Tunisian Sahara Two-Day Tour from Sousse

Tunisian Sahara Two-Day Tour from Sousse

The desert sands of Tunisia are sprinkled with Hollywood stardust. This two-day tour takes you to some of the country's top filming locations. You'll visit ancient Roman ruins and underground houses, cross a vast salt lake and spend the night in an oasis on the fringes of the Sahara. Hamdi, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Luke Skywalker's home is in Matmata, a cave village where the houses are hollowed out of the rock. The sandstone is soft enough to dig deep pits, and then dig out caves around the edge, to form the underground rooms. Each room opens onto the base of the pit, which becomes a central courtyard.'Begin your desert adventure at El Jem Colosseum. This ancient Roman stadium used to seat 35,000 spectators, entertained by gladiatorial fights and chariot races. After your cultural fix, head to Matmata, for lunch and a visit to the rock-cut cave homes that starred in the Star Wars films. Finish the day in your very own oasis for an overnight stay in Douz, the ‘Gateway to the Sahara'.In the morning, you'll cross Chott el Djerid, a rust-washed salt lake, before hopping into a 4x4 for a ride to Onk Jemal. Here, you'll explore a film set city built exclusively for Star Wars. After stopping for a Tunisian lunch at Gafsa, you'll round off the tour with a photo stop at historic Kairouan. You won't be able to resist taking lots of pics of the richly decorative mosques that give the town an abundance of character.

Kairouan Holy City and El Jem Colosseum Tour from Sousse

The past is part of the landscape in Tunisia and nowhere more so than Kairouan – the country's holiest city – and in the Roman amphitheatre of El Djem. You'll make a pilgrimage back in time to both during this history-drenched full day excursion. Shayma, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The Great Mosque of Kairouan is Africa's second oldest. The interior is dazzling, with ornate tiles, colourful carpets, and pine-shaped chandeliers that add to the beauty of the space. Even the drains are decorated with intricate tilework.'You'll kick off the tour in the walled city of Kairouan. Protected by sandstone walls, the medina offers quiet narrow streets, whitewashed houses with brightly painted shutters and brick-laid archways, perfect for exploring. Kairouan's unmissable Great Mosque is considered one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in the region. As well as the mosque's splendid interior, the complex also features a large prayer hall, a courtyard and a minaret. Another important site in Kairouan is the Sidi Sahbi mausoleum, a significant site for Muslims around the world and known for its beautiful tilework and stucco decorations.Next, there's a stop for lunch before visiting El Djem amphitheatre, the third-largest built by the Romans. During its heyday, up to 35,000 spectators would pack its steep stands to watch gladiatorial fights. Today, you can still see the impressive structure that has stood the test of time and learn about its historical significance.

Ancient Carthage and Sidi Bou Said Tour with Lunch

Carthage was the capital of ancient Rome's greatest rival and the site of a titanic clash of civilisations. Today, its ruins bear testament to Rome's ultimate victory, as you'll discover during this tour, which also takes in Sidi Bou Said and a stop by the Bardo Museum. Mariam, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘A good place to get your bearings in ancient Carthage is Byrsa Hill. It's a bit of a climb but the view over the site, the city and the bay are absolutely worth it.'You'll start the morning with a visit to Bardo Museum, home to a magnificent collection of mosaics recovered from Roman villas in the region. Then, it's off to Carthage. Under renowned military leaders such as Hannibal, this site was one of the greatest powers of the classical world. Exploring with a guide gives you the historical background and the local perspective on the story of Carthage. You'll see ruins such as the Baths of Antoninus, which were the largest thermal baths in the Roman Empire. It's a great spot to enjoy the thermal waters – right by the sea. Have a look around the amphitheatre and the Tophet sacrificial site before taking a break for lunch.After a traditional Tunisian local lunch, you'll visit Sidi Bou Said, a clifftop village of cobbled alleys fringed by whitewashed houses with sky-blue doors and window shutters. The blue and white colour scheme has echoes of the Greek islands, and contrasts nicely with the sea beyond. You'll discover the town's history and find out why so many artists have called it home over the years.

Hergla Visit and Sousse Medina Heritage Tour

This half-day tour provides an introduction to a few of the Sousse region's highlights. You'll visit two places – the hilltop town of Hergla and the Medina of Sousse.

El Jem Colosseum Tour

With an amphitheatre to rival that of Rome, El Jem makes for a fascinating trip back in time. You'll travel from Port El Kantaoui to the colosseum to have a look around. Then it's off to the museum to learn even more about the games and battles that took place there.You'll be stepping into the age of Gladiator on this half-day tour, which includes a visit to the largest colosseum in North Africa. Once you arrive, you'll have time to explore, taking in the wonder of this vast historic space and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It could once hold up to an incredible 35,000 spectators who came to cheer and jeer the games and battles unfolding on stage.You'll also have the chance to admire how El Jem, formerly Thysdrus, was hugely important during the time of the Roman Empire. Then cap off your visit at nearby El Jem Museum, where a selection of Roman mosaics and exhibitions on the games provide a captivating insight.

Zulu Dinner Show

Look no further than the Zulu dinner show for an evening of Tunisian fun. Tribal groups, belly dancers and Berber drummers come together to deliver this entertainment extravaganza, which will have you on your feet. What's more, you'll tuck into a sumptuous banquet with free-flowing drinks. The tour has all the ingredients for an evening to remember.You'll be picked up from your hotel and transported to Friguia Animal Park, Tunisia's first zoo. On arrival, there's free time to explore the park and get up close to tigers, elephants, giraffes and more animals which roam around large, natural-style enclosures.Then, it's on to the main event. Take your seat in the Shaka restaurant, a circular thatched tent where you'll spend the rest of the evening. The show kicks off in style with a belly dance performance, followed by infectious drumming, tribal dances and melodic songs by African folklore groups. All this while you feast on hearty Tunisian cuisine, washed down with unlimited wine and soft drinks.

El Jem Colosseum Tour with Pirate Boat Cruise

Prepare for an adventure that takes in Tunisia's Roman roots and pirate past. You'll visit an amphitheatre to rival that of Rome with a tour of El Jem – an ancient colosseum where gladiator games once took place. Then, take to the waves for a swashbuckling afternoon at sea that includes swim stops, lunch and snacks aboard a replica pirate galley.This UNESCO World-Heritage site of El Jem is soaked in history. You'll be captivated by its stone-cut walls, fine-tuned archways and three-floor facade, a testament of glory to what was the Roman Empire. Take a seat in the age-old stadium and admire the arena below, just like they did in times gone by.Then, we'll cast off from Monastir harbour into the Mediterranean, just as the Barbary pirates did for centuries. But while they struck fear into European coastal communities as far afield as Iceland, we'll be going out to have wholehearted fun. There'll be stops to dive into the sea for swimming and plenty of time to dry off on-board while chillin' with water drinks and munching on snacks.

Tunisian Camel Caravan Tour

There's still no better way to explore a desert than on the back of a camel. This camel caravan adventure allows you to become sultan of the sands and discover aspects of traditional country life in Tunisia.

Taste of Tunisia Tour

Combining local markets and wine tasting, this full-day tour is a celebration of all the flavours of Tunisia. You'll start off by haggling and wandering around one of North Africa's largest street markets, Nabeul, before heading into the wine-growing region for a tasting and lunch at Château Bacchus.Arriving at Nabeul's Friday market, you'll immerse yourself in eye-catching stalls. From local pottery and embroidery to arabesque-style carpets, perfumes and spices, there's something for everyone. Watch locals go about their daily shop, and go off in search of your own souvenirs to take home.After some free time in the market maze, you'll travel into the wine-growing region, to Château Bacchus, set among scented orange, lemon and olive groves. A freshly-prepared lunch will be served alongside a selection of wines for you to sip.

Sousse Pirate Boat Trip

Many places that trade on their pirate past, but few can actually match Tunisia's authentic heritage in this department. Now you can immerse yourself in this swashbuckling world with a half-day at sea aboard a replica pirate galley, with snacks and water included.Your adventure begins the moment we sail from Sousse harbour into the Mediterranean, just as the Barbary pirates did for centuries. But while they struck fear into European coastal communities as far afield as Iceland, we'll be going out to have wholehearted fun. Lots of fun.When you've worked up the appetite, snacks to munch on will be served, alongside water. As a fun morning for the whole family, this pirate adventure in a replica Barbary galley is hard to beat.