Tunisia Expedition

12 days4.925 reviews
Expeditions
From
NZD $5,590

Uncover palm-fringed oases in the desert, sleep in underground caves and break bread with locals

Discover the living history, vast desert landscape and seaside bliss of Tunisia on this 12-day adventure to a seldom-explored gem. Wander through waterfront medinas where the scent of jasmine floats on the sea breeze, explore World Heritage-listed Roman ruins without the crowds, hike over sand dunes and under craggy mountains and feast on spicy Tunisian cuisine, which blends the staples favoured by the nomadic peoples of North Africa with Italian and Spanish flavours. Trek the Sahara with local Amazigh guides and camp under North African stars, meet local female artisans keeping traditions alive and spend a couple of nights in an underground cave dwelling. From vast stretches of pink-hued salt lakes to turquoise coasts and palm-fringed oases – this trip reveals the diverse sides of a Mediterranean jewel.

Map of Tunisia Expedition including Tunisia
Trip code: XLSE
Start
Tunis, Tunisia
End
Tunis, Tunisia
Destinations
Tunisia
Meals
11 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 4 dinners
Transport
4WD vehicle, Private Minibus
Accommodation
Hotel (8 nights), Gite (2 nights), Desert Camp (1 night)
Days
12
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Ages
Min 15
Theme
Every trip caters to specific interests and activities, such as wildlife or family.
Expeditions
Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time

Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time

Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities

Premium: 4+ star accommodation, exclusive premium inclusions, our most experienced leaders
Original
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip

Explore some of the local underground dwellings of Matmata, before enjoying lunch in a troglodyte restaurant where mythical scenes from Star Wars Episodes I, II, III and VI were filmed.

Wander the largest medina in North Africa in Tunis, navigating the twisting alleyways to discover tiny stores overflowing with goods, ancient mosques and bustling squares.

Marvel at the spectacular Roman amphitheatre of El Jem. This 3rd-century structure rises impressively above the surrounding city, playing host to gladiators, musicians, villagers and many more throughout its life.

Meet local female artisans in their workshops and homes and learn how they’re keeping their crafts and art practices alive. Sample local sweets, share home-cooked meals and join in on local cooking demonstrations.

Trek through the Sahara with local Amazigh guides, then settle in at a desert camp to watch the sunset over the epic sea of dunes.

By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Education for All. Donations help them support girls in the High Atlas Mountains through secondary school, bringing a generation of women out of the cycle of illiteracy, poverty and early marriage.

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2024.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025

Itinerary

Map of Tunisia Expedition including Tunisia

Inclusions and activities

Meals

11 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 4 dinners

Transport

4WD vehicle, Private Minibus

Accommodation

Hotel (8 nights), Gite (2 nights), Desert Camp (1 night)

Included activities
  • Tunis - Medina of Tunis
  • Tunis - Baron d'Erlanger Palace
  • Tunis - Sidi Bou Said village visit
  • Gammarth - Home cooked meal & cooking demonstration
  • Carthage - Archeological site of Carthage
  • Gammarth - Glass blowing workshop visit
  • Kairouan - Pastry workshop
  • Kairouan - Traditional Carpet Museum
  • Kairouan - City tour
  • Tozeur - City tour
  • Tozeur - Walking tour of the oasis
  • Douz - Sahara trek
  • Matmata - Troglodyte cave home-cooked lunch
  • Toujane - 15th century olive oil press visit
  • Douiret - Douiret to Chenini village hike
  • El-Jem - Amphitheatre
  • Mahdia - Old Peninsula Medina walk
  • Tunis - Bardo National Museum

Optional activities
  • Tozeur - 4x4 Excursion to the Starwars Film set - USD45

Is this trip right for you?

  • You’ll need to be moderately fit to take part in the trek across the Sahara Desert. You'll trek 6 hours in total - 3 hours each way, to and from the campsite. Camels will carry your luggage, and it is possible to take a 4WD transfer if needed.
  • Camping in the Sahara is a fantastic experience, but the facilities are basic. There are double pop-up tents and shared Western-style bathroom facilities. While the desert may be very hot during the day, it will still be cool at night, and warm clothes and a sleeping bag are highly recommended when travelling outside of the summer months. Despite this, the warm Amazigh hospitality and chance to be out under the stars certainly make up for the camp’s simplicity.
  • Quite a bit of walking is involved when visiting some of the sites on the trip. Sometimes there is no shade, so remember to bring a hat, sun protection and sturdy, comfortable walking shoes.

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 7 (Sahara Camping) where you will be in shared accommodation, and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 based on 25 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Anita · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 17 Nov 2024

Rebecca · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 13 Nov 2024

Katelin · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 10 Nov 2024

Jodi · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 06 Nov 2024

Barbara · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 13 Nov 2024
Tunisia Expedition
From
NZD $5,590