Start your Tunisian adventure by exploring the capital city. Visit the Medina of Tunis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and wander through the narrow streets filled with colorful shops selling spices, textiles, and ceramics. Stop for a traditional breakfast of Brik à L'oeuf and Tunisian tea at Café Ez-Zitouna, the oldest café in Tunisia. End the day by sampling local street food favorites like Merguez and grilled seafood at Place 7 Novembre.
Visit the ancient ruins of Carthage, including the Punic harbors, Roman amphitheater, and the Baths of Antoninus. Spend the afternoon in the charming town of Sidi Bou Said, known for its beautiful blue and white architecture, and enjoy a glass of mint tea at Café des Nattes. Don't miss the chance to try a classic Tunisian dish like couscous or tajine at the renowned Restaurant Le Boeuf sur le Toit.
Travel to the holy city of Kairouan and visit its beautiful mosques and the Medina with its vast array of handcrafted carpets, pottery, and textiles. Experience the famous Tunisian sandwich, Brik a l'Oeuf, at Le Puits in the heart of the Medina. For dinner, head to Restaurant La Kasbah, where you'll find traditional Tunisian dishes with a modern twist, like lamb tagine with couscous and figs.
Drive to Tozeur and explore its old town with its winding streets, alleys, and red-brick houses. Take a tour of the nearby troglodyte homes, some of which have been turned into luxury hotels. Dine at Restaurant Sahara Gate, where you can try local specialties such as Sfax-style fish, couscous with lamb, and harissa shrimp.
Drive to the oasis town of Douz, known as the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Take a camel ride through the dunes and enjoy a traditional Tunisian palm coffee ceremony. Stop by Matmata, an underground village featured in Star Wars, and visit the Berber families still living in cave homes. Enjoy dinner at Restaurant Dar El Jeld with its elegant decor and traditional dishes like lamb stew and grilled fish with couscous.
Visit the ancient Roman amphitheater in El Jem, one of the most impressive historical sites in Tunisia. Continue to the picturesque coastal town of Mahdia, with its beautiful beaches, Medina, and harbor. Try a seafood platter at Restaurant El Kantaoui, with a stunning view of the turquoise sea.
Explore the island of Djerba, with its historic Jewish quarter, markets, and white sandy beaches. Visit the Ghriba Synagogue, one of the oldest in the world. Try local specialties like amlou, a dip made from almonds, argan oil, and honey, and grilled fish at Restaurant Dar Nessma in Houmt Souk.
Head back to Tunis for your last day in Tunisia. Visit the Bardo Museum, home to one of the world's best collections of Roman mosaics. Stop by the elegant Avenue Habib Bourguiba and take a stroll through the Belvedere Park. Enjoy a farewell dinner at Restaurant Dar Slah with its modern decor and fusion Tunisian cuisine.
While some sites are walkable, it is best to hire a car with a driver for the entire trip, especially if you plan to visit the Sahara Desert. One option is to use the Tunis Tours car rental, which has excellent reviews and offers private tours with cars, minivans, and buses. Expect to pay around 900 TND (~ 330 USD) for a week-long rental, including driver and fuel costs. Travel times can vary greatly depending on road conditions and weather conditions.
To extend your trip, consider adding a few days to explore the beaches in Hammamet and Monastir or visit the amphitheater in Thysdrus. If you have fewer days, consider eliminating Douz and Matmata from this itinerary. Keep in mind that many sites are closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.
Tunisia's main airport is Tunis-Carthage International Airport (TUN), located 8 km northeast of Tunis. It is served by major airlines such as Tunisair, Air France, and Turkish Airlines. Enfidha-Hammamet International Airport (NBE) is a smaller airport serving the Hammamet region, located around 100 km south of Tunis. Domestic flights are available through Tunisair Express from Tunis to Tozeur-Nefta International Airport (TOE) and Jerba-Zarzis International Airport (DJE).