TUNISIA: A MOSAIC OF HISTORY. FROM CARTHAGE TO KAIROUAN, 8 DAYS AT THE HEART OF CIVILIZATIONS

Day 1: ARRIVAL IN TUNIS – WARM WELCOME

Welcome: Arrival and installation in Tunis.

You are welcomed into a land of diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Tunisia, nestled in North Africa, is a country where you can enjoy blue skies and sunshine in abundance.

Day 2: JOURNEY TO THE HEART OF ANCIENT ROME (280 KM) TUNIS – TESTOUR – DOUGGA – MAKTHAR – SBEITLA

This demanding day is a deep immersion into Tunisia’s Roman heritage, covering three major archaeological sites and the unique cultural town of Testour.

Morning: Testour and Dougga

Early Departure: Depart from Tunis early (approx. 8:00 AM) to head west.

Testour (Andalusian Stop): Make a brief stop in the town of Testour to appreciate its unique architecture and the famous counter-clockwise clock of its Grand Mosque, a legacy of Andalusian settlers.

Dougga (Thugga) (UNESCO World Heritage Site): Continue to Dougga, the crown jewel of Tunisian heritage.

Exploration: This site is renowned for having some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in North Africa. You will explore its well-preserved Theatre, the majestic Capitol, and its intricate architecture, offering a profound glimpse of the grandeur of ancient Rome.

Lunch: Enjoy lunch near Dougga .

Continue to Makthar (Mactaris): Make a visit to the archaeological site of Makthar, known for its imposing Triumphal Arch, Roman baths, and vast ancient remains that speak to the city’s long history from the Numidian period.

Route to Sbeitla , Dinner and Overnight ( 4 stars hotel )

Day 3: THE HISTORY OF THE CENTER (106 KM) SBEITLA – KAIROUAN

This day focuses on the essential transition from the Roman south to the spiritual heart of the country, setting the stage for a deep exploration of Kairouan.

Morning: Scenic Transition

A visit to this extensive site allows you to discover the extent of the Roman world in North Africa. Sbeïtla is listed among the best archaeological sites, distinguished by its spectacular triple-temple Capitol and well-preserved Byzantine churches.

Depart from the area near Sbeïtla (where you would have stayed after Day 2) and drive towards Kairouan (106 km).

Landscape: The journey serves as a transition through fertile lands, where the country reveals lush citrus and olive groves. This region is a legendary land, once celebrated as the granary of Rome.

Midday/Afternoon: Kairouan – Spiritual Exploration

Lunch: Enjoy lunch upon arrival in Kairouan.

Kairouan Exploration: Spend the afternoon immersing yourself in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Kairouan. Since the drive is short, this allows ample time for the spiritual and cultural highlights:

Key Sites: Visit the Great Mosque of Uqba, the Mausoleum of the Barber (Sidi Sahab), and the historic Aghlabid Basins.

Local Culture: Explore the famous souks, renowned for their traditional carpets and the sweet delicacy, Makroud.

Evening: Dinner and Overnight Stay

Dinner and Overnight: Dinner and overnight accommodation in Kairouan.

Day 4: TOWARDS THE COAST AND THE EXALTATION OF THE SOUKS (145 KM) KAIROUAN – EL JEM – SOUSSE

This day connects the monumental history of the interior with the lively, fortified coastal life, culminating in a vibrant sensory experience in Sousse.

Morning: The Colosseum of North Africa

Early Departure: Depart from Kairouan and head southeast toward the coast.

El Jem Exploration: Visit the exceptional archaeological site of El Jem (ancient Thysdrus).

Highlight: Explore the magnificent Amphitheatre of El Jem (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), one of the largest and best-preserved Roman coliseums in the world. Spend time admiring its monumental structure and walking through its subterranean passages.

Midday/Afternoon: Coastal Arrival

Lunch: Enjoy lunch near El Jem .

Sousse Arrival: Arrive in Sousse, a lively coastal city and bustling resort town (70km)

Late Afternoon: Cultural Immersion in Sousse

Sousse Souks: This is an opportunity for total cultural immersion as you visit the famous Souks of Sousse (within the UNESCO Medina).

Sensory Experience: The sights, sounds, and smells of spices, textiles, and crafts blend to create a unique sensory experience. You can also visit the historic Ribat (fortress) overlooking the sea.

Evening: Dinner and Overnight Stay

Dinner and Overnight: Dinner and overnight accommodation in Sousse.

Day 5: ARCHES AND GREEN LANDSCAPES (150 KM) SOUSSE – OUDHNA – TUNIS

This day transitions back toward the capital, offering scenic views of Tunisia’s green northern landscapes alongside a visit to a significant Roman ruin.

Early Departure: Depart from Sousse and begin the drive north (150 km).

Nature View: Observe how the entire country is a mosaic where blue, white, green, and ochre colours blend together, offering beautiful photographic opportunities.

Lunch: Enjoy lunch en route.

Oudhna (Uthina) Visit: Visit the major archaeological site of Oudhna (Uthina).

Explore this key Roman city, featuring one of North Africa’s largest Capitol buildings and a significant amphitheatre, marking a final major look at Roman heritage before reaching the capital.

Arrival and Installation: Arrive back in Tunis for dinner and check-in.

Dinner and Overnight: Dinner and overnight accommodation in Tunis.

Day 6: THE HEART OF TUNIS: HISTORY AND VIBRATION TUNIS – BARDO – MEDINA

This full day is dedicated to the historical and cultural soul of the Tunisian capital, blending the treasures of ancient empires with the vibrant life of the Islamic city.

Bardo National Museum: Begin the day with a focused visit to the renowned Bardo Museum.

Explore the magnificent mosaic treasures that tell the story of North Africa’s empires, from the Punic era through the Roman and Byzantine periods. The museum implicitly houses the intricate mosaics discovered on the Roman sites you have visited.

Medina of Tunis (UNESCO World Heritage Site): After lunch, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Tunisia within the historic Medina of Tunis.

Exploring the narrow streets of the ancient Medina, you will be enchanted by this historic heart, filled with bustling markets (souks). This is a place where history intertwines with the beauty of the landscape to create an eternal symphony of passion and romance.

This is the best place to find traditional crafts, textiles, and spices.

Dinner and Overnight: Dinner and overnight accommodation in Tunis.

Day 7: THE AZURE CHARM AND THE PHOENICIAN HERITAGE (45 KM) TUNIS – CARTHAGE – SIDI BOUSAID

This day is dedicated to the world-famous historical and architectural gems located just north of Tunis.

Begin the short drive along the coast (45 km).

Carthage (UNESCO World Heritage Site): Visit this ancient city, which stands as a testament to Tunisia’s Phoenician and Roman heritage.

Founded in the 9th century BC, Carthage was a major center of trade and culture. Explore its scattered ruins, including the Punic Ports and the Antonine Baths. Climb the imposing Byrsa Hill, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding region and the Gulf of Tunis.

Lunch: Enjoy lunch near the coast.

Sidi Bou Saïd: Discover this picturesque and charming coastal village.

Sidi Bou Saïd is famous for its whitewashed buildings and brilliant blue accents. It was recently ranked the 3rd Most Beautiful Village in the world. Enjoy a stroll through its artistic alleys and a traditional mint tea overlooking the sea.

Dinner and Overnight: Dinner and overnight accommodation in Tunis.

Day 8: DEPARTURE 

Conclusion: Transfer to the airport. End of this trip which has allowed you to discover a country with the scent of jasmine and orange blossom, endowed with an exceptional heritage and original traditions.