Tunisia- throughout Centuries & Geographies houses carved ... · Day 8: Ksours Visit the Ksours,...

Day 0: Depart from the US to Tunis via any European Hub (Paris, Rome, London, Frankfurt..)

Day 1: Arrival to TunisArrive to Tunis- Carthage Airport. Check in at Hotel Dar Said 4* in Sidi Bou Said, a vil-lage with immaculate white and blue houses, that has managed to preserve its charmand peacefulness. This evening, gather for a welcome dinner at restaurant Dar Zarrouk(3 fourchettes) just across the alley from the hotel. The restaurant overlooks theMediterranean and is renowned for Tunisian specialties.

Day 2: Bardo Museum/CarthageVisit the Bardo museum, considered one of the richest museums in the world. Housedin one of the former Husseinite palaces, itencloses all the treasures of Tunisian history:from pre-historic times to the Punic civilization,the Roman era, Christian's times, Muslim civi-lization and up to the twentieth century andfeatures the world's largest collection ofmosaics. Afternoon visit to the UNESCOWorld Heritage Site City of Carthage and itsglorious monuments: the Anthonin thermes,the Tophet at Salambo, the Amphiteatre, the Punic ports and the Acropolium. Dinner at

restaurant “Au bon vieux Temps” featuring seafood.

Day 3: Medina of TunisWalk through the winding street of the old Medina. Visit the houses of arts and tradi-tions, Ottoman Palaces which illustrate the way of life and customs of the nineteenthcentury Tunis. We will organize an encounter with an architect in charge of therestoration of the city’s old monuments.In the afternoon, walk at your leisure in theSouks (colorful local markets) to discover the exquisite craftsmanship of Tunisia'sartisans. Dinner in an upscale restaurant in Gammarth featuring Mediterranean spe-cialties.

Day 4: DouggaVisit the ancient city of Dougga, one of the best-preserved roman cities in Africa.Listed in 1997 in the UNESCO World Heritage List, the town of Dougga, built onan elevated site overlooking a fertile plain, was the capital of Punic and Romanstates. Depart to Kairouan, the holy city of Tunisia. Visit the souks, taste the traditional localpastry stuffed with dates called makroudh, and learn about the traditional savoir-faireof women making rugs. Check in and dinner at La Kasbah hotel 5*. The Kasbahhotel lies at the heart of the city of Kairouan. This hotel, built and managed byPromoTunisia’s parent company, with a luxurious inside and a sober outlook, mergesharmoniously into the Arab-Islamic architecture of the city of Kairouan.

Day 5: Kairouan/el DjemVisit the ninth century great mosque of Oqba ibn Nafi, an important reference pointin Islam and Islamic architecture. Visit el Djem’s spectacular amphitheatre thatdates from 238 A.D, and is the second largest in the World only to Rome's. Visit

the museum and the excavations extending behindthe museum where beautiful mosaics have beenfound. Return to Kairouan. Dinner at la Kasbah hotel where you will learn how to prepare cous-cous with our chefs.

Day 6: MatmataVisit the famous troglodytes, homes built underground to protect the Berbers from fierce summerheat. The fabulous town of Matmata with its pitted lunar landscapes was used by both Lucasand Spielberg in the production of Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Arc. Leave for Djerba, themythical land of the Lotus-eaters in Homer’s Odyssey. Check and dinner at hotel Ulysse Palace5*.

Day 7: Island of DjerbaVisit the Ghriba synagogue holding one of the most ancient Torah's in the world.Continue to Houmt Souk, the island's capital, for a chance to experience local markets,crafts and foods, the museum of arts and popular traditions in Sidi Zitouni and the vil-lage of Guellala, which is known for its potteries. Free Afternoon: suggestions includegoing back to the hotel for relaxation and thalassotherapy (sea-water spas). Dinnerand overnight at the hotel in Djerba.

Day 8: KsoursVisit the Ksours, unique houses carved into the steep sides of the surrounding mountains. Visit the Ghorfas buildings in the

Ksours, originally used by the Berbers as warehouses, then as lodgings.The area around Chenini and Tataouine is filled with fortified villages, andis one of the most exciting places to explore in Tunisia. Departure to KsarGhilane, an exotic oasis famous for its dunes and hot water spring. Checkinto the 4* La Pansea Camp, developed in harmony with its surroundingenvironment and local traditions.

Day 9: Ksar GhilaneSilence and vastness around the camp makes for a magical and unforget-table day. Cross immense dunes with our local guide, walking or riding acamel through the Sahara desert from Ksar Ghilane to the Romanfortress. The Grand Erg Oriental near Ksar Ghilane truly offers vastspaces for exploring and experiencing a taste of nomad life. Dinner undertents in the middle of the desert in Ksar Ghilane. Appreciate the famous"agneau a la gargoulette," portions of shoulder meat that are rubbed with

a sauce of olive oil, salt, a sprig of mint, a touch of cayenne pepper and turmeric, and is baked underground in claypots.

Day 10: DouzCross the Salty chott el Djerid where fantastic forests and cities seem to appear on the horizon, only tobe discovered as mirages.Visit the golden triangle made up of threebeautiful oases around Douz, Sabria,Nouaeil and Zaafrane. Check in at theottoman palace Dar Cheraiet 5* in Tozeur.

Dinner at Dar Cheraiet. After dinner, visit the museum in Dar Cheraietfeaturing luxurious decorations and gardens with the most representa-tive scenes of North African life.

Day 11: TozeurVisit the oasis of Tozeur markets or relax by the pool in your hotel.

Depart to Ong Jmel, in themiddle of the Sahara (wherethe George Lucas' movie StarWars was filmed) for a sunsetcamel ride. Dinner at Ras elAin featuring Tunisia's south-ern specialties.

Day 12: Mountain OasesVisit the Selja gorges with the Red Lizard Train. The Red Lizard takes you to discover thefamous and otherwise inaccessible Selja gorges. Visit the village of Mides that appearsas if suspended above a deep gorge, with walls surrounding it on three sides. The fourthside used to be a high barrier, which sheltered the village from raiders. Walk along theTamerza 's natu-ral water cas-cades that irri-gate the datepalm trees.Dinner at DarCheraiet.

Day 13: TunisFly to Tunis in the morning. Check in the Africa 5*, nearthe Medina. Free day (suggestions include visiting thecentral market and the souks, going back to Sidi Bou SaidLunch at your leisure where you can wander around thepalatial rooms and courtyards.

Dine in high style at a converted Ottoman palace inthe medina, “Dar El Jeld.” Dinner will include a selectionof mouth-watering delicacies, accompanied by a harpplayer and authentic Moorish music.

Day 14: DepartureDepart to the airport of Tunis-Carthage.

Tunisia- throughout Centuries & Geographies14 days Tours

Trip outline Day 1: Sidi Bou SaidDay 2: Bardo/Carthage Day 3: Medina of TunisDay 4: DouggaDay 5: Kairouan/El DjemDay 6: MatmataDay 7: Island of DjerbaDay 8: KsoursDay 9: Ksar GhilaneDay 10: DouzDay 11: TozeurDay 12: Mountain OasesDay 13: TunisDay 14: Departure

Terms & ConditionsRefer to attached documenta-tion.

What is Included:o Accommodations for 13nights + Three meals dailyo English-speaking guidanceby renowned guides, promi-nent lecturerso All local transfers by air,land and seao All sites entrance feeso All local taxes and servicecharges.

What is Not Included:o Round-trip airfare toTunisia. o Items of a personal nature o Trip cancellation, interrup-tion and baggage insuranceo Medical and evacuationtravel insurance costs.

2005/2006 Departures o May 5-19, 2005o Sept 15--29, 2005o Oct 13--27, 2005o April 13-27, 2006o Sept 14--28, 2006o Oct 12--26, 2006o Refer to schedule for2007 and 2008 departures** prices subject to change

How to book this tour:Call Toll Free

1-888-701-3202Or Visit

www. promotunisia.com

DifficultyThis program is easy to moder-ately strenuous: walking, climbingstairs and easy hiking in naturalsites will be required.

2120 promotunisia.com promotunisia.com

I T I N E R A R Y

P R I C I N G I N F O R M A T I O N:

Trip’s cost: $3,180 (based on 7 to 10 participants)

Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $530. Round Trip economy airfareis additional---from NYC to Tunis $850+tax (subject to change)--. Internal flights within Tunisia areincluded.

From the ancient city ofCarthage to the oases of theSahara desert, experienceTunisia’s remarkable heritageand explore its many naturaltreasures.


Day 1: Arrival to TunisArrive to Tunis- Carthage Airport. Check in at Hotel Dar Said 4* in Sidi Bou Said, avillage with immaculate white and blue houses, that has managed to preserve itscharm and peacefulness (alternatively Africa 5* in the Medina). This evening, gatherfor a welcome dinner at restaurant Dar Zarrouk (3 fourchettes) just across the alleyfrom the hotel. The restaurant overlooks the Mediterranean and is renowned forTunisian specialties.

Day 2: Bardo Museum/Medina of TunisVisit the Bardo museum, considered one of the richest museums in the world.Housed in one of the former Husseinite palaces, it encloses all the treasures ofTunisian history: from pre-historic times to the Punic civilization, the Roman era,Christian's times, Muslim civilization and up to the twentieth century and features theworld's largest collection of mosaics. In the afternoon, walk through the winding street of the old Medina. Visit the housesof arts and traditions, Ottoman Palaces which illustrate the way of life and customsof the nineteenth century Tunis. We will organize an encounter with an architect incharge of the restoration of the city’s old monuments.In the afternoon, walk at yourleisure in the Souks (colorful local markets) to discover the exquisite craftsmanshipof Tunisia's artisans.

Dine in high style at a converted Ottoman palace in the medina, “Dar El Jeld.” Dinner will include a selection of mouth-water-ing delicacies, accompanied by a harp player and authentic Moorish music.

Day 3: DouggaVisit the ancient city of Dougga, one of the best-preserved roman cities in Africa.Listed in 1997 in the UNESCO World Heritage List, the town of Dougga, built onan elevated site overlooking a fertile plain, was the capital of Punic and Romanstates. Depart to Kairouan, the holy city of Tunisia. Visit the souks, taste the traditional localpastry stuffed with dates called makroudh, and learn about the traditional savoir-faireof women making rugs. Check in and dinner at La Kasbah hotel 5*. The Kasbahhotel lies at the heart of the city of Kairouan. This hotel, built and managed byPromoTunisia’s parent company, with a luxurious inside and a sober outlook, mergesharmoniously into the Arab-Islamic architecture of the city of Kairouan.

Day 4: Kairouan/el DjemVisit the ninth century great mosque of Oqba ibn Nafi, an important reference pointin Islam and Islamic architecture. Visit el Djem’s spectacular amphitheatre thatdates from 238 A.D, and is the second largest in the World only to Rome's. Visitthe museum and the excavations extending behind the museum where beautifulmosaics have been found. Return to Kairouan. Dinner at la Kasbah hotel where youwill learn how to prepare couscous with our chefs.

Day 5: MatmataVisit the famous troglodytes, homes built underground to protect the Berbers from fierce summer heat. The fabulous town ofMatmata with its pitted lunar landscapes was used by both Lucas and Spielberg in the production of Star Wars and Raiders of theLost Arc. Departure to Ksar Ghilane, an exotic oasis famous for its dunes and hot water spring. Check into the 4* La PanseaCamp, developed in harmony with its surrounding environment and local traditions.

Day 6: Ksar GhilaneSilence and vastness around the camp makes for a magical and unforgettable day.Cross immense dunes with our local guide, walking or riding a camel through theSahara desert from Ksar Ghilane to the Roman fortress. The Grand Erg Orientalnear Ksar Ghilane truly offers vast spaces for exploring and experiencing a taste ofnomad life. Dinner under tents in the middle of the desert in Ksar Ghilane.Appreciate the famous "agneau a la gargoulette," portions of shoulder meat that arerubbed with a sauce of olive oil, salt, a sprig of mint, a touch of cayenne pepper andturmeric, and is baked underground in claypots.

Day 7: Douz/TozeurCross the Salty chott el Djerid where fantastic forests and cities seem to appear onthe horizon, only to be discovered as mirages. Check in at the ottoman palace Dar

Cheraiet 5* in Tozeur. Visit the oasis ofTozeur or relax by the pool in your hotel.Depart to Ong Jmel, in the middle of theSahara (where the George Lucas' movieStar Wars was filmed) for a sunset camel ride. Dinner at Dar Cheraiet. After dinner, visitthe museum in Dar Cheraiet featuring luxurious decorations and gardens with the mostrepresentative scenes of North African life.

Day 8: Mountain OasesVisit the Selja gorges with the Red Lizard Train. The Red Lizard takes you to discover the famous and otherwise inaccessible Selja

gorges. Visit the village of Mides that appears as if suspended above adeep gorge, with walls surrounding it on three sides. The fourth side usedto be a high barrier, which sheltered the village from raiders. Walk alongthe Tamerza 's natural water cascades that irrigate the date palm trees.Dinner at Dar Cheraiet.

Day 9: Tunis/CarthageFly to Tunis in the morning. Check in the Africa 5*, near the Medina. visitto the UNESCO World Heritage Site City of Carthage and its gloriousmonuments: the Anthonin ther-mes, the Tophet at Salambo, theAmphiteatre, the Punic ports andthe Acropolium. Free afternoon(suggestions include visiting thesouks, Sidi Bou Said). Dinner athotel Africa 5* near the Medina.


Tunisia- from Kasbah to Sahara10 days Tours

Trip outline Day 1: Sidi Bou SaidDay 2: Bardo/Medina of TunisDay 3: DouggaDay 4: Kairouan/El DjemDay 5: MatmataDay 6: Ksar GhilaneDay 7: Douz/TozeurDay 8: Mountain OasesDay 9: Tunis/CarthageDay 10: Departure

Extension to LibyaDay 1: TripoliDay 2: Leptis MagnaDay 3: Ptolemais/el BaydahDay 4: Cyrene/ApolloniaDay 5: SabrathaDay 6: Departure

Terms & ConditionsRefer to attached documenta-tion.

What is Included:o Accommodations for 9nights + Three meals daily(+ 5 additional nights Libya)

o English-speaking guidanceby renowned guides, promi-nent lecturerso All local transfers by air,land and seao All sites entrance feeso All local taxes and servicecharges.


2005/2006 Departures o May 5-19, 2005o Sept 15--29, 2005o Oct 13--27, 2005o March 16--30, 2006o April 13-27, 2006o Sept 14--28, 2006o Oct 12--26, 2006o Refer to schedule for2007 and 2008 departures** prices subject to change


1-888-701-3202Or Visit

www. promotunisia.com DifficultyThis program is easy to moder-ately strenuous: walking, easyhiking in natural sites is required.


I T I N E R A R Y


Trip’s cost: $2,520 (based on 7 to 10 participants), $2,835 (based on 2 to 6 participants).


From the Medina of Tunis tothe Sahara mountain oases,discover the classical sites ofancient Tunisia while enjoy-ing the charming Tunisiantowns and oases.

E X T E N S I ON T O L I B Y A (6 DAYS)Day 1: Fly from Tunis to TripoliCheck in and dinner at hotel Corinthia 5*.

Day 2: Leptis MagnaVisit the site of Leptis Magna, the best preserved and most extensiveRoman city in the World.Go back to Tripoli, dinner and overnight.

Day 3:Benghazi/Ptolemais/ElBaydahFly from Tripoli to Benghazi andvisit the site of Ptolemais, one ofthe major sites of "Pentapole dela Cyrenaique". Depart towardsEl Baydah. Dinner and overnight at Al-Manara Palace Hotel 4*.

Day 4: Cyrene/Apollonia/TripoliToday is dedicated to the two major sites of Cyrene and Apollonia. In the afternoon, flyback from Benghazi to Tripoli. Check in hotel 5* in Tripoli. Dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Sabratha/TunisVisit Sabratha, second largestarchaeological site of the

"Tripolitaine", and its spectacular theatre with its three-storey backdropof columns, overlooking the Mediterranean. Towards the end of the day,go back to Tripoli and fly back to Tunis. Dinner and overnight in hotelAfrica 5* in Tunis.


L I B Y A E X T E N S I O N P R I C I N G I N F O R M A T I O N:

Extension’s cost: $1,380 (based on 7 to 10 pax), $1,580 (based on 2 to 6 pax).

Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $390. Round Trip economy airfareis included. Visa fees for Libya are $145 (includes passport translation)


Day 1: Arrival to TunisArrive to Tunis- Carthage Airport. Check in at Hotel Africa 5*(or equivalent) in Tunis. This evening, gather for a welcomedinner at restaurant Africa, Mediterranean specialties.

Day 2: Bardo Museum/UticaVisit the Bardo museum, considered one of the richest muse-ums in the world. Housed in one of the former Husseinitepalaces, it encloses all the treasures of Tunisian history: frompre-historic times to the Punic civilization, the Roman era,Christian's times, Muslim civilization and up to the twentiethcentury and features the world's largest collection of mosaics.Drive north to the ancient Punic city of Utica, the oldestphoenician settlement on the coast of North Africa.Return to Tunis. Dinner at restaurant Africa.

Day 3: Medina of Tunis/CarthageVisit the winding street of the old Medina. Visit the houses of arts and traditions, Ottoman Palaces which illustrate the way of lifeand customs of the nineteenth century Tunis. In the afternoon, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site City of Carthage and itsglorious monuments: the Anthonin thermes, the Tophet at Salambo, the Amphiteatre, the Punic ports and the Acropolium. Dinner arestaurant Africa.

Day 4: DouggaVisit the ancient city of Dougga, one of the best-preserved roman cities inAfrica. Listed in 1997 in the UNESCO World Heritage List, the town of Dougga,built on an elevated site overlooking a fertile plain, was the capital of Punic andRoman states. Depart to Kairouan, the holy city of Tunisia. Visit the souks, taste the traditionallocal pastry stuffed with dates called makroudh, and learn about the traditionalsavoir-faire of women making rugs. Check in and dinner at La Kasbah hotel 5*.The Kasbah hotel lies at the heart of the city of Kairouan. This hotel, built andmanaged by PromoTunisia’s parent company, with a luxurious inside and a soberoutlook, merges harmoniously into the Arab-Islamic architecture of the city ofKairouan.

Day 5: Kairouan/el DjemVisit the ninth century great mosque of Oqba ibn Nafi, an important reference pointin Islam and Islamic architecture. Visit el Djem’s spectacular amphitheatre thatdates from 238 A.D, and is the second largest in the World only to Rome's.

Visit the museum and the excava-tions extending behind the museumwhere beautiful mosaics have beenfound. Return to Kairouan. Dinnerat la Kasbah hotel where you will learn how to prepare couscous with our chefs.

Day 6: Sousse/MonastirDrive east to the coastal city of Sousse, third largest city of Tunisia and visit itsmajestic Medina, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afternoon visit to nearby Monastirto appreciate modern Tunisian arabo-andalusian architecture. Dinner and overnightLa Kasbah Kairouan.

Day 7: Hammamet/NabeulVisit Hammamet, noted for its orange and lemon groves as well as its historic land-marks. Here you will find the walled town, a 13th-century fortress, a 15th-centuryCasbah and Dar Sebastian, a beautiful home with luscious gardens turned into anInternational Cultural Center. Drive to Tunis, check in Africa 5*. Dine in high styleat a converted Ottoman palace in the medina, “Dar El Jeld.” Dinner will include aselection of mouth-watering delicacies, accompanied by a harp player and authen-tic Moorish music.


Ancient Tunisia- 8 days ToursTrip outline Day 1: TunisDay 2: Bardo/UticaDay 3: Tunis Medina/CarthageDay 4: DouggaDay 5: Kairouan/El DjemDay 6: Sousse/MonastirDay 7: Hammamet/NabeulDay 8: Departure

DifficultyThis program is easy.


I T I N E R A R Y




Ancient Tunisia focuses onthe historical & cultural her-itage of Tunisia while SaharanTunisian takes you in theadventurous discovery of theSouthern oases & Berber life.



2005/2006 Departures o March to Oct 2005o March to Oct 2006o Refer to schedule for2007 and 2008 departures** prices subject to change


1-888-701-3202Or Visit


Trip outline Day 1: Tunis/TozeurDay 2: Tozeur/NeftaDay 3: Mountain OasesDay 4: DouzDay 5: Ksar GhilaneDay 6: KsoursDay 7: Island of DjerbaDay 8: Departure

DifficultyThis program is moderatelystrenuous: walking, hiking innatural sites is required,adventure activites optional.



2005/2006 Departures o Oct to March 2005o Oct to March 2006o Refer to schedule for2007 and 2008 departures** prices subject to change


1-888-701-3202Or Visit


Day 1: Arrival to Tunis. Fly to the oasis of TozeurArrive to Tunis-Carthage Airport. Fly from Tunis to the Saharan oasis of Tozeur. Check in at Dar Cheraiet Hotel 5*, an architectur-al jewel born of 1001 nights dreams. The beautifully-tiled Moorish bath will take you back a few centuries. Dinner at Dar Cheraiet.

Day 2: Tozeur/NeftaAfter breakfast, visit the "Belvedere" of Tozeur, its numerouspalm trees, its numerous springs watering a large variety ofdate palms. Discover the oasis of Nefta named 'Kairouan ofthe Sahara' for its numerous minaret towers, mosques andmarabouts. Visit the settings of George Lucas's Star Wars atOng Jmel. Dinner at Dar Cheraiet. After dinner, visit the DarCheraiet museum featuring luxurious decorations and gardenswith the most representative scenes of North African life.

Day 3: Mountain Oases (“the English Patient” set)Visit the Selja gorges with the Red Lizard Train. The RedLizard takes you to discover the famous and otherwise inac-cessible Selja gorges. Visit the village of Mides that appearsas if suspended above a deep gorge, with walls surrounding iton three sides. The fourth side used to be a high barrier,

which sheltered the village from raiders. Walk along the Tamerza 's natural water cascades that irrigate the date palm trees.Dinner at Dar Cheraiet.

Day 4: DouzCross the Salty chott el Djerid where fantastic forestsand cities seem to appear on the horizon, only to be dis-covered as mirages. Optional: participate in a min-rallyewith quads to drive amid thesand dunes around the gold-en triangle made up of three beautiful oases Sabria,Nouaeil and Zaafrane (additional cost of $85/hour).Departure to Ksar Ghilane, an exotic oasis famous for itsdunes and hot water spring. Check into the 4* La PanseaCamp, developed in harmony with its surrounding envi-ronment and local traditions.

Day 5: Ksar GhilaneSilence and vastness around the camp makes for a mag-ical and unforgettable day. Cross immense dunes withour local guide, walking or riding a camel through theSahara desert from Ksar Ghilane to the Roman fortress.The Grand Erg Oriental near Ksar Ghilane truly offersvast spaces for exploring and experiencing a taste of nomad life. Dinner under tents in the middle of the desert in Ksar Ghilane.Appreciate the famous "agneau a la gargoulette," portions of shoulder meat that are rubbed with a sauce of olive oil, salt, a sprigof mint, a touch of cayenne pepper and turmeric, and is baked underground in claypots.

Day 6: KsoursVisit the Ksours, unique houses carved into the steep sides of the surroundingmountains. Visit the Ghorfas buildings in the Ksours, originally used by the Berbersas warehouses, then as lodgings. The area around Chenini and Tataouine is filled withfortified villages, and is one of the most exciting places to explore in Tunisia. Leave forDjerba, the mythical land of the Lotus-eaters in Homer’s Odyssey. Check and dinner athotel Ulysse Palace 5*.

Day 7: Island of DjerbaVisit the Ghriba synagogue holding one of the most ancient Torah's in the world.Continue to Houmt Souk, the island's capital, for a chance to experience local mar-

kets, crafts and foods, the museum of arts and popular traditions in Sidi Zitouni and the village of Guellala, which is known for itspotteries. Free Afternoon: suggestions include going back to the hotel for relaxation and thalassotherapy (sea-water spas).Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Djerba.

Day 8: Departure Depart to the airport of Djerba, fly toTunis-Carthage.

Saharan Tunisia- 8 daysI T I N E R A R Y





TUNIS/BARDO/CARTHAGE/SIDI BOU SAIDVisit the Medina and the souks. Continue to the Bardo museum, fea-tureing the world's largest collection of mosaics. Afternoon visit of theUNESCO World Heritage Site City of Carthage and its glorious mon-uments. Finish the day in the typical village of Sidi Bou Said.

1 day excursion cost: $155 (available on Tuesdays and Thursdays)Price per person.

DOUGGAVisit the ancient city of Dougga, one of the best-preserved roman

cities in Africa. Listed in 1997 in the UNESCO WorldHeritage List, the town of Dougga, built on an elevated siteoverlooking a fertile plain, was the capital of Punic and Romanstates.

1 day excursion cost: $145 (available on Tuesdays and Thursdays)Price per person.

KAIROUAN/SOUSSE/PORT EL KANTAOUIVisit the ninth century great mosque of Oqba ibn Nafi, an important refer-ence point in Islam and Islamic architecture. Visit the souks. Depart toSousse, third largest city of Tunisia and visit its majestic Medina,UNESCO World Heritage Site. Finish the day in the Port el Kantaouiresort.

1 day excursion cost: $140 (available on Tuesdays and Thursdays). Price per person.

EL DJEM/MONASTIR/SOUSSEVisit el Djem’s spectacular amphitheatre, the second largestin the World only to Rome's. Visit the mosaics museum. Driveeast to the coastal city of Sousse to visit its Medina and visitnearby Monastir to appreciate modern Tunisian arabo-andalusianarchitecture.


CAP BON/HAMMAMET/NABEULVisit Hammamet, noted for its orange and lemon groves as well as its his-toric landmarks. Continue to Nabeul, home of traditional pottery makingand a weekly cultural market.


All excursions typically require early morning departure and late night return to your hotel.Excursions by big coach only, with groups of 20 or more, accompanied by local guide.

Day Excursions in Tunisia

Excursions outline Excursion 1:

Tunis/Bardo/Carthage/Sidi BouExcursion 2:

DouggaExcursion 3:

Kairouan/Sousse/El KantaouiExcursion 4:

El Djem/Monastir/SousseExcursion 5:

Cap Bon/Hammamet/Nabeul

DifficultyExcursions are easy.

What is Included:o English-speaking guidanceby local guideso All sites entrance feeso All local taxes and servicechargeso Lunch

What is Not Included:o Items of a personal nature

2005/2006 Departures o All Year longo Refer to schedule for2007/2008 departures** prices subject to change


1-888-701-3202or Visit


TRAVEL IN EXPERT COMPANY.“we focus on Tunisia because it is our motherland, we know it, love it & are experts at making travelers fully enjoy it”-

Mohamed Malouche, PromoTunisia General Manager USA---TRAVEL WORLD NEWS, April 2004.

PROMOTUNISIA proudly presents some of the experts who make your trip to Tunisia unforgettable:

ABOUT US

CALL TOLL-FREE 1-888-701-3202 Or RESERVE ONLINE www.promotunisia.com

“ Tunisia is magical—all the complexity and richness of its ancient civilizations, all the mystery and color of the medinas, spice markets, and temples,and both the graciousness of the traditional culture and the sophistication of an educated and successful modern country...The mosaics (more than anyother country) and ancient buildings are breathtaking, the coastline long and lovely. But the most memorable are the people and the cuisine: both arecomplex, interesting, inviting and rewarding. There will never be enough time to enjoy all the wonders of Tunisia.”Barbara Bauer, Denver, CO, 2004 trip participant

“Your company gets my endorsement! I've already told most of my family, friends and colleagues what a great tour it was and how good a jobPromoTunisia did in planning and executing. I suspect we don't fully appreciate half the things you had to do in order to pull this off - things like gettingthe timing right so we weren't visiting sites with hordes of other tourists. Not to mention the selection of hotels, drivers, etc. Fantastic job.”Margie & Gary Puckering, Toronto, ON, 2004 trip participant

Mohammed, the tour director was absolutely incredible!! Passionate, patient andextremely knowledgeable! His knowledge of and passion for history, archeology and lin-guistics added tremendously to our experience. He was brilliant, funny, sensative and agreat part of the group, he made the trip! The drivers were absolutely fantastic! Wespent most of our time with Najah - he was terrific. Good conversationalist, patient,polite, and respectful. We all bonded with the drivers. Iit was a great experience!Debra Hitti, San Francisco, CA, 2004 trip participant

The memories of my trip to Tunisia, will be with me always. First class, Five star all theway... The accommodations were great, I enjoyed the small hotel experience...You leftnothing to be desired...The food was "what can I say", fabulous. I gained 5 lbs. Eachmeal was special, the settings, the tastes of the country were such a great part of thetrip. The special touches like the cookouts, picnics and the couscous demonstrationwere wonderful. I do believe that you went to extremes, including you meeting us inTunis, to make this trip the very best, sharing all of the wonders your country has tooffer.... Suzanne Turchin, Miami, FL, 2004 trip participant

What a wonderful adventure we have had. I cannot say enough good about Mohamedas he took a sack of wildcats and made it work. A great job - a great guide! Thanks somuch for everything!Julene Miller, Atlanta, GA, 2004 trip organizer

Mariem MezghenniOur CFO and tour man-ager in the US, holds aPhD in international eco-nomics from the Universityof Paris Dauphine. Mariem

dedicates tremendous efforts seeking out ini-tiatives that benefit the local people in Tunisia.

Naceur MaloucheOur president and CEO, isa 50- year veteran intourism, and is consideredone of the pioneers andfathers of tourism in

Tunisia. Naceur served as head of the coun-try's hotels & tourist office for 20 years.

Mohamed HalouaniOur tour director, carriedout multiple archaeologicaland cultural trips for var-ious US museums andspecialized agencies.

Mohamed leads our special 10 and 14 days-tours through the marvels of Tunisia.

Mohamed MaloucheOur general manager in theUS, holds a Masters incommunication from U ofMichigan. Mohamed spe-cializes in historical, cult-

tural and adventurous journeys to Tunisia &will be the point of contact for any of our trips.

Jamil ChachiaOur trip coordinator inTunisia, has over 20 yearsof experience planning,monitoring, checking andrechecking every detail of

your journey. Jamil takes care of all the com-plex logistics behind every single trip.

Hedia ManoubiOur FIT and customizedtrip coordinator bringsseveral years of tourismexperience in handling ourtravelers specific interests.

She is aware of the latest happenings and putsher special touch into crafting exquisite trips.

Queen Didon founded Carthage after being driv-en out of Tyr, herproud Phoenicianhometown, whereher father was King.Her exile resultedfrom the death ofher husband, Siche,killed by her ownbrother, Pygmalion.Once in Carthage,Didon fell in love whith a handsome prince, Aeneas. However, the Gods rejectedthis relationship and whilst Aeneas was sailing to Italy, the Queen stabbed herselfon her funeral pyre.

In the following centuries, through bloodshed and destruction, Carthageextended her empire and her commerce. She was the Venice of Africa. Carthagewas getting stronger and stronger, but Rome was resisting. The famousCarthaginian general Hannibal crossed the Alps with his army carried by hundreds

of elephants. Italy was invadedbut Rome retorted and finally in202 B.C. the Roman legionsentered Carthage.

The city was brought to itsknees and razed to the ground,district-by-district and house-by-house. Inhabitants who escapedextermination were led off to slav-ery. On the eve of that terrible daythere had been 700,000. Romehad destroyed Carthage, butRome would rebuild it.

Just a century later,Caesar, resurrected the city.Carthage attracted many of richfamilies from Rome. It was thecapital of Africa, full of life, learning and pleasure, monuments and libraries. Her newfound glory was to contin-ue for five centuries. Today, around the summer houses of the Tunisian bourgeoisie, sufficient ruins remain forus to imagine some of the pomp and splendor of this imperial city, once the third largest Roman city.

El Djem was one of the wealthiest citiesin the third century A.D.; One can imagine as heor she enters the amphitheatre with its threetiers of arcades, the cruel games which musthave taken place on this occasion. 30,000 howl-ing spectators standing in the stone galleries,cheering the gladiators and hooting the van-quished.

At the end of the seventeenth century, theamphitheatre was still intact until a mass rebel-lion broke out in the region. The rebels dugt h e m -s e l v e sinto the

Coliseum and it was necessary to breach in the side of the buildingin order to dislodge.

Once broken, the marvelous monument was no longer a fortress.People rushed to take away the stones of this ill-fated arena. Duringthe restorations, in the twentieth century, subterranean chambers lin-ing two long arched galleries were discovered. These were therooms where the Romans kept the Christians and the wild beasts.

Carthage El DjemCities

Carthage’s Antonine Baths

Roman remains of ancient Carthage

Villa of the Aviany Peristyle

Internal view of the Amphitheatre

The Coliseum remarkably well weathered by time

The Coliseum 1,800 years ago


Tunisia gathers in one single place the “look and feel” of the various towns around the Mediterranean basin.

KairouanIn 670 A.D., the Arabs

who had subdued Egypt,invaded Ifriquiya (RomanAfrica). A great soldier, OqbaIbn Nafi led them to victory. Toinvade the whole Maghrebregion, Oqba needed a base tooperate from, a base, wellplaced in the interior of theregion, with an Islamic capitalthat was not rooted with for-eigners.

The famous historian ofthe fourteenth century, IbnKhaldoun, tells how Oqba

decided on Kairouan. His armies arrived one day in front of animpenetrablewood, "Thisis what weare lookingfor," he said.

But his companions cried out against the choice sayingthat it was not only swampy, but also overrun withsnakes and wild beasts. So Oqba gathered up the 18members of his ranks, who were followers of theProphet, and ordered the animals to disappear, whichthey did. At this, the rest of his men, formerly Berbers, becameMuslims on the spot.

Oqba outlined the foundations of Kairouan. TheAghlabite dynasty was born and it continued inits splendor for a century.

Kairouan adorned herself with ramparts, gar-dens, monuments and admirable mosques. Theholy town became a place of pilgrimage: sevenpilgrimages to Kairouan are equal, in the eyesof the believers, to one trip to Mecca.

TunisUntil the seventh century, Tunis was overshadowed

by Carthage. Spared by the Byzantines and the Arabs, shegrew while Carthage was dying a slow and agonizing death.

By the time the crusaders arrived, she was a proud andpowerful city. Its siege was to end after a month, with theDeath of Saint Louis, in Tunis. A treaty dawn up at the time,and always scrupulously adhered to, gave to the Christians

the right to have theirchurches in the city andto trade on the same terms as Muslims. Tunis was living in her golden age. Itwas a citywhich intellectually and religiously rivaled with Cairo and Baghdad.

In the medina, where each guild had its own souk, all the Mediterranean peo-ple (Spaniards, Jews, Venetians, Genoans) traded together in mutual tolerancefor many years. However, at the beginning of the sixteenth century, this harmo-ny was disrupted when the dreaded Barberousse brothers arrived. They sievedthe Mediterranean of its treasures and took Tunis for their masters, the sultansof Constantinople.

At the end of the century, theTurks installed a Bey whofounded the first Beylicaldynasty and reigned until 1881when the French protectoratewas established. In 1956, theFrench government recog-nized the independence ofTunisia.

The Mosque minaret used to call for prayer and as a lookout


Kasbah Hotel in Kairouan, renovated monument

Kairouan Mosque seen from the Medina

Kairouan’s Sidi Amor Abada Mausoleum

Medina of Tunis alleway

Antiques shop--Medina of Tunis

Medina Souks- colorful markets Dar Lasram Ottoman Palace

Tunisia- throughout Centuries & Geographies houses carved ... · Day 8: Ksours Visit the Ksours,...

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