LETTERS FROM OUR CUSTOMERS

People often send us letters or cards after their trip. On a personal level, for the staff of TunisUSA, it's deeply gratifying to know we've helped so many people have the trip of their lives. If you are thinking about traveling with us take a moment to read through some of these letters. There's nothing like hearing directly from people who have written to share their own unique experiences. If you've had a memorable trip to Turkey or Tunisia, we'd love to hear about it. Share your experience with others and us!

Kristen Woods writes...

Jerry, Thank you so much for organizing a truly enjoyable Tunisia holiday. While we moved through the country at what seemed at times to be lightning speed, I really learned so much and came away with the understanding and appreciation of this country and its people. Our guide was an excellent match to not only our temperament, but also the group's chemistry as well. Wassim made the trip that much more successful and I feel he is a real asset to your company.

The disparity between the architectural antiquities of sites such as Dougga and the Berber village of Chenini were truly spectacular as well as the differences in the landscape surrounding them. The northwest region of Tunisia was surprisingly green and abounding in hills; a countryside I found to be quite mesmerizing especially on a crisp, spring morning like ours. The archaeological city of Dougga was so vast and picturesque. The rich, terra cotta color and surprisingly intact carvings of the Capitol's peristyle contrasted sharply with the deep blue of the sky and green of the encircling olive tree orchards.

The mountain village of Chenini in southern Tunisia was incredibly breathtaking with its cave-like homes scattered about on the terraced slopes. Small, wood doors and fenestration indicated the dwellings built into the hillside. Ascending the zigzagging paths and terraces of Chenini offered a glimpse into ancient Berber life while yielding an incredible view of this barren, desert region. I was reminded of the deserts of America's southwest except for the occasional camel herd and palm filled oasis.

Most people have no notion of where Tunisia lies and to be honest, I didn't either before my sister invited me along. As Americans, we hear little to nothing about this country, and its mere proximity to Libya and Algeria, I believe, precludes people from pursuing travel there. Also, in a post-9/11 America, we have been somewhat brainwashed to be afraid of Arabic/ Islamic countries. The brief and few exchanges we had with Tunisians were very pleasant and I found them to be just as curious about us as we were of them. Mostly it seemed that they wanted to know why Americans didn't travel to Tunisia more. While our tour guide kept a watchful eye on us most of the time, I never felt unsafe or uncomfortable with my surroundings or the Tunisian people.

Again, please feel free to use any or part of my comments as you feel necessary to promote TunisUSA tourism.

Thank you again Jerry and if I have friends or family interested in visiting Tunisia, I will definitely send them your way.

Kristen A. Woods
Santa Monica, CA

Mark Morrison writes...

Greetings Jerry:

Please feel free to use any of my comments – you may consider doing a Portfolio of Photographs on your website – I certainly have some good images – the American traveler is a difficult one – most want all of the comforts of home, etc. as you well know but the other big factor is that most are just not warm, open and friendly – also afraid of environments perceived to be unhealthy or unclean or simply other cultures and people that they simply do not understand. I have travelled to over 100 countries on the seven continents and have never had a problem because I warmly embrace the people that I visit whether they are street vendor or diplomats. I always find that a smile and a hug go a long way, in fact most people do not think I am from the USA – of course we could all get along much better if we did this in our own country as well. The Muslim culture and people are fascinating and really give one the feeling of deep historical context when travelling – it is so often the arrogance of our history that gets people in trouble – we have not had the same opportunities historically to develop – only technologically which certainly does not define a people or a culture.

Kind regards,

Mark Morrison
President
Mark K. Morrison Associates Ltd.
New York, NY 10001

The Dougherty's write...

Great trip! Hammadi was the best and Tunisia is a rich country with friendly people and more history that can absorbed in a week. We would highly recommend TunisUSA and are looking forward to our next trip with them.

R.L. and Chris Dougherty
Atlanta, GA

The Burkans write...

Roberta and I want to thank you for your superb Tunisia tour. It was a great travel experience that we will never forget. Many of our friends are envious of our Tunisian adventure.

Again, we want to thank you and thank you Jerry for choosing Abde, who made our trip so enjoyable.

Roberta and Nathan Burkan, Jr.
New York, NY

Carolyn Jackson writes...

I just wanted to tell you how much Sarah and I enjoyed our trip to Tunisia and to express our appreciation for all of your efforts in making our visit an outstanding experience that we will never forget. Nejib far surpassed my expectations for a guide with his vast knowledge of history and culture, both ancient and modern. We would arrive at the ruins of an ancient city and look at acres of stones, but as Nejib spoke, the stones became places where people lived in homes, markets, baths, theaters and forum. We could almost see the inhabitants at their dining tables on the beautiful mosaics. Nejib truly provided a view into the ancient world that a stack of guide books couldn’t have touched. We also enjoyed his sense of humor and were grateful to have spent a week with such an accomplished, interesting man. Thank you for making available such an educational and memorable experience! I know you get many photos from your clients, but I attached several as we have enjoyed reviewing our images of a fantastic country.

Carolyn Jackson
Birmingham, AL

The Johnsons write...

Words and a scrapbook full of photographic memories are still not enough to express the great satisfaction we felt after our recent trip to Tunisia. The arrangements of TunisUSA and the pre-planning of Jerry Sorkin made our adventure into the antiquities of Roman Tunisia, our explorations in Carthage and the beauties of the mosaics of the Bardo Museum a treasure of memories for years to come. Not only did we have the benefit of a wonderful guide, we were impressed by the superior accommodations that excelled expectations. There can be no doubt that Tunisia is one of the most hospitable countries where Americans are both safe and welcome. In the past decade, we have toured in Turkey, Tibet, India and China, but none of the facilities and features could compare with the convenience, cleanliness and comfort of our drives through the cultural centers and archaeological sites, both open and on the verge of exposition. We were fortunate to be able to travel to many places all within a few hour’s drive. For grand vistas and tasty visuals, mosques and markets, our trip to Tunisia was the best investment we could have made in time, money and treasured memories. We clearly understand what an outstanding service you and TunisUSA render to tourism and to a concept of inter-cultural appreciation. We wish you every success in your continued work.

Betty and Andrew Johnson
Beaumont, TX

Ellen Petersen and Marilyn Giles write...

"Americans are truly missing out on a wonderful adventure and experience if they eliminate traveling to Muslim countries. As two American women traveling to Tunisia, we were at first, a bit hesitant to answer the question, 'Where are you from?' The moment we said "United States, we were met with the most sincere welcome you can imagine. People were genuinely honored to have Americans visit their country. We found Tunisians to be open, tolerant, loving, respectful, genuine and warm people. For us, it was a wonderful opportunity to experience a different culture, without prejudice. It was also ideal to travel in a small group.

The guides are exceptional and Jerry is ever vigilant on making sure all travelers are safe and cared for. "

Many thanks,

Ellen Petersen and Marilyn Giles,
Stratford, CT

Carolyn Wallace writes...

Akram was the most delightful and patient guide. We had him running from one site to another to make sure we had time for a little shopping. Each one of us thoroughly enjoyed his personality, his wealth of knowledge and his flexibility. Tunisia is a destination I am so glad to have gotten a little taste of...what a great country and see why you have such a huge passion for it. I am excited about recommending it to clients. I think it would be great fun to do a shopping/historical group trip. Have you ever done anything like that for high end shoppers/clients? I can't thank you enough for all of your help. I am going to pass your information along to all advisors in my office and hope some business comes your way. Have a great weekend and many thanks again for arranging one of the highlights of our trip. Caroline T. Wallace

Sterling Brownell Travel - A Virtuoso Agency
Richmond, VA

Pam Peffer writes...

Dear Jerry

We are all home safely and back in our right time zone. Thank you for arranging two wonderful days for our group of ten. Grace Attard in Malta and Islam Khoufi in Tunisia were both WONDERFUL guides. Both so pleasant, so informed and kept our pace moving nicely. They each made us love Malta and Tunisia. We didn't expect to be "wowed" after stops in Israel and Egypt, but we definitely were. We were particularly impressed with Tunisia as a progressive Muslim country with emphasis on ecology, education, opportunities for women.

We all hope to return some day!

Again, thanks.

Best to you

Pam Peffer
Fairway, KS

Colette Miller writes...

It gives me great pleasure to recommend Tunis USA and Jerry Sorkin as experts in Tunisian travel.

Jerry's warm personality and guidance in making a good fit for me (a single traveler) became evident as the trip progressed. From airline selection to itinerary extensions I was handled with respect for my wishes and the best possible advice.

Our guide, Hatem Bourial, was knowledgeable in all areas of travel and led our group of five to discover the culture and history of a fascinating country in a relaxed learning environment with excellent pacing.

I highly recommend all aspects of travel under the auspices of Jerry Sorkin--you will not be disappointed.

Colette Miller Ojai, California

Heather Florence writes...

"Having never taken an organized tour before, I was skeptical. And then, I was pleasantly surprised. This trip was so personally planned for our expressed interests that we saw and learned much more than we would have on our own. Everything was organized smoothly and it was a pleasure to avoid all the little hassles that foreign travel can entail. We felt well cared for not just by our guide, but by the tour organizer throughout our entire trip. I'm delighted we broke our mold and went for a professional tour." Thanks, really, for a wonderful job,

Heather Florence Providence, RI

The Wongs write...

"It was indeed a truly exotic and special journey for me in Tunisia. I am very satisfied for almost everything arranged by TunisUSA, particularly the lovely guide and driver. I was fascinated by the explanation by the guide throughout the trip who was very well-educated. She did give me a great lesson on Islamic history, culture of different tribes in the country and also some other interesting information on other African countries.

It was also a very memorable experience to visit a berber’s home to let me know how’s the local people live which was still very primitive but very happy

TunisUSA is really a very professional travel specialist which greatly widen my horizons to the Islamic and African world.”

Lily and Jason Wong Hong Kong, China

Jerilyn Cohen writes...

I had never travelled in a country where women wear veils. As an American woman, I had no idea what to expect. What I found was consistent friendliness. From the elderly couple on a bench at the Bardo Museum who chatted about my visit, to the young man buying music in the supermarket who spent 15 minutes advising me about the best CD's, I found the ordinary Tunisians, men and women, to be open and welcoming. A smile was always met with a smile!

Thanks to our terrific guide, Hatem Bourial, we had lots of opportunities to interact. A meeting with the local people could happen at any moment! Walking through a courtyard in a souk, we saw two men playing cards among several friends. We asked Hatem about the card game. He stopped to explain the rules, and the players greeted us with friendly smiles. One of the teenage boys sitting nearby came over with his small drum, and gave Hatem's explanation a soundtrack. The players and onlookers laughed at every turn of the cards, and farewells were cheerfully exchanged by all!

The itinerary was an ideal sampling of the full scope of Tunisia; the glorious ruins in amazing condition, the mosques and minarets, the mountain Ksour, the desert Oasis, island resort, remote villages and the bustling capital.

I think Americans should hurry to Tunisia before the word gets out! The country has archaeological sites where you can be virtually alone with Berber, Phoenician, Roman, and Ottoman sites. It has fascinating Medinas (old city centers), Souks (markets), ancient Mosques, Berber mountain strongholds, island resorts, silky sand beaches and the starkly unique Sahara desert, with friendly people and safe streets. Add to that clean, modern and well appointed hotels, high quality ceramics and rugs, and really great food, all at bargain prices!

Our guide, Hatem Bourial, added immeasurably to the quality of the trip. He has a breadth of knowledge of history, architecture, literature, religion and the culture of his country that is staggering. Add to that an ability to spot an opportunity for a spontaneous encounter, an entertaining way of telling a story, and careful attention to the interests of each member of the tour, and you have a recipe for a top-notch guide!

Hatem Bouriel showed us the real Tunisia, introducing us to all sorts of people: women walking to the well, a family harvesting their date palms, a 15th generation brick maker, even a small town olive merchant. We could never have met those people on our own!

I absolutely loved Tunisia, and certainly think the word needs to get out.

Jerilyn Cohen
Los Angeles, CA

Elsa and Marvin Ross-Greifinger
New York, NY

Elsa and Marvin Ross-Greifinger
New York, NY

Elsa and Marvin Ross-Greifinger write...

Just wanted to let you know that we had a wonderful experience in Tunisia. The people were wonderful and at no time did we feel any danger. In that sense, the trip was very different from Egypt or Morocco. For example, there is no begging on the streets and the people are very careful drivers.

As for the restaurants, we had some wonderful meals. In Tunis, the Residence had spectacular food and we ate there two nights. Also, in Tozeur at the hotel Dar Cherait, the a la care restaurant was well worth the difference in price. We also enjoyed Alain Ducasse's restaurant Spoon in Tunis. In Djerba at the hotel Dar Dhiafa, we had a wonderful meal. And by the way, we ate salad everywhere in the country, which for us, was important! We also had some very decent wine.

All in all, the trip was interesting and enjoyable.

Charles Farrar writes...

I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed my trip to Tunisia. The many Roman ruins are among the best preserved anywhere in the world. Some Americans may be anxious about visiting Tunisia. Although the people are predominantly Muslim, Tunisia is a secular country.

From my initial contact on the web to my final goodbye at the Tunis airport, the personnel at the tour company, TunisUSA and the tour guide and driver in Tunisia were most cooperative in providing me with the information that helped me select Tunisia as a destination and have a successful vacation. The tour company may not be as well known as some others that I have used in the past, but certainly nothing was left to chance. I could not have asked for more!

Charles Farrar
Hutig, AR

Andy Greenberg writes...

Just terrific! Your guide was great! And yes we got into the Synagogue
and we got a tour of the inside. You have a great company and great
people.

Andy Greenberg
Omaha, NE

Bob and Paula Rhodes write...

Every detail of our tour "From the kasbah to the Sahara" was perfectly organized: the itinerary, guides, hotels and meals. Special images that will remain with us include the incredible mosaics, both ancient and modern; the extensive use of blue and white in the architecture; well preserved Roman ruins; new schools in every village; the narrow streets in the medinas; and stunning seashores.

Experiences such as visiting a troglodyte home, camel riding in the desert, climbing up mountains and through gorges, and feeling the rain in an oasis all enriched our tour. Being immersed in the history of the area and the Muslim culture offered us insights into that region of the world which will long remain with us.

Thank you for making this trip so very special.

Bob and Paula Rhodes
Radnor, PA

Selma & Dan Mandel write...

WE HAD A WONDERFUL TRIP TO TUNISIA...

Considering that we did not know much about the country, it was all extremely interesting and we were happy to get to know the country so well.

Everything worked well, our guide & driver were pleasant and flexibile.

The ruins were fascinating, not to mention the ksours... which we loved.

The only negative was that we were in Djerba during Succoth and your friends were not available. Even your Muslim friend had a nephew covering for him in the shop. However, you had warned us and we were prepared for that possibility.

Selma & Dan Mandel
New York, NY

P. Wendler writes...

I can't begin to tell you how much we enjoyed Tunisia and its people. A good guide makes a trip worthwhile but a remarkably capable guide such as Abde makes a trip unforgetable and most informative. He is an asset to your organization. The driver Issid was a most careful and competent chauffeur. Always ready to help with a smile. What a duo! I will go back in about two years to Sousse. The only sour note was flying Alitalia. The attendants never heard the word courtesy. They were argumentative and politesse was not their trade mark. Next time I will fly Air France.

P. Wendler, M.D.
Marco Island, FL

Doug Brin writes...

A very exciting, undiscovered (by Americans, that is!) country.

TunisUSA has provided a comprehensive, exciting and informative overview.

The comforts are fine and the sites are world class!

Doug Brin
New York, NY

Paul Jacobs writes...

We have traveled extensively throughout the Mediterranean basin, including the Middle East, and I must say that our trip to Tunisia was at the very top of the list. For a one word description, try "spectacula." On initiating the visit primarily to see the Roman ruins, we found so much more. The landscape, culture and people were eye-opening and remarkable. As you know, we do not travel in groups, and the individual tour with guide and driver, which you arranged, was the perfect way to visit areas of interest at our pace. Our guide was also adept at altering the schedule when he sensed we might be affected by closing times or other events during Ramadan. We walked through remarkable ruins; ate fresh dates off of the trees; swam in the Mediterranean; rode camels and ate lunch where Star Wars was filmed. Everyone was extraordinarily friendly, and not once did we feel unsafe. Our guide was able to give us very interesting perspectives on the cultural mix in the country. Both our guide and our driver were Berbers and we must that we found that group the most interesting of the different people we met. Kudos for a job well done!

Paul W. Jacobs, II
Richmond, VA

Laura Prince writes...

The trip was really well planned. Both our guide and our driver were a pleasure to be with. I probably didn't mention that among the highlights were being with the Tunisian people themselves. We visited a Berber family in Matmata who were so open and allowed us in their troglodyte home. It was wonderful to be there "close up". As a woman I am aware how private and inaccessible the lives of women are especially when covering so much territory in a short time.
The hammams in the hotels were great too. I wish I had been able to seek out local ones to get the genuine feel of people in their daily lives.
I have some wonderful photos I could email if you are interested.
Thanks for everything.

Laura Prince
Rosendale, NY

Miriam and Sherman Bloom writes...

We recently returned from an interesting trip to Tunisia, where I took a number of photos, some of which I thought you might like to see. They show people and a little scenery. Can't show a lot in an email, but its a glimpse. There is also some interesting
architecture and a really large number of archeological sites. These are primarily Roman and aside from the architectural remains there are many beautiful mosaics, the best of which have been moved to the Bardo Museum in Tunis. Perhaps I'll send some samples of photos of these things on another occasion.

The photos are fairly self-explanatory, except for the last one. This shows a troglodyte (cave-dwelling) woman in the process of grinding the 1.5 kilos of grain that she uses, every day, for her family. The stone mill she is using requires some real elbow grease,
but she does it easily. The desert canyon is typical of a certain part of the country. The whole place is dry, but there are low tree- covered mountains in the north-west, while the pure-sands of the Sahara are in the south. Limestone is dominant in much of the country, and it commonly has the golden color seen in the canyon shot. One shot shows a foreground olive orchard with grain fields in the distance. Productive grain fields were one of the reasons the Romans established many settlements in Tunisia. Carthage, by the
way, is a beautiful place, and we saw no evidence of any residual effect of the "salting of the earth."

Tunisia is a good tourist destination. It is safe, clean, and has a Moslem population that is rational, friendly, relatively open-minded, and a pleasure to deal with. There are good hotels, etc.

Miriam and Sherman Bloom
Jackson, MS

Adrienne and William Frumovitz

Tunisia was to us a vibrant, hospitable country with significant historical ruins. The accommodations were more than adequate and our guide was informative. As Americans, we felt particularly welcome.

Adrienne and William Frumovitz
Marina del Ray, CA

The Drucker family writes...

The trip was wonderful. We all enjoyed it. The guides and drivers were excellent.

As you know, when we first thought about this trip, I was concerned about safety. Our daughter looked Tunisia up on the CIA web site and they gave it a clean bill of health. Nevertheless, I was still concerned. I couldn't have been more wrong. Not only was there no animosity towards foreighners, and we were obviously foreigners, I genuinely felt that after the Tunisians were aware that we wee Americans, they were more friendly. That is after they knew that we were not Europeans, they seemed even more friendly. There was absolutely no animosity or ill feelings. None!

In summary, we had a great time. WE urge all who can, and we have already to go!

The Drucker family
Paoli, PA

Curtis G. Keller writes...

If any travel agency and tour should receive the "above and beyond the call of duty" award, it will be going to TunisUSA, and the Oct. 2001 tour of Tunisia called, "From Phoenicians to Berbers". Due to the 9/11 disaster, air travelers, and especially those flying off to an Arab country, were greatly apprehensive for their safety.
Jerry Sorkin (President of TunisUSA) of TunisUSA kept us all up-to-date on the current conditions, and eased any of our concerns. In the end, he came himself to Tunis to be on hand to greet those arriving for the tour. His Tunisian counterparts could not have welcomed us more warmly, including a first night dinner in their own home. It seems that everyone we came into contact with in that wonderful country expressed their delight in seeing us there, and their sincere regret for the terrible tragedy in New York City. One after another asked me to tell my friends in America that such actions could never be approved by any part of the Islam faith, and that they had only warm regards for America. With these very personal words of support, the entire tour was an educational and interesting adventure. We stayed at the very best of hotels and ate in the finest restaurants, all five star, as far as I could tell. Our comfort continued as we toured in a comfortable mini-bus, driven by a most capable and friendly driver. Anyone with an interest in History will find a daily agenda of wonders, from the Roman mosaics in the Bardo Museum in Tunis, to the not-so-ruined runs of ancient cities, to the underground houses of the Sahara peoples, the site of Carthage, etc. All of these were made all the more valuable by the excellent guide that was with us for the entire tour. Mourad was always eager to handle any of our requests, proud to show off his country, and was well informed regarding the sites we were seeing. It never appeared that he ever got tired of being our "host" twenty-four hours a day! Truly, at the conclusion of the tour, we felt that we were leaving behind a good friend. This was a wonderful tour to a wonderful country, and the services of TunisUSA will be called upon again in the near future.

Curtis G. Keller
Plainfield, NJ

Louis Baldasty writes...

Having witnessed the attack on our country on 9/11 firsthand, and also having had to walk home that day (a distance of approx. 10 miles), you can image my deep seated resentment to those who perpetrated that act of cowardice. Nevertheless, I still want to do what I want to do. Among these activities is a desire to visit the sites of Roman antiquities. Having spoken with you and gotten your reassurance, I booked my Roman Tunisian tour. I knew you would not be sending people to an area where there may be concerns. I found that my pre-trip apprehension was unfounded. I encountered no Islamists, or unsavory behavior. The people were warm, friendly, and genuinely helpful.
Concerning the trip itself, I have been on the trail of the antiquities (been to Turkey, Greece, Israel, Jordan), and I can readily state that Tunisia's sites equal those of Turkey (which is said to be the best). I also thought to myself that in one week I had seen what it had taken me two to see in Turkey. In Tunisia, the sites are very close.
All-in-all, it was a marvelous experience.

Louis Baldasty
Woodside, NY

Gene Smith writes...

Just wanted to let you know, that I had a terrific tour
of Tunisia!! Thanks for arranging everything for me.
The entire tour went smoothly, both the guide and
driver were excellent.
I thoroughly enjoyed everything on the tour.

Gene Smith
West Hollywood, CA

Krista and Cesare Monti

What a trip! All of us really really enjoyed it. We were fascinated and mesmerized by the country, the people, the sights, the dunes of the Sahara, the oasis, the Roman ruins (if you can call them "ruins"), the medinas, the food, the coffee houses, the tea, the souks, the art, the mosaics, the sea, the spas, the charming & unusual hotels...in short, everything! Most surprisingly of all, Larry loved it: we thought he was going to have a hard time getting used to a new country but by the time he had to leave, he admitted he would have stayed longer. We were very happy with the guide, and the driver. We were certainly happy to be driven around in a big, comfortable four-wheel drive vehicle. The guide was a bundle of energy; enthusiastic and excited about everything he showed us and always happy to talk about his country truthfully and with fairness. He was also extremely accommodating, probably one of the most easy-going guides we have ever had. The driver was fantastic: he drove a total of 3,000 Km and every single day he greeted us with a warm smile. He and Larry hit it off particularly well and even managed to communicate in broken English.
The trip was a perfect balance of all the things that were worth seeing. From the main city, Tunis, to the cork forests; from the agricultural lowlands and the Roman cities, to the coast; from the coastal areas and the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, to the desert and the salt lakes in the south. The variety of environments contained within this small country is truly amazing; it is awe-inspiring to know that many of the things we saw, the traditions we experienced, the desert dwellings we visited, have been unchanged for thousands of years. The days were full, there was always something to see, another mosque or Roman villa or oasis to visit and everything always felt new and interesting. Needless to say, we were pretty happy to be able to rest in clean, charming hotels in the evening, spending a few hours sipping sweet mint tea and playing cards. The only hotel we were not too excited about was the one in the cork forest: a bit too cold and breakfast a bit too poor for my taste (even the guide complained about this hotel).
The food was excellent. None of us ever got sick. All the restaurants we visited were clean, had good service and served delicious traditional Tunisian food (we couldn't get enough! Krista and I have now bought a recipe book to try to reproduce some of the succulent dishes we had during the trip).
Most importantly, we always felt safe. I don't think there was a single moment in which we did not feel comfortable walking in the streets of the cities we visited or the medinas we shopped at. A few thousand miles away, in Israel, Jewish and Muslims are killing each other but there was, as far as we could see, perfect harmony and mutual respect between the Muslim and Jewish communities in Tunisia.
I could drag on and on about the trip, but you have probably heard this many times before. This turned out to be a great relaxing, educational and inspiring trip and we thoroughly enjoyed it. To quote Larry "This was money well spent".
Thank you for a trip well organized and thought out!

Krista and Cesare Monti
London, England

Harriet S. Goldman writes...

"Our trip went off like clockwork. The itinerary made for an ambitious trip but provided needed respites in between long travel days. Frankly, you surpassed my expectations for immersing myself in the history, culture and beauty of Tunisia. I really felt like an "explorer". Our trip to Ksar Ghilane and then over to Tozeur was a highlight.

Our guide was excellent, especially with our interest in archaeology. Our driver was excellent as well. The land cruiser was very comfortable. The hotels you chose for us were wonderful especially La Residence, at the end of our stay and of course the Pan Sea in Ksar Ghilane. The trip from Matmata to Metameur is not to be missed.

I would recommend you and the itinerary to anyone. Thank you for living up to all my expectations. Recently there was a front page article in the Sunday N.Y. Times travel section on Tunisia. A smile came to my face - I could have written it!!"

Harriet S. Goldman, DDS, MPH
Chairman, Department of Dentistry

Janet and Jay Sigler write...

"The arrival of your postcard today with mention of your website prompted us to write to you belatedly to let you know how much we enjoyed our trip to Tunisia in late September. We had a wonderful time and found Tunisia to be a fascinating country of which we had known so little. Nejib was a gracious and knowledgeable guide and our group of 8 travelers was quite compatible. The trip was well-organized and provided us with many memorable moments. The Roman and Carthaginian ruins, the visits to oasis villages, the museums, the fresh dates and the splendid meals in Tunis were all highlights. However, we must admit that it was a real kick to drive over the dunes in 4WD vehicles to visit the Star Wars and English Patient filming locations the adrenaline rushed, we screamed in anticipation of who know what as we mounted the dunes. It was great!

Both Jay and I count our visit to Tunisia as one of our best travel experiences. Thanks so much for your part in organizing the tour."

Janet and Jay Sigler
Edgartown, MA

Betty and Herb Kane write...

"We had an unforgettable experience touring the country of Tunisia, discovering its many archaeological sites, learning of its varied cultures and turbulent ancient history."

"The itinerary that you devised for us was well balanced and perfectly executed: alternating days of touring excursions with days of relaxation, private visits or meetings. Our guide, an archaeologist by professions, was very good: flexible and extremely knowledgeable. His passion about the excavations and the discovery of those magnificent vestiges was infectious."

"Herb and I want to thank you for your efforts in custom planning this wonderful vacation for us and hope that we will meet, one of these days. You may give our names to prospective travelers, as we would heartily recommend the trip."

Betty and Herb Kane
Cherry Hill, NJ

Josette Smetana writes...

"What a fabulous trip!"

"If I had to use a rather trendy word of today, I would say that everything was "awesome". From the Phoenician and Roman ruins of Carthage and Sufetula, the marvelous mosaics so well kept in museums, in the Tunis Bardo Museum in particular and exemplified in our magnificent hotel "Dar Cherait", to the highlight of the trip, which for me was undeniably the Saharan desert and the oases, the plain as well as the mountain ones, I cannot describe all the wonders."

Josette Smetana
Westbury, NY

Hermina Rosen writes...

"What a trip!" "I would NOT have wanted to miss one facet of this varied and wonderful trip, but for me, I needed 3 weeks or at least 17 days."

Hermina Rosen
Lloyd Neck, NY

Jean and Lon Homeier write...

"Before we left for Tunisia, we wondered why the trip was going to be TWO weeks; now we know that it wasn't long enough. We weren't prepared for the variety of interest that Tunisia holds."

"All in all it was an exceptional experience."

Jean and Lon Homeier
Bryn Mawr, PA

Florence and Sylvain J. Sternberg write...

"Our trip to Tunisia was outstanding and has left us with wonderful memories. Since we had our own personalized itinerary for the two weekends plus the special archaeology group for midweek, we truly feel that we got the best of two worlds. Our private guide was attentive, well informed and very flexible, accomodating to any special request we made. The group guide was excellent. We much appreciate the attention you gave us both as to arranging our itinerary and for "catering" to our kosher and Sabbath requirements. At every meal, our foil-wrapped fish/vegetarian plate appeared as though it were a routine matter."

Florence and Sylvain J. Sternberg
Jerusalem, ISRAEL

Nancy Hall writes...

"Having traveled extensively since 1983, my trip to Tunisia with TunisUSA was a highlight in my life." "Articles in the N.Y.Times and Washington Times indicated that Jerry Sorkin and TunisUSA were pros and they were!"

"It was a vigorous trip which tested my 76 years; it was well worth it and I felt great."

"The people are friendly and helpful."

Nancy Hall
Moorestown, NJ

Toby Topek writes...

"I feel as though I really saw and experienced Tunisia; the archaeological sites, museums, the architecture, colors, costumes, shapes, languages, food, met the people Tunisia is now a place imprinted, indelible on my mind."

Toby Topek
Houston, TX

Ellen and David Freeman write...

"An exciting tour of the best in Roman Africa, with a skillful placement of the Roman civilization between its numidian/Carthaginian predecessor and its successors: Vandals, Byzantines, Arabs and Turks. The mosaics throughout the country-especially at the Bardo-are incomparable."

Ellen and David Freeman
Newtown Square, PA

Iris and Shubert Spero write...

"The drivers, guides and particularly the resident archaeologist were not only expert in their respective roles, but delightful human beings. After we got home we spread out the big road map of Tunisia on the dining room table and traced with a magic marker our itinerary and realized that we had covered the country from border to border and sea to the Sahara."

"Thank you for a most enjoyable tour."

Iris and Shubert Spero
Jerusalem, Israel

JoAnne and Warren Bender write...

"Having just returned from a wonderful vacation in Tunisia we want to thank you for your role in putting it all together. We saw so much in less than two weeks. Yet due to your planning, we moved along at a good clip, but you allowed for the periodic pause that avoided overload.

Tunisia certainly lived up to your advance billing. Warm, friendly people, excellent accommodations and a wide variety of fascinating sights. I would also like to commend our guide. He was ever knowledgeable, enthusiastic and good humored. He added immeasurably to our trip.

It is a shame that more Americans aren't aware of Tunisia's charms. We will be doing our best to remedy that. I hope that we can avail ourselves of your good services at some future time."

JoAnne and Warren Bender
Rye, NY

Ilyas Hokkaci writes...

"I would like to thank you very much on behalf of myself and our group of nine people. They enjoyed everything. The guide was excellent, the hotels and meals were very good and the tour itinerary was fantastic. It was a very good experience. Thanks again! I hope we will have the opportunity to work together again in the future."

Ilyas Hokkaci
Brooklyn, NY

The Paleys and Plechners write...

"What a phenomenal vacation you arranged for us! We have spent the last week trying to tell people where Tunisia is (few people seem to know) and what marvelous resources it has for the mildly adventurous vacationer. The activities were marvelous. The ruins were compelling. The hotels, excellent. And the food! Ð all over the country, fresh vegetables, fresh fish, terrific breakfasts. We haven't stopped raving about our trip; we are all most grateful to you for putting together a stellar vacation.

With all of that, we must tell you that what made the trip so special for us was our guide. He was personable, good-humored, efficient and tolerant. Most important, he had the ability to inflame us with his passion of the past and for Tunisia's history, and he did so.

Thank you for a most memorable vacation."

The Paleys and Plechners
New Jersey

The Gelbers write...

"We had a wonderful time in Tunisia. You put together an outstanding tour on such short notice. We are extraordinarily lucky that I found you on the Internet. Tunisia (and the Tunisians) is a much kinder and gentler and lower-keyed country than Morocco. Thanks again for listening to us so well and for putting it together in just a few days and for delivering more than we expected. We are grateful to you."

Darcy and Robert Gelber
Santa Barbara, CA

Eve Friedman writes...

"Our tour began in Tunis and went south to Tozeur and back to Tunis. We could not have been more fortunate since our guide could not have been more knowledgeable and experienced."

"Our hotels were luxurious with local color adorned by mosaics representing a mixture of the cultures of Tunisia. Restaurants were carefully chosen for the variety of ethnic foods, a mixture of Tunisian, French, Italian and Spanish. They were beautifully appointed and located by the seashore and in gardens, as well as near the excavations. All meals were included in the price of the trip."

"I would most heartily recommend this trip From the Kasbah to the Sahara with TunisUSA."

Eve Friedman
Westbury, NY

John Elton writes...

"The services which your agency provided were exceptional. We were picked up by a very knowledgeable, friendly and communicative guide and equally helpful driver, and they stayed with us, as per arrangement, for all our half and full-day tours. I think, it is necessary to have such an arrangement, because it seems pretty difficult to arrange any kind of tour there (Tunisia) within a day or two notice. Finally a word about "Le Residence" which is a quality world-class hotel. The service was exceptional and we were happy there throughout our stay."

John Elton
Forest Hills, NY

Deena Greenberg writes...

"Great tour, beautiful hotels, excellent guide. Would highly recommend this company. Look forward to another tour with TunisUSA."

Deena Greenberg
Brookville, PA

Ron Kron writes...

"The variety of scenery, from the sea to the Sahara, and the variety of the people in the cities, and the country, makes Tunisia a journey of fascinating delight. The Roman ruins are some of the best I have ever seen and you don't have to face multitudes of people to enjoy them. This is a country that most Americans know little about, and they are missing out on a North African country that welcomes us."

Ron Kron
Santa Fe, NM

Bob and Irene Cortinovis write...

"Our 'Roman Tunisia' was marvelous! Our wonderful guide absolutely made the trip. A professional archaeologist, he had worked on some of the digs and was greeted like a brother wherever we went."

Bob and Irene Cortinovis
St. Louis, MO

George Patterson, Jr. writes...

"I couldn't have asked for a better or more interesting group of companions for a trip into the unknown...Tunisia! The trip was full and well planned, yet had flexibility enough to allow for changes to add extra satisfaction and insight in meeting some of Jerry's personal Tunisian friends. We covered the country from green north through semi-arid central to mystic southern desert, seacoast to western mountains. We saw antiquity in Roman ruins and in Bedouin/Berber nomads with their ancient culture and way of life. Camels in the desert, olive trees running to the distant horizons, lush green wheat fields stretching across a valley and everywhere we went, friendly people. These are my memoirs of Tunisia! These and harissa and bread...to die for!"

George Patterson, Jr.
Lansdale, PA

Paul Van Order writes...

"Tunisia was an exceptional experience. The variety of scenery, the imposing Roman ruins, the bustling medinas and the tasty cuisine were a magical mix. The local people were a particular attraction, as warm and charming as any I have encountered in my wanderings. I can see how Tunisia can become addictive. The upscale nature of the trip raised it above the level of my usual budget-conscious wanderings. The comforts of fine hotels and gourmet meals were pluses. And the congeniality of the group made for a learning experience spiced with rollicking humor. I find that some trips are as enjoyable in retrospect as they were at the time of travel. That is especially true of Tunisia, as I look over my slides and savor memories of a special adventure."

Paul Van Order
Arlington, VA

Pecki Sherman Witonsky writes...

"Your magic carpet carried me on wings, wheels and camel's feet in an exotic land of ancient desert ruins and medium terrain beaches. Your choice of restaurants was always 5 star and your Tunisian hosts filled me with a new understanding of history, religion and gods. I am newly enriched and enlightened and look forward to traveling with you again. Thank you so much!"

Pecki Sherman Witonsky
Bryn Mawr, PA

Eunice L. Mutter writes...

"Jerry put together a memorable trip for travelers: a very busy trip with varied sights, lodgings, sounds, foods and experiences which resulted in a wonderfully rounded exposure to Tunisia. All this was accomplished with a grace and kindness unusual with a tour! I feel fortunate in having been able to travel with Jerry and Nejib and to meet many of their interesting Tunisian friends. Thanks for a great traveling experience."

Eunice L. Mutter
Newtown Square, PA

Eileen Baird writes...

"Tunisia has something special and sharing it, both Jerry and Nejib made it extra special. Their attention to detail and their enthusiasm for the country and it's people was felt by everyone. I'm looking forward to Jerry's trip to Eastern Turkey in 2001."

Eileen Baird
Philadelphia, PA

June Shelley writes...

"After a day of exciting visits, whether traveling to Roman ruins in a comfortable bus or exploring the desert towns in a 4 wheel drive vehicle, you were always assured of a wonderful hotel awaiting you and a gourmet meal."

June Shelley
Los Angeles, CA

Howard and Connie Bruckner write...

"In general, our Tunisian experience was unexpectedly, pleasantly, awesomely, wonderful!

You may list us as references for your services, as well as the country as a wonderful place to visit. We were very favorably impressed by this forward, westernized Muslim society. It is the model for women's rights among the other Arab nations, and they are truly a country of friendly, religiously tolerant people."

Howard and Connie Bruckner
Augusta, GA

Steven M. Greenberg, M.D. writes...

"A perfectly arranged tour with emphasis on history and culture. The guide imaginable, efficient use of time, great accommodations. One of the best!"

Steven M. Greenberg, M.D.
Brookville, PA

Frederick and Patricia Graboske...

"Tunisia is a small but fascinating country. The Roman mosaics are the best in the world. The our provided us the opportunity to see a variety of interesting places: Carthage, Roman ruins, "Star War" sties, unique dwellings and resorts. The accomodations and food were fully satisfactory. The drive and guide were knowledgeable about the country and did everything in their power to accommodate our interests."

Frederick and Patricia Graboske
Rockville, MD

Bernard A. Hiller writes...

"For the past 40 years, my wife and I have traveled the world. We have gone with large groups; private tours; and on our own, but have never had a more overall enjoyable experience than on our recent trip to Tunisia, accompanied by Wadia and your driver Mohammed."

"Wadia was extremely knowledgeable and had a wonderful sense of humor. When minor problems arose, she took care of them instantly. She was interesting and fun. Mohammed was a wonderful driver in full control of all situations. They were both extremely punctual and anxious to please. Our trip was an outstanding success due to the efforts of these two wonderful representatives. If you ever really want to impress visitors, put them in the hands of these two people."

Bernard A. Hiller
Uniondale, NY

Thomas W. Feary writes...

"Thanks for arranging a very relaxing and informative trip for us. Our guide was excellent and went way beyond expectations in ensuring that we saw as much as possible of this interesting country. The Roman ruins were wonderful to see and the mosaics in the museums and various sites were outstanding. We especially enjoyed the desert regions and visits of rural life, much unchanged from ancient times. We felt very lucky to enjoy this trip as a couple. We would highly recommend a Tunisia tour to anyone who might have an interest in this region."

Thomas W. Feary
Morris Plains, NJ

Vivian and Doug Chambers write...

"Your suggested alterations and additions to the original itinerary which I first proposed were ALL helpful toward giving us a feeling of having truly experienced the cultural and geographical diversity of this historic, small, as-yet-unspoiled country. Your hotel selections were all excellent accommodations. Our guide was knowledgeable, easy-to-understand. We gladly recommend TunisUSA to anyone or group, planning a visit to Tunisia!"

Vivian and Doug Chambers
Salem, OR

Luisa Caldwell and Robert Hickman write...

"Tunisia is a widely diverse country and has something for everyone! From ancient Roman ruins to Berber farmland, desert oasis to the luxurious Mediterranean seashore. Tunisia is a surprisingly contemporary culture making for very comfortable travel. Aside from Tunisia being an interesting destination, TunisUSA organized a fantastic itinerary, including our own SUV with driver and our guide, who we will never forget. We were nervous about bringing our five-month-old baby, only to discover that it is a very clean and healthy country, plus, our hotels were some of the most luxurious in the world. Tunisia is a great family destination and very child friendly: the swimming pools are the most gorgeous we have ever cooled ourselves in and the french fries, no matter where you dine, are the best in the world!"

Luisa Caldwell and Robert Hickman
Brooklyn, NY

John Fleckles writes...

"I thoroughly enjoyed the "Kasbah to the Sahara" tour to Tunisia. The tour was well planned and carried out even though much activity was packed into six days. I sincerely believe that, rather than independent travel, your tour is the best way to be introduced to Tunisia with its complex history and cultures. I was thoroughly satisfied with the trip and have many good memories of places and people and aspects of Tunisian culture. The highlights of the tour were the Roman ruins at El Jem, the medinas of Tunis and Sousse, and the city of Tozeur and the Saharan desert area south of there. Of course, the camel ride at Douz was an exceptional experience. Your tour has enabled me to experience in a most satisfactory way a country with a unique Islamic culture and Mediterranean heritage. Thanks for providing a great tour. I will and have recommended it to friends."

John Fleckles
Kaneohe, HI

Jerrold Fuchs and Jane Harvey write...

"I think you give people their monies worth and it is always hard to please all the people all the time I would and will recommend you to others so, thank you."

Jerrold Fuchs and Jane Harvey
New York, NY

Gordon and Olivia Brown write...

"A well-planned and meticulously executed tour. The logistics were flawless, the bus large and comfortable, and the guide and driver excellent. It was a most comfortable and informative way to learn about this lovely and fascinating country."

Gordon and Olivia Brown
Ex-residents of Tunisia

Woolf P.Gross writes...

"As you know, my "day job" has me traveling extensively and repetitively throughout the Middle East. I am inured to things going wrong with regularity. Imagine my surprise and delight than when I report that the ATA (American Tunisian Association) trip went off from beginning to end without a hitch or a glitch! These things simply do not happen in that part of the world but they did this time.

You are well aware that many if not most of our delegation had prior connections with Tunisia. Many of us thought we had seen all there is to see in the country. And yet the itinerary TunisUSA worked out for us ensured that there was something new and exotic for even the most familiar and jaded amount the group.

And here I will digress. With my ATA hat on, let me say that Tunisia-small as it is-is among the most varied and attractive of travel destinations with which I am familiar. It is also, for Americans at least, among the best kept secrets. My previous travels in the country and certainly our most recent itinerary, as developed by TunisUSA, underscored the cultural, historical and geographic diversity of Africa's "most attractive (to me at least) destination". It is the ideal compromise between the familiar and the exotic. For Americans seeing "something different", but not jarringly so, Tunisia is the place."

Woolf P.Gross
Vice President of the American Tunisian Association
Washington, DC

Aileen Sprague writes...

"My first trip to Tunisia was an eye-opener. I could hardly believe the variety of scenery we experienced, from beautiful beaches to rolling hills, to bleak mountains revealing lush oases, to Sahara sand dunes, to olive groves, to cork forests. The extent of the Roman ruins was unbelievable, with so much of the original towns still visible-roads and walls and temples-that you could almost visualize how it mush have looked. And there were so many beautiful mosaics still in place in the Roman houses. Of course it helped to have a wonderful guide who could explain everything in charmingly accented English and with a great sense of humor. Aside from the ruins, the country seemed so prosperous and modern, with beautiful hotels and good restaurants, and very friendly people. I think my favorite part must have been the incredible mountain oases, although the camel ride across the desert runs a close second."

Aileen Sprague
Bethesda, MD

Gary Gardner writes...

"I had a great time in Tunisia. The people, food and incredible vistas made my short stay a memorable one. The Guys were great! I felt a little self-conscience, at first, being escorted by two people, but by the end of the first day we were just three guys hanging out. The planning was perfect and accommodations fine. I still don't think I can get my wife to go, but I will be sending my two teenage sons. They can't wait!

Thanks again!"

Gary Gardner
Chicago, IL

Jim Phippard writes...

"I want to tell you how much my fellow ATA members and I enjoyed our tour in Tunisia. From beginning to end everything was well organized, and the logistics went beautifully. The hotels were excellent; the ones in Kairouan and Tozeur would rank with the best anywhere. Your organizing efforts were very much appreciated.

You couldn't have picked a better guide. He was superb in many respects. His English was excellent. (I have suffered through guides whose English was not good). He had an encyclopedic knowledge of the sites and their history. Not just of the sites that we visited, but of just about everything that we passed! He had the perfect personality; he kept us organized and moving without being bossy and he was invariably good humored. He was flexible enough to adjust when the Kasserine visit was being scheduled as we traveled. All in all we couldn't say enough good things about Mourad.

Our driver also made an important contribution to the trip. When you spend as much time in a vehicle as we did, you want to feel secure without worrying about possible accidents. His driving was excellent, never too fast, and he didn't take chances. I don't know if Americans worry more about bad driving, but I can tell you that everyone felt secure with Lotfi at the wheel. He was always ready to assist, such as bringing someone's glasses to them when they'd left them on the bus.

Finally, the ability to handle much of our planning through Jerry Sorkin here in the U.S. made the process go very smoothly. Jerry was always there by phone or e-mail to answer our many questions.

We enjoyed meeting you in Tunis and whish you well with your well-run business."

Jim Phippard
Washington, DC

Boris and Raquel Ibanez write...

"Our recent visit to Tunisia, organized by the American Tunisian Association, with your assistance, was indeed a very successful project which my wife and I were lucky to be able to share. For us, this second visit to the country deserves the following comments:

• The selection of sites was excellent as we were able to enjoy the northwestern part of the country, including the Roman ruins done in detail.

• The local organization was flawless in regards to the program, official visits, tour arrangements, etc.
• The selection of our guide was particularly fortunate as we consider him superior in his profession, attitude and intelligence. This in essence translated as satisfaction of practically all needs and desires of the members of the group.
• Hotel accommodations by and large were at the best available facilities at points visited. The food was outstanding.
• Local transportation and handling of luggage was superb. Incidentally, we obviously had one of the best trained and conscientious bus drivers in Tunisia.

In general, Tunisia has had a remarkable change over the past eight years. Mostly, there have been social changes, probably associated with developments in national education and local government. Women almost everywhere appear freer, happier and sharing responsibilities. We like very much what we saw, although we missed seeing more of the folklore of the past, particularly attire. A lot of construction in the making of a new century."

Boris and Raquel Ibanez
Melbourne, FL

Patricia Bailey writes...

"This was a tour much beyond my expectations. Our tour guide was extremely enjoyable and pleasant, as well. He made every attempt to meet the requests of the group. With his broad knowledge of antiquity, archaeology, and history he kept the interest of just about every member of the group. I felt extremely safe throughout the trip - the bud driver was excellent.

Tunisia is so diverse that within 5 days we toured coast lines, mountains, forests, deserts, busy cities, small villages and met with very courteous and honest Tunisians."

Patricia Bailey
Corte Madera, CA

Cherry L. Frederiksen writes...

"The whole trip was a unique experience to travel in a country so rich with Roman history. For me, the highlight of the trip was the visit to the mountain oasis with each site's stunning beauty. Thanks for the efficient handling of hotel accommodations and meals."

Cherry L. Frederiksen
Tiburon, CA

Bob and Marjorie Orr write...

"We've just returned from our 10-day trip to Tunisia and wanted to thank you for the best trip we've had among our visits to 55 countries. It was thoroughly enjoyable and lived up to our expectations. Our guide was thoroughly knowledgeable and delightful. The hotels were all excellent as was the Tunisian food. The pace of the itinerary was ideal and everything we visited was interesting, particularly the Roman ruins. We wish we could have continued for another 10 days. We're advising all our friends to "get with it" and see Tunisia!

We will be pleased to accept telephone calls from prospects and you may use the above comments in your brochure."

Bob and Marjorie Orr
Philadelphia, PA

Barbara and Ron Rosenthal write...

"Thanks to you, our trip to Tunisia last month was marvelous. What a fascinating country-so much to see and do, made even better with our wonderful guide Hamadi and the most excellent driver, Emed! The people were warm and friendly, the food delicious and the sights-incredible! We loved every minute-Thank you! My cousin who traveled with us, agrees - the best!

We certainly hope to meet you one day soon."

Barbara and Ron Rosenthal
Ambler, PA

Gwen W. Julia writes...

"I wanted to express our thanks to you for arranging at extremely short notice a wonderful trip for us in Tunisia. I can't believe how much we saw in the week that we had - all of it interesting from a historical perspective, and beautiful in its scenic aspects. We loved seeing the many varied aspects of the desert from the sand dunes in Douz to the mountain oasis in Chebika and Tamerza. A highlight was when Abdul, our driver, took us off the road in the four wheel drive into the midst of a herd of some 400 or 500 camels who were walking in front of us, behind us, and at both sides of us. Another desert highlight was stopping on one of the backroads to look at a view and hearing a young shepherd boy playing a beautiful melody on his flute as he tended his flock. Jerba presented a very different aspect with its domes white houses and blue shutters and doors. The synagogue was like a jewel inside. Abdul our driver left us there. He had a great sense of humor and was a good driver. On to Tunis where we began our tour of Roman ruins which presented yet another aspect of Tunisia. The scenery was very different - very pretty fertile fields and hills in the background - the Roman ruins were very impressive. Hamdan was very knowledgeable and capable and we felt very well taken care of by him. The hotels were great, especially the Maison Blanche - which was so elegantly furnished and spacious. We just wish we had more time in each place, there was so much to see and do. We still have many sights we have not seen and hope we can return again one day and put ourselves once again in your excellent care. Thank you."

Gwen W. Julia
West Newton, MA

Ann Madison writes...

"We were very pleased with the organization and quality level of our entire Tunisian trip. Our guide had a formidable task to keep everyone in line to move along on schedule while being courteous and thoughtful of our individual needs at all times. I though that the itinerary was outstanding - excellent coverage of the country so that we had an impression of the variety of countryside in Tunisia. We are happy to know about your Turkey tours and hope to take time to go on one of those tours in the future. All in all, an excellent experience at a modest cost considering the quality level of the amenities."

Ann Madison
Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Joseph and Carolyn Losos write...

"The highlight of our Tunisian trip, which lasted ten days, was the inspection of Roman ruins. Utica, Carthage and Sbeitla were very interesting, while Dougga and El Djem were absolutely magnificent. The opportunity to view these sites and the museums and to get plenty of exercise in the process was delightful. All of Tunisia was grand, from the luxury and charm of Djerba to our fun camel ride in the desert. We are eager to recommend the trip to our friends."

Joseph and Carolyn Losos
St. Louis, Missouri

Patricia P. Reifsnyder writes...

"The tour struck a happy balance between the historic and the present, between the carefully planned and the cheerful improvisation - all of it in comfort. Q & A with articulate, accomplished Tunisians in an informal setting was an important part of the tour, which is well named, “History, Culture & People”.

The Malta extension was outstanding. The sites were well chosen and if the other guides are anything like Fiona (is it possible?), you leave the island with an encyclopedia of information about Malta."

Patricia P. Reifsnyder
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Barbara Meacham writes...

"Recently I returned from the “History, Culture and People” tour. It was a most successful experience. Daily my expectations were exceeded. I didn’t realize a country as small as Tunisia would offer so much diversity in history and geography. I have never known better guidance on a tour. There was a consistent effort to share with us a vast knowledge of the country. The hotels, food and land transportation were all good to excellent. The itinerary seemed to attract people who have known many years of foreign travel. This added to the richness of the experience. I will be looking forward to future itineraries, especially those that focus on the southern part of the country."

Barbara Meacham
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Harriet Barry writes...

"Jerry runs a great trip! The hotels and the restaurants were excellent. Our guide was superb! I don’t think I’ve ever had a better one. The group was very congenial and cooperative. Jerry even offered things to do in our free time should we wish to avail ourselves of them. I think we saw just about everything there was to see in Tunisia in two weeks. He also offered extras you might not get on other trips, ie: lunch and dinner with some of his interesting Tunisian friends."

Harriet Barry
Villanova, Pennsylvania

Bill and Anita Kaplan write...

"We thought the Roman mosaics in Sicily were wonderful, but they didn’t compare to the quality and quantity of those in Tunisia. The historical and cultural TunisUSA tour presented us with a fantastic exposure to all the splendid sites of Tunisia. Take the trip NOW!"

Bill and Anita Kaplan
Pacific Grove, CA

Harold and Sybil Stenberg write...

"We still find it incredible that so many different experiences were possible in a twelve day trip. In their scope, size and numbers, the Roman ruins are astonishing, and the mosaics are thrilling. The desert part of the trip was a grand adventure, especially the night spent in the luxurious tent. The island of Jerba was the third surprise; the chance to meet with the (Jewish) community was the highlight. In fact, the contact with Tunisians throughout the trip added a unique dimension. And it was obvious that our guide, Nejib, is the best in the country, a wonderful fellow whose erudition is matched by his sense of humor."

Harold and Sybil Steinberg
Westport, Connecticut

Joan and Bob Mannheimer write...

"The March 2001 “History, Culture and People” tour was among the best we have taken. Generally speaking, the mechanics of the tour - transportation within Tunisia, hotels, local restaurants, etc., were excellent. Definite highlights were the magnificent Roman sites, the splendid breathtaking mosaics, the desert tent camp, Djerba (especially the visit to Hara Kabira) and the opportunity to have personal contacts. Undoubtedly, having an archaeologist of Nejib’s caliber and Jerry with the tour the whole way enhanced the pleasure of the trip."

Joan and Bob Mannheimer
Des Moines, Iowa

BJ and Howard Greenberger write...

"The History, Culture and People tour in March 2001 was one of the finest trips we have ever taken. It was beautifully conceived and balanced. We loved the archaeological digs and museum; as well as the delightful and luxurious accommodations and cuisine.

It was a special treat to eat in native restaurants, many in restored mansions full of charm and ambience. Additionally, it was wonderful to meet local citizens who were friends of Mr. Sorkin. They gave us insight into the present conditions of the country.

Our guide was a treasure, a professor and professional archaeologist and a delight to be with."

BJ and Howard Greenberger
New York City, New York

Zelda and Bernie Levere write...

"Our recent trip to Tunisia encompassed all the elements of a stellar vacation - outstanding historic places to visit; interesting people who shared their cultural information with us; contrasting settings such as modern cities; desert scenery and Mediterranean coastlines; good hotels and good food. All of this, plus the best-informed guide/archaeologist it has been our pleasure to travel with.

Jerry Sorkin, the founder of TunisUSA, does a superb job in running these tours. He has a long association with Tunisia, speaks Arabic, and has wide contact with Tunisians in various walks of life. He was very solicitous of his tour participants, doing whatever he could to enhance our enjoyment and comfort, such as providing plentiful chilled, bottled water throughout the trip, and taking us to places off the beaten tourist route, like a night spent quite comfortably in the Sahara Desert.

A particular highlight of the trip for us was the visit to Djerba, an island that is home to one of the oldest settlements of Jews in the world. We had ample opportunity to meet with the leaders of the community, visit the school and synagogue, and learn about the people living there whose history goes back to pre-Biblical days. By contrast, the rest of Djerba has been developed into first-rate beach resorts that attract Europeans on a year-round basis, and we stayed in one of them.

Our tours of the ruins of ancient Carthage and El Jem and other archaeological sites were memorable and comprehensive, and the many mosaics we viewed, in museum and on-site, quite amazing.

All-in-all, for a unique and unexpected vacation treat, we would highly recommend a visit to Tunisia with TunisUSA."

Zelda and Bernie Levere
Creskill, New Jersey

Stuart Marks writes...

"Let me tell you how much I enjoyed your tour. What makes a trip abroad truly memorable is not so much the museums or even the scenery- noteworthy as they may be - but the human contacts we make. I am deeply grateful to you for the unusual experience we had in being able to meet and enjoy your wonderful friends - I hope their doors remain open to you. Truly...I found them fascinating!!!."

Stuart Marks
Salisbury, CT

Elaine and Merv Jacobs write...

"We had wanted to write to you and tell you what a great time we had on our trip to Tunisia. We particularly liked this trip above many others, because of your personal touch and the friendship afforded to us by your friends in Tunisia. We look forward to seeing you again."

Elaine and Merv Jacobs
Boca Raton, FL

Gloria Schreiber writes...

It was a great trip. I enjoyed meeting the Jewish people and seeing so much of Jewish interest. You were great and took great care of us. The food was very good and the company interesting. I'll travel with you again!!!"

Gloria Schreiber
Valley Stream, NY

Carol and Denis Crawford write...

While we returned from Tunisia the end of June, the wonderful memories still linger on. Our trip was fabulous and we understand now why you fell in love with the country. We were quite surprised to find it so non-third world. Very little visible poverty and good infrastructure - phones, highways, hotels & restaurants, clean, very friendly, western dress...all combined we were quite surprised.

Kudos to you for putting together such a grand tour for us in such a short amount of time. Moe, our guide, met us as planned. Throughout the week we found him very knowledgeable, friendly and flexible. The driver, Mohammed, was always where he was supposed to be with a smile on his face. He really liked our 7-year-old grandson, Rill. Staying at La Madison Blanche for the first few days in Tunis was a treat -we loved our gorgeous 4 poster beds and elegantly tiled bathrooms - it was really nicer than the About Nanas of Tunis (more a businessman's hotel. Our stay at Le Forte was lovely - we were the only people there...in fact, until we arrived in Kairouan, we felt there were very few tourists, because the hotels were very empty. All hotels were very clean and accommodating - even the simplest hotel in Le Kef. You did a great job in selecting these. Moez, the guide, always had a plan but would change to accommodate any of our wishes. He was great.

Due to the children, we did forego Sbeitla and went on to Kairouan and Le Kasbah - fabulous hotel. The thing Denis and I enjoyed the most about all the ruins was our ability to wander the ruins freely and play where the gladiators and lions were, imagine the good times in the baths, envision the plays and gatherings in the amphitheatres. So many of Europe's ruins are now closed or very controlled in order not to incur further damage. Not so, in Tunisia.

The weather was great - 80-90 degrees, even a little cool in the evenings if the wind was up. The food was wonderful and none of us experienced tummy problems. Our favorite lunch was at a street side bar-b-q restaurant across from a colorful outdoor produce market. Tunisian salad, bar-b-qued lamb, fresh peaches and watermelon from the market - all out of doors. We also enjoyed the turkey gyro sandwiches in the flat round bread filled with tomatoes and French fries...very popular with the kids and all of us as there was little waiting. Our last night before returning home we took taxis to Sidi Bou Said, enjoyed mint tea with pine nuts in the special restaurant there - then bought the turkey sandwiches and sat on the entrance steps having our own picnic. A older woman dressed in the white, typical robe wrap paused to wish us 'Bon Apetite.'

The only minor slip in your plans occurred with the van picking us up at Club Med to return to Tunis. Apparently it went to the wrong Club Med and when it arrived it was a full-scale tourist bus with seating for 40 people.Everything else you planned worked like clockwork. There is no way that Denis and I could have put this trip together. Denis didn't have to drive, we had no worries about booking hotels, we learned a lot about the ruins and the times through Moez...much better than reading guidebooks...it was truly a memorable time. Since returning we have raved up and down about your services and would be happy to recommend them to anyone else in the future. Thanks for the great gift."

Carol and Denis Crawford

Yorba Linda, CA

Dorothy and Paul Hall write...

"Among the highlights of our recent trip to Tunisia were visits to the Bardo Museum of mosaics, the ancient synagogue at Djerba, the luxuriant oasis at Tozeur and the move sets of 'Star Wars' and 'The English Patient,' 'still to be seen in the desert.

We will long remember the Hotel Hasdrubal on Djerba, where having briefly enjoyed the super-sized swimming pool and Presidential Suite, we were reluctant to leave.

Our guide, Hamadi, an archaeologist with a thorough knowledge of history and mythology, made the Roman sites we visited (and there were many) really come alive.

The trip turned out to be among the best we have taken."

Dorothy and Paul Hall

New York, NY

Hermina Rosen writes...

"What a trip!" … "I would NOT have wanted to miss one facet of this varied and wonderful trip, but for me, I needed 3 weeks or at least 17 days."

Hermina Rosen
Lloyd Neck, NY

Jean & Leon Homeier write...

"Before we left for Tunisia…we wondered why the trip was going to be TWO weeks; now we know that it wasn't long enough. We weren't prepared for the variety of interest that Tunisia holds…" "…all in all it was an exceptional experience."

Jean and Lon Homeier
Bryn Mawr, PA

Florence and Sylvain J. Sternberg write...

"Our trip to Tunisia was outstanding and has left us with wonderful memories. Since we had our own personalized itinerary for the two weekends plus the special archaeology group for midweek, we truly feel that we got the best of two worlds. Our private guide was attentive, well informed and very flexible, accommodating to any special request we made. The group guide was excellent. We much appreciate the attention you gave us both as to arranging our itinerary and for "catering" to our kosher and Sabbath requirements. At every meal, our foil-wrapped fish/vegetarian plate appeared as though it were a routine matter."

Florence and Sylvain J. Sternberg
Jerusalem, ISRAEL

Eve Friedman writes...

"Our tour began in Tunis and went south to Tozeur and back to Tunis. We could not have been more fortunate since our guide could not have been more knowledgeable and experienced."… "Our hotels were luxurious with local color adorned by mosaics representing a mixture of the cultures of Tunisia. Restaurants were carefully chosen for the variety of ethnic foods, a mixture of Tunisian, French, Italian and Spanish. They were beautifully appointed and located by the seashore and in gardens, as well as near the excavations. All meals were included in the price of the trip." … "I would most heartily recommend this trip From the Kasbah to the Sahara with TunisUSA."

Eve Friedman
Westbury, NY

Nancy Hall writes...

"Having traveled extensively since 1983, my trip to Tunisia with TunisUSA was a highlight in my life." "Articles in the N.Y.Times and Washington Times indicated that Jerry Sorkin and TunisUSA were pros…and they were!" "It was a vigorous trip which tested my 76 years; it was well worth it and I felt great." "The people are friendly and helpful."

Nancy Hall
Moorestown, NJ

Gloria Schreiber writes...

It was a great trip. I enjoyed meeting the Jewish people and seeing so much of Jewish interests. You were great and took great care of us. The food was very good and the company interesting. I'll travel with you again!!!

Gloria Schreiber
Valley Stream, NY

Toby Topek writes...

"…I feel as though I really saw and experienced Tunisia; the archaeological sites, museums, the architecture, colors, costumes, shapes, languages, food, met the people…Tunisia is now a place imprinted, indelible on my mind."

Toby Topek
Houston, TX

Ellen and David Freeman write...

"An exciting tour of the best in Roman Africa, with a skillful placement of the Roman civilization between its numidian/Carthaginian predecessor and its successors: Vandals, Byzantines, Arabs and Turks. The mosaics throughout the country-especially at the Bardo-are incomparable."

Ellen and David Freeman
Newtown Square, PA

Iris and Shubert Spero write...

"The drivers, guides and particularly the resident archaeologist were not only expert in their respective roles, but delightful human beings. After we got home we spread out the big road map of Tunisia on the dining room table and traced with a magic marker our itinerary and realized that we had covered the country from border to border and sea to the Sahara."…"…thank you for a most enjoyable tour."

Iris and Shubert Spero
Jerusalem, Israel

JoAnne and Warren Bender write...

"Having just returned from a wonderful vacation in Tunisia we want to thank you for your role in putting it all together. We saw so much in less than two weeks. Yet due to your planning, we moved along at a good clip, but you allowed for the periodic pause that avoided overload.
Tunisia certainly lived up to your advance billing. Warm, friendly people, excellent accommodations and a wide variety of fascinating sights. I would also like to commend our guide. He was ever knowledgeable, enthusiastic and good humored. He added immeasurably to our trip.
It is a shame that more Americans aren't aware of Tunisia's charms. We will be doing our best to remedy that. I hope that we can avail ourselves of your good services at some future time."

JoAnne and Warren Bender
Rye, NY

Elaine and Merv Jacobs write...

We had wanted to write to you and tell you what a great time we had on our trip to Tunisia. We particularly liked this trip above many others, because of your personal touch and the friendship afforded to us by your friends in Tunisia. We look forward to seeing you again.

Elaine and Merv Jacobs
Boca Raton, FL

Ilyas Hokkaci writes...

"I would like to thank you very much on behalf of myself and our group of nine people. They enjoyed everything. The guide was excellent, the hotels and meals were very good and the tour itinerary was fantastic. It was a very good experience. Thanks again! I hope we will have the opportunity to work together again in the future."

Ilyas Hokkaci
Brooklyn, NY

The Paleys and Plechners write...

"What a phenomenal vacation you arranged for us! We have spent the last week trying to tell people where Tunisia is (few people seem to know) and what marvelous resources it has for the mildly adventurous vacationer. The activities were marvelous. The ruins were compelling. The hotels, excellent. And the food! - all over the country, fresh vegetables, fresh fish, terrific breakfasts. We haven't stopped raving about our trip; we are all most grateful to you for putting together a stellar vacation.
With all of that, we must tell you that what made the trip so special for us was our guide. He was personable, good-humored, efficient and tolerant. Most important, he had the ability to inflame us with his passion of the past and for Tunisia's history, and he did so.
Thank you for a most memorable vacation."

The Paleys and Plechners
New Jersey

Darcy and Robert Gelber write...

"…we had a wonderful time in Tunisia. You put together an outstanding tour on such short notice. We are extraordinarily lucky that I found you on the Internet. …Tunisia (and the Tunisians) is a much kinder and gentler and lower-keyed country than Morocco…. Thanks again for listening to us so well and for putting it together in just a few days and for delivering more than we expected. We are grateful to you."

Darcy and Robert Gelber
Santa Barbara, CA

Josette Smetana writes...

"What a fabulous trip!"… "If I had to use a rather trendy work of today, I would say that everything was 'awesome'. From the Phoenician and Roman ruins of Carthage and Sufetula, the marvelous mosaics so well kept in museums, in the Tunis Bardo Museum in particular and exemplified in our magnificent hotel "Dar Cherait", to the highlight of the trip, which for me was undeniably the Saharan desert and the oases, the plain as well as the mountain ones, I cannot describe all the wonders."

Josette Smetana
Westbury, NY

Betty and Herb Kane write...

"…we had an unforgettable experience touring the country of Tunisia, discovering its many archaeological sites, learning of its varied cultures and turbulent ancient history."… "The itinerary that you devised for us was well balanced and perfectly executed: alternating days of touring excursions with days of relaxation, private visits or meetings. Our guide, an archaeologist by professions, was very good: flexible and extremely knowledgeable. His passion about the excavations and the discovery of those magnificent vestiges was infectious."
"Herb and I want to thank you for your efforts in custom planning this wonderful vacation for us and hope that we will meet, one of these days. You may give our names to prospective travelers, as we would heartily recommend the trip."

Betty and Herb Kane
Cherry Hill, NJ

Janet and Jay Sigler write...

"The arrival of your postcard today with mention of your website prompted us to write to you - belatedly - to let you know how much we enjoyed our trip to Tunisia in late September. We had a wonderful time and found Tunisia to be a fascinating country of which we had known so little. Nejib was a gracious and knowledgeable guide and our group of 8 travelers was quite compatible. The trip was well-organized and provided us with many memorable moments. The Roman and Carthaginian ruins, the visits to oasis villages, the museums, the fresh dates and the splendid meals in Tunis were all highlights. However, we must admit that it was a real kick to drive over the dunes in 4WD vehicles to visit the Star Wars and English Patient filming locations - the adrenaline rushed, we screamed in anticipation of who know what as we mounted the dunes. It was great!
Both Jay and I count our visit to Tunisia as one of our best travel experiences. Thanks so much for your part in organizing the tour."

Janet and Jay Sigler
Edgartown, MA

Deena Greenberg writes...

Great tour, beautiful hotels, excellent guide. Would highly recommend this company. Look forward to another tour with TunisUSA.

Deena Greenberg
Brookville, PA

Harriet S. Goldman writes...

"Our trip went off like clockwork. The itinerary made for an ambitious trip but provided needed respites in between long travel days. Frankly, you surpassed my expectations for immersing myself in the history, culture and beauty of Tunisia. I really felt like an "explorer". Our trip to Ksar Ghilane and then over to Tozeur was a highlight.
Our guide was excellent, especially with our interest in archaeology. Our driver was excellent as well. The land cruiser was very comfortable. The hotels you chose for us were wonderful - especially La Residence, at the end of our stay and of course the Pan Sea in Ksar Ghilane. The trip from Matmata to Metameur is not to be missed.
I would recommend you and the itinerary to anyone. Thank you for living up to all my expectations. Recently there was a front page article in the Sunday N.Y. Times travel section on Tunisia. A smile came to my face - I could have written it!!"

Harriet S. Goldman, DDS, MPH
Chairman, Department of Dentistry

John Elton writes...

"The services which your agency provided were exceptional. We were picked up by a very knowledgeable, friendly and communicative guide and equally helpful driver, and they stayed with us, as per arrangement, for all our half and full-day tours. I think, it is necessary to have such an arrangement, because it seems pretty difficult to arrange any kind of tour there (Tunisia) within a day or two notice. Finally a word about "Le Residence" which is a quality world-class hotel. The service was exceptional and we were happy there throughout our stay."

John Elton
Forest Hills, NY

Bob and Irene Cortinovis write...

"Our 'Roman Tunisia' was marvelous! Our wonderful guide absolutely made the trip. A professional archaeologist, he had worked on some of the digs and was greeted like a brother wherever we went."

Bob and Irene Cortinovis
St. Louis, MO

George Patterson, Jr. writes...

I couldn't have asked for a better or more interesting group of companions for a trip into the unknown…Tunisia! The trip was full and well planned, yet had flexibility enough to allow for changes to add extra satisfaction and insight in meeting some of Jerry's personal Tunisian friends. We covered the country from green north through semi-arid central to mystic southern desert, seacoast to western mountains. We saw antiquity in Roman ruins and in Bedouin/Berber nomads with their ancient culture and way of life. Camels in the desert, olive trees running to the distant horizons, lush green wheat fields stretching across a valley and everywhere we went, friendly people. These are my memoirs of Tunisia! These and harissa and bread…to die for!

George Patterson, Jr.
Lansdale, PA

Paul Van Order writes...

Tunisia was an exceptional experience. The variety of scenery, the imposing Roman ruins, the bustling medinas and the tasty cuisine were a magical mix. The local people were a particular attraction, as warm and charming as any I have encountered in my wanderings. I can see how Tunisia can become addictive.
The upscale nature of the trip raised it above the level of my usual budget-conscious wanderings. The comforts of fine hotels and gourmet meals were pluses. And the congeniality of the group made for a learning experience spiced with rollicking humor.
I find that some trips are as enjoyable in retrospect as they were at the time of travel. That is especially true of Tunisia, as I look over my slides and savor memories of a special adventure.

Paul Van Order
Arlington, VA

Pecki Sherman Witonsky writes...

Your magic carpet carried me on wings, wheels and camel's feet in an exotic land of ancient desert ruins and medium terrain beaches. Your choice of restaurants was always 5 star and your Tunisian hosts filled me with a new understanding of history, religion and gods. I am newly enriched and enlightened and look forward to traveling with you again. Thank you so much!

Pecki Sherman Witonsky
Bryn Mawr, PA

Eunice L. Mutter writes...

Jerry put together a memorable trip for travelers: a very busy trip with varied sights, lodgings, sounds, foods and experiences which resulted in a wonderfully rounded exposure to Tunisia. All this was accomplished with a grace and kindness unusual with a tour!
I feel fortunate in having been able to travel with Jerry and Nejib and to meet many of their interesting Tunisian friends. Thanks for a great traveling experience.

Eunice L. Mutter
Newtown Square, PA

Eileen Baird writes...

Tunisia has something special and sharing it, both Jerry and Nejib made it extra special. Their attention to detail and their enthusiasm for the country and it's people was felt by everyone. I'm looking forward to Jerry's trip to Eastern Turkey in 2001.

Eileen Baird
Philadelphia, PA

June Shelley writes...

After a day of exciting visits, whether traveling to Roman ruins in a comfortable bus or exploring the desert towns in a 4 wheel drive vehicle, you were always assured of a wonderful hotel awaiting you and a gourmet meal.

June Shelley
Los Angeles, CA

Howard and Connie Bruckner write...

In general, our Tunisian experience was unexpectedly, pleasantly, awesomely, wonderful! You may list us as references for your services, as well as the country as a wonderful place to visit. We were very favorably impressed by this forward, westernized Muslim society. It is the model for women's rights among the other Arab nations, and they are truly a country of friendly, religiously tolerant people. …

Howard and Connie Bruckner
Augusta, GA

Steven M. Greenberg, M.D. writes...

A perfectly arranged tour with emphasis on history and culture. The guide imaginable, efficient use of time, great accommodations. One of the best!

Steven M. Greenberg, M.D.
Brookville, PA

Ron Kron writes...

"The variety of scenery, from the sea to the Sahara, and the variety of the people in the cities, and the country, makes Tunisia a journey of fascinating delight. The Roman ruins are some of the best I have ever seen and you don't have to face multitudes of people to enjoy them. This is a country that most Americans know little about, and they are missing out on a North African country that welcomes us."

Ron Kron
Santa Fe, NM

Frederick and Patricia Graboske write...

Tunisia is a small but fascinating country. The Roman mosaics are the best in the world. The our provided us the opportunity to see a variety of interesting places: Carthage, Roman ruins, "Star War" sties, unique dwellings and resorts. The accommodations and food were fully satisfactory. The drive and guide were knowledgeable about the country and did everything in their power to accommodate our interests.

Frederick and Patricia Graboske
Rockville, MD

Luisa Caldwell and Robert Hickman write...

Tunisia is a widely diverse country and has something for everyone! From ancient Roman ruins to Berber farmland, desert oasis to the luxurious Mediterranean seashore. Tunisia is a surprisingly contemporary culture making for very comfortable travel. Aside from Tunisia being an interesting destination, TunisUSA organized a fantastic itinerary, including our own SUV with driver and our guide, who we will never forget.
We were nervous about bringing our five-month-old baby, only to discover that it is a very clean and healthy country, plus, our hotels were some of the most luxurious in the world. Tunisia is a great family destination and very child friendly: the swimming pools are the most gorgeous we have ever cooled ourselves in and the french fries, no matter where you dine, are the best in the world!

Luisa Caldwell and Robert Hickman
Brooklyn, NY

Bob and Marjorie Orr write...

We've just returned from our 10-day trip to Tunisia and wanted to thank you for the best trip we've had among our visits to 55 countries. It was thoroughly enjoyable and lived up to our expectations. Our guide was thoroughly knowledgeable and delightful. The hotels were all excellent as was the Tunisian food. The pace of the itinerary was ideal and everything we visited was interesting, particularly the Roman ruins. We wish we could have continued for another 10 days. We're advising all our friends to "get with it" and see Tunisia!
We will be pleased to accept telephone calls from prospects and you may use the above comments in your brochure.

Bob and Marjorie Orr
Philadelphia, PA

Bernard A. Hiller writes...

For the past 40 years, my wife and I have traveled the world. We have gone with large groups; private tours; and on our own, but have never had a more overall enjoyable experience than on our recent trip to Tunisia, accompanied by Wadia and your driver Mohammed.
Wadia was extremely knowledgeable and had a wonderful sense of humor. When minor problems arose, she took care of them instantly. She was interesting and fun. Mohammed was a wonderful driver in full control of all situations. They were both extremely punctual and anxious to please. Our trip was an outstanding success due to the efforts of these two wonderful representatives. If you ever really want to impress visitors, put them in the hands of these two people.

Bernard A. Hiller
Uniondale, NY

Thomas W. Feary writes...

Thanks for arranging a very relaxing and informative trip for us. Our guide was excellent and went way beyond expectations in ensuring that we saw as much as possible of this interesting country. The Roman ruins were wonderful to see and the mosaics in the museums and various sites were outstanding. We especially enjoyed the desert regions and visits of rural life, much unchanged from ancient times. We felt very lucky to enjoy this trip as a couple. We would highly recommend a Tunisia tour to anyone who might have an interest in this region.

Thomas W. Feary
Morris Plains, NJ

Vivian and Doug Chambers write...

Your suggested alterations and additions to the original itinerary which I first proposed were ALL helpful toward giving us a feeling of having truly experienced the cultural and geographical diversity of this historic, small, as-yet-unspoiled country. Your hotel selections were all excellent accommodations. Our guide was knowledgeable, easy-to-understand.
We gladly recommend TunisUSA to anyone or group, planning a visit to Tunisia!

Vivian and Doug Chambers
Salem, OR

John Fleckles writes...

I thoroughly enjoyed the "Kasbah to the Sahara" tour to Tunisia. The tour was well planned and carried out even though much activity was packed into six days. I sincerely believe that, rather than independent travel, your tour is the best way to be introduced to Tunisia with its complex history and cultures. I was thoroughly satisfied with the trip and have many good memories of places and people and aspects of Tunisian culture.
The highlights of the tour were the Roman ruins at El Jem, the medinas of Tunis and Sousse, and the city of Tozeur and the Saharan desert area south of there. Of course, the camel ride at Douz was an exceptional experience.
Your tour has enabled me to experience in a most satisfactory way a country with a unique Islamic culture and Mediterranean heritage.
Thanks for providing a great tour. I will and have recommended it to friends.

John Fleckles
Kaneohe, HI

Gordon and Olivia Brown write...

A well-planned and meticulously executed tour. The logistics were flawless, the bus large and comfortable, and the guide and driver excellent. It was a most comfortable and informative way to learn about this lovely and fascinating country.

Gordon and Olivia Brown
Ex-residents of Tunisia

Woolf P.Gross writes...

As you know, my "day job" has me traveling extensively and repetitively throughout the Middle East. I am inured to things going wrong with regularity. Imagine my surprise and delight than when I report that the ATA (American Tunisian Association) trip went off from beginning to end without a hitch or a glitch! These things simply do not happen in that part of the world…but they did this time.
You are well aware that many if not most of our delegation had prior connections with Tunisia. Many of us thought we had seen all there is to see in the country. And yet the itinerary TunisUSA worked out for us ensured that there was something new and exotic for even the most familiar and jaded amount the group.
And here I will digress. With my ATA hat on, let me say that Tunisia-small as it is-is among the most varied and attractive of travel destinations with which I am familiar. It is also, for Americans at least, among the best kept secrets. My previous travels in the country and certainly our most recent itinerary, as developed by TunisUSA, underscored the cultural, historical and geographic diversity of Africa's "most attractive (to me at least) destination". It is the ideal compromise between the familiar and the exotic. For Americans seeing "something different", but not jarringly so, Tunisia is the place."

Woolf P.Gross
Vice President of the American Tunisian Association
Washington, DC

Aileen Sprague writes...

My first trip to Tunisia was an eye-opener. I could hardly believe the variety of scenery we experienced, from beautiful beaches to rolling hills, to bleak mountains revealing lush oases, to Sahara sand dunes, to olive groves, to cork forests. The extent of the Roman ruins was unbelievable, with so much of the original towns still visible-roads and walls and temples-that you could almost visualize how it mush have looked. And there were so many beautiful mosaics still in place in the Roman houses. Of course it helped to have a wonderful guide who could explain everything in charmingly accented English and with a great sense of humor. Aside from the ruins, the country seemed so prosperous and modern, with beautiful hotels and good restaurants, and very friendly people. I think my favorite part must have been the incredible mountain oases, although the camel ride across the desert runs a close second.

Aileen Sprague
Bethesda, MD

Gary Gardner writes...

I had a great time in Tunisia. The people, food and incredible vistas made my short stay a memorable one.
The Guys were great! I felt a little self-conscience, at first, being escorted by two people, but by the end of the first day we were just three guys hanging out.
The planning was perfect and accommodations fine. I still don't think I can get my wife to go, bit I will be sending my two teenage sons. They can't wait!
Thanks again!

Gary Gardner
Chicago, IL

Jim Phippard writes...

I want to tell you how much my fellow ATA members and I enjoyed our tour in Tunisia. From beginning to end everything was well organized, and the logistics went beautifully. The hotels were excellent; the ones in Kairouan and Tozeur would rank with the best anywhere. Your organizing efforts were very much appreciated.
You couldn't have picked a better guide. He was superb in many respects. His English was excellent. (I have suffered through guides whose English was not good). He had an encyclopedic knowledge of the sites and their history. Not just of the sites that we visited, but of just about everything that we passed! He had the perfect personality; he kept us organized and moving without being bossy and he was invariably good humored. He was flexible enough to adjust when the Kasserine visit was being scheduled as we traveled. All in all we couldn't say enough good things about Mourad.
Our driver also made an important contribution to the trip. When you spend as much time in a vehicle as we did, you want to feel secure without worrying about possible accidents. His driving was excellent, never too fast, and he didn't take chances. I don't know if Americans worry more about bad driving, but I can tell you that everyone felt secure with Lotfi at the wheel. He was always ready to assist, such as bringing someone's glasses to them when they'd left them on the bus.
Finally, the ability to handle much of our planning through Jerry Sorkin here in the U.S. made the process go very smoothly. Jerry was always there by phone or e-mail to answer our many questions.
We enjoyed meeting you in Tunis and whish you well with your well-run business.

Jim Phippard
Washington, DC

Barbara and Ron Rosenthal write...

Thanks to you, our trip to Tunisia last month was marvelous. What a fascinating country-so much to see and do, made even better with our wonderful guide Hamadi and the most excellent driver, Emed! The people were warm and friendly, the food delicious and the sights-incredible! We loved every minute-Thank you! My cousin who traveled with us, agrees-the best!
We certainly hope to meet you one day soon…

Barbara and Ron Rosenthal
Ambler, PA

Gwen W. Julia writes...

I wanted to express our thanks to you for arranging at extremely short notice a wonderful trip for us in Tunisia. I can't believe how much we saw in the week that we had - all of it interesting from a historical perspective, and beautiful in its scenic aspects. We loved seeing the many varied aspects of the desert from the sand dunes in Douz to the mountain oasis in Chebika and Tamerza. A highlight was when Abdul, our driver, took us off the road in the four wheel drive into the midst of a herd of some 400 or 500 camels who were walking in front of us, behind us, and at both sides of us. Another desert highlight was stopping on one of the backroads to look at a view and hearing a young shepherd boy playing a beautiful melody on his flute as he tended his flock. Jerba presented a very different aspect with its domes white houses and blue shutters and doors. The synagogue was like a jewel inside. Abdul our driver left us there. He had a great sense of humor and was a good driver. On to Tunis where we began our tour of Roman ruins which presented yet another aspect of Tunisia. The scenery was very different - very pretty fertile fields and hills in the background - the Roman ruins were very impressive. Hamdan was very knowledgeable and capable and we felt very well taken care of by him. The hotels were great, especially the Maison Blanche - which was so elegantly furnished and spacious. We just wish we had more time in each place, there was so much to see and do. We still have many sights we have not seen and hope we can return again one day and put ourselves once again in your excellent care. Thank you.

Gwen W. Julia
West Newton, MA

Ann Madison writes...

We were very pleased with the organization and quality level of our entire Tunisian trip. Our guide had a formidable task to keep everyone in line to move along on schedule while being courteous and thoughtful of our individual needs at all times.
I though that the itinerary was outstanding - excellent coverage of the country so that we had an impression of the variety of countryside in Tunisia.
We are happy to know about your Turkey tours and hope to take time to go on one of those tours in the future.
All in all, an excellent experience at a modest cost considering the quality level of the amenities.

Ann Madison
Chapel Hill, NC

Boris and Raquel Ibanez write...

Our recent visit to Tunisia, organized by the American Tunisian Association, with your assistance, was indeed a very successful project which my wife and I were lucky to be able to share. For us, this second visit to the country deserves the following comments:
1) The selection of sites was excellent as we were able to enjoy the northwestern part of the country, including the Roman ruins done in detail.
2) The local organization was flawless in regards to the program, official visits, tour arrangements, etc.
3) The selection of our guide was particularly fortunate as we consider him superior in his profession, attitude and intelligence. This in essence translated as satisfaction of practically all needs and desires of the members of the group.
4) Hotel accommodations by and large were at the best available facilities at points visited. The food was outstanding.
5) Local transportation and handling of luggage was superb. Incidentally, we obviously had one of the best trained and conscientious bus drivers in Tunisia.

In general, Tunisia has had a remarkable change over the past eight years. Mostly, there have been social changes, probably associated with developments in national education and local government. Women almost everywhere appear freer, happier and sharing responsibilities. We like very much what we saw, although we missed seeing more of the folklore of the past, particularly attire. A lot of construction in the making of a new century.

Boris and Raquel Ibanez
Melbourne, FL

Patricia Bailey writes...

This was a tour much beyond my expectations. Our tour guide was extremely enjoyable and pleasant, as well. He made every attempt to meet the requests of the group. With his broad knowledge of antiquity, archaeology, and history he kept the interest of just about every member of the group. I felt extremely safe throughout the trip - the bud driver was excellent.
Tunisia is so diverse that within 5 days we toured coast lines, mountains, forests, deserts, busy cities, small villages and met with very courteous and honest Tunisians.

Patricia Bailey
Corte Madera, CA

Ann Madison writes...

We were very pleased with the organization and quality level of our entire Tunisian trip. Our guide had a formidable task to keep everyone in line to move along on schedule while being courteous and thoughtful of our individual needs at all times.
I though that the itinerary was outstanding - excellent coverage of the country so that we had an impression of the variety of countryside in Tunisia.
We are happy to know about your Turkey tours and hope to take time to go on one of those tours in the future.
All in all, an excellent experience at a modest cost considering the quality level of the amenities.

Ann Madison
Chapel Hill, NC

Patricia Bailey writes...

This was a tour much beyond my expectations. Our tour guide was extremely enjoyable and pleasant, as well. He made every attempt to meet the requests of the group. With his broad knowledge of antiquity, archaeology, and history he kept the interest of just about every member of the group. I felt extremely safe throughout the trip - the bud driver was excellent.
Tunisia is so diverse that within 5 days we toured coast lines, mountains, forests, deserts, busy cities, small villages and met with very courteous and honest Tunisians.

Patricia Bailey
Corte Madera, CA

Cherry L. Frederiksen writes...

The whole trip was a unique experience to travel in a country so rich with Roman history. For me, the highlight of the trip was the visit to the mountain oasis with each site's stunning beauty. Thanks for the efficient handling of hotel accommodations and meals.

Cherry L. Frederiksen
Tiburon, CA

Jerrold Fuchs and Jane Harvey write...

….I think you give people their monies worth and it is always hard to please all the people all the time…I would and will probably recommend you to others…so, thank you…

Jerrold Fuchs and Jane Harvey
New York, NY

Joseph and Carolyn Losos write...

The highlight of our Tunisian trip, which lasted ten days, was the inspection of Roman ruins. Utica, Carthage and Sbeitla were very interesting, while Dougga and El Djem were absolutely magnificent. The opportunity to view these sites and the museums and to get plenty of exercise in the process was delightful. All of Tunisia was grand, from the luxury and charm of Djerba to our fun camel ride in the desert. We are eager to recommend the trip to our friends.

Joseph and Carolyn Losos
St. Louis, MO

Patricia P. Reifsnyder writes...

The tour struck a happy balance between the historic and the present, between the carefully planned and the cheerful improvisation - all of it in comfort. Q & A with articulate, accomplished Tunisians in an informal setting was an important part of the tour, which is well named, "History, Culture & People".
The Malta extension was outstanding. The sites were well chosen and if the other guides are anything like Fiona (is it possible?), you leave the island with an encyclopedia of information about Malta.

Patricia P. Reifsnyder
Philadelphia, PA

Barbara Meacham writes...

Recently I returned from the "History, Culture and People" tour. It was a most successful experience. Daily my expectations were exceeded. I didn't realize a country as small as Tunisia would offer so much diversity in history and geography. I have never known better guidance on a tour. There was a consistent effort to share with us a vast knowledge of the country. The hotels, food and land transportation were all good to excellent. The itinerary seemed to attract people who have known many years of foreign travel. This added to the richness of the experience. I will be looking forward to future itineraries, especially those that focus on the southern part of the country.

Barbara Meacham
Minneapolis, MN

Harriet Barry writes...

Jerry runs a great trip! The hotels and the restaurants were excellent. Our guide was superb! I don't think I've ever had a better one. The group was very congenial and cooperative. Jerry even offered things to do in our free time should we wish to avail ourselves of them. I think we saw just about everything there was to see in Tunisia in two weeks. He also offered extras you might not get on other trips, ie: lunch and dinner with some of his interesting Tunisian friends.

Harriet Barry
Villanova, PA

Bill and Anita Kaplan write...

We thought the Roman mosaics in Sicily were wonderful, but they didn't compare to the quality and quantity of those in Tunisia. The historical and cultural TunisUSA tour presented us with a fantastic exposure to all the splendid sites of Tunisia. Take the trip NOW!

Bill and Anita Kaplan
Pacific Grove, CA

Harold and Sybil Steinberg write...

We still find it incredible that so many different experiences were possible in a twelve day trip. In their scope, size and numbers, the Roman ruins are astonishing, and the mosaics are thrilling. The desert part of the trip was a grand adventure, especially the night spent in the luxurious tent. The island of Jerba was the third surprise; the chance to meet with the (Jewish) community was the highlight. In fact, the contact with Tunisians throughout the trip added a unique dimension. And it was obvious that our guide, Nejib, is the best in the country, a wonderful fellow whose erudition is matched by his sense of humor.

Harold and Sybil Steinberg
Westport, CT

Joan and Joseph Campbell write...

We thoroughly enjoyed our nine-day tour in Tunisia with TunisUSA. We were delighted with the variety of sites and experiences in that relatively short period of time. Especially memorable was the choice of restaurants and the outstanding cuisine. The guides were very knowledgeable and communicated well. The opportunity to interact and to socialize with local people was a delightful and unexpected bonus.
We would strongly recommend TunisUSA to our friends and acquaintances and in fact, have begun to do so already. Many thanks for a great time!!

Joan and Joseph Campbell
Doylestown, PA

Trina and Paul Cleeman write...

Our trip included many great experiences… The discovery of the Jews of Jerba was like the rediscovery of a lost world. We were also very taken by the m any kind people and the warm coexistence between the Jews and Arabs of Tunisia. We were particularly taken by a scene in Jerba during the Pilgrimage procession where we witnessed a policeman who playfully lifted up a little Jewish child and gave her a kiss…as it underscored the sincerity and warmth of the two communities. A wonderful trip for the sophisticated traveler.

Trina and Paul Cleeman
Sunny Isles, FL

Joan and Bob Mannheimer write...

The March 2001 "History, Culture and People" tour was among the best we have taken. Generally speaking, the mechanics of the tour - transportation within Tunisia, hotels, local restaurants, etc., were excellent. Definite highlights were the magnificent Roman sites, the splendid breathtaking mosaics, the desert tent camp, Djerba (especially the visit to Hara Kabira) and the opportunity to have personal contacts. Undoubtedly, having an archaeologist of Nejib's caliber and Jerry with the tour the whole way enhanced the pleasure of the trip.

Joan and Bob Mannheimer
Des Moines, IA

BJ and Howard Greenberger write...

The History, Culture and People tour in March 2001 was one of the finest trips we have ever taken. It was beautifully conceived and balanced. We loved the archaeological digs and museum; as well as the delightful and luxurious accommodations and cuisine.
It was a special treat to eat in native restaurants, many in restored mansions full of charm and ambience. Additionally, it was wonderful to meet local citizens who were friends of Mr. Sorkin. They gave us insight into the present conditions of the country.
Our guide was a treasure, a professor and professional archaeologist and a delight to be with.

BJ and Howard Greenberger
New York City, NY

Zelda and Bernie Levere write...

Our recent trip to Tunisia encompassed all the elements of a stellar vacation - outstanding historic places to visit; interesting people who shared their cultural information with us; contrasting settings such as modern cities; desert scenery and Mediterranean coastlines; good hotels and good food. All of this, plus the best-informed guide/archaeologist it has been our pleasure to travel with.
Jerry Sorkin, the founder of TunisUSA, does a superb job in running these tours. He has a long association with Tunisia, speaks Arabic, and has wide contact with Tunisians in various walks of life. He was very solicitous of his tour participants, doing whatever he could to enhance our enjoyment and comfort, such as providing plentiful chilled, bottled water throughout the trip, and taking us to places off the beaten tourist route, like a night spent quite comfortably in the Sahara Desert.
A particular highlight of the trip for us was the visit to Djerba, an island that is home to one of the oldest settlements of Jews in the world. We had ample opportunity to meet with the leaders of the community, visit the school and synagogue, and learn about the people living there whose history goes back to pre-Biblical days. By contrast, the rest of Djerba has been developed into first-rate beach resorts that attract Europeans on a year-round basis, and we stayed in one of them.
Our tours of the ruins of ancient Carthage and El Jem and other archaeological sites were memorable and comprehensive, and the many mosaics we viewed, in museum and on-site, quite amazing.
All-in-all, for a unique and unexpected vacation treat, we would highly recommend a visit to Tunisia with TunisUSA.

Zelda and Bernie Levere
Creskill, NJ

Lynn G. Brown writes...

Our March trip to Tunisia was splendid, one of the best trips we have ever had! Together, the sights, the amenities, and our fabulous guide Abde, made it a fun and memorable journey. You really planned the perfect cultural experience for our small group. Getting off road was great. There was an unhurried pace to our traveling, but lots to see in our two-week visit, and the sights were never redundant. The landscape was changing every day, and the friendly Tunisian people always made us feel welcome. Favorite spots/stops: dunes in the desert southwest, Ksours, the Roman amphitheater at El Jem in the rain, the Bardo Museum in Tunis, the Thursday Douz market, Berber wedding in Tozeur, the cultural complexity of Jerba, the chic Palm Beach hotel in Jerba and the rustic Hotel Sangho in Tatouine, and the souk in Tunis for shopping.
Thanks for orchestrating our terrific adventure.

Lynn G. Brown
Santa Fe, NM

Howard Cohen writes...

This was one of the most interesting 3rd world countries we visited. Wonderful Greco/Roman/Phoenician, etc., ruins, many in remarkably good condition.
We made some personal contacts with the Jewish communities in Jerba and Tunis on our own and had a delightful dinner with the president of the Jewish community in Tunis. Our guide, Hamadi, was a knowledgeable, articulate and passionate philosopher and made this adventure especially memorable!
You may use me as a reference any time.

Howard Cohen
Baltimore, MD

Jim and Marilyn Bilderback write...

All aspects of our History, Culture & People tour of Tunisia in March were outstanding. Having a superb, extremely knowledgeable guide like Nejib was wonderful; the opportunity to see his dig at Thapsus was unique.
Some other especially memorable events were:
1) Crossing the Chott-el-Jerid in a 4-wheel vehicle while watching the blowing sands swirling on the road ahead of us.
2) Visiting the Jewish settlement of Hara Kabira and meeting members of the community.
3) Seeing many Roman mosaics in various places, especially the lifelike one of a women at Bulla Regia
4) Seeing the lovely Arab architecture of mosques and palaces
5) Seeing the men in traditional garb break open the clay pot containing our lamb dinner with a sword.
Tunisia offers great variety; pine forests and green croplands in the north, deserts in the south and colorful seacoasts; historical locations, diversity, meeting local people and providing excellent, attractive accommodations. It was an experience we'll never forget.

Jim and Marilyn Bilderback
Eureka, CA

Carol and Denis Crawford write...

While we returned from Tunisia the end of June, the wonderful memories still linger on. Our trip was fabulous and we understand now why you fell in love with the country. We were quite surprised to find it so non-third world. Very little visible poverty and good infrastructure - phones, highways, hotels & restaurants, clean, very friendly, western dress...all combined we were quite surprised.
Kudos to you for putting together such a grand tour for us in such a short amount of time. Moe, our guide, met us as planned. Throughout the week we found him very knowledgeable, friendly and flexible. The driver, Mohammed, was always where he was supposed to be with a smile on his face. He really liked our 7-year-old grandson, Rill. Staying at La Madison Blanche for the first few days in Tunis was a treat -we loved our gorgeous 4 poster beds and elegantly tiled bathrooms - it was really nicer than the About Nanas of Tunis (more a businessman's hotel. Our stay at Le Forte was lovely - we were the only people there...in fact, until we arrived in Kairouan, we felt there were very few tourists, because the hotels were very empty. All hotels were very clean and accommodating - even the simplest hotel in Le Kef. You did a great job in selecting these. Moez, the guide, always had a plan but would change to accommodate any of our wishes. He was great.
Due to the children, we did forego Sbeitla and went on to Kairouan and Le Kasbah - fabulous hotel. The thing Denis and I enjoyed the most about all the ruins was our ability to wander the ruins freely and play where the
gladiators and lions were, imagine the good times in the baths, envision the plays and gatherings in the amphitheatres. So many of Europe's ruins are now closed or very controlled in order not to incur further damage. Not so, in Tunisia.
The weather was great - 80-90 degrees, even a little cool in the evenings if the wind was up. The food was wonderful and none of us experienced tummy problems. Our favorite lunch was at a street side bar-b-q restaurant across from a colorful outdoor produce market. Tunisian salad, bar-b-qued lamb, fresh peaches and watermelon from the market - all out of doors. We also enjoyed the turkey gyro sandwiches in the flat round bread filled with
tomatoes and French fries...very popular with the kids and all of us as there was little waiting. Our last night before returning home we took taxis to Sidi Bou Said, enjoyed mint tea with pine nuts in the special restaurant there - then bought the turkey sandwiches and sat on the entrance steps having our own picnic. A older woman dressed in the white, typical robe wrap paused to wish us "Bon Apetit".
The only minor slip in your plans occurred with the van picking us up at Club Med to return to Tunis. Apparently it went to the wrong Club Med and when it arrived it was a full-scale tourist bus with seating for 40 people.Everything else you planned worked like clockwork. There is no way that Denis and I could have put this trip together. Denis didn't have to drive, we had no worries about booking hotels, we learned a lot about the ruins and the times through Moez...much better than reading guidebooks...it was truly a memorable time. Since returning we have raved up and down about your services and would be happy to recommend them to anyone else in the future. Thanks for the great gift.

Carol and Denis Crawford
Yorba Linda, CA

Mattie and Ken Shore write…

Now that we are home and had time to re-orientate ourselves, we thought of dropping you a couple of lines to reflect and comment on our recent trip to Tunisia.
We thoroughly enjoyed seeing that country and learning about its culture and customs. We also enjoyed the people, the food and the picturesque places that we visited. We were particularly amazed at the landscape diversity of the country. Our trip highlight was the desert experience, staying in the camp overnight and riding the dromedaries.
We want to take this opportunity to thank you, Jerry, for your careful planning in organizing our private tour in a way which we as seasoned travelers felt was tailor made.

Mattie and Ken Shore
Montreal, Que. CANADA

John and Char McCaskey write…

We have been in several countries and several romantic settings, but our guide reciting Shakespeare on a Roman ruin in Tunisia was the prize - it brought tears to my eyes.
Besides that; the driver, our guide, the sites were perfectly arranged. It was a great trip.

John and Char McCaskey
Saratoga, CA

Stuart Marks writes…

Let me tell you how much I enjoyed your tour. What makes a trip abroad truly memorable is not so much the museums or even the scenery - noteworthy as they may be - but the human contact we make. I am deeply grateful to you for the unusual experience we had in being able to meet and enjoy your wonderful friend - I hope their doors remain open to you. Truly…I found them fascinating!!!

Stuart Marks
Salisbury, CT

Dorothy and Paul Hall write…

Among the highlights of our recent trip to Tunisia were visits to the Bardo Museum of mosaics, the ancient synagogue at Djerba, the luxuriant oasis at Tozeur and the move sets of "Star Wars" and "The English Patient", still to be seen in the desert.
We will long remember the Hotel Hasdrubal on Djerba, where having briefly enjoyed the super-sized swimming pool and Presidential Suite, we were reluctant to leave.
Our guide, Hamadi, an archaeologist with a thorough knowledge of history and mythology, made the Roman sites we visited (and there were many) really come alive.
The trip turned out to be among the best we have taken.

Dorothy and Paul Hall
New York, NY

Bill and Bette-Ann Spielman write…

We've traveled the four corners of the world and found Tunisia ranks among our best and most enjoyable and enlightening trips.

Bill and Bette-Ann Spielman
Roselyn Estates, NY

Jack and Bea Clubb write…

We appreciated that you (Jerry Sorkin, TunisUSA president) took time from your very busy schedule to meet the surviving 7 who decided not to cancel (following Sept. 11th). I hope that those who did not come would reschedule their time and take one of the most interesting and informative tours in the world.
Yes, things did change since I was in Tunisia last some 58 years ago. In addition, the guide, Mourad, was exceptional. His knowledge of ancient culture and conditions, his mastery of the English language, his timing of events was impressive. In most places we were ahead of other tours…lunch stops, museums and the train ride, to name a few.
Again we want to thank you for our first evening in Tunis with your extended family. Their home, family and dinner was exceptional. Our hotels were impressive, the food varied and very good.
We have many pictures and memories to share with our friends and you certainly have a tour that everyone should experience.
Good luck to your organization. We hope that September 11th does not impact you and your guides too much. We felt very safe in your country.
Thank you again.

Jack and Bea Clubb
Scottsdale, AZ

Robert D. Nelson writes…

The tour "Tunisia: From Phoenicians to Berbers" in October 2001 was in all respects, one of the best I have been on.
Thanks for the good work.

Robert D. Nelson
Ixira, IA

K. & M. Gross write…

Exceptionally well-planned, organized, and executed. Unlike other tours, the special "extras" during the tour never came with extra charges. We only wish you traveled to more of the world!

K. & M. Gross
New York, NY

Lisa Greenberg writes…

I went to both Malta and Tunisia on my trip with TunisUSA. The people at TunisUSA, especially Jerry Sorkin, were extremely helpful in helping me plan my trip to be exactly as I wanted it. When I had to change the date of my trip following 9/11/01, TunisUSA was especially helpful, and helped me obtain the maximum, possible refunds. When I was finally able to make the trip, in late March/early April, it was wonderful. The guides and drivers in both Malta and Tunisia went out of their way to show me everything I asked to see. They went above and beyond to make sure I saw, bought and ate everything I asked for. They were exceptional in the tourist industry. Malta and Tunisia are both extremely interesting and beautiful countries, both with regard to past history, as well as present-day culture, and are well worth a visit. Interestingly, many sites in both countries are not well traveled, so the visitor is not overrun by other tourists and is able to enjoy the sites comfortably. Also, the reception for Americans, post 9/11, is warm; most Tunisians will not even realize you are an American unless you tell them, as most of their tourists are European. The Tunisians are interested in and curious about Americans and were very cordial. I would recommend travel to both Tunisia and Malta to anyone.

Lisa Greenberg
Brooklyn, NY

John and Phyllis Taylor write...

Last night my wife and I returned home following our 7-day tour of parts of Tunisia, as organized by you. We found the tour to be extra special. Even after prior reading of four guide books and lots of other tourist information, we were truly amazed by the things we were shown and given a chance to experience. The range of the tour was also extraordinary. We went from a large metropolis like Tunis to the much smaller towns of Tozeur and Nefta, down to the individual dwellings in Matmata.
Our guide, Hassen, was an exceptional individual. No matter what we asked him, he answered carefully and appropriately. He was careful to see that we got to all the right places with the right amount of time. We also very much enjoyed his company. And, we were amazed at his ability to describe the highlights of a scene prior to the actual arrival at that scene. He could conjure up all the images as if they were already in front of him. For example, in the Bardo, he would tell us exactly where to look and what to expect prior to us entering the next exhibit room.
The three unstructured days we had at Sousse, following the guided tour, were also a joy. These days gave us a chance to unwind and to reflect on what we had seen. It gave us a chance to reread the guide books, and be reminded of how Hassen had taken us to all the right places. We would recommend to others taking the tour, to take such extra time at the end of the tour, rather than rushing back home.
Again, thank you for your help and cooperation in the re-scheduling of our visit. We hope that in the future we might be able to take one of your tours to Turkey.

John and Phyllis Taylor
Cheltenham, PA

Tunisian Reverie...

A week before spring break in 2002, I felt desperate to have an adventure. Living in suburbia with the typical configuration of greatly loved 2 kids, 2 dogs and 2 parents can be boring if not limiting. Work and kids become the great definers, but of what? Where is the essence of life when following all the requirements, living the daily angst, looking at the usual landscape? Where is the adventure in the midst of same old same old? Knowing there is a world beyond our sheltering boundaries where people are affected by differing conditions and geographies and cultures, where people make choices in their lives, which would never enter our own equations, led me to look beyond the typical in seeking another level of fulfillment.

A "Sophisticated Traveler" section from the "Times" (N.Y. Times) lying around the house revealed a lead: a small, direct, anything but obnoxious ad in the back for TunisUSA. Somehow, I knew that Tunisia was a land rich in antiquities, exotic cultures and the desert. Somehow, I knew there was an ancient Jewish community living there as well. But how did I obtain this knowledge? Was it from a previous lifetime? A chance conversation? However the information found its way to my being, the longing was definitely in place. I just had to take my family on that once in a lifetime family jaunt to Tunisia. So thanks to the ingenuity, patience and connections of Jerry Sorkin of TunisUSA, one week later, we were there.

After a stopover in Paris (no time to leave the airport, especially with all the heightened security), we were met at the airport by our driver and guide and whisked away to Sidi Bou Said, a lovely little town on a hill with white stucco buildings and fascinating doorways, overlooking the water. The charm of the town evoked a calm so neutralizing that the jet lag disappeared as we breathed in the air of our adventure.
Tunisia is steeped in the sense of time before time, of ancient ways of movement and symbols, of meaning that may escape us, the uninitiated outsiders. However it is precisely this depth of history and the established patterns (contrasted with a thriving modern state) that endeared me so to this richly diverse country. Whether tingling amidst the worn stones of the goddess Tanit or connecting with Dido's presence in Carthage, giving speechless at the vast expanses of the Sahara dunes while noting how different the relationship of the horizon is to sky and earth compared to that back home, or being consumed by an overwhelming awe in the synagogue in Djerba which represents over 2500 years of continual religious observance, I was so struck by the power of place, the voice lf landscape, the connection to something bigger than what I had previously experienced. I felt drawn into the web of desire to be in those exceptional places, again and again and again.

Throughout our stay in Tunisia, I felt welcomed by the people, whether in cities, suburbs, or out of the way places. Safety was never an issue during our stay. Our arrangements were expertly and smoothly handled by TunisUSA. The guide and driver were bright, informative, charming, and generally wonderful to be with. It's not easy traveling with 2 parents and 2 teenagers; yet the guide and driver were able to finesse the teens. They were also flexible enough to listen when the teens had seen enough Roman ruins!

Now, a couple of months after my Tunisian adventure, I long to return. I especially would like to spend time amidst the Jewish community in Djerba, participating in their Shabbat rituals, hearing their music, eating their food. I'd like to learn how the Jewish craftsmen work the silver objects which adorn both Islamic and Jewish people and homes. I'd like to delve into the design iconography shared by both cultures. And I'd like to rest a bit on the glorious beaches, so that all the feelings of connection and yearning might be sorted out.

Frank Swan
Port Washington, NY

Linda Gould & family write...

We were so glad we didn't abort our summer trip to Tunisia. It was an amazing place and we came away with a deeper understanding and admiration for its people and its culture. Every one was just so helpful and friendly.The private chauffeured guided tour of the oases and ksour was a wonderfully unique experience. Thank you for arranging it.
We had a blast!

Linda Gould & family
Los Angeles, CA

Ruth Dreessen and Tom Van Laan write...

We certainly enjoyed our trip to Tunisia. The people are extremely friendly and the country has the right mix of interesting sites and comfortable accommodations to suit the entire family. We especially enjoyed the company of our guide, Abde, who had interesting things to say at every turn.

Ruth Dreessen and Tom Van Laan
Houston, TX

Barbara Karoff writes...

The lively and outgoing merchants in the medinas of Tunisia became even more so when they heard me speak English. Then the questions began: English? Canadian? Dutch? Swedish? German? Never did they guess American, but when they were told, they were warm with their welcome.

We did not encounter any other American tourists in over two week's journey around the country. That's too bad. From my brief encounter, plus extensive reading and conversations and observations in Tunisia: it's a moderate and well run country, with a long and fascinating history and a great variety of things to see and do.

All in all, a great trip and I will tell one and all.

Barbara Karoff
Providence, RI

Gay and Robert Lasher write...

Having postponed our Tunisian trip a whole year after 9/11 and having been somewhat anxious even in October 2000, we are happy to report that we felt completely comfortable our entire time in Tunisia. Jerry Sorkin's (president of TunisUSA) decision to "drop in" on our tour gave an added dimension to the welcome dinner and especially provided an added depth and perspective to our time in Djerba. We were greatly impressed with the varied landscape of the country, the focus on education and a little peek into the many different kinds of lives that Tunisian lead, from university professor to Berber housewife. Our trip would not have been the same without our excellent guide, Mourad, who despite a personal family tragedy during our trip, did everything he could think of to ensure our comfort and enjoyment while also providing a wealth of information and answering endless questions. We appreciated being able to have contact with someone who talked about the status of women in Tunisi, as well as meeting with a father and daughter from Djerba. We appreciated the graciousness of Jerry's Tunisian partner and his wife, who hosted all of us for dinner. Throughout the trip, all meals were delicious and abundant (highlight was the "gargoulette" in Sousse) and hotel accommodations were excellent. Our eyes have not yet recovered from the fascinating architecture, outstanding tile work and many beautiful mosques and textiles.

Barbara Karoff
Denver, CO

Geri and Bob Dock write...

Having just returned from Tunisia, we can add our voice of approval for TunisUSA's itinerary and its execution. "Phoenicians to Berbers" was a wonderful adventure in a wondrous country.

We arrived a day early and felt secure enough to wander from our hotel that evening on a walk through the side streets near our hotel to a restaurant that was included in a list provided by TunisUSA. Had a fun-filled evening and immediately felt at home. Continuously, through the trip, we were delighted with the warm hospitality of the Tunisian people.

The fantastic Roman ruins, museums, the desert and history of Tunisia should not be missed. Our guide, Mourad, was a national treasure. His knowledge, patience and sense of fun made the itinerary live.

Geri and Bob Dock
Philadelphia, PA

Betty Kartegener writes...

If any travel agency and tour should receive the "above and beyond the call of duty" award, it has to go to TunisUSA's "From Phoenician to Berbers". Jerry Sorkin (President of TunisUSA) came himself to Tunis to greet us arriving for the tour. His (Tunisian) counterparts could not have received us more warmly, including the second night's dinner in their own home.

The entire tour was an educational and very interesting adventure. We stayed in the very best hotels and ate in the most beautifully decorated and finest restaurants, all five stars as for as I could tell. Anyone with an interest in history and mosaics will find a daily agenda of wonders from the Roman mosaics in the Bardo Museum in Tunis to the "not so ruined" ruins of ancient cities; the underground houses of the Berber people, the site of Carthage, all of these were made all the more valuable by our expert guide, Mr. Mourad, who was with us for the entire tour, an experienced, nice, considerate and helpful gentleman.

I have many pictures and memories to share with my relatives and friends. I hope that September 11th does not continue to impact, as I felt very safe and welcome in Tunisia.

This was a wonderful tour of a wonderful country!

Betty Kartegener
New York, NY

Ozella and Robert Wasser write...

We certainly saw more than we dreamed of!

Ozella and Robert Wasser
Granite Bay, CA

Betty Bell writes...

can't say enough about our visit to Tunisia. TunisUSA provided us with an excellent driver and a superbly knowledgeable archaeologist guide, both of whom went the extra mile to see that we saw and experienced ancient Rome and modern Tunisia.
It is difficult to choose one site over the other. The underground architecture at Bulla Regia was amazing. The homes established in caves were surprisingly comfortable, the amphitheaters and large communities with running water and sewer systems were masterful in design.

I have seen Roman ruins in Turkey, Greece & Italy. None compared with the abundance available for viewing in Tunisia.

I respectfully recommend that Americans consider visiting Tunisia. At no time during our visit did I feel uncomfortable or threatened.

Betty Bell
Koloa, HI

Nancy Bunyan writes...

I had requested that the tour be set up so we could see Roman ruins and archaeological sites, and what a wonderful tour it was! Our guide was a retired university professor who had done digs on the sites we visited, knew folks everywhere we went and was full of information about Phoencians, Romans, Byzantines and Berbers. We had a very good drive and appreciated the care he took.

We crossed the largest salt lake in the world, watched camels in the desert and sheep being taken to market, visited a synagogue dating from 576 B.C., met the ferry boat captain on the way to Jerba, stayed in 5-star hotels except for one that was an adventure in itself. And, yes, the food was good, also.

As for my nationality, everyone was so pleased to see an American because there were so few visiting Tunisia. I was asked a few times if I were English, the language I was speaking, and then a big smile when I said, "No, an American." There was no sense of danger from anyone. The only comments in my presence were hopes that there would be no war.

Nancy Bunyan
Lihue, HI

Benegene Kring writes...

It has been more than a year since I took my trip to tour the Roman ruins of Tunisia and it is still vivid in my memory and brought up in conversation, squeezed in as it was between September 11th and the Iraqi war.

First, the tour itself. What a treat! I had no idea that there were so many ruins and that so many of them were in such good condition or in the process of being excavated (very exciting to me to see them in early stages of discovery). It was such a low tourist traffic area that we were often the only visitors at a site and postcards were rare finds! What a treat to take photos of wonderful ruins and not have other tourists in them.

While driving from ruin to ruin, we had the opportunity to observe and ask questions about various cultural aspects of Tunisia. Since I had never been in an Arab country, nor seen any Berbers, all of this was fascinating to me. The small size of the tour made the cultural aspects easier to discuss.

I felt like I was on a private tour. There were only two people on the tour, plus a driver and a tour guide. The driver did not speak English, but was still easy to communicate with. The tour guide spoke excellent English. He had been giving tours for twenty plus years and was quite knowledgeable about the sites we were visiting. After the trip was over, we had the honor of being invited to dinner in his home. This was obviously not a standard part of the trip. During the tour we had had several discussions about the local food and our guide wanted to show us what a real home-made dinner in Tunisia was like. It was a wonderful experience and a treat to meet his wife and children.

Second, the people. The people I met in Tunisia were very glad to meet an American. Not many Americans are tourists in Tunisia and not many tourists go beyond the fabulous beaches to visit the ruins, so I felt very special. I had expected some animosity, but never felt any, not even in the crowded city of Tunis. At the end of the second day of the trip I slipped, fell and hurt my back. I was taken to the local, rural hospital emergency room where I was treated with great kindness (and curiosity). I did not let the fall ruin the trip, even though it did limit my activities somewhat.

This was a wonderful tour and the people at TunisUSA were excellent to work with in setting up an excursion that had an enjoyable combination of history and culture.

Benegene Kring
Houston, TX

Carol and Carl Cerco writes...

I thought I would let you know we are alive and well and back from Tunisia. Everything went fine and we were delighted with our trip. Carolyn was dreading the camel ride but loved it once we got her up there. If you ever want to use us as a reference, feel free.

Carol and Carl Cerco
Clinton, MS

Kathryn Gregory writes...

What a wonderful trip you put together for us in Turkey. It was really excellent. not only did we see wonderful things, but we had a lucky trip. Mine was so cute and lively, but our driver, who spoke no English, was always laughing at us because it took a whole week for us to learn to count to 10 in Turkish. Also, I think he never let us out of his sight during the day.

We had wild flowers (red poppies and some bush covered with yellow flowers all over the place) and lots of beautiful scenery all the way. We loved the Kismet Hotel, but never wanted to leave our cave in Cappadocia. Even the Hilton in Konya was wonderful. I have avoided Hiltons for 20 years.

I had been to Cappadocia before, but never waw it from a hot air balloon. The girls wanted to see Galipoli. I thought it would be too sad, but at least I can say I crossed the Dardanelles. The weather was great and the crowds not bad at all.

The only ting Benegne missed was a Turkish bath. She will have to go back. I wanted them to see the tent exhibit at the Military Museum, but that exhibit was closed for a face-lift. And we did not get to the Naval Museum to see the ships they went to sea in. Other than that, we saw everything important in Istanbul. And yes, the food was wonderful and cheap - lots of fresh vegetables and bread and the taxi also cheap. leana and I spent the last day in Istanbul walking the main street in Pera from Taksim all the way to the Galata Tower where we met a group of students from the University of Texas.

Thanks you for the many presents you gave us. I could do the whole trip all over again. I never tire of Turkey.

Thanks.
Kathryn Gregory
Houston, TX

Don Linker writes...

Anita and I enjoyed the trip a lot. The country is well developed with a satisfactory infrastructure,. people were affable and the hotels and food were most appealing. Sights were varied and interesting. Hamadi was well informed, pleasant, and anxious for us to have a memorable experience. Roman ruins, medina, mosques, villages and the landscapes made for a stimulating, rewarding experience. “You done good” and we would recommend it to/for others to experience..

Don Linker
Tiburon, CA

Elsa and Marvin Ross-Greifinger write

Just wanted to let you know that we had a wonderful experience in Tunisia. The people were wonderful and at no time did we feel any danger. In that sense the trip was very different from Egypt or Marroco. For example there
is no begging on the streets and the people are very careful drivers.
As for the restaurants, we had some wonderful meals. In Tunis, the Residence had spectacular food and we ate their two nights. Also at Tozeur at the hotel Dar Cherait the a la carte restaurant was well worth the difference in price.
We also enjoyed Ducasse's restaurant Spoon in Tunis. In Djerba at the hotel Dar Dhiafa we had a wonderful meal.
And by the way we ate salad everywhere in the country which, for us, was important. By the way we also had some
very decent wine.
All in all, the trip was interesting and enjoyable.

Elsa and Marvin Ross-Greifinger
New York, NY

Charles Farrar writes...

I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed my trip to Tunisia. The many Roman ruins are among the best preserved anywhere in the world. Some Americans may be anxious about visiting Tunisia. Although the people are predominantly Muslim, Tunisia is a secular country. I found its people polite and friendly. Many expressed a desire to have more English speaking visitors, especially Americans. The accommodations and food were quite good.

From my initial contact on the web to my final goodbye at the Tunis airport, the personnel at the tour company, TunisUSA, and the tour guide and driver in Tunisia, were most cooperative in providing me with the information that helped me select Tunisia as a destination and have a successful vacation. The tour company may not be as well known as some others that I have used in the past, but certainly nothing was left to chance. I could not have asked for more!

Charles Farrar
Hutig, AR

Carlos Sacal writes...

I just want to take this time to thank you for a great trip, and a
wonderful experience in Tunisia. We are now back home after some
memorable days in Tunisia and Morocco.
Thank you again for everything it was great, very nice experience.
Of course you have my permission to print my comments
in your booklet. I would be honored.
Really the trip was very nice.

Thank you and we keep in touch.

Carlos Sacal and family
Mexico City, Mexico

Robert Henning writes...

The tour of the antiquities of Tunisia surpassed our expectations: thanks to an expert guide and driver and the well-organized itinerary, we saw more than I would have thought possible. Our guide was knowledgeable, highly articulate, enthusiastic, and extraordinary thoughtful; he gave us informative “briefings” on subjects of interest – history, economic development, religion, society, culture and answered our continual questions – while we were on the road and, at each site visit, he knew the area and museums so well and had friends everywhere we went – so that we were able to see and do much more than the average visitor would. The accommodations were excellent, we were introduced (at our request) to some good non-tourist restaurants, and – from arrival to departure – everything was handled with impressive efficiency. As a veteran of many group tours from my years as a museum curator, I was very impressed with every aspect of the tour.

We saw large numbers of Europeans visitors but few Americans during our visit. However, as Americans, we were treated with great cordiality and felt entirely safe on this tour. In a small street market and in several coffee shops, we had delightful conversations with a number of people who were very open and friend toward us.

Robert Henning
Santa Barbara, CA

Daniel Schrier writes...

Well we made it back safely - the trip was incredible to say the least. Hamdam was fantastic
and there was never a dull moment thanks to the fantastic itinerary. All in all it was a trip and
an adventure that will remain in our hearts and memories forever. I've already posted some
pictures to my personal website, you might enjoy viewing the Tunisia section.
Thank you again for setting up and preparing everything for us. Julie and i both feel like we
had a once in a lifetime experience.
We hope to meet you soon in person

Daniel Schrier and Julie Cederbaum
Philadelphia, PA

Julianne Chandler writes...

Great trip - one of our best! We felt very, very safe and, coming from me, that's a real plus. Tunisians were very warm to us even though there was a language barrier. I ate at Tunisian cafes for lunch every day except at the beginning and the end. Really fresh and tasty and very reasonable.

The two hotels at the beginning and end were spectacular - service, food, and ambiance were superb.

Loved the tent camp and riding camels in the Sahara (though only for a short time - the previous night a huge dust storm) even though I discovered what appeared to be a large scorpion. The food at the tent camp was excellent.

The guide was very knowledgeable as well as very enjoyable. The driver was very competent.

The sites were incredible.

This is a country where you would need to be on a tour or, as we did, hire a driver and guide.

The food of Tunisia is excellent. And, we were even able to get some excellent, thin, pizzas (the Italian influence). The country very interesting. An extremely relaxing trip especially when you consider I thoroughly dislike the hot sun.

Djerba could have been eliminated - too much like Las Vegas.

Julianne Chandler
Los Angeles, CA

Andy Greenberg writes...

Just terrific! Your guide was great! And yes we got into the Synagogue and we got a tour of the inside. You have a great company and great
people.

Andy Greenberg
Omaha, NE

Andy Bob & Paula Rhodes write...

Every detail of our tour "From the kasbah to the Sahara" was perfectly organized: the itinerary, guides, hotels and meals. Special images that will remain with us include the incredible mosaics, both ancient and modern; the extensive use of blue and white in the architecture; well preserved Roman ruins; new schools in every village; the narrow streets in the medinas; and stunning seashores.

Experiences such as visiting a troglodyte home, camel riding in the desert, climbing up mountains and through gorges, and feeling the rain in an oasis all enriched our tour. Being immersed in the history of the area and the Muslim culture offered us insights into that region of the world which will long remain with us.

Thank you for making this trip so very special.

Bob & Paula Rhodes
Radnor, PA

Andy Selma & Dan Mandel write...

WE HAD A WONDERFUL TRIP TO TUNISIA........

Considering that we did not know much about the country, it was all extremely interesting and we were happy to get to know the country so well.

Everything worked well, our guide & driver were pleasant and flexibile.

The ruins were fascinating, not to mention the ksours......which we loved.

The only negative was that we were in Djerba during Succoth and your friends were not available. Even your Muslim friend had a nephew covering for him in the shop. However, you had warned us and we were prepared for that possibility.

Selma & Dan Mandel
New York, NY

P. Wendler, M.D. write...

I can't begin to tell you how much we enjoyed Tunisia and its people. A good guide makes a trip worthwhile but a remarkably capable guide such as Abde makes a trip unforgetable and most informative. He is an asset to your organization. The driver Issid was a most careful and competent chauffeur. Always ready to help with a smile. What a duo! I will go back in about two years to Sousse. The only sour note was flying Alitalia. The attendants never heard the word courtesy. They were argumentative and politesse was not their trade mark. Next time I will fly Air France.

P. Wendler, M.D.
Marco Island, FL

Doug Brins writes...

A very exciting, undiscovered (by Americans, that is!) country.

TunisUSA has provided a comprehensive, exciting and informative overview.

The comforts are fine and the sites are world class!

Doug Brins
New York, NY

Paul W. Jacobs, II writes...

We have traveled extensively throughout the Mediterranean basin, including the Middle East, and I must say that our trip to Tunisia was at the very top of the list. For a one word description, try "spectacular". On initiating the visit primarily to see the Roman ruins, we found so much more. The landscape, culture and people were eye-opening and remarkable. As you know, we do not travel in groups, and the individual tour with guide and driver, which you arranged, was the perfect way to visit areas of interest at our pace. Our guide was also adept at altering the schedule when he sensed we might be affected by closing times or other events during Ramadan. We walked through remarkable ruins; ate fresh dates off of the trees; swam in the Mediterranean; rode camels and ate lunch where Star Wars was filmed. Everyone was extraordinarily friendly, and not once did we feel unsafe. Our guide was able to give us very interesting perspectives on the cultural mix in the country. Both our guide and our driver were Berbers and we must that we found that group the most interesting of the different people we met. Kudos for a job well done!

Paul W. Jacobs, II
Richmond, VA

Laura Prince writes...

The trip was really well planned. Both our guide and our driver were a pleasure to be with. I probably didn't mention that among the highlights were being with the Tunisian people themselves. We visited a Berber family in Matmata who were so open and allowed us in their troglodyte home. It was wonderful to be there "close up." As a woman I am aware how private and inaccessible the lives of women are especially when covering so much territory in a short time.
The hammams in the hotels were great too. I wish I had been able to seek out local ones to get the genuine feel of people in their daily lives.
I have some wonderful photos I could email if you are interested.
Thanks for everything.

Laura Prince
Rosendale, NY

Miriam & Sherman Bloom write...

We recently returned from an interesting trip to Tunisia, where I
took a number of photos, some of which I thought you might like to
see. They show people and a little scenery. Can't show a lot in an
email, but its a glimpse. There is also some interesting
architecture and a really large number of archeological sites. These
are primarily Roman and aside from the architectural remains there
are many beautiful mosaics, the best of which have been moved to the
Bardo Museum in Tunis. Perhaps I'll send some samples of photos of these things on another occasion.

The photos are fairly self-explanatory, except for the last one.

This shows a troglodyte (cave-dwelling) woman in the process of
grinding the 1.5 kilos of grain that she uses, every day, for her
family. The stone mill she is using requires some real elbow grease,
but she does it easily. The desert canyon is typical of a certain
part of the country. The whole place is dry, but there are low tree-
covered mountains in the north-west, while the pure-sands of the
Sahara are in the south. Limestone is dominant in much of the
country, and it commonly has the golden color seen in the canyon
shot. One shot shows a foreground olive orchard with grain fields in
the distance. Productive grain fields were one of the reasons the
Romans established many settlements in Tunisia. Carthage, by the
way, is a beautiful place, and we saw no evidence of any residual
effect of the "salting of the earth."

Tunisia is a good tourist destination. It is safe, clean, and has a
Moslem population that is rational, friendly, relatively open-minded,
and a pleasure to deal with. There are good hotels, etc.

Miriam & Sherman Bloom
Jackson, MS

Adrienne & William Frumovitz write...

Tunisia was to us a vibrant, hospitable country with significant historical ruins. The accommodations were more than adequate and our guide was informative. As Americans, we felt particularly welcome.

Adrienne & William Frumovitz
Marina del Ray, CA

The Drucker family write...

The trip was wonderful. We all enjoyed it. The guides and drivers were excellent.

As you know, when we first thought about this trip, I was concerned about safety. Our daughter looked Tunisia up on the CIA web site and they gave it a clean bill of health. Nevertheless, I was still concerned. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Not only was there no animosity towards foreigners, and we were obviously foreigners, I genuinely felt that after the Tunisians were aware that we wee Americans, they were more friendly. That is after they knew that we were not Europeans, they seemed even more friendly. There was absolutely no animosity or ill feelings. None!

In summary, we had a great time. WE urge all who can, and we have already…to go!

The Drucker family
Paoli, PA

Andy Selma & Dan Mandel write...

Back a week "hard to believe. It was an outstanding trip/itinerary and accommodations very satisfactory. Guide was a charming and very intelligent young woman who did an excellent job of taking care of us " from restrooms to restaurants. The weather cooled about midway in the trip, but we were prepared and peeled off or covered up as needed. There were some really memorable sites and experiences, among the very best was the excursion to Arykandos through mountain roads and Zeus-thunder to find the place absolutely deserted, not even a ticket take, and just as the guide book said "one of the most beautiful ancient sites in all of Turkey".

Robert Henning
Santa Barbara, CA

Mr.& Mrs. Richard Tenney writes...

We could not have been more pleased with all the arrangements for our trip. We took Roman Tunisia and were so overwhelmed at the richness of the sites in Tunisia. The Tunisians seem to have only excavated what they can afford to restore and guard but it was still more than we could see in a week. These Roman towns, partnered with the excellent museums in Tunis (the Bardo), Sousse and El Jem, left us amazed at the extent of the Roman Empire.

Northern Tunisia was unexpectedly verdant and beautiful, from the Atlas Mountains to the sea. Citrus orchards, olive groves and vineyards were everywhere.

Our hotels were four stars in accommodation and food. Service was always excellent and friendly. Most people in the hotels spoke some English, but French is helpful. When we were in the far west, we stayed one night at a very simple hotel but we were forewarned by TunisUSA that it was the best in the area and all that was available.

Our guide was a retired university professor and anthropologist. It was like having the Tunisian Alistair Cook be our guide. He was thoroughly knowledgeable about the history of the Roman, Phoenician, Ottoman, French and Tunisian periods! He had even helped excavate and restore on of the Roman sites. We wish we spoke more Arabic so that we could have conversed with our driver who was thoughtful, courteous and safe.

We visited Tunisian in February 2005. We met many German, French and British tourists and even two busloads of Japanese, but saw only one other American couple in a week. This is a shame, because Tunisia was safe and friendly. There was no anti-Americanism directed at us.

There is always the occasional cab driver who wants to take you for a ride, but in Tunis, even this was done with a sense of humor. One night the cabbie tried to charge us 4 dinar for a trip that we knew only cost 1 dinar, as we had made it the night before. My husband was trying out his phrasebook Arabic and used the phrase for "Shame on you.". Unfortunately, he got confused and instead of saying "Shuma", he said "Shamu". The cab driver burst out laughing and in English told us we had called him a camel!

Mr.& Mrs. Richard Tenney
Alexandria, VA

Brian & Mary McDonald write...

We really had a fabulous trip, and very much appreciated the thoughtful planning that you put into it. We just got together with Elizabeth tonight for dinner, to go over the photos and share memories of the trip........not only among the three of us, but with many others in the restaurant in which we were dining. We plan on compiling our thoughts about the trip and sending them to you, to use as you see fit, both as feedback, and in terms of your marketing efforts. We'll try to do that over the next week or so. We have so many wonderful memories......Hamadi was a very knowledgeable, and accommodating guide. He taught us a great deal, but also listened to us and flexed the trip a bit, when we wanted to relax a bit, or spend a bit more time in a market, etc. Our driver, Smeda, was excellent. We enjoyed the antiquities, the Ksour region, the Sahara, the markets, the sincere friendliness of the people, particularly the Berbers, and all the sites along the way. It was just a great experience.

Feel free to use us as a reference. We'll get back to you with more detailed thoughts.

Thanks again, Jerry, for pulling this together for us. (You were right about the Hotel Sangho in Tatouine.....it was our favorite spot.)

Brian & Mary McDonald
Puyallup

Agate Tilmanis writes...

Another Roman ruin? Well, it was, but it never was dull or boring. My sister and I have just returned from our trip. We left Tunisia June 30 and then went to southwestern France.
You were right, our guide was a wonderful person and very knowledgeable, congenial, etc. Our driver, besides being an excellent driver, also was congenial, helpful, friendly, etc. I can't find even a vaguely negative adjective to describe either our guide or driver.
Well, yes, there were a lot of Roman ruins, but the way the trip was organized and the way our guide explained the long and varied history of Tunisia I learned a lot and added a lot to what I already knew. The visits to the small museums enhanced everything. The two stays in super luxury hotels felt a bit like being a prisoner in luxury, the same kind of luxury no matter where one is in the world, but it was a welcome little break.

Thank you, Jerry, for organizing a varied and interesting trip and for picking an excellent guide and excellent driver.

Agate Tilmanis
Washington, DC

The McKay family writes...

I simply wanted to write to you to let you know how simply wonderful our trip was! It was absolutely perfect, not a single thing went wrong (OK so I did have a little stomach trouble one day and we had to call the doctor, but nothing really too bad)! Thank you for helping us achieve such a magnificent trip!

Words cannot fully describe how wonderful our guide was. I'm sure you can appreciate the diamond he is. Not only is he wonderful as a guide, but he was so kind and caring to the children. Our kids LOVED him, and they can regurgitate any story he told word for word. They have already corrected me on several occasions as I have tried to re-tell historical facts. They soaked up every word he said. He did an exceptional job of making not only Tunisia, but ancient history, come alive for the kids (and for us). We truly feel as though we made a friend!

I also wanted to let you know of a store we found in Jerba. It is in the main Souk. A shop called Aries, Chez Maria. It's address is Rue 20 Mars H-Souk Jerba Tel: 75 650 100. Owned by a woman who is originally Italian, married to a Tunisian, and has lived there for many years, she has a 12(?) year old daughter. This woman contracts Tunisian Artisans to hand craft items specifically for her shop. They are unlike anything you see in the tourist shops. Hand painted silk scarves, custom soaps, sachets, hand made blankets, hand towels, table clothes, hand painted cards, glass ware, ceramics, some small costume jewelry pieces, clothing items of pure silk and linens..the list goes on and on. The price point of all these items was very reasonable and appropriate for the quality of the items. It is a place I highly recommend you add to your list of shopping places in Jerba. I did my part to contribute to the economy in Jerba, both at Nassim's jewelry store and at Aries.

My brother mentioned to me the other day that he is now considering a trip to Tunisia after hearing just a few of our stories. I'll be sure to direct him to you if he gets serious about it. If there is anything we can do in terms of posting testimonials or giving references, please do not hesitate to contact us. Tunisia is truly an amazing country with so much to offer, I can only hope that many more people discover it!

Our sincerest thanks,

The McKay family
Woodinville, WA

Richard Katz, Ph.D. writes...

Jerry planned a wonderful tour. Our guide and driver were fantastic and the destinations were spectacular. We have special praise for these unique and talented professionals with many years of experience. We are indebted to Jerry for providing the best guide and driver in all of North Africa! They work for Atlantis Voyages who actually conducted the tour. They really made the trip successful. We had a fabulously-coordinated and very interesting tour. All hotels were nice; some standout more than others. Overall, we have no complaints, only praise for the tour.

We do want other tourists to know that, at the end of the trip, our camera was stolen. When we reported this to TunisUSA, the incident was downplayed and we were accused of misplacing out camera, which was adding insult to injury. Ironically, the only "valuables" we possessed in all of our luggage were the beautiful images of Tunisia, and those were taken from us. Even though Jerry had told us that the punishment for petty crime in Tunisia is severe, we were still victims of a crime. The camera is trivial and can be replaced, but the once-in-a-lifetime images cannot. The theft occurred after our guide had left us at the final hotel. This was not a pick-pocketing incident, but was carried out in a place we trusted, possibly at the hotel or in airport security. We cannot pinpoint the timing, other than it was between packing the night before and boarding the plane early the next morning. We were targeted at the most vulnerable time, within the hours before departure. We are very experienced travelers and we just let our guard down for a few moments. We are convinced that the theft was carried out by someone we trusted who had free access to our carry-on bag while we were distracted.

Crime is encountered frequently while traveling, and we think that Tunisia is probably safer than most destinations. However, the disturbing parts are that we believe that we were specifically targeted by those in the tourist/travel/security areas and that Jerry tried to downplay the incident by suggesting that we misplaced our camera. TunisUSA's local colleagues contacted the hotel and airport 48-hours after we notified Jerry of the theft. We independently emailed the airport and received a response overnight. There is no avenue to report thefts once tourists leave the country, so these events will likely increase.

Despite this negative ending, we still recommend traveling to Tunisia and using TunisUSA. We are just disappointed that we lost all of the beautiful images of this country, and to make matters worse, we were treated like a lame-brain tourist who misplaced their camera. Since returning, we've found on the U.S. State Department website that crime against tourists is increasing in Tunisia. This is expected if there is no avenue to report and control it. So, we recommend that you carefully monitor your belongings and do not trust hotel employees or airport security.

Richard Katz, Ph.D.
Cynthia Glass
Philadelphia PA

Linda Henning writes...

It is a pleasure to share my thoughts with you. I can't remember a "journey" I enjoyed more. I purposely use the term "journey" because it was so much more than a "trip". I experienced a connection to the land and its people that never occurred in other areas of Europe I have ventured.

Each of the sites we visited was more spectacular than the one before. I felt a special connection to Perge, but our unplanned visit to Arykandos was spectacular, especially since we were the only ones there to experience this unspoiled site.

Another delight was my Turkish massage at Pumakkale. Not to be missed!

Our guide was of the highest caliber and we ended up adopting each other. Our chariot driver, as a prince in disguise.

Linda Henning
Kailua, HI

John & Judy Joly write...

This was the trip of a lifetime for us. We truly enjoyed every minute. Having been in Tunisia more than forty years ago with the Peace Corps, I’ve always wanted to go back to see the changes. We were almost ready to go twice before, but the world’s political situation made us reconsider our plans. This time, we thought a tour would be easier than trying to venture out on our own. We talked and e-mailed Jerry Sorkin from TunisUSA. He planned an amazing trip for us. The people of Tunisia were every bit as friendly as they were forty years ago. We encountered no problems and always felt safe even when we were out on our own.

We had an amazing guide, who has participated in some of the archaeology digs in Tunisia. He is a wonderful teacher, who makes history come alive. Our drivers were also excellent. We covered the entire country. We went from Tunis to the Cape Bon region, Sousse, Kairouan, Tozeur, a tent in the Sahara, then to Jerba, back north to Dougga, Tabarka and a hunting lodge in Ain Draham. We stayed in wonderful hotels, a far cry from the sleeping bags on a floor, forty years ago. Meals were great. There is still couscous, harissa, briks and dates, but also just about anything else you might want. Tunisia has really changed. I didn't recognize the bigger cities because of all the new buildings and modernization. But as Tunisia is modernizing, it is also discovering its past with new discoveries from the Phoenicians and Roman civilizations. They are taking great care in preserving their history. There are probably more preserved ancient mosaics in Tunisia than anywhere in the world.

Our guide told us that Tunisia is probably 50 years ahead of Algeria and Morocco in terms of modernization. Education has been a prime concern. There is always a school and a hospital built in any area before the inhabitants arrive. Tunis now has four universities. There was no begging on the streets, everyone had a job who wants one. There are cars everywhere and everyone has a TV with a satellite dish and most are connected to the Internet. Everyone was carrying a cell phone. A very modern country, yet the souks are still very much alive in many of the places, rugs are still hand made, there are still people living in caves, although there is a TV aerial visible. It's just a great place to visit. There is the ancient, the old and the modern.

Our sincere thanks for the most wonderful trip. It truly was the trip of a lifetime. I saw and learned much more in 10 days than I did in two years, the first time. You have wonderful people working with you.

John & Judy Joly
Bothell, WA

 

Charlotte Glauser writes...

I am afraid that the United States doesn't stand up well against Tunisia when one takes into account our homeless people, begging in the streets and the dreadful situation in the unavailability of health care to so many of our citizens. If the Tunisians we met are aware of these American shortcomings, they were kind enough to not mention it. When we were recognized as speaking English with a North African accent, we were asked if we were Canadian. I guess not too many Americans show up in Tunisia. I think we have much to learn from a country that can afford free education for all, including all levels, as well as health care for all. It's amazing how far money will go if it's not thrown away on wars and the accoutrements of ware as well as favorite pork barrel projects of members of Congress.

Our traveling companions were delightful, intelligent and quite worldly, especially in their own travel experiences. I guess that is to be expected since Tunisia is rarely on the list of first places to visit for Americans.

Altogether, the trip was sensational!

Charlotte Glauser
Philadelphia, PA

Armand and Gloria Katz write...

Americans are fearful of Muslim countries, painting them all with a broad brush. We found Tunisia to be a safe, friendly and lovely country with much history, wonderful food and friendly, open people. Although it is Sunni Muslim, we felt people could discuss politics and religion in a way that accepted all.

The Jewish minority in Jerba was amazing and I wish some U.S. synagogues could adopt them.

Tunisia rivals Turkey and Morocco as a tourist destination. Our advise to U.S. citizens: Don't be fearful! Go and enjoy!

Armand and Gloria Katz
Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Jane Spangler-Weiss writes...

Turkey is truly a place where East meets West. It is a country which is a melting and blending of cultures and acceptance of differences. We found the people warm and friendly. Shopping is a great and fun experience, every store welcomed you in with hot apple tea and warm hospitality. As for safety, we felt safe and secure throughout the entire trip. We felt that is was safer then Western Europe. The lives, hopes, and concerns of the people of Turkey are no different from those of the people in this country. If you want to understand what it means to be a Muslim, go to Turkey and you will learn.

Of course, we also need to tell you about our wonderful guide, Muge, we love her. She became part of our family and we hope that she will travel to our part of the world so that we can extend the hospitality to her and her family that she extended to us. She was not only a wonderful person, she was bright, educated and very knowledgeable. Jerry, you made the perfect match in picking her for our guide. She could relate to our teenage daughter as well as us and that is saying something very special.

Thank you for giving us an experience of a life time.

Jane Spangler-Weiss
Wynnewood, PA

Cynthia and Neal Toback write...

TunisUSA arranged the most amazing trip to Tunisia. We were attracted to that area of the world because of the abundance of archaeological ruins, our area of interest. The number and scope of the ruins greatly surpassed our expectations. Above and beyond Carthage, the ruins of Thuburbo Majus, Dougga, Oudna, El Jem and others were fascinating: huge areas with abundant remains of temples, dwellings, etc. The Bardo Museum in Tunis has the world's largest collection of mosaics from the various ruins. We returned to the museum after our scheduled visit to spend more time looking at their collection.

TunisUSA arranged for 5 star accommodations with pools, large rooms and superior service. The meals were excellent. After hot days traipsing around the ruins, it was nice to return to a luxurious room...and shower. The island of Jerba was a Mediterranean resort to equal those in France.

Prior to the trip, we asked whether Tunisia would welcome Americans. We were assured that Tunisia was safe for tourists and pleasantly surprised to find that Tunisia was indeed welcoming. Given the historical background of the land, the trip to Tunisia was a great learning experience and opportunity to see the site of so much history. Our tour guide was a knowledgeable archaeologist who presented the big picture of the cultures that lived in the land that is now Tunisia.

Throughout the trip, we had all contingencies provided. The owner of TunisUSA was along on our trip and he graciously invited his Tunisian friends to share evenings/meals with us. Meeting "real" Tunisians added to our understanding and appreciation of the country.

The trip was wonderful, enlightening and a unique experience. We strongly recommend visiting Tunisia to all who are interested in learning about the history of the region through the eyes of ancient, as well as modern, Tunisians. TunisUSA is the way to go!

Cynthia and Neal Toback
Illinois

Lisa and David U'Prichard write...

Our guide, Mine, from Istanbul, was truly wonderful - friendly, extrovert, energetic, fluent in English, Spanish and Japanese. She has become a good friend. The local guides arranged for us in Cappadocia were uniformly hospitable, well-spoken and knowledgeable.

We traveled from Istanbul to Lake Van, right across Turkey, through city and country, and met and mingled with Turkish people who ranged from city sophisticates to simple country folks. The Turks are just marvelous people, friendly, eager to talk about themselves, their country and you. We felt welcomed and respected as Americans in all parts of Turkey, including Kurdistan. We also felt completely safe in the towns and cities, including walking around after dark.

Turkish cuisine is simply one of the best in the world, from simple fresh country fare to fancy meals in the top restaurants in Istanbul.

We have traveled extensively all over the world, including the great countries of Asia, with their millennial histories. Turkey is certainly one of our favorites - Anatolia has 8000 years of recorded history, and the beautiful artifacts of many great civilizations cheek by jowl with each other in this enchanting country make it possibly unique. More Greek and Roman marvels than Greece or Italy....Hittite and Assyrian sites ad bas relief to rival the British Museum....Seljuq mosques, madrassahs and caravanserais that are truly elegant and exquisite in conception and design.... 1000-year old Armenian churches.

Finally, Istanbul, truly one of the 5-6 greatest cities of the world. The only world city with a 1700-year continuous imperial history...breathtakingly beautiful...filled with both the glories of High Ottoman mosque architecture, and the glories of ancient and medieval Byzantium...a seaside town elegantly hugging the Bosporus and bathed in the soft water-reflected light....ultra-modern, worldly and sophisticated European city, yet retaining the charm of past glories...the city of huzun.

Lisa and David U'Prichard
Philadelphia, PA

Jerry and Carolyn Stein write...

Tunisia was beautiful. Our trip was well coordinated and everything went as scheduled. I was pleased with the way our itinerary was arranged. Jerry Sorkin, TunisUSA's founder, assigned an excellent guide for our trip. A highly educated and informed man and our driver was terrific. El Jem was a highlight and the hotel we stayed at in the medina in Tunis was charming, it was an old palace but it had all of the comfort of a modern hotel, it was in the heart of the old city and we felt safe walking around to shop.

As Americans and as Jews, we were treated with great respect. We felt no danger, we experienced no negative feelings toward Americans and everywhere we went we were greeted with gracious hospitality.

Jerry and Carolyn Stein
North Miami Beach, FL

The Hackl family writes...

Thank you very much for setting up a private guide during our recent visit to Tunisia. He was extremely professional, knowledgeable, helpful. We have used private guides throughout the world and he was our best guide, yet! We enjoyed the entire day and are only sorry that we did not have more time to stay in this beautiful country.

The Hackl family
Greenville, SC

The Mueller family writes...

Your description of our guide, Hassen, is almost understated! Awesome in every way. Great tour. He is an expert in every topic. The delivery was enthusiastic and thorough. Details behind the scene were always taken care of, even with our requests and change suggestions. We recommend Hassen unreservedly. Adbel delivered Tunisia with consummate professionalism and courtesy.

Mueller family
Houston, TX

Susan Davidson writes...

It has been 5 weeks since we returned from Tunisia and I still cannot stop telling stories about our adventure. There is no other way to visit this splendid country than a TunisUSA planned itinerary. The hotels in Hammamet and Djerba were extraordinary. Lunch and dinner venues always offered something unusual. Whether dining seaside, at a desert oasis or in the mountains, there was always something special set before us.

Our guides were passionate archeologists who made each historic site come alive. It was a privilege to have them guide us.

There are so many parts of the trip I wish I could experience again. Visiting the Bardo Museum, Dougga, Carthage, Sidi Bou Said, El Jem, brought me sights and feelings that will stay with me forever. By 4 p.m. each day I was convinced that I had just experienced the best day of the trip. Then in the early evening we arrived back at a wonderful hotel, enjoyed a special dinner and another evening with a friend of yours that made the trip so interesting on many levels.

Thank you for encouraging us as we planned our trip to Tunisia. The experience would not have been the same without your input.

Susan Davidson
Philadelphia, PA

Annie and Art Liberman write...

Thanks to you, our trip around Tunisia was a memorable experience. The tour was just a week in length, with the marvelous bookends of the welcome and the farewell dinners of traditional Tunisian cuisine in those stunningly beautiful restored palaces in the Tunis Kasbah. But in that short time we both felt that we had gained a real insight into the culture, history, life and landscape of Tunisia. Everything went smoothly and according to schedule.

A good guide is considered the most important part of a trip and we could not have had a better guide on our trip than Hammadi - truly a master. We are very indebted to you for arranging the schedule and twisting the arms of your contacts in Tunisia to make him available for our tour. Indeed we felt privileged to have someone with his experience and insight, someone who was able to bridge Islamic and Jewish traditions, who was also knowledgeable about virtually every conceivable facet of Tunisian life from its culture and history, to its education and industry, agriculture (the numbers of varieties of olive and date and eucalyptus trees!) and irrigation. And the list goes on.. and also someone willing to share his knowledge with abundant amount of energy and enthusiasm. He was much more than a tour guide; rather he was a professor of Roman archeology and we were his students as we toured the ruins at Dougga and El Jem and Bella Regia, Sbetlia. We felt his palpable excitement when he showed us the Rabbit mosaic that he himself uncovered years ago at El Jem. We appreciated his facility in explaining the features and qualities and stories behind the mosaics in the Bardo and El Jem museums, the explanations of the layouts of the Roman houses and the structure organization of Roman cities. We appreciated the little detour he took us on the way back to be sure we did not miss seeing the excavations of the ruins at Thurbus Majour - with the French colonial house that had been built on top of the ruins of the capitol of the ancient city, and the aqueduct of Zaghouan. When we left, I told him that he knows all of Tunisia as well as he knows the back of his hand, and during the week he showed us just a tip of one finger, but this was for us quite a breathtaking vista. He knew the right times to visit the sites, so as to avoid the crowds and the heat, and and his personal contacts with all over the country smoothed the way at critical times. He insured we could visit La Gribha in Djerba. Without him, we would missed many of most meaningful places we saw during our trip - including the small out of the way synagogues in Sousse, and in El Kef, the visit into the Berber cave home near Matmata, the brick making along the road between Nefta and Tozeur, the twisting streets in La Hara and the Hafsia, - and the list goes on. Our driver, Mokthar, was excellent also - careful, conscientious and safe. On leaving, he gave us a present of map on which he had marked the roads along which we had traveled.

Thanks again!!
Annie and Art Liberman
Palo Alto, CA

Daniel and Donna Hone write...

We returned from Turkey at the end of last week. First of all, it was basically everything we had hoped for. It included, to my surprise, everything I had mentioned in my original outline, which I had not anticipated to be possible in as short a visit as one week. There was even the small village visit I had requested. I did not anticipate that we could actually spend overnight in such a place. Adatepe was a special experience, surely beyond anything any of our acquaintances have or will have experienced in their visits.

Our guide, was, as advertised, charming, knowledgeable and helpful. She told us not only of the history and architecture of the various archaeological sites, but also about Turkey more broadly, in terms of education, art, women's issues, etc.

Daniel and Donna Hone
California

Myron Soled writes...

We are home from our trip to Tunisia and I wanted to take the time to thank you for a most wonderful vacation.

First of all, the guide you provided for us and the driver were first rate. The guide was extremely knowledgeable, bright and a great person. He really made the difference on this trip. The driver was pleasant, knew his way around the country and was very helpful.

The hotels were first rates. They were clean, well situated and had everything we needed including workout facilities and indoor pools in some of the hotels.

We were concerned before we left because we are Jewish and this is a Muslim country. This did not present any problem. When people heard us talk, they asked where we came from. When we said America, they said "we love America". They truly meant it!

All in all, we had a wonderful trip and my whole family thanks you.

I would gladly recommend the trip. Again Jerry, many thanks from the entire Soled family.

Myron Soled, MD
Springfield, NJ

Jerry Bagel writes...

The hotels in Tunis and Djerba were great. The guide and driver superb. The people of Tunisia terrific. I think the world should look at Tunisia as a place where moderation and modernization are in harmony. I felt good there, the people were almost surprised when they found out we were Americans. They were friendly.

Jerry Bagel, MD
East Windsor, NJ

John Tibbals writes...

The forethought and meticulous work that Jerry puts into his Tunisia trips elevates them to a class of their own! Nejib is such an outstanding guide - a published archaeologist who has worked on some of the sites we visited - and so knowledgeable about Tunisia's history. Having three different guest lecturers come and talk to us on topics such as the status of women in Tunisia and perceptions of the U.S. and their uninhibited exchange of ideas, at these sessions added so much to the experience, as did the two meals in private homes. Even when out walking by myself, I never felt anything but welcome in Tunisia.

Thank you Jerry - I'll be traveling with you again for sure!

John Tibbals
San Diego, CA

Steven Somkin & Naomi Spatz write...

Tunisia is so rich in culture, history, archaeology and geography that we were well-advised to read up before we went, but about the only thing we were fully prepared for was beachfront on the island of Djerba. By themselves the mosaics in the Bardo and museum at El Jem are aestehetically unique; add the spectacular ruins at Dougga, which we were lucky to visit on a clear day after a heavy rain, the vast dry salt lakes of the Sahara desert, the other worldy food storage buildings of Ksar Haddada (a set for the Star War movies), a most unfamiliar cuisine and the vast array of colorful rugs, and it is no wonder that memories began to blur even before we got back to our apartment in New York. What held everything together was our guide and teacher, archaeologist Nejib, who could talk as easily about the dynasties of Islam or the military-political organizations of the Roman state or the substrate of a well-made mosaic floor as he could about how Berber hats were made; moreover, he had a delicious sense of humor.

We did not feel in any jeopardy at any time during our visit, and we found people friendly and helpful throughout, even those not intent on selling something. But it must be said that we were almost always in a group with a native Tunisian and we stayed on the tourist route. For anyone reluctant about visiting sites in the Arab-Islamic world, Tunisia is a good place to overcome the discomfort...

Steven Somkin & Naomi Spatz
New York, NY

Arnie Toback and Lydia Evans write...

If you are lucky, you may have the opportunity to experience a few wonderful trips in a lifetime. Our recent trip to Tunisia was certainly one of those remarkable experiences. The country is surprisingly diversified, rich in history with many archeological and cultural sites to visit, and full of color.

Our guide was extremely knowledgeable, absolutely intent on our enjoyment, and flexible to accommodate our wishes. He was also very likable. Along with our always prompt and reliable driver, great care and attention was paid to our comfort, convenience, and pleasure. The level of service was truly exceptional.

We found the Tunisians, who still encounter relatively few Americans, to be both friendly and curious about our lives and culture. We felt secure and welcomed by the Tunisians on our journey, in both urban and rural settings.

We have been home for only a few weeks and are already talking about our next adventure with Tunis USA, a recommendation that speaks for itself.

Arnie Toback, MD and Lydia Evans, MD
New York

Sybil and Alfred Nadel write...

We loved our trip to Tunisia! We learned so much about history and art not only by seeing the magnificent sites, but also because of the wonderful archaeologist who traveled with us and gave detailed information, answered our questions, and heightened our appreciation of this ancient and beautiful country.

We always felt safe in our many sojourns - whether traveling on our bus or walking through the market place and the covered souks. Most unusual for us on this tour was your bringing Tunisian people of different occupations to speak with us about some aspects of the country, as well as having the opportunity to visit them and be "feasted" in their homes. A similar unique experience was the visit to a small Jewish community on the island of Djerba where we were proudly shown on the of the small synagogues and the newly constructed play school for the children.

We already have recommended this tour to friends and will continue to do so.

Thank you for giving us such a memorable visit.

Sybil and Alfred Nadel
New York, NY

Susan Dash writes...

For me it was a very exciting trip, the mosaics were beautiful, the ruins great, people were friendly and I was comfortable wherever I went

The trip was wonderful. I haven't stopped talking about Tunisia.

Thanks to you and Akram. He was excellent!

Susan Dash
Cheshire, CT

Pat Vinkenes writes...

Jerry, thank you so much for a trip of a lifetime! Tunisia was very different than our usual travels but awesome. The ruins were amazing and astonishingly we often had them to ourselves. Our guide said it was unusual to travel with children but this was a great trip for our 7 year old. Moez was fabulous. He provided a perfect mix of education (history and ruins) and relaxation (time at the beach, hunting for tiny frogs at the oasis and camel riding) so the whole family hada great trip. We really enjoyed the visit to the Jewish community in Jerba. Thank you for including us in that outing.

You did a great job tailoring a trip for our family.

Pat Vinkenes
Arlington, VA

Harriette Stein writes...

Dear Jerry,

We finally got home from Spain last Friday and our time on the Costa del Sol was verynice, but could not be compared to our time in Tunisia. What a wonderful country and what a wonderful tour you put together for us. I plan to tell everyone I know what a great trip it was. Our guide Abde and our driver looked after us like we were visiting royalty. Everything went like clockwork and we really felt that we got to know the country and the people of Tunisia. It is too bad that many people said to me where is Tunisia and could you spell that for me. It is really a shame it's wonders are such a secret to Americans. Fran and I are planning on going to India in the winter of 2009 and I noticed that you are now offering tours to that country. I would appreciate it if you could send us information about your tours. Again, our thanks for your efforts in making our vacation so meaningful.

Harriette Stein
Langhorne, PA

Raul Robledo and Carmen Gulbot write...

We were extremely happy with the tour you organized. You managed to put it together,in a matter of days, actually 5 days before we started our tour of Greece and Turkey. Your efficiency and professionalism, are really appreciated without your help we could not have put together such a comprehensive program in such a short time.

The tour was very well organized, you included most of the things we wanted to see in the short 5 days we had available, our main interests were the roman and Punic sites, and we got to see as many as we could; Dougga Sbeitla, El Jem, Utica, with some other interesting spots in between like Bizerte and Hammamet

We had a very courteous andcareful driver, and a fun and energetic guide ( Moez). We discussed with him all the options possible and whenever there was a chance to alter the program, to add more sites and to spend some more time at others; we enjoyed specially, that he always was able to accommodate our requests, except in the cases where we wanted to pack 28 hours in a regular day!!!

We enjoyed very much traveling with him, he was a great help, knowledgeable and fun.

As I mentioned the Roman sites were spectacular, the mosaics were all over the place and each corner and house remnant had something to offer to the inquisitive eye, Bizerte and Bou Said were equally impressive cozy, and nice places.

We also enjoyed the first day dinner at Sidi Bou Said. The selection of the place was great and the food and the atmosphere excellent. The lunch at the house of the farmer, was an incredible surprise, as

we got a chance to meet a local at his place, a very educated local, with a charming wife and a beautiful little daughter .It was great to see his house and to discuss with you, them and Nejib all our questions about life, culture and politics in Tunisia. For Carmen and myself, this was really a highlight that we enjoyed tremendously to the extent that we would have been willing to sacrifice Thuburbo Majus for the sake of continuing the fine conversation!! Well, we did not have to, we finally got to see Thuburbo Majus at a more rapid pace than but managed to cover the program.

We will definitively travel with TunisUSA again. Jerry and his team showed us an interesting growing and safe country well beyond our expectations

Raul Robledo and Carmen Gulbot
Mexico City, Mexico

Linda Nielsen and George Thomson write...

As first time travelers in Tunisia, we hoped that we were able to erase as many stereotypes about Americans as the friendly Tunisians did for us regarding travel in an Islamic country. When people on the street found out that we were Americans, they initially expressed surprise and then an immediate response of "You are welcome, very welcome!"

Wherever we traveled during our 2-week trip, we encountered proud people who were eager to showcase their progressive country. We were impressed by so many things - the free medical and education programs, the extensive legal rights granted to women and children, the agricultural productivity, and the country's willingness to accept (and educate!) refugees from neighboring Libya and Algeria. Our guide, Hammadi, was a jewel. The tour had a wonderful balance between guided excursions and the freedom to safely wander and explore on our own.

Linda Nielsen and George Thomson
Morrison, CO

Bernard Rubin writes...

Dear Jerry,

Where do I start to thank you for the exceptional trip that we had with you to Tunisia. It was all that I could have wanted and more.

Let's start with the fact that I wanted to see my birthplace after 59 years. I was able to see the street where I was born, the places my parents and family thrived in, the places they prayed in, and the place where my grandfather was buried. More importantly the people of Tunisia and specifically of Tunis were friendly, welcoming, interesting, and seemed truly interested in our welfare and wellbeing. I sensed that these people felt comfortable and unthreatened with their lives and this allowed them to act towards our entire group with respect, and friendship. It is amazing how many of the Tunisians asked me why I don't come back to live in Tunisia when they learned that I was a native. I can go on and on about this but let me move to another point.

The tour was a Jewish heritage tour and it was everything it was billed to be. Hamadi, who I can't praise enough, was the best guide I have ever had. He wanted everyone to know about his country with a pride intelligence and graciousness that was amazing. We went to all the synagogues and cemeteries both restored and unrestored that he could find. Even when they might not have been on the planned tour he went out of his way to accommodate our desires to see all of these places.

Your contacts that you have developed over these many years made our access to places we would not otherwise have been able to achieve on our own or on other tours. Spending time during Lag B'omer with 6000 people in Djerba was a highlight that I brag about to all my friends. How we went to an Israeli concert with over 1000 people on Saturday night in the casino in Djerba made me proud.

As you well know, we required special attention so that we could be comfortable with kosher food throughout our travels. from the first day when you presented us with all the ancillary items we would need throughout the tour, to the daily mothering (in the best sense) that Hamadi provided bringing us fresh,authentic(and I would know),plentiful,tasty meals,with variety and interest, not a thing was lacking. We often thought we ate better than the rest of the group. No matter how far we were from where the food was actually cooked, we had it delivered fresh, sealed, and whenever possible hot. It was also wonderful that whenever possible we were able to sit with the group with our special meals and still have the group experience. We realize that that was not always possible.

Besides the Jewish aspect of the tour we went to wonderful places of antiquity and learned in depth of the cultures that were a part of Tunisia. Hamadi was so knowledgeable and never skirted around questions, even if sometimes we asked political ones. He wanted us to acquire as much knowledge as possible about the land, the ruins, the cultures, and the people, and felt this was much more important than going to tourist traps and non authentic souvenir purchases. He valued our time and wanted us to get the most out of our experience.

Now to all the people we met through your connections and those of Hamadi. I will never forget the warmth of the families, the candor of the Jewish leaders, and the smiles of all the people, both adult and child. Not to mention our fellow tour group travelers. There were no difficult or demanding people send everyone seemed genuinely interested in one another. I could go on and on but I think at this point I am rambling, and you get the point. The Lehmans and we are seasoned travelers and come with expectations from a tour but I think I speak for the four in our party when I thank you for a truly memorable vacation and you can quote me anytime. Bernie

Bernard Rubin, MD
Baltimore, MD

Caroline Kemmerer writes...

I had waited a few years to take this trip and once there, regretted that I had waited. There is so much to see in Tunisia, clearly a 12 day trip just begins to tell the whole story. Tunisia's history from the rise of Carthage, the Roman conquest and of course, all the event of the late 19th century, 20th on into the 21st.

Jerry's trip includes it all and makes you want to return; accommodations were superb, as were the group and the travel schedule.

Caroline Kemmerer
Wayne, PA

James Childs writes...

For twenty-four years I've worked with many tour companies. My experience with TunisUSA is among the very best. I could not say this unless those in my tour group enjoyed the many wonders of Tunisia, enjoyed the hard work TunisUSA employed behind the scenes to make their trip memorable. If the group is not enjoying itself, I'm not enjoying myself. I had a wonderful time along with all 22 in the group.

The itinerary of the tour direction was substantial and well directed, the hotels were well chosen, the food was superb, and the guide and driver excellent.

James Childs
Middlesex Traveller
Killingworth CT

Asaf Romirowsky writes...

Tunisia is a hidden treasure in the heart of North Africa with an extremely rich culture. Its success over the years has been the fact that has managed to successfully develop a milieu of co-existence amongst Jews, Christians, and Muslims whereby modernity serves as a common denominator and religion does not get in the way of one's day-to-day life. It is not to say that Tunisia has no problems but the political stability, and economic foresight should serve as a paradigm for other Middle Eastern states.

Asaf Romirowsky
Manager of Israel & Middle East Affairs
Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA

Tully and Jan Seymour write...

Jerry, We really enjoyed the trip and think you did a great job. Thanks for making it enjoyable.

Tully and Jan Seymour
Newport Beach, CA

Robert B. Lehman writes...

Dear Jerry,

My wife Libby and I have recently returned froma Jewish Cultural Tour that you ran throughTunis USA. When we first met about a half year before the tour, I explained to you are interested in seeing Jewish synagogues, mikvahs, and cemeteries throughout Europe. Although some of these are still used by their communities, most are in areas where there are very few were no Jews. Nevertheless many have been reconstructed and our beautiful reminders of the Jewish cultural and religious experience in Europe over the past thousand years. Because of this interest, we were particularly drawn to the flag Lag B'Omer celebration that takes place in Djerba, Tunisia each year. Early on we express our interest in coming Tunisia because of the celebration, but explain to you that we are strictly Kosher Orthodox Jews and could not compromise on our eating if we were to join you in Tunisia.

As our interest group, you provided us with an itinerary that certainly focused on the Lag B'Omer pilgrimage to Derba but also included other Jewish sites, synagogues and cemetaries throughout Tunisia. In some ways, visiting some of the very old abandoned synagogues that are barely identifiable because of the vandalism and neglect was as inspiring as the pilgrimage. With your knowledge of Jewish history, and the phenomenal knowledge of our Tunisian guide, we were guided through the rich Jewish cultural and religious history of this country. Additionally, we were exposed to the the existing community of Tunis, we met the President of the Tunis community (who is a member of Parliment and aMinister in the President's cabinet), Arab families who greeted us as brothers and explained the thousand year relationship to the Jews, and the perspective of a trying to be a moderate Arab community in the midst of a world of radical Islam. We were exposed to the rich economy, high level of education, and economic self-reliance. Tunisia has an extremely rich set of ancient Roman ruins. These ruins have the most well preserved in situ mosaics that remain from the Roman Empire. Our guide, Hammadi, is an archaeologist and architect who was able to explain all aspects of each site that we visited. Although I have been to many Roman ruins, Coliseum's, amphitheaters in my travels, I don't think that I ever understood the exact nature, layout, and purpose of these extremely well planned and designed communities. This was such an added bonus to the truck.

The travel experience with phenomenal. Although my goals centered on the pilgrimage and the Jewish aspects of the tour, the entire experience left us extremely thankful to you and Hammadi, that we chose to travel with Tunis USA. An additional bonus was the diverse city of people traveling with us, yet the commonality and interest in the far-flung Jewish community that still exists in Tunis, Sfax, and Derba. With the focus on Tunisia, I think the group bonded together beautifully.

Lastly, I want to comment on the dedication demonstrated by Hammadi and you to insure and rather distant places from any current Jewish presence, you ensure that we had freshly prepared meals that were delicious and always there when we needed them. There were times when you and Hammadi had to travel hours prior to a meal to make sure that we had food that day. As important as having the food each day was, the meticulous concern was most impressive. You were remarkably able to make arrangements for the food to be prepared under supervision and we felt perfectly comfortable eating throughout the trip.

I want to thank you for the phenomenal experience that you provided and I hope that more people in the future will choose to visit this wonderful country. This is a jewel of a country in North Africa but very few Americans witness. After our experience, I hope that more people from the USA will choose to visit Tunisia for its multicultural experience.

Best wishes and thank you very much. Please give our best regards to Hammadi when you see him next.

Robert B. Lehman, MD, PA
Pharmasite Research
Psychiatric Consultants
Baltimore, Maryland 21208

Bill Nagle writes...

Tunisia is a surprising country, even for someone like me who had prepared for the trip by searching out photos and descriptions of what to expect. I think the surprise has to do with scope. One expects mosaics, but the number of them, and their beauty, and their state of preservation is impressive. Some of them, as in the underground rooms of Bulla Regia, take the breath away because of the intimacy and reality of their setting.

One expects museums, headed by the Bardo in Tunis, but they're all so much more elegant than their descriptions - their spaces are a joy to be in; I think especially of the "house of Africa" in the El Jem Museum and the Dar Charait Museum in Tozeur.

One expects a varied topography, but there's so much more of each aspect than one can imagine, from the arid approaches to the Sahara, to the Mediterranean coastline with its picturesque white dwellings and their blue doors and windows, to the extraordinary hill formations around Matmata, and particularly to the wide stretches of lush green valleys in the central part of the country around Dougga, reminding one perhaps of Wisconsin or Vermont or similar portions of Europe. So Tunisia is flat-out a visual treat, an art historian's dream, a photographer's little heaven.

One expects - since the country has long been a trading crossroads and "home" to a variety of conquerors - a populace that is reasonably sophisticated about and tolerant of travelers, but the people's friendliness and mildness and accessibility goes well beyond the expectation. It is obvious that, while retaining the full richness of the Arab and Islamic world, Tunisia is reaching out in a very agreeable way to Westerners. There was curiosity, of course, about Americans, but quite mild-mannered curiosity, and really more pleasure than anything else. There was no feeling of being "other". We moved freely and comfortably in all venues, including local markets and bazaars and the winding alleyways of old Tunis at night. One often hears from fellow travelers that it was a good trip, but in the case of Tunisia, many said it was a place they not only wanted to come back, but also felt they really should come back!

Bill Nagle
Higganum, CT

Jay Soled writes...

Finally, after settling done and returning a hundred or more e-mails, telephone calls, and faxes, I'm in a position to tell you what a wonderful time we all had in Tunisia. The accommodations were stupendous, the guide was one of the brightest men I have ever met (which is particularly impressive given some of my academic circles), and the driver had a winning demeanor that greeted each day with a smile. In sum, you and your team did a phenomenal job.

Jay Soled
New Brunswick, NJ

Larry D. Sall writes...

Judy and I had a wonderful time on our trip with you. Your man, Akram was terrific, and one of the highlights for me was just sitting in cafés having tea with him in the little towns where we would stop in the middle of a day's travel. We spent an extra three days in Tunis and felt completely at home. In La Marsa we had breakfast at Café Journal, and in the Tunis medina we had lunch one day at M'Rabat. It was the opportunity to meet and hear from Tunisian people that really made the trip extra special. Of all the people we met, I think the most impressive person was the rug dealer in Jerba. What an amazing life!

Thanks again for all you did to make the trip such a wonderful experience forus. In thefuture I would be interested in a tour featuring the natural history and particularly the bird and animals of the country.

You are most welcome to use any comment I made in your literature in any way you see fit. Your behind the scenes work paid off very well and made the trip a really wonderful and enlightening experience for Judy and me.

Please keep in touch.

Larry D. Sall, Ph.D.
Dean of Libraries
The University of Texas at Dallas

Rhea Dorn writes...

Traveling with Jerry Sorkin in Tunisia meant traveling with someone who knows everybody: an important Tunisian Senator/businessman who is also Jewish, a Moslem who was instrumental in restoring the synagogue in his town, Berber Jews on the island, Djerba, as they celebrated Lag B'Omer and more. We climbed around magnificent Roman sites in fantastic condition: a coliseum, an amphitheater, a Roman town built below the ground and more. All the time, we enjoyed the Tunisians' warm and friendly hospitality. Moslem and Jew cared about our learning about their country. They thanked us for coming. This is a comfortable trip packed with pleasant surprises. I loved it.

Rhea Dorn
Costa Mesa, CA

Elizabeth and Hershel Richman write...

It has been two months since our return from Tunisia. The tour that you arranged for us was truly superb. Our archaeologist guide, Nejib, was scholarly and passionate about his work. Our driver, Mustafa, was kind, energetic and very attentive. A great team!

We loved the charming boutique hotels and the incredibly interesting "farmhouse" where we stayed. Your attention to detail was evident in all of the planning. You listened to our preferences and created an experience for us that we will always remember.

Of particular interest for us were the Jewish experiences - attending a Shabbat service in Tunis, finding a kosher restaurant there, and seeing the synagogue in Jerba. Traveling in an "enlightened" Arab country was unique and eye-opening for us.

We felt welcome and safe. The people were gracious and friendly. We enjoy reliving our journey as we relive the photos.

Elizabeth and Hershel Richman
Philadelphia, PA

Len and Tina D'Angelo write...

We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Tunisia. Our guide, Abde, was attentive to our every need. At no time did we feel unsafe; to the contrary, whenever shop owners learned we were American, they were even more helpful. The highlights included the Bardo Museum, Bulla Regia, Dougga and the Coliseum of El Jem. We really enjoyed our afternoon at Ksar Ghilane, which included our camel ride to the fort. The hotel in Djerba was stunning and we would have liked to have spent more time in Djerba.

Len and Tina D'Angelo
New York, NY

Rae Ellen Tash writes...

Considering that Africa is the heart of civilization, that Tunisia was a main corridor of the Silk Road, that it was the breadbasket of the Roman Empire, not to mention the strategic importance of Carthage, I was still surprised with the story that this country tells me of my own cultural heritage. These communities, somedating back to BCE, were a wonder to behold. Although I knew the story of the Spanish Inquisition, I had not fully known the significance of Tunisia in the 15th century exodus of the Jews, Moors, and Andalusians from Spain and the flowering of their cultures here.

One of the highlights of the trip for me was our visit to Djerbaat the beginning of the Jewish Festival of Lag B'Omer, which pays homage to prominent scholars in the North African Jewish History. We celebrated at the Ghriba synagogue, dating back to the 7th centurywith about 3,000 other Jews, many who were coming "home", from France, Israel, and America. We saw their ancient ceremonies, shopped at the Souq, and visited religious schools with many young children under 12. Today the Jewish population of Tunisia numbers less than 2,000. Those at home and those who have emigrated are trying to restore the many synagogues and cemeteries. Tunisia was under the protection of France before WWII. For a time when Germany controlled the area, many Jews were deported and after the war the Jews felt vulnerable and began immigrating to France, Israel, and America.

We had a small, marvelously compatible, group of 15 and were so fortunate to have Hammadi, an archaeologist, historian, and teacher as our guide. He was so gracious and knowledgeable that we never wanted to miss a word he spoke. Tunisia is the model of a moderate Muslim culture. There is a high degree of education because it is universally free and required. It is quite safe and the people are very happy to see Americans.

The visit to the Bardo Museum which houses one of the finest collections of Roman and Carthaginian mosaics in the world was again one of the highlights. Some of the mosaics looked to the naked eye like finely woven rugs.

Seeing the mosaics in the museums together with seeing them at the Roman archeological sites at Dougga, which are some of the best preserved in the world, was another example of the depth and breadth of Roman culture.

In contrast to the rich Roman culture, the troglodyte, underground dwellings in the southern region at Matmata were another once in a lifetime experience. As primitive as you can imagine, there was however, an old working TV in the cave "common" room, as well as faucets on a bathtub in the "wash" room.

Tunisia, on the Mediterranean Sea, is well known by Europeans for its pristine beaches and spas. We stayed at a magnificent Radisson Hotel and Spa in Djerba that gave us the opportunity of witnessing this eclecticinternational community. The restaurants we visited were very representative of the Tunisian experience. In Tunis we had lunch at Dar El Jeld within the Kasbah. We ate in the inner open courtyard, surrounded by the beautiful symbolic black and white arches, with beautiful linens, table service, and food. Also, in Tunis we had dinner at Le Golfe, in an ultramodern, beautifully appointed atmosphere. All in all whether it was seaside dining or within the Medinas, the dining experiences were always delicious and authentic.

I cannot stress the significance of Jerry Sorkin's many years of business and personalrelationships in Tunisia. Because of his contacts, we were able to visit and dine in private homes, which included local families, a beautiful

Country villa with working farms, and also with business and diplomatic representatives. One visit with his friend, a rug merchant, was especially poignant when he shared his family history and his dreams and desires for hischildren. I think I can speak for our whole group in saying that we experienced the full flavor of Tunisia and that this was enhanced by the opportunity afforded by the personal visits with some of Jerry's Tunisian friends and associates.

Visit Tunisia with Jerry Sorkin and Tunis USA.It will be an unforgettable traveling adventure. Thanks for a marvelous experience.

Rae Ellen Tash
St. Louis, MO

Vincent Giarratana, Lynn Obee Giarratana and Anna and Amy Obee Giarratana write...

"It turned out to be the best travel experience we've ever had..."

Never having traveled to Africa or an Arab country before this trip, my family had no idea what to expect on our recent trip to Tunisia. It turned out to be the best travel experience we've ever had - in large part because of TunisUSA's knowledgeable, personable, timely, and efficient staff.

Who knew we'd be touring Roman ruins not even mentioned in guide books or on our Michelin map with an eminent and charming multi-lingual Tunisian archaeologist who'd dug at these locations for many years? Hammadi brought alive Phoenician, Berber, Arab Muslim,Jewish and Christian histories and cultures for our family of four, which includes a 15-year-old and a 20-year-old, and tied all of this togetherwith a comprehensive explanation of current Tunisia. What more could we want? How about a visit to a Star Wars shoot site? Our guide was also the logistics manager for George Lucas at one point in his career. Want to know how much olive oil Tunisia exports or how to catch an octopus or why eucalyptus wood is used to make fishing boats or where the Berbers emigrated from? He had the answer...or he found it.

We traveled to the desert in August with some trepidation about theheat. No worry. It was cooler than the other sites-especially since the air conditioned SUV TunisUSA provided was especially fitted for desert use. Wherever we were - coming out ofa labyrinth medina, a restaurant, a mosque - the driver was there and waiting for us. Tunisian roads are well kept and our driver was very competent. He stopped whenever we needed to...bathrooms can be rustic, butnone was unusable, even in remote areas.

Wherever we were in Tunisia, we felt pretty secure and we sensedno anti-American sentiment. Tunisians seem tolerant of one another and relatively prosperous. It does pay to have a pocketful of small change for the folks who show you the inside of their troglodyte homes and such.

TunisUSA was very flexible, working around the flights and hotels we'd already booked online beforewe so luckily discovered the company's existence. Within two weeks during high season, Jerry Sorkin put together an itinerary - with domestic flights and hotels - that meshed perfectly with what we' already arranged and that covered absolutely everything we wanted to do, and even more.

Vincent Giarratana, Lynn Obee Giarratana and Anna and Amy Obee Giarratana.
Franklin Lakes, NJ

Phyllis and Herb Goldberg write...

We are back from Egypt and Turkey. We just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed our trip. The Turkey portion of our trip, which you had planned for us, was exceptional. The itinerary, the guide (Muge), the hotels, the driver and auto, the sites were wonderful. The people and the food were good to us, too.

We appreciate your planning and recommend you to others.

Thanks,
Phyllis and Herb Goldberg
Marina del Ray, CA

Richard Kane writes...

I have travelled widely in my 90 years and have visited some 260 of the 300 odd countries and destinations on the Century Travelers Club list.

My first comment is about Akram our guide. In my travels he joins an ex-professor in Israel as one of the two best guides I have had. The trip was well planned and we would have enjoyed it in any event, but Akram made it a special experience for us. He was intelligent, personable, spoke good English, which I could easily understand despite my poor hearing, and made a good companion as well as an excellent guide.

Having had only a brief visit to Tunis on a cruise, I was surprised and pleased at the impressions that I now have of the country. The Tunisians seems to be doing things right. The benevolent strong man gives them a stable government with apparently a minimum of graft and corruption. The rule of law, property ownership, education, market system and attention to infrastructure gives me an entirely more favorable impression than I have had in other Islamic countries. I don't have to feel sorry for the people. They looked like they were getting along quite well.

The blend of the Carthaginian, Roman, Byzantine, Moorish, Ottoman, Arabic and French cultures seems to be working without any apparent ethnic and cultural tensions which I have seen elsewhere.

Even though I had read that Tunisia had been a bread basket for the Romans, I was not prepared to see as much fertile land. The groves and wheat fields were a pleasure to see for me with a family background in ranching and wheat land. After 2,000 years of cultivation it was amazing to me to see so little erosion of the soil. For so many old societies much of the top soil has been lost through the years. The Tunisian soil seems to stay put.

Our contacts with the locals at the hotels, restaurants and walking to visit the sights was very satisfactory. We were not aware of any resentment or antagonism.

All this plus a good selection of tourist sights made it a good travel experience. Your company put on a good show.

Richard Kane
Bartlesville, OK

Cindy Mitchell writes...

We loved Tunisia. It is a beautiful, lush and fascinating country. The people are very warm and welcoming. The roads are great and the scenery is constantly changing.

The greatest surprise was having the Roman ruins all to ourselves. These are some of the finest and most interesting ruins we have ever seen and we didn't have to share them with tour buses, loud guides and hordes of people. It was just "us" and the "Romans"...what a treat!

Cindy Mitchell
Chicago, IL

P. Firpo write...

I took the October 2008 “Phoenicians to Berbers Tour” with TunisUSA. The weather was sunny and warm and only a few drops the whole time. We were very fortunate to have a knowledgeable, friendly and humorous guide. We gained a lot of knowledge with many laughs. The tour might be considered fast paced but necessarily so in order to see most of what is available in Tunisia. The accommodations were first class, clean and some very ornate. If you want to see Roman ruins uncluttered by modern structures Tunisia is the place to go. Often we were the only tour group in the ruins and so had the run of the place. My friend and I did some considerable walking around Tunis and were often the only apparent Westerners on the street. It was no different than walking in any other town in France or Italy for instance. I say apparent Westerners because most Tunisians dress the same as we do, so it was never certain who were the tourists and who were the Tunisians. So often we were greeted with broad, warm smiles when we told them we were from the USA. Although they did not like the war in Iraq they did like the American visitors, what few there are. Safety was not a concern and not once did anyone treat us rudely because we were Americans. Jerry Sorkin has put together a very good tour package and I am happy to refer my friends to TunisUSA when asked about my trip to Tunisia.

P. Firpo
Benicia, CA

C. Boultinghouse write...

Your Tunisian tour was one of the best trips I've ever experienced. The country is beautiful with such a variety of terrain--beaches, mountains, desert. The people are so warm and friendly. Our guide and scholar made the history and the sites we visited come alive. The chance to dine in houses of Tunisians was a special treat not often available to tourists.
All our hotels were outstanding.
Thanks for a memorable tour.

C. Boultinghouse
New York, NY

Z.G. Cogan write...

Tunisia is truly a hidden treasure...never dreamt the country would be so fascinating. And I also must admit that it was due to your execution and planning. Our guide, Nejib could not have been better. His knowledge, command of the English language, sense of humor, caring for all our needs and then some, was a wonder to experience. We seemed to see all the fabulous sights of the country at a manageable pace....some long days, but they were fun days. The food, accommodations, and everything were just great. No complaints. Would recommend your trips to anyone! You certainly do care for your travelers and see to their every wish. Thanks for such a memorable experience.

Z.G. Cogan
Boston, MA

Marsha and Howard Seltzer write…

My wife and I recently returned from a wonderful trip to Tunisia arranged by Jerry Sorkin of Tunis USA. When we first contacted Jerry about a private tour, we immediately learned that he had exceptional listening skills. He asked what we wanted/liked and what we did not want to be included in our trip. The program he arranged was outstanding. From the very first day Hammadi (our guide) and Hammeda (our driver) were like Family to us and we were treated to many "extras" and "out of the way places" everywhere along the itinerary because they seemed to know people in the smallest villages and antiquity sites. Even more important, everyone knew them. Hammadi is a well know Archeologist and gave us information and access to the ruins that would have been impossible with a group. He always knew where the best bakeries were and the two of them were always running off to get "special macaroons or baguettes" or some other local delicacies which we all shared. Believe me, our Land Cruiser was the best smelling car in the country. Hammeda is an excellent driver and the four of us seemed to be talking and / or laughing all the time as we drove all over the country. And I do mean all over the country because it is amazing how much territory they were able to cover in the 18 days of our trip.
We were prepared - and expected - to be warmly treated as American visitors, but we had one unexpected surprise that really warmed our hearts. We happened to be in Tunisia during the Presidential inauguration, and nearly everyone we had contact with wanted to congratulate us on our new President and express their good wishes for his success. They told us that there were many problems throughout the world and that since America is still the undisputed leader of the world, they wished Mr Obama success with the many problems he faced. We have traveled all over the world, and it is not often anymore that we - as Americans - are greeted with such warmth and hope.
In summary, Jerry Sorkin arranged a wonderful trip and we will certainly consider traveling with TunisUSA again.

Howard and Marsha Seltzer
Albuquerque, New Mexico

Regan and David Kendle write...

It was a wonderful surprise meeting you last Thursday and having a very special dinner with you and Nejib at the restaurant in the Medina. The house was beautiful, the food was delicious, and the music was an excellent representation of Tunisian music and at a pitch that accommodated talk.
Thank you again for such a magnificent tour with Nejib. He was the most wonderful person to be with at the ruins, in the museums, and even in conversation at the hotels and restaurants. He structured the tour so well for our desires and even found time to go to several places not on the itinerary. We were delighted to see one of his sites and museum. Both Doris and George (as also we) really liked the
You really do seem to love Tunisia. We can understand why. There is so much to see there and virtually no promotion of the country. Everyone we have spoken with here at home was amazed at what was there. We visited Jordan last year. They have a huge promotion of the country at all times. The hotels were completely full in all cities in October. Everywhere you look and read Petra is being hailed and Jordan is being promoted. Their sites were not as amazing as those in Tunisia. Perhaps you can take up another cause to get more promotion in the magazines and with the travel societies. The country is wonderful and deserves to have more visitors than just beach people from Europe.
Again thank you for such a wonderful tour and for enabling us to meet and spend time with and learn from Nejib. We will never forget him and the time we spent in Tunisia.

Dave and Regan Kendle
Santa Monica, CA

David Krasowski write...

I wanted to write you to tell you how much I enjoyed my visit to Tunisia. Wassim and Riyath were the perfect hosts for our tour. Wassim proved to be an excellent source of information , both on the History of Tunisia and the current culture. What we most appreciated was their easy going attitude and their willingness to make changes on the fly. Our group are all experienced travelers and were glad not to be tied down with the typical tourist approach.
On the whole, I would absolutely recommend Tunisia as a destination and TunisUSA as a tour company. Thank you for making the experience so memorable and thanks again to Wassim and Riyath.

Dave Krasowski
San Francisco, CA

Elizabeth and Joseph Holland write...

Magical were the ancient sites and sounds of Tunisia; Uthia, Utica, Carthage, Dougga, Chimtu, Sbeitla, Bulla Regia, Makthar, El Jem, Thurburbo Majus…transporting us back in time as we walked among the regal capitals, heard the roaring crowds at the theatres, the hawking of merchants in the busy market places, watching the gaming in the carved shallows of the stone steps, straining to hear conversations of centuries past in the dining rooms, the clatter of cooking utensils in the kitchens, the bubbling of water in the aquariums off the dining rooms, peaking at the astonishingly beautiful mosaics in the masters’ quarters, listening to the sublime conversation among the patrons in the baths, the crying of the doomed infants in Carthage.
We were alone to behold the majesty of the sites, escorted by one who understood and respected every corner, every pottery chard, and every crumbling mosaic. A teacher who tirelessly introduced two eager soles to the beauty and horror of the past, the masterful design and careless upkeep, the well promoted and the undiscovered. It was then that our appreciation soared for the ancient treasures of Tunisia.

Joseph & Elizabeth A.V. Holland
San Diego, CA

Cathi and Ed Sweeney write...

We want to thank you both for a wonderful trip. Jerry, your planning and vision laid the groundwork for a thorough exploration of Tunisia’s many unique features. Wassim, your enthusiasm for the mission and your depth of knowledge about Tunisia made our experience particularly rewarding.
First, of course, we found Tunisia remarkable. The people, the scenery, the history, the food all combine to make it a fascinating place to visit. We ended our trip feeling both that we had experienced a rich introduction to the country and that there was far more to learn and see in Tunisia. The olive processing plant in Djerba was an unexpected highlight – thanks Wassim. You were a real champ at making the most of every opportunity that arose to give us a closer look at everyday Tunisia and we enjoyed them all. Ed and the girls appreciated the chicha stops. Cathi found our Tea Topics lectures really interesting, but the smoke was awful. The visit in Matmata was very interesting and the fact that you had known the lady for so many years, Wassim, was also very cool. We loved the quad bike ride in Ksar Gilane. Truly memorable!! The patisserie in Tatouine with the “Cornu du Gazelle” was fun and tasty. Amanda reports her friends in Aix loved the leftovers. Chenini was a great walk. The Berber guide added a lot to the experience and the picnic lunch was fun.

There were too many great moments to enumerate, but the walks stand out.
Thanks again for a great journey and a chance to peek into the unique world of Tunisia.

Ed & Cathi Sweeney
Oakland, CA

Paula and Alfred Stillman write...

Run, don’t walk, to take this trip. Now is the time to visit this wonderful country…Tunisia. It is not yet over run with American tourists and has magnificent sites, fabulous hotels and wonderful food. We suspect that within a few years, it will become touristy and lost some of its charm. The archaeological sites are preserved and often intact.

We are world travelers and the trip to Tunisia was one of the best vacations that we have had. We usually travel independently and have not been on a group tour in many ears. For the trip to Tunisia, we were with a group of ten people. The other members of the group were seasoned travelers and very interesting companions. We bonded immediately.

Because we are Jewish, we had some concerns about traveling in a Muslim country. Our fears were unnecessary. The people in Tunisia were friendly, open and interested in talking to Americans. They were also well versed in American politics. We felt completely safe throughout the entire trip.

Our guide, Nejib, was fabulous. He is a very well respected Tunisian archaeologist and gave us wonderful insights into the archaeological sites. In fact, he had uncovered several of these himself. His knowledge of Tunisia history is very impressive. Our driver, Slah, was also wonderful. The trip was made extra special by having Jerry Sorkin accompany us for part of the trip.

In toto, it was a magnificent experience that we will always remember.

Paula and Alfred Stillman
Bala Cynwyd, PA

Arielle Liberman write...

What a truly once in a lifetime adventure. Tunisia is simply a gem with so much to discover – from quaint villages to ancient ruins to incredible vistas of the sea and the desert.
The tour with TunisUSA brought me to places I never thought I’d see – to places where people live as they have for centuries. Our tour guide, Nejib, couldn’t have been more knowledgeable about the history and culture of Tunisia, and through him, I fell in love with the magnificent country.
One of the most surprising elements of my vacation was how welcoming the Tunisia people were to Americans. They took every chance they could to practice their English and discuss popular American music and television shows! They truly welcomed us with open arms.
I always felt safe in Tunisia, and as a young woman who frequently travels abroad, this was a pleasure! I recommend traveling to Tunisia, and particularly, this tour, to anyone who wants to visit a country without falling into “tourist traps”. And those longing to experience the true, undeveloped culture of this unique country.
Thank you Jerry for organizing the trip of a lifetime!

Arielle Liberman
San Francisco, CA

Larry and Suzy Cohn write...

A superb experience, detailed and painstakingly, thorough.
A must for history buffs, amateur archaeologists and anyone with a thirst for discovery.
Tunisia is an enchanting land and welcomes Americans with unqualified warmth.
Our guide/lecturer, Nejib, enriched our experience 1,000 times. We were fortunate to get to know this gentleman scholar, as he revealed this beautiful country to us.

Larry and Suzy Cohn
Florida

George Herzog write...

Tunisia is a genuine treasure. It was very green and the food and wine excellent, including some nice cappuccinos. The working aqueducts are impressive and the modern toilets at the Roman ruins wonderful for the visitors!

George Herzog
San Diego, CA

Maggie Miller Campopiano write...

Where does one even begin to describe the country and people of Tunisia?
The first thing that comes to mind is their warmth, hospitality, and series of contentment. Throughout our trip whenever I would make eye contact, my smile would be returned with one larger, open and filed with such warmth. People would ask in French (one of their official languages besides Arabic), “Where do you come from?” When told the United States, their response always was “WELCOME” in English. Of course this was also accompanied by the warm and sincere smile. It is so wonderful to be welcomed into a country. I never once felt endangered….just the opposite. Welcomed!
Tunisia is quite diversified not only in its ruins, but topography, as well. During our two week visit, we traversed beaches along the Mediterranean Sea, cork forests in the northwest, the Sahara in the south, not to mention the wonderful ruins including one of the best preserved roman amphitheaters outside of Rome. It is a country filled with wonderful history dating back to 200 B.C., yet so few are even aware of its location in North Africa. It bridges Africa, Europe and in the Middle East, in its history and culture.
TunisUSA is a wonderful organization. I will admit that I don’t tend to travel with a group, as I prefer planning my own itinerary. A guided tour in Tunisia is a must and in my opinion, should only be arranged through Jerry Sorkin with TunisUSA. The group consisted of ten wonderful people, including us. Since our group was so small unlike some of the other tours, we were able to explore so much more. We were fortunate enough to have an archaeologist, Nejib, as our guide. Not only was he extremely knowledgeable, but he possessed the most wonderful sense of humor. His command of the English language and all of our idioms amazed us all. Our group was great and we shared many laughs together.
We were also fortunate to have Jerry himself accompany us, disappearing and then reappearing at various times throughout the trip. He planned so many extras, not even mentioned in our itinerary. One evening we dined at a beautiful Tunisian home. Once again, the people were so hospitable and welcoming. This gave us a glimpse into the real life of a Tunisia, their customs and on a more intimate basis, their ideas on democracy and politics. I found the people highly educated and more informed on our own politics than most Americans. Another evening we were surprised with lunch at a working French farmhouse, where once again, we enjoyed a beautiful lunch in our hosts’ country French kitchen. In my opinion, the best meal of the trip and another opportunity to speak and learn of the Tunisian life and history.
I might like to give credit to Jerry Sorkin. He is truly a kind, caring, warm person who shares a tremendous love for this country and her people. This was more than just a tour. It was truly an experience.
Thank you Jerry, Nejib and Slah, our wonderful bus driver, who kept us safe on our journeys. Thank you to everyone in our group for making this trip such a memorable one for me.

Maggie Miller Campopiano
Medford, NJ

Daniel and Donna Hone write...

We returned from Turkey at the end of last week, and I did promise you a report. First of all, it was basically everything we had hoped for. It included, to my surprise, everything I had mentioned in my original outline, which I had not anticipated to be possible in as short a visit as one week. There was even the small village visit I had requested. I did not anticipate that we could actually spend overnight in such a place. Adatepe was a special experience, surely beyond anything any of our acquaintances have or will have experienced in their visits.

Muge was, as advertised, charming, knowledgeable and helpful. She told us not only of the history and architecture of the various archaeological sites, but also about Turkey more broadly, in terms of education, art, women's issues, etc.

Daniel and Donna Hone
California

The Feinbergs write...

Our trip to Tunisia was a marvelous and informing experience, as we have visited North Africa and Morocco many years ago as solo travelers.Our guide, Moez, was a wonderfully talented and informed guide, as was our driver.
From exploring Tunis and the ancient digs at Dougga, Bizerte, the souks and small towns, complimented by the local people, it was a most bountiful experience.
Visits to Carthage, the Bardo Museum, Sousse, Sfax and Jerba, were a must, given their heritage. Days can be long or as short as we desired, but the living history is its own reward.

J. & S. Feinberg
Boston, MA

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