Historic Tunisia Tour

Upon arrival in the Tunis capital, you will be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel. If you have an early arrival, you may explore the historic Tunis Medina, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. Make your way through narrow lanes and alleyways stumbling upon local artisans of copper, leather, and wool. The famous Zitouna Mosque, spice market, and gold market are sites you don’t want to miss. Dinner will be at the hotel.

HOTEL OPTIONS: Choice of 3-stars, 4-star, 5-star, or 5-star deluxe hotels or guesthouses

After breakfast, you will visit the ancient archaeological sites of Carthage, once the largest ancient city in northern Africa. This site holds ruins from many eras of history; the Punics, Romans, Vandals, and Byzantines all made claim to this area at some point. Continue to the quaint village of Sidi Bou Said which overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. You will explore its beautifully paved lanes and spectacular sea views. Return to Tunis and visit the Bardo Museum. This is a world-class museum featuring the largest collection of mosaics in the world. There are also numerous rooms in the museum featuring artifacts from the Punic to Islamic periods. Dinner will be at the hotel.

HOTEL OPTIONS: Choice of 3-stars, 4-star, 5-star, or 5-star deluxe hotels or guesthouses

After breakfast, you will travel to Dougga, the Roman Archaeological site. This enormous site is one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in Tunisia and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Overlooking the vast surrounding regions, it is not uncommon to see locals herding their sheep through the Roman ruins. Continue north to Bulla Regia where you will find some of the best-preserved underground Roman villas. You will visit a basicila and a theater with a large mosaic of a bear. St. Augustine of Hippo once visited Bulla Regia in 399 AD and stood in this arena to accuse the citizens of their lack of faith. After your visit, travel to El Kef for the night.

HOTEL OPTIONS: Choice of guesthouses

After breakfast, you will visit the archaeological site of Makthar. There are several notable archaeological wonders to keep an eye out for including a Trajan forum, large baths, schola juvenum (Roman minor militia club), and other pre-Roman structures. At the entrance to the archaeological site in Makthar is a museum where you can find some mosaics and other artifacts excavated from this site. Next, visit the archaeological site of Sbeitla where you will see ancient basilicas, intricately designed baptisteries, temples, baths, and the Arch of Diocletian. There is also a museum that contains a variety of mosaics and other objects found at the site. Afterward, depart for the famous and important Islamic city of Kairouan. Dinner will be at the hotel.

HOTEL OPTION: 5-star hotel only

After an early breakfast, you will want to visit the amazing Grand Mosque of Sidi Okba, ancient medina, and the Aghlabid Pools. Continue to the magnificent coliseum of El Jem. Perhaps Tunisia’s most spectacular site, El Jem is a must-see. Stop for a minute to imagine life in the gladiator times while discovering the history of El Jem. Afterward, you will travel alongside the beautiful Mediterranean coastline, passing by the coastal cities of Mahdia and Monastir. If time permits, you may visit the Bourguiba Mausoleum, a monumental grave of former president Habib Bourguiba, the father of Tunisian independence. Your final destination is the coastal city of Sousse.

HOTEL OPTIONS: Choice of 3-stars, 4-star, 5-star, or 5-star deluxe hotels

After breakfast, you will have the opportunity to explore Sousse. Founded in 800 BC, there is plenty of history to be seen in this ancient city. The Great Mosque, Kasbah, and the archeological museum all tell a story of Sousse’s ancient past. You can spend the afternoon shopping in the medina or return to your beach resort to relax or for a swim in the Mediterranean Sea.

HOTEL OPTIONS: Choice of 3-stars, 4-star, 5-star, or 5-star deluxe hotels

After breakfast, your visit continues to the mountainside Roman site of Zaghouan, where you will find a temple of the ‘water god’. Afterward, depart for the Roman-Berber city of Oudhna (Uthina). Explore the well-preserved amphitheater partly carved out of the hillside which can seat about 16,000 spectators. You can also explore the Forum and the Capitol, the Great Baths, and underground vaults dating back to the Byzantine era. When you are ready, travel to Tunis to spend the night.

HOTEL OPTIONS: Choice of 3-stars, 4-star, 5-star, or 5-star deluxe hotels

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for departure.