Tunisia In Style

Itinerary

• Tunisia

  Tunisia is a country situated on the Mediterranean coast of North Africa, Midway between the Atlantic Ocean and Nile Valley. The culture of Tunisia is mixed due to their long established history of conquerors such as Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Arabs, Turks, Spaniards, and the French who all left their mark on the country. Tunisia offers 800 miles of sandy Mediterranean beaches, modern hotels and resorts, the unique Thalassotherapy & spa centres, impressive Punic and Roman Carthaginian archeaological sites, medieval walled medinas (markets), and the dramatic views of the Sahara desert.

• Douz

  Douz is known as the "gateway to the Sahara". In ancient times it was an important stop on the trans-Saharan caravan routes. Today, its main attractions are the desert treks by camel, motorcycle, or four-wheel-drive vehicle.

• El Kef

  El Kef is a city in northwestern Tunisia. It is the capital of the Kef Governorate. Its name at the time of the Roman Empire was Sicca Veneria. The old town is built on the cliff face of the table-top Jebel Dyr mountain. El Kef was the provisional capital of Tunisia during World War II. It was the command centre of the FLN (Front de Libération Nationale) during the Algerian War of Independence against the French in the 1950s.

• Kairouan

  A Muslim holy city which ranks after Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem as a place of pilgrimage, and a UNESCO world heritage sight. Located about 160 km south of Tunis, lies "the city of 50 mosques", the spiritual home of Tunisians, serene with its 13 centuries of Islamic culture, authentic beauty of its mosques, columns and arches. Famous for the exquisite stone work, the city has inspired artists and poets, who admired the medina, with its imposing walls encloses lovely mosques, an ancient well and the Souk, the lively market. The city is well known for the hundreds of shops where Kairouan carpets of pure wool can be found, as well as handicrafts of artisans in copper and leather.

• Ksar Ghilane

  Ksar Ghilane is an oasis Southern Tunisia located on the eastern boundary of Grand Erg Oriental. It is considered the most southern Tunisian oases and one of the doors desert of Sahara Tunisia. As its name implies (Ksar is a word Arabic which means "castle"), it houses an ancient fort dating from the Roman located on the Limes following the edge of the desert. The oasis is fed by a source hot water in which to bathe and have virtues thermal. Ksar Ghilane has long been inaccessible: it is now connected by a paved road Douz (80 km north) or Matmata that can take off-road vehicles or private cars or rental.

• Sfax

  Located 270 km southeast of Tunis. The city, founded in AD 849 on the ruins of Taparura and Thaenae, is the capital of the Sfax governorate, and a Mediterranean port on the Gulf of Gabes.

• Sousse

  Sousse is located 140 km south of Tunis. It is in the central-east of the country, on the Gulf of Hammamet, which is a part of the Mediterranean Sea. These days, Sousse, with a population of more than 540,000, retains a medieval heart of narrow, twisted streets, a kasbah and medina, its ribat fortress and long wall on the Mediterranean. Surrounding it is a modern city of long, straight roads and more widely spaced buildings.

• Tataouine

  Tataouine is a city located in southern Tunisia and is the capital of the Tataouine Governorate. The district is famous for its ksour (fortified Berber granaries) including the picturesque Ksar Ouled Soltane, Chenini and Douiret. These abandoned settlements feature beautiful vaulted adobe buildings, or ghorfas. Tataouine's name became famous when George Lucas, who filmed the original Star Wars film in various locations of Tunisia (for example, the Lars Homestead, filmed at the Hotel Sidi Driss in Matmata), named Luke Skywalker's fictional home planet Tatooine. Tataouine appeared in the end of the movie The X-Files as Foum Tataouine, where an extraterrestrial viral experiment facility was held.

• Tozeur

  Famous for its hundreds of thousands of palm trees, Tozeur is a large oasis located in south west Tunisia. In ancient times, Tozeur was one of the Roman outposts and where caravans took a stopover coming from the sub Sahara to trade with the coastal cities of the Mediterranean. It now owes its fame and affluence to the stately palm and its world renowned dates - "fingers of light". The groves of over 200,000 palms are watered by hundreds of natural springs and the Belvedere park offers a panoramic view. Tozeur is an atmospheric starting point for tours exploring the Sahara desert, with its oases, 14th century medina and botanical gardens.

• Tunis

  The capital of Tunisia is situated on a large Mediterranean gulf, (the Gulf of Tunis), behind the Lake of Tunis. At the center of more modern development lies the old medina, and beyond it lies the well known ancient sight of Carthage. Tunis is where medieval walled citadel, Islamic and Renaissance architecture merge with modern commercial life.

• • Tunis
  • Sheraton Tunis

  Day 1: Tunis

  A private vehicle with driver will provide a transfer to the airport.

  Accommodation: Sheraton Tunis Hotel & Towers

  Ideally located in the central business and diplomatic district, the Sheraton Tunis Hotel & Towers overlooks the entire city of Tunis. Inside, the knowledgeable concierge service will put guests at ease, making restaurant reservations or recommending local attractions.  All of the 285 guest rooms feature balconies with city views. The Towers rooms include evening cocktail service and hors d'oeuvres in the private Towers Lounge.  Keep in touch with the full-service business center, providing 24-hour Internet and e-mail access through WIFI. The hotel also offers thoughtful services like complimentary parking and a car-rental desk right on the premises. Re-energize at the state-of-the-art SPA and fitness center, take a plunge in the outdoor swimming pool, or utilize the indoor whirlpool with aqua gym. SPA services include everything from balneotherapy, hydrotherapy to massages and beauty treatments.

• • Saint Louis Cathedral

  Day 2: Tunis

  Private Guide & Driver.

  Enjoy this day of touring beginning with a visit to the National Museum of Bardo. This museum holds an extensive collection of ancient Roman mosaic, considered one of the largest, complete collections in the world. Next, visit the Medina of Tunis, exploring the narrow souk lined streets before heading to lunch.  Next, head out to visit the ancient city of Carthage.  Explore the ruins which surround this once prosperous Roman city including stops at the Tophet, the Phoenician cemetery, the Punic Harbours, Antonin's Bath, the Carthage Museum and the Saint Louis Cathedral. Continue from here to the village of Sidi Bou Said, boasting spectacular breathtaking views of the Gulf of Tunis.

  Accommodation: Sheraton Tunis Hotel & Towers
• • El Kef
  • Leklil Hotel

  Day 3: Tunis - El Kef

  Private Guide & Driver.

  Depart from Tunis and travel to one of the best preserved Roman historical sites in all of Tunisia, Dougga. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, Dougga is an outstanding example of ancient Roman architecture, with numerous well preserved columns and structures spread across this 65 hectare site. Next, head out to explore the archaeological site of Bulla Regia, known for its semi-subterranean housing, and outstanding collection of Roman mosaics.  Upon completion of the tour a transfer to El Kef is provided.

  Accommodation: Leklil Hotel

  Leklil Hotel is a 3-star property in the town of El Kef

• • Kairouan
  • La Kasbah, Kairouan

  Day 4: El Kef - Tunis - Kairouan

  Private Guide & Driver.

  Enjoy breakfast, bright and early in the morning before departing toward the city of Makthar. Formerly known as Mactaris during the reign of the Roman Empire, this ancient location is littered with ruins of Roman architecture. Explore the many arches, amphitheatres and temples of this once occupied city, before traveling to the holy city of Kairouan.

  Set out to Kairouan for a walk through this holy Islamic city, founded in 671 by Okba Ibn Nafâa. It centralized location, proved beneficiary in adding to its renowned reputation for unique, elegant carpet manufacturing, which feature across a wide range of mosques. Visit the impressive Mosque Sidi Okba, founded in the 7th century; this marvel reflects the greatness of the Islam Empire during this era. Visit the Aghlabiden pool, the city's main water reservoir, followed by a stop at Saint Abou Zemaa El Balaoui, also known as the "prophet Berber".  Explore the old town (Medina) and enjoy walking through its characteristic markets (the souks).

  Accommodation: La Kasbah

  La Kasbah is seated in Kairouan, the focal point for many Muslim pilgrims traveling from around the world. With a simple, Arab-influenced layout and design, the hotel is host to 94 rooms, 2 junior suites, and a presidential suite. Each promises all the amenities of home as well as international phones. Rakada, the hotel restaurant, promises a menu with all sorts of dishes from around the world. Dine a la carte at Sofra. Pass the time lounging by the pool or sipping Turkish coffee at the cafe.

• • Tozeur
  • Dar Cherait Exterior

  Day 5: Hammamet - Kairouan - Tozeur

  Private Guide & Driver.

  A private vehicle with driver will provide a transfer to Sbeitla for some exploration around the ruins of this once flourishing, Roman city.  Similar to the monuments at Dougga, Sbeitla is renowned as one of the best preserved Roman, archaeological sites in all of Tunisia.  The history of this once bustling city is unknown, but the presence of such megalithic structures led researcher and historians to believe this area was quite undeveloped until the Roman occupation.  Next, travel to Tozeur, home to one of the most famous oasis in the world, surrounded by 200 springs, and sheltered by an estimated 400000 palm trees.  Upon arrival, visit the Dar Cherait Museum, providing a lively presentation of both the luxurious oriental art of the region and some brief insight into the daily lives of an average middle-class Tunisian family. The exhibition hosts treasures from the Tunisian culture and foreign influences, with emphasis on traditional Tunisian handicrafts. Upon completion of the tour a transfer to Tozeur is provided.

  Accommodation: Dar Cherait

  Get into the wonderful world of the Dar Cherait Hotel, a legendary palace situated in the heart of the Tozer palm forest that has so enchantingly grown from the desert. The beauty and refinement of this palace discreetly fits this unforgettable paradise.

• • Douz
  • El Mouradi, Douz

  Day 6: Douz - Tozeur

  Private Guide & Driver.

  After breakfast, a private vehicle with driver will provide the travel means required for touring through the Sahara canyons and oases.  Begin with a visit to the old mountain perched town of Chebika which hosts a natural spring that supplies water to the oasis.  Next, travel to Tamerza, a once lively town but was abandoned after severe flooding in 1969.  Take a chance to admire the local waterfall before visiting the canyons of Mides, located near the Algerian border.  Upon completion of the days touring a return transfer to Tozeur is provided.

  Accommodation: El Mouradi

  Not far from the Sahara desert is this splendid example of Moorish architecture and decor, El Mouradi. With luxuriously high sand dunes and vast spaciousness, guests are accommodated in double rooms, junior suites, and a presidential suite. Pools and gardens grace the views from each room. One may choose from an array of specialties at hotel restaurant, El Becha, where a buffet is arranged with sumptuous plates of Mediterranean favorites. Later, sip on a drink at any of the two salon bars or at the Moorish cafe. For the athletic sort, there are two tennis courts. Others prefer the rush of hot air ballooning and horse riding.

• • Ksar Ghilane
  • View from the Sky

  Day 7: Douz - Ksar Ghilane

  Private Guide & Driver.

  Early in the morning, after breakfast, depart towards Ksar Ghilane Oasis.  The warm water spring provides an excellent water temperature, perfect for a soothing bath.  After checking into camp, where a lunch will be provided it off across the dunes to visit the Ksar Ouled Soltane, an ancient Roman fort, seemingly abandoned as if to have been drowned by the sand of the dunes.

  Accommodation: Pansea Ksar Ghilane Tented Camp

  A shimmering mirage awaits you in the Tunisian Sahara - nestled at its own oasis in the midst of the desert, offering its charm and shade, its spring and the whispering waters of its seguias: Pansea welcomes you to this hospitable land of colours and contrasts, spices and scents.

• • Tataouine
  • Hotel Sangho

  Day 8: Tataouine - Ksar Ghilane

  Private Guide & Driver.

  After an early breakfast, depart towards Tataouine for some touring.  Upon your arrival into Tataouine, visit the old hilltop Berber village Chenini, one of the remaining Tunisian villages where the Berber dialect is still spoken.  After checking into the hotel, and lunch, hit the road to visit the various surrounding area Ksar, which were ancient Berber granaries used to stockpile crops.

  Accommodation: Sangho Tataouine

  The Sangho Tataouine is a haven for adventurers touring the fortified granaries of the Ksour. The four-star Sangho Tataouine is an architectural gem. A complex of 62 stone bungalows of the local rough red brown stone follow the contours of the hill side on which they are built. The lush gardens along the winding stone paths attract rare desert birds. There is a side courtyard with a fireplace and traditional goat hair tent for evenings under the piercing stars which penetrate the black desert sky.

• • Sfax
  • Oliviers Palace, Sfax

  Day 9: Tataouine - Sfax

  Private Guide & Driver.

  Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

  Accommodation: Golden Yasmine Olivier Palace

  Freshly renovated, Les Oliviers Palace in Sfax, Tunisia, is a sleek choice of accommodations for visitors to North Africa. Each of the 137 rooms promise carefully chosen themes as decided by international designers. Some rooms feature kitchenettes, while all have heating and air conditioning that guest can personalize. Dine at any of the two restaurants on site, which serve a variety of European and local cuisine. Its downtown location gives guest the perfect opportunity to experience the sights, sounds, and cultures of this marvellous Tunisian city and it surroundings.

• • Sousse
  • El Mouradi Palace Exterior

  Day 10: Sfax - Sousse

  Private Guide & Driver.

  Hit the road for El Jem, a once thriving Roman agricultural region, boasting its grandiose Colosseum, second only in size to that of Rome, attests to the area's great wealth during the Roman reign. The sight of this amphitheatre rising in the distance like a Colossus is both wondrous and slightly strange as the present surroundings give no hint of its former importance. It was the scene of games and circuses during the ancient Roman times, with a capacity of holding 35000 viewers.  Hit the road to visit Mahdia, the first capital of Fatimid dynasty, situated on a rocky peninsula, 1500m in length and less than 500m in width.  Next, continue to Monastir, a modern resort and harbour town, located along the Dkhila coast. Visit the area Ribat or fortress, this defensive structure was built along the southern coast of the Mediterranean, forming a defensive wall stretching as far as Morocco and Egypt.  These walls were aimed at protecting the Muslim empire from sea invasions. Next, visit the Bourguiba’s Mausoleum before continuing to Sousse. With such a mild climate, calm and beautiful coastline it is no wonder why Sousse has long captivated audiences as ancient as the Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines and Arabs, who later all settled in this lovely town.

  Accommodation: El Mouradi Palace

  El Mouradi Palace is an Arabian style hotel which offers high standard accommodation and leisure facilities.

• • Ancient Roman Aqueduct in Ruins
  • Dar elMedina

  Day 11: Sousse - Tunis

  Private Guide & Driver.

  After breakfast, the tour begins with a visit to Zaghouan. This quaint town is famed for its roses, which were originally cultivated by Muslim refugees whom departed Spain in the 17th century.  Zaghouan is also known as the source location of water used to feed the city of Carthage, via aqueduct, during Roman times. Next, depart to Tuburbo Majus, or Colonia Julia Aurelia Commoda, as it was referred to during the Roman era, which was originally a Punic town converted into a Roman veteran's colony. Continue to Tunis, stopping along the way to take photos of some ancient Roman aqueducts.

  Accommodation: Dar El Medina

  This 12 room hotel is a converted traditional house located right in the Tunis Medina. It features whitewashed and tiled surroundings, with latticed windows. The many-levelled mansion is a surprise after the narrow street, with inner courtyards providing light, space and shade.

• Day 12: Tunis

  A private vehicle with driver will provide a transfer to the airport.

  Depart from Tunis International Airport - End

Accommodation

• Culinary Moments

  Tunisia is the easternmost and smallest of the African nations situated along the Atlas mountain range, bordering Algeria, to the west, and Libya to the south east. Forty-five percent of the country is composed of the Sahara Desert. It is thought that the name Tunis originated from Berber, meaning either a geographical promontory, or, "to spend the night."

• Fun Facts

  The Roman theatre of Carthage is an imposing construction that could contain more than 10.000 spectators. It was built in the mid second century, against the hillside but not leaning on it. Indeed, the tiers of seats are supported by a complex system of vaults, protecting the building from the effect of earth movement. Destroyed during the Vth century by the Vandals, it was excavated at the end of the XIXth century, was partially restored and used for theatre performances or musical galas. Since the 60’s, it has undergone further restoration in order to host the major Carthage international festival, during the summer, where the greatest singers, theatre troupes as well as national and international folk groups perform.

• Culinary Delights

  Have a stop to savour a typical mint tea with pinenuts at Cafe des Nattes. Also called Cafe des Delices, it is the most famous cafe of Sidi Bou Saïd. Located a small stairway up from the main square (Place Sidi Bou Saïd), it allows you to see the comings and goings on the cobbled thoroughfare that is Sidi Bou Saïd's main tourist street. Inside, amid the Moorish decor, there are old photographs of some of the famous people who have been at the cafe over the years, such as André Gide, Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre.

• • Sheraton Tunis
  • Sheraton Room

  Sheraton Tunis Hotel & Towers

  Ideally located in the central business and diplomatic district, the Sheraton Tunis Hotel & Towers overlooks the entire city of Tunis. Inside, the knowledgeable concierge service will put guests at ease, making restaurant reservations or recommending local attractions.  All of the 285 guest rooms feature balconies with city views. The Towers rooms include evening cocktail service and hors d'oeuvres in the private Towers Lounge.  Keep in touch with the full-service business center, providing 24-hour Internet and e-mail access through WIFI. The hotel also offers thoughtful services like complimentary parking and a car-rental desk right on the premises. Re-energize at the state-of-the-art SPA and fitness center, take a plunge in the outdoor swimming pool, or utilize the indoor whirlpool with aqua gym. SPA services include everything from balneotherapy, hydrotherapy to massages and beauty treatments.

  • More information
• • Leklil Hotel

  Leklil Hotel

  Leklil Hotel is a 3-star property in the town of El Kef

  • More information
• • La Kasbah, Kairouan

  La Kasbah

  La Kasbah is seated in Kairouan, the focal point for many Muslim pilgrims traveling from around the world. With a simple, Arab-influenced layout and design, the hotel is host to 94 rooms, 2 junior suites, and a presidential suite. Each promises all the amenities of home as well as international phones. Rakada, the hotel restaurant, promises a menu with all sorts of dishes from around the world. Dine a la carte at Sofra. Pass the time lounging by the pool or sipping Turkish coffee at the cafe.

  • More information
• • Dar Cherait Exterior

  Dar Cherait

  Get into the wonderful world of the Dar Cherait Hotel, a legendary palace situated in the heart of the Tozer palm forest that has so enchantingly grown from the desert. The beauty and refinement of this palace discreetly fits this unforgettable paradise.

  • More information
• • El Mouradi, Douz

  El Mouradi

  Not far from the Sahara desert is this splendid example of Moorish architecture and decor, El Mouradi. With luxuriously high sand dunes and vast spaciousness, guests are accommodated in double rooms, junior suites, and a presidential suite. Pools and gardens grace the views from each room. One may choose from an array of specialties at hotel restaurant, El Becha, where a buffet is arranged with sumptuous plates of Mediterranean favorites. Later, sip on a drink at any of the two salon bars or at the Moorish cafe. For the athletic sort, there are two tennis courts. Others prefer the rush of hot air ballooning and horse riding.

  • More information
• • View from the Sky

  Pansea Ksar Ghilane Tented Camp

  A shimmering mirage awaits you in the Tunisian Sahara - nestled at its own oasis in the midst of the desert, offering its charm and shade, its spring and the whispering waters of its seguias: Pansea welcomes you to this hospitable land of colours and contrasts, spices and scents.

  • More information
• • Hotel Sangho

  Sangho Tataouine

  The Sangho Tataouine is a haven for adventurers touring the fortified granaries of the Ksour. The four-star Sangho Tataouine is an architectural gem. A complex of 62 stone bungalows of the local rough red brown stone follow the contours of the hill side on which they are built. The lush gardens along the winding stone paths attract rare desert birds. There is a side courtyard with a fireplace and traditional goat hair tent for evenings under the piercing stars which penetrate the black desert sky.

  • More information
• • Oliviers Palace, Sfax

  Golden Yasmine Olivier Palace

  Freshly renovated, Les Oliviers Palace in Sfax, Tunisia, is a sleek choice of accommodations for visitors to North Africa. Each of the 137 rooms promise carefully chosen themes as decided by international designers. Some rooms feature kitchenettes, while all have heating and air conditioning that guest can personalize. Dine at any of the two restaurants on site, which serve a variety of European and local cuisine. Its downtown location gives guest the perfect opportunity to experience the sights, sounds, and cultures of this marvellous Tunisian city and it surroundings.

  • More information
• • El Mouradi Palace Exterior

  El Mouradi Palace

  El Mouradi Palace is an Arabian style hotel which offers high standard accommodation and leisure facilities.

  • More information
• • Dar elMedina

  Dar El Medina

  This 12 room hotel is a converted traditional house located right in the Tunis Medina. It features whitewashed and tiled surroundings, with latticed windows. The many-levelled mansion is a surprise after the narrow street, with inner courtyards providing light, space and shade.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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