[Visa-Free] North Africa’s Pearl: Classic 6-Day Tour of Colorful Tunisia (English-speaking group)

Itinerary details

Arrive in Tunisia, where your guide will meet you and transfer you to the hotel to rest. Enjoy free time today, or visit the Medina of Tunis. Medina of Tunis: Also known as the Old City, the Medina of Tunis was founded in 698 and still retains its ancient Arab character. Its defining features include whitewashed low-rise houses and winding, narrow alleys. The medina contains 700 historic monuments, including palaces, mosques, mausoleums, Islamic schools, and fountains from the Almohad and Hafsid periods. The Great Mosque of Zitouna is the old city's central landmark. Built in 704 AD and rebuilt in 864, it is one of the Arab world's centers of religious learning. The old city combines residential, craft, and commercial functions, with more than a thousand workshops and shops. Its Arab souks are distinctive, with alleys organized by trade, including lanes for copperware, gold and silver jewelry, and spices. The traditional small-scale workshop system remains, giving the area a strong Arab character. In 1979, the Medina of Tunis was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The World Heritage Committee considers it evidence of one of the Islamic world's great and prosperous cities from the 12th to 16th centuries, as well as an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement that has evolved with social change.

Meals

Breakfast: at your own expense Lunch: at your own expense Dinner: at the hotel

Accommodation

Tunis or surrounding cities

Attraction details

Medina of Tunis

Medina of Tunis

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The old Medina of Tunis was founded in 698. Its whitewashed low-rise houses and winding lanes are full of Arab charm, and more than 700 historic sites have been preserved within its walls. The Great Mosque of Zitouna is its central landmark. The souks are organized by trade, with workshops lining the streets and the lively atmosphere of everyday life all around. The medina bears witness to the heyday of Islamic civilization and was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1979. It is both a snapshot of a thousand-year-old city and a vivid example of how traditional ways of life in North Africa have changed.

Itinerary details

Sightseeing: Bardo Museum, the ruins of Carthage, and Sidi Bou Said (the blue-and-white village) Bardo Museum: The Bardo Museum is the second-largest museum in Africa. It was originally a 13th-century palace of the Hafsid dynasty and was later expanded during the Ottoman period. In 1882, the French colonial government began converting it into a museum, and it officially opened in 1888. The museum has more than 40 galleries and corridors. Its collections are organized into six sections: prehistoric, Phoenician, Roman, Christian, Arab-Islamic, and Greek art, and include tens of thousands of artifacts. Its most famous exhibits are Roman mosaics, and the museum holds one of the world’s richest collections of mosaic art. Masterpieces such as The Triumph of Neptune and Ulysses and the Sirens are among its greatest treasures. Made with natural materials such as colored stones, jasper, agate, carnelian, and coral, these exquisite mosaics reveal three thousand years of civilizations meeting and changing along the southern Mediterranean, from the Phoenician and Roman eras to the Islamic period. The museum is one of the world’s most important repositories of mosaic art. Carthage Archaeological Site: Carthage was an ancient city founded by the Phoenicians in 814 BC. It was once the capital of the Carthaginian Kingdom. In 146 BC, the city was razed to the ground by Roman troops. The Romans later rebuilt it on the original site, making it the capital of the Roman province of Africa. In 439, the Vandals captured Carthage; in 533, it became part of the Eastern Roman Empire. It was completely abandoned in the 7th century amid the conflicts sparked by the rise of the Arab Empire. Many Roman-era remains survive at the site, including a great temple, whose open-air colonnade still features statues of the Roman gods of victory and harvest. Also notable are the Antonine Baths, the fourth-largest bath complex in ancient Rome, with complete facilities including changing rooms and cold rooms. Water was brought in through a 60-kilometer-long aqueduct. Other remains include an amphitheater and an oval arena. The Carthage Archaeological Site is an important treasure trove for the study of ancient Mediterranean civilizations. It bears witness to the cultural exchange and clashes between different peoples, including the Phoenicians and Romans, and is significant for understanding ancient architecture, art, politics, and economics. It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1979. Sidi Bou Said: The walls of every house in this blue-and-white town are white, while the doors and windows are blue, creating a distinctive color scheme with a strong Andalusian influence. In the 13th century, the mystic Khalaf Ben built a house on the hill, laying the foundations for Sidi Bou Said. The town was once one of Tunisia’s gateways to Europe. Throughout its history, it was invaded by the Romans, Spanish, Turks, and others, and became a meeting point for different cultures. This blue-and-white town is a haven for artists, attracting many Tunisian painters as well as artists from Syria, Italy, France, and elsewhere. The lanes are lined with shops selling Arab-inspired handicrafts, such as olivewood birdcages, copper trays, and leather poufs, as well as “desert roses” from the Sahara. The town’s century-old Cafe Des Nattes is famous. People enjoy Arabic coffee or mint tea here and relax at their leisure.

Meals

Breakfast: at the hotel Lunch: Mediterranean seafood lunch Dinner: at the hotel

Accommodation

Tunis or surrounding cities

Attraction details

Ruins of the ancient city of Carthage

Ruins of the ancient city of Carthage

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With a history of more than 3,000 years, it is hailed as Tunisia’s city of national monuments. It is one of the greatest archaeological sites discovered to date and an important landmark of ancient civilization in the Mediterranean region.

Sidi Bou Said

Sidi Bou Said

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Known as one of the world’s ten most romantic towns, it features the same azure Mediterranean and white houses as Greece, but with an Arab-inspired blue-and-white aesthetic.

Itinerary details

After breakfast, drive to Kairouan. Visit the Great Mosque of Uqba, the Mausoleum of Sidi Sahab, and the Aghlabid Basins. After lunch, continue by coach to Tozeur. Kairouan: Kairouan is a historic and cultural city in east-central Tunisia and a holy city of Islam. In 670, the Arab army general Uqba established a permanent fortified settlement here. From 800 to 909, it served as the capital of the Aghlabid dynasty and became an important political, commercial, religious, and cultural center in North Africa. Its status declined after Tunis rose to prominence in the 11th century, but it remains a holy city of Islam. Kairouan is known as the “City of 300 Mosques,” with mosques scattered throughout the city. The best-known is the Great Mosque of Uqba, one of North Africa's oldest and largest mosques and one of the world's four great mosques. Because Kairouan lacked water, 15 reservoirs were built in 862 AD. The Aghlabid Basins are well preserved and open to visitors. In 1988, Kairouan was inscribed on the World Heritage List as a cultural heritage site. The city is also a trading center for wool, leather, grain, and olive oil, and is renowned for finely crafted “Tunisian leather,” handwoven carpets, and copperware. Tourism is also well developed.

Meals

Breakfast: at the hotel Lunch: local lunch Dinner: local specialty: chicken stew with dates

Accommodation

Tozeur or a nearby city

Attraction details

Kairouan

Kairouan

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It is one of the four holy cities of Islam. Its winding streets are lined with shops, and it has more than 80 mosques, over 100 tombs, dozens of cisterns, and domed indoor markets. Because Kairouan lacked water, 15 cisterns were built there in 862 AD. Today, visitors can see two of them, one large and one small, known as the Aghlabid Basins. Water was brought from afar through aqueducts, first flowing into the small basin to settle, then into the large basin for use.

Ogba Mosque

Ogba Mosque

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This mosque was established in North Africa by Islam. Its imposing and distinctive architecture has made it a precious part of Tunisia’s and the Arab world’s ancient cultural and religious heritage. It is also listed by UNESCO as one of its protected cultural heritage sites.

Mausoleum of Sidi Sahab

Mausoleum of Sidi Sahab

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Also known as the “Barber’s Mosque” (Barberis Mosque), the entire mosque is centered around a mausoleum and decorated with tiles. Unlike other mosques, it has a more distinctly Andalusian style.

Itinerary details

Sightseeing: three oases (Chebika, Tamerza, and Mides Canyon), and Ong Jemel (a Star Wars filming location). After lunch, enjoy the hotel in the afternoon and spend your free time as you wish. Tozeur: An oasis city known as the “gateway to the desert.” Tozeur was an important ancient Numidian town on the trade route from Biskra to Gabès, bearing witness to the meeting of civilizations across many historical periods. It is also one of the world’s renowned oases, with 1,000 hectares of date palm groves and around 200,000 date palms, earning it the nickname “Land of Palms.” Nearby are Chebika Oasis, Tamerza Waterfall, Mides Canyon, Ong Jemel, Chott el Djerid, and the Sahara Desert, all offering beautiful scenery. Chebika Oasis: With the Atlas Mountains behind it and Chott el Gharsa and the Sahara Desert ahead, its unique location makes it an oasis of life in the desert. The oasis formed around natural springs fed by underground water, said to gush at a rate of 20 liters per second. The springs create streams, waterfalls, and pools, sustaining the oasis. It was once a Roman outpost and later became a Berber settlement. A flood in 1969 destroyed the mountain village, and only a few ruins remain today; its residents have moved to the area below. Tamerza Oasis: Located between Chebika Oasis and Mides Oasis. It is smaller than Chebika Oasis and features towering waterfalls that nourish its lush vegetation. Weathering has carved magnificent patterns into the rock faces, creating scenery reminiscent of the Grand Canyon in the United States. Mides Canyon: Located near the border between Tozeur and Algeria, Mides Canyon was carved by ancient rivers. Over time, the rivers dried up, leaving behind the spectacular canyon seen today. It stretches about 7 kilometers and features distinctive rock strata. Its steep cliffs look as if they were hewn with an axe, while the exposed rock and ochre-red valley create a stark beauty, earning it the name “Grand Canyon of North Africa.” It was a filming location for the famous movie The English Patient and for the pod race scene in Star Wars. Its unusual landscape gives the films a mysterious, otherworldly atmosphere. Ong Jemel: Located on the edge of the Sahara Desert, it is world-famous as an on-location filming site for Star Wars. Many sets from the movie remain here, including buildings from the planet Tatooine, attracting fans and visitors alike. Visitors can take a four-wheel-drive vehicle across the dunes, experience the thrill of dune bashing, and admire the magnificent scenery of the Sahara Desert.

Meals

Breakfast: at the hotel Lunch: lunch at a local Raid courtyard Dinner: at the hotel

Accommodation

Tozeur or a nearby city

Attraction details

Chebika

Chebika

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This desert oasis near Tozeur features low hills formed from seabed deposits of coral and shell fossils. Small waterfalls run through the gorge, and the water nourishes a grove of date palms.

Ong Jemel

Ong Jemel

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Also known as Camel Rock, this was a filming location for The English Patient, and a Star Wars filming location is nearby.

Mides Canyon

Mides Canyon

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Mides Canyon lies on the edge of the Sahara. Ancient rivers carved this rugged, 7-kilometer-long gorge over millions of years, earning it the nickname “Grand Canyon of North Africa.” The layered rock faces display clear patterns, while the reddish-brown mountains create a stark, expansive landscape. This was a filming location for Star Wars. Its desolate, unusual desert canyon scenery has a mysterious atmosphere, and its stark, majestic wilderness combines geological beauty with the nostalgia of a classic film.

Itinerary details

After breakfast, drive across Chott el Djerid to Matmata. Visit a Berber troglodyte dwelling, then have lunch and continue to El Jem to see the amphitheater. Arrive in Sousse in the evening and check in to the hotel. Matmata: Matmata is inhabited by Berbers and lies in rugged hills of yellow earth and gravel on the edge of the desert. Exposed to prolonged sunshine and influenced by the Sahara, the area experiences very high temperatures. In response to these harsh conditions, local Berbers developed a distinctive tradition of underground dwellings. They first dug a large pit in the ground, then excavated rooms horizontally into its sides. These quiet, well-ventilated dwellings offer protection from the heat and stay cool in summer and warm in winter. Most residents have since moved into modern homes, but some still live in the underground dwellings, and a number have been converted into hotels. Matmata was an important filming location for Star Wars and attracts many fans of the series. El Jem: In ancient Roman times, El Jem was an important Roman stronghold in North Africa. Rome ruled Tunisia for nearly 600 years, from 146 BC to 439 AD, leaving behind many Roman-era buildings. The Amphitheatre of El Jem is one of the most notable examples. Built in the early 3rd century AD, it is one of the world's three largest amphitheaters. Its walls stand 36 meters high and it has three tiers and 500 entrances, with a capacity of around 40,000 people. Its architecture is distinctive and elegant, and it is one of the best-preserved amphitheaters in the world. Renowned French writers Guy de Maupassant and Gustave Flaubert made special trips to see it, describing it as “the world's most magnificent amphitheater.” Many scenes from the Hollywood film Gladiator were also filmed here.

Meals

Breakfast: at the hotel Lunch: local lunch Dinner: local dinner

Accommodation

Sousse or surrounding cities

Attraction details

Matmata

Matmata

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This is the collective name for Berber tribes, and the site showcases cave dwellings that are still inhabited. It was also the filming location for the alien disco scene in the first Star Wars movie.

El Jem Amphitheatre

El Jem Amphitheatre

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It is one of the world’s three great amphitheaters and one of the best-preserved amphitheaters in the world today, second in size only to the Colosseum in Rome. French writers such as Maupassant and Flaubert made special trips to visit it, describing it as “the world’s most magnificent amphitheater” and “a symbol and testament to the Roman Empire’s presence in Africa.” Then drive to Sousse. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel and rest.

Itinerary details

After breakfast, explore Sousse. Highlights: the Medina of Sousse, the Ribat of Sousse, and Port El Kantaoui. Return to Tunis and conclude the trip. Medina of Sousse: Also known as the Old City, the Medina of Sousse is the main historic Arab quarter. Its streets are narrow and winding, lined with traditional Arab-style buildings. The area has numerous mosques, Islamic schools, craft shops, and open-air markets. The Great Mosque of Sousse is one of its important landmarks. The Medina of Sousse was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988. Ribat of Sousse: The word “ribat” comes from Arabic and originally meant “fortress” or “fortified monastery.” It refers to an early Islamic building that served military, religious, and educational functions, commonly found in North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula. The Ribat of Sousse was built in the late 8th century AD, around 786. It is one of the best-preserved early Islamic ribats in North Africa and was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1988 along with the old city of Sousse. It served both as a defensive fortress and a religious center. Its upper-level watchtower offers views over the Mediterranean and the old city of Sousse. The complex includes a mosque, prayer rooms, and rooms for religious practice. Its simple, dignified architecture combines military defenses with features of Islamic religious architecture. Port El Kantaoui: Known as the “beautiful garden harbor of the southern Mediterranean,” the port was designed in the style of a blue-and-white town. The surrounding white houses are Andalusian in style and mostly used as shops, cafés, restaurants, and hotels, giving the area a fresh, elegant character. Boats offering excursions fill the harbor. You can take a boat trip to see dolphins and enjoy the sunset. A long promenade at the end of the port offers views of the harbor city in the distance and the beach near the hotel. The itinerary above is for reference. The travel agency reserves the right to adjust the order according to flight schedules. If visits are not possible due to force majeure, such as demonstrations, strikes, site maintenance, or natural disasters, the travel agency reserves the right to substitute other relevant attractions or hotels.

Important notes

Note: All times shown on this webpage are for reference only. Actual arrival times may be delayed due to circumstances beyond our control, such as weather, traffic congestion, traffic accidents, festivals or sporting events, civil unrest, or strikes. We appreciate your understanding. If you have onward travel plans involving other transportation to another city, we strongly recommend allowing at least 3 hours of extra time to avoid inconvenience caused by delays. Our company accepts no responsibility for losses arising from travel arrangements you make yourself without allowing sufficient extra time. Thank you for your understanding.

Meals

Breakfast: at the hotel Lunch: at your own expense Dinner: at your own expense

Attraction details

Port El Kantaoui

Port El Kantaoui

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It is one of the beautiful garden ports of the southern Mediterranean, with fine white sand and clear water. Watching the Mediterranean sunset here is a lovely option.

Sousse Medina

Sousse Medina

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Sousse Medina, or the Old Town, is the historic heart of the Arab settlement. Its winding lanes are lined with traditional Arab houses, mosques, craft markets, and open-air souks, with the Great Mosque of Sousse Ribat as its central landmark. The old town is full of everyday bustle and blends a lively atmosphere with historic charm. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, it preserves the distinctive street life and Islamic architecture of North Africa’s coastal old towns.

Ribat Fortress

Ribat Fortress

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The Ribat of Sousse was built in the late 8th century AD and is one of the best-preserved early Islamic fortress structures in North Africa. Together with the medina, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It served both military defense and religious practice. From the watchtower on the top floor, you can take in views of the Mediterranean and the entire city. Inside are prayer rooms and chambers for religious retreat. Its austere, solid architecture uniquely combines the character of a coastal fortress with that of an Islamic religious building.