Tunisia Uncovered
12 Days Starting and ending in TUNIS
Visiting: Tunis, Dougga, El Kef, Sito archeologico di Bulla Regia, Testour, Kairouan, Maktar, Elles, Kasra, Tozeur, Raqqada, Douz, Chott el Djerid, Tataouine, El Jem, Monastir, Sousse
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TUN
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Wild Frontiers with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
Tour Overview
Lying at the heart of Africa’s once infamous Barbary Coast, sandwiched between the palm fringed shores of the Mediterranean and the sands of the Sahara Desert, Tunisia is a land of quite startling contrasts. Blessed with a mix of cultural traditions that can trace their origins back to the Berbers, the Phoenicians and the armies of Rome, it is home to an incredible natural diversity and a historical pedigree for its diminutive size.
Beginning in Tunis, the country’s bustling capital, we’ll have some time to enjoy the UNESCO grandeur of its medina and the impressive contents of the Bardo Museum, before paying a visit to the ancient ruins of once great Carthage. The World Heritage Sites of Dougga and Kairouan and the oasis town of Tozeur then provide Roman and Umayyad treasures in abundance, before we head into the deserts of the Sahara.
Camping (or rather glamping Tunisian-style) amongst the dunes around Douz then provides a chance to experience something of nomadic life amongst the sands of the Sahara, before we head back through the Berber settlements that lie amongst the hills around Tataouine. The magnificent amphitheatre of El Jem, the captivating medina at Sousse and inviting Mediterranean coast then provides a stunning climax to this quite superlative journey.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Tour Start In Tunis
Location: Tunis
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: La Villa Bleue or similar
The tour starts today in the Tunisian capital with accommodation in the nearby town of Sidi Bou Said, overlooking the Gulf of Tunis, available from mid-afternoon. Those on the suggested group flights will arrive to the hotel in the evening. **Please refer to the GETTING THERE section for details of these.
Day 2: Tunis
Location: Tunis
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: La Villa Bleue or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The largest city in the country, Tunis has a long and distinguished historical pedigree. Originally a Berber settlement, it came under the influences of the Carthaginians, the Romans and the conquering armies of the Muslim Arabs. Today its historic medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and we pay a visit to it and the equally impressive Bardo Museum this morning. Later we’ll then drive out to the nearby ruins of ancient Carthage, before returning to the Mediterranean charms and idyllic bay views of Sidi Bou Said.
Day 3: Tunis - Testour - Dougga - Bulla Regia - Le Kef
Location: Dougga, Tunis, El Kef, Sito archeologico di Bulla Regia, Testour
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Dar Alyssa or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Departing the capital this morning we head west, towards the old Andalusian town of Testour and the well-preserved ruins of Dougga. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, described as the “best preserved Roman small town in North Africa”, Dougga can trace its history back to the Berber and Punic times, pre-dating the Romans. Moving on to Bulla Regia we then have a chance to explore the mosaics and underground ruins of this ancient archaeological site before ending our journey in Le Kef, where we will overnight.
*Please note tonight may involve splitting the group between two hotels, depending on availability and group size.
Day 4: Le Kef - Elles - Makthar - Kesra - Kairouan
Location: Kairouan, Maktar, Elles, Kasra, El Kef
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kasbah Kairouan or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The provisional capital of Tunisia during WWII, Le Kef’s historic old town nestles along the cliff face of Jebel Dyr, some 40 kilometres east of the Algerian border. After a chance to explore a little of its heritage this morning we then depart for Kairouan, stopping en route to visit the ancient ruins and museum in Makthar and the prehistoric tombs at Elles. Breaking the journey in the Berber mountain village of Kesra, one of Tunisia’s small villages, before completing the day’s journey to Kairouan.
Day 5: Kairouan - Raqqada - Tozeur
Location: Tozeur, Kairouan, Raqqada
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Dar Nejma or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Another World Heritage recipient, Kairouan was founded by the Umayyads in the 7th century and went on to become an important centre for Sunni and Quranic learning. We’ll pay visits to its Great Mosque, Barber Mausoleum and the old town this morning, where we’ll find several carpet shops for which the town is famed, where carpets are made exclusively by women. Departing after lunch we then visit the National Museum of Islamic Art in nearby Raqqada, before ending our day on the edge of the Sahara Desert in the oasis town of Tozeur.
*Please note tonight may involve splitting the group between two hotels, depending on availability and group size.
Day 6: Tozeur
Location: Tozeur
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Dar Nejma or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Surrounded by oases and date palms, Tozeur was the site of the ancient city and former bishopric of Tusuros, before the arrival of Islam in the 7th century. With a full day to explore the town and its environs, we plan to take a 4WD jeep safari out to the oasis villages of Chebika, Tamerza and Mides this morning. Returning to the city this afternoon, we then explore something of the old town, taking in the narrow streets and geometric brickwork so common to this region.
*Please note tonight may involve splitting the group between two hotels, depending on availability and group size.
Day 7: Tozeur - Chott El Jerid - Douz - Desert Camp
Location: Douz, Tozeur, Chott el Djerid
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Camp Tiniri or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving early this morning we pass through the surreal salt lake landscapes of Chott El Jerid, en route to the desert town of Douz. Covering over 7,000 square kilometres, these enormous salt flats are the largest in the Sahara and daytime temperatures here can reach over 48°C! Douz provides our gateway into the vast desert landscapes of the Sahara and here we will switch to 4WD vehicles to set out into the sands heading for our fixed desert camp set amongst in the vast untamed dunes. We'll have the afternoon to relax and enjoy our desert retreat or to take some easy walks nearby. The desert camp offers a comfortable Tunisan-style glamping experience with beds and some private facilities
Day 8: Desert Camp – Douz - Tataouine
Location: Tataouine, Douz
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Dakyanus or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Awakening to a desert dawn we'll leave our camp this morning in our 4WDs and return to Douz, where our bus will be waiting. Driving through a barren landscape of bare mountains and craggy hills, we’ll pass through a region scattered with Berber villages and ancient granaries (ksours), some of which featured in the Star Wars movies. After a stop at the troglodyte dwellings of Matmata we continue to Toujane, where we can enjoy the views and see the local handmade carpets for sale before completing the journey to Tataouine.
Day 9: Tataouine
Location: Tataouine
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Dakyanus or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A town that can truly claim to have inspired a legacy, Tataouine was used by George Lucas as his iconic desert setting for the original Star Wars film. With a full day here to explore we’ll make the most of its evocative backdrop and head out to explore the surrounding hilltop villages. An 8 km walk (approx 2-3 hrs) between the villages of Douiret and Chenini provides some stunning views across the stark landscapes, along with an opportunity to visit the huge fortified granary of Ksar Ouled Debbab.
Day 10: Tataouine - El Jem
Location: El Jem, Monastir, Tataouine
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Julius or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Heading north this morning our journey takes us next on to the stunning Roman amphitheatre of El Jem, another World Heritage Site that can lay claim to being one of the finest collections of Roman ruins anywhere in the world. Unique in Africa, its colosseum is rivalled only by the one in Rome itself.
Day 11: El Jem - Monastir & Sousse
Location: Sousse, Monastir
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Dar Benti or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel from El Jem, heading along the Mediterranean cost to the coastal town of Monastir. Founded on the ruins of a Punic-Roman city, Monastir is home to a well-preserved ribat (fort) and the imposing mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba, Tunisia’s first president. With a day to explore the area we’ll begin with a visit to the city, before taking lunch at a local restaurant. We’ll then move on to nearby Sousse, which is home to a large walled medina that has been inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list and represents one of the earliest examples of Islamic construction in the Maghreb region.
Day 12: Monastir - Tunis
Location: Monastir, Tunis
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we will travel north along the coast heading back to Tunis. The tour ends at Carthage Airport, Tunis in time for the suggested group flight. **Please refer to the GETTING THERE section for details of these. If you are arranging flights outside of these suggested flights or are looking to extend your time in Tunisia, please contact us for further information.
What's Included
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MEALS
11 x Breakfasts10 x Lunches10 x Dinners
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TRANSPORT
On this tour we will use minibuses and desert 4WDs.
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GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 12
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CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions to climate and community projects for all bookings
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EXPERT TEAM
The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate
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ACCOMMODATION
All accommodation as outlined in the itinerary
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ENTRANCE FEES
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary
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FITNESS RATING
Low / Moderate
What's Not Included
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We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tourationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatoryTips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documentsInternational .Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UKAirport .Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights.Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
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ExcludedItem
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras.
As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour
ationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
Visas
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact our recommended visa agency, Travcour www.travcour.com
For this tour UK passport holders currently do not require a visa for Tunisia.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Key Aspects to Consider
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, however, please note:
On day 7 we will be staying in a remote desert camp with some private facilities but no air conditioning. It is comfortable but not luxurious.
Vegetarians can be catered for but the selection and variety can be very limited in places, especially in the Sahara region. People with specific dietary requirements should consider such limitations carefully and we would suggest you discuss your needs with us before booking this tour.
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Travelling Solo
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip.
On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour except at Le Kef and Monastir.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room/tent. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
Insurance
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the maximum group size?
12
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
For this tour UK passport holders currently do not require a visa for Tunisia.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2002
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Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?
In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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