Experience the best of Tunisia on a luxurious nine-day journey from the country’s historic heart to the vast Sahara Desert and back. Begin in Tunis, explore the UNESCO-listed Medina, the ancient ruins of Carthage, and the charming village of Sidi Bou Said, capped by a hands-on Tunisian cooking class. Travel south to Kairouan to visit the Great Mosque and its medina before heading to the desert oasis of Tozeur. Take a 4x4 ride through the mountain oases and explore the architecture of Tozeur. On the way to Douz, the "Gateway to the Sahara," cross the Chott el-Jerid salt lake and take in the vibrant souk. Tour the Berber village of Matmata, known for its underground homes and Star Wars filming locations, before traveling to Sfax to explore its well-preserved medina. Witness the total solar eclipse of 2027 at Chaffar Beach, an unforgettable celestial event. Conclude your journey with a visit to the grand Roman Amphitheater of El Jem and a final night in Tunis.
Highlights
Visit the historic Medina of Tunis, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Learn about the history of the ancient archaeological site of Carthage
See the old medina of Kairouan and the great mosque of Okba Ibn Nafaa
Discover the unique architecture of the desert oasis of Tozeur
Take a 4x4 ride through the mountain oases of Chebika, Tamerza, and Midès
Cross the Chott el-Jerid salt lake, a vast natural wonder
Interact with the M'razig nomads, a nomadic tribe in Douz
Explore Matmata's troglodyte houses and their traditional way of life
Travel to Sfax, a coastal city and its well-preserved medina
Witness the total solar eclipse at Chaffar Beach in Sfax
Moderately active but not overly strenuous. This level includes activities like casual cycling, yoga, or excursions/activities that typically last 3-5 hours total each day.
Upon arrival in Tunis, meet the representative at the airport for a warm welcome and assistance with your luggage. Transfer to your hotel for check-in and a brief orientation about your journey ahead. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore at your leisure. If time permits, walk through the historic Medina of Tunis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or enjoy a walk along the vibrant Avenue Habib Bourguiba, often called the “Champs-Élysées of Tunis.”
Day 2: Exploring Tunis Medina | Carthage Archaeological Site
After breakfast, begin your day with a guided exploration of the Medina of Tunis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through its maze of narrow streets, discovering lively souks, ancient mosques, and traditional artisan workshops that reflect centuries of Tunisian heritage and craftsmanship.
Next, immerse yourself in the local culinary scene with an authentic Tunisian cooking class. Start by visiting a bustling market in the medina, where your local chef will help you select fresh produce, aromatic spices, and key ingredients. Then, head to a traditional home to prepare a classic Tunisian meal. Learn traditional cooking methods passed down through generations, and enjoy the rewarding experience of tasting your own delicious creation for lunch.
In the afternoon, travel to the legendary archaeological site of Carthage, once a powerful Phoenician and later Roman city. Explore its ancient ruins, temples, and baths while uncovering its fascinating history. End the day in the scenic blue-and-white village of Sidi Bou Said, where you can stroll cobbled streets, browse local art shops, and admire panoramic views of the Mediterranean coast before returning to your hotel.
Travel to Kairouan, Tunisia’s spiritual heart and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your first stop is the Great Mosque of Okba Ibn Nafaa, one of the oldest and most revered mosques in North Africa. Admire its grand courtyard, ancient columns, and intricate architecture that reflect centuries of Islamic artistry and devotion.
Continue with a guided walk through the Medina of Kairouan, where narrow lanes lead to vibrant souks and traditional artisan workshops. Discover the city’s timeless charm and craftsmanship as you explore its maze-like streets. Visit the Aghlabid Basins, impressive ancient water reservoirs that once supplied the city and stand as a testament to early Islamic engineering ingenuity.
After lunch, journey south across Tunisia’s diverse landscapes toward Tozeur, an oasis city at the edge of the Sahara. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening amidst palm groves and the serene desert.
Day 4: 4x4 Mountain Oasis Adventure | Explore Tozeur
After breakfast, set off on a thrilling 4x4 excursion through the rugged landscapes of western Tunisia. Travel deep into the mountain oases of Chebika, Tamerza, and Midès, where lush palm groves and sparkling waterfalls contrast dramatically with the surrounding desert. Wander through ancient Berber villages and narrow canyons, soaking in the breathtaking scenery and timeless tranquility of these hidden gems in the Atlas foothills.
Return to the city of Tozeur, often called the Gateway to the Desert. Explore its vast date palm oasis, sustained by a centuries-old irrigation network, and stroll through the old quarter, where beautifully patterned brickwork showcases the city’s unique architectural style.
As the sun sets, return to your hotel to unwind and enjoy a peaceful evening after a day filled with adventure and discovery.
Day 5: Chott el-Jerid Salt Lake | Douz, Gateway to the Sahara
Set out on a scenic drive across the Chott el-Jerid, Tunisia’s vast salt lake, and one of the most otherworldly landscapes in North Africa. Stretching endlessly toward the horizon, the lake’s shimmering white and pink hues create surreal reflections, an unforgettable sight, and a perfect spot for photos.
Continue your journey to Douz, the fabled Gateway to the Sahara. Upon arrival, explore the local souk, alive with the colors and scents of desert life. Stroll through stalls filled with handwoven textiles, leather goods, and spices, and catch glimpses of M’razig nomads trading their wares, preserving centuries-old desert traditions.
Check in to your hotel in Douz and spend the evening at leisure, relaxing and preparing for your next day’s adventure into the vast dunes of the Sahara Desert.
Day 6: Troglodyte Homes of Matmata | Historic Medina of Sfax
Depart for the Berber village of Matmata, a remarkable settlement carved into Tunisia’s desert hills. The area is famed for its troglodyte houses, underground homes built to stay cool during the scorching summers and warm in winter. Visit one of these unique dwellings and meet residents who continue this centuries-old way of life. Make a stop at the Hotel Sidi Driss, known as Luke Skywalker’s home in the original Star Wars film. Wander through its iconic chambers and courtyards for a glimpse of movie history set against an ancient backdrop.
Continue your journey north to the coastal city of Sfax, Tunisia’s commercial heart and cultural gem. Explore its historic medina, one of the most authentic and least touristy in the country, surrounded by impressive stone walls. Walk through narrow alleys filled with traditional workshops, local markets, and ancient mosques that reflect the city’s rich heritage.
Check into your hotel for the night and unwind after a day of exploration through the desert and history.
Today offers a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. After breakfast, travel south from Sfax to Chaffar Beach, a prime viewing point perfectly positioned along the path of totality for the 2027 total solar eclipse.
Prepare to witness one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles as the moon completely covers the sun. The partial eclipse will begin in the morning, leading daylight to fade into an otherworldly darkness for up to 5 minutes and 39 seconds, one of the longest durations of totality in this century.
Your viewing area will be specially prepared for comfort and safety, featuring shaded seating areas, refreshments, and clean facilities, allowing you to relax and fully savor this rare celestial moment. After the eclipse, enjoy time to unwind or explore the surrounding coastal area before returning to Sfax for an overnight stay, carrying with you memories of a phenomenon few ever experience.
Day 8: El Jem's UNESCO World Heritage Site | Tunis
After breakfast at your hotel, begin your journey to El Jem, home to one of the greatest architectural treasures of the Roman Empire. Here, you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Amphitheatre of El Jem, an awe-inspiring monument that stands as the third-largest Roman amphitheater in the world.
Walk through its grand arches and underground passages where gladiators once prepared for combat, and step into the arena where over 30,000 spectators once gathered for thrilling spectacles. Its impressive scale and remarkable preservation make it one of North Africa’s most extraordinary historic sites.
After exploration, continue the scenic drive north through Tunisia’s countryside to Tunis. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Relax, revisit your favorite part of the capital, or take a quiet stroll through the vibrant streets before your final evening in Tunisia.
Day 9: Return Home
1 Breakfast
Enjoy your final morning in Tunisia at leisure. Take some time to relax at your hotel or explore the nearby streets for any last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
When ready, meet your driver for your transfer to Tunis–Carthage International Airport for your departing flight. If you wish to extend your stay, optional extensions are available to spend additional days by the sea or explore more of Tunisia’s coastal gems.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is $650 Per Person (Non-refundable), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check, or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and a maximum of $20,000 charge
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!