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LETTERS FROM OUR CUSTOMERS
People often send us letters or cards after their trip. On a personal
level, for the staff of TunisUSA, it's deeply gratifying to know
we've helped so many people have the trip of their lives. If you
are thinking about traveling with us take a moment to read through
some of these letters. There's nothing like hearing directly from
people who have written to share their own unique experiences. If
you've had a memorable trip to Turkey or Tunisia, we'd love to hear
about it. Share your experience with others and us!
Elsa and Marvin Ross-Greifinger write...
Just wanted to let you know that we had a wonderful experience in
Tunisia. The people were wonderful and at no time did we feel any
danger. In that sense, the trip was very different from Egypt or
Morocco. For example, there is no begging on the streets and the
people are very careful drivers.
As for the restaurants, we had some wonderful meals. In Tunis, the
Residence had spectacular food and we ate there two nights. Also,
in Tozeur at the hotel Dar Cherait, the a la care restaurant was
well worth the difference in price. We also enjoyed Alain Ducasse's
restaurant Spoon in Tunis. In Djerba at the hotel Dar Dhiafa, we
had a wonderful meal. And by the way, we ate salad everywhere in
the country, which for us, was important! We also had some very
decent wine.
All in all, the trip was interesting and enjoyable.
Elsa and Marvin Ross-Greifinger
New York, NY
Charles Farrar writes...
I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed my trip to Tunisia. The many
Roman ruins are among the best preserved anywhere in the world.
Some Americans may be anxious about visiting Tunisia. Although the
people are predominantly Muslim, Tunisia is a secular
From my initial contact on the web to my final goodbye at the Tunis
airport, the personnel at the tour company, TunisUSA and the tour
guide and driver in Tunisia were most cooperative in providing me
with the information that helped me select Tunisia as a destination
and have a successful vacation. The tour company may not be as well
known as some others that I have used in the past, but certainly
nothing was left to chance. I could not have asked for more!
Charles Farrar
Hutig, AR
Andy Greenberg writes...
Just terrific! Your guide was great! And yes we got into the Synagogue
and we got a tour of the inside. You have a great company and great
people.
Andy Greenberg
Omaha, NE
Bob and Paula Rhodes write...
Every detail of our tour "From the kasbah to the Sahara"
was perfectly organized: the itinerary, guides, hotels and meals.
Special images that will remain with us include the incredible mosaics,
both ancient and modern; the extensive use of blue and white in
the architecture; well preserved Roman ruins; new schools in every
village; the narrow streets in the medinas; and stunning seashores.
Experiences such as visiting a troglodyte home, camel riding
in the desert, climbing up mountains and through gorges, and feeling
the rain in an oasis all enriched our tour. Being immersed in
the history of the area and the Muslim culture offered us insights
into that region of the world which will long remain with us.
Thank you for making this trip so very special.
Bob and Paula Rhodes
Radnor, PA
Selma & Dan Mandel write...
WE HAD A WONDERFUL TRIP TO TUNISIA...
Considering that we did not know much about the country, it was
all extremely interesting and we were happy to get to know the
country so well.
Everything worked well, our guide & driver were pleasant
and flexibile.
The ruins were fascinating, not to mention the ksours... which
we loved.
The only negative was that we were in Djerba during Succoth and
your friends were not available. Even your Muslim friend had a
nephew covering for him in the shop. However, you had warned us
and we were prepared for that possibility.
Selma & Dan Mandel
New York, NY
P. Wendler writes...
I can't begin to tell you how much we enjoyed Tunisia and its people.
A good guide makes a trip worthwhile but a remarkably capable guide
such as Abde makes a trip unforgetable and most informative. He
is an asset to your organization. The driver Issid was a most careful
and competent chauffeur. Always ready to help with a smile. What
a duo! I will go back in about two years to Sousse. The only sour
note was flying Alitalia. The attendants never heard the word courtesy.
They were argumentative and politesse was not their trade mark.
Next time I will fly Air France.
P. Wendler, M.D.
Marco Island, FL
Doug Brin writes...
A very exciting, undiscovered (by Americans, that is!) country.
TunisUSA has provided a comprehensive, exciting and informative
overview.
The comforts are fine and the sites are world class!
Doug Brin
New York, NY
Paul Jacobs writes...
We have traveled extensively throughout the Mediterranean basin,
including the Middle East, and I must say that our trip to Tunisia
was at the very top of the list. For a one word description, try
"spectacula." On initiating the visit primarily to see
the Roman ruins, we found so much more. The landscape, culture and
people were eye-opening and remarkable. As you know, we do not travel
in groups, and the individual tour with guide and driver, which
you arranged, was the perfect way to visit areas of interest at
our pace. Our guide was also adept at altering the schedule when
he sensed we might be affected by closing times or other events
during Ramadan. We walked through remarkable ruins; ate fresh dates
off of the trees; swam in the Mediterranean; rode camels and ate
lunch where Star Wars was filmed. Everyone was extraordinarily friendly,
and not once did we feel unsafe. Our guide was able to give us very
interesting perspectives on the cultural mix in the country. Both
our guide and our driver were Berbers and we must that we found
that group the most interesting of the different people we met.
Kudos for a job well done!
Paul W. Jacobs, II
Richmond, VA
Laura Prince writes...
The trip was really well planned. Both our guide and our driver
were a pleasure to be with. I probably didn't mention that among
the highlights were being with the Tunisian people themselves. We
visited a Berber family in Matmata who were so open and allowed
us in their troglodyte home. It was wonderful to be there "close
up". As a woman I am aware how private and inaccessible the
lives of women are especially when covering so much territory in
a short time.
The hammams in the hotels were great too. I wish I had been able
to seek out local ones to get the genuine feel of people in their
daily lives.
I have some wonderful photos I could email if you are interested.
Thanks for everything.
Laura Prince
Rosendale, NY
Miriam and Sherman Bloom writes...
We recently returned from an interesting trip to Tunisia, where
I took a number of photos, some of which I thought you might like
to see. They show people and a little scenery. Can't show a lot
in an email, but its a glimpse. There is also some interesting
architecture and a really large number of archeological sites. These
are primarily Roman and aside from the architectural remains there
are many beautiful mosaics, the best of which have been moved to
the Bardo Museum in Tunis. Perhaps I'll send some samples of photos
of these things on another occasion.
The photos are fairly self-explanatory, except for the last one.
This shows a troglodyte (cave-dwelling) woman in the process of
grinding the 1.5 kilos of grain that she uses, every day, for her
family. The stone mill she is using requires some real elbow grease,
but she does it easily. The desert canyon is typical of a certain
part of the country. The whole place is dry, but there are low tree-
covered mountains in the north-west, while the pure-sands of the
Sahara are in the south. Limestone is dominant in much of the country,
and it commonly has the golden color seen in the canyon shot. One
shot shows a foreground olive orchard with grain fields in the distance.
Productive grain fields were one of the reasons the Romans established
many settlements in Tunisia. Carthage, by the
way, is a beautiful place, and we saw no evidence of any residual
effect of the "salting of the earth."
Tunisia is a good tourist destination. It is safe, clean, and
has a Moslem population that is rational, friendly, relatively open-minded,
and a pleasure to deal with. There are good hotels, etc.
Miriam and Sherman Bloom
Jackson, MS
Adrienne and William Frumovitz
Tunisia was to us a vibrant, hospitable country with significant
historical ruins. The accommodations were more than adequate and
our guide was informative. As Americans, we felt particularly welcome.
Adrienne and William Frumovitz
Marina del Ray, CA
The Drucker family writes...
The trip was wonderful. We all enjoyed it. The guides and drivers
were excellent.
As you know, when we first thought about this trip, I was concerned
about safety. Our daughter looked Tunisia up on the CIA web site
and they gave it a clean bill of health. Nevertheless, I was still
concerned. I couldn't have been more wrong. Not only was there
no animosity towards foreighners, and we were obviously foreigners,
I genuinely felt that after the Tunisians were aware that we wee
Americans, they were more friendly. That is after they knew that
we were not Europeans, they seemed even more friendly. There was
absolutely no animosity or ill feelings. None!
In summary, we had a great time. WE urge all who can, and we
have already to go!
The Drucker family
Paoli, PA
Curtis G. Keller writes...
If any travel agency and tour should receive the "above
and beyond the call of duty" award, it will be going to TunisUSA,
and the Oct. 2001 tour of Tunisia called, "From Phoenicians
to Berbers". Due to the 9/11 disaster, air travelers, and especially
those flying off to an Arab country, were greatly apprehensive for
their safety.
Jerry Sorkin (President of TunisUSA) of TunisUSA kept us all up-to-date
on the current conditions, and eased any of our concerns. In the
end, he came himself to Tunis to be on hand to greet those arriving
for the tour. His Tunisian counterparts could not have welcomed
us more warmly, including a first night dinner in their own home.
It seems that everyone we came into contact with in that wonderful
country expressed their delight in seeing us there, and their sincere
regret for the terrible tragedy in New York City. One after another
asked me to tell my friends in America that such actions could never
be approved by any part of the Islam faith, and that they had only
warm regards for America. With these very personal words of support,
the entire tour was an educational and interesting adventure. We
stayed at the very best of hotels and ate in the finest restaurants,
all five star, as far as I could tell. Our comfort continued as
we toured in a comfortable mini-bus, driven by a most capable and
friendly driver. Anyone with an interest in History will find a
daily agenda of wonders, from the Roman mosaics in the Bardo Museum
in Tunis, to the not-so-ruined runs of ancient cities, to the underground
houses of the Sahara peoples, the site of Carthage, etc. All of
these were made all the more valuable by the excellent guide that
was with us for the entire tour. Mourad was always eager to handle
any of our requests, proud to show off his country, and was well
informed regarding the sites we were seeing. It never appeared that
he ever got tired of being our "host" twenty-four hours
a day! Truly, at the conclusion of the tour, we felt that we were
leaving behind a good friend. This was a wonderful tour to a wonderful
country, and the services of TunisUSA will be called upon again
in the near future.
Curtis G. Keller
Plainfield, NJ
Louis Baldasty writes...
Having witnessed the attack on our country on 9/11 firsthand,
and also having had to walk home that day (a distance of approx.
10 miles), you can image my deep seated resentment to those who
perpetrated that act of cowardice. Nevertheless, I still want to
do what I want to do. Among these activities is a desire to visit
the sites of Roman antiquities. Having spoken with you and gotten
your reassurance, I booked my Roman Tunisian tour. I knew you would
not be sending people to an area where there may be concerns. I
found that my pre-trip apprehension was unfounded. I encountered
no Islamists, or unsavory behavior. The people were warm, friendly,
and genuinely helpful.
Concerning the trip itself, I have been on the trail of the antiquities
(been to Turkey, Greece, Israel, Jordan), and I can readily state
that Tunisia's sites equal those of Turkey (which is said to be
the best). I also thought to myself that in one week I had seen
what it had taken me two to see in Turkey. In Tunisia, the sites
are very close.
All-in-all, it was a marvelous experience.
Louis Baldasty
Woodside, NY
Gene Smith writes...
Just wanted to let you know, that I had a terrific tour
of Tunisia!! Thanks for arranging everything for me.
The entire tour went smoothly, both the guide and
driver were excellent.
I thoroughly enjoyed everything on the tour.
Gene Smith
West Hollywood, CA
Krista and Cesare Monti
What a trip! All of us really really enjoyed it. We were
fascinated and mesmerized by the country, the people, the sights,
the dunes of the Sahara, the oasis, the Roman ruins (if you can
call them "ruins"), the medinas, the food, the coffee
houses, the tea, the souks, the art, the mosaics, the sea, the spas,
the charming & unusual hotels...in short, everything! Most surprisingly
of all, Larry loved it: we thought he was going to have a hard time
getting used to a new country but by the time he had to leave, he
admitted he would have stayed longer. We were very happy with the
guide, and the driver. We were certainly happy to be driven around
in a big, comfortable four-wheel drive vehicle. The guide was a
bundle of energy; enthusiastic and excited about everything he showed
us and always happy to talk about his country truthfully and with
fairness. He was also extremely accommodating, probably one of the
most easy-going guides we have ever had. The driver was fantastic:
he drove a total of 3,000 Km and every single day he greeted us
with a warm smile. He and Larry hit it off particularly well and
even managed to communicate in broken English.
The trip was a perfect balance of all the things that were worth
seeing. From the main city, Tunis, to the cork forests; from the
agricultural lowlands and the Roman cities, to the coast; from the
coastal areas and the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, to the desert
and the salt lakes in the south. The variety of environments contained
within this small country is truly amazing; it is awe-inspiring
to know that many of the things we saw, the traditions we experienced,
the desert dwellings we visited, have been unchanged for thousands
of years. The days were full, there was always something to see,
another mosque or Roman villa or oasis to visit and everything always
felt new and interesting. Needless to say, we were pretty happy
to be able to rest in clean, charming hotels in the evening, spending
a few hours sipping sweet mint tea and playing cards. The only hotel
we were not too excited about was the one in the cork forest: a
bit too cold and breakfast a bit too poor for my taste (even the
guide complained about this hotel).
The food was excellent. None of us ever got sick. All the restaurants
we visited were clean, had good service and served delicious traditional
Tunisian food (we couldn't get enough! Krista and I have now bought
a recipe book to try to reproduce some of the succulent dishes we
had during the trip).
Most importantly, we always felt safe. I don't think there was a
single moment in which we did not feel comfortable walking in the
streets of the cities we visited or the medinas we shopped at. A
few thousand miles away, in Israel, Jewish and Muslims are killing
each other but there was, as far as we could see, perfect harmony
and mutual respect between the Muslim and Jewish communities in
Tunisia.
I could drag on and on about the trip, but you have probably heard
this many times before. This turned out to be a great relaxing,
educational and inspiring trip and we thoroughly enjoyed it. To
quote Larry "This was money well spent".
Thank you for a trip well organized and thought out!
Krista and Cesare Monti
London, England
Harriet S. Goldman writes...
"Our trip went off like clockwork. The itinerary made for an ambitious
trip but provided needed respites in between long travel days. Frankly,
you surpassed my expectations for immersing myself in the history,
culture and beauty of Tunisia. I really felt like an "explorer".
Our trip to Ksar Ghilane and then over to Tozeur was a highlight.
Our guide was excellent, especially with our interest in archaeology.
Our driver was excellent as well. The land cruiser was very comfortable.
The hotels you chose for us were wonderful especially La Residence,
at the end of our stay and of course the Pan Sea in Ksar Ghilane.
The trip from Matmata to Metameur is not to be missed.
I would recommend you and the itinerary to anyone. Thank you
for living up to all my expectations. Recently there was a front
page article in the Sunday N.Y. Times travel section on Tunisia.
A smile came to my face - I could have written it!!"
Harriet S. Goldman, DDS, MPH
Chairman, Department of Dentistry
Janet and Jay Sigler write...
"The arrival of your postcard today with mention of your
website prompted us to write to you belatedly to let you know how
much we enjoyed our trip to Tunisia in late September. We had a
wonderful time and found Tunisia to be a fascinating country of
which we had known so little. Nejib was a gracious and knowledgeable
guide and our group of 8 travelers was quite compatible. The trip
was well-organized and provided us with many memorable moments.
The Roman and Carthaginian ruins, the visits to oasis villages,
the museums, the fresh dates and the splendid meals in Tunis were
all highlights. However, we must admit that it was a real kick to
drive over the dunes in 4WD vehicles to visit the Star Wars and
English Patient filming locations the adrenaline rushed, we screamed
in anticipation of who know what as we mounted the dunes. It was
great!
Both Jay and I count our visit to Tunisia as one of our best travel
experiences. Thanks so much for your part in organizing the tour."
Janet and Jay Sigler
Edgartown, MA
Betty and Herb Kane write...
"We had an unforgettable experience touring the country
of Tunisia, discovering its many archaeological sites, learning
of its varied cultures and turbulent ancient history."
"The itinerary that you devised for us was well balanced and
perfectly executed: alternating days of touring excursions with
days of relaxation, private visits or meetings. Our guide, an
archaeologist by professions, was very good: flexible and extremely
knowledgeable. His passion about the excavations and the discovery
of those magnificent vestiges was infectious."
"Herb and I want to thank you for your efforts in custom planning
this wonderful vacation for us and hope that we will meet, one
of these days. You may give our names to prospective travelers,
as we would heartily recommend the trip."
Betty and Herb Kane
Cherry Hill, NJ
Josette Smetana writes... "What a fabulous trip!"
"If I had to use a rather trendy word of today, I would say that
everything was "awesome". From the Phoenician and Roman ruins
of Carthage and Sufetula, the marvelous mosaics so well kept in
museums, in the Tunis Bardo Museum in particular and exemplified
in our magnificent hotel "Dar Cherait", to the highlight of the
trip, which for me was undeniably the Saharan desert and the oases,
the plain as well as the mountain ones, I cannot describe all
the wonders."
Josette Smetana
Westbury, NY
Hermina Rosen writes...
"What a trip!" "I would NOT have wanted to miss one facet of this
varied and wonderful trip, but for me, I needed 3 weeks or at least
17 days."
Hermina Rosen
Lloyd Neck, NY
Jean and Lon Homeier write... "Before we left
for Tunisia, we wondered why the trip was going to be TWO weeks;
now we know that it wasn't long enough. We weren't prepared for
the variety of interest that Tunisia holds."
"All in all it was an exceptional experience."
Jean and Lon Homeier
Bryn Mawr, PA
Florence and Sylvain J. Sternberg write... "Our
trip to Tunisia was outstanding and has left us with wonderful memories.
Since we had our own personalized itinerary for the two weekends
plus the special archaeology group for midweek, we truly feel that
we got the best of two worlds. Our private guide was attentive,
well informed and very flexible, accomodating to any special request
we made. The group guide was excellent. We much appreciate the attention
you gave us both as to arranging our itinerary and for "catering"
to our kosher and Sabbath requirements. At every meal, our foil-wrapped
fish/vegetarian plate appeared as though it were a routine matter."
Florence and Sylvain J. Sternberg
Jerusalem, ISRAEL
Nancy Hall writes... "Having traveled extensively
since 1983, my trip to Tunisia with TunisUSA was a highlight in
my life." "Articles in the N.Y.Times and Washington Times indicated
that Jerry Sorkin and TunisUSA were pros and they were!"
"It was a vigorous trip which tested my 76 years; it was well
worth it and I felt great."
"The people are friendly and helpful."
Nancy Hall
Moorestown, NJ
Toby Topek writes...
"I feel as though I really saw and experienced Tunisia; the archaeological
sites, museums, the architecture, colors, costumes, shapes, languages,
food, met the people Tunisia is now a place imprinted, indelible
on my mind."
Toby Topek
Houston, TX
Ellen and David Freeman write... "An exciting
tour of the best in Roman Africa, with a skillful placement of the
Roman civilization between its numidian/Carthaginian predecessor
and its successors: Vandals, Byzantines, Arabs and Turks. The mosaics
throughout the country-especially at the Bardo-are incomparable."
Ellen and David Freeman
Newtown Square, PA
Iris and Shubert Spero write... "The drivers,
guides and particularly the resident archaeologist were not only
expert in their respective roles, but delightful human beings. After
we got home we spread out the big road map of Tunisia on the dining
room table and traced with a magic marker our itinerary and realized
that we had covered the country from border to border and sea to
the Sahara."
"Thank you for a most enjoyable tour."
Iris and Shubert Spero
Jerusalem, Israel
JoAnne and Warren Bender write... "Having just
returned from a wonderful vacation in Tunisia we want to thank you
for your role in putting it all together. We saw so much in less
than two weeks. Yet due to your planning, we moved along at a good
clip, but you allowed for the periodic pause that avoided overload.
Tunisia certainly lived up to your advance billing. Warm, friendly
people, excellent accommodations and a wide variety of fascinating
sights. I would also like to commend our guide. He was ever knowledgeable,
enthusiastic and good humored. He added immeasurably to our trip.
It is a shame that more Americans aren't aware of Tunisia's
charms. We will be doing our best to remedy that. I hope that
we can avail ourselves of your good services at some future time."
JoAnne and Warren Bender
Rye, NY
Ilyas Hokkaci writes...
"I would like to thank you very much on behalf of myself and our
group of nine people. They enjoyed everything. The guide was excellent,
the hotels and meals were very good and the tour itinerary was fantastic.
It was a very good experience. Thanks again! I hope we will have
the opportunity to work together again in the future."
Ilyas Hokkaci
Brooklyn, NY
The Paleys and Plechners write... "What a phenomenal
vacation you arranged for us! We have spent the last week trying
to tell people where Tunisia is (few people seem to know) and what
marvelous resources it has for the mildly adventurous vacationer.
The activities were marvelous. The ruins were compelling. The hotels,
excellent. And the food! Ð all over the country, fresh vegetables,
fresh fish, terrific breakfasts. We haven't stopped raving about
our trip; we are all most grateful to you for putting together a
stellar vacation.
With all of that, we must tell you that what made the trip so
special for us was our guide. He was personable, good-humored,
efficient and tolerant. Most important, he had the ability to
inflame us with his passion of the past and for Tunisia's history,
and he did so.
Thank you for a most memorable vacation."
The Paleys and Plechners
New Jersey
The Gelbers write... "We had a wonderful time
in Tunisia. You put together an outstanding tour on such short notice.
We are extraordinarily lucky that I found you on the Internet. Tunisia
(and the Tunisians) is a much kinder and gentler and lower-keyed
country than Morocco. Thanks again for listening to us so well and
for putting it together in just a few days and for delivering more
than we expected. We are grateful to you."
Darcy and Robert Gelber
Santa Barbara, CA
Eve Friedman writes... "Our tour began in Tunis
and went south to Tozeur and back to Tunis. We could not have been
more fortunate since our guide could not have been more knowledgeable
and experienced."
"Our hotels were luxurious with local color adorned by mosaics
representing a mixture of the cultures of Tunisia. Restaurants
were carefully chosen for the variety of ethnic foods, a mixture
of Tunisian, French, Italian and Spanish. They were beautifully
appointed and located by the seashore and in gardens, as well
as near the excavations. All meals were included in the price
of the trip."
"I would most heartily recommend this trip From the Kasbah to
the Sahara with TunisUSA."
Eve Friedman
Westbury, NY
John Elton writes...
"The services which your agency provided were exceptional. We were
picked up by a very knowledgeable, friendly and communicative guide
and equally helpful driver, and they stayed with us, as per arrangement,
for all our half and full-day tours. I think, it is necessary to
have such an arrangement, because it seems pretty difficult to arrange
any kind of tour there (Tunisia) within a day or two notice. Finally
a word about "Le Residence" which is a quality world-class hotel.
The service was exceptional and we were happy there throughout our
stay."
John Elton
Forest Hills, NY
Deena Greenberg writes... "Great tour, beautiful
hotels, excellent guide. Would highly recommend this company. Look
forward to another tour with TunisUSA."
Deena Greenberg
Brookville, PA
Ron Kron writes... "The variety of scenery, from
the sea to the Sahara, and the variety of the people in the cities,
and the country, makes Tunisia a journey of fascinating delight.
The Roman ruins are some of the best I have ever seen and you don't
have to face multitudes of people to enjoy them. This is a country
that most Americans know little about, and they are missing out
on a North African country that welcomes us."
Ron Kron
Santa Fe, NM
Bob and Irene Cortinovis write... "Our 'Roman
Tunisia' was marvelous! Our wonderful guide absolutely made the
trip. A professional archaeologist, he had worked on some of the
digs and was greeted like a brother wherever we went."
Bob and Irene Cortinovis
St. Louis, MO
George Patterson, Jr. writes...
"I couldn't have asked for a better or more interesting group of
companions for a trip into the unknown...Tunisia! The trip was full
and well planned, yet had flexibility enough to allow for changes
to add extra satisfaction and insight in meeting some of Jerry's
personal Tunisian friends. We covered the country from green north
through semi-arid central to mystic southern desert, seacoast to
western mountains. We saw antiquity in Roman ruins and in Bedouin/Berber
nomads with their ancient culture and way of life. Camels in the
desert, olive trees running to the distant horizons, lush green
wheat fields stretching across a valley and everywhere we went,
friendly people. These are my memoirs of Tunisia! These and harissa
and bread...to die for!"
George Patterson, Jr.
Lansdale, PA
Paul Van Order writes... "Tunisia was an exceptional
experience. The variety of scenery, the imposing Roman ruins, the
bustling medinas and the tasty cuisine were a magical mix. The local
people were a particular attraction, as warm and charming as any
I have encountered in my wanderings. I can see how Tunisia can become
addictive. The upscale nature of the trip raised it above the level
of my usual budget-conscious wanderings. The comforts of fine hotels
and gourmet meals were pluses. And the congeniality of the group
made for a learning experience spiced with rollicking humor. I find
that some trips are as enjoyable in retrospect as they were at the
time of travel. That is especially true of Tunisia, as I look over
my slides and savor memories of a special adventure."
Paul Van Order
Arlington, VA
Pecki Sherman Witonsky writes... "Your magic carpet
carried me on wings, wheels and camel's feet in an exotic land of
ancient desert ruins and medium terrain beaches. Your choice of
restaurants was always 5 star and your Tunisian hosts filled me
with a new understanding of history, religion and gods. I am newly
enriched and enlightened and look forward to traveling with you
again. Thank you so much!"
Pecki Sherman Witonsky
Bryn Mawr, PA
Eunice L. Mutter writes... "Jerry put together
a memorable trip for travelers: a very busy trip with varied sights,
lodgings, sounds, foods and experiences which resulted in a wonderfully
rounded exposure to Tunisia. All this was accomplished with a grace
and kindness unusual with a tour! I feel fortunate in having been
able to travel with Jerry and Nejib and to meet many of their interesting
Tunisian friends. Thanks for a great traveling experience."
Eunice L. Mutter
Newtown Square, PA
Eileen Baird writes...
"Tunisia has something special and sharing it, both Jerry and Nejib
made it extra special. Their attention to detail and their enthusiasm
for the country and it's people was felt by everyone. I'm looking
forward to Jerry's trip to Eastern Turkey in 2001."
Eileen Baird
Philadelphia, PA
June Shelley writes... "After a day of exciting
visits, whether traveling to Roman ruins in a comfortable bus or
exploring the desert towns in a 4 wheel drive vehicle, you were
always assured of a wonderful hotel awaiting you and a gourmet meal."
June Shelley
Los Angeles, CA
Howard and Connie Bruckner write... "In general,
our Tunisian experience was unexpectedly, pleasantly, awesomely,
wonderful!
You may list us as references for your services, as well as
the country as a wonderful place to visit. We were very favorably
impressed by this forward, westernized Muslim society. It is the
model for women's rights among the other Arab nations, and they
are truly a country of friendly, religiously tolerant people."
Howard and Connie Bruckner
Augusta, GA
Steven M. Greenberg, M.D. writes... "A perfectly
arranged tour with emphasis on history and culture. The guide imaginable,
efficient use of time, great accommodations. One of the best!"
Steven M. Greenberg, M.D.
Brookville, PA
Frederick and Patricia Graboske...
"Tunisia is a small but fascinating country. The Roman mosaics are
the best in the world. The our provided us the opportunity to see
a variety of interesting places: Carthage, Roman ruins, "Star War"
sties, unique dwellings and resorts. The accomodations and food
were fully satisfactory. The drive and guide were knowledgeable
about the country and did everything in their power to accommodate
our interests."
Frederick and Patricia Graboske
Rockville, MD
Bernard A. Hiller writes... "For the past 40 years,
my wife and I have traveled the world. We have gone with large groups;
private tours; and on our own, but have never had a more overall
enjoyable experience than on our recent trip to Tunisia, accompanied
by Wadia and your driver Mohammed."
"Wadia was extremely knowledgeable and had a wonderful sense
of humor. When minor problems arose, she took care of them instantly.
She was interesting and fun. Mohammed was a wonderful driver in
full control of all situations. They were both extremely punctual
and anxious to please. Our trip was an outstanding success due
to the efforts of these two wonderful representatives. If you
ever really want to impress visitors, put them in the hands of
these two people."
Bernard A. Hiller
Uniondale, NY
Thomas W. Feary writes... "Thanks for arranging
a very relaxing and informative trip for us. Our guide was excellent
and went way beyond expectations in ensuring that we saw as much
as possible of this interesting country. The Roman ruins were wonderful
to see and the mosaics in the museums and various sites were outstanding.
We especially enjoyed the desert regions and visits of rural life,
much unchanged from ancient times. We felt very lucky to enjoy this
trip as a couple. We would highly recommend a Tunisia tour to anyone
who might have an interest in this region."
Thomas W. Feary
Morris Plains, NJ
Vivian and Doug Chambers write... "Your suggested
alterations and additions to the original itinerary which I first
proposed were ALL helpful toward giving us a feeling of having truly
experienced the cultural and geographical diversity of this historic,
small, as-yet-unspoiled country. Your hotel selections were all
excellent accommodations. Our guide was knowledgeable, easy-to-understand.
We gladly recommend TunisUSA to anyone or group, planning a visit
to Tunisia!"
Vivian and Doug Chambers
Salem, OR
Luisa Caldwell and Robert Hickman write...
"Tunisia is a widely diverse country and has something for everyone!
From ancient Roman ruins to Berber farmland, desert oasis to the
luxurious Mediterranean seashore. Tunisia is a surprisingly contemporary
culture making for very comfortable travel. Aside from Tunisia being
an interesting destination, TunisUSA organized a fantastic itinerary,
including our own SUV with driver and our guide, who we will never
forget. We were nervous about bringing our five-month-old baby,
only to discover that it is a very clean and healthy country, plus,
our hotels were some of the most luxurious in the world. Tunisia
is a great family destination and very child friendly: the swimming
pools are the most gorgeous we have ever cooled ourselves in and
the french fries, no matter where you dine, are the best in the
world!"
Luisa Caldwell and Robert Hickman
Brooklyn, NY
John Fleckles writes... "I thoroughly enjoyed
the "Kasbah to the Sahara" tour to Tunisia. The tour was well planned
and carried out even though much activity was packed into six days.
I sincerely believe that, rather than independent travel, your tour
is the best way to be introduced to Tunisia with its complex history
and cultures. I was thoroughly satisfied with the trip and have
many good memories of places and people and aspects of Tunisian
culture. The highlights of the tour were the Roman ruins at El Jem,
the medinas of Tunis and Sousse, and the city of Tozeur and the
Saharan desert area south of there. Of course, the camel ride at
Douz was an exceptional experience. Your tour has enabled me to
experience in a most satisfactory way a country with a unique Islamic
culture and Mediterranean heritage. Thanks for providing a great
tour. I will and have recommended it to friends."
John Fleckles
Kaneohe, HI
Jerrold Fuchs and Jane Harvey write... "I think
you give people their monies worth and it is always hard to please
all the people all the time I would and will recommend you to others
so, thank you."
Jerrold Fuchs and Jane Harvey
New York, NY
Gordon and Olivia Brown write... "A well-planned
and meticulously executed tour. The logistics were flawless, the
bus large and comfortable, and the guide and driver excellent. It
was a most comfortable and informative way to learn about this lovely
and fascinating country."
Gordon and Olivia Brown
Ex-residents of Tunisia
Woolf P.Gross writes...
"As you know, my "day job" has me traveling extensively and repetitively
throughout the Middle East. I am inured to things going wrong with
regularity. Imagine my surprise and delight than when I report that
the ATA (American Tunisian Association) trip went off from beginning
to end without a hitch or a glitch! These things simply do not happen
in that part of the world but they did this time.
You are well aware that many if not most of our delegation had
prior connections with Tunisia. Many of us thought we had seen
all there is to see in the country. And yet the itinerary TunisUSA
worked out for us ensured that there was something new and exotic
for even the most familiar and jaded amount the group.
And here I will digress. With my ATA hat on, let me say that
Tunisia-small as it is-is among the most varied and attractive
of travel destinations with which I am familiar. It is also, for
Americans at least, among the best kept secrets. My previous travels
in the country and certainly our most recent itinerary, as developed
by TunisUSA, underscored the cultural, historical and geographic
diversity of Africa's "most attractive (to me at least) destination".
It is the ideal compromise between the familiar and the exotic.
For Americans seeing "something different", but not jarringly
so, Tunisia is the place."
Woolf P.Gross
Vice President of the American Tunisian Association
Washington, DC
Aileen Sprague writes... "My first trip to Tunisia
was an eye-opener. I could hardly believe the variety of scenery
we experienced, from beautiful beaches to rolling hills, to bleak
mountains revealing lush oases, to Sahara sand dunes, to olive groves,
to cork forests. The extent of the Roman ruins was unbelievable,
with so much of the original towns still visible-roads and walls
and temples-that you could almost visualize how it mush have looked.
And there were so many beautiful mosaics still in place in the Roman
houses. Of course it helped to have a wonderful guide who could
explain everything in charmingly accented English and with a great
sense of humor. Aside from the ruins, the country seemed so prosperous
and modern, with beautiful hotels and good restaurants, and very
friendly people. I think my favorite part must have been the incredible
mountain oases, although the camel ride across the desert runs a
close second."
Aileen Sprague
Bethesda, MD
Gary Gardner writes...
"I had a great time in
Tunisia. The people, food and incredible vistas made my short stay
a memorable one. The Guys were great! I felt a little self-conscience,
at first, being escorted by two people, but by the end of the first
day we were just three guys hanging out. The planning was perfect
and accommodations fine. I still don't think I can get my wife to
go, but I will be sending my two teenage sons. They can't wait!
Thanks again!"
Gary Gardner
Chicago, IL
Jim Phippard writes... "I want to tell you how
much my fellow ATA members and I enjoyed our tour in Tunisia. From
beginning to end everything was well organized, and the logistics
went beautifully. The hotels were excellent; the ones in Kairouan
and Tozeur would rank with the best anywhere. Your organizing efforts
were very much appreciated.
You couldn't have picked a better guide. He was superb in many
respects. His English was excellent. (I have suffered through
guides whose English was not good). He had an encyclopedic knowledge
of the sites and their history. Not just of the sites that we
visited, but of just about everything that we passed! He had the
perfect personality; he kept us organized and moving without being
bossy and he was invariably good humored. He was flexible enough
to adjust when the Kasserine visit was being scheduled as we traveled.
All in all we couldn't say enough good things about Mourad.
Our driver also made an important contribution to the trip.
When you spend as much time in a vehicle as we did, you want to
feel secure without worrying about possible accidents. His driving
was excellent, never too fast, and he didn't take chances. I don't
know if Americans worry more about bad driving, but I can tell
you that everyone felt secure with Lotfi at the wheel. He was
always ready to assist, such as bringing someone's glasses to
them when they'd left them on the bus.
Finally, the ability to handle much of our planning through
Jerry Sorkin here in the U.S. made the process go very smoothly.
Jerry was always there by phone or e-mail to answer our many questions.
We enjoyed meeting you in Tunis and whish you well with your
well-run business."
Jim Phippard
Washington, DC
Boris and Raquel Ibanez write...
"Our recent visit to Tunisia, organized by the American Tunisian
Association, with your assistance, was indeed a very successful
project which my wife and I were lucky to be able to share. For
us, this second visit to the country deserves the following comments:
- The selection of sites was excellent as we were able to enjoy
the northwestern part of the country, including the Roman ruins
done in detail.
- The local organization was flawless in regards to the program,
official visits, tour arrangements, etc.
- The selection of our guide was particularly fortunate as we
consider him superior in his profession, attitude and intelligence.
This in essence translated as satisfaction of practically all
needs and desires of the members of the group.
- Hotel accommodations by and large were at the best available
facilities at points visited. The food was outstanding.
- Local transportation and handling of luggage was superb. Incidentally,
we obviously had one of the best trained and conscientious bus
drivers in Tunisia.
In general, Tunisia has had a remarkable change over the past
eight years. Mostly, there have been social changes, probably
associated with developments in national education and local government.
Women almost everywhere appear freer, happier and sharing responsibilities.
We like very much what we saw, although we missed seeing more
of the folklore of the past, particularly attire. A lot of construction
in the making of a new century."
Boris and Raquel Ibanez
Melbourne, FL
Patricia Bailey writes... "This was a tour much
beyond my expectations. Our tour guide was extremely enjoyable and
pleasant, as well. He made every attempt to meet the requests of
the group. With his broad knowledge of antiquity, archaeology, and
history he kept the interest of just about every member of the group.
I felt extremely safe throughout the trip - the bud driver was excellent.
Tunisia is so diverse that within 5 days we toured coast lines,
mountains, forests, deserts, busy cities, small villages and met
with very courteous and honest Tunisians."
Patricia Bailey
Corte Madera, CA
Cherry L. Frederiksen writes... "The whole trip
was a unique experience to travel in a country so rich with Roman
history. For me, the highlight of the trip was the visit to the
mountain oasis with each site's stunning beauty. Thanks for the
efficient handling of hotel accommodations and meals."
Cherry L. Frederiksen
Tiburon, CA
Bob and Marjorie Orr write... "We've just returned
from our 10-day trip to Tunisia and wanted to thank you for the
best trip we've had among our visits to 55 countries. It was thoroughly
enjoyable and lived up to our expectations. Our guide was thoroughly
knowledgeable and delightful. The hotels were all excellent as was
the Tunisian food. The pace of the itinerary was ideal and everything
we visited was interesting, particularly the Roman ruins. We wish
we could have continued for another 10 days. We're advising all
our friends to "get with it" and see Tunisia!
We will be pleased to accept telephone calls from prospects
and you may use the above comments in your brochure."
Bob and Marjorie Orr
Philadelphia, PA
Barbara and Ron Rosenthal write...
"Thanks to you, our trip to Tunisia last month was marvelous. What
a fascinating country-so much to see and do, made even better with
our wonderful guide Hamadi and the most excellent driver, Emed!
The people were warm and friendly, the food delicious and the sights-incredible!
We loved every minute-Thank you! My cousin who traveled with us,
agrees - the best!
We certainly hope to meet you one day soon."
Barbara and Ron Rosenthal
Ambler, PA
Gwen W. Julia writes... "I wanted to express our
thanks to you for arranging at extremely short notice a wonderful
trip for us in Tunisia. I can't believe how much we saw in the week
that we had - all of it interesting from a historical perspective,
and beautiful in its scenic aspects. We loved seeing the many varied
aspects of the desert from the sand dunes in Douz to the mountain
oasis in Chebika and Tamerza. A highlight was when Abdul, our driver,
took us off the road in the four wheel drive into the midst of a
herd of some 400 or 500 camels who were walking in front of us,
behind us, and at both sides of us. Another desert highlight was
stopping on one of the backroads to look at a view and hearing a
young shepherd boy playing a beautiful melody on his flute as he
tended his flock. Jerba presented a very different aspect with its
domes white houses and blue shutters and doors. The synagogue was
like a jewel inside. Abdul our driver left us there. He had a great
sense of humor and was a good driver. On to Tunis where we began
our tour of Roman ruins which presented yet another aspect of Tunisia.
The scenery was very different - very pretty fertile fields and
hills in the background - the Roman ruins were very impressive.
Hamdan was very knowledgeable and capable and we felt very well
taken care of by him. The hotels were great, especially the Maison
Blanche - which was so elegantly furnished and spacious. We just
wish we had more time in each place, there was so much to see and
do. We still have many sights we have not seen and hope we can return
again one day and put ourselves once again in your excellent care.
Thank you."
Gwen W. Julia
West Newton, MA
Ann Madison writes... "We were very pleased with
the organization and quality level of our entire Tunisian trip.
Our guide had a formidable task to keep everyone in line to move
along on schedule while being courteous and thoughtful of our individual
needs at all times. I though that the itinerary was outstanding
- excellent coverage of the country so that we had an impression
of the variety of countryside in Tunisia. We are happy to know about
your Turkey tours and hope to take time to go on one of those tours
in the future. All in all, an excellent experience at a modest cost
considering the quality level of the amenities."
Ann Madison
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Joseph and Carolyn Losos write... "The highlight
of our Tunisian trip, which lasted ten days, was the inspection
of Roman ruins. Utica, Carthage and Sbeitla were very interesting,
while Dougga and El Djem were absolutely magnificent. The opportunity
to view these sites and the museums and to get plenty of exercise
in the process was delightful. All of Tunisia was grand, from the
luxury and charm of Djerba to our fun camel ride in the desert.
We are eager to recommend the trip to our friends."
Joseph and Carolyn Losos
St. Louis, Missouri
Patricia P. Reifsnyder writes... "The tour struck
a happy balance between the historic and the present, between the
carefully planned and the cheerful improvisation - all of it in
comfort. Q & A with articulate, accomplished Tunisians in an informal
setting was an important part of the tour, which is well named,
History, Culture & People.
The Malta extension was outstanding. The sites were well chosen
and if the other guides are anything like Fiona (is it possible?),
you leave the island with an encyclopedia of information about
Malta."
Patricia P. Reifsnyder
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Barbara Meacham writes... "Recently I returned
from the History, Culture and People tour. It was a most successful
experience. Daily my expectations were exceeded. I didnt realize
a country as small as Tunisia would offer so much diversity in history
and geography. I have never known better guidance on a tour. There
was a consistent effort to share with us a vast knowledge of the
country. The hotels, food and land transportation were all good
to excellent. The itinerary seemed to attract people who have known
many years of foreign travel. This added to the richness of the
experience. I will be looking forward to future itineraries, especially
those that focus on the southern part of the country."
Barbara Meacham
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Harriet Barry writes... "Jerry runs a great trip!
The hotels and the restaurants were excellent. Our guide was superb!
I dont think Ive ever had a better one. The group was very congenial
and cooperative. Jerry even offered things to do in our free time
should we wish to avail ourselves of them. I think we saw just about
everything there was to see in Tunisia in two weeks. He also offered
extras you might not get on other trips, ie: lunch and dinner with
some of his interesting Tunisian friends."
Harriet Barry
Villanova, Pennsylvania
Bill and Anita Kaplan write... "We thought the
Roman mosaics in Sicily were wonderful, but they didnt compare
to the quality and quantity of those in Tunisia. The historical
and cultural TunisUSA tour presented us with a fantastic exposure
to all the splendid sites of Tunisia. Take the trip NOW!"
Bill and Anita Kaplan
Pacific Grove, CA
Harold and Sybil Stenberg write... "We still find
it incredible that so many different experiences were possible in
a twelve day trip. In their scope, size and numbers, the Roman ruins
are astonishing, and the mosaics are thrilling. The desert part
of the trip was a grand adventure, especially the night spent in
the luxurious tent. The island of Jerba was the third surprise;
the chance to meet with the (Jewish) community was the highlight.
In fact, the contact with Tunisians throughout the trip added a
unique dimension. And it was obvious that our guide, Nejib, is the
best in the country, a wonderful fellow whose erudition is matched
by his sense of humor."
Harold and Sybil Steinberg
Westport, Connecticut
Joan and Bob Mannheimer write... "The March 2001
History, Culture and People tour was among the best we have taken.
Generally speaking, the mechanics of the tour - transportation within
Tunisia, hotels, local restaurants, etc., were excellent. Definite
highlights were the magnificent Roman sites, the splendid breathtaking
mosaics, the desert tent camp, Djerba (especially the visit to Hara
Kabira) and the opportunity to have personal contacts. Undoubtedly,
having an archaeologist of Nejibs caliber and Jerry with the tour
the whole way enhanced the pleasure of the trip."
Joan and Bob Mannheimer
Des Moines, Iowa
BJ and Howard Greenberger write... "The History,
Culture and People tour in March 2001 was one of the finest trips
we have ever taken. It was beautifully conceived and balanced. We
loved the archaeological digs and museum; as well as the delightful
and luxurious accommodations and cuisine.
It was a special treat to eat in native restaurants, many in
restored mansions full of charm and ambience. Additionally, it
was wonderful to meet local citizens who were friends of Mr. Sorkin.
They gave us insight into the present conditions of the country.
Our guide was a treasure, a professor and professional archaeologist
and a delight to be with."
BJ and Howard Greenberger
New York City, New York
Zelda and Bernie Levere write... "Our recent trip
to Tunisia encompassed all the elements of a stellar vacation -
outstanding historic places to visit; interesting people who shared
their cultural information with us; contrasting settings such as
modern cities; desert scenery and Mediterranean coastlines; good
hotels and good food. All of this, plus the best-informed guide/archaeologist
it has been our pleasure to travel with.
Jerry Sorkin, the founder of TunisUSA, does a superb job in running
these tours. He has a long association with Tunisia, speaks Arabic,
and has wide contact with Tunisians in various walks of life.
He was very solicitous of his tour participants, doing whatever
he could to enhance our enjoyment and comfort, such as providing
plentiful chilled, bottled water throughout the trip, and taking
us to places off the beaten tourist route, like a night spent
quite comfortably in the Sahara Desert.
A particular highlight of the trip for us was the visit to Djerba,
an island that is home to one of the oldest settlements of Jews
in the world. We had ample opportunity to meet with the leaders
of the community, visit the school and synagogue, and learn about
the people living there whose history goes back to pre-Biblical
days. By contrast, the rest of Djerba has been developed into
first-rate beach resorts that attract Europeans on a year-round
basis, and we stayed in one of them.
Our tours of the ruins of ancient Carthage and El Jem and other
archaeological sites were memorable and comprehensive, and the
many mosaics we viewed, in museum and on-site, quite amazing.
All-in-all, for a unique and unexpected vacation treat, we would
highly recommend a visit to Tunisia with TunisUSA."
Zelda and Bernie Levere
Creskill, New Jersey
Stuart Marks writes... "Let me tell you how much
I enjoyed your tour. What makes a trip abroad truly memorable is
not so much the museums or even the scenery- noteworthy as they
may be - but the human contacts we make. I am deeply grateful to
you for the unusual experience we had in being able to meet and
enjoy your wonderful friends - I hope their doors remain open to
you. Truly...I found them fascinating!!!."
Stuart Marks
Salisbury, CT
Elaine and Merv Jacobs write... "We had wanted
to write to you and tell you what a great time we had on our trip
to Tunisia. We particularly liked this trip above many others, because
of your personal touch and the friendship afforded to us by your
friends in Tunisia. We look forward to seeing you again."
Elaine and Merv Jacobs
Boca Raton, FL
Gloria Schreiber writes... It was a great trip.
I enjoyed meeting the Jewish people and seeing so much of Jewish
interest. You were great and took great care of us. The food was
very good and the company interesting. I'll travel with you again!!!"
Gloria Schreiber
Valley Stream, NY
Carol and Denis Crawford write... While we returned
from Tunisia the end of June, the wonderful memories still linger
on. Our trip was fabulous and we understand now why you fell in
love with the country. We were quite surprised to find it so non-third
world. Very little visible poverty and good infrastructure - phones,
highways, hotels & restaurants, clean, very friendly, western dress...all
combined we were quite surprised.
Kudos to you for putting together such a grand tour for us in such
a short amount of time. Moe, our guide, met us as planned. Throughout
the week we found him very knowledgeable, friendly and flexible.
The driver, Mohammed, was always where he was supposed to be with
a smile on his face. He really liked our 7-year-old grandson, Rill.
Staying at La Madison Blanche for the first few days in Tunis was
a treat -we loved our gorgeous 4 poster beds and elegantly tiled
bathrooms - it was really nicer than the About Nanas of Tunis (more
a businessman's hotel. Our stay at Le Forte was lovely - we were
the only people there...in fact, until we arrived in Kairouan, we
felt there were very few tourists, because the hotels were very
empty. All hotels were very clean and accommodating - even the simplest
hotel in Le Kef. You did a great job in selecting these. Moez, the
guide, always had a plan but would change to accommodate any of
our wishes. He was great.
Due to the children, we did forego Sbeitla and went on to Kairouan
and Le Kasbah - fabulous hotel. The thing Denis and I enjoyed the
most about all the ruins was our ability to wander the ruins freely
and play where the gladiators and lions were, imagine the good times
in the baths, envision the plays and gatherings in the amphitheatres.
So many of Europe's ruins are now closed or very controlled in order
not to incur further damage. Not so, in Tunisia.
The weather was great - 80-90 degrees, even a little cool in the
evenings if the wind was up. The food was wonderful and none of
us experienced tummy problems. Our favorite lunch was at a street
side bar-b-q restaurant across from a colorful outdoor produce market.
Tunisian salad, bar-b-qued lamb, fresh peaches and watermelon from
the market - all out of doors. We also enjoyed the turkey gyro sandwiches
in the flat round bread filled with tomatoes and French fries...very
popular with the kids and all of us as there was little waiting.
Our last night before returning home we took taxis to Sidi Bou Said,
enjoyed mint tea with pine nuts in the special restaurant there
- then bought the turkey sandwiches and sat on the entrance steps
having our own picnic. A older woman dressed in the white, typical
robe wrap paused to wish us 'Bon Apetite.'
The only minor slip in your plans occurred with the van picking
us up at Club Med to return to Tunis. Apparently it went to the
wrong Club Med and when it arrived it was a full-scale tourist bus
with seating for 40 people.Everything else you planned worked like
clockwork. There is no way that Denis and I could have put this
trip together. Denis didn't have to drive, we had no worries about
booking hotels, we learned a lot about the ruins and the times through
Moez...much better than reading guidebooks...it was truly a memorable
time. Since returning we have raved up and down about your services
and would be happy to recommend them to anyone else in the future.
Thanks for the great gift."
Carol and Denis Crawford
Yorba Linda, CA
Dorothy and Paul Hall write... "Among the highlights
of our recent trip to Tunisia were visits to the Bardo Museum of
mosaics, the ancient synagogue at Djerba, the luxuriant oasis at
Tozeur and the move sets of 'Star Wars' and 'The English Patient,'
'still to be seen in the desert.
We will long remember the Hotel Hasdrubal on Djerba, where having
briefly enjoyed the super-sized swimming pool and Presidential Suite,
we were reluctant to leave.
Our guide, Hamadi, an archaeologist with a thorough knowledge of
history and mythology, made the Roman sites we visited (and there
were many) really come alive.
The trip turned out to be among the best we have taken."
Dorothy and Paul Hall
New York, NY
Hermina Rosen writes...
"What a trip!"
"I would NOT have wanted
to miss one facet of this varied and wonderful trip, but for me,
I needed 3 weeks or at least 17 days."
Hermina Rosen
Lloyd Neck, NY
Jean & Leon Homeier write...
"Before we left for Tunisia
we wondered why the trip was
going to be TWO weeks; now we know that it wasn't long enough. We
weren't prepared for the variety of interest that Tunisia holds
"
"
all in all it was an exceptional experience."
Jean and Lon Homeier
Bryn Mawr, PA
Florence and Sylvain J. Sternberg write...
"Our trip to Tunisia was outstanding and has left us with
wonderful memories. Since we had our own personalized itinerary
for the two weekends plus the special archaeology group for midweek,
we truly feel that we got the best of two worlds. Our private
guide was attentive, well informed and very flexible, accommodating
to any special request we made. The group guide was excellent.
We much appreciate the attention you gave us both as to arranging
our itinerary and for "catering" to our kosher and Sabbath
requirements. At every meal, our foil-wrapped fish/vegetarian
plate appeared as though it were a routine matter."
Florence and Sylvain J. Sternberg
Jerusalem, ISRAEL
Eve Friedman writes...
"Our tour began in Tunis and went south to Tozeur and back
to Tunis. We could not have been more fortunate since our guide
could not have been more knowledgeable and experienced."
"Our hotels were luxurious with local color adorned by mosaics
representing a mixture of the cultures of Tunisia. Restaurants
were carefully chosen for the variety of ethnic foods, a mixture
of Tunisian, French, Italian and Spanish. They were beautifully
appointed and located by the seashore and in gardens, as well
as near the excavations. All meals were included in the price
of the trip."
"I would most heartily recommend
this trip From the Kasbah to the Sahara with TunisUSA."
Eve Friedman
Westbury, NY
Nancy Hall writes...
"Having traveled extensively since 1983, my trip to Tunisia
with TunisUSA was a highlight in my life." "Articles
in the N.Y.Times and Washington Times indicated that Jerry Sorkin
and TunisUSA were pros
and they were!" "It was
a vigorous trip which tested my 76 years; it was well worth it
and I felt great." "The people are friendly and helpful."
Nancy Hall
Moorestown, NJ
Gloria Schreiber writes...
It was a great trip. I enjoyed meeting the Jewish people and seeing
so much of Jewish interests. You were great and took great care
of us. The food was very good and the company interesting. I'll
travel with you again!!!
Gloria Schreiber
Valley Stream, NY
Toby Topek writes...
"
I feel as though I really saw and experienced Tunisia;
the archaeological sites, museums, the architecture, colors, costumes,
shapes, languages, food, met the people
Tunisia is now a place
imprinted, indelible on my mind."
Toby Topek
Houston, TX
Ellen and David Freeman write...
"An exciting tour of the best in Roman Africa, with a skillful
placement of the Roman civilization between its numidian/Carthaginian
predecessor and its successors: Vandals, Byzantines, Arabs and
Turks. The mosaics throughout the country-especially at the Bardo-are
incomparable."
Ellen and David Freeman
Newtown Square, PA
Iris and Shubert Spero write...
"The drivers, guides and particularly the resident archaeologist
were not only expert in their respective roles, but delightful
human beings. After we got home we spread out the big road map
of Tunisia on the dining room table and traced with a magic marker
our itinerary and realized that we had covered the country from
border to border and sea to the Sahara."
"
thank
you for a most enjoyable tour."
Iris and Shubert Spero
Jerusalem, Israel
JoAnne and Warren Bender write...
"Having just returned from a wonderful vacation in Tunisia
we want to thank you for your role in putting it all together.
We saw so much in less than two weeks. Yet due to your planning,
we moved along at a good clip, but you allowed for the periodic
pause that avoided overload.
Tunisia certainly lived up to your advance billing. Warm, friendly
people, excellent accommodations and a wide variety of fascinating
sights. I would also like to commend our guide. He was ever knowledgeable,
enthusiastic and good humored. He added immeasurably to our trip.
It is a shame that more Americans aren't aware of Tunisia's charms.
We will be doing our best to remedy that. I hope that we can avail
ourselves of your good services at some future time."
JoAnne and Warren Bender
Rye, NY
Elaine and Merv Jacobs write...
We had wanted to write to you and tell you what a great time we
had on our trip to Tunisia. We particularly liked this trip above
many others, because of your personal touch and the friendship
afforded to us by your friends in Tunisia. We look forward to
seeing you again.
Elaine and Merv Jacobs
Boca Raton, FL
Ilyas Hokkaci writes...
"I would like to thank you very much on behalf of myself
and our group of nine people. They enjoyed everything. The guide
was excellent, the hotels and meals were very good and the tour
itinerary was fantastic. It was a very good experience. Thanks
again! I hope we will have the opportunity to work together again
in the future."
Ilyas Hokkaci
Brooklyn, NY
The Paleys and Plechners write...
"What a phenomenal vacation you arranged for us! We have spent the last week trying
to tell people where Tunisia is (few people seem to know) and what
marvelous resources it has for the mildly adventurous vacationer.
The activities were marvelous. The ruins were compelling. The hotels,
excellent. And the food! - all over the country, fresh vegetables,
fresh fish, terrific breakfasts. We haven't stopped raving about
our trip; we are all most grateful to you for putting together a
stellar vacation.
With all of that, we must tell you that what made the trip so special
for us was our guide. He was personable, good-humored, efficient
and tolerant. Most important, he had the ability to inflame us with
his passion of the past and for Tunisia's history, and he did so.
Thank you for a most memorable vacation."
The Paleys and Plechners
New Jersey
Darcy and Robert Gelber write...
"
we had a wonderful time in Tunisia. You put together
an outstanding tour on such short notice. We are extraordinarily
lucky that I found you on the Internet.
Tunisia (and the
Tunisians) is a much kinder and gentler and lower-keyed country
than Morocco
. Thanks again for listening to us so well and
for putting it together in just a few days and for delivering
more than we expected. We are grateful to you."
Darcy and Robert Gelber
Santa Barbara, CA
Josette Smetana writes...
"What a fabulous trip!"
"If I had to use
a rather trendy work of today, I would say that everything was
'awesome'. From the Phoenician and Roman ruins of Carthage and
Sufetula, the marvelous mosaics so well kept in museums, in the
Tunis Bardo Museum in particular and exemplified in our magnificent
hotel "Dar Cherait", to the highlight of the trip, which
for me was undeniably the Saharan desert and the oases, the plain
as well as the mountain ones, I cannot describe all the wonders."
Josette Smetana
Westbury, NY
Betty and Herb Kane write...
"
we had an unforgettable experience touring the country
of Tunisia, discovering its many archaeological sites, learning
of its varied cultures and turbulent ancient history."
"The itinerary that you devised for us was well balanced
and perfectly executed: alternating days of touring excursions
with days of relaxation, private visits or meetings. Our guide,
an archaeologist by professions, was very good: flexible and extremely
knowledgeable. His passion about the excavations and the discovery
of those magnificent vestiges was infectious."
"Herb and I want to thank you for your efforts in custom
planning this wonderful vacation for us and hope that we will
meet, one of these days. You may give our names to prospective
travelers, as we would heartily recommend the trip."
Betty and Herb Kane
Cherry Hill, NJ
Janet and Jay Sigler write...
"The arrival of your postcard today with mention of your
website prompted us to write to you - belatedly - to let you know
how much we enjoyed our trip to Tunisia in late September. We
had a wonderful time and found Tunisia to be a fascinating country
of which we had known so little. Nejib was a gracious and knowledgeable
guide and our group of 8 travelers was quite compatible. The trip
was well-organized and provided us with many memorable moments.
The Roman and Carthaginian ruins, the visits to oasis villages,
the museums, the fresh dates and the splendid meals in Tunis were
all highlights. However, we must admit that it was a real kick
to drive over the dunes in 4WD vehicles to visit the Star Wars
and English Patient filming locations - the adrenaline rushed,
we screamed in anticipation of who know what as we mounted the
dunes. It was great!
Both Jay and I count our visit to Tunisia as one of our best travel
experiences. Thanks so much for your part in organizing the tour."
Janet and Jay Sigler
Edgartown, MA
Deena Greenberg writes...
Great tour, beautiful hotels, excellent guide. Would highly recommend
this company. Look forward to another tour with TunisUSA.
Deena Greenberg
Brookville, PA
Harriet S. Goldman writes...
"Our trip went off like clockwork. The itinerary made for
an ambitious trip but provided needed respites in between long
travel days. Frankly, you surpassed my expectations for immersing
myself in the history, culture and beauty of Tunisia. I really
felt like an "explorer". Our trip to Ksar Ghilane and
then over to Tozeur was a highlight.
Our guide was excellent, especially with our interest in archaeology.
Our driver was excellent as well. The land cruiser was very comfortable.
The hotels you chose for us were wonderful - especially La Residence,
at the end of our stay and of course the Pan Sea in Ksar Ghilane.
The trip from Matmata to Metameur is not to be missed.
I would recommend you and the itinerary to anyone. Thank you for
living up to all my expectations. Recently there was a front page
article in the Sunday N.Y. Times travel section on Tunisia. A
smile came to my face - I could have written it!!"
Harriet S. Goldman, DDS, MPH
Chairman, Department of Dentistry
John Elton writes...
"The services which your agency provided were exceptional.
We were picked up by a very knowledgeable, friendly and communicative
guide and equally helpful driver, and they stayed with us, as
per arrangement, for all our half and full-day tours. I think,
it is necessary to have such an arrangement, because it seems
pretty difficult to arrange any kind of tour there (Tunisia) within
a day or two notice. Finally a word about "Le Residence"
which is a quality world-class hotel. The service was exceptional
and we were happy there throughout our stay."
John Elton
Forest Hills, NY
Bob and Irene Cortinovis write...
"Our 'Roman Tunisia' was marvelous! Our wonderful guide absolutely
made the trip. A professional archaeologist, he had worked on
some of the digs and was greeted like a brother wherever we went."
Bob and Irene Cortinovis
St. Louis, MO
George Patterson, Jr. writes...
I couldn't have asked for a better or more interesting group
of companions for a trip into the unknown
Tunisia! The trip
was full and well planned, yet had flexibility enough to allow
for changes to add extra satisfaction and insight in meeting some
of Jerry's personal Tunisian friends. We covered the country from
green north through semi-arid central to mystic southern desert,
seacoast to western mountains. We saw antiquity in Roman ruins
and in Bedouin/Berber nomads with their ancient culture and way
of life. Camels in the desert, olive trees running to the distant
horizons, lush green wheat fields stretching across a valley and
everywhere we went, friendly people. These are my memoirs of Tunisia!
These and harissa and bread
to die for!
George Patterson, Jr.
Lansdale, PA
Paul Van Order writes...
Tunisia was an exceptional experience. The variety of scenery,
the imposing Roman ruins, the bustling medinas and the tasty cuisine
were a magical mix. The local people were a particular attraction,
as warm and charming as any I have encountered in my wanderings.
I can see how Tunisia can become addictive.
The upscale nature of the trip raised it above the level of my
usual budget-conscious wanderings. The comforts of fine hotels
and gourmet meals were pluses. And the congeniality of the group
made for a learning experience spiced with rollicking humor.
I find that some trips are as enjoyable in retrospect as they
were at the time of travel. That is especially true of Tunisia,
as I look over my slides and savor memories of a special adventure.
Paul Van Order
Arlington, VA
Pecki Sherman Witonsky writes...
Your magic carpet carried me on wings, wheels and camel's feet
in an exotic land of ancient desert ruins and medium terrain beaches.
Your choice of restaurants was always 5 star and your Tunisian
hosts filled me with a new understanding of history, religion
and gods. I am newly enriched and enlightened and look forward
to traveling with you again. Thank you so much!
Pecki Sherman Witonsky
Bryn Mawr, PA
Eunice L. Mutter writes...
Jerry put together a memorable trip for travelers: a very busy
trip with varied sights, lodgings, sounds, foods and experiences
which resulted in a wonderfully rounded exposure to Tunisia. All
this was accomplished with a grace and kindness unusual with a
tour!
I feel fortunate in having been able to travel with Jerry and
Nejib and to meet many of their interesting Tunisian friends.
Thanks for a great traveling experience.
Eunice L. Mutter
Newtown Square, PA
Eileen Baird writes...
Tunisia has something special and sharing it, both Jerry and Nejib
made it extra special. Their attention to detail and their enthusiasm
for the country and it's people was felt by everyone. I'm looking
forward to Jerry's trip to Eastern Turkey in 2001.
Eileen Baird
Philadelphia, PA
June Shelley writes...
After a day of exciting visits, whether traveling to Roman ruins
in a comfortable bus or exploring the desert towns in a 4 wheel
drive vehicle, you were always assured of a wonderful hotel awaiting
you and a gourmet meal.
June Shelley
Los Angeles, CA
Howard and Connie Bruckner write...
In general, our Tunisian experience was unexpectedly, pleasantly,
awesomely, wonderful! You may list us as references for your services,
as well as the country as a wonderful place to visit. We were
very favorably impressed by this forward, westernized Muslim society.
It is the model for women's rights among the other Arab nations,
and they are truly a country of friendly, religiously tolerant
people.
Howard and Connie Bruckner
Augusta, GA
Steven M. Greenberg, M.D. writes...
A perfectly arranged tour with emphasis on history and culture.
The guide imaginable, efficient use of time, great accommodations.
One of the best!
Steven M. Greenberg, M.D.
Brookville, PA
Ron Kron writes...
"The variety of scenery, from the sea to the Sahara, and
the variety of the people in the cities, and the country, makes
Tunisia a journey of fascinating delight. The Roman ruins are
some of the best I have ever seen and you don't have to face multitudes
of people to enjoy them. This is a country that most Americans
know little about, and they are missing out on a North African
country that welcomes us."
Ron Kron
Santa Fe, NM
Frederick and Patricia Graboske write...
Tunisia is a small but fascinating country. The Roman mosaics
are the best in the world. The our provided us the opportunity
to see a variety of interesting places: Carthage, Roman ruins,
"Star War" sties, unique dwellings and resorts. The
accommodations and food were fully satisfactory. The drive and
guide were knowledgeable about the country and did everything
in their power to accommodate our interests.
Frederick and Patricia Graboske
Rockville, MD
Luisa Caldwell and Robert Hickman write...
Tunisia is a widely diverse country and has something for everyone!
From ancient Roman ruins to Berber farmland, desert oasis to the
luxurious Mediterranean seashore. Tunisia is a surprisingly contemporary
culture making for very comfortable travel. Aside from Tunisia
being an interesting destination, TunisUSA organized a fantastic
itinerary, including our own SUV with driver and our guide, who
we will never forget.
We were nervous about bringing our five-month-old baby, only to
discover that it is a very clean and healthy country, plus, our
hotels were some of the most luxurious in the world. Tunisia is
a great family destination and very child friendly: the swimming
pools are the most gorgeous we have ever cooled ourselves in and
the french fries, no matter where you dine, are the best in the
world!
Luisa Caldwell and Robert Hickman
Brooklyn, NY
Bob and Marjorie Orr write...
We've just returned from our 10-day trip to Tunisia and wanted
to thank you for the best trip we've had among our visits to 55
countries. It was thoroughly enjoyable and lived up to our expectations.
Our guide was thoroughly knowledgeable and delightful. The hotels
were all excellent as was the Tunisian food. The pace of the itinerary
was ideal and everything we visited was interesting, particularly
the Roman ruins. We wish we could have continued for another 10
days. We're advising all our friends to "get with it"
and see Tunisia!
We will be pleased to accept telephone calls from prospects and
you may use the above comments in your brochure.
Bob and Marjorie Orr
Philadelphia, PA
Bernard A. Hiller writes...
For the past 40 years, my wife and I have traveled the world.
We have gone with large groups; private tours; and on our own,
but have never had a more overall enjoyable experience than on
our recent trip to Tunisia, accompanied by Wadia and your driver
Mohammed.
Wadia was extremely knowledgeable and had a wonderful sense of
humor. When minor problems arose, she took care of them instantly.
She was interesting and fun. Mohammed was a wonderful driver in
full control of all situations. They were both extremely punctual
and anxious to please. Our trip was an outstanding success due
to the efforts of these two wonderful representatives. If you
ever really want to impress visitors, put them in the hands of
these two people.
Bernard A. Hiller
Uniondale, NY
Thomas W. Feary writes...
Thanks for arranging a very relaxing and informative trip for
us. Our guide was excellent and went way beyond expectations in
ensuring that we saw as much as possible of this interesting country.
The Roman ruins were wonderful to see and the mosaics in the museums
and various sites were outstanding. We especially enjoyed the
desert regions and visits of rural life, much unchanged from ancient
times. We felt very lucky to enjoy this trip as a couple. We would
highly recommend a Tunisia tour to anyone who might have an interest
in this region.
Thomas W. Feary
Morris Plains, NJ
Vivian and Doug Chambers write...
Your suggested alterations and additions to the original itinerary
which I first proposed were ALL helpful toward giving us a feeling
of having truly experienced the cultural and geographical diversity
of this historic, small, as-yet-unspoiled country. Your hotel
selections were all excellent accommodations. Our guide was knowledgeable,
easy-to-understand.
We gladly recommend TunisUSA to anyone or group, planning a visit
to Tunisia!
Vivian and Doug Chambers
Salem, OR
John Fleckles writes...
I thoroughly enjoyed the "Kasbah to the Sahara" tour
to Tunisia. The tour was well planned and carried out even though
much activity was packed into six days. I sincerely believe that,
rather than independent travel, your tour is the best way to be
introduced to Tunisia with its complex history and cultures. I
was thoroughly satisfied with the trip and have many good memories
of places and people and aspects of Tunisian culture.
The highlights of the tour were the Roman ruins at El Jem, the
medinas of Tunis and Sousse, and the city of Tozeur and the Saharan
desert area south of there. Of course, the camel ride at Douz
was an exceptional experience.
Your tour has enabled me to experience in a most satisfactory
way a country with a unique Islamic culture and Mediterranean
heritage.
Thanks for providing a great tour. I will and have recommended
it to friends.
John Fleckles
Kaneohe, HI
Gordon and Olivia Brown write...
A well-planned and meticulously executed tour. The logistics were
flawless, the bus large and comfortable, and the guide and driver
excellent. It was a most comfortable and informative way to learn
about this lovely and fascinating country.
Gordon and Olivia Brown
Ex-residents of Tunisia
Woolf P.Gross writes...
As you know, my "day job" has me traveling extensively
and repetitively throughout the Middle East. I am inured to things
going wrong with regularity. Imagine my surprise and delight than
when I report that the ATA (American Tunisian Association) trip
went off from beginning to end without a hitch or a glitch! These
things simply do not happen in that part of the world
but
they did this time.
You are well aware that many if not most of our delegation had
prior connections with Tunisia. Many of us thought we had seen
all there is to see in the country. And yet the itinerary TunisUSA
worked out for us ensured that there was something new and exotic
for even the most familiar and jaded amount the group.
And here I will digress. With my ATA hat on, let me say that Tunisia-small
as it is-is among the most varied and attractive of travel destinations
with which I am familiar. It is also, for Americans at least,
among the best kept secrets. My previous travels in the country
and certainly our most recent itinerary, as developed by TunisUSA,
underscored the cultural, historical and geographic diversity
of Africa's "most attractive (to me at least) destination".
It is the ideal compromise between the familiar and the exotic.
For Americans seeing "something different", but not
jarringly so, Tunisia is the place."
Woolf P.Gross
Vice President of the American Tunisian Association
Washington, DC
Aileen Sprague writes...
My first trip to Tunisia was an eye-opener. I could hardly believe
the variety of scenery we experienced, from beautiful beaches
to rolling hills, to bleak mountains revealing lush oases, to
Sahara sand dunes, to olive groves, to cork forests. The extent
of the Roman ruins was unbelievable, with so much of the original
towns still visible-roads and walls and temples-that you could
almost visualize how it mush have looked. And there were so many
beautiful mosaics still in place in the Roman houses. Of course
it helped to have a wonderful guide who could explain everything
in charmingly accented English and with a great sense of humor.
Aside from the ruins, the country seemed so prosperous and modern,
with beautiful hotels and good restaurants, and very friendly
people. I think my favorite part must have been the incredible
mountain oases, although the camel ride across the desert runs
a close second.
Aileen Sprague
Bethesda, MD
Gary Gardner writes...
I had a great time in Tunisia. The people, food and incredible
vistas made my short stay a memorable one.
The Guys were great! I felt a little self-conscience, at first,
being escorted by two people, but by the end of the first day
we were just three guys hanging out.
The planning was perfect and accommodations fine. I still don't
think I can get my wife to go, bit I will be sending my two teenage
sons. They can't wait!
Thanks again!
Gary Gardner
Chicago, IL
Jim Phippard writes...
I want to tell you how much my fellow ATA members and I enjoyed
our tour in Tunisia. From beginning to end everything was well
organized, and the logistics went beautifully. The hotels were
excellent; the ones in Kairouan and Tozeur would rank with the
best anywhere. Your organizing efforts were very much appreciated.
You couldn't have picked a better guide. He was superb in many
respects. His English was excellent. (I have suffered through
guides whose English was not good). He had an encyclopedic knowledge
of the sites and their history. Not just of the sites that we
visited, but of just about everything that we passed! He had the
perfect personality; he kept us organized and moving without being
bossy and he was invariably good humored. He was flexible enough
to adjust when the Kasserine visit was being scheduled as we traveled.
All in all we couldn't say enough good things about Mourad.
Our driver also made an important contribution to the trip. When
you spend as much time in a vehicle as we did, you want to feel
secure without worrying about possible accidents. His driving
was excellent, never too fast, and he didn't take chances. I don't
know if Americans worry more about bad driving, but I can tell
you that everyone felt secure with Lotfi at the wheel. He was
always ready to assist, such as bringing someone's glasses to
them when they'd left them on the bus.
Finally, the ability to handle much of our planning through Jerry
Sorkin here in the U.S. made the process go very smoothly. Jerry
was always there by phone or e-mail to answer our many questions.
We enjoyed meeting you in Tunis and whish you well with your well-run
business.
Jim Phippard
Washington, DC
Barbara and Ron Rosenthal write...
Thanks to you, our trip to Tunisia last month was marvelous.
What a fascinating country-so much to see and do, made even better
with our wonderful guide Hamadi and the most excellent driver,
Emed! The people were warm and friendly, the food delicious and
the sights-incredible! We loved every minute-Thank you! My cousin
who traveled with us, agrees-the best!
We certainly hope to meet you one day soon
Barbara and Ron Rosenthal
Ambler, PA
Gwen W. Julia writes...
I wanted to express our thanks to you for arranging at extremely
short notice a wonderful trip for us in Tunisia. I can't believe
how much we saw in the week that we had - all of it interesting
from a historical perspective, and beautiful in its scenic aspects.
We loved seeing the many varied aspects of the desert from the
sand dunes in Douz to the mountain oasis in Chebika and Tamerza.
A highlight was when Abdul, our driver, took us off the road in
the four wheel drive into the midst of a herd of some 400 or 500
camels who were walking in front of us, behind us, and at both
sides of us. Another desert highlight was stopping on one of the
backroads to look at a view and hearing a young shepherd boy playing
a beautiful melody on his flute as he tended his flock. Jerba
presented a very different aspect with its domes white houses
and blue shutters and doors. The synagogue was like a jewel inside.
Abdul our driver left us there. He had a great sense of humor
and was a good driver. On to Tunis where we began our tour of
Roman ruins which presented yet another aspect of Tunisia. The
scenery was very different - very pretty fertile fields and hills
in the background - the Roman ruins were very impressive. Hamdan
was very knowledgeable and capable and we felt very well taken
care of by him. The hotels were great, especially the Maison Blanche
- which was so elegantly furnished and spacious. We just wish
we had more time in each place, there was so much to see and do.
We still have many sights we have not seen and hope we can return
again one day and put ourselves once again in your excellent care.
Thank you.
Gwen W. Julia
West Newton, MA
Ann Madison writes...
We were very pleased with the organization and quality level of
our entire Tunisian trip. Our guide had a formidable task to keep
everyone in line to move along on schedule while being courteous
and thoughtful of our individual needs at all times.
I though that the itinerary was outstanding - excellent coverage
of the country so that we had an impression of the variety of
countryside in Tunisia.
We are happy to know about your Turkey tours and hope to take
time to go on one of those tours in the future.
All in all, an excellent experience at a modest cost considering
the quality level of the amenities.
Ann Madison
Chapel Hill, NC
Boris and Raquel Ibanez write...
Our recent visit to Tunisia, organized by the American Tunisian
Association, with your assistance, was indeed a very successful
project which my wife and I were lucky to be able to share. For
us, this second visit to the country deserves the following comments:
1) The selection of sites was excellent as we were able to enjoy
the northwestern part of the country, including the Roman ruins
done in detail.
2) The local organization was flawless in regards to the program,
official visits, tour arrangements, etc.
3) The selection of our guide was particularly fortunate as we
consider him superior in his profession, attitude and intelligence.
This in essence translated as satisfaction of practically all
needs and desires of the members of the group.
4) Hotel accommodations by and large were at the best available
facilities at points visited. The food was outstanding.
5) Local transportation and handling of luggage was superb. Incidentally,
we obviously had one of the best trained and conscientious bus
drivers in Tunisia.
In general, Tunisia has had a remarkable change over the past
eight years. Mostly, there have been social changes, probably
associated with developments in national education and local government.
Women almost everywhere appear freer, happier and sharing responsibilities.
We like very much what we saw, although we missed seeing more
of the folklore of the past, particularly attire. A lot of construction
in the making of a new century.
Boris and Raquel Ibanez
Melbourne, FL
Patricia Bailey writes...
This was a tour much beyond my expectations. Our tour guide was
extremely enjoyable and pleasant, as well. He made every attempt
to meet the requests of the group. With his broad knowledge of
antiquity, archaeology, and history he kept the interest of just
about every member of the group. I felt extremely safe throughout
the trip - the bud driver was excellent.
Tunisia is so diverse that within 5 days we toured coast lines,
mountains, forests, deserts, busy cities, small villages and met
with very courteous and honest Tunisians.
Patricia Bailey
Corte Madera, CA
Ann Madison writes...
We were very pleased with the organization and quality level of
our entire Tunisian trip. Our guide had a formidable task to keep
everyone in line to move along on schedule while being courteous
and thoughtful of our individual needs at all times.
I though that the itinerary was outstanding - excellent coverage
of the country so that we had an impression of the variety of
countryside in Tunisia.
We are happy to know about your Turkey tours and hope to take
time to go on one of those tours in the future.
All in all, an excellent experience at a modest cost considering
the quality level of the amenities.
Ann Madison
Chapel Hill, NC
Patricia Bailey writes...
This was a tour much beyond my expectations. Our tour guide was
extremely enjoyable and pleasant, as well. He made every attempt
to meet the requests of the group. With his broad knowledge of
antiquity, archaeology, and history he kept the interest of just
about every member of the group. I felt extremely safe throughout
the trip - the bud driver was excellent.
Tunisia is so diverse that within 5 days we toured coast lines,
mountains, forests, deserts, busy cities, small villages and met
with very courteous and honest Tunisians.
Patricia Bailey
Corte Madera, CA
Cherry L. Frederiksen writes...
The whole trip was a unique experience to travel in a country
so rich with Roman history. For me, the highlight of the trip
was the visit to the mountain oasis with each site's stunning
beauty. Thanks for the efficient handling of hotel accommodations
and meals.
Cherry L. Frederiksen
Tiburon, CA
Jerrold Fuchs and Jane Harvey write...
.I think you give people their monies worth and it is always
hard to please all the people all the time
I would and will
probably recommend you to others
so, thank you
Jerrold Fuchs and Jane Harvey
New York, NY
Joseph and Carolyn Losos write...
The highlight of our Tunisian trip, which lasted ten days, was
the inspection of Roman ruins. Utica, Carthage and Sbeitla were
very interesting, while Dougga and El Djem were absolutely magnificent.
The opportunity to view these sites and the museums and to get
plenty of exercise in the process was delightful. All of Tunisia
was grand, from the luxury and charm of Djerba to our fun camel
ride in the desert. We are eager to recommend the trip to our
friends.
Joseph and Carolyn Losos
St. Louis, MO
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