Dive into the heart of North Africa's ancient wonders on our nine day tour of Tunisia. Designed to beat the summer heat, our adventure starts in the lively capital of Tunis, where we'll wander through the legendary ruins of Carthage, moving on we explore the Roman amphitheatre in El Djem, as well as Uthina and Mahdia. Along the way, we'll step inside the sacred Great Mosque of Kairouan and stand in awe at the breathtaking site of Dougga, a Roman city frozen in time.
Breakfast: 8
Lunch: 2
Explore Tour Leader
Driver(s)
Local Guide(s)
Bus
8 nights comfortable hotel
Moderate
Trip maximum 16 Explore average 11
Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.
Our tour starts in Tunis, the modern bustling capital of Tunisia. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Tunis at any time.
If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Tunis International Airport (TUN), which is around 30 minutes from the hotel, depending on traffic. For those arriving before 7pm, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception to head out for dinner if you'd like to join. Due to the late arrival of many flights into Tunis, the welcome meeting will take place on the morning of day two.
We stay out on the coast on the sandy shores of the Cote de Carthage, benefiting from a cooling sea breeze. Our hotel features an expansive swimming pool, landscaped gardens and has access to the beach, making it the ideal location to base ourselves for the start of our trip.
Verdi Tunis Beach Resort (or similar)
Grade: Comfortable Hotel
Following this morning's welcome meeting, we'll head out to ancient Carthage, located in the Sidi Bou Said neighbourhood, a short distance from our hotel. Founded around 1,000 BC, Carthage grew to be the most important and powerful trading centre on the Mediterranean. The mighty fleet of hundreds of armed ships was an efficient deterrent against invaders for many centuries. Its geographical situation, as the gateway to Africa (today only six hours by boat from Sicily), meant that it was a crucial strategic post which the Romans fought hard to attain. After the third and final Punic war the Romans sacked Carthage in 146 BC, destroying much of the old town.
Today many of the ruins date from the Roman period but we'll also see the two ancient Punic harbours, once the very foundation of Carthaginian prosperity as well as the Punic tophet, the Antonin baths, the amphitheatre, residential areas and the acropolis of Byrsa.
This afternoon we'll continue to Sidi Bou Said on the coast. This picturesque cliff-top village is a beautiful spot, where scarlet bougainvillea cascade over the white and blue walls of the narrow streets, and colourful shops, overflowing with carpets, pottery and jewellery, line the winding streets. After lunch we have an included lunch at a restaurant with panoramic views looking out onto the Gulf of Tunis. After lunch we'll explore the village, returning to our beach hotel in the early evening.
Today we head to Dougga and the Andalousian city of Testour, one of the best preserved Roman archaeological sites in North Africa. It's around a one-hour drive to Testour and a further 30 minutes to Dougga. The Dougga site itself sits within a fertile valley surrounded by olive groves and is one of the oldest settlements in Tunisia. The main attraction is the imposing 3,500-seat theatre built in the 2nd century, there are ruins from several periods in history, some pre-dating the Roman era with temples, well preserved streets and cisterns that were built to meet the ancient cities ever growing demand for water. Thanks to how complete the site is, we get a feel for how life must have been almost 2,000 years ago.
Please note, there is very little shade in Dougga so we recommend bringing a hat and sun cream - it will be extremely hot. The site is still being excavated, so sturdy footwear is also recommended. We aim to be back at our beachfront hotel by mid-afternoon, in time for a refreshing dip in the swimming pool or a stroll along the beach.
We bid farewell to Tunis today, heading south to the less-visited yet highly acclaimed archaeological site of Uthina (also known as Oudna), established by Emperor Augustus for retired soldiers of the Roman third legion. The site is well-preserved with substantial public buildings still visible, including an impressive amphitheatre and the roman baths with intricate mosaics.
Continuing back towards the coast, we break for an included lunch at Douar Laaroussi, a locally-owned Berber restaurant in a rural setting akin to an agriturismo, situated close to Hammamet. There is the chance to visit the kitchens to learn about Tunisian spices and help make freshly baked bread. After lunch, we'll continue to our hotel located just a short distance from El Djem.
Hotel Julius (or similar)
Stepping back in time this morning, we'll pay a visit to the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site of El Djem, the best-preserved Roman Amphitheatre in North Africa. One of the largest of its kind in the world, this stunning monument to Roman glory once echoed to the sounds of gladiatorial contests and chariot races.
El Djem was capable of seating 27,000 spectators although it now has a capacity of around 500. We'll have a guided tour of the site, after which there'll be time to wander round. The second and third galleries provide some of the best views of the entire amphitheatre, the almost perfectly preserved dungeons are also well worth seeing, it's possible to walk through the animal enclosures, along the corridors into the auditorium itself.
After lunch, we'll head to the quiet coastal town of Mahdia. The Fatimids built a fortified city, al-Mahdiyya (Mahdia), on the Tunisian coast in 916. This city served as their capital and included the Great Mosque of Mahdia, one of the earliest Fatimid mosques. After a tour of Mahdia, we'll return to our hotel near El Djem.
Today's sights are based along the Gulf of Hammamet coastline. Our first stop is a tour of Monastir to see its impressive fortress and mausoleum. Continuing north, we'll explore Sousse, where our tour leader will accompany us on a walking tour of the UNESCO protected medina. We'll break for a leisurely lunch in Sousse (lunch not included). Later in the afternoon, we'll continue inland to Kairouan.
Our hotel tonight is situated on the edge of the medina, within a 10-minute walk of the city gate. The hotel incorporates parts of much older buildings and is designed to blend harmoniously with its surroundings, it features a lovely courtyard swimming pool and an excellent coffee bar and choice of restaurants. There is the option of an evening walking tour of the old town of Kairouan.
Hotel La Kasbah (or similar)
This morning, we'll take a sightseeing tour of Kairouan. We start by driving to the Aghlabid Pools and walking up to the stunning Abou Zomaa mosque followed by a visit to the Great Mosque of Kairouan, the 4th holiest Islamic centre after Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem. Originally constructed in the seventh century, the mosque has a myriad of columns and arabesque bas reliefs surrounding an immense marble courtyard.
Heading through the imposing archway in the walled ramparts, we enter the labyrinth of the old medina and covered market. Here traditional crafts such as copper and silver engraving, carpet weaving and saddle making are carried out by skilled craftsmen. This is a good place to stop for a coffee scented with rose water or try a local delicacy 'makroudh'. They are small wheat cakes soaked in honey and stuffed with dates.
Bidding Kairouan farewell, we return to Tunis, staying in our centrally located hotel for the final two nights.
Carlton Tunis Hotel (or similar)
As well as being a modern dynamic city, Tunis still retains its distinctive Arab flavour with colourful souks crammed with everything from crafts, household wares to spices and baklava.
We'll head out early to avoid the heat of the day, on a walking tour of Tunis' historic medina, with its labyrinth of streets and alleyways in the heart of the old city. The medina contains over 700 monuments, mosques and palaces including the stunning Ez-Zitouna mosque, which we'll see from the outside.
We'll then visit the recently reopened Bardo National Museum. Housed in a grand palace, the Bardo is home to a rich collection of artefacts, over 1,000 mosaics and treasures, collected through the ages from sites across Tunisia. The rest of the day is free to further explore Tunis and pick up last-minute souvenirs. This evening, there is the opportunity to head out for a farewell dinner.
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Tunis. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Tunis at any time.
If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Tunis International Airport (TUN), which is just over 30 minutes from the hotel depending on traffic. Should you wish to extend your stay, we can offer extra nights either on the beach or in the city centre.
Tunisia has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers tempered by sea breezes and mild winters. Spring has the most rainfall but is the best time for flowers. In winter, days in the desert can be warm but come prepared for cold days, whilst at night temperatures can drop below zero.
+1
2 Pin Round
Islam
Tunisian
Clothing should be lightweight as this tour operates in the summer months. We recommend loose and comfortable clothes. Tunisia is a Muslim country and it is important to dress with respect for local customs. People may be offended by short shorts or revealing dresses, which can attract unwelcome attention. Transparent, plunging necklines and tightfitting clothes should be avoided. Women should also cover their heads when entering places of worship.
We recommend sandals and walking boots or trainers with good ankle support as we spend time visiting several sites with unever terrain.
20Kg
One main piece of baggage and daypack.
A reusable filter water bottle, sunhat and high factor sunscreen are all essential, many of the sites have limited shade and it will be very hot. It may be worth considering taking an umbrella to provide further protection from the sun. Most of the hotels have swimming pools, bring a swimming costume if you wish to use these.
It's worth bearing in mind that Tunisia is a developing country and standards might not always be equivalent to those at home. Many of the hotels on this trip are rated as five star, however these should not be compared to a five star hotel in Europe and as such have been rated as comfortable rather than premium.
Dietary requirements: Most restaurants and hotels in Tunisia have a limited selection of vegan choices, although vegetarian options are more widely available. There is usually a choice of salad tunisienne, which is a blend of cucumbers, onions and tomatoes served with a main vegetarian and/or vegan dish from the menu, but choice will be limited in more remote locations. If you have specific dietary requirements we do recommend for you to bring some food with you. Can you drink the water? The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip.
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page. If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page. The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.
Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
Tunisia: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens for stays up to 90 days. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. On arrival in Tunisia, you may be asked to share your contact details and travel information with the authorities. Evidence of a hotel reservation (such as your Explore booking confirmation) is sometimes required to enter the country.
If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.
Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both. The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.
Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.
If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking. For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here
It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom. Read more information about what travel insurance is required.
Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.
You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.
We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.
On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against hepatitis A, polio, tetanus and typhoid. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.