Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Tunisia – Tunis – Kelibia – Sousse – Tijma – Djerba
100% customisable for you
Pack your bags and head to the airport for the start of your Tunisian adventure. Hop on a short direct flight to the capital, Tunis, taking just under three hours. On arrival, pick up a rental car and drive to your accommodation for the next three nights, located in the historic medina of Tunis, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Unpack and settle in before getting your bearings. Hungry after a day of travelling? Enjoy your first taste of tantalising Tunisian cuisine at one of our Dossier-recommended eateries.
This morning, travel back in time on a private tour of the medina with a local guide. Discover the sprawling Medieval maze adorned with magenta bougainvillaea and ornate tiles, from its souqs, cafes and workshops to its mosques and palaces. Whether you’re searching for a chechia, some jewellery, tea, leather, brassware or spices, your guide can help you find it…
Beyond the medina, there’s plenty more to see in the modern city, including Avenue Bourguiba, where the theatre and the Saint Vincent de Paul cathedral are located. You can also visit the Bardo Museum, housed in a former Beylic palace and home to an important collection of Mediterranean art, history and archaeology. Fancy more of an adventure? To see a different side of the city, we can organise an electric bike tour of the waterfront districts of La Goulette and La Marsa.
Today, hop in your hire car and drive for around 30 minutes to the picturesque blue and white town of Sidi Bou Said, perched above the bay of Tunis. With the help of a local guide, wander cobbled streets, discover the traditional Tunisian house of Dar El Annabi and visit the famous Café des Nattes for a bite to eat, the old haunt of intellectuals, including Simone de Beauvoir.
Next, tour the sprawling archaeological site of Carthage, an ancient city founded by the Phoenicians around 900 BC. The city was then destroyed and rebuilt by the Romans in 146 AD, and so the ruins are the result of an intriguing mix of cultures. Discover the fascinating history of this UNESCO World Heritage site with an expert guide, from the amphitheatre and necropolises to the acropolis of Byrsa and the Antonin baths. Once you’re historied out, head back into Tunis for your final dinner in the city.
Wave the capital goodbye and drive for just over two hours to your next destination: the charming fishing port of Kelibia, where you’ll spend the next two nights.
Once you’ve settled in, make a beeline for one of the town’s postcard-perfect beaches (we like La Mansourah). Flour-soft white sand and crystalline waters await beachgoers. Where better to while away the afternoon? When hunger strikes, take your pick from one of the beachfront restaurants lining the shore for dinner with a sea view. Make sure to sample a glass or two of the region’s famous wine, ‘Muscat de Kelibia’.
You have a full day to discover the delights of Kelibia today. Enjoy a leisurely morning and a refreshing dip in the sea before exploring the historic sites nearby. Head to the Kelibia Fort, an ancient hilltop fortress first built by the Carthaginians in the fifth century BC. Over the centuries, the fort has been destroyed and rebuilt by different ruling powers, resulting in a fascinating mix of architectural styles. It’s worth a visit for the views over the glittering Mediterranean alone.
Another must-visit site is the ancient ruin of Kerkouane, located a short drive from Kelibia. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the only surviving example of a Phoenician-Punic city – it was never rebuilt by the Romans – complete with advanced water systems, mosaics, well-preserved houses, streets and squares.
The next destination on your Tunisian adventure beckons today: Sousse. Hop in your hire car and drive for around two and a half hours to first reach the enchanting fishing port of Hergla, tucked in the Gulf of Hammamet. Stretch your legs with a stroll along the waterfront before cruising into Sousse, where you’ll spend the next two nights.
For the rest of the afternoon, we recommend exploring the historic buildings of the UNESCO-protected medina. Dating back to the ninth century, discover its bustling souqs, mosques and fortified walls. Hungry? Try the local cuisine at one of our Dossier-recommended restaurants, or ask our in-country Concierge for their favourite spots.
Today, delve into the past at the fascinating Archaeological Museum, located in an 11th-century kasbah. Marvel at its ancient treasures, including a magnificent set of Roman mosaics depicting everyday scenes and various mythological figures.
Next, we recommend driving an hour inland to Kairouan, another impressive UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the Great Mosque – one of the largest Islamic monuments in North Africa. While only Muslims can enter the fort-like mosque, anyone can visit the pristine courtyard. After, stroll through the alleys, archways and souqs of the historic medina. For more history, drive for another hour or so to reach the Roman Amphitheatre of El Jem, formerly the largest colosseum in North Africa and another (you guessed it) UNESCO-listed site. Built around 238 AD, the amphitheatre is a prime example of Roman imperial might.
Put our destination-specific playlist on the speakers, as your road trip continues today with a three-hour drive south to the Berber village of Tijma, located a little north of Matmata. Tucked in the Jebel Dahar mountain range, spend the night in a traditional cave dwelling or ‘troglodyte’ home.
For the rest of the day, we recommend exploring nearby troglodyte villages; eagle-eyed Star Wars fans will recognise the dwellings in Matmata as Luke Skywalker’s home on the planet of Tatooine. Rather put your feet up after the long drive? This is a peaceful spot to soak in your surroundings with a good book and enjoy an authentic meal at your accommodation.
This morning, leave your cosy cave behind and hop in your hire car for a two-hour-and-15-minute drive to the island of Djerba, your home for the next two nights. You’ll stay in Erriadh, a charming village in the centre of the island, home to ‘Djerbahood’, a district renowned for its street art. Once you’ve settled in, explore this open-air gallery, complete with colourful murals and contemporary installations. Then, why not hit the beach? Djerba is blessed with a bevy of beautiful beaches, but our Concierge can recommend their favourites.
Make the most of your last full day in Tunisia. There’s plenty to do, whether you’d rather beach hop across the island, learn about Djerba’s history at the Guellala Museum or wander the ancient ruins of the Ghazi Mustapha Fortress. Shop for souvenirs in the pretty medina of Houmt El Souk, learn how to kite surf on the lagoon and, if culture is on the cards, don’t miss El Ghriba Synagogue – the oldest in North Africa – with its intricate blue and gold interiors.
Sadly, your Tunisian road trip ends today. Say goodbye to Djerba and drive for around 20 minutes to the airport, where you’ll drop off your rental car. Then, board your three-and-a-half-hour flight back to the UK, arriving home full of tales from your terrific Tunisian trip.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
