Tunisia Expedition

Tunisia Expedition

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12 Days From

$3995

$3795

Tunisia Expedition

12 Days Starting and ending in Tunis

Visiting: Tunis, Kairouan , Tozeur , Tozeur, Douz Sahara , Douz , Dhaher, Mahdia

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

XLSE

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Low, Medium

Age range:

15-99 years

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

4WD, Camel Trekking-Riding

From: $3995 $3795 Operator discount: -$200

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Discover the living history, vast desert landscape and seaside bliss of Tunisia on this 12-day adventure to a seldom-explored gem. Wander through waterfront medinas where the scent of jasmine floats on the sea breeze, explore World Heritage-listed Roman ruins without the crowds, hike over sand dunes and under craggy mountains and feast on spicy Tunisian cuisine, which blends the staples favoured by the nomadic peoples of North Africa with Italian and Spanish flavours. Trek the Sahara with local Amazigh guides and camp under North African stars, meet local female artisans keeping traditions alive and spend a couple of nights in an underground cave dwelling. From vast stretches of pink-hued salt lakes to turquoise coasts and palm-fringed oases – this trip reveals the diverse sides of a Mediterranean jewel.

Highlights

  • Explore some of the local underground dwellings of Matmata, before enjoying lunch in a troglodyte restaurant where mythical scenes from Star Wars Episodes I, II, III and VI were filmed.

  • Wander the largest medina in North Africa in Tunis, navigating the twisting alleyways to discover tiny stores overflowing with goods, ancient mosques and bustling squares.

  • Marvel at the spectacular Roman amphitheatre of El Jem. This 3rd-century structure resembles Rome’s Colosseum and rises above the surrounding city in a pretty impressive fashion.

  • Meet local female artisans in their workshops and homes and learn how they’re keeping their crafts and art practices alive. Sample local sweets, share home-cooked meals and join in on local cooking demonstrations.

  • Trek through the Sahara with local Amazigh guides, then settle in at a desert camp to watch the sunset over the epic sea of dunes.

  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Education for All. Donations help them support girls in the High Atlas Mountains through secondary school, bringing a generation of women out of the cycle of illiteracy, poverty and early marriage.

  • Marvel at the spectacular Roman amphitheatre of El Jem. This 3rd-century structure rises impressively above the surrounding city, playing host to gladiators, musicians, villagers and many more throughout its life.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Tunis

Location: Tunis

Accommodation: Hotel

Salam! Welcome to Tunisia. Tunis, the capital of Tunisia, has two main sections – the 19th-century ville nouvelle grid (created by French colonialists) and the 8th-century medina, where all alleyways lead to the Great Mosque. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe head out to sample some specialties like lablabi (chickpea soup), tajine (different from the Moroccan version), or if you have a sweet tooth, bambalouni (deep-fried doughnut).

Day 2: Tunis

Location: Tunis

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

Stroll the streets of the Tunis Medina (Old Quarter), the largest in North Africa. Walk through the twisting alleyways, passing shops overflowing with goods, where the smells of spice and essential oils fill the air. Explore the specialty souqs that make up the Medina markets, like the perfume makers' souq or the grand souq des chechias where the iconic blood-red felt hats are made. Enjoy lunch in the medina, then head to Sidi Bou Said – this quaint village high above the Mediterranean makes for incredible photo opportunities, with its white walls and blue shutters. Then, visit the Baron d'Erlanger Palace and wander the cobbled streets lined with cafes and artisanal shops. Later, head back to Tunis for a free evening.

Included Activities:
-Tunis - Medina of Tunis: Great Zitouna mosque
-Tunis - Baron d'Erlanger Palace
-Tunis - Sidi Bou Said - Village Visit

Day 3: Kairouan

Location: Kairouan

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

This morning, make your way to the 9th-century World Heritage-listed Carthage to see monuments like the vast Antonine baths, the Roman Amphitheatre and the Punic Ports, which hark back to the glories of a bygone era. Travel on to Gammarth, where you’ll sit down with a local family for a special cooking demonstration of two traditional Tunisian dishes – brick a l’oeuf and Tunisian salad. Enjoy the dishes for lunch and get to know the locals, before your afternoon glass-blowing workshop. This boutique was opened by a local woman who studied to be a master glassmaker in Murano, near Venice. When she returned from Italy, she dedicated her life to bringing back blown glass in Tunisia, an activity that had been abandoned since the 14th century. Later, you’ll have free time to explore the streets of La Marsa. Perhaps try an Arabic coffee with a kaak warka (traditional ring-shaped pastry) or shop in the many local Tunisian boutiques. Later, travel to Kairouan – the fourth holiest site in Islam.

Included Activities:
-Gammarth - Home cooked meal and cooking demonstration
-Kairouan - Archeological site of Carthage
-Kairouan - Visit glass blowing workshop

Day 4: Tozeur

Location: Tozeur

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

After breakfast, head out to explore Kairouan. Visit the 9th-century Great Mosque of Oqba Ibn Nafi – an important example of Islamic architecture. Many of the columns throughout the complex were taken from the ruins of cities like Carthage. Walk through the serpentine streets of the local medina and get a tasty sample of makroudh (a traditional local pastry stuffed with dates). Then, visit the workshop of Ms. Essid Faouzia – usually only known by locals, her workshop is in her home and is open only by appointment. She has been preparing local sweets and pastries for decades. After your visit, you’ll also learn about the traditional trade of rug-making from a local women’s cooperative. Tunisia has a rich tradition of weaving rugs – in the 19th century, the daughter of the Ottoman governor was the first person in Kairouan to weave a carpet using wool. The tradition continued, making Kairouan the capital of carpets. You’ll then have free time for lunch – ask your leader for the best spots for local street food! You’ll spend the night in Tozeur.

Included Activities:
-Kairouan - Pastry Workshop
-Kairouan - Traditional Carpet Shop
-Kairouan - City Tour

Day 5: Tozeur

Location: Tozeur

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Explore the palm-lined oasis town of Tozeur this morning. Sitting in the middle of the desert, this used to be an important stop on the Bedouin caravan route. Check out the Eden Palm Museum with your group, strolling the lush gardens and learning about the local products made from the museum’s date palms. Stroll through the 14th-century medina, admiring the architecture and restored brickwork of the city, then maybe keep exploring with a visit to the Dar Charait Museum – an ethnographic museum depicting scenes of traditional Tunisian life. The rest of the day is free for you to explore however you like. Maybe hit the mountains on a 4WD tour of the surrounding oases, which film buffs may recognise from 'The English Patient'. See the mountain oasis of Tamerza, along with Mides and Chebika, and maybe even see some set pieces left over from the filming of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.

Included Activities:
-Tozeur - City Tour
-Tozeur - Date Museum and Gardens

Optional Activities:
-Tozeur - 4x4 Excursion to the Starwars Film set

Day 6: Douz Sahara

Location: Douz Sahara

Accommodation: Sahara Campsite

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

This morning you’ll head to Douz, travelling across Chott El Jerid – the largest Salt Lake in the Sahara – and taking in the green and pink hues. When you arrive, have some lunch in the centre of Douz at a restaurant close to the central market. Taste some of the local specialties out on the open terrace and bask in the sun. After, you’ll meet your camel drivers, get a brief lesson in desert etiquette, then start your trek into the Sahara. While the journey to the camp is on foot, camels will carry our provisions and luggage. Arrive at the camp just before sunset, where you’ll be treated to a cooking demonstration of couscous and desert bread, before settling in for a peaceful night under the stars.

Included Activities:
-Douz - Sahara Trek

Day 7: Douz

Location: Douz

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Enjoy breakfast among the undulating dunes of the Sahara and spend the morning in this incredible landscape, before the trek back to Douz. Local Amazigh guides will accompany you during the trek to teach you some secrets of life in the desert. When you arrive back in Douz, you’re free to spend your evening how you wish. Maybe head to the Sahara Desert Museum and learn some more history about this incredible part of the world.

Included Activities:
-Douz - Sahara Trek

Day 8: Dhaher

Location: Dhaher

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Continue to Matmata this morning, stopping in Toujane along the way to visit the ruins of an old Kasbah and a centuries-old olive press. Matmata is named after the tribe who live in the region, but now is best known for the houses built underground, that protect the locals from the intense summer heat. Explore some of the local dwellings – these underground houses might look familiar, as these were used as Luke Skywalker’s home in Star Wars. Staying on the Star Wars train, you’ll head to a local troglodyte restaurant for lunch, where scenes from Star Wars Episodes I, II, III and VI were filmed. After, embark on a hike through the rocky, mountainous desert and snap some incredible photos of the unique landscape. This afternoon you’ll drive to the Dhaher area, where you’ll will spend the next two nights in a troglodyte gite (a cave dwelling). The property is in a very old Amazigh village and the rooms are carved into the mountain rock, offering some stunning panoramic views.

Included Activities:
-Matmata - Troglodyte Lunch

Day 9: Dhaher

Location: Dhaher

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

After a leisurely morning, head out to visit a traditional olive oil press in Toujane. The olive tree has been affluent in southern Tunisia since ancient times. These traditional production oil mills were found in the caves of the Matmata and Tataouine regions, marking a long, fascinating history. The rest of the day is free to choose your own adventure. Maybe relax at your gite or trek through the countryside from Douiret to Chenini on an optional hike through the Dhaher mountains. Tonight, you’ll be treated to a home-cooked meal in a local Chenini family home.

Included Activities:
-Toujane - Traditional Olive Press
-Douiret - Trekking from Douiret to Chenini

Optional Activities:
-Douiret - Desert Trek - Free

Day 10: Mahdia

Location: Mahdia

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

Head to Mahdia, stopping on the way to see the spectacular Roman amphitheatre of El Jem. From the 3rd century, this is the second largest Roman arena ever built and resembles Rome’s Colosseum as it rises above the city. Arrive in the seaside Mahdia, a relaxed port town, in the afternoon. Among Tunisia's most picturesque cities, Mahdia lies between Sousse and Sfax and has many historic attractions, including the ruins of an ancient Punic city. Maybe spend your free time exploring the picturesque medina in the Old Town, full of whitewashed houses, narrow lanes and bursting with local life. Soak up the seaside character of the town, do some people-watching and enjoy the tourist-free charm of a traditional district. Later, maybe relax on the sandy beach and enjoy the colours of the Mediterranean.

Included Activities:
-El-Jem - Amphitheatre

Day 11: Tunis

Location: Tunis

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

Enjoy a gentle walking tour around the peninsula (Cap Mahdia) this morning after breakfast, past the sea cemetery, some local ruins, the old port and the medina. When you’ve had your fill of sea air, sit down for a group lunch at a traditional restaurant. This afternoon, return to Tunis and visit the National Bardo Museum, second only to the Egyptian museum of Cairo in terms of the breadth and depth of its collections. This evening, perhaps head out for a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers.

Included Activities:
-Mahdia - Old Peninsula Medina Walk
-Tunis - Bardo National Museum

Day 12: Tunis

Location: Tunis

Meals Included: breaksfast

With no further activities planned after breakfast, your trip comes to an end in Tunis this morning. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

    No

  • Fully Guided

  • Meals

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Tunis - Medina of Tunis: Great Zitouna mosque

  • Tunis - Baron d'Erlanger Palace

  • Tunis - Sidi Bou Said - Village Visit

  • Gammarth - Home cooked meal and cooking demonstration

  • Kairouan - Archeological site of Carthage

  • Kairouan - Visit glass blowing workshop

show more

What's Not Included

  • Insurance

  • International Travel

Transport

  • 4WD vehicle , Private Minibus

Accommodation

  • Hotel (8 nights), Gite (2 nights), Desert Camp (1 night)

Important Information

  • 1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 7 (Sahara Camping) where you will be in shared accommodation, and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    You’ll need to be moderately fit to take part in the trek across the Sahara Desert. You'll trek 6 hours in total - 3 hours each way, to and from the campsite. Camels will carry your luggage, and it is possible to take a 4WD transfer if needed.

    Camping in the Sahara is a fantastic experience, but the facilities are basic. There are double pop-up tents and shared Western-style bathroom facilities. While the desert may be very hot during the day, it will still be cool at night, and warm clothes and a sleeping bag are highly recommended when travelling outside of the summer months. Despite this, the warm Amazigh hospitality and chance to be out under the stars certainly make up for the camp’s simplicity.

    Quite a bit of walking is involved when visiting some of the sites on the trip. Sometimes there is no shade, so remember to bring a hat, sun protection and sturdy, comfortable walking shoes.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Yes, 15 years old or above

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    No

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

    LOW - Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    No

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

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12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

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Explore Southern Africa

08-Mar-2024

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Alan Perrott (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic time...

13-Aug-2024

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Apr 13, 2025 - Apr 24, 2025
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Operator discount: -$200

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.