A Grand Tour of Tunisia

Following the Romans victory in the Third Punic Wars, which ended with the destruction of Carthage, they established the province of ‘Africa’, their first outside Italy, which became the ‘bread basket’ of the Empire and an ideal location for settlements for retired soldiers – mainly in the hilly north of Tunisia rather than the south that leads into the world’s largest desert, the Sahara.

This comprehensive tour encompasses many aspects of the country, taking into account the Phoenician, Carthaginian, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Berber and French influences. Whilst the main towns are on the coast and reveal the influence of invading forces, the interior rewards further exploration at the ‘holy city’ of Kairouan, Roman settlements and, of course, the dramatic landscapes of the Sahara.

The seven UNESCO World Heritage sites visited are the medinas of Tunis and Sousse, Carthage, El Djem, Kerkuane for its Punic architecture, Kairouan and Dougga. A highlight is the remains of Carthage and a visit to the famous Bardo museum in Tunis.

The old towns of Kairouan, Sousse, Bizerte, Tozeur, Hammamet and Monastir reveal much of Arabic and Berber culture and Islamic heritage. The Roman Heritage is revealed in El Djem, the Roman Empire’s biggest colosseum, Dougga, one of the best preserved Roman cities in Africa, Bulla Regia, Maktharis and Sufetula.