From Berber villages and awe-inspiring historical architecture to spectacular rocky gorges, Tunisia’s enchanting blend of European sophistication and Arabian exoticism awaits you. From Tunis, continue on to the old town of Monastir, impressive El Djem with its Roman Colosseum, and Sfax on the Gulf of Gabes. At Matmata, see the incredible underground troglodyte village used in the original Star Wars movie, then—via Tamezret, Douz, and Kebili—the salt lake of Chott el Jerid. Be enthralled as you travel on the Red Lizard train through the spectacular gorges of Selja before visiting the Roman ruins at Sbeitla. After the Grand Mosque at Kairouan and the best-preserved Roman remains at Dougga, your Tunisian adventure culminates with an overnight back in the capital of Tunis, including the chance to visit the famous Bardo Museum.
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Day 1
Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to see some of Tunis. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.
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Day 2
This morning, drive to Sousse, known as the “Pearl of the Sahel” and blessed with a mild climate. Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, and Arabs who settled in this beautiful fertile city have left their imprint. Walk through the medina with its tiny, colorful shops and bustling with local activity, and enjoy a visit to the mosque. Leave Sousse and head towards Monastir, a city nestled in the shade of its walls. Here, visit the Old Town. Then we head for El Djem. This impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site features the remains of an imposing 3rd-century Roman colosseum that originally seated 30,000. Today’s destination is Sfax on the Gulf of Gabes, a former Barbary pirate stronghold and now Tunisia’s second-largest city. (B,D)
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Day 3
After a visit to the Medina of Sfax, journey to Gabes, an oasis by the sea and famous for its spice market. Later, turn inland and head for Matmata, renowned for its underground troglodyte village that was inhabited until the 1960s and served as the setting for the original Star Wars film. Follow the twisting road and stop in Tamezret, a complete contrast to Matmata and featuring stone houses and streets lined with high walls. Continue to the desert outpost of Douz, the largest oasis in western Tunisia and gateway to the Sahara. Later, take an optional camel ride into the desert. (B,L,D)
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Day 4
Travel via Kebili and cross the salt lake of Chott el Jerid to Tozeur, an important oasis on the ancient caravan route between Algeria and Tunisia. How about an exciting optional Jeep excursion to the mountain oasis of Chebika? This evening, consider an optional folklore show with dinner. (B,L)
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Day 5
After breakfast, drive to Metlaoui Selja to board the “Old Bey’s” train, known as the “Red Lizard.” The spectacular 2-hour rail journey through the narrow Selja gorges affords plenty of opportunity to take stunning photographs. Following a lunch stop in Gafsa, travel to Sbeitla for an included visit to the Roman ruins. On to the sacred city of Kairouan for an overnight stay. (B,L,D)
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Day 6
This morning, visit the Grand Mosque in Kairouan before the journey to El Fahs, then on to Dougga for lunch and a visit to the best-preserved Roman remains— the most extensive in Tunisia and spectacularly set against the backdrop of the Atlas Mountains. Later, head for the capital city of Tunis for the next two nights. (B,L,D)
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Day 7
A delightful blend of ancient and modern, Tunis has a colorful medina and a contemporary city center. Enjoy included excursions to the ancient Carthage city ruins and to the Andalucian-looking village of Sidi-Bou-Said, and also visit the famous Bardo Museum, housing the finest Roman mosaics in the world. (B,D)
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Day 8
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
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Sightseeing: Visits Monastir, El Djem, Sfax, Gabes, Matmata, Douz, Chott el Jerid, Tozeur, Sbeitla, Kairouan, Dougga, Tunis, Carthage, Sidi-Bou-Said
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Services of a professional Tour Director while touring
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TUNIS Sheraton (F)SFAX Golden Tulip (F)DOUZ El Mouradi (F)TOZEUR El Mouradi (F)KAIROUAN El Kasbah (SF)
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Buffet breakfasts (B); 4 lunches (L); 5 dinners (D)
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NOTE:- December 20 Departure - Christmas week
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Prices based on double room occupancy.Single room supplement: $180.No triple room reduction.2014 departures are subject to itinerary and price modification. Details will be available in September, 2013.
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6764|Add Hammamet to Your Vacation
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Scenic Highlights: Sahara Desert
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Tunisian Adventure
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Transportation: Scheduled transatlantic flights and airport transfers in Tunis if Cosmos issues the air tickets. Touring by private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach. Red Lizard train ride
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From Berber villages and awe-inspiring historical architecture to spectacular rocky gorges, Tunisia’s enchanting blend of European sophistication and Arabian exoticism awaits you. From Tunis, continue on to the old town of Monastir, impressive El Djem with its Roman Colosseum, and Sfax on the Gulf of Gabes. At Matmata, see the incredible underground troglodyte village used in the original Star Wars movie, then—via Tamezret, Douz, and Kebili—the salt lake of Chott el Jerid. Be enthralled as you travel on the Red Lizard train through the spectacular gorges of Selja before visiting the Roman ruins at Sbeitla. After the Grand Mosque at Kairouan and the best-preserved Roman remains at Dougga, your Tunisian adventure culminates with an overnight back in the capital of Tunis, including the chance to visit the famous Bardo Museum.
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