Are you seeking a unique travel experience that combines history, culture, and natural beauty? Look no further than Tunisia, a fascinating destination with a rich heritage and diverse landscapes. Embark on a captivating journey as we explore the lesser-known treasures of this North African gem. Get ready for an adventure that will leave you with unforgettable memories shared by our HHWT Explorer, Atiqa!
Photo credit: Atiqa
Day 1: Arriving in Tunis Upon arrival at Tunis airport
Photo credit: Atiqa
- Make sure to change your currency, as cash is widely used nationwide.
- Purchase a data plan for convenient internet access.
- Take a taxi to your hotel in Tunis, the vibrant capital city.
- In the afternoon, venture to Sidi Bou Said, a picturesque village on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, just northeast of Tunis, the capital city of Tunisia. It is known for its distinctive blue and white architecture, narrow winding streets, and breathtaking views, especially for a breathtaking sunset view.
- Return to Tunis via the metro line for convenient and affordable travel.
Recommended Hotel: Hotel Dar Ali, Tunis
Day 2: Exploring Bizerte and Cape Angela!
Photo credit: Atiqa
- Begin your day with a taxi ride to Bab Saadoun Louage Station. Embark on a day trip to Bizerte, a coastal city known for its charm.
- From Bizerte, arrange a taxi to Cape Angela, the northernmost point of the African continent. Marvel at the stunning views before returning to Bizerte.
- Indulge in a delectable seafood lunch at the port, where you can even purchase your fish for the restaurant to prepare.
- Take a stroll around the port before heading back to Tunis via louage.
Note: Louage refers to shared vans or minibuses commonly used for transportation in Tunisia.
Recommended Hotel: Hotel Dar Ali, Tunis
Day 3: El Jem's Amphitheater and Kairouan's Great Mosque
Photo credit: Atiqa
- Catch a morning train from Tunis to El Jem to visit the magnificent Amphitheater of El Jem. Non-Arab Maghreb visitors will need to pay a small entrance fee.
- Travel by louage to Sousse and then embark on another louage to Kairouan, a city famous for its Great Mosque.
- Explore the mosque and its surroundings, taking note of entrance charges and operating hours for non-Muslim visitors.
- Take some time to wander through the medina and madrassa. Return to Sousse in the evening for dinner and a relaxing stroll along the beach.
Recommended Hotel: Hotel Residence Monia, Sousse
Day 4: Douz and Sand Dunes
Photo credit: Atiqa
- Hop on a louage from Sousse to Gabes, and then take another louage to Douz.
- Although a planned day trip to Mos Espa, a Star Wars filming site, may be affected by unforeseen circumstances such as sandstorms, make the most of your time in Douz.
- Enjoy a free and easy day, perhaps arranging for a home-cooked dinner and savoring traditional sand-baked bread with the help of your accommodating accommodation owner.
Recommended Hotel: Maison Proche De Desert, Douz
Day 5: Quad Biking and Djerba Delights
Photo credit: Atiqa
- Before leaving Douz for Djerba, embark on an exhilarating one-hour quad biking adventure in the desert.
- Afterwards, travel to Djerba via Gabes. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll through the medina and head towards Djerba Marina to witness a breathtaking sunset.
- Enjoy a delightful dinner while immersing yourself in the charming ambiance.
Recommended Hotel: Dar Lola, Houmt Souk
Day 6: Discovering Djerba's Treasures
Photo credit: Atiqa
- Explore the enchanting island of Djerba by taxi, visiting notable attractions such as Djerbahood, a vibrant street art project, and a Jewish synagogue (remember to check visiting times).
- Relax at Midoun Beach and witness a mesmerising sunset at Sidi Jmour Mosque.
- It's advisable to consider renting a car or joining a half-day tour for easier transportation outside of Houmt Souk, the city centre.
Recommended Hotel: Dar Lola, Houmt Souk
Day 7: Star Wars Filming Site and Monastir's Coastal Charm
Photo credit: Atiqa
- Take a louage to Medinine to visit one of the Star Wars filming sites, which is within walking distance from the blue louage station.
- Then, arrange a taxi to the red louage station for your transfer to Sousse. From Sousse, continue by louage to Monastir.
- Stroll along the beach, explore the historical Ribat, and enjoy a delightful dinner while immersing yourself in the coastal charm of Monastir.
Recommended Hotel: Marina Cap Monastir - Apart Hotel, Monastir
Day 8: Exploring Tunis Medina
- Board a louage from Monastir to Tunis, where you can spend the day exploring the historic Tunis Medina, located around Al-Zaytuna Mosque.
- Delve into the labyrinthine streets, visit traditional shops, and find unique souvenirs to bring back home. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and soak up the rich cultural heritage of Tunisia.
Recommended Hotel: Dar Ya, Tunis
Day 9: Departure from Tunis Bid
- Farewell to Tunisia as you embark on your journey back home, carrying cherished memories of an extraordinary adventure.
Travel Tips and Insights:
- Tunisia may be less researched than other destinations, but that's part of its charm. Embrace the opportunity to explore lesser-known sites and create your unique experiences.
- As an Asian traveller, expect some curiosity from locals, who may assume you are visiting for work or study. Share your passion for travel, and you'll be warmly welcomed.
- While incidents can occur anywhere, Tunisia is generally safe. Be cautious of potential scams and rely on reputable transportation services like the Bolt app for fixed rates. Stay vigilant, and don't hesitate to seek assistance if needed.
- Arabic and French are the primary languages spoken in Tunisia. Younger Tunisians may understand English but consider using voice translation or learning a few basic Arabic phrases, especially when interacting with the older generation.
- Tunisia offers diverse attractions catering to various interests. Whether you prefer relaxation, activities, shopping, or historical exploration, there is something for everyone.
- Planning your itinerary can be done independently by researching blogs, vlogs, and reliable online resources. As tourism in Tunisia grows, more updated information and organised tours may become available, enhancing the travel experience.
Embrace the warmth and hospitality of the Tunisian people as you embark on this off-the-beaten-path adventure. Tunisia's hidden gems are waiting to be discovered, promising an immersive journey filled with enchantment and cultural immersion. Don't be afraid to venture beyond the tourist hotspots and uncover the true essence of this captivating destination. Bon voyage!
Contributed by our very own HHWT Explorer, Atiqa! Would you like to join our explorer club and share your experiences? Send us a message here on Instagram.