Ancient and Islamic Tunisia - Carthaginian, Roman & Arabian North Africa

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Exceptionally preserved Punic and Roman remains; some of the best in North Africa.
Varied and striking landscapes; less-visited sites.
Outstanding Roman mosaics throughout, both in museums and on archaeological sites.
Important Islamic sites of Kairouan, Tunis and Testour.

Some of the most spectacular of ancient Roman sites anywhere are to be found in the magnificent landscapes of Tunisia, where less than a fifth of estimated ancient remains have officially been unearthed. The Roman province of Africa, of which Tunisia was the heart, was one of the wealthiest regions of the Empire. Known as the bread basket of Rome, for its wheat production, its olive oil was also exported in vast quantities across the Empire.

A condition for optimum preservation was the abandonment of the cities by non-urban successor civilisations. The consequences are impressive: among the Roman world’s best-preserved monuments are the colosseum at El Djem, the theatre at Dougga and parts of the Zaghouan–Carthage aqueduct. Aside from Roman history, Tunisia’s Carthaginian ruins are exceptional.

A highlight of the tour are the vigorous, colourful and naturalistic floor mosaics at the Sousse and Bardo museums and in situ on many of the sites. Both in composition and content they present a visual record of the sophistication of the North African empire from the early Christian era to the seventh century. The finest to have been excavated from Carthage, Utica, Dougga and Sousse, are displayed as works of art.

What we see of Tunisia’s impressive Islamic heritage includes the important holy city of Kairouan, the wonderfully busy Medina of Tunis, and other less-visited towns, including Testour, a charming agricultural village with Andalusian roots and an exceptional mosque.

Itinerary

Practicalities

Two sharing: £3,360 or £3,010 without flights. Single occupancy: £3,770 or £3,420 without flights.

Air travel (economy class) with Tunisair; (Airbus A320); travel by private coach and boat; accommodation as below; breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners with wine, water, coffee (not all restaurants serve alcohol and none is served at the picnic); all admissions; all tips; all taxes; the services of the lecturer, a tour manager and a Tunisian guide.

Sheraton, Tunis: a business hotel located between the city centre and airport. Hotel la Kasbah, Kairouan: excellently located in the heart of the old town. Rooms are simple, but clean and comfortable. The best available accommodation. In the areas away from the main tourist resorts, standards are not as high as in the more developed coastal towns and the capital. Rooms enjoy a view overlooking Tunis. Dar Said, Sidi Bou Said: boutique hotel perched on the hills of the tranquil town of Sidi Bou Said. Excellent views and fine terrace and restaurant and/or La Villa Bleue: two boutique hotels perched on the hills of the tranquil town of Sidi Bou Said with excellent views. Single rooms are doubles for sole use throughout.

British, US, Australian and New Zealand citizens do not require a visa to visit Tunisia. Citizens of other countries should check visa requirements with the relevant cosulates.

This tour covers some long distances, involving a lot of travel by coach. There is quite a lot of walking or scrambling over the rough terrain of archaeological sites. Many of the sites are exposed with no protection from the sun or shelter from rain or wind. Average distance by coach per day: 85 miles.

Are you fit enough to join the tour?

Between 10 and 22 participants.

Before booking, please refer to the FCDO website to ensure you are happy with the travel advice for the destination(s) you are visiting.

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Testimonials

“
Tunisia through Carthaginian, Roman and Islamic history is a unique tour. It was full of amazing discoveries. The Local guide Mehrez and the lecturer Henry Hurst were outstanding.
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“
Overall, extremely enriching and engaging.
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