Cultural Tour

This morning, our Tunisian adventure continues as we journey southward to Kairouan, the spiritual heart of Tunisia. Our first visit is the Great Mosque of Kairouan — the oldest mosque in North Africa and home to one of the world's most ancient minarets. We also explore the Mosque of the Barber, the revered burial site of one of the Prophet Mohammed's companions, before wandering through the walled Medina, a living testament to centuries of Islamic heritage.

Continue to Sbeitla to discover the remarkable Roman ruins of Sufeitula, boasting the best-preserved Forum temples in Tunisia. Once held by the Byzantine Prefect Gregory, this ancient stronghold fell to the Arabs in 647 AD and briefly served as the nation's capital.

As the day draws to a close, we arrive in Tozeur, a lush oasis town renowned for its hundred thousand palm trees and world-famous dates. Stroll through the ancient Medina of Tozeur, where traditional architecture, timeless craftsmanship, and local fashion offer an authentic glimpse into Tunisia's enduring cultural legacy.

Today we embark on a 4×4 adventure into the dramatic mountain oases surrounding Tozeur.

Chebika — An ancient settlement first established by the Romans to link Leveste (Tebessa) in Algeria with Tacapa (Gabès) on Tunisia's eastern coast. The legionaries once used a reflecting mirror to communicate across the rugged terrain.

Tamerza — Believed to be the ancient Roman site of Ad Turres, this defensive station later became an episcopal seat during the Byzantine era. Concealed behind a commanding mountain chain and overlooking a vast plain, the village enjoys a truly privileged position. Descending from the village, we reach Oued El Khanga, where a spectacular waterfall cascades through the gorge.

Ong Jemal — "Camel's Throat" — A striking natural formation near the Chott El Jerid salt flats. Renowned for its panoramic views across the shimmering salt lake, this site offers an unforgettable daily spectacle: sunset above the dunes. Once a vital stopover for desert caravans, the old village of Ong Jemel retains its authentic character and timeless atmosphere.

Today's journey across the vast Chott El Jerid salt lake promises to be a true highlight, with multiple stops for exceptional photography amid the shimmering, otherworldly landscape.

Continue to Douz, the legendary gateway to the Sahara, nestled at the salt lake's southern edge.

This afternoon, we proceed to Matmata — a landscape of such extraordinary intensity and colour it is scarcely possible to imagine. Set within a basin dotted with countless miniature hills, this lunar terrain is encircled by stark, bald mountains. From a distance, the ground appears pocked with an endless array of craters. These are the Troglodyte dwellings — ancient cave homes carved into the earth. A celebrated filming location for Star Wars and other productions, Matmata offers a rare opportunity to visit the traditional home of the local Berber community.

Today we venture into the Ksour district, set amid the rugged, windswept hills of the Jebel Dahar Range.

Our first stop is the 17th-century Ksar Medenine, a fortified granary whose central courtyard is encircled by Ghorfas — distinctive stone and mud pigeonholes once used as communal storehouses for grain and valuables.

Continue to Tataouine, a name forever etched in popular culture. George Lucas, who filmed the original Star Wars at various Tunisian locations — including the Lars Homestead at the Hotel Sidi Driss in Matmata — famously named Luke Skywalker's desert home planet after this very town.

Overnight in Tataouine.

Today we bid farewell to the desert and journey northward into the Tataouine highlands.

Our route takes us through the mountain villages of Chenini and Douiret, where ancient cave dwellings cascade down the mountain slopes, their whitewashed mosque standing serenely at the heart of the settlement — a striking vision of timeless Berber architecture against the rugged landscape.

This afternoon, we arrive on the island of Djerba. Approaching its shores, visitors are often struck by an unexpected resemblance to Polynesia — an impression of lush tranquility and soft, luminous horizons. Djerba's allure stretches back to antiquity: Homer's legendary hero Ulysses himself paused here during his epic voyage, drawn by the island's legendary serenity.

Overnight in Djerba.

Our journey north continues today, passing through the ancient Roman city of Gabès before reaching Sfax — a historic maritime power once notorious as a stronghold of Barbary piracy, which provoked an unsuccessful Venetian invasion in 1785.

This afternoon, we visit the magnificent Roman amphitheatre at El Jem — the third-largest amphitheatre of the ancient world, with a seating capacity of 27,000 spectators. Its imposing structure remains one of the most extraordinary monuments of Roman Africa.

Continue to Sousse, founded in the 9th century BC and today Tunisia's third-largest city, after Tunis and Sfax.

This morning, depart Sousse and visit the magnificent Roman amphitheatre at El Jem — the third-largest amphitheatre of the ancient world, with a seating capacity of 27,000 spectators. Its imposing structure remains one of the most extraordinary monuments of Roman Africa.

Continue north to Tunis, where the afternoon unfolds among the capital's cultural treasures. Explore the Medina of Tunis, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best-preserved Islamic cities in the Arab world. Visit the Bardo National Museum, home to the world's finest collection of Roman mosaics.

Conclude the day in Sidi Bou Saïd, the iconic cliff-top village of blue doors and whitewashed walls, where the Mediterranean stretches endlessly below and the scent of jasmine fills the air.

Overnight in Tunis or Sidi Bou Saïd.

Today is devoted to the major ancient Roman sites of northern Tunisia.

Our first visit is Thuburbo Majus, an extensive site spanning some 40 hectares. Partially excavated, it is dotted with monumental structures including the Capitol with its six-columned façade, the Temple of Peace, the Temple of Mercury, summer and winter baths, the market, and the residential quarter.

Continue to Dougga, the best-preserved archaeological site in Tunisia. Founded as a Numidian settlement in the 2nd century BC, it was later elevated to Roman municipium status. Walk its ancient stone-paved streets and admire the Capitol, theatre, and other splendid public buildings.

Return to Tunis for the evening.

Overnight in Tunis.