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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)
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