Ksours, Deserts and Oases

Itinerary

9 Days

Day 1 - Arrival in Tunisia and the island of Jerba Saturday

Arrival in Tunis. Late afternoon flight to the island of Jerba. Welcome dinner and orientation with your guide. Overnight in Jerba. (D)

Day 2 - Jerba

Today your exploration of Jerba begins with an island tour. Jerba (sometimes spelled: Djerba)was a port of call to the Phoenicians and a port where Ulysses and his men were detained on their return from Troy. Jerba's island location has always provided its people a simple and peaceful lifestyle, which continues today. Jerba is also the home of one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world. You will visit the Ghriba synagogue and get a glimpse of this ancient community. You can go on a walking tour of this charming and rather compact town. You then can choose to explore on your own for as long as you choose, or, explore with the assistance of your guide. He is there to allow you as much guide service or freedom as you choose. In Houmt Souk, there is also an old Spanish fortress, as well as a small museum of local crafts and costumes. Within Houmt Souk there are numerous places within walking distance that can be nice options for lunch. Your guide will be happy to allow you as much time as you choose. Dinner and overnight in Jerba. (B,L,D)

Day 3 - Jerba/Matamta region/Tatouine

Your morning starts off with an early visit to Houmt Souk to see "market day", which takes place on Mondays and Thursdays in Houmt Souk. From Houmt Souk, you leave the island of Jerba and head to the region of Matmata. This region's crater like topography is dotted with troglodyte dwellings. Its exotic settings provided one of the film locations for the movie, Star Wars. You will have an opportunity to explore some of these dwellings and the region, as well as have lunch in a troglodyte restaurant. From Matmata, you proceed through backroads and mountain passes, going through timelss villages such as Toujane, Metameur, Ksar Haddada and eventually arriving in Tatouine. Your hotel is set amidst the stones of the surrounding, somewhat barren environment. Dinner and overnight in Tatouine. (B,L,D)

Day 4 - The ksour region

This morning is "market day" in Tatouine. After having an opportunity to see the local market, you will explore more of the ksour region. Among the ksour villages you will visit are Doiret and Chenini. Chenini is particularly interesting. Perched up on a hill, the villagers continue to live with the difficulties their remote hilltop village imposes. The remote setting of the village also contributes to the fact that Chenini remains one of the oldest, as well as the largest Berber speaking village in Tunisia. From this region, you continue on to Ksar Ghilane, a desert encampment deep in the desert. Your mid-afternoon arrival allows you time to relax or if you choose, you may take an optional excursion by camel. Dinner and overnight in this unique setting of Ksar Ghilane. (B,L,D)

Day 5 - The desert

This morning you have some leisure time to enjoy the desert and the setting of Ksar Ghilane. Early afternoon departure via desert tracks with a late afternoon arrival in Douz. Overnight in Douz. (B,L, D)

Day 6 - The desert and oasis regions

This morning is "market day" in Douz, said by many to be the most colorful market day in Tunisia. The morning brings visitors from various areas of the south, trading a variety of wares. From Douz, y ou travel west across Tunisia's salt lake, the Chott el Jerid and then on to Nefta. Explore Nefta, one of the two oasis towns of the southwest, before continuing on to Tozeur, your base of the next two nights. Upon arrival in Tozeur, you will have an orientation of the town and the oasis, as well as the opportunity to visit the Dar Cherait Museum. Overnight in Tozeur. (B,L,D)

Day 7 - The oasis regions/Tozeur

Explore the mountain oasis villages of Chebika and Tamerza, with their exotic contrasts of barren hills juxtaposed with waterfalls and palm groves. Late morning return to Tozeur, where you will have the rest of the day free to enjoy Tozeur's oasis, explore the old town, or enjoy the amenities of your hotel. Overnight in Tozeur. (B, D)

Day 8 - The southwest/Sbeitla/Tunis

Morning departure from Tozeur to Matloui, for a ride through the canyons aboard a 19th century train (providing the train is operating…) and the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful landscapes of the gorges. Continue eastward via Gafsa, with an afternoon arrival in Sbeitla, one of the oldest sites in Tunisia and one with the most early Christian remains. Following your visit to Sbeitla, you continue on to Tunis, arriving early evening. Your farewell dinner will be in a nice setting in Tunis. Overnight in Tunis. (B,L,D)

Day 9 - Tunis departure

Morning transfer to the airport for your return flight. (B)

COST: $2,195

includes:

• Price is based on double occupancy in deluxe/first class hotels. ($395. single supplement applies).
  
• All touring, entrance fees, baggage handling and all meals as indicated.
  
• Round-trip air from the US is not included. Air fare is additional. TunisUSA will be happy to assist in these arrangements.
  

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