Luxurious oases, dunes and canyons: the mysteries of the Tunisian desert as a couple

Travelling from the oasis of Tozeur to the basket of Nefta, enter the Tunisian desert aboard the train belonging to the Bey of Tunis, known as “Le Lézard Rouge”, and live in harmony with the Berber cultures

8 Days / 7 Nights

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In brief
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A la carte

A week to enjoy the exotic experience of the Tunisian desert: with its forgotten ksars, or castles, the beauty of the Medina of Tozeur and the hundred marabouts, or Muslim religious leaders, in Nefta, the cradle of Sufism and mystic traditions, familiarise yourself with the Berber traditions and cultures, explore the canyons aboard the Lézard Rouge, the train belonging to the Bey of Tunis, have an aperitif on a dune and watch the sun go down over the set of Star Wars, enjoy a dinner in harmony with the luxurious palm groves and sleep under the stars. What a delight!

DAY 1

Private transfer upon arrival at the airport and stay at “Diar Abou Habibi” in Tozeur. The Saharan lodges of “Diar Abou Habibi” are designed in the form of cabins perched among the palm trees and built on stilts in the middle of the palm grove at Tozeur. A complete change of scene!

DAY 2

Depart Tozeur for Nefta and stay 4 nights at “Dar Hi” on an all-inclusive basis. Designed and created by the international designer Matali Crasset, “Dar Hi” is a unique concept hotel which overlooks the palm grove of Nefta and the desert.

DAY 3

Explore the mountain oases at the end of the Atlas mountain range – Chebika, Tamerza et Midès – and enjoy a rustic picnic at one of them (à la carte).

The mountain oases are true havens of coolness in the heart of the arid landscapes of this region. They contain fresh water springs which nurture a specific range of fauna and flora. The sleepy Berber village of Tamerza, the lush bower of Chebika and the canyon of Midès, which was the setting for the film “The English Patient”, will certainly transport you to another world.

DAY 4

On offer is an exploration of the canyons carved by the Selja wadi and its magnificent viewpoints aboard the historic miniature train known as the “Lézard Rouge”. Admire the arid landscapes and let yourself be lulled for an hour and a half by the rolling motion of this ancient train, formerly owned by the Bey of Tunis, which has been completely restored and equipped as a miniature tourist train (à la carte).

DAY 5

At your own pace, discover Nefta, its palm grove, its marabouts and its traditions. Make the most of your hotel, with its spa and heated thermal bath.

In the evening, allow yourself time at sunset to have an aperitif on the famous set of Star Wars, at the very place where George Lucas made the film (à la carte).

DAY 6

Transfer to a camp in the middle of the desert set up specially for the occasion for an authentic evening and overnight stay in the Grand Erg Oriental. A unique atmosphere with all the necessary comforts (à la carte).

DAY 7

Depart for Tozeur and stay at “Dar Saida Beya”, a traditional residence in the heart of the Medina of Tozeur and a short distance from the palm grove.

DAY 8

Private transfer to the airport and return flight.

Budget:

8days/7nights – flights not included.
Transfer for each stage.
Bed and breakfast accommodation at the “Diar Abou Habibi” and on an all-inclusive basis at “Dar Hi”.

The magnificence of the Tunisian desert
Sleeping in a camp in the middle of the desert
Tasting the deglet nour – the date of light
Exploring the mountain oases of Chebika, Tamerza and Midès
Picnicking in a mountain oasis (à la carte)
Drinking mint tea in the palm grove of Nefta at the “Dar Hi” café
Having an aperitif at sunset on the set of Star Wars (à la carte), etc

Picnic in a mountain oasis

In Tamerza or Midès, we can offer you a picnic in the middle of a mountain oasis. The gentle lapping of the spring water, mergoum carpets on the ground and a freshly prepared artisan wicker basket deliciously garnished with seasonal fruits and home-made sandwiches with traditional tabouna bread made from fine semolina baked in a wood-fire oven. The day continues with a guided walk in the Midès canyon and a visit to the mountain oases: magnificent landscapes to explore.

The gorges of Selja by miniature train

Have an aperitif on the set of Star Wars

Who, as a child, didn’t dream of being Luc Skywalker when watching the American blockbuster “Star Wars”? It is here, in Tunisia, at Ong Jmel, that you can visit part of the set of the George Lucas film which was made in 1976. And why not allow yourself time at sunset to have an aperitif on this famous set and go back to your childhood?

Sleeping under canvas in the middle of the desert

Experience the desert in a camp set up specially for the occasion during an authentic evening and overnight stay in the Grand Erg Oriental. A unique atmosphere with all the necessary comforts.