World Heritage Tours - World Heritage Tours - Tours in the Middle East, Tours in South America, Tours in Indochina, Tours in Africa,  African Safaris
World Heritage Tours - World Heritage Tours - Tours in the Middle East, Tours in South America, Tours in Indochina, Tours in Africa,  African Safaris
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

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: El Mouradi Douz Hotel, Douz (1 night) (B, D)

Day 05: 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: 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 on offer. (B, D)

Day 07: Jerba/Sousse (Drive 410 kms/252 miles)
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. Discover the ancient ramparts surrounding the old 9th century town Ribat, the rich museum where history is written in mosaics, and the catacombs dug by the Christians from the 2nd to the 4th century.
Overnight: Vinci Hotel, Sousse (1 night) (B, D)

Day 08: 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

2008
Every Saturday from Jan 06 till Dec 27


Prices
Season Tour Price US$ / CA$ Single Sup US$ / CA$
2008 2260 305
High season surcharge of $210.00 per person for traveling between Dec 15/2008 – Jan 10/2009
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
• Visa Support as required
• 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 $ / CA $ 1200
West Coast US $ / CA $ 1400
Please note: This tour operates with a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 15 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
Bestway Tours & Safaris
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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photographs © Peter Langer
Site updated April 04, 2008
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