I’ve been a travel agent for many years (many, many years!) and I’ve never had a client ask about tours to Tunisia. Morocco, yes. Egypt, of course. Gibraltar ( a one day tour is usually sufficient); Easter Island; Tibet; Dubai; Polar bears in the Arctic, even Timbuktu (honestly)…all of the above. But Tunisia?
Well, there must be interest in that slice of the North African coast, because two of my favorite tour operators are offering this destination for 2011. Insight Vacations, a company offering First Class tours and Cosmos, offering budget tours. If you are aware of the considerable difference between First Class and Budget tours, you will realize that I’ll not compare these two as to the “star” ratings of their hotels or the number of meals offered. I have written a blog comparing/contrasting Deluxe, First Class and Budget tours…if you’d like check it out. I will compare itineraries and cost and, most important, way you should add Tunisia to your list of dream trips.
Both tours begin in Tunis, which will be the starting point for your excursion to Carthage, the ancient seat of the Phoenician city-state that ruled the Western Mediterranean all the way to Spain. Before you go a little research into the Punic Wars and Roman history to truly appreciate the remains. Tunis itself will charm you with its true Middle-Eastern flavor. The souqs are the most authentic, catering not so much to tourism but the market and trading place for the local population. You’ll really be immersed in local color (and aromas!).
Both tours visit the same town, villages and historic sights. You’ll see Matmata, the site of the fabulous underground city occupied for centuries until the 1960’s and were the film Star Wars was shot. Both tours will utilize the Lezard Rouge (the Red Lizard) train as it travels through desert scenery and the Seldja Gorge. The Insight tour will take you on a Jeep adventure into the Sahara and you’ll spend the night in a tent hotel for a true desert experience!
Were I to list all the stops and sights, this article would read like an atlas: Tozeur, Kairouan, Ksar Ghilane, Douz, Sousse, Gafsa and more! It’s enough to say that you’re in for a spectacular adventure into history, wonderful food, comfortable accommodations and memories.
Who should go: Anyone who wishes to experience the Near East in an unspoiled, non-touristy fashion. Star Wars aficionados. History buffs. Those who have visited the major sights in Europe, but haven’t yet visited the more exotic regions of the world.
Bottom line: The Cosmos tour is in Tunisia eight days, the first day IS in Tunis, and the price ranges from $889.00 – $1039.00 depending upon date of travel. The Insight tour is listed as ten days, but the “first day” is the overnight flight. The price is $1635.00, all dates. All prices are for the tour only and do not include air fare.
Popular Tunisia tours:
Tunisia Adventure
Best of Tunisia
Tunisian Adventure with Hammamet
11 day Tunisia
