Tunisia: Ancient Wonders & Cinematic Landscapes with Nicole Hu

Welcome to Tunisia, where Mediterranean charm meets layers of ancient history. Upon arrival at Tunis–Carthage International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the capital. As you settle in, the city begins to reveal itself through its lively boulevards, French colonial architecture and the distant call to prayer echoing across the rooftops.

This evening, gather with your Host and fellow travellers for a welcome meeting followed by your first taste of Tunisian cuisine. It is the perfect moment to connect with the group, share your excitement for the journey ahead and begin immersing yourself in the flavours, culture and stories that will shape the days to come.

🏨 Accommodation

• Hotel Carlton Tunis (Standard Room) or Similar

🍽️ Included Meals

• Welcome Dinner

✅ Activities

• Airport Arrival Transfer
• Welcome Meeting with Host
• Group Welcome Dinner

This morning begins with a guided exploration of the Medina of Tunis, a UNESCO listed labyrinth of narrow streets, bustling souks and centuries old mosques. Walking through its winding alleys is like stepping into another era as artisans hammer copper, spice sellers fill the air with fragrance and hidden courtyards reveal beautiful Islamic architecture.

Later, visit the remarkable Bardo Museum, one of the most important museums in North Africa. Housed in an elegant former palace, the museum is home to an extraordinary collection of Roman mosaics that vividly depict scenes of daily life, mythology and ancient grandeur. Together they tell the story of Tunisia’s deep connection to the Roman world.

🏨 Accommodation

• Hotel Carlton Tunis (Standard Room) or Similar

🍽️ Included Meals

• Breakfast
• Lunch

✅ Activities

• Guided Walk Through the Medina of Tunis
• Visit to the Bardo Museum

Today reveals the stunning coastal landscapes just beyond the capital. Begin at the archaeological site of Carthage, once one of the most powerful cities of the ancient world. Walking among its ruins, you will uncover the remnants of Punic and Roman civilizations that shaped the history of the Mediterranean.

From here continue to the enchanting village of Sidi Bou Said, famous for its whitewashed houses, cobalt blue doors and sweeping sea views. Spend time wandering its narrow streets, browsing local galleries and soaking up the relaxed atmosphere that has inspired artists and writers for generations.

🏨 Accommodation

• Hotel Carlton Tunis (Standard Room) or Similar

🍽️ Included Meals

• Breakfast

✅ Activities

• Guided Visit to the Ruins of Carthage
• Exploration of Sidi Bou Said Village
• Scenic Drive Through Gammarth and La Marsa
• Visit to Sadika Cultural and Glass Blowing Centre

Leaving the capital behind, travel along Tunisia’s sun drenched coastline toward a vibrant seaside town. Here the Mediterranean reveals its most beautiful colours, with turquoise waters stretching beyond golden beaches and dramatic rocky cliffs.

Later, board a small boat for a scenic excursion along the peninsula to discover hidden coastal grottos carved into the cliffs by centuries of waves. The rugged coastline, shimmering sea and warm Mediterranean breeze create a spectacular setting for a relaxed and memorable day.

🏨 Accommodation

• Coastal Beach Town (To Be Confirmed)

🍽️ Included Meals

• Breakfast

✅ Activities

• Coastal Peninsula Exploration
• Boat Excursion to Coastal Grottos

Today’s journey leads south into the cultural and historical heart of Tunisia. Your first stop is Kairouan, one of the holiest cities in Islam and home to remarkable religious architecture and centuries old traditions.

Continue onward to El Jem, where the immense Roman amphitheatre rises dramatically from the surrounding landscape. One of the best preserved Roman arenas in the world, it once held up to 35,000 spectators and still evokes the scale and power of the Roman Empire. By evening, the scenery shifts once more as you arrive in Matmata, a region known for its unusual underground troglodyte homes carved directly into the earth.

🏨 Accommodation

• Hotel Les Berberes – Matmata or Similar

🍽️ Included Meals

• Breakfast
• Dinner

✅ Activities

• Visit to Kairouan
• Guided Visit to the El Jem Roman Amphitheatre
• Scenic Drive Through Southern Desert Landscapes

Today brings you deep into the dramatic desert landscapes of southern Tunisia, where wind sculpted hills and ancient villages feel almost otherworldly. These landscapes famously served as the filming location for the Star Wars planet Tatooine, and you will visit several of the iconic sites used in the films.

Beyond the cinematic scenery, this region is home to Tunisia’s indigenous Berber communities. Spend time learning about their history, culture and resilient way of life in this remote environment. Traditional architecture, local hospitality and desert silence combine to create one of the most memorable experiences of the journey.

🏨 Accommodation

• Gite Douiret or Similar

🍽️ Included Meals

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

✅ Activities

• Visit Star Wars Filming Locations Used for Tatooine
• Cultural Experience with Berber Communities

This morning begins the scenic return journey toward the capital. The drive north offers a fascinating look at the diversity of Tunisia’s landscapes, transitioning from desert plateaus to rolling farmland and olive groves.

Along the way, pause for photo stops and small towns that reveal the quieter rhythms of rural Tunisia. By late afternoon you arrive back in Tunis, where the familiar energy of the capital welcomes you once more. The evening is yours to relax, reflect on the journey and perhaps enjoy a final wander through the lively streets nearby.

🏨 Accommodation

• Hotel Carlton Tunis (Standard Room) or Similar

🍽️ Included Meals

• Breakfast

✅ Activities

• Scenic Overland Journey Through Central Tunisia

Enjoy a relaxed morning and your final breakfast in Tunis as the journey begins to draw to a close. If time allows, take a final stroll through the Medina to pick up handcrafted ceramics, spices or colourful textiles as souvenirs of your adventure.

As you transfer to the airport, reflect on the remarkable diversity you have experienced across Tunisia – ancient empires, coastal villages, desert cultures and cinematic landscapes. From Roman amphitheatres to Berber mountain villages and the blue streets of Sidi Bou Said, this journey offers a vivid introduction to one of North Africa’s most fascinating destinations. You leave not just with photographs, but with stories, friendships and memories that will linger long after the trip ends.

🍽️ Included Meals

• Breakfast

✅ Activities

• Leisure Time in Tunis
• Group Airport Departure Transfer