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THE
BERBERS OF TUNISIA
A World Heritage Sites Tour of Tunisia |
 |
Tunisia
is a small country with a grand history that goes back
to the days of Carthage and a journey here is a discovery
of Africa, Berberland and the Islamic world all at once.
Our "Berbers of Tunisia" program uncovers the people,
history, archaeology and culture of this distinct land.
|
Tour
Summary
|
Map |
Day
|
Place
|
|
01
|
Arrive
Tunis / Gammarth |
|
02
|
Tunis
/ Kairouan |
| 03 |
Kairouan
/ Tozeur |
|
04
|
Tozeur
/ Douz |
|
05
|
Douz
/ Jerba |
|
06
|
Jerba |
|
07
|
Jerba
/ Sousse |
08
|
Sousse/Tunis |
|
|
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UNESCO
World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World
Heritage Sites |
| World
Heritage Sites in Tunisia covered on this tour |
| Amphitheater
of El Jem (1979) |
The
impressive ruins of the largest coliseum in North Africa,
a huge amphitheatre which could hold up to 35,000 spectators,
can be found in the small village of El Jem. This 3rd-century
construction illustrates the extent and grandeur of Imperial
Rome. |
| Carthage
(1979) |
Founded
in the 9th century B.C. on the Gulf of Tunis, Carthage
developed, from the 6th century, into a great trading
empire covering much of the Mediterranean and was home
to a brilliant civilization. |
|
Medina of Tunis (1979) |
Under
the reign of the Almohaves and the Hafsides dynasties,
from the 12th to the 16th centuries, Tunis was considered
one of the greatest and wealthiest cities of the Islamic
world. Some 700 monuments, including palaces, mosques,
mausoleums, medersas and fountains, speak of this remarkable
past. |
| Medina
of Sousse (1988) |
Sousse,
an important commercial and military port in the times
of the Aghlabites (800-909), is a typical example of a
town dating from the first centuries of Islam. With its
kasbah, its ramparts, its medina (with the Great Mosque),
the Bu Ftata Mosque and its typical ribat, at the same
time a fort and religious building, Sousse formed part
of a coastal defence system. |
| Kairouan
(1988) |
Founded
in 670, Kairouan flourished under the Aghlabide dynasty
in the 9th century. Despite the transfer of the political
capital to Tunis in the 12th century, Kairouan remained
the first holy city of the Maghreb. Its rich architectural
heritage includes the Great Mosque with its columns in
marble and porphyry and the 9th- century Mosque of the
Three Gates. |
|
Dougga / Thugga (1997) |
Before
the Roman annexation of Numidia, the town of Thugga, built
on an elevated site overlooking a fertile plain, was the
capital of an important Libyco-Punic state. It flourished
under Roman and Byzantine rule, but declined in the Islamic
period. The ruins visible today bear impressive witness
to the resources of a small Roman town on the edges of
the Empire. |
| Detailed
Itinerary |
Day
01 (SAT): Arrive Tunis
Bonjour and Merhaba! We are warmly greeted to Tunisia and are driven to the hotel.
Our first exploration of this unique land starts with a tour of Carthage. Founded
by the Phoenician Elyssa Didon in the 9th century B.C., Carthage still reveals
its splendid Antonine Spas, Amphitheatre, Theatre, Punic Port and Roman villas.
We continue to Sidi Bou Said, a splendid Moorish village perched atop a headland
and wreathed in flowers.
Overnight: Golden Tulip Carthage Hotel, Tunis (1 night) (D)
Day 02 (SUN): Tunis/ Kairouan (Drive 153
kms/94 miles)
Morning depart for Kairouan with a stop en-route to visit the Roman Aqueducts.
Afternoon
tour of Kairouan includes the Grand Mosque, Sidi Saheb Mausoleum & Aghlabite
Basins.
Overnight: La Kasbah Hotel, Kairouan (1 night) (B, D)
Day
03 (MON): Kairouan/Tozeur (Drive 292 kms/180 miles)
Today we cross the desert to Sbeitla, ancient Sufeitula, founded in
69 B.C. by Vespasian. The city’s Diocletian’s Triumphal Arch, its
three magnificent temples dedicated to Jupiter, Juno and Minerva, and its Forum
are unforgettable. We then continue to Tozeur with a brief stop at Gafsa.
Overnight: Dar Cherait Hotel, Tozeur (1 night) (B, D)
Day 04 (TUE): Tozeur/Douz (Drive 146 kms/90 miles)
Adventure begins this morning with visits at Tamerza & Chebika, Berber villages,
hidden behind a mountain chain and overlooking a magnificent oasis. Next we visit
the charming village of Metlaoui, known for its numerous mining activities and
board the Lezard Rouge (Bey’s former train). In the afternoon we leave
for Chott El Jerid, Lake Tritonis and the enchanting sea with its disconcerting
mirages. Whole armies are said to have vanished here! We continue to Douz, a
town of sandy houses and dusty roads to enjoy camel rides and the beautiful sunset
over the Sahara.
Overnight: Sun Palm Douz Hotel, Douz (1 night) (B, D)
Day 05 (WED): Douz/Jerba (Drive 228 kms/140 miles)
Head out for a short journey to the village of Matmata. We tour the unique underground
Troglodyte dwellings used in the making of the famous films “Star Wars” & “Raiders
of the Lost Ark”. Our journey continues to Medenine, a well-known Berber
village famed for its Ghorfas, a fascinating dwelling once used by the nomad
tribes.
Overnight: Vinci Jerba Resort, Jerba (2 nights) (B, D)
Day
06 (THU): Jerba
Our tour of Jerba includes the Ghriba, one of the oldest synagogues in the world
and a famous pilgrimage site where an 8th century Torah is preserved. We continue
for Guellala, a Jerban village famous for its original potteries “les Dieux
de l’Argile”. Our last stop is the main “Houmt Souk” with
its original potteries, magnificent carpets and filigree silver. The evening
is free to join the many activities that this resort town has to offer. (B,
D)
Day 07: Jerba/Sousse (Drive 410kms/252miles)
Depart for El Jem with a brief stop en-route
to visit Sfax. El Jem, ancient Thysdrus, one of
the richest towns of Roman Africa. Discover its
splendid Amphitheatre, the most impressive historical
monument left by the Romans in North Africa. The
site museum offers superb mosaic pavements and
interesting statues. Continue onto one of the most
attractive resorts in Tunisia today. Sousse, the
ancient “Hadrumete”, is a multifaceted
town filled with a far off echo of the Aghlabite
era.
Overnight: Vinci Hotel, Sousse (1 night) (B, D)
Day 08 (SAT): Sousse/Tunis (Drive 143 kms/88
miles)
Return to Tunis to visit the Bardo Museum, famous for its fine collection of
mosaics. The Punic vestiges, array of Roman mosaics and unique sculptures in
this museum are truly astounding! Afternoon transfer to our modern jet aircraft
and head back home. (B) |
|
B
= Breakfast
|
L
= Lunch
|
D
= Dinner
|
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Departure Dates |
|
2010
Daily
|
| Prices |
| Season |
Tour
Price US$ |
Single
Sup US$ |
| 2010 |
2680 |
295 |
| Tour
Price Includes |
Tour
Price Does Not Include: |
•
Hotel
Accommodation as mentioned or similar including hotel taxes
• Meal
Plan as mentioned (B=Breakfast D=Dinner)
• All sightseeing and transfers
• Entrance Fees to Museums and Sites
• Services
of a local English speaking guides
|
•
International Airfare / Departure Taxes
• Travel Insurances
• Visa Fees
• Drinks / Beverages with meals
• Tips / Gratuities to Drivers & Guides |
| Estimated
International Airfare(not
included in tour price) |
| East
Coast |
US
$ 1200 |
| West
Coast |
US
$ 1400 |
| Please
note:
This tour operates with a minimum of 02
and a maximum of 10
participants. |
| Other
Dates / Customized Itinerary / Languages |
In addition to our set programs we are also pleased
to offer customized tours.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your
individual needs.
Customized tours can be conducted in English, French,
German, Spanish or Italian. Each departure is conducted
in the designated language only. |
| Contact
Information |
|
|
Fax:
+1-604-264-7774
|
| 206–8678
Greenall Ave |
Phone:
+1-604-264-7378 |
| Burnaby
B.C., Canada |
Toll
Free (US & Canada): 1-800-663-0844 |
| V5J
3M6 |
Email:
bestway@bestway.com |
|
30
years in small group journeys
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Site
updated Jun 01, 2009
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