Palace and antique treasures: from Tunis to Carthage
A 7-day itinerary to find out about the mysteries of the Medina of Tunis, explore ancient Carthage and be enchanted by the village of Sidi Bou Saïd
8days/7nights
In the company of expert guides, from the Arab Medina of Tunis with its winding streets, its colourful souks, its 17th century palaces and its top culinary establishments, to the archaeological of museum Carthage. In the evening, relax in “Dars” chosen specially for you: a very trendy palace in the heart of the Medina, a residence next to the sea or an elegant farm for exploring the Tunisian countryside.
DAY 1
Private transfer upon arrival at the airport and stay 2 nights in the Medina of Tunis in the guest house “Rock the Kasbah”. Your “Dar” is a palace which has been entirely refurbished and decorated by a designer who loves Tunisia and its crafts. The styles, eras and textures sit happily alongside each other with some charming nods to rock ‘n roll!
DAY 2
In the company of an urban architect and enthusiastic author, you will explore the capital: the secret establishments in the Medina and also modern Tunis and its Art Nouveau. The Medina has the ability to transport you to a unique world that stimulates all your senses. Enter the 17th century palace doors, roam the narrow, winding streets, discover the Tunis of days gone by and take the pulse of the modern Tunis in the Central Market, a series of covered halls where all the locals come together to do their shopping amid the joyful shouts of the greengrocers, butchers, fishmongers, cheesemongers, and other traders (à la carte).
DAY 3
Depart for the smart northern suburb of Tunis and stay at “Dar Marsa Cube”, a high-end residence created by the sea by the celebrated Franco-Tunisian architect Olivier-Clément Cacoub. “Dar Marsa Cube” is ideally situated in the La Marsa Cubes district a few minutes from the village of Sidi Bou Saïd, the site of Carthage and the cosmopolitan district of La Marsa. The residence is also a 2-minute walk to the beach.
DAY 4
Explore the archaeological site of Carthage in the company of an academic who has a passion for ancient history. In Carthage, where time seems to stand still on the hill of Byrsa, you can really travel back in time! (à la carte)
DAY 5
Depart towards Bizerte for El Alia and stay 2 nights in the heart of the countryside in the guest house “Henchir Dheb” (The Golden Farm). On the journey, enjoy the landscapes of the Tunisian countryside and visit the archaeological site of Utique (à la carte). Your host is a Belgian painter and musician who fell in love with Tunisia several years ago. He and his family will welcome you in the heart of an estate of more than a hectare planted with fruit trees.
DAY 6
Explore the Tunisian countryside at your own pace or relax by the pool at “Henchir Dheb”. Option of a day excursion and à la carte hike and picnic at Raf-Raf; visit to Bizerte, the little Venice of North Africa; the national park of Ichkeul, a UNESCO World Heritage site; the enclave of Ghar el Melh.
DAY 7
Private transfer to the airport and return flight.
Budget:
- 7days/6nights – flights not included
- Private transfer by Land Rover with chauffeur.
- Bed and breakfast accommodation in guest house.
- Our charming accommodation combining history and modernity
- Being enchanted by the colourful atmosphere of the Medina of Tunis
- Exploring the Phoenician and Roman trading forum of Bizerte.
Visit to the archaeological site of Carthage
Explore the archaeological site of Carthage in the company of an academic who has a passion for ancient history. In Carthage, where time seems to stand still on the hill of Byrsa, you can really travel back in time! (à la carte)
Walk and seafood picnic
A short nature walk along the crest of the Tunisian shoreline towards the fishing village of Raf-Raf where a lunch of grilled wild fish awaits you. You can bathe or relax with your family on one of the most beautiful beaches in Tunisia.
National park of Ichkeul
In winter and spring the national park of Ichkeul, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a paradise for nature-lovers and particularly birdwatchers. Each year, this reserve, which is one of the most important in North Africa, is home to nearly 180 species of birds which can be seen on the site and in the site’s ecomuseum. Depending on the season, greylag geese, wild ducks, storks and pink flamingos can be seen, and also water buffalo, otters, foxes, wild boar and turtles.
Bizerte and archaeological site of Utique
Founded by the Phoenicians in the 12th century BC. Utique is one of the oldest towns in the Western Mediterranean. It’s hard to imagine that the city, an essential forum for Mediterranean trade, was once beside the Mediterranean sea. Today, Utique lies inland and is where sediment from the river Medjerda is deposited, which has caused the city to become isolated. Thanks to the Punic necropolis, the Roman villas and also the jewels, amphorae, headstones and sarcophagi on display at the museum, you will be able to acquaint yourself with the richness of this ancient city. Your journey continues to the little Venice of North Africa, Bizerte, its old port and its medina.
Explore the Medina of Tunis and the Art Nouveau of the capital
In the company of an urban architect and enthusiastic author, you will explore the capital: the secret establishments in the Medina and also modern Tunis and its Art Nouveau. The Medina has the ability to transport you to a unique world that stimulates all your senses. Enter the doors of 17th century palaces, roam the narrow, winding streets, discover the Tunis of days gone by and take the pulse of the modern Tunis in the Central Market, a series of covered halls where all the locals come together to do their shopping amid the joyful shouts of the greengrocers, butchers, fishmongers, cheesemongers, and other traders.
Lunch meeting with a Tunisian personality
As the initiator of the “Arab spring”, Tunisia was the impetus for the revolutions in the region. The country has always differentiated itself through its openness and its aspiration for democracy. In this exceptional politico-historical context, we can organise for you a lunch or dinner with Tunisians who are at the heart of the current changes: artists, intellectuals, campaigners, business leaders or mere employees who also happen to be players in civil society. You will have an amazing opportunity to exchange views with them and gain a better understanding of the challenges facing Tunisian society, away from the clichés and closer to the facts. This meeting will also allow you to find out more about the traditions, the cuisine and the local culture.