- Tunisia Escorted Tours
- Wonders of Tunisia: Carthage to the Sahara with Djerba Island Beach Stay
Discover the captivating wonders of Tunisia on this journey through a land where ancient history meets culture and breathtaking landscapes. From the bustling souks of Tunis and the majestic ruins of Carthage to the sweeping sands of the Sahara Desert and the charming coastal towns of Sousse and Hammamet, this tour offers an unforgettable blend of archaeological treasures, traditional hospitality, and stunning natural beauty. Experience Tunisia’s rich heritage, diverse architecture, and warm, welcoming people as you traverse cities, desert oases, and Mediterranean shores — an adventure that will leave you inspired and enchanted at every turn.
Enjoy a stay in Djerba. Relax on sandy beaches, explore the island’s traditional markets and whitewashed villages, and take in its unique mix of Berber, Arab, and Mediterranean influences. Whether you're looking for culture, cuisine, or calm, Djerba offers a warm and welcoming escape.
Upon arrival at Tunis-Carthage Airport, you will be welcomed by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, you can unwind at your leisure and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Begin your day with breakfast before exploring the rich history of Tunisia’s capital. A visit to the Bardo Museum, home to one of the world’s finest collections of Roman mosaics. Then, on to the enchanting village of Sidi Bou Said, famed for its stunning white and blue architecture perched above the Mediterranean.
Enjoy lunch before heading to the ancient ruins of Carthage, every corner of Carthage tells a story of empire, conflict, and resilience — from its founding by the Phoenicians, through its legendary struggles with Rome, to its lasting legacy as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Return to Tunis for dinner.
Breakfast & Lunch
Journey westward to discover Bulla Regia, as you explore Bulla Regia, you’ll walk through the remains of luxurious homes adorned with vibrant, exceptionally well-preserved mosaics that depict scenes from mythology, nature, and daily life. These intricate floor mosaics are some of the finest examples of Roman art in North Africa, showcasing vivid colours and exquisite craftsmanship. Visiting Bulla Regia offers a unique glimpse into the lifestyle of the Roman elite, the blending of indigenous and Roman cultures, and the innovative architectural solutions they employed. It’s a must-see for history enthusiasts and those intrigued by ancient ingenuity in adapting to environment and culture. Continue to the remarkable ruins of Dougga, as you wander through the site, you’ll encounter a stunning array of architectural wonders: grand temples, expansive forums, majestic baths, and an impressive Roman theatre carved into the hillside with a capacity of around 3,500 spectators. The theatre is particularly striking, showcasing the Romans’ mastery of engineering and acoustics. Walking through its tiers, you can almost hear echoes of performances that entertained citizens two millennia ago. A lunch is included before you travel to the beach resort of Hammamet. Enjoy the late afternoon/evening at your leisure.
Breakfast
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a free morning to relax by the sea or explore Hammamet at your own pace. In the afternoon, head to nearby Nabeul, known for its long tradition of pottery and ceramics. Begin with a visit to the Nabeul Museum, where exhibits showcase the region’s rich history, including Roman mosaics, archaeological finds, and insights into local heritage. The town’s medina is home to a variety of local shops selling pottery, textiles, spices, and traditional handicrafts. As you wander through its narrow streets, you’ll encounter stalls filled with fresh produce, herbs, and regional specialities, offering a glimpse into everyday life and an opportunity to sample some of the local cuisine.
Breakfast & Lunch
Today’s adventure takes you along the lush Cap Bon peninsula, as you drive this peninsula, you’ll encounter rolling hills covered with vibrant vineyards, groves of fragrant citrus trees, olive orchards, and expansive fields of vegetables and flowers. The region’s Mediterranean climate creates ideal conditions for growing some of Tunisia’s best produce, making Cap Bon a vital agricultural hub. After lunch, one of the standout highlights of the region is the ancient city of Kerkouane — a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the rare surviving Phoenician-Punic cities, offering a fascinating window into a civilization that thrived over two millennia ago. Unlike other Punic sites, Kerkouane was abandoned and never rebuilt, preserving its original Phoenician urban layout.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Your first stop today is the “Holy City” of Kairouan. One of the most revered cities in the Islamic world and holds the title of Tunisia’s fourth holiest city after Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem. Founded in the 7th century, it quickly became a major religious, cultural, and intellectual centre. Its spiritual significance earned it the nickname “The Holy City,” and it remains a vital pilgrimage site for Muslims. At the heart of the city is a vibrant medina, the Great Mosque of Sidi Oqba, and the serene Sidi Sahbi Mausoleum, here you can immerse yourself in Tunisia’s spiritual heart. Following lunch, continue southward to Tozeur, an oasis town nestled between a vast salt lake and lush palm groves on the edge of the Sahara Desert. Tonight enjoy dinner.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Depart on a thrilling Jeep excursion into the Sahara’s golden sand dunes. As you glide over the sand dunes to the oasis town of Nefta, famed for its role in traditional Saharan festivals and music, then over to the dramatic rock formations of Onk Jemal, these unique geological shapes have gained international fame as a filming location for the Star Wars saga, where the rugged desert terrain provided an otherworldly backdrop. The striking sandstone formations rise majestically from the desert floor, creating a surreal landscape that feels both timeless and cinematic. After a lunch, you will return to Tozeur to wander through its historic medina and visit the Dar Cherait Museum, showcasing the artistry and heritage of Tunisia.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
On your way to Douz, travel through the striking landscape of the dry Chott el Djerid salt lake, stretching over 5,000 square kilometres (about 1,930 square miles), making it the largest salt flat in North Africa. The lake has a mythical, almost otherworldly appearance. Local legends speak of buried treasure and phantom lakes, and the chott has inspired countless travellers and filmmakers. After lunch, discover the Sahara Museum, housed within an elegant Andalusian-inspired building, its thoughtfully curated exhibits showcase the region’s natural environment, everyday tools, and rich cultural traditions of Saharan nomadic tribes. The museum’s engaging layout and knowledgeable staff ensure you leave with a deep appreciation for the resilience and artistry of desert communities. Later, enjoy dinner and an evening at leisure.
Breakfast & Lunch
The Berber village of Matmata is one of Tunisia’s most unique and captivating destinations, famous for its troglodyte homes - dwellings carved directly into the earth to provide natural insulation from the extreme desert temperatures. Continue to El Djem to marvel at the imposing centrepiece - its colossal amphitheatre, built around 238 AD, it could once seat up to 35,000 spectators. It was used for gladiator contests, chariot races, and public entertainment, showcasing the might and spectacle of the Roman era. What makes this amphitheatre remarkable is its exceptional state of preservation. You can explore the seating areas, climb to the upper levels for panoramic views, and even walk through the underground tunnels where animals and gladiators once prepared for battle. After lunch, head to Sousse.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
A tour of Sousse offers a rich exploration of one of Tunisia’s most captivating cities, known for its unique blend of history, culture, and coastal charm. You’ll wander through the UNESCO-listed medina, a lively maze of narrow streets filled with traditional souks, whitewashed buildings, and colourful shops. Marvel at the Great Mosque, known for its fortress-like architecture and the Archaeological Museum, housed in the ancient Kasbah. The day also features an exclusive afternoon lecture at the Ribat presented by your guide, to provide deeper insight into Sousse’s historical significance. In the evening, head to a farewell dinner.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, you'll transfer to Djerba for your beach extension. Here, your time is entirely at leisure - perfect for unwinding by the sea or exploring Djerba’s traditional markets, whitewashed villages, and rich blend of cultures at your own pace.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
With several days at leisure, you’ll have plenty of time to relax on Djerba’s sun-soaked beaches, wander through its historic medina, and experience the island’s vibrant local culture at your own pace.
Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
Your Next Adventure Awaits! We've been arranging award-winning, expertly crafted hoildays and tours since 1980. We're also ABTA protected and ATOL bonded for your total peace of mind. Call us today to book your next unforgettable holiday!
The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. The driving times listed are point to point and do not include the duration of excursions or stops enroute. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times.
If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of £295.00pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 12 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 12 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
To enter Tunisia, your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay. You can visit Tunisia without a visa for up to 90 days. Make sure you get your passport stamped.
Alternatively, we work closely with The Travel Visa Company who will be able to arrange your visa on your behalf. Please call them on 01270 250 590 and quote 'Mercury Holidays'. Visa requirements are subject to change and obtaining a visa is the responsibility of the traveller and not Mercury Holidays. We recommend you check with your destination's tourist board or embassy prior to departure for the most up to date guidelines regarding visas and passport validity.
Please note that final documentation will be sent to you approximately 21 days before departure. Check in baggage is included with your flight. Weight restrictions will be finalised on your final documentation. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-in should be at least 3 hours before departure. If you wish to arrange Airport car parking or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras on 0333 188 0407, quoting HX313. IMPORTANT: A printed E-ticket is no longer required at check-in; all you need to do is present your passport to the staff at the desk and your boarding pass will be given to you. Please note that you should carry your invoice with flight details on it as you will need to show this at the airport.
We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras, including up to a 20% discount, which is given to all Mercury Holidays customers. To arrange your insurance with Holiday Extras, please visit https://www.mercuryholidays.co.uk/info/insurance for more details. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.
It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include www.fco.gov.uk , www.travelhealthpro.org.uk , www.hpa.org.uk , your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.
This tour is accessible to most people with a good level of fitness and normal mobility but not to people with walking difficulties. To travel on any of our tours requires unaided mobility and the ability. All our tours feature a “Tour Pace” to help find the right holiday for you. The tour pace for this tour is intermediate. A good level of fitness is required as you may be on your feet for approximately four hours in a day, though this will be interspersed with regular breaks and will vary from day to day. You will be walking around the sights, and may be getting on and off coaches, trains and boats and climbing steps which may be steep and irregular. You will stay in variety of hotels throughout the tour. Our guides will always endeavour to provide the highest level of service and assistance; however, they cannot be expected to cater for customers who are unfit to complete the itinerary.
The currency in Tunisia is the Tunisian Dinar (TND), which is a closed currency. This means you will need to exchange your GBP upon arrival in Tunisia, as it cannot be obtained or exchanged outside the country. You can convert your cash at banks, bureaux de change, hotels, and post offices, all of which offer the same government-fixed exchange rate.
Please note that you cannot take Tunisian Dinar out of the country. Authorities have the right to search passengers and their luggage at the airport, so it’s essential to ensure you exchange any remaining dinars, including coins, before you depart. Cash machines will also be available in major cities.
You will need to take money with you to cover any personal purchases such as souvenirs, laundry, any meals not included in the itinerary as well as drinks and any additional snacks. Approximately £300 - £400 per person will be sufficient for the duration of the tour. It is a good idea to try and maintain a supply of small notes and change in the local currency for tipping or small purchases.
Tipping
It is at your customary/discretion to tip both your driver and guide. We would recommend to tip in the local currently and approximately the equivalent of £2.20 per person per day for this tour for the driver and £3.60 for the guide per day. At restaurants it is recommended to tip 10-15% on the final bill, housekeepers and porters etc £ is acceptable. Tips are accepted in the local currency.
The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 10, and the maximum will be 30. If in the unlikely event there are less than 10 people booked on your tour date, we will endeavour to reduce any disruption to your holiday and try to operate your tour with lower passenger numbers. If we are notable to operate your departure date, then you may be asked to change to a different date and a full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.
There is no minimum number of travellers for this extension however the main tour passenger numbers will apply for the main part of the tour. If in the unlikely event there are less than the required number of people booked on your main tour date then you may be asked to change to a different date. A full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.
This is a fully escorted tour meaning that you will be met on arrival by your Local guide who will remain with you for the duration of your trip ensuring that you always have first-hand knowledge. Attraction specific guides may also be used if required at some attractions.
Your stay in Djerba is not escorted by a tour guide. All internal transfers are included
Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Lunch and dinner during your tour will be taken in local restaurants or at the hotel. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of dishes and flavours.
Gluten free, Vegetarian and vegan meals can be catered for. Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information.
It is not recommended to drink the tap water, even in developed countries water may contain unfamiliar elements that can cause upset stomachs. In less developed countries water is not filtered in the same way. Bottled water will be available at shops and hotels.
On arrival in Tunisia, after collecting any hold luggage and passing through Customs, please make your way to the arrivals hall where you will be met by one of our local representatives from Visit Tunisia, holding a Mercury Holidays sign.
If you need to contact your representative during your stay the details are:
Kamel Touhami : + 216 98 545 217
Emergency contact information: Please find below the emergency contact details for Visit Tunisia (24hrs):
Kamel Touhami : + 216 98 545 217
