Join us on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites Tour!
8 Days, 9 Nights
Tunisia is full of unique history, culture, and natural beauty. This tour will take you to some of the many UNESCO World Heritage sites and show you what makes Tunisia one of a kind.
You’ll travel to ancient Roman ruins in Carthage, Dougga, and El Jem. These well-preserved sites clearly show what life was like in Tunisia centuries ago. Visit towns like Kairouan and Sidi Bou Said and witness the different cultural influences prevalent throughout the country. You’ll also see some of the country’s stunning natural beauty on a nature walk through Lake Ichkeul.
This itinerary is perfect for couples, families, or small groups. Our itineraries are entirely customizable to meet your travel style, needs, and interests. Let’s explore the beautiful country of Tunisia together!
Day 1
Welcome to Tunisia! After arriving at Tunisia-Carthage International Airport (TUN), you will meet your driver and head to your hotel. Tonight you will stay at the lovely Dar Bengacem in the medina of Tunis. The afternoon will be at your leisure to explore the town.
- Arrive at Tunisia-Carthage International Airport (TUN) and meet a representative of the Off Season Adventures team
- Transfer to your hotel
- Overnight and dinner at Dar Bengacem
Day 2
Today you’ll travel to the ancient city of Carthage. The Phoenicians founded this city in the 9th century, and it quickly because a significant center of trade and influence in the western Mediterranean. Here you will see well preserved Punic ruins, including Byrsa Hill and the former citadel. Next, you’ll travel to Sidi Bou Said. After lunch, wander around this small village with its Andalusian Arab influences. You’ll see many of the blue damask doors, portals, and windows characteristic of this town.
- Breakfast at your hotel
- Visit the ancient city of Carthage
- Lunch
- Walk around town of Sidi Bou Said
- Overnight and dinner at Dar Bengacem
Day 3
After breakfast, you will drive to Lake Ichkeul. This UNESCO site and national park is the only remaining lake that was once part of a chain that stretched across North Africa. The location is a stopover for thousands of migrating birds, including geese, storks, and pink flamingoes. You’ll then travel to Sejnane. Here you’ll witness the women who make the traditional pottery unique to this town. Finish the day in Testour, where you’ll have time to relax or explore the city.
- Breakfast at your hotel
- Nature walk at Lake Ichkeul
- Lunch
- Visit Sejnane and see the local pottery
- Transfer to Testour
- Overnight and dinner at Vergers des Montagne
Day 4
This morning you’ll visit the archaeological wonder Dougga. Overlooking the Wadi Khaled Valley, the site is still a powerful and commanding force. It is almost entirely intact and provides a clear picture of ancient Roman life. After lunch, you’ll journey to Thuburbo Majus, another prominent Roman archaeological site. Nestled among wheat fields and olive groves, this location still has a wealthy and prosperous presence. This settlement’s wealthy inhabitants donated many fine mosaics throughout the years, many of which are in the Bardo Museum in Tunis. You’ll spend the evening in Sousse, one of the oldest cities in Tunisia. Its Medina is a UNESCO site and is a lovely location for a stroll.
- Breakfast at your hotel
- Visit Dougga archaeological site
- Lunch
- Visit Thuburbo Majus archaeological site
- Transfer to Sousse
- Overnight and dinner at Dar AntoniaÂ
Day 5
On this day, you’ll travel to Kairouan, the most ancient Arab-Muslim base of the Maghreb and one of its most significant holy cities. The Great Mosque, located here, is the oldest Muslim place of worship in Africa and has structural influences of Roman, Byzantine, and pre-Islamic architecture. After lunch, drive to the quiet town of El Jem. The most magnificent site here is the grand colosseum. Built between 230 and 238 A.D., it is almost as massive as the one in Rome. This afternoon travel back to Sousse and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
- Breakfast at your hotel
- Visit the town of Kairouan
- Lunch
- Visit El Jem
- Transfer to Sousse
- Overnight and dinner at Dar Antonia
Day 6
Today you’ll journey to the Punic settlement of Kerkouane. Located along the coast, this is one of the most well preserved Carthaginian cities. Here you can visit the unique pink-red baths that residents used privately, a significant difference from the opulent Roman baths found in other cities. This afternoon you’ll head to the coastal town of Hammamet. This one fortified village is now a center for history, culture, and nature. You’ll have free time to wander around the marina and medina of the city.
- Breakfast at your hotel
- Visit the Carthaginian town of Kerkouane
- Lunch
- Transfer to Hammamet
- Overnight and dinner at Dar Phoenicia
Day 7
After breakfast, travel to the ancient city of Zaghouan. Located at the base of Tunisia’s most spectacular mountain, the old part of the town maintains its traditional charm. Many buildings have brightly colored windows, and doors adorned with traditional mashrabiyaa or wooden lattice screens. The rest of the day will be at your leisure in Hammamet. You can relax, shop, or take in more of this vibrant city.
- Breakfast at your hotel
- Visit Zaghouan
- Lunch
- Afternoon at leisure in Hammamet
- Overnight and dinner at Dar Phoenicia
Day 8
Today brings your Tunisian journey to an end. This morning your guide will escort you to the airport for your journey home. If you feel that you haven’t seen everything this country has to offer, ask us how to extend your trip!
- Breakfast at your hotel
- Transfer to Tunisia-Carthage International Airport (TUN)
What’s Included?
- Your local, experienced driver with many years of guiding tours in Tunisia
- Lodging in Tunisia on a full room and board basis
- All cultural activities and excursions on the itinerary
- Contribution to the 501(c)(3) organization Second Look Worldwide
- Beverages while in transit, excluding while in the airports
- Driver transfers to and from airports
- Wire Transfer and other banking fees
What’s Not Included?
- International flights to & from Tunisia
- Tips for your drivers, tour guides, and lodges, highly encouraged
- Alcoholic beverages
- Traveler’s Insurance, highly encouraged
- Souvenirs and gifts
- Baggage weight overages, if applicable
- Any incidental expenses
- Any visas required for entry into Tunisia
- Any Covid-19 tests required for entry into Tunisia
Accommodations
Dar Bengacem: 2 nights, Full Room & Board Basis
Vergers des Montagne: 1 night, Full Room & Board Basis
Dar Antonia: 2 nights, Full Room & Board Basis
Dar Phoenicia: 2 nights, Full Room & Board Basis