Palace and antique treasures: of Tunis in Carthage

A 7-day itinerary to familiarise yourself with the mysteries of the Medina of Tunis, explore ancient Carthage and be enchanted by the village of Sidi Bou Saïd.

7 Days / 6 Nights

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A la carte

In the company of expert guides, take a journey from the Arab Medina of Tunis, with its winding streets, colourful souks, 17th century palaces and top culinary establishments, to the archaeological site and museum of Carthage. In the evening, relax in “Dars” chosen specially for you: a very trendy palace in the heart of the Medina, a residence beside the sea or an elegant farm for exploring the Tunisian countryside.

DAY 1

Private transfer upon arrival at the airport and stay 2 nights in the Medina of Tunis in the guest house “Rock the Kasbah”. Your “Dar” is a palace which has been entirely refurbished and decorated by a designer who loves Tunisia and its crafts. The styles, eras and textures sit happily side-by-side along with some charming nods to rock ‘n roll!

DAY 2

In the company of an urban architect and enthusiastic author, you will explore the capital: the secret establishments in the Medina and also modern Tunis and its Art Nouveau. The Medina has the ability to transport you to a unique world that stimulates all your senses. Enter the doors of 17th century palaces, roam the narrow, winding streets, discover the Tunis of days gone by and 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 (à la carte).

DAY 3

Depart for the smart northern suburb of Tunis and stay at “Dar Marsa Cube”, a high-end residence created beside the sea by the celebrated Franco-Tunisian architect Olivier-Clément Cacoub. “Dar Marsa Cube” is ideally situated in the La Marsa Cubes district a few minutes from the village of Sidi Bou Saïd, the site of Carthage and the cosmopolitan district of La Marsa. The residence is also a 2-minute walk to the beach.

DAY 4

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 the hill of Byrsa, you can really travel back in time! (à la carte)

DAY 5

Depart towards Bizerte for El Alia and stay 2 nights 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). Your host is a Belgian painter and musician who fell in love with Tunisia several years ago. He and his family will welcome you in the heart of an estate of more than a hectare planted with fruit trees.

DAY 6

Explore the Tunisian countryside at your own pace or relax by the pool at the “Henchir Dheb”. Option of a day excursion and à la carte hike with picnic at Raf-Raf; visit to Bizerte, the little Venice of North Africa; the national park of Ichkeul, a UNESCO World Heritage site; the enclave of Ghar el Melh.

DAY 7

Private transfer to the airport and return flight.

Budget:

7days/6nights – flights not included
Private transfer by Land Rover with chauffeur.
Bed and breakfast accommodation in guest houses.

Our charming accommodation combining history and modernity
Being enchanted by the colourful atmosphere of the Medina of Tunis
Exploring the Phoenician and Roman trading forum of Bizerte.

Visit to the archaeological site of Carthage

Walk and seafood picnic

A short nature walk along the crest of the Tunisian shoreline towards the fishing village of Raf-Raf where a lunch of grilled wild fish awaits you. Bathe or relax with your family on one of the most beautiful beaches in Tunisia.

National park of Ichkeul

In winter and spring the national park of Ichkeul, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a paradise for nature-lovers and particularly birdwatchers. Each year, this reserve, which is one of the most important in North Africa, is home to nearly 180 species of birds which can be seen on the site and in the site’s ecomuseum. Depending on the season, greylag geese, wild ducks, storks and pink flamingos can be seen, and also water buffalo, otters, foxes, wild boar and turtles.

Bizerte and 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 is inland and is where sediment from the river Medjerda is deposited which has caused the city to become isolated. Thanks to the Punic necropolis, the Roman villas and also 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. Your journey continues to the little Venice of North Africa, Bizerte, its old port and its medina.

Explore the Medina of Tunis and the Art Nouveau of the capital

Lunch meeting with a Tunisian personality

As the initiator of the “Arab spring”, Tunisia was the impetus for the revolutions in the region. The country has always differentiated itself through its openness and its aspiration for democracy. In this exceptional politico-historical context, we can organise for you a lunch or dinner with Tunisians who are at the heart of the current changes: artists, intellectuals, campaigners, business leaders or mere employees who also happen to be players in civil society. You will have an amazing opportunity to exchange views with them and gain a better understanding of the challenges facing Tunisian society, away from the clichés and closer to the facts. This meeting will also allow you to find out more about the traditions, the cuisine and the local culture.