Tunisia Uncovered

Tunisia Uncovered

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12 Days
From

$3919

Tunisia Uncovered

12 Days Starting and ending in TUNIS

Visiting: Tunis, Testour, Dougga, Sito archeologico di Bulla Regia, El Kef, Elles, Maktar, Kasra, Kairouan, Raqqada, Tozeur, Chott el Djerid, Douz, Tataouine, El Jem, Monastir, Sousse

Tour operator:

Wild Frontiers

Tour code:

TUN

Recommended For:

Couples, Singles

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 12

Physical rating:

Low, Low / Moderate

Age range:

1-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Please contact Wild Frontiers with any specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:
English
Private Available:

Request A Private Tour

From:
$3919 (USD)

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

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

  • Discover the impressive ancient ruins of Carthage, Dougga, Bulla Regia, Makthar and El Jem

  • Wander through the UNESCO medina and colourful streets of Tunis and Kairouan to test your haggling skills

  • Explore the ancient ksours and troglodyte dwellings around Tozeur and Tataouine, made famous by the Star Wars films

  • Cross Chott El Jerid, the largest salt flats in the Sahara Desert, and travel by 4WD to a remote desert camp amongst the Saharan dunes

  • Visit the handmade carpet shops, made exclusively by women, in Kairouan, as well as the national museum of Islamic art in Raqqada

  • Spend the final days of the tour on the Mediterranean coast, experiencing the historic charms of Monastir and Sousse

Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1 : Tour Start In Tunis
Location: Tunis
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Dar Said or similar
Meals Included: No Meals

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.

Due to the arrival times of our suggested flights, accommodation for this night is included in the tour cost. Those on the suggested group flights will arrive to the hotel in the early hours of Day 2.

Day 2 : Tunis
Location: Tunis
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Dar Said 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: Tunis, Testour, Dougga, Sito archeologico di Bulla Regia, El Kef
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Dar Sidi Abdallah & 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: El Kef, Elles, Maktar, Kasra, Kairouan
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kasbah 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: Kairouan, Raqqada, Tozeur
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Dar Horchani 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.

Day 6 : Tozeur
Location: Tozeur
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Dar Horchani 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.

Day 7 : Tozeur - Chott El Jerid - Douz - Desert Camp
Location: Tozeur, Chott el Djerid, Douz
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: de Mars 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: Douz, Tataouine
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sangho Privilege 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: Sangho Privilege 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 - Monastir
Location: Tataouine, El Jem, Monastir
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: El Mouradi Skanes 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. From here we then head towards Tunisia’s Mediterranean coast, where we’ll spend the next two nights in the resort city of Monastir.

Day 11 : Monastir & Sousse
Location: Monastir, Sousse
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: El Mouradi Skanes or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

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, Lunch, Dinner,

This morning we have some free time to soak up this beach setting before driving to Tunis in the afternoon. We'll have a final dinner with the group before those on the suggested group flight are then transferred to the airport for a late night departure flight.

What's Included

  • MEALS

    11 x Breakfasts, 11 x Lunches, 11 x Dinners

  • TRANSPORT

    On this tour we will use minibuses and desert 4WDs.

  • GROUP SIZE

    Maximum: 12

  • CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS

    Contributions to carbon offset & tree planting projects for all bookings

  • EXPERT TEAM

    The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate

  • ACCOMMODATION

    All accommodation as outlined in the itinerary

  • ENTRANCE FEES

    All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary

  • FITNESS RATING

    Low / Moderate

What's Not Included

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/nationality 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

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.

Check out our Q&As

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights

  • What is the maximum group size?

    12

  • 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.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub

  • 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

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 2002

  • 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

Catherine Wilkinson  

Catherine Wilkinson

My first Wild Frontiers trip blew my expectations away - I'm not sure I'll be able to cope travelling with other companies now!

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Dates & Availability

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Wild Frontiers allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 90 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Wild Frontiers requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wild frontiers charges.

    Up to 71 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 51 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

  • Wild Frontiers' COVID Promise

    You will have the right to transfer without any transfer fee, from any of our trips at ANY time if your trip is not Covid Viable (see below).*
    We will not ask you to pay your final balance if your trip is not yet Covid Viable.
    If your trip is not Covid Viable, by 30 days prior to departure at the latest, we will cancel your holiday and you can either transfer your funds to another departure or have a refund.**


    We will only consider a trip Covid Viable*** if pre-departure it meets all of the following criteria:

    There is no national lockdown or ban on foreign travel for the period when your trip is due to depart.
    Destinations on the tour must not be on the UK’s Red List. ****
    No destinations visited on the tour have in place any significant COVID-19 restrictions for travellers.
    Tourist visas (if required) are available.
    There is reliable airline access to/from the start/end of the trip.
    Following an assessment by both Wild Frontiers and our local partners we are confident that your trip is able to run in both a safe and enjoyable manner.*****




    ** If you were originally booked to travel before 30 April 2020 and transferred to a later date, or if you have a tailor-made booking, there may be some irrecoverable costs which we cannot refund. Please speak to us and we will be able to advise you if this is the case for your booking.
    ***Since our HQ is in London, Covid Viable status for our Group Tours will be assessed on UK-based travellers. However we are fully aware that many of our clients live in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and beyond. As such, when we deem a trip to now be Covid Viable, everyone booked will have a chance to review their own personal situation before deciding whether or not to remain booked on the trip. Anyone wishing to, will have the option to transfer without fees to another trip at this time. For tailor made bookings, we may also able to consider additional countries’ travel advice when deciding if a trip is Viable. Please discuss this with us at the time of booking.
    **** This relates to bookings from UK clients only. We may operate trips to destinations which the British FCDO advise against travel for Covid reasons. If this is the case, anyone wishing to will have the option to cancel with a refund or transfer to another trip. In some cases we may choose to offer a tour to a Red destination but these will be at both clients’ and Wild Frontiers’ discretion and will be subject to alternative conditions to be discussed on an ad hoc basis.
    *****If a destination, that we have deemed to be Covid Viable, subsequently fails any aspect of the criteria for two consecutive weeks, you will have the right under our Covid Promise to transfer without any fees.

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