bath complexes outside Italy, and the Tophet, a haunting Punic sanctuary. As you gaze over the sparkling Mediterranean from Byrsa Hill, where the Carthage Museum now stands, it's easy to imagine the grandeur this city once held.

Next, travel a short distance to the postcard-perfect village of Sidi Bou Said, perched on cliffs overlooking the sea. This bohemian enclave is famous for its whitewashed buildings adorned with vibrant blue doors and intricate ironwork. Wander through narrow cobblestone lanes, browse artisan shops, and perhaps stop for a traditional mint tea at Café des Nattes while enjoying panoramic views of the Gulf of Tunis. The serene beauty of this town has long drawn artists and writers from around the world.

In the afternoon, after lunch in La Goulette, step into the Bardo National Museum, housed in a former Ottoman palace. It holds one of the world’s greatest collections of Roman mosaics, many unearthed from sites across Tunisia. Marvel at vividly preserved scenes of mythology, daily life, and ancient gods, as well as Punic artifacts, Islamic art, and Byzantine relics. The Bardo offers a journey through Tunisia’s layered past, presented in an atmosphere that blends grandeur and scholarly depth.

End your day with a walk through the bustling Medina of Tunis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This vibrant maze of souks, mosques, and madrasas dates back to the 7th century and remains the beating heart of the city. Discover fragrant spice markets, traditional crafts, and architectural treasures like the Zitouna Mosque and the Dar Hussein Palace. As the sun sets, the call to prayer echoes over the rooftops, and the medina transitions from the day’s energy to a more mystical evening ambiance.

This full-day tour offers a sweeping look at Tunisia’s diverse heritage—from ancient empires to Islamic artistry and Mediterranean elegance—leaving you with unforgettable impressions of Tunis’s unique spirit. Dinner and overnight in Tunis. (B/L/D)

Echoes of Empire, Exile, and Faith

Discover Tunisia’s rich tapestry of civilizations on a journey from the Roman splendor of Dougga to the Moorish grace of Testour and the Islamic heritage of Kairouan.

Leave the bustling capital of Tunis behind and set off on a scenic journey through northern Tunisia’s heartland, where ancient ruins, Andalusian charm, and Islamic heritage blend into an unforgettable day of discovery.

Your first stop is the awe-inspiring archaeological site of Dougga, often considered the best-preserved Roman city in North Africa. Set on a hillside with sweeping views of the fertile Tebersouk valley, Dougga offers a breathtaking glimpse into antiquity. Wander through the remarkably intact ruins of temples, baths, and theaters, including the Capitol, Temple of Saturn, and the grand Roman Theater, which still hosts performances today. As you walk along the original stone streets, it's easy to imagine life here over 2,000 years ago in this prosperous Roman-Berber city, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After our exploration of Dougga we will enjoy a home-hosted lunch in Teboursouk.

Next, head to the charming town of Testour, nestled in the lush Medjerda Valley. Founded by Andalusian Muslims expelled from Spain in the 17th century, Testour reflects a unique cultural heritage where Arab-Islamic and Spanish architectural styles blend harmoniously. Stroll through quiet lanes lined with red-tiled roofs and wrought-iron balconies, and stop at the Great Mosque of Testour, known for its Andalusian-style minaret with a clock that turns counterclockwise—a curious symbol of cultural defiance and preservation. Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a local café, sampling regional specialties in this tranquil town.

Continue south to your final destination: the sacred city of Kairouan, one of the holiest cities in Islam and a center of religious learning for centuries. Arriving in the late afternoon, you’ll be welcomed by a city steeped in spiritual and architectural significance.

From Roman grandeur to Andalusian elegance and Islamic sanctity, this day-long journey is a moving portrait of Tunisia’s deep and diverse cultural roots—a true travel through time. Dinner and overnight in Kairouan. (B/L/D)

From Sacred Minarets to Sahara Skies

Trace Tunisia’s spiritual and geographic transformation as you journey from the holy city of Kairouan to the palm-lined oasis of Tozeur.

Begin your morning in the spiritual heart of Tunisia with an immersive visit to Kairouan, a city revered as the fourth holiest in Islam and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in the 7th century, Kairouan offers a serene yet powerful glimpse into the country’s religious and architectural heritage.

Start your exploration at the Great Mosque of Kairouan—a monumental symbol of early Islamic architecture in North Africa. Its massive stone walls, forest of reused Roman columns, and towering minaret create a sense of quiet reverence. Next, visit the Mausoleum of Sidi Sahbi (the Barber’s Mosque), dedicated to a companion of the Prophet Muhammad, known for keeping a few strands of the Prophet’s hair. The site is richly decorated with colorful tilework and intricate stucco—an exquisite example of Tunisian craftsmanship.

Wander through the city’s medina, where artisans weave Kairouan’s famed hand-knotted wool carpets, and explore the Aghlabid Basins, ancient reservoirs that once sustained the city and its pilgrims. A stop at a local sweet shop to try makroudh (a date-filled semolina pastry) offers a delicious farewell to this sacred city.

In the afternoon, depart Kairouan and begin the scenic drive southwest toward Tozeur, passing through changing landscapes as olive groves and wheat fields gradually give way to desert plateaus and palm-filled oases. Along the way, you may catch glimpses of traditional Berber villages and the stark beauty of Tunisia’s semi-arid heartland.

Arrive in Tozeur, the gateway to the Sahara, by early evening. Known for its unique desert architecture and vast palm groves, Tozeur is a tranquil and atmospheric retreat. Check into your hotel, where a warm desert welcome awaits. Enjoy a traditional dinner featuring local specialties, followed by a relaxing evening under the stars. Rest well—tomorrow promises new adventures in the land of oases, ancient ksour, and dramatic desert landscapes. Dinner and overnight in Tozeur. (B/L/D)

The Landscapes of Legend: Tunisia’s Southern Escape

Step into a world of ancient villages, Star Wars backdrops, and palm-lined horizons as you venture from oasis trails to Saharan sands.

Begin your day in Tozeur, where the golden morning light spills across the desert and palm groves sway in the breeze. Depart in 4WD vehicles for an exhilarating excursion into the mountain oases of southern Tunisia, a region where nature defies the arid landscape with pockets of lush beauty tucked into dramatic canyons.

Your first stop is Chebika, a stunning oasis nestled against the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Here, water flows from natural springs, feeding date palms and creating a hidden paradise where Berber villagers once lived. Continue to Tamerza, an abandoned mountain village known for its cascading waterfall and panoramic views. The contrast between ancient ruins and thriving greenery is striking—a blend of serenity and raw desert drama.

From there, journey deeper into the desert to Ong Jemal (“the Camel’s Neck”), a surreal rock formation in the vast expanse of the desert, famously used as a filming location in the Star Wars saga. The other worldly landscape, shaped by wind and time, is both cinematic and deeply rooted in local folklore.

After your desert explorations, enjoy a date tasting experience in the shade of a palm grove, where you’ll sample the region’s prized deglet nour dates—sweet, sun-ripened, and known as the “fingers of light.” This is followed by a traditional lunch in an oasis, offering a chance to relax and savor regional flavors surrounded by desert tranquility.

In the afternoon, depart Tozeur and cross the vast, shimmering expanse of the Chott El Jerid, a massive salt flat that stretches across the horizon like a mirage. The ever-changing reflections and salt crusts make it one of the most surreal landscapes in Tunisia.

Arrive in Douz, the “Gateway to the Sahara,” where the desert truly begins. Here, you have the opportunity to embrace the spirit of the dunes with a camel ride across the sands or an adrenaline-filled quad biking experience, weaving over wind-sculpted dunes as the sun begins to set.

As evening descends, check in to The Residence Douz, a luxurious retreat at the edge of the Sahara. With its peaceful ambiance, refined comfort, and panoramic desert views, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of unforgettable adventure in Tunisia’s southern frontier. Dinner and overnight in Douz. (B/L/D)

Layers of Legacy: Matmata, El Jem & the Road to Hammamet

Explore troglodyte traditions, walk the halls of a Roman amphitheater, and arrive at the sparkling Mediterranean—all in a single, unforgettable day.

Leave the vast sands of Douz behind and begin a journey northward through the rugged beauty of southern Tunisia. Your first stop is the extraordinary village of Matmata, famous for its traditional troglodyte homes—underground dwellings carved into the earth to protect Berber families from the harsh desert climate. These ancient homes, still inhabited today, offer a glimpse into a way of life shaped by both ingenuity and tradition. Fans of cinema will also recognize the area as a filming location for Star Wars, where the unique architecture doubled as the home of Luke Skywalker on the planet Tatooine.

Continue your journey through Tunisia’s varied landscape, traveling through arid hills and olive groves as you head toward the coast and the historic town of El Jem. Arriving in time for lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, explore one of the most remarkable Roman ruins in the world: the El Jem Amphitheatre. Towering above the surrounding town, this massive 3rd-century structure is the best-preserved Roman colosseum in Africa and once held up to 35,000 spectators. Walk through the ancient passageways, stand in the center of the arena, and imagine the roar of the crowds during gladiatorial games. Its scale and preservation are nothing short of breathtaking, rivaling even Rome’s Colosseum.

Following your visit, continue north toward the Mediterranean coast, watching the landscape gradually shift from inland plains to coastal greenery. Arrive in the resort town of Hammamet, where whitewashed buildings, turquoise waters, and a relaxed seaside atmosphere await. Check in to the Sentido Phenicia, a comfortable four-star hotel set along a palm-lined beach.

As the sun sets over the Gulf of Hammamet, enjoy a leisurely dinner and unwind after a day filled with desert wonders, ancient empires, and scenic transitions. Dinner and overnight in Hammamet, where the sounds of the sea promise a peaceful end to a remarkable day in Tunisia. (B/L/D)

Rural Flavors & Refined Sips

Learn, cook, and taste your way through Tunisia’s culinary soul with a farm-to-table cooking class and curated wine tasting in the countryside.

Begin your day with a short drive from Hammamet into the peaceful countryside, where rolling olive groves and citrus orchards give way to the charming Berber village of Douar Laroussi near Sidi Jedidi. Here, in a setting that feels untouched by time, you're welcomed into a traditional homestead to experience the warmth and flavors of rural Tunisian life.

The day begins with an immersive cooking class, where local women share the secrets of preparing beloved Tunisian dishes using age-old techniques. Learn how to make harissa, the fiery red chili paste that is a staple of every Tunisian kitchen, as well as tabouna bread, baked in traditional clay ovens. You’ll also take part in preparing couscous, the country’s national dish, and discover the fragrant art of rose and orange blossom distillation, used in both cuisine and cosmetics.

After the hands-on experience, sit down to enjoy a home-cooked lunch featuring the fruits of your labor, accompanied by seasonal ingredients and authentic hospitality. This shared meal offers a deeper connection to the culture—flavors enhanced by stories, tradition, and the landscape around you.

In the afternoon, continue to Bir Dressen Winery, a gem in Tunisia’s emerging wine scene. Located amid sun-drenched vineyards, the winery blends modern techniques with Mediterranean terroir. Enjoy a guided tour and presentation, learning about the history of viticulture in Tunisia and how local grape varieties are cultivated and transformed into distinctive wines.

The visit culminates in a wine tasting, where you sample a selection of vintages paired with regional appetizers—cheeses, olives, and spiced bites that highlight the harmony between wine and Tunisian cuisine.

Return to your hotel in Hammamet, the Sentido Phenicia, in the late afternoon. After a day rich in flavor and discovery, enjoy a relaxing dinner and a restful overnight stay, savoring the tastes, textures, and traditions that make Tunisia so unforgettable. Dinner and overnight in Hammamet. (B/L/D)

After a memorable journey through Tunisia’s rich tapestry of history, culture, and landscapes—from ancient ruins and desert oases to mountain villages and Mediterranean shores—it’s time to say farewell.

Check out from your hotel in Hammamet and depart for the Tunis-Carthage International Airport (about a 1 hour drive). As you drive through the familiar olive groves and rolling countryside one last time, reflect on the vibrant souks, warm hospitality, and unforgettable experiences that have marked your adventure.

With hearts full and cameras packed with memories, bid Tunisia goodbye—for now—knowing that its magic will stay with you long after you’ve returned home. Safe travels and à bientôt!

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