Tunisia Revealed
30 Apr –
13 May 2024
- 14 Days
- Hotels
- 17 Meals
- Group size: 15
Menu
Itinerary
Johannesburg – Tunis
We depart from O.R. Tambo International Airport on our flight to Tunis, the first step on a journey which takes us off the beaten track. Exotic place names like Kairouan, El Jem and Hammamet dot our itinerary and hint at the adventure that lies ahead. Tunisia may seem like an unconventional holiday destination, but our journey is filled with experiences which top any tourism hot spot. Balmy days on the shores of the Mediterranean, expeditions into the Sahara Desert and visits to some of the world’s most notable ancient sites lay in wait.
Overnight: Aircraft
Meals: In-Flight Meals
Tunis
Highlights:
We arrive in Tunis, the capital city and one with a long and interesting past. Originally a Berber settlement, Tunis has come under the influence of some of the world’s greatest civilisations in its history. The remnants of Phoenician, Roman, Arab Muslim and French rule can be seen throughout the capital in its architecture.
Our guide meets us at the airport, and we are transferred to our hotel. We have some time to refresh and relax before embarking on an afternoon tour of “Old Tunis.”
We visit the medina of Tunis, the ancient heart of the city. The medina dates back over 1300 years and spans nearly 300 hectares. Its ancient walls are crowded with a web of winding alleys and well-trodden laneways. Shops and restaurants of every kind line the narrow, covered streets which bustle with activity. The medina is a must-see sight for tourists but also a neighbourhood home for many residents.
Outside of the magnificent medina, Arab influence abruptly disappears, and French colonialism takes its place. We explore the grand buildings and boulevards built at the beginning of the 20th century, during the French protectorate of Tunisia, and we visit the new modern suburbs.
In the evening we sit down to a welcome dinner at Dar El Jeld Restaurant which offers a modern take on traditional Tunisian cuisine.
Stay: Dar El Jeld Boutique Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Tunis
Highlights:
This morning we visit the Bardo National Museum. Housed in an ornate 15th-century palace, the museum’s vast collections of Roman mosaics, Phoenician artefacts and Islamic ceramics trace the complex history of Tunisia.
Afterwards, we depart from the city and head west, through the countryside, to the town of Testour. Whitewashed houses accented with blue shutters and tiled roofs pay homage to the town’s Andalusian heritage. We taste the local cheese for which Testour is famous and continue to the beautifully preserved ruins of Dougga.
Dougga was once a thriving Roman town with cobblestoned streets, a large theatre, many temples, triumphal arches and a circus for chariot racing. Today, much of the town remains remarkably intact. We explore the ruins up-close and unhindered by the throngs of tourists who saturate similar sites on the other side of the Mediterranean.
Lunch is enjoyed at the Ben Ismail Family Reserve in Thuccabor, home to the award-winning Triomphe Thuccabor Olive Oil. Before sitting down to a farm-to-table style meal, we tour the olive groves, and the oil mill and take part in an olive oil tasting.
We make our way back to Tunis and spend the evening at leisure.
Stay: Dar El Jeld Boutique Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Tunis
Highlights:
We journey north from Tunis to the picturesque port town of Bizerta. In the old port, colourful buildings sit on the water’s edge and traditional fishing boats line the quay. The neighbouring medina is equally charming, and the cobbled alleys are filled with wonderful souks. Bizerta’s charm lies in its authenticity: its buildings are slightly ramshackle and wear the signs of centuries of use.
On our way back to Tunis we stop at Henchir Dheb, The Golden Farm. Set in lush countryside and surrounded by orchards of fruit trees, the farm is owned by Belgian painter Jan Demeulemeester and Tunisian-born Leila Derouiche Rafrafi. Leila leads us in a cooking lesson, exploring Tunisian cuisine using local ingredients and spices. We savour our meal outdoors before returning to the hotel.
The rest of the day is spent at leisure.
Stay: Dar El Jeld Boutique Hotel
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Tunis – Kairouan
Highlights:
After breakfast, we visit Carthage. In ancient times, Carthage was one of the key trading hubs and military strongholds of the Mediterranean. Carthage was ruled at various times by the Phoenicians, Romans and Muslims. Its desirability as a centre of power saw it ransacked, besieged, razed to the ground and rebuilt numerous times, all before the 7th century. The result is a layering of history and culture, which we explore by discovering the ruins which remain.
We visit Byrsa Hill, the site of the citadel which dominated the city below and the Tophet, an ancient burial ground, speculated to have been used for ritual sacrifice. Closer to the ocean, we visit the Baths of Antoninus, the largest Roman bath complex built on the African continent and one of the three largest built in the Roman Empire. Here massive Roman mosaics, still in situ, give an idea of the original grandeur of the baths. We visit the Roman Theatre of Carthage, an amphitheatre which is still used today.
Afterwards, we head to the town of Sidi Bou Saïd. White and blue buildings line the cobblestoned streets, recalling the charm of the Greek islands, but with a distinctive Islamic style. We visit the Palace of Le Baron D’Erlanger, also known as the Ennejma Ezzahra, “Star of Venus.” The palace’s white and blue exterior fits with its surroundings, but its luxurious interiors display some of the finest Arab-Islamic craftsmanship in Northern Africa.
We end our day with a journey to the city of Kairouan, located in the desert heartland of Tunisia.
Stay: La Kasbah Hotel
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Kairouan – Tozeur
Highlights:
Kairouan is the religious heart of Tunisia and the fourth holiest site in Islam, after Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem. We visit the Great Mosque of Kairouan, a sprawling complex with an austere façade, but beautifully ornate interiors. The prayer room is dimly lit and richly adorned with marble columns and beautiful handmade rugs. If we are lucky, we hear the call to prayer ringing out from the minaret over the city.
We continue to the Sidi Sahbi Mausoleum which houses the tomb of one of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad, dating back to 685 BC. The main attraction is the detailed tilework and decorative stucco which adorns the exterior of the building.
Our last stop in Kairouan is the Aghlabid Basins, a feat of 9th-century engineering which supplied water to the desert city. Fed by an aqueduct, the basins formed an open-air reservoir, collecting water to be used for washing or in case of emergencies. Originally there were 16 basins, but only two remain today.
We leave Kairouan and make our way south to the oasis town of Tozeur, stopping at Sbeitla to explore the Roman ruins.
Stay: Diar Abou Habibi Tozeur Lodge
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Tozeur
Highlights:
Today, we take a 4WD safari to the oasis villages of Chebika, Tamerza and Midès. We see waterfalls gushing out of hard desert rock and pools lined with palm trees. Deep canyons which twist through the landscape and the abandoned village of Tamerza are a photographer’s dream.
We stop at Ong Jmal, a sandstone formation said to look like a camel’s head. This alien landscape may look familiar: it was extensively featured in the Star Wars movie series. Elsewhere in the surrounding desert, leftover structures from the film set litter the desert and attract movie fans keen on exploring the faraway galaxy in real life.
We return to Tezour and visit the medina. The beautiful architecture and vibrancy of the souks are a refreshing change of pace after a morning spent in the desert.
In the evening we visit the Sahara Lounge on the outskirts of Tozeur for a Berber dining experience. The main event is a traditional meal called “gargoulette,” named after the unusual terracotta jar in which it is cooked. We are also treated to “khobz el mella,” a type of bread cooked beneath hot sand.
Stay: Diar Abou Habibi Tozeur Lodge
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Tozeur – Sousse
Highlights:
A day of travelling lies ahead as we set out across the desert landscape for the coastal town of Sousse, making a few stops along the way.
First, a photo opportunity at Chott El Derid. This vast salt lake is a surreal sight, with its barren plains stretching out towards the horizon. If we are lucky, we see desert mirages and the rainbow-coloured salt deposits for which the area is known.
Onwards to Douz, known as the “Gateway to the Sahara.” Douz was an important stop for desert caravans in the past. We embrace the town’s history and head into the dunes for a camel ride.
Next a stop at Matmata, another sight popular with Star Wars tourists. We visit the underground Berber homes unique to this area. These fascinating cave-like structures are entirely made by hand and provide an escape from the hot sun to make life in this desert terrain possible.
We lunch at Dar Ayed in Tamezret, an enchanting guesthouse on the edge of the desert.
We resume our journey to Sousse, pausing to visit the Amphitheatre of El Jem. One of the largest Roman amphitheatres ever built, El Jem rivals the Colosseum in Rome. El Jem is well preserved and it’s easy to imagine the events and spectacles which took place here as we explore.
In the evening we arrive in Sousse, Tunisia’s third-largest city. Set on the Gulf of Hammamet, Sousse is famous for its beaches and ancient medina.
Stay: Iberostar Selection Kantaoui Bay Hotel Meals: Breakfast
Sousse
Highlights:
After breakfast, we travel to the neighbouring town of Monastir. Set on the Gulf of Hammamet, Monastir is a popular resort town, complete with palm-lined streets and white-sand beaches. We visit the imposing mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba, Tunisia’s first president and the father of Tunisian independence. Afterwards, we head next door to the Ribat, an Islamic fortress dating back to the 8th century. Beautiful views of Monastir and the Mediterranean can be enjoyed from its ramparts.
On returning to Sousse, we visit the medina, considered unique for the ancient Islamic military structures contained within its walls. We spend some time browsing traditional wares in the souks.
We end our time in Sousse with a stop at Port El Kantaoui, an up-market harbour with cafes and restaurants on the water’s edge.
In the evening we travel to Hammamet.
Stay: Iberostar Selection Kantaoui Bay Hotel Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Sousse – Hammamet
Highlights:
Departing from Hammamet we head north to Nabeul, part of the verdant Cap Bon region of Tunisia. Nabeul is famous for its pottery, rush mats and flower essences. We visit a pottery shop to see local artisans at work.
We move on to Bir Drassen where we visit the winery and take part in a wine tasting. Despite being a Muslim country, Tunisia has a rich viticultural history, and its Mediterranean climate helps to produce some fine wines.
We return to Hammamet and visit the medina. Its winding alleys are whitewashed and outlined in blue, adding Mediterranean flair to this traditional old town. We explore the souks and afterwards return to our hotel. The afternoon is spent at leisure.
In the evening we gather for dinner at Shéhérazade Restaurant in the medina. Named after the Persian queen who is the storyteller of One Thousand and One Nights, Shéhérazade Restaurant puts on a lively show to accompany our meal, featuring traditional folk dances.
Stay: La Badira Hotel
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Hammamet
The next three days are spent at leisure in Hammamet. Stretched out along the coast, this laidback resort town is Tunisia’s answer to St. Tropez. When not basking on the beach or taking a dip in the sea, you can browse the markets for pottery, visit the medina or explore the town’s history. There’s a 13th-century kasbah overlooking the ocean, the interesting Museum of Religions and the George Sebastian Villa, a beautiful house built in Hammamet’s 1920s heyday. Set on the water’s edge, our hotel is a wonderful refuge from the heat and buzz of the town. It has its own spa, a selection of restaurants and bars and a full activity programme, which can be enjoyed on your own account.
Stay: La Badira Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Hammamet – Tunis – Johannesburg
Highlights:
This morning we enjoy some time at leisure before leaving for the airport in Tunis. We board our flight back to South Africa, having seen an old corner of the world in a new light.
Overnight: Aircraft
Meals: Breakfast & In-Flight Meals
Johannesburg – Tunis
We depart from O.R. Tambo International Airport on our flight to Tunis, the first step on a journey which takes us off the beaten track. Exotic place names like Kairouan, El Jem and Hammamet dot our itinerary and hint at the adventure that lies ahead. Tunisia may seem like an unconventional holiday destination, but our journey is filled with experiences which top any tourism hot spot. Balmy days on the shores of the Mediterranean, expeditions into the Sahara Desert and visits to some of the world’s most notable ancient sites lay in wait.
Overnight: Aircraft
Meals: In-Flight Meals
Tunis
Highlights:
We arrive in Tunis, the capital city and one with a long and interesting past. Originally a Berber settlement, Tunis has come under the influence of some of the world’s greatest civilisations in its history. The remnants of Phoenician, Roman, Arab Muslim and French rule can be seen throughout the capital in its architecture.
Our guide meets us at the airport, and we are transferred to our hotel. We have some time to refresh and relax before embarking on an afternoon tour of “Old Tunis.”
We visit the medina of Tunis, the ancient heart of the city. The medina dates back over 1300 years and spans nearly 300 hectares. Its ancient walls are crowded with a web of winding alleys and well-trodden laneways. Shops and restaurants of every kind line the narrow, covered streets which bustle with activity. The medina is a must-see sight for tourists but also a neighbourhood home for many residents.
Outside of the magnificent medina, Arab influence abruptly disappears, and French colonialism takes its place. We explore the grand buildings and boulevards built at the beginning of the 20th century, during the French protectorate of Tunisia, and we visit the new modern suburbs.
In the evening we sit down to a welcome dinner at Dar El Jeld Restaurant which offers a modern take on traditional Tunisian cuisine.
Stay: Dar El Jeld Boutique Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Tunis
Highlights:
This morning we visit the Bardo National Museum. Housed in an ornate 15th-century palace, the museum’s vast collections of Roman mosaics, Phoenician artefacts and Islamic ceramics trace the complex history of Tunisia.
Afterwards, we depart from the city and head west, through the countryside, to the town of Testour. Whitewashed houses accented with blue shutters and tiled roofs pay homage to the town’s Andalusian heritage. We taste the local cheese for which Testour is famous and continue to the beautifully preserved ruins of Dougga.
Dougga was once a thriving Roman town with cobblestoned streets, a large theatre, many temples, triumphal arches and a circus for chariot racing. Today, much of the town remains remarkably intact. We explore the ruins up-close and unhindered by the throngs of tourists who saturate similar sites on the other side of the Mediterranean.
Lunch is enjoyed at the Ben Ismail Family Reserve in Thuccabor, home to the award-winning Triomphe Thuccabor Olive Oil. Before sitting down to a farm-to-table style meal, we tour the olive groves, and the oil mill and take part in an olive oil tasting.
We make our way back to Tunis and spend the evening at leisure.
Stay: Dar El Jeld Boutique Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Tunis
Highlights:
We journey north from Tunis to the picturesque port town of Bizerta. In the old port, colourful buildings sit on the water’s edge and traditional fishing boats line the quay. The neighbouring medina is equally charming, and the cobbled alleys are filled with wonderful souks. Bizerta’s charm lies in its authenticity: its buildings are slightly ramshackle and wear the signs of centuries of use.
On our way back to Tunis we stop at Henchir Dheb, The Golden Farm. Set in lush countryside and surrounded by orchards of fruit trees, the farm is owned by Belgian painter Jan Demeulemeester and Tunisian-born Leila Derouiche Rafrafi. Leila leads us in a cooking lesson, exploring Tunisian cuisine using local ingredients and spices. We savour our meal outdoors before returning to the hotel.
The rest of the day is spent at leisure.
Stay: Dar El Jeld Boutique Hotel
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Tunis – Kairouan
Highlights:
After breakfast, we visit Carthage. In ancient times, Carthage was one of the key trading hubs and military strongholds of the Mediterranean. Carthage was ruled at various times by the Phoenicians, Romans and Muslims. Its desirability as a centre of power saw it ransacked, besieged, razed to the ground and rebuilt numerous times, all before the 7th century. The result is a layering of history and culture, which we explore by discovering the ruins which remain.
We visit Byrsa Hill, the site of the citadel which dominated the city below and the Tophet, an ancient burial ground, speculated to have been used for ritual sacrifice. Closer to the ocean, we visit the Baths of Antoninus, the largest Roman bath complex built on the African continent and one of the three largest built in the Roman Empire. Here massive Roman mosaics, still in situ, give an idea of the original grandeur of the baths. We visit the Roman Theatre of Carthage, an amphitheatre which is still used today.
Afterwards, we head to the town of Sidi Bou Saïd. White and blue buildings line the cobblestoned streets, recalling the charm of the Greek islands, but with a distinctive Islamic style. We visit the Palace of Le Baron D’Erlanger, also known as the Ennejma Ezzahra, “Star of Venus.” The palace’s white and blue exterior fits with its surroundings, but its luxurious interiors display some of the finest Arab-Islamic craftsmanship in Northern Africa.
We end our day with a journey to the city of Kairouan, located in the desert heartland of Tunisia.
Stay: La Kasbah Hotel
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Kairouan – Tozeur
Highlights:
Kairouan is the religious heart of Tunisia and the fourth holiest site in Islam, after Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem. We visit the Great Mosque of Kairouan, a sprawling complex with an austere façade, but beautifully ornate interiors. The prayer room is dimly lit and richly adorned with marble columns and beautiful handmade rugs. If we are lucky, we hear the call to prayer ringing out from the minaret over the city.
We continue to the Sidi Sahbi Mausoleum which houses the tomb of one of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad, dating back to 685 BC. The main attraction is the detailed tilework and decorative stucco which adorns the exterior of the building.
Our last stop in Kairouan is the Aghlabid Basins, a feat of 9th-century engineering which supplied water to the desert city. Fed by an aqueduct, the basins formed an open-air reservoir, collecting water to be used for washing or in case of emergencies. Originally there were 16 basins, but only two remain today.
We leave Kairouan and make our way south to the oasis town of Tozeur, stopping at Sbeitla to explore the Roman ruins.
Stay: Diar Abou Habibi Tozeur Lodge
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Tozeur
Highlights:
Today, we take a 4WD safari to the oasis villages of Chebika, Tamerza and Midès. We see waterfalls gushing out of hard desert rock and pools lined with palm trees. Deep canyons which twist through the landscape and the abandoned village of Tamerza are a photographer’s dream.
We stop at Ong Jmal, a sandstone formation said to look like a camel’s head. This alien landscape may look familiar: it was extensively featured in the Star Wars movie series. Elsewhere in the surrounding desert, leftover structures from the film set litter the desert and attract movie fans keen on exploring the faraway galaxy in real life.
We return to Tezour and visit the medina. The beautiful architecture and vibrancy of the souks are a refreshing change of pace after a morning spent in the desert.
In the evening we visit the Sahara Lounge on the outskirts of Tozeur for a Berber dining experience. The main event is a traditional meal called “gargoulette,” named after the unusual terracotta jar in which it is cooked. We are also treated to “khobz el mella,” a type of bread cooked beneath hot sand.
Stay: Diar Abou Habibi Tozeur Lodge
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Tozeur – Sousse
Highlights:
A day of travelling lies ahead as we set out across the desert landscape for the coastal town of Sousse, making a few stops along the way.
First, a photo opportunity at Chott El Derid. This vast salt lake is a surreal sight, with its barren plains stretching out towards the horizon. If we are lucky, we see desert mirages and the rainbow-coloured salt deposits for which the area is known.
Onwards to Douz, known as the “Gateway to the Sahara.” Douz was an important stop for desert caravans in the past. We embrace the town’s history and head into the dunes for a camel ride.
Next a stop at Matmata, another sight popular with Star Wars tourists. We visit the underground Berber homes unique to this area. These fascinating cave-like structures are entirely made by hand and provide an escape from the hot sun to make life in this desert terrain possible.
We lunch at Dar Ayed in Tamezret, an enchanting guesthouse on the edge of the desert.
We resume our journey to Sousse, pausing to visit the Amphitheatre of El Jem. One of the largest Roman amphitheatres ever built, El Jem rivals the Colosseum in Rome. El Jem is well preserved and it’s easy to imagine the events and spectacles which took place here as we explore.
In the evening we arrive in Sousse, Tunisia’s third-largest city. Set on the Gulf of Hammamet, Sousse is famous for its beaches and ancient medina.
Stay: Iberostar Selection Kantaoui Bay Hotel Meals: Breakfast
Sousse
Highlights:
After breakfast, we travel to the neighbouring town of Monastir. Set on the Gulf of Hammamet, Monastir is a popular resort town, complete with palm-lined streets and white-sand beaches. We visit the imposing mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba, Tunisia’s first president and the father of Tunisian independence. Afterwards, we head next door to the Ribat, an Islamic fortress dating back to the 8th century. Beautiful views of Monastir and the Mediterranean can be enjoyed from its ramparts.
On returning to Sousse, we visit the medina, considered unique for the ancient Islamic military structures contained within its walls. We spend some time browsing traditional wares in the souks.
We end our time in Sousse with a stop at Port El Kantaoui, an up-market harbour with cafes and restaurants on the water’s edge.
In the evening we travel to Hammamet.
Stay: Iberostar Selection Kantaoui Bay Hotel Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Sousse – Hammamet
Highlights:
Departing from Hammamet we head north to Nabeul, part of the verdant Cap Bon region of Tunisia. Nabeul is famous for its pottery, rush mats and flower essences. We visit a pottery shop to see local artisans at work.
We move on to Bir Drassen where we visit the winery and take part in a wine tasting. Despite being a Muslim country, Tunisia has a rich viticultural history, and its Mediterranean climate helps to produce some fine wines.
We return to Hammamet and visit the medina. Its winding alleys are whitewashed and outlined in blue, adding Mediterranean flair to this traditional old town. We explore the souks and afterwards return to our hotel. The afternoon is spent at leisure.
In the evening we gather for dinner at Shéhérazade Restaurant in the medina. Named after the Persian queen who is the storyteller of One Thousand and One Nights, Shéhérazade Restaurant puts on a lively show to accompany our meal, featuring traditional folk dances.
Stay: La Badira Hotel
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Hammamet
The next three days are spent at leisure in Hammamet. Stretched out along the coast, this laidback resort town is Tunisia’s answer to St. Tropez. When not basking on the beach or taking a dip in the sea, you can browse the markets for pottery, visit the medina or explore the town’s history. There’s a 13th-century kasbah overlooking the ocean, the interesting Museum of Religions and the George Sebastian Villa, a beautiful house built in Hammamet’s 1920s heyday. Set on the water’s edge, our hotel is a wonderful refuge from the heat and buzz of the town. It has its own spa, a selection of restaurants and bars and a full activity programme, which can be enjoyed on your own account.
Stay: La Badira Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Hammamet – Tunis – Johannesburg
Highlights:
This morning we enjoy some time at leisure before leaving for the airport in Tunis. We board our flight back to South Africa, having seen an old corner of the world in a new light.
Overnight: Aircraft
Meals: Breakfast & In-Flight Meals
Between the palm-fringed shores of the Mediterranean and the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert lies Tunisia, a country of contrasts. Blending European influence with Berber roots and Arab Muslim culture, Tunisia is a melting pot of history, architecture, and customs. Join Seagull Travel & Tours as we embark on a journey to discover the diversity of this North African country.
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The tour leader collects a set amount from each member of a tour. This kitty is then used to tip the local tour guide and city guides, bus drivers, any other assistants, and restaurant staff. We believe in tipping for good service as a token of appreciation, especially as many workers in tourism rely on tips to supplement their income.
Although we cannot apply on your behalf, we are more than willing to give guidance and assistance with completing forms. We do this for many clients on a near-daily basis. It does, however, remain the responsibility of the client to ensure that they get the correct visa on time.
Remember that we limit the number of guests on our tours. This means more time at stops and sites. We definitely do not do groups of 30 pax, where guests are rushed from one site to the other. There is enough time to explore on your own.
We always suggest USD/Euro 50 to USD/Euro 100 per person per day. As we mostly include two meals per day on our tours, this will be enough for lunch/dinner, some snacks, and memento shopping. Should you want to buy larger items, we suggest taking along your credit card. Remember to advise the bank that you will be travelling.
