TUNISIA: From Phoenicians to Berbers
October 17-28, 2008
Schedules and pricing

This all-inclusive land package offers an in-depth exploration of Tunisia. From the extensive Punic and Roman ruins of central and northern Tunisia to the exotic landscapes of the south, from the island of Jerba to the oases of the southeast, From Phoenicians to Berbers offers a diverse Tunisian experience. Leading this tour will be one of Tunisia's leading archaeologist and historian.

Due to the nature of this tour and some of the venues visited, space is limited!

Friday, October 17 - Tunis
Arrive in Tunis and transfer to hotel in central Tunis. Rest and relaxation from flight. Evening orientation followed by welcoming dinner in local restaurant. Overnight in Tunis. (D)

Saturday, October 18 - Tunis

Archaeologist Professor Nejib Ben Lazreg lecturing at Carthage

Morning orientation of the capital, including a visit to the Bardo Museum. From the Bardo, you drive to the suburbs of Tunis where you will tour Carthage, the most famous of Tunisia's ruins, but as you will see in the days to come, hardly the most impressive. From Carthage you proceed to the nearby village of Sidi Bou Said, where you will have time to walk through some of this picturesque village, whose architecture was largely influenced by Andalusian settlers of the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Lunch will be out along the seacoast. Following lunch, you drive into the city to visit the historic part of Tunis, the medina. You will have a walking tour to get a sense of some of the architecture, followed by an opportunity to browse within the alleyways of the souk. Late afternoon return to your hotel. Dinner and overnight in Tunis. (B,L,D)

Sunday, October 19 - Kerkouane/Sousse

Punic town of Kerkouane

Morning departure south of Tunis along the coast to the Cape Bon, where your primary stop along this verdant region of Tunisia will be Kerkouane, a Punic town, where the pre-Roman settlement can be observed in a rather well preserved state. From Kerkouane, you drive down the coast, with an eventual arrival to Tunisia's third largest city, Sousse. You will have a walking tour of the old town of Sousse, seeing the ribat and the scale of this walled city. Your base for the night will be a seaside resort approximately ten minutes outside of central Sousse. Overnight in Sousse. (B,L,D)

Monday, October 20 - El Jem/Sfax/Jerba
This morning, you drive a short distance inland, arriving to El Jem, known in Roman times as Thysdrus and noted for its amphitheater, which is similar to the coliseum of Rome. Following your exploration of El Jem and the nearby El Jem Museum, you continue south into the Sahel region, known for its olive growing. You arrive in Sfax by late morning. An industrial city and Tunisia's second largest town, the medina of Sfax has retained its authentic atmosphere.

The Coliseum of El Jem

As Sfax is not a city catering to tourists, the original character of the medina is retained, so much so that it was used as the film set for the "Egyptian market scenes" in the film, The English Patient. After having an opportunity to explore Sfax and have some lunch, you continue south along the coast, with a late afternoon arrival to the ferry crossing which will take you to the island of Jerba. Overnight in Jerba. (B,L,D)

Tuesday, October 21 - Jerba
This morning you will begin with an island tour. Jerba (sometimes spelled: Djerba) was a port of call to the Phoenicians and a port where Ulysses and his men were detained on their return from Troy. Jerba's island location has always provided its people a simple and peaceful lifestyle, which continues today. Jerba is also the home of one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world. You will visit the Ghriba synagogue and get a glimpse of this ancient community, as well as the picturesque village of Guellela, known for its pottery production. Lunch will be in the main market town of Jerba, Houmt Souk. Following lunch, you will have the opportunity to explore the souk in Houmt Souk, followed by the drive to your seaside hotel, approximately ten minutes away. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy the amenities of your hotel, or for those who prefer, you may remain in Houmt Souk and return on your own by taxi to the hotel. Dinner and overnight in Jerba. (B,L,D)

Lecture at an historic synagogue on the island of Jerba

Wednesday, October 22 - The Ksour Region/Jerba
Today you depart early for your ride into the south of Tunisia where you will visit the Ksour region, named for the distinctive style of architecture that is found in the villages of this region. Time seems to stand still in the Ksour, as you will see when you visit villages such as Tatouine and Chenini. Lunch will be in one of the villages and your day ends back in Jerba, where you can choose the option of enjoying an evening of Tunisian folklore in one of the hotels. Overnight in Jerba. (B,L,D)

Enjoying Tunisian hospitality ... a feature of TunisUSA tours!

Thursday, October 23 - Matmata/Douz/Oasis Region
Early morning departure westward, with a stop in Matmata, a region of troglodyte (underground dwellings) homes. You continue west via Kibili to Douz, a town amidst the dunes. Thursday is "market day" in Douz and is one of the most colorful of all market days in Tunisia. After stopping in Douz, you continue west via the Chott-el-Jerid, Tunisia's salt lake, arriving in Tozeur in the early evening for dinner. Overnight in Tozeur. (B,L,D)

Troglodyte home in Matmata region

Friday, October 24 - Tozeur/Oasis
Morning visit via 4-wheel drive vehicles to the mountain oases of Tamerza and Chebika, with the exotic contrasts of barren hills juxtaposed with waterfalls and palm groves. Return to Tozeur, visiting Tozeur's oasis, with the remaining afternoon at leisure to enjoy lunch and relax by the pool or explore Tozeur's old town. Evening tour of the Dar Cheraiat Museum. Dinner and overnight in Tozeur. (B,L,D)

Mountain Oasis at Chebika

Saturday, October 25 - Sbeitla and the Tell Region/Kairouan
Morning departure from Tozeur to Matloui, for a ride through the canyons aboard a 19th century train and the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful landscapes of the gorges. Continue eastward via Gafsa, with an afternoon arrival in Sbeitla. Sbeitla is an impressive antiquity site, known in Roman times as Sufetula. Among the ruins are Tunisia's most expansive collection of early Christian remains. From Sbeitla, you continue northeast to Kairouan. Overnight in Kairouan. (B,L,D)

Sunday, October 26 - Kairouan/ Dougga/Le Kef

Visiting Dougga, with over sixty acres of amazing ruins in northwest Tunisia.

This morning you drive to Kairouan, Kairouan is today, a rather provincial town. The city was founded and subsequently developed during early Islamic times, with Kairouan's Great Mosque, dating from -the 7th century, reputed to be the oldest mosque in the Islamic world, making Kairouan the fourth holiest city, following Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem. Kairouan's location along the caravan routes also provided a base for a flourishing crafts industry. The region still provides the base for much of Tunisia's craft industry, particularly rugs and textiles. From Kairouan, you depart northwest through the scenic country roads, eventually leading to Dougga, Tunisia's largest Roman site. Dougga, covering some sixty acres, was known as the city of temples and its existence is thought to date back to the 4th century B.C. From Dougga, you drive through the mountains of the northwest, with a late day arrival to the seaside town of Tabarka. Overnight in Tabarka. (B,L,D)

Monday, October 27 - Bulla Regia/Tunis
You begin your day with a scenic ride to the Roman city of Bulla Regia. As with Dougga, Bulla Regia is quite expansive with interesting examples of underground architecture, as well as well preserved mosaics. Following your tour of Bulla Regia, you return to Tunis via scenic roads, arriving mid-day. The remainder of the day in Tunis is at your leisure. You are free to enjoy lunch in one of Tunis's many dining options, do last minute shopping or revisit sites in Tunis on your own. Your farewell dinner will be in a nice setting. Overnight in Tunis. (B,D)

Mosaics "in situ" at Bulla Regia

Tuesday, October 28 - Tunis/USA
Morning transfers to the airport for your respective departures to the US via European gateways, arriving late the same day. (B)