Camels and camping in the Sahara. Optional go-karting on the flat salt pans of the Chott Djerid. Red Lizard train ride through spectacular scenery. Visit to Star Wars film location at Matmata.

Less than three hours flight from London and with a Mediterranean climate, Tunisia is a gentle introduction to North Africa. This trip takes us from the Mediterranean to the Sahara via the troglodyte caves of Matmata and the Chott el Djerid salt lake, appearing mirage-like against the sand. Tunisia has often been the setting for Hollywood films and we visit the cave hotel used as a film set for the original Star Wars. Beyond, the colossal dunes of the Sahara stretch as far as the eye can see. A camel trek and sleeping amongst the dunes are highlights of this trip.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Those who have made their own flight arrangements will join us at the hotel in the late evening. 2 Today we spend time exploring this beautiful island. We see Houmt Souk, Djerba's largest city, with its lively markets. We also visit Guellala, Midoun and Djerba Explore museum (which contains hundreds of living crocodiles!). 3 Leaving Djerba we head to Tataouine, a land of craggy mountains and fortified citadels called ksars, and their interlocking cells known as ghorfas. From Tataouine we have the opportunity to explore two Berber mountain strongholds: Douiret and Chenini, which are hillcrest villages containing fortified granaries once used by the local Berber tribes to protect their stored food from the Arab invaders. 4 We continue our journey across the rocky desert to Matmata home to the troglodytes, people who live underground. Matmata has become famous in more recent years for featuring in the series of the Star Wars films. We visit what remains of the original film set. We continue to Douz. 5 Douz is the gateway town to the Sahara. There will be time for some exploration or optional activities, plus a visit the town centre and Sahara Desert museum before meeting with the camel drivers for a trek into the Sahara. You will see the cooks and camel drivers cook the traditional food, and bake bread in the sand. We are entertained after dinner by the camel drivers playing traditional music around the campfire 6 We drive to Tozeur across the 2,000 square miles of the Chott El Jerid (salt lake). Tozeur has earned a reputation for the lush beauty of its oasis in which 200,000 date palms thrive. We visit Nefta old town and oasis: famous for its valley filled with thousands of palms, and known as the "basket". There are multiple optional activities available by the salt lake: Quad biking, speed sailing, camel rides (approximate prices are detailed below under "optional excursions" information). Please note: For the Quad biking children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Speed sailing is wheeled surf on the dry salt lake. This option is only available to adults. We see sunset on Nefta dunes then return to Tozeur. Tonight there is an optional visit of the 1001 night's museum (Dar Cherait) after dinner. 7 We head to Metlaoui for the Red Lizard train excursion. This is an old wooden train given by the French protectorate to the Bey of Tunis (former king of Tunisia). The Red Lizard train runs through the spectacular Selja river canyons. We then continue to the abandoned mountain oasis villages of Mides, Tamerza and Chebika. In Chebika we take a short walk. There is also a free of charge optional 4x4 excursion to visit the film sets of The English patient and Star wars. 8 Those not flying with the group to London will leave us at the hotel in the morning.

Mode of travel: Flights via Tunis with Tunis Air. Transport private minibus, plus camel!
Group size: Min. 4, max. 16, plus guide and driver(s).
Accommodation: 6 nights hotel, 1 night camping in the desert
Food: All breakfasts, 1 lunch and all dinners included.
Optional Single Supplement: from $130.00
Trip Reference: FMT
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an "R" in the dates and prices table below.