Tunisia Holidays
Tunisia might be a small country relative to its neighbours, but its superb coastline, splendid historical heritage and excellent infrastructure make it one of the most enticing and appealing countries to visit in North Africa.
Carthage & Sidi Bou Said
A short distance to the north of Tunis lies the World Heritage Site of Carthage, home to the military hero Hannibal and the setting for the tragic romance between Carthaginian Dido and Roman Aeneas in Virgil’s Aeneid. One of the greatest cities of the ancient world, Carthage rose to dominance under the Phoenicians over 2000 years ago. Today the natural splendour of the ruins, with views over the Gulf of Tunis, is truly impressive: from the summit of Byrsa Hill, the spiritual heart of the ancient city, down through the cypress trees to the Roman Amphitheatre, Antonine Baths and Punic Ports, the sights of Carthage still evoke its epic history.
A recommended small hotel on Byrsa Hill with glorious views over the Gulf of Tunis is:
Villa Didon
Set high on a cliff to the north of Carthage, overlooking the azure sea of the Gulf of Tunis, the village of Sidi Bou Said is one of Tunisia’s most distinctive attractions. The blue and white shuttered houses, shops and cafes are clustered around the Mosque of Sidi Bou Said, the eponymous 13th Century saint, and have become home over the years to a number of well-known writers and artists. This is a lovely place to relax, soaking up the cooling breezes and wonderful views over the surrounding hills and sea.
Our preferred small hotel in Sidi Bou Said is:
Residence Dar Said
Dougga & Bulla Regia
Approximately two hours drive to the west of Tunis lie the fascinating sites of Dougga and Bulla Regia.
The ruins of the ancient Roman town of Dougga, located on the edge of the Tebersouk Mountains and overlooking the fertile, wheat-growing valley of the Oued Kalled, remain remarkably complete and provide a fascinating glimpse of how the Romans would have led their lives between the baths, theatres and temples. Reaching its peak of prosperity in the 2nd – 4th Centuries AD, when it was home to an estimated 5000 people, Dougga still boasts an amazingly preserved theatre and the imposing hilltop Capitol monument.
Bulla Regia is the only example of a subterranean classical city and is famous for its extraordinary underground Roman villas, complete with colonnaded courtyards. You can visit several of these villas, which have been excavated, as well as the baths, forum, temples and theatre at the site.
Jerba
According to legend the island was the ‘Land of the Lotus-Eaters’, where Ulysses’ companions in the Odyssey did not want to leave after being given flowering food. Even today it is an enchanting place with superb beaches, traditional whitewashed architecture and a diverse religious and ethnic mix of people, including one of the last Jewish communities in North Africa.
Within the village of Erriadh is located the El-Ghriba Synagogue which is a major place of pilgrimage for Jews during the Passover Festival. The inner sanctuary is reputed to contain one of the oldest Torahs (Jewish holy book) in the world.
Jerba’s main town of Houmt Souq has a unique, beguiling charm with its distinctive whitewashed buildings, attractive small squares and a maze of narrow, winding streets. The covered souq has an excellent selection of handicrafts for sale including basketwork, pottery, carpets, sheeshas (water pipes), whilst the fish, spice, fruit and vegetable markets are colourful and atmospheric parts of the town. The Museum of Popular Arts & Traditions, which occupies the Zaouia of Sidi Zitouni houses a good collection of local costumes, pottery and jewellery.
The village of Guellala on the island’s south coast is well known for its pottery with many workshops and galleries displaying local wares. The waterfront mosque here is a fine example of Jerban Islamic architecture, whilst the village’s museum has various excellent folklore displays.
Our preferred small hotel in Jerba is:
Dar Dhiafa
Kairouan
Kairouan is one of Islam’s seven holy cities and its mosque is the oldest in North Africa. Founded in AD 670 and rebuilt after being destroyed in a Berber rebellion, the city’s golden age began when it became the capital of the Aghlabid Dynasty in the 9th Century.
The charming blue, white and green medina is home to a wealth of religious monuments, merchants’ houses and covered souks, including the Sidi Okba (Great) Mosque originally built in the 7th Century. There are several zaouias (complexes surrounding the tomb of a saint) of historical interest, as well as Bir Barouta well, whose waters are believed to be connected to Mecca, the cisterns of the Aghlabid Basins and the Raqqada Islamic Art Museum.
Our preferred hotel in Kairouan is:
La Kasbah Hotel
Ksar Ghilane & Yadis Ksar Ghilane
The remote oasis of Ksar Ghilane, in southern central Tunisia, is accessible only by 4×4 vehicle.At Ksar Ghilane you are surrounded by the stunning dunes of the Grand Erg Oriental and some of the finest desert scenery in Tunisia. The ksar (fortified Berber stronghold) was originally an ancient Roman fort, a desert outpost on the Limes Tripolitanus defensive line, later modified by local Berber tribesmen in the 16th Century. Nearby is the little oasis fed by hot springs and surrounded by graceful tamarisk trees.
Yadis Ksar Ghilane(Formely known as Pansea Tented Camp) is one of Tunisia’s most fabulous places to stay, a romantic and luxurious desert camp consisting of 60 spacious white guest tents, surrounded by date palms and tamarisk trees. The decor is traditional, with kilim rugs covering the walls, while more modern comforts include en suite bathroom facilities, air-conditioning and large double beds. The camp also boasts a natural spring-fed swimming pool and hammam with massages.
Sousse & El Jem
Sousse was founded in the 9th Century BC as the Phoenician outpost of Hadrumete and was used by the Carthaginian general Hannibal as his base against the Romans during the Second Punic War in 202 BC. The town was rebuilt by the Arabs and renamed Soussa, serving as the main port of the 9th Century Aghlabid Dynasty based in Kairouan. The medina is one of Tunisia’s finest: its walls are fortified with a series of solid square turrets and inside are to be found 24 mosques and a wealth of historical sights.
The oldest monument in the medina is the ribat (fortified Islamic monastery), dating back to the 8th Century AD. Designed principally as a fort, was garrisoned by devout Islamic warriors and this is reflected in the elegant first floor prayer hall with its mirhab (vaulted niche pointing to Mecca) and fortified windows that were used by archers. Superb views up to the kasbah, over the medina and into the courtyard of the Great Mosque can be gained from the top of the nador (watchtower).
The catacombs are made up of an estimated 5½ km of tunnels containing the graves of more than 15,000 local Christians, mostly dating back to the 4th and 5th Centuries AD.
Nearby El Jem is a remarkably preserved ancient colosseum built on a plateau between Sousse and Sfax and is invariably recognised as the most impressive Roman monument in Africa. Its location was in ancient Thysdrus, a thriving market town that grew up at the junction of the Sahel’s lucrative trading routes during the 1st Century AD and named after the olive oil produced in the area. Built in the 3rd Century AD the Colosseum was the third largest in the Roman world, seating up to an estimated 30,000 people.
Our preferred hotels near Sousse include:
Mercure Diar El Andalous
Hasdrubal Thalassa & Spa Hotel
Tataouine & Matmata
Tataouine is the focal point of the ksour district in the rugged hills of the Jebel Dahar. This is a beautiful landscape dotted with ruined villages on hilltops and atmospheric ksour or fortified Berber granaries that are the region’s trademark.
You can explore some of the Berber villages around Tataouine with their unique houses carved into the steep sides of the mountains. The natural caves which burrow into the dramatic rocky outcrops have been extended into houses with walled courtyards at the front. The ksar was at the highest point of the village where the food supplies and other valuables were stored.
Matmata is the principal site of Berber underground or troglodyte homes built as an escape from the heat of the barren, eroded landscape of fissures and craters. The living quarters were at the base of a circular pit with rooms tunnelled out from the sides. This was the location used in the Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark films.
Tozeur & Tamerza
Tozeur is an attractive desert oasis town situated in far western Tunisia and is the ideal base for exploring the stunning towns of the Jerid that lie along the Algerian border. This has long been one of the country’s most important agricultural districts and the oases are famed for their high quality dates (harvested annually in October).
The distinctive old brick town of Tozeur is home to Tunisia’s second largest palmeraie (palm grove) and the labyrinthine Ouled el-Hadef, the town’s delightful old quarter. Believed to have been inhabited for at least 10,000 years, this oasis town was developed by the Romans into Thuzuros and its prosperity rose during the era of the great trans-Sahara caravans between the 14th – 19th Centuries.
The palmeraie of Tozeur covers an area of more than 10 sq. km with at least 200,000 palm trees, watered by more than 200 springs. You can explore the area on foot or by bicycle, along paths that lead along the irrigation canals.
The mountain oasis of Tamerza lies in the rugged Jebel en-Negeb range some 60 km to the north of Tozeur. Nestled in a small valley in the heart of the mountains, Tamerza is one of the region’s most spectacular old villages set against the backdrop of the rugged peaks and fertile palmeraie. Gushing springs and cascading waterfalls add to Tamerza’s attractions and you have the chance for a refreshing shower or swim here.
Our preferred hotels include:
Dar Cherait
Tamerza Palace
Tunis & The Residence
Tunis is a beguiling, easy-going city full of old world charm and beauty. The 19th Century shuttered buildings of the French ville nouvelle, filled with cafes, restaurants and patisseries, are contrasted by the alluring maze of the Arab medina, an enchanting kaleidoscope of arched alleyways, coffeehouses and mosques. The narrow lanes around the Zitouna (or Great) Mosque, founded in the late 7th Century and the focal point of the medina, are home to the atmospheric souqs selling perfumes, books, fezzes and jewellery.
Located on the golden sands of a long east-facing Mediterranean beach near the ancient city of Carthage, The Residence was the first 5 star luxury hotel of its kind to open at this crossroads between Africa and Europe.
Set in attractive, colourful gardens this 170-room modern palace marries Moorish and Mediterranean architectural styles with soaring columns and arches, terracotta and stone urns, marble floors and mosaics lit up by Arabian lanterns and candelabra.
Similar attention to detail is shown in the air-conditioned, marble-bathrooms and suites, some of which have balconies with sea views.
A ‘Leading Hotel of the World’, The Residence not only offers an excellent level of service but also first class guest facilities. Dining is an impeccable experience with restaurants specialising in sophisticated Mediterranean, Tunisian and Chinese cuisine, as well as al fresco summer barbecues by the pool.
Amenities include an enormous outdoor swimming pool (heated year round, except for the height of summer), a smaller children’s pool, floodlit tennis courts and a children’s club that operates all year round to keep the little ones busy. Other optional activities include horse riding and quad biking on the beach, as well as nearby golf.
The hotel also boasts a wonderful spa with a heated indoor saltwater pool and a range of Thalasso spa treatments.
Other recommended hotels in downtown Tunis include:
Dar el Medina
Abou Nawas
A legendary land home to the mighty city-state of Carthage and the beautiful island of Jerba, the Land of the Lotus Eaters, Tunisia can claim a fascinating history of more than 2500 years, which come alive in the charming old medinas, the fairytale architecture of the Berbers and the ancient Roman settlements such as Dougga and El Jem. Kairouan is the fourth holiest city in Islam and its towering mosques and narrow lanes winding through the souqs offer an enchanting view of the link between the ancient and modern worlds.
Further south the vast salt lake of Chott el-Jerid and the rolling dunes of the Grand Erg Oriental represent nature at its most starkly beautiful. The lush green mountain oases and extensive groves of date palms around Tozeur contrast strongly with the yellow Saharan sands further east at Ksar Ghilane, whilst the Berber underground houses at Matmata and fortified hilltop ksour around Tataouine are unique sights within a stunning landscape. And you are never far from the soft sandy beaches along the Mediterranean coast where rest and relaxation in the sun are a well established way of life.
With first class hotels, excellent levels of service and moreover a most hospitable and friendly people to welcome you to their country, Tunisia is just 2½ hours flying time from London, making it a wonderful destination for both long holidays and short breaks.
The Residence Tunis
Often described as Tunisia’s most luxurious hotel, The Residence offers a first class holiday experience with its Mediterranean beachfront location, extensive, attractive gardens, a variety of fine restaurants, large heated outdoor pool, thalasso spa with indoor pool and Kids’ Club.
This itinerary is based on tailor-made arrangements with departure from London on the date of your choice. Additional nights at the Residence may be added or subtracted at will.
Day 1 – Fly from London to Tunis – transfer to The Residence for 7 nights
Days 2/7 – Six full days at leisure at The Residence with optional excursions to Carthage, Sidi Bou Said, Dougga & Bulla Regia
Day 8 – Transfer to Tunis Airport & fly to London
2012 price from £905 per person
(Price based on two people sharing a twin/double room excluding the cost of international flights London/Tunis/London)
Splendours of the North
• Exploring the major highlights of Northern Tunisia
• Private guide and driver with private 4×4 vehicle throughout
This itinerary is based on tailor-made arrangements with departure from London on the date of your choice. Nights at individual hotels may be added or subtracted at will.
Day 1 – Fly from London to Tunis – Dar Said – 2 nights
Day 2 – Tours of Carthage, Bardo Museum & Tunis medina
Day 3 – Visit Bulla Regia & Dougga, continue south to Kairouan – La Kasbah Hotel 1 night
Day 4 – Tour of El Jem, visit Sousse medina – Moevenpick Soussse – 1 night
Day 5 – Drive to The Residence – 3 nights
Days 6/7 – At leisure
Day 8 – Transfer to Tunis Airport for flight to London
2012 price from £1,520 per person
(Price based on two people sharing a twin/double room excluding the cost of international flights London/Tunis/London)
Classic Tunisia
Highlights of this itinerary:
• Visiting all the major highlights of Tunisia
• Private guide and driver with private 4×4 vehicle throughout
Day 1 – Fly from London to Tunis – transfer to The Residence for 3 nights
Day 2 – Full day at leisure
Day 3 – Full day tour of Sidi Bou Said, Carthage, Bardo Museum & Tunis medina
Day 4 – Visit Dougga & Bulla Regia – evening flight to Tozeur – transfer to The Palm Beach Palace for 3 nights
Day 5 – Explore town of Tozeur
Day 6 – Explore mountain oases of Tamerza, Mides & Chebika
Day 7 – Drive via Chott el-Jerid salt lake to Ksar Ghilane – Yadis Ksar Ghilane for 2 nights
Day 8 – Full day to explore Ksar Ghilane by camel & 4×4
Day 9 – Drive via ksour district of Tataouine and troglodyte homes of Matmata to Jerba – Dar Dhiafa for 2 nights
Day 10 – Full day to explore island of Jerba
Day 11 – Visit El Jem & Kairouan en route to Sousse – Hasdrubal Thalassa Spa Hotel for 2 nights
Day 12 – Half day visit to Sousse
Day 13 – Transfer to Tunis Airport for flight to London
2012 price from £3,465 per person
(Price based on two people sharing a twin/double room excluding the cost of international flights London/Tunis/London)