Day 01: Arrive Tunis

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)

Day 02: Tunis

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)

Day 03: Tunis/Dougga/Kairouan (Drive 160kms/100miles)

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)

Day 04: Kairouan/Sbeitla/Sfax (Drive 135kms/85miles)

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)

Day 05: Sfax/El Jem/Mahdia/Port El Kantaoui (Drive 154kms/95miles)

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)

Day 06: Port El Kantaoui/Sousse/Hammamet (Drive 85kms/50miles)

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)

Day 07: Hammamet/Kerkuane/Tunis (Drive 395kms/245miles)

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)

Day 08: Tunis

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)

Day 09: Depart Tunis

After a fascinating journey through Tunisia's millennia-old history, we are transferred to the airport for our departure flight. Hotel check-out time is 1100 hrs. (B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

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Notes

Inclusions

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 10 participants

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Contact Info
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.

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