TUNISIA – LIBYA: FROM CARTHAGE TO CYRENE: AN EPIC OF CIVILIZATIONS. EXPLORING THE PUNIC, GREEK, AND ROMAN HERITAGE OF NORTH AFRICA. – 14 DAYS

Day 1: ARRIVAL IN TUNIS

This day introduces you to the modern, European-influenced side of the Tunisian capital before diving into the historical depth of your journey.

Morning/Midday: Arrival and Welcome

Arrival in Tunis: Upon landing at Tunis-Carthage International Airport (TUN), you will be warmly welcomed and transferred directly to your hotel for check-in.

Afternoon: The Modern Heart of Tunis

Exploration: Spend the afternoon discovering the city’s main thoroughfare, the central artery of Tunis, and its surrounding streets.

Architectural Diversity: This area is a showcase of various architectural styles. You will admire key landmarks, including the beautiful Municipal Theatre (Grand Théâtre), the imposing French Embassy, and the striking Saint Vincent de Paul Cathedral. This initial walk offers a perfect feel for the pulse of the capital.

Evening: Dinner and Accommodation

Dinner: Enjoy dinner.

Overnight: Overnight accommodation at your hotel in Tunis

Day 2: TUNIS – KAIROUAN – SBEÏTLA – GAFSA (375 KM)

This day leads you from Tunisia’s spiritual heartland to the well-preserved Roman splendours of the interior, culminating in the country’s southwest.

Morning: Kairouan, City of Lights

Early Departure: After breakfast, you will depart at 8:00 AM for Kairouan, one of Islam’s holy cities and a centre of great spiritual significance.

Kairouan’s Wonders: You will visit the renowned Great Mosque of Uqba (Mosque of Oqba), an architectural masterpiece, as well as the Mausoleum of the Barber (Sidi Sahab), known for its magnificent tile work.

Crafts and Flavours: Kairouan is also globally famous for its handmade carpets and exquisite pastries, particularly the delicious Makroud, a local specialty made with dates and semolina.

Afternoon: Sbeïtla, Preserved Roman Ruins

Lunch: You will have lunch in Kairouan or en route.

Sbeïtla Archaeological Site: Continue to the remarkable Roman archaeological site of Sbeïtla (Sufetula).

Exploration: You will explore its impressive ruins, including its magnificent Capitol (unique with its three temples dedicated to the Capitoline Triad), its well-preserved thermal baths, and the vestiges of its Byzantine churches.

Evening: Dinner and Overnight Stay

Dinner and Overnight: You will have dinner and spend the night in Gafsa, a strategic stop for the continuation of your journey toward the desert.

Day 3: GAFSA – TOZEUR – THE MOUNTAIN OASES – TOZEUR (150 KM)

This intensive day takes you into the heart of the Tunisian desert region, blending cultural exploration in Tozeur with a thrilling 4×4 adventure into the spectacular mountain oases.

Morning: The Golden City of Tozeur

Early Departure: Depart at 8:00 AM and drive toward Tozeur, passing through the rugged phosphate mining area of Metlaoui.

Tozeur’s Medina: Upon arrival, you’ll discover Tozeur and its beautiful Medina, instantly recognizable by its unique architecture, where nearly everything is built using distinctive, small, honey-coloured bricks.

Nature and Wildlife: Take a relaxing walk through the Garden of Paradise and visit the Sahara Zoo, where you can observe native desert wildlife, including jackals, fennecs, scorpions, and horned vipers.

Local Craftsmanship: Include a brief visit to a traditional brick factory to understand the unique building techniques of the region.

Midday: Lunch and Desert Thrills

Lunch: Enjoy lunch at your hotel around 1:00 PM.

4×4 Mountain Adventure: Depart immediately in a 4WD vehicle for the captivating mountain oases.

Afternoon: Chebika and Midès

Chebika: Your first stop is the magnificent oasis of Chebika, known for its stunning waterfall and the narrow gorges whose walls contain numerous fascinating fossils.

Midès Canyon: Continue to Midès, dramatically perched on the edge of a dizzying canyon. This oasis, where scenes from films like Fort Sagane were shot, is famous for cultivating citrus fruits, including orange, lemon, and mandarin trees.

Evening: Culture and Relaxation

Return to Tozeur: Return to Tozeur in the late afternoon.

Dinner and Culture: Have dinner at your hotel, followed by a visit to the Dar Chraiet Museum, providing insight into local traditions and art before your overnight stay in Tozeur.

Day 4: TOZEUR – CHOTT EL JERID – DOUZ (130 KM)

This is the day you transition fully into the desert landscape, crossing vast salt flats before experiencing the golden dunes of Douz, the traditional gateway to the Sahara.

Morning: Salt Flats and Oases

Chott El Jerid Crossing: Begin the day with a dramatic drive across the Chott El Jerid, a massive, shimmering salt lake. You’ll witness the surreal, unique landscape, famous for its intense heat, stark white salt crust, and occasional pink-hued pools.

Kébili Oasis: Stop at Kébili, one of Tunisia’s oldest oases. Here, you’ll visit the water coolers within the sprawling palm grove and admire the unusual petrified dunes, which offer a unique contrast to the soft sands ahead.

Afternoon and Evening: Douz and the Dunes

Douz: Continue to Douz, renowned as the “Gateway to the Sahara.”

4×4 Dune Adventure: In the afternoon, embark on an exciting 4WD tour into the golden sand dunes of the Grand Erg Oriental. This thrilling ride gives you an immersive experience of the vast desert.

Desert Ambiance: The day culminates with a truly special experience: an exclusive dinner in the heart of the desert, accompanied by the enchanting, traditional sounds of Berber flute music.

Overnight: Overnight accommodation in Douz.

Day 5: SOUTH OF TUNISIA ( BERBER AREA ) DOUZ – TAMAZRET – MATMATA – TATAOUINE (220KM)

This day explores the heart of Southern Tunisian Berber culture, moving from desert markets to ancient mountain dwellings and fortified granaries.

Morning: Markets and Berber Villages

Douz Market: After breakfast, start the day by exploring Douz’s vibrant market, renowned especially for its high-quality dates, giving you a taste of local commerce.

Tamezret: Continue the drive north to the unique Berber village of Tamezret, perched atop a hill.

Berber Heritage: Visit a local Berber museum to gain a deeper understanding of the region’s ancient traditions, textiles, and way of life before the journey continues.

Midday: Lunch in the Caves

Matmata: Drive on to Matmata, a town famous worldwide for its remarkable troglodytic homes (underground dwellings).

Traditional Lunch: Experience a unique local custom by enjoying lunch in a traditional family restaurant located inside one of these fascinating subterranean homes.

Afternoon and Evening: The Land of Ksours

Tataouine: The journey continues toward Tataouine, the administrative centre of the region.

Ksour Exploration: Upon arrival, you will visit the famous Ksours (plural of Ksar), which are large, fortified Berber granaries, offering unique insights into the area’s history, architecture, and its agricultural past.

Dinner and Overnight: You will have dinner and spend the night in Tataouine.

 Day 6: TATAOUINE – LIBYAN BORDER ( RAS JEDIR ) – SABRATHA (230 KM)

This day involves the exciting border transition from Tunisia into Libya and the arrival at the legendary desert oasis of Ghadames.

Morning: Border Crossing and Journey

Early Departure: Depart early from Tataouine to begin the drive toward the Tunisian-Libyan border.

Border Formalities: Complete the necessary customs and immigration procedures at the border crossing.

Scenic Drive: Continue the scenic drive into Libya, with an atmosphere that shifts subtly as you head further south.

Border Crossing

Ras Jedir Border: After lunch, transfer to the Ras Jedir (or Ras Ajdir) border post for customs and immigration formalities.

Continue driving east along the Libyan coast toward Sabratha.

Dinner and Overnight: Check-in and dinner in the Sabratha area.

 Day 7: MORNING VISIT TO SABRATHA ARCHAELOGICAL SITE – TRIPOLI

Express Journey Through Time: From Roman Grandeur to the Vibrant Heart of Tripoli.

Prepare for an unforgettable single day that condenses millennia of history, from the golden age of the Roman Empire to the bustling souqs of Tripolitania!

Morning: The Dazzle of Sabratha (Starting from the site)

Your day begins with a total immersion into the splendour of antiquity at Sabratha, the Roman jewel classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Experience: Starting early, the site offers a magical atmosphere, bathed in the morning light.

You will stroll through a city frozen in time, ideally located right on the Mediterranean Sea.

The Highlight: The visit focuses on the spectacular Roman Theatre, renowned as one of the most impressive of its era. You will admire its majestically restored stage façade, a true window into the shows and social life of two thousand years ago.

The Discovery: Leaving the theatre, you will explore the Forum, the ruins of the Sea Baths, and the superb Byzantine mosaics, which testify to the wealth accumulated by this ancient Punic and Roman trading post.

(Transfer: After the visit, a quick drive east to reach Tripoli.)

Midday: Energy and Flavours in Tripoli

After the serenity of the ruins, dive into the buzz of the capital for a gourmet break that will awaken the senses.

The Lunch: Settle down in a restaurant in the heart of Tripoli, perhaps near the port or on the edge of the medina. This moment is an opportunity to savour the fresh, fragrant local cuisine, prepared with typical Mediterranean flavours. It’s the perfect transition to soak up the bustling energy of the city.

Afternoon: Tripoli – Secrets of the Medina and Ottoman Treasures

The afternoon is dedicated to the fascinating labyrinth of ancient Oea, where Roman, Ottoman, and Italian cultures have harmoniously intertwined.

The Triumphal Entrance: Your exploration begins at the entrance to the Old Town with the Arch of Marcus Aurelius, a miraculously preserved Roman vestige that serves as a gateway back in time.

The Labyrinth of Senses: Continue into the Medina, a true maze. Let yourself be guided by the scents of spices, the leather goods of artisans, and the murmur of conversations. Here, history is lived on every street corner, within the lively souqs.

The Architectural Gem: Do not miss the sublime Gurgi Mosque, an Ottoman masterpiece. Its interiors, richly decorated with carved marble and colourful faience tiles, offer a haven of peace and a dazzling glimpse of Islamic art.

The Viewpoint: The day concludes with a view of the imposing Red Castle (Assaraya Alhamra), a spectacular fortress dominating Martyrs’ Square, symbolising Tripoli’s power and complex history.

This intense day will leave you with a striking impression of the contrasts of Tripolitania, where ancient splendour coexists with the thrilling life of a modern capital.

Day 8:TRIPOLI MUSEUM AND LEPTIS MAGNA – EVENIN FLIGHT TRIPOLI – BENGHAZI

Climactic Day: From the Tripoli Museum to the Majesty of Leptis Magn.

This day marks the climax of your archaeological exploration of Tripolitania, connecting the national treasures of Tripoli to the imperial magnificence of Leptis Magna.

Morning: The Collected Wonders of Tripoli

The National Museum: The day begins with a cultural visit to the heart of Tripoli. The National Museum, often located within the impressive Red Castle complex, is the key to understanding Libyan history.

Archaeological Treasures: You will explore exceptional collections that trace back millennia, from prehistory through the Punic, Roman, and Islamic periods. The halls dedicated to Roman statuary and mosaics, some of which originate from the very sites you are about to visit, are particularly stunning and perfectly set the stage for the afternoon’s excursion.

(Transfer: After the museum visit, depart for the East Coast. The drive to Leptis Magna, approximately 130 km from Tripoli, will offer scenic coastal views.)

Midday: Lunch at an Exceptional Site

Arrival at Leptis Magna: Upon arrival near the site, it will be time for a refreshing break.

The Meal: Enjoy a pleasant and relaxing lunch near Leptis Magna (possibly a picnic or at nearby facilities) before embarking on the exploration of this sprawling city.

Afternoon: Leptis Magna – Splendour of Roman Africa

The afternoon is entirely dedicated to discovering Leptis Magna, the birthplace of Emperor Septimius Severus and one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world (a UNESCO World Heritage site).

Imperial Grandeur: Prepare to be amazed by the scale of the monuments: the immense Arch of Septimius Severus, the grandiose Severan Forum, and the Basilica, whose columns still stand tall.

Daily Life: Continue on to the vast Hadrianic Baths and the Market with its visible stalls, imagining the bustling life of its inhabitants at the peak of the Empire.

A Memorable Finale: The visit will conclude with the exploration of the Amphitheatre, whose majestic ruins overlook the sea, providing a final, spectacular view of this gem of Roman Africa.

(End of Day: Return to Tripoli in the late afternoon.)

 Day 9: BENGHAZI TO TOKKRAH, POLOMAIS, GSAR LIBYA, AND AL-BAYDHA (240 KM)

This day is dedicated to a major exploration of the magnificent archaeological sites along the Libyan coast, showcasing the immense reach of the Roman and Byzantine empires.

Morning: Departure and Western Sites

Early Departure: Depart from Benghazi and begin the long drive eastward (approx. 240 km). Visit the extensive ruins of Tokkrah (Teuchira), a former Greek colony and important Roman/Byzantine city on the coast. Continue to Ptolemais, known for its beautifully preserved Palace of the Columns and the vast remains of its public buildings.

Midday/Afternoon: Inner Cyrenaica

Gsar Libya (Gasr Libia): Drive inland to Gsar Libya, famous for its Byzantine Church and the stunning mosaics discovered there, which are a major archaeological highlight of the region.

Conclude the drive by reaching Al-Baydha (Balagrae), a key inland city in Cyrenaica, preparing for the extensive exploration tomorrow.

Evening: Dinner and Overnight Stay

Dinner and Overnight: Dinner and overnight accommodation in the Al-Baydha region.

 Day 10:VISIT TO CYRENA AND APOLLONIA (60 KM) 

This day is devoted to the two most magnificent archaeological sites in Libya, offering a complete picture of the ancient Greek and Roman world in North Africa.

Morning: Cyrene (Kyrene)

Cyrene (Shahat) Visit: Spend the morning exploring the vast ruins of Cyrene, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important Greek cities in the ancient world.

Exploration: Visit the Temple of Apollo, the massive Sanctuary of Demeter and Persephone, the Roman Theatre, and the Necropolis, immersing yourself in the “Athens of Africa.”

Afternoon: Apollonia

Continue the short drive to Apollonia (Susa), the ancient port of Cyrene.

Explore the impressive ruins stretching along the coast, including the Roman Theatre facing the sea, the Byzantine Palace, and the ancient Port.

Evening: Dinner and Overnight Stay

Return and Overnight: Return for dinner and overnight accommodation in the Al-Baydha region.

 Day 11:APPOLONIA – BENGHAZI / EVENING FLIGHT BENGHAZI – TUNIS 

This day marks the conclusion of the Libyan segment and your overall extended journey, involving a domestic flight back to the main transfer hub.

Morning/Midday: Final Departure

Transfer: Early morning transfer from Al-Baydha back toward the coastal airport ( Benghazi) .

Domestic Flight: Take the local flight: [Local Airport] – Benghazi / Evening Flight:

Benghazi – Tunis.

Evening: Transfer and Conclusion

Arrival in Tunis: Arrive at Tunis-Carthage International Airport (TUN).

Transfer to your hotel .

 Day 12:MORNING DEPATURE TO DOUGGA , AFTERWARD VISIT TO TESTOUR

Inland Tunisia – Roman Grandeur and Andalusian Charm.

Today , we explore the rich history and unique cultural blend of inland Tunisia, featuring the magnificent Roman ruins of Dougga and the distinctive architecture of the Andalusian town of Testour.

Morning: Journey to Antiquity

Early Departure for Dougga: Set off from Tunis in the morning for the ≈1.5 hour drive southwest toward Dougga. The journey is scenic, passing through fertile plains and olive groves.

Dougga (Ancient Thugga) Visit: Spend the morning immersed in the Dougga Archaeological Site (a UNESCO World Heritage site).

Exploration: Focus on the extraordinary preservation of the monuments: the majestic Capitol, the large Theatre, the Forum, and the intricate residential areas. This extensive site requires ample time to explore and appreciate its hilltop setting.

Midday: Authentic Local Flavours

Lunch in Dougga: Enjoy a traditional Tunisian meal at a local restaurant near the Dougga site or in the nearby town of Téboursouk. This offers a break and a chance to experience the regional cuisine.

Late Afternoon: Andalusian Stop

Visit to Testour: After lunch, make the short drive to the nearby town of Testour.

Andalusian Village: Testour is famous for its unique architecture and heritage, tracing back to Andalusian Muslims who settled here in the 17th century after being expelled from Spain.

The Grand Mosque: The highlight is the Grand Mosque, known for its beautiful minaret and its famously unusual clock whose hands run counter-clockwise.

(Evening: Conclude your excursion with the ≈1.5 hour return drive to Tunis.)

 Day 13:TUNISIAN GOLDEN AGE: ROMAN ART AT BARDO AND CARTHAGINIAN LEGENDS.

From Bardo’s Art to Carthage’s Ruins and Sidi Bou Said’s Charm.

This day offers a magnificent progression from the indoor treasures of the Bardo Museum to the outdoor historical sites of Carthage and the picturesque village of Sidi Bou Said, all located within the Tunis metropolitan area.

Morning: The Bardo National Museum

Bardo National Museum: Start your day early at the Bardo, one of the world’s greatest museums and home to the planet’s largest and finest collection of Roman mosaics.

Focus: Concentrate on the stunning mosaics and the architecture of the former Beylicale palace that houses them. The Bardo provides a perfect historical foundation before visiting the sites from which these treasures originated.

Logistics: The museum is located in the Bardo suburb, just a short drive from central Tunis.

(Transfer: From the Bardo to Carthage and Sidi Bou Said (the coastal area), the drive is typically around 20-30 minutes.)

Midday: Lunch and Arrival at the Coast

Lunch: Enjoy a meal near the coastal area, in La Goulette , to fuel up for the afternoon’s extensive walking.

Afternoon: Carthage and Sidi Bou Said

The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the magnificent legacy of ancient Carthage and the beauty of Sidi Bou Said.

1. Carthage Archaeological Sites

Carthage : Explore the scattered ruins of the great Punic and Roman city (a UNESCO World Heritage site).

Antonin Baths: Visit the monumental ruins of the vast Roman public baths, located right on the sea.

Byrsa Hill: Ascend Byrsa Hill to the site of the Punic Acropolis, offering panoramic views over the surrounding area, including the Punic Ports.

Punic Ports : See the remnants of the naval and commercial ports that made Carthage a maritime superpower.

2. Sidi Bou Said Village

Sidi Bou Said : Conclude your day in this iconic cliffside village.

Blue and White Beauty: Famous for its dazzling white walls, bright blue doors, and intricate window bars, the village offers stunning vistas over the Gulf of Tunis.

Café Sidi Chabaane: Relax and enjoy a traditional Tunisian mint tea at the famous cliffside cafe, known for its breathtaking view, a perfect end to a busy day.

The day will culminate with a memorable farewell dinner in Sidi Bou Saïd, offering an enchanting setting with a view of the Gulf of Tunis to celebrate the conclusion of your journey.

(End of Day: Return transfer to your accommodation in Tunis.)

 Day 14:TANSFER TO THE AIRPORT AND ASSISTANCE

According to your flight schedule, transfer to Tunis-Carthage International Airport (TUN) for your onward flight, marking the end of your North African Heritage exploration.