12 Day Signature Tunisia (trip)

12 Day Signature Tunisia

  • Tozeur Airport, Tozeur, Tunisia, Africa
  • Active & Adventure
Tunisia, Africa

from $2,868* per person12 DaysYear-round
Comfort accommodations Exertion level: 3
Operator: Kensington Tours 12 people max
Our most comprehensive tour takes you between various landscapes of Tunisia. Start with the ancient world known Roman city of Carthage, the coliseums and theatres, witnessing the greatness of the Roman Empire. Continue to the vibrant city of Tunis- its Medina is an insight to a modern north African country. Discover the bustling markets of Kairouan, and wander the narrow alleys of the souks, inhale the spicy air and haggle like a local for some handcrafted textiles or jewellery. Reach the extreme south, the gateway to the Sahara in Tozeur, admire the vast expanse of the Sahara desert and the picturesque oasis, with its palm trees and numerous springs. In Matmata, visit the strange sight of the Beber underground caves, where "Star Wars" was filmed. Spend a night in a desert camp then explore the ksours of the south. Spend a couple of nights on the island of Djerba. Admire the El Jem Amphitheatre, and continue along the beautiful Mediterranean coast to Sfax and Sousse then make your way back to Tunis.

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Locations visited/nearby

Tunisia, Africa

0 testimonials about this trip.

3 testimonials about the provider, Kensington Tours:

  • Reviewer: Rinat Goren, 2009 located in Central America

    "Just wanted to thank you. We are back from Costa Rica and had a wonderful trip. Everything worked really well, on time and we had really good time. Also, I wanted to comment on your contacts in Costa Rica- they were very responsive, helped solve problems on the spot and it was very reassuring to have them there."

  • Reviewer: Nita Duncan, 2009 located in Egypt & Ancient Lands

    "For any single traveling woman - no fear! I, a single 61 year old female, traveled through Egypt & Jordan with absolutely no fear or concern for my safety. Not because I am brave but because there was no external cause for fear. The representatives who met me at the airports, the guides (especially Sam), and the drivers were all wonderful and very informative. The tour was first class and I would love to take another with Kinsington Tours and will recommend them to all my friends."

  • Reviewer: Marie, 2009 located in Asia

    "We are back and we had a wonderful trip. Everything was perfectly organized, with the right balance between time with a guide and free time. We were very lucky with the weather, no rain at all except for a 20 minutes thunderstorm in Dalat. Halong Bay was very clear all the time although it is supposed to be foggy during the day. The Metropole was perfect, the best breakfasts ever, the boat, Jasmine, wonderful and we were only 14 people instead of 44…,the Palm Garden in Hoi An very nice, the Ana Mandara in Nha Trang, pure Heaven, the Sofitel in Dalat beautiful, almost empty and a very friendly staff."

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Special information

  • This is a custom departure, meaning this trip is offered on dates that you arrange privately with the provider. Additionally, you need to form your own private group for this trip. The itinerary and price here is just a sample. Contact the provider for detailed pricing, minimum group size, and scheduling information. For most providers, the larger the group you are traveling with, the lower the per-person cost will be.

Itinerary

Day 1 Tunis

The capital of Tunisia is situated on a large Mediterranean gulf, (the Gulf of Tunis), behind the Lake of Tunis. At the center of more modern development lies the old medina, and beyond it lies the well known ancient sight of Carthage. Tunis is where medieval walled citadel, Islamic and Renaissance architecture merge with modern commercial life.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Airport transfer with private vehicle.

Located in the central business and diplomatic district, the Sheraton Tunis Hotel & Towers overlooks the entire city of Tunis.

Overnight at Sheraton Tunis Hotel & Towers .

Day 2 Tunis

Private Guide & Driver.

After breakfast, departure to the Bardo museum: the most important archaeological museum of the Maghrebian countries and the richest concerning the Roman mosaics in the world. Departure to Tunis, visit of the Medina and free time in the souk for shopping. After lunch, depart for ancient Carthage; set up in 814 B.C. and Rome’s biggest rival where you will find one of the best historic sites in the western Mediterranean. Visit of the Roman ruins, the Thermal bath of Antonin, the Punic ports and the National museum. A short drive will take you to Sidi Bou Said, a truly magnificent village to be found with its Moorish white houses sitting high on the hill in privileged harmony.

Overnight at Sheraton Tunis Hotel & Towers .
    

Day 3 El Kef

El Kef is a city in northwestern Tunisia. It is the capital of the Kef Governorate. Its name at the time of the Roman Empire was Sicca Veneria. The old town is built on the cliff face of the table-top Jebel Dyr mountain. El Kef was the provisional capital of Tunisia during World War II. It was the command centre of the FLN (Front de Libération Nationale) during the Algerian War of Independence against the French in the 1950s.

Private Guide & Driver.

From Tunis depart for Dougga. This was an impone of the Roman cities in North Africa containing a theatre , celestas temple, a Punic mausoleum. In order to cool in the summer heat, houses were built with a winter apartment on ground floor and summer quarters underground with hollow air- pipes built into the walls. After Dougga, you'll head to the archeological site of Bulla Regia It is noted for its Hadrianic-era semi-subterranean housing, a protection from the fierce heat and effects of the sun. Many of the mosaic floors have been left in situ; others may be seen at the Bardo Museum, Tunis. There is also a small museum connected with the site.

Leklil Hotel is a 3-star property in the town of El Kef

Overnight at Leklil Hotel.

Day 4 Kairouan

A Muslim holy city which ranks after Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem as a place of pilgrimage, and a UNESCO world heritage sight. Located about 160 km south of Tunis, lies "the city of 50 mosques", the spiritual home of Tunisians, serene with its 13 centuries of Islamic culture, authentic beauty of its mosques, columns and arches. Famous for the exquisite stone work, the city has inspired artists and poets, who admired the medina, with its imposing walls encloses lovely mosques, an ancient well and the Souk, the lively market. The city is well known for the hundreds of shops where Kairouan carpets of pure wool can be found, as well as handicrafts of artisans in copper and leather.

Private Guide & Driver.

After breakfast departure to Makthar, visit of the remains of the Roman city known as Mactaris among them are two triumphal arches, an amphitheatre, public baths, a temple, an aqueduct, tombs, etc.

Depart to Kairouan, the holy Islamic city founded in 671 by Okba Ibn Nafâa. It is situated in the center of Tunisia and gained its reputation for its carpet manufacturing and its wide range of mosques. Visit the impressive Mosque Sidi Okba, which was founded in the 7th century, and reflects the greatness of the Islam empire at that era. Visit the Aghlabiden pool, the city's water reservoir. Visit Saint Abou Zemaa El Balaoui, known to be the "prophet barber". Explore the old town (Medina) and enjoy strolling at the markets (the souks).

La Kasbah is seated in Kairouan, the focal point for many Muslim pilgrims traveling from around the world. With a simple, Arab-influenced layout and design, the hotel is host to 94 rooms, 2 junior suites, and a presidential suite. Each promises all the amenities of home as well as international phones. Rakada, the hotel restaurant, promises a menu with all sorts of dishes from around the world. Dine a la carte at Sofra. Pass the time lounging by the pool or sipping Turkish coffee at the cafe.

Overnight at La Kasbah.

Day 5 Tozeur

Famous for its hundreds of thousands of palm trees, Tozeur is a large oasis located in south west Tunisia. In ancient times, Tozeur was one of the Roman outposts and where caravans took a stopover coming from the sub Sahara to trade with the coastal cities of the Mediterranean. It now owes its fame and affluence to the stately palm and its world renowned dates - "fingers of light". The groves of over 200,000 palms are watered by hundreds of natural springs and the Belvedere park offers a panoramic view. Tozeur is an atmospheric starting point for tours exploring the Sahara desert, with its oases, 14th century medina and botanical gardens.

Private Guide & Driver.

Depart to Sbeitla, roman and pleochristian ruins of the antic Soufetula, visit of archaeological site; Diocletian, arc, Byzantine fort, Antonin Arc, Capitoline temple. Drive to Tozeur, one of the most famous Oases in the world, surrounded by 200 springs, and sheltered by a palm grove of about 400.000 palm trees. Upon arrival, visit the Dar Cherait Museum, is a lively presentation of the oriental luxurious art of living of a middle-class Tunisian family. The exhibition hosts treasures from the Tunisian culture and foreign influences, emphasizing a tribute to traditional Tunisian handicrafts. Transfer to Tozeur.

Get into the wonderful world of the Dar Cherait Hotel, a legendary palace situated in the heart of the Tozer palm forest that has so enchantingly grown from the desert. The beauty and refinement of this palace discreetly fits this unforgettable paradise.

Overnight at Dar Cherait .

Day 6 Tozeur

Private Guide & Driver.

Departure after breakfast to visit the Sahara canyons and oasis. Visit of Chebika the old town perched on the mountain, visit of the water spring that irrigates the oasis, continuing then to Tamerza visit of the old deserted town flooded in 1969 and visit of the water fall, thereafter visit of the canyon of Midès, last check point before the Algerian border. Return to Tozeur for lunch then you'll have the afternoon free.

Overnight at Dar Cherait .
    

Day 7 Ksar Ghilane

Ksar Ghilane is an oasis Southern Tunisia located on the eastern boundary of Grand Erg Oriental. It is considered the most southern Tunisian oases and one of the doors desert of Sahara Tunisia. As its name implies (Ksar is a word Arabic which means "castle"), it houses an ancient fort dating from the Roman located on the Limes following the edge of the desert. The oasis is fed by a source hot water in which to bathe and have virtues thermal. Ksar Ghilane has long been inaccessible: it is now connected by a paved road Douz (80 km north) or Matmata that can take off-road vehicles or private cars or rental.

Private Guide & Driver.

Departure after breakfast to Ksar Ghilane an oasis on the limit of the oriental erg irrigated by a warm water spring where it is possible to bath. Check in at the camp then after lunch depart across the dunes to visit the Ksar an ancient roman fort drowning in the dunes.

A shimmering mirage awaits you in the Tunisian Sahara - nestled at its own oasis in the midst of the desert, offering its charm and shade, its spring and the whispering waters of its seguias: Pansea welcomes you to this hospitable land of colours and contrasts, spices and scents.

Overnight at Pansea Ksar Ghilane Tented Camp.

Day 8 Tataouine

Tataouine is a city located in southern Tunisia and is the capital of the Tataouine Governorate. The district is famous for its ksour (fortified Berber granaries) including the picturesque Ksar Ouled Soltane, Chenini and Douiret. These abandoned settlements feature beautiful vaulted adobe buildings, or ghorfas. Tataouine's name became famous when George Lucas, who filmed the original Star Wars film in various locations of Tunisia (for example, the Lars Homestead, filmed at the Hotel Sidi Driss in Matmata), named Luke Skywalker's fictional home planet Tatooine. Tataouine appeared in the end of the movie The X-Files as Foum Tataouine, where an extraterrestrial viral experiment facility was held.

Private Guide & Driver.

Departure after breakfast via the track to Tataouine, visit of the Berber village Chenini on top of the hill, one of the last villages in Tunisia were the Berber dialect is still spoken. Check in to your hotel and have time for lunch. The afternoon departure to visit the surrounding Ksars, ancient Berber collective granaries used to stock the crop. Starting with Ksar Ouled Soltane located on a hilltop, to help protect it from raiding parties in previous centuries, then continuing to Ksar Ouled Aoun.

The Sangho Tataouine is a haven for adventurers touring the fortified granaries of the Ksour. The four-star Sangho Tataouine is an architectural gem. A complex of 62 stone bungalows of the local rough red brown stone follow the contours of the hill side on which they are built. The lush gardens along the winding stone paths attract rare desert birds. There is a side courtyard with a fireplace and traditional goat hair tent for evenings under the piercing stars which penetrate the black desert sky.

Overnight at Sangho Ta.

Day 9 Sfax

Located 270 km southeast of Tunis. The city, founded in AD 849 on the ruins of Taparura and Thaenae, is the capital of the Sfax governorate, and a Mediterranean port on the Gulf of Gabes.

Private Guide & Driver.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Freshly renovated, Les Oliviers Palace in Sfax, Tunisia, is a sleek choice of accommodations for visitors to North Africa. Each of the 137 rooms promise carefully chosen themes as decided by international designers. Some rooms feature kitchenettes, while all have heating and air conditioning that guest can personalize. Dine at any of the two restaurants on site, which serve a variety of European and local cuisine. Its downtown location gives guest the perfect opportunity to experience the sights, sounds, and cultures of this marvellous Tunisian city and it surroundings.

Overnight at Golden Yasmine Olivier Palace .

Day 10 Sousse

Sousse is located 140 km south of Tunis. It is in the central-east of the country, on the Gulf of Hammamet, which is a part of the Mediterranean Sea. These days, Sousse, with a population of more than 540,000, retains a medieval heart of narrow, twisted streets, a kasbah and medina, its ribat fortress and long wall on the Mediterranean. Surrounding it is a modern city of long, straight roads and more widely spaced buildings.

Private Guide & Driver.

Depart to El Jem, no doubt a thriving Roman agricultural region, with its grandiose Colosseum, second only in size to that of Rome, attests to its wealth. The sight of this amphitheater rising in the distance like a Colossus is both wondrous and slightly strange as the present surroundings give no hint of its former importance. It was the scene of games and circuses at ancient Rome, with a capacity of 35.000 viewers. Continue to Monastir, city founded on the ruins of the Punic–Roman city of Ruspina. Visit of the Ribat that was used to scan the sea for hostile ships. Several ulema came to stay to the Ribat of this peaceful city for contemplation. A short visit of the Bourguiba mausoleum. Bourguiba (1903-2000) was a Tunisian statesman and the Founder and First President of the Republic of Tunisia. Lunch in the Marina of Monastir. Depart to Sousse, the third city of the country after Tunis and Sfax. Sousse is a seaside resort stretching to the north, making up together with the integrated complex of Port El Kantaoui one of the most complete and most diversified tourist zones of the Mediterranean. Free time in the Medina before checking into your hotel.

El Mouradi Palace is an Arabian style hotel which offers high standard accommodation and leisure facilities.

Overnight at El Mouradi Palace.

Day 11 Tunis

Private Guide & Driver.

After breakfast, visit of the marina of Port El Kantaoui, then to Takrouna and visit of the typical hilltop Berber village. From here you'll head to Zaghouan which is famous for its roses, originally cultivated by Muslim refugees from Spain in the seventeenth century, and its water temple feeding Carthage in water during Roman time.. Depart for Tuburbo Majus, an old Berber village where impressive samples of Tunisian mosaics can be found. Continue on to Tunis stopping along the way to take photographs of the ancient Roman Aqueducts.

This 12 room hotel is a converted traditional house located right in the Tunis Medina. It features whitewashed and tiled surroundings, with latticed windows. The many-levelled mansion is a surprise after the narrow street, with inner courtyards providing light, space and shade.

Overnight at Dar El Medina.

Day 12 Tunis

Airport transfer with private vehicle.

Overnight at Depart from Tunis International Airport - End.

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