Highlights of Tunisia

Tour Duration: 10 Days
Prices From: $1990 AUD
Tour Code: PGHT
Countries Visited: Tunisia

Tour Map

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Tunis

On arrival at Tunis Airport, you are met by a Peregrine representative and transferred to your hotel. This is simply an arrival day so you may arrive in Tunis at any time. Please note that hotel rooms are generally only available after midday. The rest of your day is free to explore the surroundings and our tour leader may make contact with you in the evening.

Day 2: Tunis

After breakfast we start a sightseeing tour of Tunis with a visit to the Bardo Museum, the finest museum in the country and one of the best archaeological museums in the Mediterranean region. Housed in an old palace that once belonged to the Husseinite beys, who were former rulers of Tunisia, it is especially known for its beautiful and extensive collection of mosaics that date back to Roman times. We then proceed to the medina (old quarter) of Tunis, which the largest in North Africa (larger than those in Fez, Algiers or Cairo). Lunch is optional but we recommended a place called Hamouda Pacha, a very typical Tunisian restaurant located in the medina. After lunch we spend some time in the medina, wandering around its colourful souks and discovering the exquisite craftsmanship of the countryâ€™s artisans.
Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 3: Carthage - Sidi Bou Said - Tunis

We start our day with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Carthage, which was founded in 814 BC and was the oldest Phoenician settlement on the coast of North Africa. Many wars were waged against the other Mediterranean powers such as the Greeks and the Romans before the city was ultimately conquered by the Romans in 146 BC. Although partially hidden due to ongoing development over ensuing years, monuments such as the Antonine baths, Roman amphitheatre and the Punic ports hark back to the glories of a bygone era, whilst some of the best relics can be found in the archaeological museum of Carthage. We continue to Sidi Bou Said Andalous village and stroll through narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses with blue shutters and doors. Here we can also check out the various art galleries or try a bambalouni (a light and crispy Tunisian style doughnut) in one of the cafÃ©s that offer superb views of the Gulf of Tunis.
Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 4: Dougga - Kairouan

Today we visit the archaeological site of Dougga, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in Africa. Built on an elevated site overlooking a fertile plain, it was the capital of both the Punic and Roman states. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997, Dougga was originally a Punic town that sided with the Romans against Carthage and was granted some degree of independence as a reward. It became an influential agricultural centre, controlling important trade routes to Carthage, on the coast. Its important marble quarries and fresh water supplies contributed to making it a prosperous and successful town. After an optional lunch at nearby Thugga, we continue to the holy city of Kairouan.
Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 5: Kairouan - Tozeur

Kairouan is the fourth holiest site in Islam, after Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem. It is said that seven pilgrimages to Kairouan equates to one pilgrimage to Mecca. On a sightseeing tour we visit the 9th century Great Mosque of Oqba Ibn Nafi, an important example of Islamic architecture. On a walk in the souks we get to taste makroudh, traditional local pastry stuffed with dates, and learn about the traditional savoir-faire of the womenfolk, which is making rugs. We continue to the oasis town of Tozeur, which is lined by extensive palm groves. Here we visit the Dar Charait Museum, which evokes images reminiscent of the classic fable, 'One Thousand and One Nights'.
Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 6: Douz - Ksar Ghilane

After breakfast we depart to Douz, crossing the dry salt lake of Chott el Jerid en route. Douz, considered gateway to the Sahara, is a quiet oasis village that is home to the Festival of the Sahara and also features a daily camel market. After arriving there we ride camels in the area of the Golden Triangle, which is made up of three small oases. After an optional lunch we travel to Ksar Ghilane, an exotic oasis famous for its dunes and hot water spring. Here we spend a night in comfortable luxury tents in the midst of the desert. The silence and vastness of the surrounds makes for a magical and unforgettable night.
Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 7: Matmata - Mahdia

We travel to Matmata and its famous troglodytes, houses built underground to protect the Berbers from intense heat in the summer. These Berber villages are exciting places to explore and one of these, together with the surrounding lunar-type landscape, was the set for the mythical planet of Tatooine (which got its name from the nearby town of Tataouine) in George Lucas' landmark movie, 'Star Wars'. Scenes from Steven Spielbergâ€™s 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' were also filmed here. We make our way along the Mediterranean coast to Mahdia, a small and charming fishing village that has a relaxing feel about it.
Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 8: Mahdia

We have an entire day to appreciate the attractions of Mahdia. In the morning we visit the Borg el-Kebir, a large 16th-century fortress that dominates the peninsula. The rest of the day is free time to absorb the ambience of this lovely place. There are beaches located northwest of town and a small museum that showcases the long history that has left such a magnificent legacy on Mahdia.
Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 9: El-Jem - Tunis

On the way to Tunis we stop El-Jem's spectacular amphitheatre, a structure that dates from 238 AD and is the second largest of its kind in the world after the Colosseum in Rome. We visit the newly-opened small museum and investigate the excavations extending behind the museum where beautiful mosaics have been found. We then continue back to Tunis, where we spend the last night of our tour enjoying an evening out (optional) to commemorate our journey.
Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 10: Tunis

Our trip ends today, after breakfast. If you have arranged a private airport transfer you will be advised of the pick-up time.
Meals included: 1 breakfast

Tour Grade:

Tour Dates

Start Date	End Date	Price
19 Oct 2008	28 Oct 2008	$1990
16 Nov 2008	25 Nov 2008	$1990
14 Dec 2008	23 Dec 2008	$1990
11 Jan 2009	20 Jan 2009	$1990
08 Feb 2009	17 Feb 2009	$1990
08 Mar 2009	17 Mar 2009	$1990
03 May 2009	12 May 2009	$1990
17 May 2009	26 May 2009	$1990
31 May 2009	09 Jun 2009	$1990
14 Jun 2009	23 Jun 2009	$1990
28 Jun 2009	07 Jul 2009	$1990

Tour Fact Finder

About Peregrine

Peregrine has been operating adventure holidays since 1977. Today we can help you discover all four corners of the globe, from the Polar regions, to Africa, Latin America, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and beyond. We offer high-quality, excellent-value, small-group adventures to interesting areas of the world, in harmony with the local people and the environment.

Included

Peregrine tour leader, local guides, arrival transfer, transport, sightseeing and entrance fees.

Meals

9 Breakfasts

Not Included

International flights, departure taxes, visas, insurance, other meals not listed, any optional tours or activities during free time, camera fees, excess baggage charges, tips and items of a personal nature.

Additional accommodation

Extend your holiday by booking some pre or post tour accommodation - ask Peregrine or your travel agent.

Other

General tipping It is customary to leave a tip when you are in a restaurant and it is also a general practice to give someone a tip for good service, particularly to your driver and any guides who provide services along the way. For local guides we recommend â‚¬2 per person per service and for drivers we suggest â‚¬1.5 per day. Tipping your tour leader It is customary to tip your tour leader, at the end of the trip, if you are happy with his service. He will be with you for the first five day, until you leave Fes. A minimum tip of â‚¬2 per day, from each member of the group, is the standard expectation. Ramadan Ramadan occurs in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is an exciting (and at times, frustrating) time to travel in the Middle East. In the evening there is a celebratory atmosphere as people break their fast, and to witness all this is a real highlight. However, during the day, people must refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual activity, so if you encounter someone who is a bit grumpy, be sympathetic! Tourists sites are generally unaffected although some places may close early, but your leader will plan around this. Most hotels bars and tourist restaurants will remain open. Overall, Ramadan is a really interesting time to visit the Middle East, although you do need to be flexible, sympathetic and sensitive. In 2008 Ramadan starts on 1 September and ends with Eid el Fitr at the end of September. The feast of Eid el Fitr can last between three and seven days, depending on the region. In 2009, Ramadan starts on August 21st and finishes on September 19th, with the Eid el Fitr feast commencing on September 20th.

Vaccinations

Currently there are no compulsory vaccinations for the Middle East; however, in consultation with your doctor we suggest you consider the following:

Typhoid
Polio
Tetanus
Gamma Globulin or Havrix (against Hepatitis A)
Hepatitis B
Rabies
Yellow Fever (if arriving from sub-Saharan Africa)

Malaria
There is a minor risk of malaria in the Fayoum Oasis area, south of Cairo. Other parts of the region are not considered a malaria risk however we recommend you discuss the matter with your travel doctor. A good insect repellent is advisable, preferably one containing a high percentage of DEET.

Passport

Well before travelling, please ensure that you have a current passport, with an accurate photo, that is valid for at least six months after your scheduled return home. Also check that your airline tickets are in exactly the same name as your passport. Some countries may require that you have a return air ticket, or have sufficient funds to purchase such a ticket.

Insurance

On all our holidays you must have comprehensive travel insurance. Your own domestic government medical insurance and private health schemes will not cover you in most overseas countries. Peregrine is able to recommend a policy designed to cover participants in our programmes. You may take other cover, of course, but we require you to be adequately insured before we can allow you to participate on our tours. Should you commence a tour without adequate insurance you will be asked to arrange cover immediately before continuing with your holiday - and this may be difficult to arrange locally. For Group Tours your Peregrine leader will need 2 copies of your policy. The Tour Leader and our Ground Operator will keep one copy each in the unlikely event of an emergency. The copies must show the policy number and the emergency hotline phone number. Please bring these along to the tour briefing.

If you are covered by a policy arranged through your credit card company you will be asked to provide evidence of this cover, as well as a 24-hour emergency contact number. Many credit card companies do not provide an insurance policy number. In this instance, the tour leader will need to record your credit card number, as this is required to activate any request for emergency assistance. You should also bring along the travel insurance information booklet provided by your credit card company. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the requirements set out by your credit card company in order to be effectively covered and that the cover offered is of a suitable standard.

For Independent Tours, we recommend you leave a copy of your Travel Insurance policy with your Emergency Contact.

Travelling responsibly

We care about the places and people that we meet on our journeys, and we try to ensure that we give something back, as well as taking away so many incredible memories.

About this information

It is important that you should read these notes in conjunction with the detailed trip specific Pre Departure Information. This information is supplied to you at the time of booking and contains extensive information about subjects such as climate, clothing and gear, medical and visa matters, currencies, and other information about the countries visited.

The information provided here is given in good faith and has been compiled with all reasonable care. However, things change and some of the information may become out of date. Please keep this in mind when you read it and check with us if you want to be sure about something. The document was correct at time of printing, but you can check online for the most up to date version. If you have any queries, please contact your travel agent or our staff in Australia. We are here to help you!

Last Updated

30 July 2007

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