Bonjour and Merhaba! Upon arrival in Tunisia, we are warmly greeted and transferred to our hotel. The local populace fluently speaks French, Arabic, and English, making communication easy. Hotel check-in starts from 1400 hrs. Tunisia became a cultural center for the Arabic world after the 7th-century Muslim conquest of the area. The Turkish Ottoman Empire absorbed Tunisia in the 1500s. Tunisia was also a French colony and held it as a  “protectorate” from 1881 till 1956, when Tunisia gained independence.

Overnight: Ramada Plaza By Wyndham, Tunis (2 nights)

Our journey begins with a visit to the Medina of Tunis*, one of the oldest Arab-Muslim towns in the Maghreb (698 A.D.). This historic site, once a capital of influential dynasties, showcases a blend of architectural styles and cultural influences spanning centuries. We then explore the renowned Bardo Museum, home to an impressive collection of Roman mosaics and Punic artifacts. In the afternoon, our tour continues to Carthage*, an ancient city founded by the Phoenicians and later rebuilt by the Romans, overlooking the Gulf of Tunis. We conclude our day in Sidi Bou Said, a picturesque Moorish village perched on a headland. (B, D)

Today, we visit the archaeological city of Dougga/Thugga*, a testament to over 17 centuries of history blending Numidian, Punic, Hellenistic, and Roman cultures. We then proceed to   Kairouan, Islam's 4th holiest city. Capital of Ifriqiya for five centuries, it was a place of outstanding diffusion of Arabo-Muslim civilisation. Kairouan bears unique witness to the first centuries of this civilisation and its architectural and urban development.

Overnight: La Kasbah Hotel, Kairouan (1 night) (B, D)

Kairouan was founded in 670 by ʿUqbaibn Nāfiʿ, the Arab conqueror of North Africa. For about four centuries it was the government center and the capital of the *Aghlabids, the *Fatimids (until 969), and the *Zirid emirs, and the meeting place of commerce of East and West.

Our morning is dedicated to exploring the holy city of Kairouan*, renowned for its Great Mosque and historical significance under various dynasties. Mosques are the heart of the Islamic life. They serve for prayers, for events during Islam's holiest month Ramadan, as centers for education and information, places for social welfare, and also for dispute settlement.

We continue to Sbeitla, known for its Roman ruins, including the Capitol dedicated to Minerva, Jupiter, and Juno. Later, we arrive in Sfax, where we stroll the town through its historic districts.

Overnight: Concorde Sfax/Les Olivers Palace, Sfax (1 night) (B, D)

Today's itinerary includes a panoramic tour of Sfax, exploring its medina, Great Mosque, and Kasbah. We then visit the impressive El Jem* Coliseum, followed by the coastal city of Mahdia, known for its historical significance and beautiful beaches. Our day ends in Port El Kantaoui.  Port El Kantaoui is a modern harbour town with luxury yachts anchored along its stunning and vibrant port. It still has a traditional Tunisian feel with pretty white buildings and paved streets winding through the charming town and its many squares and markets.

Overnight: El Mouradi Club Kantaoui/Marhaba Hotel, Port El Kantaoui (1 night) (B, D)

In ancient times, the Sousse region was prosperous and famous for its magnificent mosaics, exhibited in the city's archaeological museum. As for the medieval city, it grew up in the 9th century around the Ribat, a place of religious retreat for Sufi adepts.

Our journey continues with a visit to Sousse*, showcasing its medieval kasbah, ramparts, and Great Mosque. We proceed to Hammamet, where we explore the Spanish fortress and Medina before settling in for the night.

Overnight: Le Sultan Hotel, Hammamet (1 night) (B, D)

Today, we visit Nabeul, renowned for its pottery, and Kelibia, home to a restored fortress overlooking the harbor. In the afternoon, we explore the Punic Town of Kerkuane*, the only surviving example of a Phoenician-Punic city.

Overnight: Hotel Majestic, Tunis (2 nights) (B, D)

Our exploration continues with visits to the ruins of Utica, featuring Roman villas and a Punic necropolis. In the afternoon, we explore Thuburbo Majus*, a Roman veteran colony known for its strategic location and trade routes. We also visit the colorful medina in Tunis. Time permitting, we visit a family home and enjoy home cooked meal. (B, D)

After an enriching journey through Tunisia, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Valletta, Malta. On arrival, we are welcomed to Europe’s smallest capital—just 1,000 by 600 meters yet filled with remarkable history. Before checking in, we explore Valletta and learn how it became the Mediterranean’s greatest fortress, commanding two natural harbors whose strategic value shaped 4,000 years of history.

A harbor cruise highlights the defensive brilliance that protected Europe during the 1565 “Great Siege of Malta,” when Jean Parisot de la Valette and 600 Knights of St. John resisted 40,000 Ottoman troops. Their victory inspired the founding of Valletta, designed on Renaissance military principles. Balance of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Hotel Verdi / Preluna (4 nights) (B, D)

A UNESCO-listed capital, Valletta is known for its Baroque architecture, fortifications, scenic bastions, and vibrant street life. We explore the fortified peninsulas of Senglea and Vittoriosa, whose interlocking defenses once made Ottoman conquest impossible.

Visits include the Grand Master’s Palace—today home to Malta’s presidency—with its historic State Apartments and Gobelin tapestries, and the Palace Armoury, housing one of the world’s finest collections of medieval and Renaissance arms. Another harbor cruise provides deeper insight into Valletta’s military legacy and the Knights who shaped Mediterranean history. (B, D)

Today we take a ferry to Gozo, Malta’s peaceful, rural sister island known for its slower pace, dramatic coasts, and rich traditions. Highlights include:

◆ Ggantija Temples – UNESCO-listed megaliths dating to 3600–3200 BCE.
◆ Victoria (Rabat) – the capital centered around the ancient citadel of Il-Kastell.
◆ Dwejra – where collapsed limestone caverns formed the Inland Sea, linked to the Mediterranean by a natural tunnel. A small boat ride reveals the Blue Hole and Fungus Rock, once prized by the Knights for its medicinal plants.

(B, D)

We begin at the Rotunda of Mosta, inspired by Rome’s Pantheon and famed for the WWII bomb that pierced its dome without exploding. We continue to Mdina, Malta’s ancient, walled capital, whose narrow streets reflect medieval and Arab influences. The Cathedral of St. Paul commemorates the apostle’s shipwreck and welcome by Governor Publius.

Nearby Rabat reveals Roman-era life at the Domus Romana, followed by a visit to the Catacombs of St. Paul and St. Agatha, early Christian burial sites featuring characteristic agape tables. The day ends with a traditional Maltese dinner. (B, D)

Breakfast at the hotel. Hotel checkout time is 1100AM.

After an interesting history into two of the most fascinating countries in the Mediterranean Sea, we are transferred to the airport for our onward destination. (B)