Jewel of The North- TUNISIA

DAY 1: ARRIVE TUNIS

Welcome to Tunisia! Upon arrival in Tunis, you are met by ACTC representative and transferred to Hotel. Take time to rest or 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. HOTEL

DAY 2: TUNIS TOUR

Enjoy this day of touring beginning with a visit to the National Museum of Bardo. This museum holds an extensive collection of ancient Roman mosaic, considered one of the largest, complete collections in the world. Next, visit the Medina of Tunis, exploring the narrow souk lined streets before heading to lunch.  Next, head out to visit the ancient city of Carthage.  Explore the ruins which surround this once prosperous Roman city including stops at the Tophet, the Phoenician cemetery, the Punic Harbours, Antonin’s Bath, the Carthage Museum and the Saint Louis Cathedral. Continue from here to the village of Sidi Bou Said, boasting spectacular breathtaking views of the Gulf of Tunis. HOTEL

DAY 3: TUNIS / EL KEF

Depart from Tunis and travel to one of the best preserved Roman historical sites in all of Tunisia, Dougga. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, Dougga is an outstanding example of ancient Roman architecture, with numerous well preserved columns and structures spread across this 65 hectare site. Next, head out to explore the archaeological site of Bulla Regia, known for its semi-subterranean housing, and outstanding collection of Roman mosaics.  Upon completion of the tour continue to El Kef. HOTEL

DAY 4: EL KEF / TUNIS / KAIROUAN

Enjoy breakfast, bright and early in the morning before departing toward the city of Makthar. Formerly known as Mactaris during the reign of the Roman Empire, this ancient location is littered with ruins of Roman architecture. Explore the many arches, amphitheatres and temples of this once occupied city, before traveling to the holy city of Kairouan. Upon arrival at Kairouan begin walk through this holy Islamic city, founded in 671 by Okba Ibn Nafâa. It centralized location, proved beneficiary in adding to its renowned reputation for unique, elegant carpet manufacturing, which feature across a wide range of mosques. Visit the impressive Mosque Sidi Okba, founded in the 7th century; this marvel reflects the greatness of the Islam Empire during this era. Visit the Aghlabiden pool, the city’s main water reservoir, followed by a stop at Saint Abou Zemaa El Balaoui, also known as the “prophet Berber”.  Explore the old town (Medina) and enjoy walking through its characteristic markets (the souks). HOTEL

DAY 5: KAIROUAN / TOZEUR

After breakfast transfer to Sbeitla for some exploration around the ruins of this once flourishing, Roman city.  Similar to the monuments at Dougga, Sbeitla is renowned as one of the best preserved Roman, archaeological sites in all of Tunisia.  The history of this once bustling city is unknown, but the presence of such megalithic structures led researcher and historians to believe this area was quite undeveloped until the Roman occupation.  Next, travel to Tozeur, home to one of the most famous oasis in the world, surrounded by 200 springs, and sheltered by an estimated 400000 palm trees. HOTEL

DAY 6: TOZEUR

After breakfast, travel through the Sahara canyons and oases.  Begin with a visit to the old mountain perched town of Chebika which hosts a natural spring that supplies water to the oasis.  Next, travel to Tamerza, a once lively town but was abandoned after severe flooding in 1969.  Take a chance to admire the local waterfall before visiting the canyons of Mides, located near the Algerian border.  Upon completion of the days touring a return transfer to Tozeur is provided. HOTEL

DAY 7: TOZEUR – DOUZ – KSAR GHILANE

Early in the morning, after breakfast, depart towards Ksar Ghilane Oasis.  The warm water spring provides an excellent water temperature, perfect for a soothing bath.  After checking into camp, where a lunch will be provided it off across the dunes to visit the Ksar Ouled Soltane, an ancient Roman fort, seemingly abandoned as if to have been drowned by the sand of the dunes. HOTEL

DAY 8: KSAR GHILANE / TATAOUINE  

After an early breakfast, depart towards Tataouine.  Upon your arrival into Tataouine, visit the old hilltop Berber village Chenini, one of the remaining Tunisian villages where the Berber dialect is still spoken.  After checking into the hotel, and lunch, hit the road to visit the various surrounding area Ksar, which were ancient Berber granaries used to stockpile crops. HOTEL

DAY 9: TATAOUINE

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace or relax at your hotel.

DAY 10: SFAX & SOUSSE

Hit the road for El Jem, a once thriving Roman agricultural region, boasting its grandiose Colosseum, second only in size to that of Rome, attests to the area’s great wealth during the Roman reign. The sight of this amphitheatre rising in the distance like a Colossus is both wondrous and slightly strange as the present surroundings give no hint of its former importance. It was the scene of games and circuses during the ancient Roman times, with a capacity of holding 35000 viewers.  Hit the road to visit Mahdia, the first capital of Fatimid dynasty, situated on a rocky peninsula, 1500m in length and less than 500m in width.  Next, continue to Monastir, a modern resort and harbour town, located along the Dkhila coast. Visit the area Ribat or fortress, this defensive structure was built along the southern coast of the Mediterranean, forming a defensive wall stretching as far as Morocco and Egypt.  These walls were aimed at protecting the Muslim empire from sea invasions. Next, visit the Bourguiba’s Mausoleum before continuing to Sousse. With such a mild climate, calm and beautiful coastline it is no wonder why Sousse has long captivated audiences as ancient as the Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines and Arabs, who later all settled in this lovely town.

DAY 11: SOUSSE / TUNIS

After breakfast, the tour begins with a visit to Zaghouan. This quaint town is famed for its roses, which were originally cultivated by Muslim refugees whom departed Spain in the 17th century.  Zaghouan is also known as the source location of water used to feed the city of Carthage, via aqueduct, during Roman times. Next, depart to Tuburbo Majus, or Colonia Julia Aurelia Commoda, as it was referred to during the Roman era, which was originally a Punic town converted into a Roman veteran’s colony. Continue to Tunis, stopping along the way to take photos of some ancient Roman aqueducts.

DAY 12: DEPART TUNIS

Breakfast at the Hotel and time free until transfer to the airport.

FOR PRICES & INFORMATION CONTACT : 888 605 TOURS (8687) OR 310 373 1001.

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