Travel through time
As a standalone experience, also designed to dovetail perfectly with our ‘Moroccan Souks & Sahara’ itinerary, this carefully crafted journey through Tunisia delves deep into a world of ancient wonder and complements Morocco’s rich heritage perfectly.
Beginning in Tunis, we’ll wander its atmospheric Medina before travelling on to Kairouan, the spiritual heart of Tunisia, to uncover mosques, mausoleums, and traditional pastry-making. We’ll continue to Tozeur for an oasis adventure with four-wheel drive excursions through dramatic desert landscapes, a private date tasting, and a chance to cross the shimmering salt flats. In Douz, we’ll ride camels across rolling sand dunes before a luxury desert dinner under the stars serenaded by Bedouins
The journey continues to Matmata, meeting Berber families, before pausing at the extraordinary El Jem Amphitheatre, one of the best-preserved Roman arenas in the world. Finally, soak up the charm of Sidi Bou Saïd with its blue-and-white streets, and wander the ruins of ancient Carthage – one of the most important trading hubs of the Ancient Mediterranean and one of the most affluent cities of the classical world.
With boutique accommodation, seamless travel, and a balance of relaxation and discovery, this itinerary offers a luxurious way to experience Tunisia’s rich cultural tapestry.
You will love
- The magic & mystery of an ancient land
- Private guided touring
- Authentic cultural experiences
- Boutique hotels & total comfort
- Your fabulous host, Sarah Hoyland
- The perfect extension to Morocca’s Souks & Sahara
7 DAYS OF CULTURE, COAST & DESERT
DAY 1 | FRI 30 OCTOBER | TUNIS | 2 NIGHTS
Welcome to Tunisia! If you have been travelling as part of our ‘Moroccan Souks & Sahara‘ itinerary you will simply continue in the company of the group and your host, Sarah Hoyland, with all logistics taken care of.
On arrival in Tunisia, we will be transferred to our hotel where we will have time to relax and settle in before a hosted dinner this evening.
Accommodation: Dar El Jeld Boutique Hotel – 2 nights
DAY 2 | SAT 31 OCTOBER | TUNIS
Accompanied by a specialist guide we will explore the medina, weaving our way through Zitouna’s historic quarters, metalwork and perfume souks, and artisan ateliers before pausing for a classic Tunisian lunch. In the afternoon we will visit the Bardo National Museum to admire its world-renowned collection of Roman mosaics. We’ll round off the day with dinner in a rooftop restaurant.
DAY 3 | SUN 01 NOVEMBER | TOZEUR | 2 NIGHTS
This morning we will set off for Kairouan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded by the Umayyads around 670, when it became an important centre for Sunni Islamic scholarship. We’ll visit the Great Mosque, the Mausoleum of the Barber, the Aghlabid Basins, and the Medina, before enjoying a traditional Tunisian lunch followed by a tasting of Kairouan’s famous pastries.
Then, continuing to Tozeur with scenic stops along the way, we’ll make our way to our next hotel, Dar Tozeur, a lovely riad with several interior courtyards, two sparkling pools and a spa.
Accommodation: Dar Tozeur – 2 nights
DAY 4 | MON 02 NOVEMBER | TOZEUR
We’ll depart Tozeur after breakfast by 4×4 to head north-west into the desert hills with our first stop at Chebika for views over the surrounding desert. We’ll continue to Tamerza to view the ruins of the old village before crossing the flats to Ong Jmel – the famed film Star Wars film site where we can explore the preserved set and enjoy sweeping desert panoramas. We’ll stop in a palmeraie for date-tasting and a freshly prepared oasis lunch before retunring to Tozeur.
DAY 5 | TUE 03 NOVEMBER | DOUZ - 1 NIGHT
Crossing the Chott El Jerid salt flats this morning we will reach Douz, known as the gateway to the Grand Erg. After lunch we will mount camels for a gentle ride through rolling dunes as the sun sets before settling into our desert villas, where comfortable en-suite tents await and dinner is served under a canopy of stars accompanied by the sounds of Berber musicians.
Accommodation: The Residence Douz – 1 night
DAY 6 | WED 04 NOVEMBER | TUNIS | 1 NIGHT
This morning we depart for Matmata, renowned for its remarkable underground cave houses, where we’ll meet local Berber families and explore the Star Wars filming site at Hotel Sidi Driss. We then continue to the UNESCO-listed El Jem Amphitheatre, pausing for lunch before visiting the amphitheatre and its museum. Later, we drive on to Tunis and check into our hotel.
Accommodation: La Menara Hotel & Spa – 1 night
DAY 7 | WED 05 NOVEMBER | TUNIS | DEPARTURE
On our final morning, we’ll soak up the charm of Sidi Bou Saïd, with its cobbled lanes, whitewashed houses and bright blue shutters — the perfect spot for a last coffee or a little shopping. Then it’s on to the legendary ruins of Carthage, a UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped in history and grandeur.
With memories made and friendships sealed, we’ll transfer to Tunis-Carthage Airport for our journey home.
FURTHER INFORMATION
To request the whole adventure brought to life in a vibrant, full-colour itinerary please click here
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
A selection of boutique hotels & riads
Dar El Jeld – Tunis, Tunisia
Dar El Jeld Hotel & Spa blends refined tradition with contemporary luxury in Tunis’ historic Medina. This boutique property offers exquisitely designed suites, a tranquil spa, and a rooftop restaurant with sweeping views of the city’s minarets and rooftops. Rich in character, it is a place where intricate craftsmanship, warm hospitality, and modern comforts combine seamlessly. Read More.
Dar Tozeur – Tozeur, Tunisia
Dar Tozeur blends traditional North African charm with refined contemporary comfort in the heart of Tozeur’s medina. Its intimate courtyards, elegant arches, and serene pools create a tranquil escape, while individually styled suites showcase regional design and craftsmanship. Here you can enjoy warm Tunisian hospitality, indulge in local flavours, and explore the desert landscapes that stretch beyond the city walls.Read More.
The Residence – Douz, Tunisia
At the edge of Tunisia’s great desert, The Residence Douz offers an oasis of luxury surrounded by golden dunes. You will stay in elegant villas with private pools, enjoy refined dining, and retreat to a world-class spa. This is a sanctuary where desert silence and timeless landscapes become part of your journey. Read More.
La Menara Hotel & Spa – Sidi Bou Saïd, Tunisia
La Menara Hotel & Spa offers a refined escape on Tunisia’s picturesque coastline. With a harmonious blend of contemporary design and authentic Tunisian influences, the hotel provides spacious rooms and suites, gourmet dining, and exceptional leisure facilities. You can unwind by the pool, stroll along golden beaches, or indulge in treatments at the wellness spa. Perfectly positioned for both relaxation and exploration, La Menara is a serene retreat with easy access to cultural treasures and natural beauty. Read More.
NEED TO KNOW
7 days | 30 October - 5 November 2026
7 days
30 October - 5 November 2026
AUD 5,995 per person twin share | AUD 7,990 per person single room
AUD 5,995 per person twin share
AUD 7,990 per person single room
START: Tunis | Finish: Tunis
HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR JOURNEY
- 6 nights in stylish riads and oasis lodges
- UNESCO-listed medina of Tunis – lanes of spices, artisans & hidden courtyards
- Carthage ruins & the Antonine Baths – Rome’s great rival on the Med
- Cathedral of St Vincent de Paul & the broad boulevards of modern Tunis
- Kairouan – the Great Mosque, Sidi Sahbi mausoleum & Aghlabid Basins
- Meeting craftspeople in Kairouan’s medina – carpets, embroidery & tradition
- Mountain oases of Chebika & Tamerza – springs, canyons & cliff-top views
- 4×4 across desert tracks to Ong Jmel – the Star Wars Mos Espa set
- Date-tasting in Tozeur’s palm groves – Deglet Nour at its source
- Crossing the Chott El Jerid salt flats – a mirage-dappled horizon
- Camel trek at sunset on golden dunes – dinner under a sky of a million stars
- A night in the Sahara – comfort, en-suite tents & quiet like nowhere else
- Matmata troglodyte homes – timeless Berber ingenuity underground
- Hotel Sidi Driss – Luke Skywalker’s “home” from A New Hope
- El Jem amphitheatre – vast, haunting & one of the best preserved in the world
- Excellent mosaic collection at El Jem Archaeological Museum
- Sidi Bou Saïd – blue-and-white lanes, sea views & perfect photo stops
- Seafood farewell in La Goulette – harbour vibes & Mediterranean flavours
- Mint tea, medina cafés & friendly chats with locals along the way
- Expert local guide throughout & a small circle of like-minded travellers
- Retail therapy done right – textiles, ceramics & beautifully made keepsakes
- And even more surprises…..
OPTIONAL PRE-TOUR EXTENSION: Morocco’s Souks & Sahara
Inclusions
- Escorted by Sarah Hoyland, Director of The Classic Safari Company
- 6 nights in boutique hotels, riads & desert camp as specified (or similar)
- Private 4WD excursion to the mountain oases of Chebika & Tamerza
- Camel ride across the Sahara dunes at sunset
- Date-tasting in Tozeur’s palm groves & special oasis lunch
- Dinner under the stars in the Sahara Desert
- Breakfast daily + 6 lunches + 4 dinners
- Bottled water whilst touring
- Airport arrival & departure transfers on dates specified to/from Emirates/Qantas flights on arrival & departure days
- Land transportation in air-conditioned micro bus (15- or 19-seater) throughout the itinerary
- All sightseeing & entrance fees to monuments & sites outlined in the itinerary
- Expert English-speaking local guide accompanying throughout
- All gratuities for porters, local guides & group restaurant meals whilst on tour
- Once-in-a-lifetime experiences throughout the journey
- Small group of like-minded travellers
Exclusions
- International air arrangements plus all applicable pre-paid departure taxes
- Travel Insurance & individual health requirements
- Additional meals & snacks + all drinks (essentially 2 dinners + drinks)
- Room or flight upgrades
- Transfers to any flight other than specified Emirates/Qantas flights
- Laundry, camera fees (minimal) & personal purchases
- Discretionary tip for driver & accompanying guide (budget AUD 320 per person)
- Tunisia Tourist Visa (details to be provided)
- Items of a personal nature & any item not specified
- Optional pre-tour extension – Morocco’s Souks & Sahara
Minimum – 8 travellers
Maximum – 12 (plus host)
Terms and conditions apply – please click here for full details.
This tour departs with a minimum of 8 people and a maximum of 12 people (plus host).
A single-room supplement of AUD 1,995 applies if you are travelling solo and wish to secure your own room.
The price is subject to change due to currency fluctuation and unforeseen changes beyond our control.
We reserve the right, due to situations beyond our control, to substitute any hotel or boat with another of comparable quality – this would be advised as soon as possible.
All quoted airfares & taxes are subject to change at any time prior to, or at the time of, ticketing.
Australian & New Zealand passport holders require a visa for Tunisia for a stay of up to 30 days. A visa must be obtained online prior to arrival. If you do not travel on an Australian or New Zealand passport please be sure to let us know.
Hosted by...
Sarah Hoyland
Sarah is co-director of The Classic Safari Company and the founder of our Journeys for Women collection. Over the years she's travelled to all seven continents, visited over 63 countries, forged global lifelong friendships and honed her haggling skills to perfection! In her own words 'I am happiest when I am lost in a souk, on safari in Africa, travelling with my teenage daughters or when I have the privilege of viewing wild and wonderful places afresh through their eyes of the ladies I host on our hosted womens-only soirees!'.
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