Holiday in Tunisia

country:	Tunisia
location:	Sahara Desert
trip type:	A small group adventure
departures:	2008: 21 Sep, 26 Oct 2009: 8 Mar, 12 Apr, 17 May, 20 Sep, 25 Oct
price:	From £720 (15 days) excluding flights. Local payment of US $200. We can arrange flights from the UK

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Tunisia holidays

the amazing things you'll be doing

A journey of discovery through the exciting country of Tunisia.

Although known primarily for its beaches, Tunisia has a huge amount to offer the more intrepid traveller.

We explore beautifully preserved Roman ruins like the ancient city of Carthage and travel deep into the heart of the Sahara for a true desert experience.

We take 4WD jeeps to visit abandoned villages, explore the lovely Iskheul National Park and have the chance to cycle through Tozeur palmery.

day-by-day itinerary

Day 1:	Arrive Tunis. No meals.
Day 2:	Tunis - Carthage. Visit the ancient city of Carthage - once the third largest city of the Roman Empire and a World Heritage site. (B)
Day 3:	Tunis - Bulla Reggia - Dougga. Visit the ruins of Bulla Reggia with its stunning mosaics and underground villas which were used by the Romans to escape the heat. Continue to Dougga, the most impressive of Tunisia's Roman archaeological sites, set in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. (B)
Day 4:	Dougga - Kairouan. Drive to Kairouan, Tunisia's holiest city with an atmospheric old town centred around the ancient medina. We visit the Great Mosque and the 9th century Aghlabid cisterns as well as the exquisite Mausoleum of Sidi Sahib with its stunning ceramic and sculptured walls. (B)
Day 5:	Kairouan - Gafsa - Nafta. Drive from Kairouan to Nafta via Gafsa with its picturesque Roman pools. The town has a strong weaving tradition and we have the chance to visit a handicraft centre. In Nafta we explore the beautiful palm grove by foot and also visit the maze of narrow alleyways and squares that make up the town's 14th century old quarter. In the evening there is the chance to experience a traditional Berber folklore show. (B)
Day 6:	Nafta. An exciting day spent exploring the desert north of Nafta in jeeps. We visit old Berber villages and deserted mountain oases. (B)
Day 7:	Nafta - Douz. Leaving Nafta we cross the massive Chott El Jerid salt lake on our way to Douz, on the edge of the Sahara. Our hotel is in the heart of a small oasis. (B)
Day 8:	Douz. A full free day to enjoy this laid back oasis with the opportunity to relax by the pool, under the palm trees. (B)
Day 9:	Sahara Desert. Continue to Ksar Ghilane, in the heart of the Sahara where we spend the night in nomadic tents and there is the chance to ride a camel into the desert. (B)
Day 10:	Ksar Ghilane - Jerba. Continue to Jerba via the dramatic Berber village of Chenini. We also visit the fascinating granary house at Ksar Hedada. (B)
Day 11:	Jerba. A full day on the island of Jerba, legendary 'land of the lotus eaters' ! We visit the old city of Houmt Souk with its narrow alleyways, pavement cafes, old caravanserais and distinctive mosques. (B)
Day 12:	Jerba - Matmata. A visit to Matmata, a village famous for its troglodyte houses and bizarre lunar landscape. This is where Star Wars was filmed and we spend the night in the hotel used for filming! (B)
Day 13:	Matmata - El Jem - Tunis. Continuing north we visit El Jem, the magnificent Roman coliseum that used to host gladiatorial contests and one of Tunisia's most magnificent sights. We then continue to Tunis. (B)
Day 14:	Tunis. Morning walking tour of the old Medina and Great Mosque. We also visit the Bardo Museum with its superb array of mosaics, statues and ancient remains. The afternoon is free for some last minute shopping or sightseeing. (B)
Day 15:	Tunis. Tour ends

travellers' tales

I really felt in the heart of the desert at the camp at Ksar Ghilane, particularly during the camel ride to the Roman fort. The ride back at sunset through the sand dunes was memorable. (more)

small group adventure holiday

Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as seeing new places.

highly commended

This tourism business was Highly Commended in our 2007 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards - the largest awards of their kind in the world, and organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine, of the Royal Geographical Society.

Since 2004, the Awards has recognised individuals, companies and organisations in travel making a big commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and helping to conserve biodiversity.

how this holiday makes a difference

On this journey through Tunisia there are countless opportunities for unique interactions with local people and a great chance to gain an understanding of the traditional lives of the Berber people and the real story behind the Muslim culture.

We spend almost all of the nights in small family run hotels and encourage travellers to eat in small local restaurants ensuring that a vast amount of the revenue from our visits stays with local people. We also head deep into the Sahara desert and spend one night camping with nomads while learning about their lifestyle. We visit the holy city of Kairouan where the group is able to gain a deeper insight into the Muslim way of life and our tour leaders advise travellers on how to behave and dress appropriately. We also visit remote Berber villages where women (who are not usually able to bring in any income of their own) sell locally produced handicrafts. While in Tozeur we organise bicycle hire directly with local people helping to supplement their income.

During this trip there are also many opportunities to visit UNESCO world heritage sights where our entrance fees contribute to the maintenance and restoration of these unique places.

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