TREASURES of TUNISIA

Departures

Located on the coast of North Africa, Tunisia’s long history will surprise even the most experienced traveller. Carthage, whose Phoenician traders ruled a vast empire until the rise of Rome, dominated the Mediterranean region for a period of almost 700 years. In more recent times, Byzantine, Arabs, Turks and the French have held sway, leaving a rich and diverse cultural heritage.
Tunisia is one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations. It features a delightful climate, fine scenery, friendly people and a fascinating history. This is one of the Mediterranean’s best kept secrets, providing exceptional value as well as superior quality. Our journey is timed for the early spring when temperatures are more comfortable for exploring and before the destination becomes overcrowded. Along with our Canadian escort you will have the services of one of our very popular Tunisian guides, with whom we have worked for the past eight years.

Space on this tour will be sure to fill quickly - we urge you to enroll early to avoid disappointment.

Itinerary

March 8, Monday: Depart CANADA
Tour members from across Canada gather for our overnight Air France flights via Paris to Tunisia.

March 9, Tuesday: TUNIS / HAMMAMET
Arriving Tunis in the early afternoon, we will be met and will transfer directly to the seaside resort of Hammamet where we spend three nights at the new Hotel Iberostar Averroes, set on the shores of the Mediterranean, fronted by miles of sparkling sand beaches. This first class beach resort has large outdoor and indoor pools, a number of restaurants and lounges, sports facilities and features live entertainment some evenings. Our rooms offer a private balcony, twin beds, private bathroom, mini-bar, colour satellite TV and direct dial telephone.
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March 10, Wednesday: HAMMAMET
Enjoy a brief orientation tour of the fast growing village of Hammamet and its Medina followed by a leisurely afternoon with time to relax by the pool or to enjoy a long walk on the beach. In neighbouring Nabeul, we can find wonderful examples of local pottery and other crafts. Gather for a welcome reception and dinner this evening.
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March 11, Thursday: CAP BON
Our day is spent on a leisurely drive around beautiful Cap Bon, Tunisia’s Garden of Eden. Highlights of the day will include dramatic vistas of the sea, the fishing village of Kelibia and the Punic remains at Kerkouane.
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March 12, Friday: KAIROUAN
Travelling south we come to the third holiest city of Islam, Kairouan. Founded in 671 AD to establish a stronghold for the spread of Islam, the Great Mosque of Sidi Okka is dedicated to the city's founder. This afternoon we will visit the Mausoleum of Sidi Sahib, the Aghlabith Pools and a traditional carpet market. We spend the night at the beautiful Hotel El Kasbah Kairouan.
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March 13, Saturday: OASIS / DJERBA
The heart of Tunisia is ahead of us as we continue south today. First stop will be at El Jem, originally the Roman city of Thysdrus, which is dominated by the grand coliseum, built in 230 AD to rival the one in Rome. Next stop is at the oasis, Gabes, an important centre from the time of the Phoenicians. Later we continue to the island resort of Djerba, known for its palm-fringed beaches, traditional village life and exquisite crafts. Maritim Yadis Djerba Resort (3 nights)
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March 14, Sunday: DJERBA
Blessed by gentle sea breezes, breathtaking scenery and the unique quality of the local craftsmen, Djerba is both a popular resort and an historic centre. Our exploration of the island will include visits to see the handiwork of local potters and the ancient synagogue that is used by the descendants of people who fled here from Palestine in 584 BC.
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March 15, Monday: DJERBA
Enjoy a complete day of leisure with time to explore the markets of the old town and to relax by the beach or the pool. This small island has played important roles in history as shown by the causeway built by the Romans almost 2000 years ago.
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March 16, Tuesday: DOUZ
Returning to the mainland, our first stop is the World War II museum at Mareth. We then proceed to Matmata, to see the cave dwellings of the Berbers, dug deep into the earth for protection from both the elements and invaders. Skirting the edges of the vast Sahara, we continue to Douz, known as the gateway to the Grand Erg Oriental, the vast sand-sea of the eastern Sahara. Hotel El Mouradi Douz
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March 17, Wednesday: THE CHOTTS / TOZEUR
Awaken on the edge of the vast Sahara; the desert sands stretch from here into the heart of Africa. This morning a unique treat awaits us - a camel ride onto the sand dunes. We continue to Kerbili and cross the vast Chott El Jerid to the oasis town of Tozeur. The Chotts of Tunisia are vast salt flats that spread before us turning mirages into reality and vice versa. Later we visit the local museum with its excellent display of traditional desert art and clothing. Hotel Dar Cherait Tozeur (2 nights)
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March 18, Thursday: TAMERZA / TOZEUR
Be prepared for a tour highlight this morning as we head out into the desert on 4x4 vehicles bound for the mountain oasis of Chibiko-Tamerza where we have lunch at the Hotel Tamerza Palace (featured in the movie "The English Patient"). Enjoy spectacular views across the desert and of the mountains, waterfalls and palm trees.
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March 19, Friday: SOUSSE
Departing early, we pass the oasis of Gafsa, one of the oldest cities of Tunisia, reputed to have been founded by Hercules. We stop to visit the extensive archaeological site in Suffetula, dating from the early Roman period. This afternoon we arrive at the seaside resort of Sousse. Set on a white sand beach, our hotel is located next to the 36-hole Port El Kantaoui Golf Course. The nearby resort centres of Sousse and Monastir are easily accessible and the hotel features four restaurants plus a large outdoor pool. The Medina of Sousse and its souks offer wonderful opportunities to see traditional lifestyles, to bargain for souvenirs and to study the local architecture. Hotel Mercure Diar El Andalous (3 nights)
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March 20, Saturday: SOUSSE
This morning we will have an orientation tour of Sousse and the nearby resort of Monastir. Enjoy a free afternoon to relax by the beach or to explore on your own.
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March 21, Sunday: SOUSSE
Enjoy a totally free day. Founded around 800 BC, the walled old city of Sousse is a delight to explore, highlighted by the 8th century Ribat, a fortified mosque. The kasbah, with its inspiring tower, contains an excellent museum of mosaics.
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March 22, Monday: DOUGGA / TUNIS
This morning we head inland to explore the magnificent remains of Dougga, built in the 2nd century. From the well preserved theatre which could seat 3500, it is an easy walk to the impressive Capital, dedicated to Jupiter, Juno and Minerva. This afternoon we continue into Tunis and to our deluxe city centre property, featuring a choice of restaurants, lounges and other facilities and just a short distance from excellent shopping, the Medina, the Souks and the Great Mosque. El Mouradi Hotel Africa (3 nights)
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March 23, Tuesday: CARTHAGE / SIDI BOU SAID
Our morning is spent exploring Carthage, the Phoenician city state that once ruled the known world. Highlights of this ancient capital include the Acropolis of Byrsa, the twin Punic harbours, the baths of Antoine, Tophet, a Phoenician graveyard and a rebuilt Roman villa. We will enjoy lunch and a visit in the picturesque hillside village of Sidi Bou Said, known for its cobblestone streets, white washed houses, trimmed in bright blue and its very busy markets.
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March 24, Wednesday: TUNIS
This morning is devoted to the nation's capital, Tunis. View the public buildings and then enjoy a guided visit to the Bardo, one of the world’s best museums with its superb collection of Roman mosaics. We will then have ample time to explore the souks (shopping arcades) of the Medina, followed by a free afternoon. This evening our farewell dinner will be at the Darjeld Restaurant.
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March 25, Thursday: PARIS / CANADA
This morning we fly with Air France to Paris with direct connections to Montreal or Toronto and on to our homes across Canada.
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Tour Costs (CDN$/person)

Prices from other cities are available on request. Prices are based on airfares, taxes and exchange rates effective May 2009 and are subject to change. By advance arrangement, tour members can include a stopover in Paris (extra cost) - please ask for details. Airfare add-ons in Canada are based on best available local fares and are subject to change – members may wish to use points to book these flights. Tour price is based on sharing twin-bedded accommodation at hotels and on a minimum of 20 tour participants.

CT RATING FOUR: This tour visits a number of ancient sites with uneven walking surfaces. We will venture deep into the Sahara desert and explore a number of remote regions. Weather can vary at this time of year from cool and damp to sunny and hot. Our first class hotels/resorts are based on Mediterranean standards. Members need to be in good physical condition, able to handle the rigors of this journey.

Tour cost and deposit includes the cost of comprehensive insurance ($195 pp) for passengers under 86 years of age at time of travel. Cancellations of any booking prior to December 4, 2009 will be subject to an Administration Fee of $50pp – this fee will not be covered by our insurance. Insurance coverage will begin on the above date and will cover penalties from that date forward. Contact our office for full details.
Final payment will be due on January 4, 2010.

Inclusive Features

To enroll on this tour simply complete our online enrollment form or alternatively complete the enrollment form found at the back of our brochure and return it with your deposit of $800 per person to Craig Travel's office.