Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Tunis - Le Kef - Kairouan - Sousse
100% customisable for you
Your epic road trip through the heart of historic Tunisia kicks into action today with a three-hour flight to Tunis. On arrival, whizz through airport formalities, collect your spacious and comfortable hire car and head into the city. Your home for the first three nights is a beautiful hotel nestled inside a traditional property in the medina. Everything here feels authentically Tunisian with a touch of contemporary charm. Depending on what time you arrive, you can head out and take the pulse of your new surroundings, or simply kick back and enjoy the facilities at your hotel, which include an elegant restaurant and traditional spa.
Your first full day in Tunis is all about experiencing the beating heart of local culture with a guided tour of the Medina (old town). Head out on foot through a maze of intertwining alleyways full of cafes serving piping-hot espressos, covered souqs with artisans hard at work and beautiful mosques where locals congregate. The architecture here is remarkably well preserved and made all the more lively by flashes of colourful bougainvillea and scurrying cats. Once you’ve ticked off some of the main historic sites in the company of your guide, we recommend heading back into the Medina for some free exploration. Haggle for jewellery and ceramics, try on a traditional chechia (a kind of beret) or settle in for a pine-nut tea at a cosy cafe. From here, head into the modern city and to Bourguiba Avenue, which houses the picturesque municipal theatre and the Saint Vincent de Paul Cathedral.
Dive even further into Tunisian history today with a guided visit to Carthage, a seaside suburb of the capital, renowned for its ancient archaeological sites. This part of the city dates back to the first millennium B.C., when it was the crown jewel of the powerful Carthaginian (Punic) Empire. It later fell to Rome in the 2nd century B.C. There are vestiges of both empires here, such as a ritual cemetery, mosaic villas and the amphitheater, as well as Antonine baths from the Imperial period.
This afternoon, continue to the Bardo Museum, a treasure chest of Tunisian art, history and archaeology. Some of the most renowned works here include the mosaic of Virgil, the 11th-century Blue Koran of Kairouan, the bust of Lucius Aurelius Verus and the baptistery of Kelibia. Beyond the mastery of the exhibitions, the palatial architecture of the museum is a wonderful representation of Tunisian design from the 18th and 19th centuries. The rest of today is then yours to play with. Our team can arrange for you to head out for a private tour of the art galleries of Sidi Bou Said, or you can simply enjoy some free exploration of the city.
Now that you’re a little more well-versed on Tunisian history, you’ll be able to appreciate the archeological sites of Dougga, Bulla Regia and Le Kef in more depth. Located about 60 miles from Tunis, this UNESCO World Heritage site is home to the well-preserved ruins of ancient Dougga, which were inhabited by Berber, Punic and Roman settlers. Civil and religious buildings, residential areas, markets, baths, temples, theatres, roads and hydraulic systems all give an idea of what a classic Roman city was like in the 2nd and 3rd centuries. Continue to the archeaological site of Bulla Regia, where ancient Romans designed homes with cool underground rooms to escape the heat. Above ground, admire the Christian Basilica, which displays impressive early Christian architecture. You can visit a similar basilica in Le Kef, which dates back to the late Roman or early Byzantine period during a time of major Christian expansion in North Africa. In Le Kef you can also explore a range of other important historic sites, including the Zaouïa Sidi Bou Makhlou, a classic Islamic religious building; a well-restored synagogue, which is a testament to the town’s once thriving Jewish community; the Kasbah, a hillside fortress; and the labyrinthine medina. Spend the rest of this afternoon and evening relaxing in a beautiful farmhouse-hotel surrounded by olive groves. Enjoy a delicious meal based on the regional cuisine, followed by a refreshing dip in the pool.
Today’s slice of this historic road trip involves a two-hour drive through Tunisia’s rural heartland to the city of Kairouan, an ancient Islamic powerhouse surrounded by desert. Check in for one night at a quaint and classic hotel and spend the rest of today touring the Great Mosque of Kairouan with a private guide. Built in 670 AD by Oqba Ibn Nafi, this mosque is a monumental example of early Islamic architecture, with its austere beauty and grand proportions. Meanwhile, the repurposed Roman columns and intricate stucco designs reflect the passage of time that this structure has witnessed. Make sure to visit the prayer room, which impresses with its glass chandeliers and ancient preacher's pulpit (minbar), one of the oldest of its kind in Islamic history. The rest of this evening is then yours to spend as you please. You could enjoy sunset at the Great Mosque, head into the souq for a spot of shopping or simply kick back and relax at your hotel’s traditional spa.
Bundle your belongings back into your hire car this morning and drive two hours to Sousse, a charming coastal city known and adored for its historic Medina. Hang up your hat for two nights at a traditional, white-washed hotel nestled within the narrow, winding streets of the Medina. Spend this afternoon soaking in the charms of your new coastal destination. Head to a nearby beach, stroll through vibrant souqs, cool down with a refreshing lemonade, snack on local pastries and simply savour the rich culture and heritage of your surroundings. You can also retreat to your hotel for some peace and quiet, a rooftop cocktail or a dip in the pool.
Your final day in Tunisia is all about discovering the scenic and cultural delights of Sousse. After a morning coffee in a local cafe, wind your way through the Medina to the beautiful archeological museum. Pay close attention to its valuable collection of Roman and Byzantine mosaics, which portray mythological scenes and daily life. From here, switch things up with a stroll through the port and more modern neighbourhoods. We also recommend making use of your hire car and heading out to the nearby Roman amphitheater of El Jem. This archeological site reflects the economic importance of the Thysdrus of the 3rd century AD. The high amphitheatre is one of the best-preserved and most impressive of its kind in the world. For a more detailed glimpse into the historic happenings of El Jem you can take a look at a variety of mosaics that depict animal fights and stylised hunts.
Sadly, the time has come to bid the enchanting landscapes of Tunisia farewell and embark on your journey home. After one last morning soaking in the charms of Sousse, hop back into your hire car for the final time and drive 30 minutes to the nearby airport of Monastir. After dropping off your rental car and whizzing through security, take the opportunity to grab any last-minute souvenirs from the airport lounge, ahead of a five-hour connecting flight back to the UK.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
