Primarily known for its beaches, Tunisia has a huge amount to offer the more intrepid traveller. We explore beautifully preserved Roman ruins like the ancient city of Carthage and the exquisite mosaics at Bulla Reggia; wander through the old medinas of Tunis and Kairouan; travel deep into the heart of the desert to see the sand dunes of the Sahara and take 4WD jeeps to abandoned villages and oases. This is an exciting tour that offers the chance to uncover the hidden side of Tunisia.

Itinerary:

Day 1, TUNIS Arrival day. Day 2, TUNIS - CARTHAGE - SIDI BOU SAID Visit the ancient city of Carthage - once the third largest city of the Roman Empire and a World Heritage site. We also visit the pretty seaside town of Sidi Bou Said. (B) Day 3, TUNIS - BULLA REGGIA - DOUGGA Visit the ruins of Bulla Reggia with its stunning mosaics and underground villas which were used by the Romans to escape the heat. Continue to Dougga, the most impressive of Tunisia?s Roman archaeological sites, set in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. (B) Day 4, DOUGGA ? KAIROUAN Drive to Kairouan, Tunisia?s holiest city with an atmospheric old town centred around the ancient medina. We visit the Great Mosque and the 9th century Aghlabid cisterns as well as the exquisite Mausoleum of Sidi Sahib, with its stunning ceramic and sculptured walls. (B) Day 5, KAIROUAN - GAFSA ? NAFTA Drive from Kairouan to Nafta via Gafsa with its picturesque Roman pools. The town has a strong weaving tradition and we have the chance to visit a handicraft centre. In Nafta we explore the beautiful palm grove on foot and also visit the maze of narrow alleyways and squares that make up the town?s 14th century old quarter. In the evening there is the chance to experience a traditional Berber folklore show. (B) Day 6, NAFTA An exciting day spent exploring the desert north of Nafta in jeeps. We visit old Berber villages and deserted mountain oases. (B) Day 7, NAFTA ? DOUZ Leaving Nafta we cross the massive Chott El Jerid salt lake on our way to Douz, on the edge of the Sahara. Our hotel is in the heart of a small oasis. (B) Day 8, DOUZ A full free day to enjoy this laid back oasis with the opportunity to relax by the pool under the palm trees. (B) Day 9, SAHARA DESERT Continue to Ksar Ghilane, in the heart of the Sahara, where we spend the night in tents and there is the chance to ride a camel into the desert. (B) Day 10, KSAR GHILANE ? JERBA Continue to Jerba via the dramatic Berber village of Chenini. We also visit the fascinating granary house at Ksar Hedada. (B) Day 11, JERBA A full day on the island of Jerba, legendary ?land of the lotus eaters?. We visit the old city of Houmt Souk with its narrow alleyways, pavement cafes, old caravanserais and distinctive mosques. (B) Day 12, JERBA ? MATMATA A visit to Matmata, a village famous for its troglodyte houses and bizarre lunar landscape. This is where Star Wars was filmed (B) Day 13, MATMATA ? EL JEM - TUNIS Continuing north we visit El Jem, the magnificent Roman colosseum used to host gladiatorial contests and one of Tunisia?s most magnificent sights. We then continue to Tunis. (B) Day 14, TUNIS Morning walking tour of the old Medina and Great Mosque. We also visit the Bardo Museum with its superb array of mosaics, statues and ancient remains. The afternoon is free for some last minute shopping or sightseeing. (B) Day 15, TUNIS - Tour ends. (B)

Group Size: Max 18
Activities: Extensive walking at sites
Accommodation: 13 nights simple hotels, 1 night camping
Transport: Buses, 4WD jeeps
Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader or local tour leader
Meals: Breakfast included each day. Allow US$8-20 per day for other meals
Airport Transfer: Not included
Entrance Fees: Not included. Allow US$40 for all sites listed as part of the itinerary
Trip Reference: EATA08