Monastic Journey in Tunis: 7-Day Spiritual Retreat

Day 1: Tunis City and Monasteries

Tunis, Tunisia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe El Ali

Initiate your journey with a traditional Tunisian breakfast at Cafe El Ali, famous for its serene atmosphere and aromatic coffee.
Cafe El Ali is centrally located; easily reachable by foot from most accommodations.
10 TND, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Vaticanum Monastery

Explore the tranquil Vaticanum Monastery, a place of peace and reflection located just outside Tunis known for its stunning architecture.
Take a taxi from the cafe to Vaticanum Monastery, approximately 15 minutes away.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Medina of Tunis

Stroll through the historic Medina of Tunis, soaking in the spiritual history and vibrant market life intertwined with the sacred.
The Medina is about a 10-minute taxi ride from the Vaticanum Monastery.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Dar Belhadj

Savor a tranquil lunch at Dar Belhadj, where traditional Tunisian dishes are served in a peaceful courtyard setting.
Dar Belhadj is a short taxi ride back to the Medina.
30 TND, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Cistercian Monastery Ruins

Visit the ruins of the Cistercian Monastery, a serene site that offers insight into early Christian monastic life in Tunisia.
A taxi will take you to the Cistercian ruins, approximately 20 minutes away.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Evening Reflection at the Monastery Gardens

Spend your evening in quiet reflection in the monastery gardens, benefiting from the peace and solitude they provide.
You can enjoy a short walk around the gardens surrounding the monastery site.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Restaurant Le Pirate

Dine on the beautiful coastline at Restaurant Le Pirate, serving delicious seafood paired with a tranquil ambiance.
It is a 30-minute taxi ride from the monastery ruins to Restaurant Le Pirate.
40 TND, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Carthage and Spiritual Sites

Tunis, Tunisia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Paul

Start your day at Paul with a light yet nourishing breakfast before embarking on a journey to ancient monastic sites.
Paul is conveniently located in the city center.
15 TND, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Carthage's Sacred Ruins

Explore the ancient sacred ruins of Carthage, where numerous temples once stood, embodying spirituality and history.
Take a taxi from Paul to Carthage, about 20 minutes away.
8 TND, 2 hours

11:00AM

Meditation at Byrsa Hill

Head to Byrsa Hill for a quiet meditation. The hill provides panoramic views and a peaceful ambiance perfect for introspection.
Short walk from Carthage's Sacred Ruins.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Au Bon Vieux Temps

Enjoy a reflective lunch at Au Bon Vieux Temps, known for its serene setting and authenticity in Tunisian cuisine.
A short walk back to the restaurant from Byrsa Hill.
25 TND, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visiting St. Louis Monastery

Tour the St. Louis Monastery, a site of incredible spirituality, known for its beautiful chapel and peaceful garden.
A taxi ride will take you approximately 15 minutes from the restaurant to the monastery.
10 TND, 2 hours

4:00PM

Walk the Coastal Path

Enjoy a tranquil walk along the coastal path near Carthage, taking in the Mediterranean views and reflecting on your journey.
The coastal path is easily accessible on foot from the monastery.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Cafe des Nattes

Conclude your day with a calming dinner at Cafe des Nattes, enjoying traditional dishes in a setting that embraces tranquility.
Cafe des Nattes is located nearby in Sidi Bou Said; a short taxi ride will get you there.
35 TND, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Day Trip to Kairouan

Kairouan, Tunisia

6:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a nourishing breakfast at your hotel before preparing for a day trip to Kairouan, a significant city for Islamic spirituality.
Arrange for a taxi or a tour group to Kairouan, approx. 2.5 hours away.
Included in tour package, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Great Mosque of Kairouan

Step into the tranquility of the Great Mosque of Kairouan, one of the holiest sites in Islam, and appreciate its historical significance.
The mosque is around a 10-minute taxi ride from the entrance of Kairouan.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Medina of Kairouan

Wander through the Medina of Kairouan, known for its spiritual atmosphere and beautiful architecture, perfect for reflection.
The Medina is located within walking distance from the mosque.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Restaurant Le Caid

Savor a local lunch at Restaurant Le Caid, offering traditional Kairouan dishes in a relaxed setting.
Restaurant Le Caid is a short walk from the Medina.
25 TND, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Aghlabid Basins

Discover the Aghlabid Basins, a marvelous engineering feat that served as a water reservoir, integral to Kairouan's survival.
A taxi can take you to the basins, about 10 minutes from the restaurant.
8 TND, 1 hour

4:30PM

Meditation by the Basins

Spend some reflective time near the basins, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty surrounding the site.
The meditation area is nearby along the basin paths.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Return to Tunis

Begin your journey back to Tunis, processing the spiritual experiences and reflections from Kairouan.
Travel back in arranged transportation, approximately 2.5 hours.
Included in tour package, 1 hour

8:30PM

Dinner at Dar El Jeld

Indulge in a farewell dinner at Dar El Jeld, enjoying upscale Tunisian cuisine with a sense of gratitude for your experiences.
Dar El Jeld is short taxi ride from your hotel.
60 TND, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Spiritual Retreat at Monastic Settings

Tunis, Tunisia

8:00AM

Breakfast at La Belle Vue

Start your day with a peaceful breakfast at La Belle Vue, enjoying the views of the Mediterranean Sea.
La Belle Vue is easily accessible via taxi.
20 TND, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Monastery of St. John

Explore the Monastery of St. John, known for its silence and beautiful gardens, ideal for spiritual reflection.
A taxi will take you to the monastery, about 30 minutes away.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Morning Prayer Service

Participate in a morning prayer service at the monastery, embracing the community's spiritual practice.
The service is held within the monastery buildings.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at La Closerie

Enjoy a peaceful lunch at La Closerie, which overlooks the beach, providing a serene dining experience.
Drive down to La Closerie or walk along the beach path.
40 TND, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Afternoon Retreat at the Monastery

Dedicate the afternoon to reflection and quiet contemplation at the monastery, where peace abounds.
The retreat will be within the monastery grounds.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Closing Reflection

End your retreat with a group reflection, sharing your insights and spiritual growth experienced during your day.
Gather at a designated area within the monastery for the discussion.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at La Stalla

Savor a calm dinner at La Stalla, enjoying comforting Italian dishes in a warm ambiance.
La Stalla is a short taxi ride from the monastery.
30 TND, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Tunis and Local Spiritual Practices

Tunis, Tunisia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Le Grand Cafe du Theatre

Start with a light breakfast at the historic Le Grand Cafe du Theatre, surrounded by art and culture.
In the city center and close to many attractions.
15 TND, 1 hour

9:00AM

Experience Local Spiritual Practices

Engage with local spiritual leaders in a community center to learn about the meditative and healing practices of Tunisia.
Travel by taxi to the community center, about a 20-minute drive.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit to Souk El Attarine

Visit Souk El Attarine to explore the spiritual herbs, oils, and local crafts that are part of Tunisian culture.
Walking distance from the community center.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Eatery

Enjoy a simple lunch at a local eatery, experiencing Tunisian hospitality.
Ask the locals for the best spot nearby.
20 TND, 1 hour

2:00PM

Reflection Walk in Belvedere Park

Take an afternoon walk through the scenic Belvedere Park to unwind and reflect on your spiritual explorations.
A short taxi ride or a 30-minute walk from Souk El Attarine.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Carthage Hills

Explore the serene landscapes of Carthage Hills, finding moments of silence amidst the olive trees and ancient ruins.
A taxi ride will take you to Carthage Hills in about 25 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Au Bon Vieux Temps

Dine at Au Bon Vieux Temps, experiencing a peaceful atmosphere while enjoying classic meals.
A short drive back to the restaurant from Carthage Hills.
30 TND, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: A Spiritual Day in the Sahara

Sahara Desert, Tunisia

6:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Eat a hearty breakfast before heading to the Sahara for a spiritually enriching experience.
Arrange transportation to the Sahara, a 6-hour drive; join an organized tour.
Included in tour package, 1 hour

12:00PM

Arrive and Explore Desert Oasis

Arrive in the Sahara and discover the vast expanses of the desert oasis that rejuvenate the spirit.
Tour guides will lead you into the desert upon arrival.
25 TND, 3 hours

3:00PM

Desert Meditation Session

Engage in a guided meditation session among the dunes, harmonizing with the tranquility of the desert environment.
Find a comfortable and quiet spot arranged by your guide for meditation.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Camel Ride at Dusk

Experience a sunset camel ride, a moment perfectly designed for meditation as you watch the sun dip below the horizon.
Camel rides are organized by local guides and will begin at a designated spot.
30 TND, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner under the Stars

Savor a traditional Berber dinner prepared under the stars, crafted with local ingredients and served with warm community spirit.
Settle around the communal fire for a memorable dinner experience.
50 TND, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Reflection and Departure

Tunis, Tunisia

9:00AM

Late Breakfast at El Ali Cafe

Enjoy a restful late breakfast reflecting on your monastic journey at El Ali Cafe.
Return to El Ali Cafe to recap your experience, a short distance from most accommodations.
10 TND, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit to a Local Spiritual Center

Engage with a local spiritual community and share your journey, exchanging insights and experiences learned throughout your stay.
A taxi can easily take you to the spiritual center.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Restaurant Dar El Jeld

Enjoy a final lunch at Restaurant Dar El Jeld, celebrating your spiritual journey with traditional Tunisian dishes.
Dar El Jeld is conveniently located in the city center, reachable by taxi.
50 TND, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Shopping for Spiritual Souvenirs

Spend the afternoon shopping for spiritual souvenirs and artisanal crafts along Avenue Habib Bourguiba, capturing moments from your journey.
Avenue Habib Bourguiba is walkable from Dar El Jeld.
Variable, 2 hours

5:00PM

Farewell Reflection

Conclude your experience with a farewell reflection at a serene location in the city, cherishing the memories made.
Choose a peaceful park or open area for your farewell reflection.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Departure Dinner at Restaurant Dar Bel Hadj

End your monastic journey with a farewell dinner at Restaurant Dar Bel Hadj, where hospitality and flavors tell a story.
Located in the city center, easily reachable on foot or taxi.
50 TND, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability