* Tour price, per person, minimum 8 persons

*Tour price does NOT include accommodation nor meals - to be booked upon request

*Tour price Includes: 10 seater minivan, driver & guide for duration, all entrance fees, gasoline, parking. 

Day 1:

We drive to the interior, brings us to Kairouan – the first capital of Islam to be established in North Africa. We do a brief walking tour of Kairouan’s picturesque medina & Kasbah, including a visit of the 7th century Great Mosque (the oldest mosque in North Africa) and Mausoleum of Sidi Saheb (companion of the Muslim prophet) with its old Koranic school. We continue to Sbeitla, Roman Sufetula.The monumental, triple Temple rising from the surrounding plains is a breathtaking site. Dedicated to the Capitoline Triad of Jupiter, Juno & Minerva, it is the best preserved Capitolium & Forum area in North Africa. We walk through the residential and market quarters of the city, see the city baths, theatre, and Byzantine churches with their mosaic-covered baptisteries in situ. Tonight, we will have fabulous views of the illuminated temples from our hotel terrace. Overnight in Sbeitla.

Day 2:

Today we drive into the Oasis region and main date production center of Tunisia. The vast green palmeries of the south are a dramatic contrast to the surrounding desertscape. By midday, we reach our destination – Tozeur – one of the largest oasis in Tunisia and historically, one of the most important centers on the ancient caravan routes leading from Sahara to the Mediterranean and Algeria. After lunch, we explore the vast oasis with its date palms, the local markets, and narrow lanes of Bled el Hadar – the medieval town with its distinctive desert architecture & decorative brickwork. 1st of 2 nights in Tozeur.

Day 3:

This morning we have a 4 Wheel Drive excursion to the Mountain Oases of Chebika, Mides & Tamerza. Located amidst the rugged outcrop of the Atlas Mountains, not far from the Algerian frontier, these date back to Roman times, when they were military outposts to control the caravan trade. In Chebika, we take a walk to see the village and source of the springs. To Mides – with its spectacular canyon – made famous in the film, The English Patient. We continue to Tamerza, where we walk through the picturesque ghost village of the oasis and see the waterfall. After lunch we return to Tozeur. Afternoon at leisure to explore the town or relax by the swimming pool. 2nd of 2 nights in Tozeur.

Day 4:

We depart this morning for Degache – where we take a horse-drawn carriage (calesh) into the oasis. Degache has a fully functioning palmerie – where everything from herbs, henna, vegetables, fruit trees and date palms are cultivated. We will learn about the date harvest and have the opportunity to sample some local dates or date wine (legmi). We continue our journey across the Chott el Jerid, the great Salt Lake - the barrier between the Sahara and fertile North. If we are lucky, we may see some mirages on the horizon. To town of Douz, the “Gateway of the Sahara”. Visit the Museum of the Sahara and lunch. Later this afternoon (sunset is the best time), you have the option to experience the great dunes either by: Camel Trek (45 minutes- 1 hour), Ultra Light Airplane, or Dune Buggy. Overnight in Douz.

Day 5:

An early morning departure; we reach El Djem by midday. After a lunch break, we see one of the best preserved amphitheatres of the Roman world, and the Roman villas, with their mosaic floors – startling in their beauty & excellent state of preservation. Return to Hammamet/Tunis.