11 Day Highlights of Tunisia

About the destination: Tunis, the bustling capital of Tunisia, is a fascinating blend of North African tradition and Mediterranean charm. Its heart is the old Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where narrow alleys wind between whitewashed houses, ornate mosques, and centuries‑old caravanserais. As you wander through the souks, you’ll find stalls overflowing with colorful ceramics, leather goods, spices, and traditional Djellabas, while the call to prayer echoes above the hum of everyday life. It’s a place where getting “lost” is part of the experience and often leads to hidden courtyards and local cafés. Just a short tram ride away lies the Bardo National Museum, one of the most important museums in the Mediterranean region. Housed in a former Beylic palace, it is renowned for its extraordinary collection of Roman mosaics, many rescued from archaeological sites across Tunisia. The museum offers a captivating journey through Carthaginian, Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic eras, allowing visitors to understand how Tunis has long been at the crossroads of civilizations. No trip to Tunis is complete without exploring the ruins of ancient Carthage and the cliff‑top village of Sidi Bou Saïd, both easily reachable on the suburban TGM train. Carthage’s scattered remains—amphitheaters, baths, villas, and harbors—hint at the grandeur of a powerful empire that once rivaled Rome. Nearby, Sidi Bou Saïd charms with its iconic blue‑and‑white houses, bougainvillea‑covered lanes, and panoramic views over the Gulf of Tunis. It’s an ideal place to linger over mint tea with pine nuts as the sun sets over the sea. When it comes to practicalities, Tunis is relatively compact and easy to explore, with a mix of modern neighborhoods and historic quarters. The Ville Nouvelle, built during the French colonial period, offers wide boulevards, cafés, and shops, while the Lac district features contemporary hotels and a lively dining scene. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most pleasant times to visit, with mild temperatures perfect for sightseeing. With its layered history, vibrant street life, and access to both ancient sites and seaside charm, Tunis is an ideal introduction to Tunisia and the wider Maghreb.

About the destination: Dougga or Thugga or TBGG was a Berber, Punic and Roman settlement near present-day Téboursouk in northern Tunisia. The current archaeological site covers 65 hectares (160 acres). UNESCO qualified Dougga as a World Heritage Site in 1997, believing that it represents "the best-preserved Roman small town in North Africa". The site, which lies in the middle of the countryside, has been protected from the encroachment of modern urbanization, in contrast, for example, to Carthage, which has been pillaged and rebuilt on numerous occasions. Dougga's size, its well-preserved monuments and its rich Numidian-Berber, Punic, ancient Roman and Byzantine history make it exceptional. Amongst the most famous monuments at the site are a Libyco-Punic Mausoleum, the Capitol, the Roman theatre, and the temples of Saturn and of Juno Caelestis. Dougga's history is best known from the time of the Roman conquest, even though numerous pre-Roman monuments, including a necropolis, a mausoleum, and several temples have been discovered during archaeological digs. These monuments are an indication of the site's importance before the arrival of the Romans.

About the destination: Zaghouan (or Zaghwan; Arabic: زغوان Zaġwān ; Berber languages: ⵣⴻⵖⵡⴰⵏ / Zeɣwan) is a town in the northern half of Tunisia. Situated on a low ridge of the Dorsale Mountains, the town has a mild climate and presents a green aspect. Cold water from here was taken by the Zaghouan Aqueduct to Carthage. The town is famous for its roses, originally cultivated by Muslim. Being a small city without a large selection of hotels, most guidebooks don’t give it much space. Zaghouan’s beautiful nature, profound sense of history, and unique blend of cultures.

About the destination: Matmata is a city in the Governorate of Gabes, about 35 km southwest of its capital Gabes. The city was largely destroyed in the 1969 floods and partially rebuilt in the New Matmata, located 15 km to the north.