Best of Tunisia

4.6Based on

Guided and Escorted

Carbon neutral

10 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants

16 peopleMaximum group size

16 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Tunis, Tunisia

Ends

Tunis, Tunisia

Highlights

Journey through Tunisia from its golden Mediterranean beaches to the desert in the south

Discover ancient Carthage, Dougga and the magnificent Roman amphitheatre at El Djem

Visit Troglodyte caves and wonder at the Great Mosque of Kairouan

Itinerary

Tunisia shines as a crossroads of civilizations—and the Best of Tunisia tour lets you uncover its treasures in just 10 days. Beginning and ending in Tunis, this easy-paced city sightseeing trip is tailored for seasoned explorers eager to discover Roman ruins, Saharan dunes, and vibrant local traditions.

Tour the storied capital of Tunis, wander among the ancient stones of Carthage, and stand in awe at the grand amphitheater of El Djem—the largest outside Italy. Experience the spiritual atmosphere of Kairouan’s Great Mosque and stroll the blue-and-white streets of Sidi Bou Said, framed by cascading bougainvillea and Mediterranean views. A night spent stylishly camping on the edge of the Sahara lets you savor the star-filled desert sky, a highlight for many travelers.

With a well-balanced itinerary and premium accommodations, this trip package promises both comfort and cultural depth. Its unique selling point? A seamless blend of archaeological marvels, desert adventure, and North African hospitality—making it an ideal introduction to Tunisia’s diverse landscapes and rich heritage.

day 1 - Join trip in Tunis

Start our tour in Tunis, the modern bustling capital of Tunisia. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Tunis at any time. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Tunis International Airport (TUN), which is around 30 minutes from the hotel depending on traffic. For those arriving before 7pm our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception and head of for dinner, should you wish. Due to the late arrival of many flights into Tunis, the welcome meeting will take place on the morning of day two.

Accommodation:Carlton Tunis Hotel (or similar)

day 2 - Full day in Tunis. Visit the Bardo museum, explore the Sidi Bou Said district, renowned for its cobbled streets and al fresco cafes and visit ancient Carthage

Following this morning's welcome meeting, we'll head to the recently reopened Bardo national museum. Housed in a grand palace, the Bardo is home to a rich collection of artefacts, with over 1000 mosaics and treasures collected through the ages from sites across Tunisia.

We continue to Sidi Bou Said on the coast perched on a cliff, where scarlet bougainvillea cascade over the white and blue walls of the narrow streets, and colourful shops overflow with carpets, pottery and jewellery line the winding streets. We'll explore this picturesque village on foot and then head for lunch at a restaurant with panoramic views looking out onto the Gulf of Tunis.

After lunch we drive to ancient Carthage, located a short distance from the Sidi Bou Said neighbourhood. Founded around 1000 BC, Carthage grew to be the most important and powerful trading centre on the Mediterranean. The mighty fleet of hundreds of armed ships was an efficient deterrent against invaders for many centuries. Its geographical situation as the gateway to Africa (today only six hours by boat from Sicily), meant that it was a crucial strategic post which the Romans fought hard to attain. After the third and final Punic war the Romans sacked Carthage in 146 BC, destroying much of the old town.

Today many of the ruins date from the Roman period but we'll also see the two ancient Punic harbours, once the very foundation of Carthaginian prosperity as well as the Punic tophet, the Antonin baths, the amphitheatre, residential areas and the acropolis of Byrsa.

Meals:Breakfast & Lunch

Accommodation:Carlton Tunis Hotel (or similar)

day 3 - Drive to Kairouan in northern Tunisia’s inland desert, visiting Dougga enroute, famed for its archaeological sites

After breakfast we bid Tunis farewell, heading to Dougga and the Andalousian city of Testourand, one of the best preserved Roman archaeological sites in North Africa. The site itself sits within a fertile valley surrounded by olive groves. The main attraction is the imposing 3500 seat theatre built in the 2nd century, there are ruins from several periods in history some predating the Roman era with temples, well preserved streets and cisterns that were built to meet the ancient cities ever growing demand for water. Given how complete the site is, you really get a feel for how life must have been almost 2000 years ago.

Please note there is very little shade in Dougga so it's worth being prepared with a hat and sun cream, the site is still being excavated, sturdy footwear is recommended. After lunch we continue driving south to Kairouan, the holiest city in Tunisia, which retains a strong spiritual feel. It is also the birthplace of great poets and doctors of religious law, echoing the traditional Islamic link between Art and Faith.

We aim to get to Kairouan by 5pm in time to enjoy our hotel tonight. The Hotel La Kasbah in Kairouan blends traditional architecture with modern comfort. Located near historic sites, it offers spacious rooms, a relaxing courtyard and an outdoor pool all within very close proximity to the medina.

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:Hotel La Kasbah (or similar)

day 4 - Visit the impressive Great Mosque of Kairouan and the city's ancient medina. Continue to the desert oasis town of Tozeur

This morning we take a sightseeing tour of Kairouan. We start by driving to the Aghlabid Pools and walking up to the stunning Abou Zomaa mosque followed by a visit to the Great Mosque of Kairouan, the 4th holiest Islamic centre after Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem. Originally constructed in the seventh century, the mosque has a myriad of columns and arabesque bas reliefs surrounding an immense marble courtyard.

Heading through the imposing archway in the walled ramparts, we enter the labyrinth of the old medina and covered market. Here traditional crafts such as copper and silver engraving, carpet weaving and saddle making are carried out by skilled craftsmen. This is a good place to stop for a coffee scented with rose water or try a local delicacy 'makroudh'. They are small wheat cakes soaked in honey and stuffed with dates.

Bidding Kairouan farewell, we will continue our journey south, travelling through vast olive tree plantations and passing through small villages where Tunisian rural life unfolds in much the same way as it has done for generations.

Tozeur, our base for the next two nights, is an oasis town and is the capital of the south. In recent years Tozeur has become a busting tourist destination. During your free time here you may wish to visit a street market as this is the place to pick up some exotic bargains but you must be sure to barter!

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:Hotel Ksar Rouge (or similar)

day 5 - Orientation tour of Tozeur medina. Free afternoon for optional desert activities

Heading into town our tour leader will give us a brief orientation tour of the town and medina after which the rest of the day is free to relax and soak up the atmosphere of Tozeur or enjoy the facilities of the hotel.

There is an option to explore more of the area should you wish. Join a two and a half hour 4 WD tour to visit the Star Wars movie film site at Mos Espa in Nefta followed by a visit to Ong Jmel, a striking sandstone rock formation with a panoramic backdrop of the salt flats. We also offer a three hour 4 WD tour to Sidi Bouhlel canyon in de Dghoum National Park, the tour includes a short walk in the canyon. During the excursion we will also visit Tozeur oasis, the settlement around the oasis uses a distinctive traditional architecture. During our visit we will witness how bricks are produced, a key element in the construction of these desert dwellings. Finally we will visit the oasis and Eden park, with its date plantations and banana groves where we can learn more about the production of these desert delicacies and visit the small museum. Please see the 'budgeting' section below for more details.

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:Hotel Ksar Rouge (or similar)

day 6 - View the salt flats at Chott El Jerid, continue to Douz to join a 4 WD safari to our desert camp

This morning, we cross the vast 3400 square kilometre Chott-el-Jerid salt flats, the largest in the Sahara, along the way we visit an artesian well where fresh groundwater is forced to the surface under pressure from the sediment below. We continue the oasis town of Douz, breaking for lunch. Transferring to 4 WD vehicles, and taking just enough luggage for our one-night stay in the desert, we drive out into the vastness of the Sahara where we spend the night in a desert camp. Climb the sand dunes behind the camp or enjoy a sundowner as the sun sets over the dunes. This evening, enjoy a delicious dinner served under the magnificent night sky. With virtually no light pollution this is a great spot for star gazing, with quiet locations around the camp to enjoy the blanket of stars above.

We'll stay in a camp with spacious well appointed twin share and single tents, ten of the tents have simple ensuite toilet attached, where we need more than ten tents, we will use additional tents with shared facilities. Blankets and pillows are provided. During the winter months, it can get cold in the desert so warm clothing is recommended. Dinner is included and there is a licensed bar that serves alcohol. There is no Wi-Fi signal at the camp, it's the perfect location to switch off, immersed in the tranquil setting amongst the sand dunes.

Meals:Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation:Camp Mars (or similar)

day 7 - Drive to the Berber village of Tamezret, continue to Matmata to visit the troglodyte cave dwellings. Overnight Sfax

Departing our desert camp after breakfast, we drive in 4 WD's through the sand dunes and open plains of the desert, retracing a route back to Douz where we are reunited with our vehicle.

Our destination today is Sfax, making a stop in the tiny stone village of Tamezret, perched on a hill with the pink and blue mountain of Djebel Tabaga in the distance.

Matmata is our next stop with its distinctive 'invisible village' first recorded in the 4th century. Camouflaged by the sandy pockmarked landscape and situated within craters, you can find around 50 or so underground dwellings. Home to one of the oldest Berber tribes, many of the caves are still in use today. Circular pits with vertical walls have been dug out of the sandstone and a sunken courtyard created with tunnels cutting into the walls to form caves and rooms. This subterranean home is cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Continuing to the coastal town of Sfax, our hotel tonight is a modern resort style property. Dinner is included and there is a licensed bar that serves alcohol.

Meals:Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation:Les Oliviers Palace (or similar)

day 8 - Drive up the Mediterranean coast to El Djem to visit its Roman amphitheatre, continue to Sousse for a walking tour of its famous old medina.

Stepping back in time this morning, we will pay a visit to the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site of El Djem, the best preserved Roman Amphitheatre in North Africa. One of the largest of its kind in the world, this stunning monument to Roman glory once echoed to the sounds of gladiatorial contests and chariot races. El Djem was capable of seating 27,000 spectators although now has a capacity of around 500. We will have a guided tour of the site and have lunch near by (lunch is not included on this day).

Continuing north along the Gulf of Tunis coast, our overnight stop is in Sousse where our tour leader will accompany us on a walking tour of the UNESCO protected medina. Dinner is included tonight.

Meals:Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation:Sousse Palace Hotel & Spa (or similar)

day 9 - Visit the acclaimed archaeological site of Uthina and the Zaghouan Aqueduct. Return to Tunis to explore its ancient medina

Departing Sousse after breakfast we return to Tunis, making a couple of stops along the way. Our first stop is to the less-visited, yet highly acclaimed archaeological site of Uthina (also known as Oudna), established by Emperor Augustus for retired soldiers of the Roman third legion. The site is well-preserved with substantial public buildings still visible, including an impressive amphitheatre and the roman baths with intricate mosaics. After spending time at Uthina we will also stop to see the Zaghouan Aqueduct from the road. The Zaghouan Aqueduct is an ancient Roman marvel built in the 2nd century AD to supply water to Carthage from the Zaghouan mountain springs. Spanning over 130 kilometres, it is one of the longest and best-preserved Roman aqueducts. Ingeniously engineered with bridges, tunnels, and siphons, it showcases Roman architectural and hydraulic expertise.

We continue our journey back to Tunis. As well as being a modern dynamic city, Tunis still retains its distinctive Arab flavour with colourful souks crammed with everything from crafts, household wares to spices and baklava. This morning we head out on foot on a walking tour of Tunis' historic medina, with its labyrinth of streets and alleyways in the heart of the old city. The medina contains over 700 monuments, mosques and palaces including the stunning Ez-Zitouna mosque which we view from the outside.

The afternoon is left free to further explore Tunis in our own pace. As this is the last day of the trip there is the option to head out as a group for a farewell group meal.

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:Carlton Tunis Hotel (or similar)

day 10 - Trip ends in Tunis

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Tunis

There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Tunis at any time. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Tunis International Airport (TUN), which is just over 30 minutes from the hotel depending on traffic.

Meals:Breakfast

Get Trip Brochure & Exclusive Discount

Download a detailed PDF brochure and unlock an exclusive discount for this tour

What's Included

Accommodation

Carlton Tunis Hotel (or similar) (3 nights)Hotel La Kasbah (or similar) (1 night)Hotel Ksar Rouge (or similar) (2 nights)Camp Mars (or similar) (1 night)Les Oliviers Palace (or similar) (1 night)Sousse Palace Hotel & Spa (or similar) (1 night)

Meals

9 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinners

Transport

Bus4WD

Guide

Explore Tour Leader

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

Read what other travelers have to say about Best of Tunisia

4.6

based on 21 reviews

Tour Availability

Select your preferred departure date and secure your spot

Loading availability...

Monthly Price Comparison

Good to Know

Cancellation

Payment

Travel Insurance

Visa

Other Practical Information

Do you need help from our trip consultants?

If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Our travel experts are ready to help.

Why Book with Bookmundi

Earn USD 91+ in travel credits.

Best price guaranteed.

No credit card or booking fees.

100% financial protection.Bookmundi is a member of the Danish Travel Fund which guarantees for any payment made via us. Our guarantee covers all travelers, irrespective of nationality.

Carbon neutral tours.Algorithms and machine learning enables Bookmundi to calculate the carbon footprint for each tour. We then subsequently offset carbon emissions for all tour bookings on Bookmundi via investments in carbon reduction projects to help combat climate change.

25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.

What are customers saying about Bookmundi

4.67/5

Excellent based on 818 customer reviews from

Yusufu

Its good well organised

2 days ago

Similar Tours You Might Like

Discover our top tours similar to Best of Tunisia that you might like.

Immersive Tunisia, Small Group Tour

4.0(5 reviews)

Tunisia’s sun-soaked landscapes and storied cities come alive on the Immersive Tunisia, Small Group Tour. Beginning in Tunis, this relaxed 8-day art and architecture journey is tailored for seniors and discerning travelers seeking history without the crowds. Explore ancient medinas, the sacred city of Kairouan, and the seaside allure of Hammamet, all in the company of a close-knit group. The tour’s standout? Intimate group size—capped at just 8—ensuring personalized insights and genuine connections to Tunisia’s living heritage.

8 days

Highlights Of Tunisia, Small Group Tour

4.0(2 reviews)

Step into millennia of Mediterranean history on the 'Highlights of Tunisia, Small Group Tour,' an ideal choice for seniors and culture enthusiasts seeking a relaxed but enriching trip. Over five days, journey from Tunis through Douz Sahara and Hammamet, exploring well-preserved Roman ruins, picturesque seaside villages, and significant Islamic monuments. Enjoy modern comforts in thoughtfully selected hotels while uncovering the living heritage of North Africa. The tour’s unique draw lies in its intimate group size—capped at just eight travelers—ensuring a personalized, immersive exploration of Tunisia’s cultural tapestry.

5 days

Tunisia: 5-Day Discovery Private Tour

Ready to uncover the real Tunisia? The Tunisia: 5-Day Discovery Private Tour is a whirlwind journey through ancient sites, natural wonders, and desert adventures, ideal for young adults and experienced travelers alike. With all meals and accommodation handled, your private guide will lead you to El Jem’s Roman amphitheater, the historic Grand Mosque, and the cascading waterfalls of Chebika and Tamerza. Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride in the Palm Groves, explore Star Wars film locations, and venture into the Sahara for an overnight desert stay. Unique experiences like camel or quad bike rides and a visit to the troglodyte Berber town set this tour apart. The USP: a rich blend of culture, nature, and adventure, all tailored just for you in a seamless five-day trip.

5 days

The Best Of Tunisia & All-inclusive Beach Extension (stay Connected), Small Group Tour

Tunisia’s vibrant culture and stunning Mediterranean coastline come alive on the Best Of Tunisia & All-inclusive Beach Extension, a unique 8-day small group tour. Designed for travel enthusiasts and seniors seeking a balance of exploration and relaxation, this tour first immerses you in Tunisia’s rich history, architectural wonders, and diverse landscapes—think bustling souks, desert oases, and ancient ruins. After four days of guided activities through cities like Tunis, Tozeur, and Sousse, unwind for four days at an all-inclusive Mediterranean beach resort, soaking up the sun and savoring the flavors of the coast. With groups capped at eight travelers, you’ll enjoy a convivial atmosphere and personalized attention throughout. The tour’s unique selling point is its seamless blend of in-depth cultural discovery with a luxurious, worry-free seaside retreat, offering the best of both worlds for those looking to experience Tunisia in comfort and style.

8 days

From The Mainland To The Island, Small Group Tour

Unearth the cultural treasures and natural diversity of Tunisia on the From The Mainland To The Island small group tour. Over 8 relaxed days, journey from the vibrant capital Tunis through the dramatic landscapes of the south, culminating on the enchanting island of Djerba before circling back to your starting point. Designed with seniors and experienced travelers in mind, this art and architecture tour blends archaeological wonders with comfortable excursions, allowing you to admire ancient ruins, unique architecture, and lush natural escapes at a gentle pace. Traveling with a maximum of eight guests ensures a warm, sociable atmosphere and plenty of personal attention. The tour’s standout feature is its comprehensive route, seamlessly linking Tunisia’s mainland marvels with the island allure of Djerba, making it an ideal tour package for those seeking both depth and relaxation.

8 days

Tunisia Discovery, Small Group Tour

4.5(2 reviews)

Step back through centuries of culture and architecture on the "Tunisia Discovery, Small Group Tour," a relaxed 6-day escape designed for senior travelers. Starting and ending in Tunis, this intimate tour unfolds the Mediterranean’s best-kept secrets: from Roman ruins and desert vistas in Douz Sahara to the lively coastal charm of Hammamet. Stay in modern hotels, explore Islamic landmarks, and wander through ancient towns—all with the comfort and ease of a small group setting. The trip’s unique feature is its blend of rich history with contemporary comforts, ensuring a memorable, hassle-free North African journey. With group sizes capped at eight, you’ll enjoy a personal, immersive experience—perfect for those seeking both discovery and relaxation in Tunisia.

6 days

Tunisia Tour, Small Group Tour

Travel through millennia on the Tunisia Tour, Small Group Tour—an 8-day art and architecture trip winding from Tunis to Sousse. Designed for seniors, this relaxed itinerary explores Roman ruins, picturesque Mediterranean villages, Islamic monuments, and the evocative Sahara. Small group sizes (max 8) ensure a personalized experience, with modern comforts and hotel stays throughout. From the ancient city of Kairouan to the desert oasis of Douz, every stop reveals a new layer of Tunisia’s rich heritage. The USP: an accessible, culturally immersive journey that unveils North Africa’s treasures in comfort and style.

8 days

Europe

Asia

South America

Africa

North America

Oceania

Polar

Food, wine, events and nightlife

Adventure and sport

Wildlife, landscapes and nature

Boat tours, water sports and marine wildlife

Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history

Air tours, road trips and transfers

Beach, romance, getaways and relaxation

Special interests and hobbies

Hi there

Highlights