Off the beaten track, from Carthage to Tataouine, age-old history and authentic cultures, all of Tunisia just for the two of you!

From the Medina of Tunis to the ksars, or castles, of Tataouine, a 15-day itinerary to retrace the history of Tunisia, lose yourself in the blue waters of the Mediterranean, admire the unspoilt nature and meditate in the desert under the starry skies.

Architecture, archaeology, crafts, gastronomy and a range of human encounters await you on this exotic trip. The towns of Bizerte, Kairouan, El Kef, Tozeur and Nefta reveal their mysteries, and you will end up abandoning yourself to the sweetness of Djerba. Right across this small country, from mountains to Mediterranean, and the desert with its magical dunes, the palm groves, the mountain oases and the Berber cultures, you will stay in amazing guest houses and charming, ultra sophisticated hotels and traverse the canyons like lords aboard the ” Lézard Rouge ” train.

DAY 1

Private transfer upon arrival at the airport and stay 2 nights in the Medina of Tunis in a historic 17th century residence, “Dar Ben Gacem”.

DAY 2

After half a day exploring Tunis, you will follow our enthusiastic historian, author and urban architect to explore the secret establishments in the Medina and also the Art Nouveau Tunis. Enter the 17th century palace doors, roam the narrow, winding streets and discover the Tunis of days gone by. You can also take the pulse of the modern Tunis in the Central Market, a series of covered halls where all the locals come together to do their shopping amid the joyful shouts of the greengrocers, butchers, fishmongers, cheesemongers, and other traders.

DAY 3

Depart the Medina of Tunis in the direction of Bizerte for El Alia and stay in the heart of the countryside in the guest house “Henchir Dheb” (The Golden Farm). On the journey, enjoy the landscapes of the Tunisian countryside and visit the archaeological site of Utique (à la carte).

DAY 4

Depart El Alia for Sidi Bou Saïd and stay 2 nights at the charming hotel “La Villa Bleue”.

Dinner with a view of the Mediterranean horizon in the gastronomic restaurant (2 Michelin stars) at “La Villa Bleue”, whose menu draws its inspiration from the cuisine of French chef Jean-François Issautier (à la carte).

DAY 5

Explore the archaeological site of Carthage in the company of an academic who has a passion for ancient history. In Carthage, where time seems to stand still on Byrsa Hill, you can really travel back in time!

DAY 6

Depart Sidi Bou Saïd for the town of El Kef in the north-east and stay at “Dar Chennoufi”. A family farm converted into a charming residence situated in the kingdom of Jughurta, “Dar Chennoufi” welcomes its guests in a friendly and authentic atmosphere in the middle of a six-hectare olive grove.

With our historian guide, you will visit the Medina of El Kef, one of the most secret and authentic in the country. As a crossroads of civilisations, it will amaze you with its authenticity and its gentle way of life. Standing side-by-side are the monuments that are heirs to the peoples who have created the town throughout history: mosques, synagogue, zaouïas (Islamic religious schools), Christian basilica, Roman baths, 17th century fortress built on top of the ancient fortress, etc.

DAY 7

Depart El Kef for the holy city of Kairouan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and stay at the hotel “La Kasbah”. This hotel, situated in the heart of Kairouan and only a few steps from the historic El Okba mosque, is based on the Arab-Muslim architecture of the town. The hotel, which was constructed very recently, incorporates certain ancient wings which have been restored, such as the exceptionally beautiful Moorish café.

DAY 8

Depart for Tozeur and stay 3 nights at “Dar Hi”. 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 9

Explore the mountain oases at the end of the Atlas mountain range – Chebika, Tamerza et Midès – and enjoy 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 10

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” (à la carte). 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.

DAY 11

Depart for the region of Matmata, known for its troglodyte dwellings. On the way, admire the desert landscapes of the Chott el Jerid salt plain, and visit the towns of Douz and Chenini and the hill-top Berber village of Tamezret and its museum of Berber arts and traditions, whose curator will be your host.

Stay a single night in a troglodyte guest house called “Trait d’Union”.

DAY 12

Depart for Tataouine, a town in the middle of nowhere famous for having once been home to a French penal colony, and stay at the Hotel Sangho.

On the way, the landscape becomes more undulating. Explore the hillside Berber villages of Toujane and Douiret; in Tataouine, visit the Memory of the Earth Museum, dedicated to the dinosaurs that populated this area 140 million years ago.

DAY 13

Depart for the island of Djerba and stay 2 nights at “Dar Bibine”. Your accommodation is a magnificently renovated house combining traditional Djerban architecture and sleek design.

Dinner: the flavours of “Dar Bibine” (à la carte).

DAY 14

A day filled with art, accompanied by the painter Zied (à la carte). Immerse yourself in a world of watercolours and sketches and let your imagination run free. Explore the charming village of Erriadh which is home to the Ghriba, the oldest synagogue in Africa, and visit Djerbahood, its open-air museum of urban art. There are around a hundred paintings by international artists depicting the architecture of Erriadh.

Evidence of the coexistence of the communities on the island of Djerba, the Ghriba attracts thousands of pilgrims each year in May. This is an opportunity for the Jews on the island, who represent one of the last communities living in the Arab world, to attend numerous joyful celebrations.

DAY 15

Private transfer to the airport and return flight.

Budget:

15days/14nights – flights not included
Transfer for each stage by Land Rover with chauffeur.
Bed and breakfast accommodation in guest houses and hotels, apart from “Dar Hi” which is all-inclusive.
Visits to the archaeological site of Carthage and the Medina of El Kef.

Exploring the region of El Kef which few tourists visit
visiting the Medina of Tunis
picnicking in the mountain oases at the end of the Atlas mountain range
the magnificence of the Tunisian desert
tasting the deglet nour – the date of light
sleeping in a troglodyte dwelling
discovering the diversity of Tunisian cuisine, and much more.

Archaeological site of Utique

Founded by the Phoenicians in the 12th century BC, Utique is one of the oldest towns in the Western Mediterranean. It’s hard to imagine that the city, an essential forum for Mediterranean trade, was once beside the Mediterranean sea. Today, Utique lies inland and is where sediment from the river Medjerda is deposited, which has caused the city to become isolated. With its the Punic necropolis, Roman villas and the jewels, amphorae, headstones and sarcophagi on display at the museum, you will be able to acquaint yourself with the richness of this ancient city.

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

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.

Dinner: the flavours of “Dar Bibine”

Tunisian cookery contains the blend of peoples that constitute its history: from Berber semolina to Jewish tagines, Andalusian pastries delicately flavoured with flower water and subtly spiced Spanish stews. We invite you to discover this reinvented and refined cuisine at a meal at “Dar Bibine”.

Romantic gastronomic dinner with a view of the Mediterranean horizon

Travel journal in Erriadh

A day filled with art, accompanied by the painter, Zied. Immerse yourself in a world of watercolours and sketches and let your imagination run free. Explore the charming village of Erriadh which is home to the Ghriba, the oldest synagogue in Africa, and visit Djerbahood, its open-air museum of urban art. There are around a hundred paintings by international artists depicting the architecture of Erriadh.

Evidence of the coexistence of the communities on the island of Djerba, the Ghriba attracts thousands of pilgrims in May each year. This is an opportunity for the Jews on the island, who represent one of the last communities living in the Arab world, to attend numerous joyful celebrations.