Grand Tour of Tunisia – 8 Days / 7 Nights From Tunis

Discover Tunisia on an unforgettable 8-day journey from Tunis, combining ancient Roman heritage, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Mediterranean charm, and thrilling Sahara Desert adventures. Explore the historic medinas of Tunis and Sousse, discover the sacred city of Kairouan, and admire the spectacular mountain oases of Chebika, Midès, and Tamerza. Cross the vast Chott El Jerid salt lake, explore the famous Mos Espa Star Wars film set, and spend a magical night in a desert camp at Ksar Ghilane. Experience authentic Berber hospitality in traditional villages and troglodyte homes, visit the impressive Roman amphitheatre of El Jem, and discover the cultural treasures and breathtaking landscapes of southern Tunisia.

Day 1 – Discover Tunis and Its Roman Heritage

Upon arrival at Tunis-Carthage International Airport at 10:35 AM, you will be welcomed by our local partner and transferred to the picturesque village of Sidi Bou Saïd. Enjoy some free time to stroll through its charming blue-and-white streets, admire the Mediterranean views, and discover its unique atmosphere.

Lunch is at your leisure. At approximately 1:00 PM, your professional guide will join you if you have selected the guided-tour option. Otherwise, you can explore the sites independently.

Discover the historic Medina of Tunis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its traditional souks, historic buildings, and rich cultural heritage. Continue to the Bardo Museum, renowned for its exceptional collection of Roman mosaics and archaeological artefacts.

Later, explore the archaeological site of Carthage, once a powerful ancient civilization. Discover its fascinating remains, including Byrsa Hill, the Antonine Baths, and other important Punic and Roman landmarks.

At the end of the day, travel to Sousse and check into your hotel.

Locations: Sidi Bou Saïd, Tunis Medina, Bardo Museum, Carthage, Sousse
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Sousse
Meals: Breakfast not included, lunch at your own expense, dinner at your own expense

Day 2 – Sousse and Monastir: History and Coastal Charm

After breakfast, begin exploring Sousse, a historic coastal city famous for its cultural heritage and Mediterranean atmosphere.

Visit the old Medina of Sousse, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and wander through its traditional streets and lively local markets. Continue to the Sousse Archaeological Museum, where you can admire an impressive collection of mosaics and artefacts from the region’s ancient civilizations.

Enjoy lunch at your leisure before travelling to Monastir. Visit the impressive Ribat of Monastir, a historic Islamic fortress overlooking the sea, and discover the mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba, Tunisia’s first president.

Later, head to Port El Kantaoui, a picturesque marina lined with cafés, restaurants, and boutiques. Enjoy some free time by the harbour before returning to your hotel in Sousse.

Locations: Sousse Medina, Sousse Archaeological Museum, Monastir Ribat, Bourguiba Mausoleum, Port El Kantaoui
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Sousse
Meals: Breakfast; lunch and dinner at your own expense

Day 3 – Kairouan: The Sacred City and UNESCO Heritage

After breakfast, depart for Kairouan, one of Tunisia’s most important historic and spiritual cities.

Visit the Great Mosque of Kairouan, also known as the Mosque of Uqba ibn Nafi, an outstanding example of early Islamic architecture. Continue with a walk through the historic Medina of Kairouan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where traditional architecture, local crafts, and centuries of history come together.

Discover the Aghlabid Basins, remarkable medieval hydraulic structures built to supply water to the city. Then visit the Mausoleum of Sidi Sahbi, commonly known as the Barber’s Mosque, an important religious and architectural landmark.

Enjoy lunch at your leisure before continuing south towards Tozeur, an oasis city on the edge of the Sahara Desert. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and relax.

Locations: Kairouan, Great Mosque, Medina of Kairouan, Aghlabid Basins, Mausoleum of Sidi Sahbi, Tozeur
Accommodation: 2-star hotel in Tozeur
Meals: Breakfast; lunch and dinner at your own expense

Day 4 – Mountain Oases and the Mos Espa Star Wars Film Set

After breakfast, travel to Chebika, one of Tunisia’s most beautiful mountain oases and a popular location for filmmakers. Accompanied by a local English-speaking guide, enjoy an approximately 40-minute hike through the old village and surrounding landscape. Discover palm groves, mountain paths, and natural springs emerging from the rocky slopes.

Continue to Midès to admire its spectacular canyons, carved into the mountains over thousands of years. Then visit Tamerza, famous for its waterfall and dramatic mountain scenery.

Enjoy lunch at your leisure before heading towards Mos Espa, one of Tunisia’s best-known Star Wars filming locations. Travel by 4x4 across the rugged landscapes around Chott el Gharsa, navigating sandy stretches and rocky terrain along the way.

Arrive at the film set and explore the distinctive structures surrounded by the desert landscape. As the day ends, admire the beautiful sunset over the dunes and film-set scenery.

Finish with a stop at Nefta’s famous Corbeille oasis, where you can enjoy a cup of tea and take in the panoramic views.

Locations: Chebika, Midès, Tamerza, Chott el Gharsa, Mos Espa, Nefta
Accommodation: 2-star hotel in Tozeur
Meals: Breakfast; lunch and dinner at your own expense

Day 5 – Across the Salt Lake to Ksar Ghilane: A Night in the Sahara

After breakfast, take some time to explore the traditional Medina of Tozeur, known for its distinctive brick architecture and historic streets.

Continue towards the Sahara, crossing Chott el Jerid, Tunisia’s immense salt lake, famous for its shimmering landscapes and striking colours. Along the way, discover unusual desert scenery, including areas of petrified sand and traditional techniques used to cool water for oasis irrigation.

Travel through Douz, known as the gateway to the Sahara. Enjoy free time to explore the local souk and discover traditional products. Optional activities, such as a camel ride or quad excursion among the dunes, are available at an additional cost.

Lunch is at your own expense before continuing to Ksar Ghilane, a remote oasis surrounded by beautiful ochre-coloured dunes and green palm trees.

Upon arrival, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the oasis and take the opportunity to swim in its natural hot spring, if conditions permit. Before sunset, admire the magnificent desert scenery as the sun disappears over the endless dunes.

Settle into your traditional desert tent. In the evening, watch a demonstration of sand bread preparation, a traditional bread-making technique in which the dough is baked beneath hot embers and sand. Enjoy dinner at camp and spend the rest of the evening admiring the star-filled Saharan sky.

Locations: Tozeur, Chott el Jerid, Douz, Ksar Ghilane
Accommodation: Zmela Desert Camp or similar
Meals: Breakfast and dinner; lunch at your own expense

Day 6 – Berber Villages and Troglodyte Homes

After breakfast, depart for Tataouine and discover the traditional Berber heritage of southern Tunisia.

Visit Chenini, one of the region’s most remarkable historic Berber villages. Perched on a hillside, this ancient settlement is known for its traditional stone houses, historic granaries, and panoramic views over the surrounding landscape.

Continue to Ksar Hadada, a traditional fortified granary famous for its distinctive architecture and its appearance in the Star Wars films.

Enjoy lunch at your leisure before travelling towards Matmata. Along the way, stop in Toujane, a picturesque Berber village nestled among the mountains. Enjoy a short walk and take photographs of the traditional houses and dramatic scenery.

In Matmata, visit a traditional troglodyte home, where local families continue to preserve their distinctive underground architecture and customs. Your hosts will welcome you with traditional tea, olive oil, and honey, offering an authentic glimpse into local life.

Continue to Sidi Idriss, the famous troglodyte hotel used as a Star Wars filming location. Discover its underground rooms and distinctive courtyards before settling in for the night.

Locations: Tataouine, Chenini, Ksar Hadada, Toujane, Matmata, Sidi Idriss
Accommodation: Sidi Idriss Troglodyte Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast; lunch and dinner at your own expense

Day 7 – El Jem: The Grandeur of Roman Tunisia

After breakfast, depart for El Jem, travelling through the Tunisian countryside.

Visit the magnificent Amphitheatre of El Jem, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world. Explore this monumental structure and discover how it reflects the importance of the region during the Roman period.

Continue to the El Jem Archaeological Museum, where mosaics and archaeological artefacts provide further insight into daily life and artistic traditions in Roman Tunisia.

Enjoy lunch at your leisure before continuing to Sousse. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy some time to relax.

Locations: El Jem Amphitheatre, El Jem Archaeological Museum, Sousse
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Sousse
Meals: Breakfast; lunch and dinner at your own expense

Day 8 – Departure from Tunis

After an early breakfast, check out of your hotel at approximately 7:00 AM and begin the transfer to Tunis-Carthage International Airport.

The planned arrival at the airport is approximately 10:10 AM. Say farewell to Tunisia after an unforgettable journey through ancient civilizations, coastal towns, Berber villages, and the spectacular Sahara Desert.

Location: Transfer from Sousse to Tunis-Carthage International Airport
Meals: Breakfast