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Our Roman Tunisia tour set in the beautiful scenery of North Africa, visits the charismatic and well-preserved sites of Dougga, Thuburbo Majus, Sbeitla and El Jem as well as some exceptional collections of mosaics.
At the height of their empire, the Romans had at least 200 cities in Tunisia, their first colony south of the Mediterranean. The legacy of this civilisation is over 26,000 listed sites. Most are yet to be excavated, but many are in a remarkable state of preservation, giving a rare insight into the life enjoyed by Rome’s ancient colony.
Based in Hammamet, this 6 day / 7 night guided tour takes you to visit not only the key sites but also the museums which hold the largest and finest collection of Roman mosaics in the world. You cover a lot of ground, yet the trip is comfortably paced - busy days alternating with leisurely ones.
What the price includes:
- Accommodation at the 4-star Aziza Thalasso Golf in Hammamet
- All meals
- Transportation in Tunisia by air-conditioned vehicle (excludes airport transfers *)
- All entrance fees to museums and sites mentioned in the itinerary (photography fee of 1 Tunisian Dinar per site not included).
- Experienced English-speaking guide from day 2 to day 6.
Departure Dates and Prices:
- Departing 08 May 2011 = £525 per person
- Single supplement = £56 per person.
- Add return scheduled flights Heathrow/Tunis and airport transfers to/from hotel Hammamet for £249 per person.
- Departing 09 October 2011 = £539 per person
- Single supplement = £56 per person.
- Add return scheduled flights Heathrow/Tunis and airport transfers to/from hotel in Hammamet for £279 per person.
* Call Tunisia First on +44 (0)1276 600100 to arrange airport and/or hotel to hotel transfers.
Private tours:
This tour normally requires a minimum of 6 persons, however, the Roman Tunisia Tour can also be operated privately for a minimum of 2 passengers from £895 per person (priced according to chosen departure date).
Itinerary:
Day One
Arrive at the hotel Aziza Thalasso Golf in Hammamet.
(If you have added scheduled flights from London Heathrow to Tunis Carthage you will also be transferred from Tunis airport to the hotel).
Day Two
Leave hotel for the Punic site of Kerkouane on the Cap Bon peninsula, more revealing of the life of its founders than Carthage. Lunch in Kélibia. On the way back to Hammamet stop in Nabeul, the pottery centre of Tunisia, for some shopping and to see the potters at work. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Hammamet.
Day Three
Depart for Tunis and the Bardo Museum. A former 19th century palace, this houses a comprehensive collection from Tunisia’s eventful history with a special accent on the Roman period. Richly-coloured mosaics of great artistry show aspects of everyday life in the early centuries AD. After lunch, visit Roman Carthage and enjoy a panoramic view from Byrsa Hill where, according to legend, the Phoenician city was founded by Dido. See the Museum and the Antonine Baths. Return to Hammamet for dinner and overnight as before.
Day Four
Travel to Dougga, the best-preserved site in Tunisia. A settlement of Numidian origin in the 2nd century BC, Dougga was later promoted to the status of Municipium by the Romans. You can actually walk along its ancient stone-paved streets and admire its capitol, theatre and other splendid public buildings. After lunch, on to Thuburbo Majus, a city which flourished in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD and whose monuments reflect the importance of its position at the crossroads of trade routes between Carthage and other cities. Return to Hammamet for dinner and overnight.
Day Five
Travel to the holy city of Kairouan, former capital of Tunisia, to look at columns quarried from Roman ruins used in the building of its Great Mosque and visit the shrine of Sidi Sahab, companion of the prophet. On to Sbeitla for lunch and then to explore Sufetula, the 1st century AD site known for its superb Temples to the Capitoline Trinity and its Byzantine quarters. Return to Hammamet for dinner and overnight.
Day Six
Leave for El Jem (formerly Thysdrus) to visit one of the best preserved amphitheatres in the Roman world, a colossal monument rising above the local houses. 27,000 spectators used to pack its steep tiers. After lunch, visit the Sousse Museum to view its superb Roman mosaics. Return to Hammamet for dinner and overnight.
Day Seven
At leisure in Hammamet. Dinner and overnight in the hotel.
Day Eight
Breakfast in the hotel.
(If you have added scheduled flights from Tunis Carthage to London Heathrow you will also be transferred from the hotel to Tunis airport).
Tour Operation Requirements:
Please note that a minimum of 6 people is required for us to be able to operate each tour (maximum 15). Should it be necessary for us to cancel a tour, you will either be offered the option of an alternative date or a full refund of all monies paid.
