El Jem, Kairouan, Tozeur, Douz, Troglodyte Houses, 2027 total solar eclipse on Djerba Island, Ancient Carthage, Cooking Class
Itinerary
Upon arrival in Tunis, our staff will meet you at the airport and then transfer you to your hotel to begin your trip. If you arrive early, you may like to explore the historic medina of Tunis or take a walk along the Avenue Habib Bourguiba.
OVERNIGHT:
Tunis Hotel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
You will begin your journey with a morning departure from Tunis, travelling south through the changing landscapes towards the heart of Tunisia's Roman and Islamic heritage. Your first destination will be the magnificent El Jem Amphitheatre, a colossal structure that remains one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in North Africa. You will immerse yourself in the sheer scale of the arena, imagining the echoes of gladiator combat as you wander through the soaring limestone arches and descend into the vaulted underground chambers where performers once awaited their entry.
Following this exploration of antiquity, you will move on to the Medina of Kairouan, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a cornerstone of Islamic culture. Within its ancient, winding streets, you will find an atmosphere defined by centuries of devotion and craftsmanship. You will take time to admire the intricate architecture of the Great Mosque and explore local workshops famous for traditional carpet weaving, experiencing the quiet rhythm of life within these historic walls. After a full day of cultural immersion, you will head to your hotel for dinner and a restful overnight stay.
OVERNIGHT:
Kairouan Hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
You will visit the Great Mosque of Kairouan, where you will explore one of the oldest and most significant mosques in the Islamic world. As you walk through its vast courtyard and gaze up at the towering minaret, you will witness a masterpiece of timeless architecture that stands as a powerful symbol of Kairouan’s spiritual and historical legacy.
Following this encounter with history, you will begin the drive towards the desert oasis of Tozeur, transitioning from the sacred atmosphere of the holy city to the dramatic landscapes of the Tunisian interior. As you arrive in Tozeur, you will notice its strikingly unique architecture, defined by intricate, sand-coloured brickwork. This traditional style, particularly evident in the Ouled el-Hadef district, features geometric patterns created by protruding and recessed kiln-fired bricks. Beyond their aesthetic beauty, these designs serve a clever functional purpose, creating micro-shadows that help keep the buildings cool under the Saharan sun. Your day will conclude with dinner and an overnight stay, surrounded by the ochre hues and palm-fringed horizon of this desert gateway.
OVERNIGHT:
Tozeur Hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
After breakfast at your hotel, our journey continues with a visit to the city of Tozeur, known as the 'Gateway to the Desert'. You will explore its famous oasis, one of the largest in Tunisia, and learn about the intricate irrigation systems that sustain the thousands of date palms. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to wander through the charming streets of the old quarter, admiring the unique architecture constructed from local clay bricks, which create beautiful geometric patterns.
In the afternoon we will embark on an exhilarating 4x4 adventure to explore the stunning mountain oases of Chebika, Tamerza, and Midès. Nestled in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, these oases offer a dramatic contrast to the desert landscape. You'll hike through breathtaking canyons and palm groves, discovering hidden waterfalls and ancient Berber villages carved into the rock face.
You will conclude your journey at one of Tunisia’s most iconic desert viewpoints, where the endless dunes of the Sahara stretch towards the distant horizon. You will visit Ong Jemel, famously known as a key filming location for the Star Wars saga. Here, you will explore the remarkably preserved Mos Espa film set, wandering through the cinematic structures that once brought a galaxy far, far away to life. This desert landscape becomes even more magical as the day ends, allowing you to witness the sun setting in a spectacular blaze of colour across the sand.
In the evening, you will return to your hotel for an overnight stay, with time to relax and reflect on the day's magnificent sights and experiences.
OVERNIGHT:
Tozeur Hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
After breakfast at the hotel, our journey will take us across the vast, ethereal landscape of the Chott el-Jerid, a magnificent salt lake. This immense natural wonder provides a spectacular backdrop for photographs, with its shimmering white surface stretching as far as the eye can see. We will stop for a photo opportunity, allowing you to capture the stunning, almost surreal beauty of this unique environment.
Following our photo stop, we will continue our drive to the town of Douz, often referred to as the 'Gateway to the Sahara'. Upon arrival, we will visit the bustling local souk. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, the market is the perfect place to experience traditional desert life, where you can browse local crafts, textiles, and spices. You might also see nomadic tribesmen, known as the M'razig, in their distinctive attire.
Later, we will check in to your hotel for an overnight stay, where you can enjoy a comfortable evening and prepare for the next day's adventures in the desert.
OVERNIGHT:
Douz hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
You will begin your day in Douz, the gateway to the Sahara, before travelling into the rugged Matmata mountains to uncover the ancient traditions of the Berber people. Your first stop will be the Berber Museum of Tamezret, a small but rich cultural space perched within a mountain village. Here, you will discover a collection of traditional tools, costumes, and stories that preserve the heritage and resilient spirit of desert life.
Your journey continues to the famous troglodyte houses of Matmata, where you will explore remarkable underground dwellings carved directly into the earth. These homes showcase the brilliance of Berber architecture, designed to provide a cool sanctuary against the harsh beauty of the desert landscape. Nearby, you will visit the Sidi Idriss Hotel, a site of cinematic pilgrimage where parts of Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope were filmed. You will have the unique opportunity to walk through the traditional subterranean courtyards that served as the childhood home of Luke Skywalker.
From there, you will visit Toujane, a dramatic hillside village where stone houses are seamlessly carved into the rugged mountain slopes. As you look out over the landscape, time seems to slow under the desert wind in this remarkably preserved setting. Finally, you will depart the mountains and begin your drive towards the island of Djerba, transitioning from the arid peaks to the coastal beauty of the Mediterranean.
OVERNIGHT:
Djerba Hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
You will begin your exploration of the island with a visit to the Guellala Museum, a fascinating cultural landmark perched on the island’s highest point. Inside, you will discover traditional pottery and local crafts, alongside lifelike dioramas that illustrate the customs, daily life, and rich history of Djerba’s inhabitants.
Your journey continues to the El Ghriba Synagogue, one of the oldest and most significant Jewish sites in North Africa. You will step inside this sacred pilgrimage destination to admire the beautifully decorated interiors and intricate blue tilework, while learning about the deep-rooted history of the Jewish community on the island. From there, you will experience Djerbahood, an extraordinary open-air street art museum in the village of Erriadh. You will wander through a vibrant gallery where over 150 international artists have transformed traditional walls into stunning murals, seamlessly blending contemporary creativity with Djerba's architectural heritage.
Finally, you will visit Houmt Souk, the lively capital of the island. You will lose yourself in its maze of whitewashed alleys and bustling markets, where the scent of spices fills the air and local artisans display their wares. The day concludes amongst the seaside cafés and vibrant energy of the souks, perfectly capturing the unique charm of Djerbian life.
OVERNIGHT:
Djerba hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
You will begin your morning on the beautiful island of Djerba, which is perfectly positioned within the path of totality for the total solar eclipse of 2027. On Monday, 2 August, you will have the extraordinary opportunity to witness this once-in-a-century astronomical event from one of the most serene settings in North Africa. The partial eclipse is expected to begin in the morning, with the moment of totality occurring at approximately 10:10 AM local time.
From your vantage point on the island, you will experience roughly 4 minutes and 10 seconds of breathtaking total darkness as the moon fully obscures the sun. This location has been carefully selected to provide a comfortable and secure environment, ensuring you have access to shaded areas, complimentary refreshments, and necessary facilities. This allows you to remain fully immersed in the spectacular celestial display as the temperature drops and the stars appear in the mid-morning sky. Following the eclipse, you will have the remainder of the day to relax by the Mediterranean or explore the island's unique heritage before your overnight stay in Djerba.
OVERNIGHT:
Djerba Hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
You will begin your day with breakfast at your hotel before transferring to Djerba-Zarzis International Airport for your flight back to the capital. Upon arrival at Tunis-Carthage International Airport, you will immerse yourself in the culinary traditions of the city with a private cooking class held in the heart of the Medina of Tunis. Your gastronomic journey starts with a guided tour of the central market, where you will navigate the vibrant stalls to select fresh, seasonal ingredients. You will then enter a beautifully restored traditional house to learn ancestral cooking techniques from a local chef. Through a hands-on demonstration, you will uncover the secrets of authentic Tunisian spices and flavours before sitting down to enjoy the meal you have prepared.
In the afternoon, you will explore the Carthage Archaeological Site, stepping into the ruins of one of history’s greatest civilisations. Perched on a hillside overlooking the Mediterranean, this UNESCO World Heritage site reveals the layers of a powerful Punic and Roman past. You will wander through ancient ports, grand villas, and the impressive Antonine Baths, all of which evoke the legendary empire that once dominated these shores. The day concludes in Tunis, where you will spend your final evening.
OVERNIGHT:
Tunis Hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch
EXTRAS:
None
Your time is free today until we transfer you to the airport for your departure flight. Extensions are available to add onto the end of the tour to spend some time by the sea.
OVERNIGHT:
N/A
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
included with
9 nights deluxe level accommodation
A day dedicated to witnessing the 2027 solar eclipse on Djerba Island
All transport and transfers
24-hour airport arrival & departure transfer service
Services of a local tour guide for all sightseeing tours
Monument entrance fees
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
excluded by
International flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance (compulsory)
Meals not indicated in the itinerary
Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
Tipping
Any other items not mentioned above
Detailed Description
This ten-day tour of Tunisia offers a sophisticated journey through the country’s most iconic landscapes, from the historic northern coast to the golden dunes of the Sahara, featuring deluxe 5-star accommodations throughout. Your adventure begins in the capital, Tunis, where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The journey then heads south to the sacred city of Kairouan to explore the Great Mosque and the UNESCO-listed medina, followed by a visit to the magnificent Roman Amphitheatre of El Jem. You will then continue to the desert oasis of Tozeur, where you will discover its unique brickwork architecture and embark on a 4x4 expedition to the cinematic Star Wars film sets at Ong Jemel.
The expedition moves toward the 'Gateway to the Sahara', Douz, before venturing into the rugged Matmata mountains. Here, you will visit the Berber Museum of Tamezret and the famous troglodyte houses, including the Sidi Idriss Hotel, another legendary filming site for the Star Wars saga. After exploring the dramatic hillside village of Toujane, you will travel to the island of Djerba. This island retreat serves as a cultural hub where you will visit the Guellala Museum, the ancient El Ghriba Synagogue, and the vibrant street art of Djerbahood, all while enjoying the refined comfort of a premier seaside resort.
The undisputed highlight of the itinerary is the total solar eclipse of 2027, viewed from a specially selected prime location on the island of Djerba. On 2 August, you will witness this breathtaking astronomical event, experiencing over four minutes of totality as the moon fully obscures the sun over the Mediterranean. Following the eclipse, you will fly back to Tunis for a final immersion into Tunisian heritage. This concluding leg features a hands-on cooking class in the heart of the Medina and a visit to the ancient ruins of Carthage, allowing you to savour the true flavours and history of the country before your final overnight stay in the capital.
Other Ways to Witness the Eclipse: If you are drawn to the beauty of North Africa, you may also consider our Morocco Eclipse Adventure. Alternatively, for those keen on visiting the Land of the Pharaohs, you may consider our Egypt Eclipse Adventure, both trips have been meticulously planned for optimal viewing of the 2027 eclipse.
Trip Extension:
For those passengers wishing to see more of the country, we also have a Tunisia Eclipse Extension available which will operate immediately after our Tunisia Eclipse Adventure
