Welcome to Tunisia! Start your journey in the historic heart of Tunis, the Tunis Medina. Explore the winding alleys flanked by thousands of shops, mosques, and museums. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the soul of the city, so take your time to admire the architecture, taste traditional cuisine and browse the handicrafts.
Begin your day by visiting one of the best museums in Africa, the Bardo Museum. The museum houses precious Roman mosaics and remains of Carthaginian civilization. After the museum, explore the ancient ruins of Carthage, the Phoenician trading empire, and the Roman ruins that once flourished here. At the end of the day, watch the sunset over the Mediterranean Sea from the Carthage Theater.
Travel to the Blue and White town of Sidi Bou Said, where artists have been inspired by the town’s colors for generations. Bright blue and white houses and doors adorned with bougainvilleas and greenery provide scenic views. Stroll through the narrow alleys, shop for unique souvenirs, and enjoy a mint tea in a traditional café. When you're done, head to La Marsa, a seaside suburb, to soak up the sun on the beach.
Today, visit the fourth holiest city of Islam, Kairouan. The city boasts one of the biggest mosques in Africa, the Great Mosque of Kairouan, which is an exquisite example of Islamic architecture. Discover the heart of Tunisian weaving by visiting one of the oldest carpet makers in Africa, while enjoying a delicious lunch by the specialty of the region.
First on the itinerary is El Jem, a small town famous for its Roman amphitheater. Apart from its size and state of preservation, the amphitheater is renowned for the fact that it is one of the few remaining such constructions that was built entirely of stone blocks without the use of bricks. Later in the day, journey through the lunar landscapes of Matmata to witness the traditional troglodyte dwellings or visit the extinct Star Wars sets.
Explore the South of Gabes, where the desert meets the sea. Visit the largest salt lake in Africa, Chott el Djerid, which looks like a giant sheet of white paper under a hot sun. Continue to the Chebika Oasis, where water flows year-round and feeds agriculture and palm trees. Hike to the stunning 20-meter high waterfall or sit back and relax under the shady trees. End the day at Tozeur, where you can take a horse-drawn carriage ride or ride a camel in the Sahara Desert.
Return to Tunis for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing, depending on your flight schedule. Visit the Zitouna Mosque, one of Tunisia's most revered landmarks and join in prayers if you wish. Alternatively, travel to the tidy suburb of Marsa to swim off the sandy beach or simply relax in your hotel after an intense, action-packed journey through Tunisian history and culture.
Traveling around Tunisia is best by car, as public transportation is limited. Taxis are available, but negotiate a price before accepting. Consider car rental if you are comfortable driving a vehicle since most towns and major sights are within a short drive. Expect petrol costs around 2 TND ($0.74) per liter.
If you have more time, add a visit to Monastir, a coastal city full of historical landmarks, and an excursion to the natural park of Ichkeul, a bird-watching paradise. If you are short on time, consider skipping the South of Gabes for a faster pace. Don’t forget, dress modestly and always carry cash, as credit cards are not widely accepted.
There is one international airport in Tunis, Carthage International Airport (TUN), located approximately 8 km from the city center. You can travel into the city by taxi, bus, or car rental.