8-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Tunisia

  • Day 1: Bardo National Museum
    20 minutes (6.1 miles) from Tunis city center

    The Bardo National Museum displays a rich collection of mosaics and artifacts. Highlights include Roman mosaics and ancient Islamic ceramics. This museum is an excellent introduction to the history and culture of Tunisia.

  • Day 2: Sidi Bou Said
    30 minutes (12.9 miles) from Tunis city center

    Sidi Bou Said is a charming hilltop village with picturesque views of the Mediterranean Sea. The buildings are painted white and blue, and the narrow streets are lined with colorful flowers. This is a great place to enjoy a traditional Tunisian meal and shop for crafts.

  • Day 3: Carthage
    20 minutes (8.6 miles) from Sidi Bou Said

    Carthage is an ancient city that dates back to the Phoenician era. Visitors can explore the ruins of the city, including the Punic Ports, Roman Amphitheater, and Antonine Baths. The Carthage Museum is also worth a visit, showcasing artifacts from the city’s history.

  • Day 4: Medina of Tunis
    15 minutes (5.5 miles) from Carthage

    The Medina of Tunis is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the historic heart of the city. Visitors can wander through the narrow streets lined with souks selling everything from spices to leather goods. The Zitouna Mosque, one of the oldest and most important mosques in Tunisia, is located in the Medina.

  • Day 5: Hammamet
    1 hour 15 minutes (44.9 miles) from Tunis city center

    Hammamet is a popular beach resort town known for its long stretches of sand and clear blue waters. Visitors can relax on the beach, swim in the sea, or stroll through the town’s markets and restaurants. The Carthageland theme park is also a fun attraction for families.

  • Day 6: El Djem Amphitheatre
    2 hours 30 minutes (109.2 miles) from Hammamet

    The El Djem Amphitheatre is one of the largest Roman amphitheaters in the world, and a must-see attraction for history buffs. Visitors can explore the underground tunnels where gladiators prepared for battle, and the arena where they fought. The amphitheater is also a popular filming location, and was featured in the movie Gladiator.

  • Day 7: Djerba Island
    1 hour 5 minutes (31.7 miles) from El Djem Amphitheatre

    Djerba Island is a popular destination for families, with its sandy beaches, watersports, and amusement park. The island is also known for its traditional crafts, such as pottery and weaving, and its historic Ghriba Synagogue. Visitors can also take a camel ride through the desert or explore the Lalla Hadria Museum.

  • Day 8: Dougga
    2 hours 30 minutes (105.9 miles) from Djerba Island ferry terminal

    Dougga is an ancient Roman city and UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins, including the Capitol temple, the Triumphal Arch of Septimius Severus, and the Theater. The magnificent landscape surrounding the ruins is ideal for a picnic and family photos.

Time and Costs Estimates:

  • Bardo National Museum (2-3 hours, TND 15)
  • Sidi Bou Said (2-3 hours, free)
  • Carthage (2-3 hours, TND 10)
  • Medina of Tunis (2-3 hours, free)
  • Hammamet (4-5 hours, free)
  • El Djem Amphitheatre (2-3 hours, TND 12)
  • Djerba Island (5-6 hours, ferry TND 40 roundtrip per person)
  • Dougga (3-4 hours, TND 12)
  • Total Estimated Costs: TND 109 per person

Transportation:

Travelers can navigate around Tunisia by renting a car, taking local buses, or hiring a private driver. Car rentals start at TND 40 per day, and gasoline is approximately TND 1.80 per liter. Buses are an affordable way to travel, with tickets starting at TND 3. Private drivers can be hired for TND 150-200 per day.

It is recommended to book a private driver for longer distances, especially for families with children, to ensure comfort and convenience during the journey.

Useful Tips:

If travelers have more time, they can explore other destinations such as Kairouan, Matmata, or Tozeur. For those with less time, they can skip Hammamet or Djerba Island and allocate more time to other locations. It is also advisable to pack sunscreen, sun hats, comfortable shoes, and light clothing for summer trips, and to carry a jacket for cooler evenings.

Airports:

Tunisia's main international airport is Tunis-Carthage International Airport (TUN), located 4.3 miles from the city center of Tunis. Other airports include Enfidha-Hammamet International Airport (NBE), located 24.9 miles from Hammamet, and Djerba–Zarzis International Airport (DJE), located 4.3 miles from Djerba Island.

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