Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
From Tunis to Djerba A Road Trip Along the Tunisian Coast
Tunisia – Tunis – Kelibia – Sousse – Tijma – Djerba
Kick off in Tunis, home to the first of many – and we do mean many – UNESCO-listed sites in store. Then, journey south to wander the cobbled alleys of Sidi Bou Said before indulging in some beachside bliss in Kelibia.
Bronzed and brimming with curiosity, continue south to Sousse for more historical delights and cultural curiosities. Follow this up with a night in a traditional Berber village cave dwelling – it doesn’t come much more authentic than that.
End your journey with a couple of nights on the island of Djerba, where you can admire street art and soak up the sun on a string of pristine beaches. Ancient history, Tunisian culture, contemporary art and idyllic beaches all in one road trip? Now that’s what you call an all-rounder.
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Rise and shine – it's time to pack your bags and head to the airport for the start of your Tunisian adventure. Having breezed through security and enjoyed some complimentary nibbles in the lounge, hop on a two-hour-and-50-minute flight to the capital, Tunis.
After landing, pick up your hire car and drive to the first hotel of your trip. Then, check in for the next three nights, divvy up the sides of the bed and freshen up before heading out this afternoon. A world of wonders awaits...
To refuel after your day of travelling, seek out some tantalising Tunisian cuisine this evening. Not sure where to look? Our local Concierge will be on hand to point you in the right – by which we mean most delicious – direction.
Today is all about travelling back in time. After breakfast, step out for a private tour of the Medieval medina with a local guide. Discover this sprawling UNESCO-listed maze, with its purple bougainvillaea and ornate tiles.
As you weave between souqs, cafés and workshops, don’t forget to peruse the chechias (traditional red wool caps), jewellery, tea, leather, brassware and spices adorning the stalls. There’s also a medley of mosques and palaces to admire, so be sure to keep cameras at the ready.
Beyond the medina, there’s plenty more to see in the modern part of the city, too. The big hitters include Avenue Bourguiba and the Bardo Museum, which houses a stellar collection of Mediterranean art, history and archaeology. What a line-up.
Bid Tunis a fond farewell this morning as you hop in the car and drive 30 minutes to Sidi Bou Said, a blue-and-white town perched above the bay of Tunis. Let’s amp up those road trip tunes.
When you arrive, meet a local guide for some sun-drenched sightseeing, starting at the traditional Tunisian house of Dar El Annabi. Then, visit the famous Café des Nattes for lunch. Something of a mecca for intellectuals, this was once the haunt of Simone de Beauvoir.
Suitably stuffed, embark on a tour of the sprawling UNESCO-listed site of Carthage, an ancient city founded by the Phoenicians. The city was later destroyed and rebuilt by the Romans, so the ruins reflect an intriguing mix of cultures.
Once you’re all historied out, head back to Tunis this evening for one last dinner in the city. But don’t worry, the fun is only just beginning...
Swap the capital for the charming fishing port of Kelibia this morning. The journey takes two hours, meaning plenty of road trip sing-a-longs and snack breaks.
Having pulled into your next hotel, check in for a two-night stay and drop your bags. Then, once you’ve settled in, make a beeline for one of the town’s postcard-perfect beaches. We're advocates for La Mansourah, but wherever you end up, flour-soft sand and crystalline waters await.
When hunger strikes this evening, take your pick from one of the beachfront restaurants lining the shore. As you tuck into dinner with a view, sample a glass or two of the region’s famous wine – Muscat de Kelibia. It would be rude not to.
Today is entirely dedicated to discovering the delights of Kelibia. Enjoy a leisurely morning and a refreshing dip in the sea before hitting the streets to explore the historic sites nearby.
Start by heading to the Kelibia Fort, an ancient hilltop fortress first built by the Carthaginians in the fifth century BC. Over the centuries, it was 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 Mediterranean alone.
Another must-see today is the ancient ruin of Kerkouane, located a short drive from Kelibia. UNESCO-listed, it’s the only surviving example of a Phoenician-Punic city. The complex boasts advanced water systems, mosaics, well-preserved houses, streets and squares – cue oohs and aahs from all in tow.
The next destination on your Tunisian adventure beckons today. After tucking into a tasty breakfast, hop in the car and drive for two and a half hours to the enchanting fishing port of Hergla.
Tucked in the Gulf of Hammamet, this pint-sized place is often overlooked by travellers. Stretch your legs with a peaceful stroll along the waterfront before hitting the road again to Sousse, where you’ll spend the next two nights.
For the rest of the afternoon, discover the historic buildings of the UNESCO-protected medina. Dating back to the ninth century, it’s home to bustling souqs, mosques and fortified walls.
Then, when hunger strikes this evening, ask our local Concierge for a shortlist of their favourite spots in the city. Food comas pending...
Delve into the past again today by visiting the fascinating (and frankly named) Archaeological Museum after breakfast. Located in an 11th-century kasbah, it’s full of ancient treasures, including a magnificent set of Roman mosaics.
Then, drive an hour inland to Kairouan, another impressive UNESCO-listed site. Here, you’ll find the Great Mosque, one of the largest Islamic monuments in North Africa. While only Muslims can enter the mosque itself, anyone can visit its pristine courtyard. After a scenic stroll, continue along the alleys, archways and souqs of the medina.
If you fancy more history today, you could also hop back in the car for another hour to reach the Roman Amphitheatre of El Jem. Formerly the largest colosseum in North Africa, it’s yet another bearer of the UNESCO stamp – we're spoiling you on this trip.
Pack your things and check out this morning – the epic road trip continues as you embark on the three-hour drive to the Berber village of Tijma.
Tunisia’s Berber people are one of the oldest ethnic groups in the country. Their villages feature stone architecture, clifftop settings and cave dwellings. Located a little north of Matmata, in the Jebel Dahar mountains, you’ll spend the night in one of these traditional cave dwellings, or ‘troglodyte’ homes.
For the rest of the day, explore the nearby Berber villages. Star Wars fans should head to Matmata, whose buildings played the role of Luke Skywalker’s home on the planet of Tatooine.
If you’d rather put your feet up after the long drive, soak in your surroundings while nursing a coffee or diving into a good book this afternoon. Then, sit down to an authentic meal tonight.
Hear that? Island life is calling. Leave your cosy cave dwellings behind this morning and climb back into the car for the two-hour-and-15-minute journey to the island of Djerba. Fun fact: it’s also UNESCO-listed.
When you reach these sandy shores, check in for the next two nights and start exploring. We recommend a stroll around Erriadh, a charming open-air art museum in the centre of the island. Of course, Djerba is also blessed with an array of beautiful beaches, and our Concierge can recommend the cream of the crop.
Dine in style this evening by nabbing a spot with sea views and a seafood-centric menu. Then, saunter back to your hotel to sink into a plush stack of pillows and rest up for the adventures of tomorrow.
Today is all about making the most of your last full day in Tunisia.
Keen sunbathers can cultivate an envy-inducing tan by beach hopping across the island, whereas history buffs can learn more about Djerba’s history at the Guellala Museum, wander the ancient ruins of the Ghazi Mustapha Fortress or visit the El Ghriba Synagogue – the oldest in North Africa.
Then, if you’re in search of a souvenir, don’t miss a visit to the pretty medina of Houmt El Souk this afternoon. Elsewhere, those eager to up the ante can learn to kite surf in the sparkling lagoon.
Round out your island escapades this evening with a decadent dinner and a toast to a trip well spent.
Sadly, your road trip down the Tunisian coast comes to an end today. Luxuriate in one last leisurely breakfast overlooking the Mediterranean this morning, before saying goodbye to Djerba and loading up the car.
The drive to the airport takes around 20 minutes, after which you’ll return your hire car and head to your gate. The flight home takes three-and-a-half hours, giving you plenty of time to scroll through your camera roll and dream up your next adventure before landing.
Suggestions
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
LA GOULETTE AND LA MARSA BY ELECTRIC BIKE
Hop onto an electric bike and set off with a private guide through Little Sicily – a district once home to Italian workers – before passing by La Goulette, gateway to Lake Tunis. Then, pedal past pretty Sidi Bou Said to reach La Marsa, a haven for wealthy Tunisians and expatriates replete with beaches, bars, clubs and chic restaurants. You’ll cycle for almost 19 miles in total, making you more than deserving of a couple of sweet treats along the way…
Why visit Tunisia with Original Travel ?
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.
Enquire nowA few of the benefits of travelling with us to Tunisia
- Our local Concierges
- The Original Travel app
- Wi-Fi router and e-Sim
- Destination Dossier
- 24-hour helpline
- Expert guides
- 100% carbon absorption
