Roman Tunisia A seven night package concentrating on the northern portion of Tunisia and the legacy of the Roman period.

Itinerary

7 nights

Day 1 - Tunis/Tabarka
Arrival, welcome and assistance at the airport. You depart the Tunis region and drive approximately two hours to the northwest corner of Tunisia, through scenic country roads, eventually arriving at Tabarka, your primary destination for today. One of the most recent areas of the country to be developed, Tabarka was founded in the 5th century, BC, by Phoenicians and known as Thabraca, in ancient times. Mid-afternoon arrival to your hotel, with the remainder of the afternoon at your leisure, followed by an orientation and welcome dinner. Overnight in Tabarka. (D)

Day 2 - Tabarka/Bulla Regia/ Chemtou/Dougga
This morning your excursion will begin with a scenic drive through the cork forests and small mountain range of the Khroumerie region. The architecture in this region, centered around the small village of Ain Draham, is more reminiscent of parts of Switzerland, than anywhere else in Tunisia. It is also the only region of the country that receives snow. You eventually arrive to Bulla Regia,, one of the largest Roman sites in Tunisia. Dating from the fourth century, BC, Bulla Regia has beautifully preserved underground villas, built to provide an escape from the hot summers. From Bulla Regia, you go a short distance to the site of Chemtou, whose marble provided material for some of the future Roman sites. Following Chemtou, you continue driving through the countryside in this rather, undeveloped part of Tunisia, with an early afternoon arrival to Dougga. Known in Roman times as Thugga, Dougga is Tunisia's largest Roman site, covering some sixty acres. Known as the city of temples, its existence is thought to date back to the 4th century B.C. As hotels in this region are few, you will stay overnight in the small hotel near the site. Dinner and overnight in Thugga. (B,L,D)

Day 3 - Dougga/Makthar/Haidra/Kairouan
This morning you will have more time, if necessary, to explore Dougga, before heading off to Makthar. Known in Roman times as Mactaris, the town became a place of refuge for many Punic refugees following the fall of Carthage in 146 BC. The site has a small, but impressive museum housing a collection of neo-Punic stelae. Your touring continues through the country roads, heading towards the Algerian border and the town of Haidra, a scenic spot with both Roman and Byzantine remains. Your drive continues through the Roman heartland, a region of the country often overlooked by the mass tourists who visit Tunisia for its sun and sand, with an afternoon arrival to Kairouan. Kairouan is today, a rather provincial town. The city was founded and subsequently developed during early Islamic times, with Kairouan's Great Mosque, dating from the 7th century, reputed to be the oldest mosque in the Islamic world, making Kairouan the fourth holiest city, following Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem. . Kairouan's location along the caravan routes also provided a base for a flourishing crafts industry. The region still provides the base for much of Tunisia's craft industry, particularly rugs and textiles. You will have the opportunity to explore some of Kairouan today and again, tomorrow. Dinner and overnight in Kairouan. (B,L,D)

Day 4 - Sbeitla/Kairouan
Following breakfast you drive west to Sbeitla. Known by its early Punic name, Sufetula, this impressive site seems to be in the middle of nowhere. During Roman times, olive trees were cultivated in this region and provided a flourishing olive oil export trade to Italy. You will have plenty of time to explore the site. Afternoon return to Kairouan, where you will have more time to explore the town. Dinner and overnight in Kairouan. (B,L,D)

Day 5 - El Jem/Sousse
This morning you drive through this central part of Tunisia to the main site of the day, the Roman coliseum of El Jem. Known in Punic and Roman times as Thysdrus, the approach to El Jem offers a scene of contrasts, due to the setting of the site amidst the barren and simple surroundings of the present day town. The coliseum appears better preserved than the one in Rome and certainly, has seen far less numbers of tourists over the years. You will have plenty of time to walk through the site and learn about its past. There is also a small, but good museum within a short drive. From El Jem, you continue east towards the coast and head north to the city of Sousse. Sousse is Tunisia's third largest city. Following lunch, you will have a walking tour of the Ribat and the old town of Sousse, along with time to explore on your own and shop in the markets, if you choose. Dinner and overnight in Sousse. (B,L,D)

Day 6 - Thuburbo Majus/Tunis
Today's drive turns northeast through the interior. Your first destination is Thuburbo Majus, one of the best preserved sites in Tunisia. Debate continues as to the original settlement of the town, whether Berber or Roman. However, the setting is quite scenic and at the end of the second century, it is said that the town's population may have reached over ten thousand inhabitants. Agriculture was a primary source of income in the region. After having plenty of time to visit Thuburbo Majus, you make a short drive to Jebel Ouest, a small site with remains of Roman baths and then to Zaghouan, site of a Roman acqueduct. From Zaghouan, you continue on to Tunis, with the remainder of the afternoon at your leisure. Your hotel is located in the heart of Tunis, within a short walking distance of the historic part of Tunis and the souks. Dinner and overnight in Tunis. (B,L,D)

Day 7 - Tunis/Carthage
This morning, we depart for the Bardo Museum. Housed in a former palace of the Ottoman Bey, the Bardo houses a world class collection of mosaics, along with many remains found in sites throughout Tunisia. Following the Bardo, you drive to the medina, Tunis's historic heart, where you will have a walking tour of the historic points within the medina. Following lunch, you drive to the suburbs of Tunis and to the most famous site in Tunisia, Carthage. As your previous days' touring has shown, the renown of Carthage exceeds its present remains when compared to some of the better preserved Roman sites of Dougga, Bulla Regia and Sbeitla. However, the setting of Carthage helps underscore the strategic importance of the site to its inhabitants in past centuries. From Carthage, you will take a short drive to the nearby village of Sidi Bou Said. A picturesque town, whose architecture was inspired by its many Andalusian settlers following their expulsion from Spain in the late fifteenth century, Sidi Bou Said provides a pleasant place to stroll and enjoy the winding alleyways and ocean views. Dinner and overnight in Tunis. (B,L,D)

Day 8 - Tunis departure
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight. (B)

Cost

Scheduled 2001 - 2002 Tours:

• July 6-13 - $1,895
• July 20-27 - $1,895
• August 3-10 - $1,895
• August 17-24 - $1,895
• August 31-September 7 - $1,895
• September 14-21 - $1,895
• October 5-12 - $1,795
• November 2-9 - $1,695
• January 4-11 - $1,595
• January 18-25 - $1,595
• February 1-8 - $1,595
• February 15-22 - $1,595
• March 1-8 - $1,595
• March 15-22 - $1,595
• March 29-April 5 - $1,695
• April 12-19 - $1,695
• April 26-May 3 - $1,895
• May 10-17 - $1,795
• May 24-31 - $1,895
• June 7-14 - $1,795
• June 22-29 - $1,895

Additional tours and dates may be announced, Contact Us for updates.

Price includes:

• Double occupancy in deluxe/first class hotels ($295 single supplement applies)
• All touring, entrance fees, baggage handling and all meals as indicated

Prices do not include air.

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