The Tunisian Journey: 12-Day Tunisia Tour, North to Sahara
A 12-Day Culinary, Cultural and Outdoor Odyssey in Tunisia
12 Days / 11 Nights
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12 Days / 11 Nights Expedition
Twelve days from the green north to the Sahara
The Tunisian Journey is a 12-day cultural, culinary and outdoor tour of Tunisia, with breakfasts, lunches and dinners included. From Tunis, Carthage and Sidi Bou Said, you follow the coast to Sousse, Monastir, El Jem and Sfax, then explore the south: Matmata, the ksour of Hallouf and Hadada, the Berber villages of Douiret and Chenini, a night in a Sahara desert camp, Tozeur and the mountain oases. You return north via Kairouan and Dougga to Hammamet and Nabeul.
Along the way, you take part in authentic local experiences: a Tunisian cooking class, a culinary workshop with the women of GDA El Ferech, a date tasting at Eden Palm, a Makroudh workshop in Kairouan, an olive oil tasting at Domaine Ben Ismail and a harissa and pottery workshop in Nabeul, plus several Star Wars filming locations.
Route
Overnights
- TunisHotel2 nights
- SfaxHotel1 night
- Southern TunisiaHotel (days 4 and 5)2 nights
- Sahara desertCamp Abdelmoula, Tembaine1 night
- TozeurHotel (days 7 and 8)2 nights
- KairouanHotel (day 9)1 night
- Hammamet or NabeulHotel2 nights
Tour highlights
- The UNESCO-listed Medinas of Tunis, Sousse and Kairouan
- Carthage, Sidi Bou Said, El Jem and the Roman city of Dougga
- Star Wars sets at Sidi Idriss, Ksar Hadada and Mos Espa
- The Berber villages of Douiret and Chenini
- A 4x4 crossing of the Sahara and a night at Camp Abdelmoula
- Chott El Jerid and the mountain oases of Chebika, Tamerza and Mides
- Six culinary and artisan workshops with local families and craftspeople
Key facts
- Duration
- 12 days / 11 nights
- Start & finish
- Tunis-Carthage Airport
- Distance
- About 2,600 km
- Meals
- 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 11 dinners
- Transport
- Transportation for 12 days, with driver and guide
- Best period
- September to May
- Travellers
- Kid-friendly, up to 70 years old
- Price
- On request
Itinerary
Day 1Enchanting Arrival in Tunis
Arrive at Tunis-Carthage International Airport and meet your driver and guide. Transfer to your hotel in Tunis and settle in for your first evening in Tunisia.
- Overnight
- Hotel in Tunis
Day 2The Charms of Tunis, Carthage & Sidi Bou Said
Discover the vibrant Central Market of Tunis, filled with local produce, spices and traditional goods. Explore the historic Medina of Tunis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its narrow streets, traditional architecture and lively souks. Enjoy an authentic Tunisian cooking experience, discovering local flavors and traditional culinary techniques before enjoying lunch. Continue to the ancient archaeological site of Carthage and explore the remarkable remains of its Punic and Roman heritage. End the day in Sidi Bou Said, wandering through its iconic blue-and-white streets overlooking the Mediterranean.
- Experience
- Tunisian cooking class and lunch
- Overnight
- Hotel in Tunis
Day 3Sousse, Monastir & El Jem
Discover the rich heritage of Sousse, beginning with its Archaeological Museum and its remarkable collection of ancient Roman mosaics. Explore the UNESCO-listed Medina of Sousse, with its atmospheric streets, traditional markets and historic architecture. Continue to Monastir and visit the impressive Ribat, a medieval fortress overlooking the Mediterranean. Discover the magnificent El Jem Amphitheater, one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in the world. Continue to Sfax for your overnight stay.
- Overnight
- Hotel in Sfax
Day 4Matmata, Ancient Ksour & Star Wars
Journey into southern Tunisia and discover the fascinating troglodyte homes of Matmata. Visit Sidi Idriss, the famous underground hotel and Star Wars filming location. Continue to Ksar Hallouf and discover its traditional fortified granaries and distinctive architecture. Explore Ksar Hadada, one of southern Tunisia's most impressive ksour and another iconic Star Wars filming location.
- Overnight
- Hotel in southern Tunisia
Day 5Berber Villages & Authentic Tunisian Traditions
Explore the traditional Berber villages of Douiret and Chenini, perched among dramatic rocky landscapes overlooking the desert. Discover ancient troglodyte homes, abandoned ksour and the unique architecture of southern Tunisia. Take part in an authentic culinary workshop with the women of GDA El Ferech, learning traditional recipes and cooking techniques. Enjoy a homemade lunch and experience the warmth of local hospitality and rural Tunisian traditions.
- Experience
- Culinary workshop with the women of GDA El Ferech, homemade lunch
- Overnight
- Hotel in southern Tunisia
Day 6Into the Heart of the Sahara
Journey to Douz, the famous gateway to the Sahara, and explore its lively souk filled with traditional handicrafts, spices and local products. Enjoy an optional camel or quad ride for an adventurous introduction to the desert. Embark on an exhilarating 4x4 adventure across dunes and desert tracks towards Tembaine, surrounded by spectacular Saharan landscapes.
- Option
- Camel or quad ride (optional)
- Overnight
- Camp Abdelmoula, Tembaine (Sahara)
Day 7Sahara Landscapes & The Oasis of Tozeur
Continue your Sahara adventure with an exciting 4x4 journey back towards Douz, crossing dunes and desert tracks. Cross the vast Chott El Jerid, a surreal salt lake known for its shimmering landscapes and changing colors. Explore the Medina of Tozeur, famous for its distinctive brick architecture and traditional charm. Visit Eden Palm and discover the culture of the palm tree, followed by a tasting of dates and local palm products.
- Experience
- Date tasting at Eden Palm
- Overnight
- Hotel in Tozeur
Day 8Mountain Oases & Star Wars Landscapes
Discover the Dar Cheraït Museum in Tozeur and explore its immersive presentation of Tunisian culture and traditions. Embark on a 4x4 excursion through the spectacular mountain oases of Chebika, Tamerza and Mides. Discover palm-filled valleys, dramatic canyons and waterfalls surrounded by breathtaking desert landscapes. Continue to Ong Jmal and explore the famous Mos Espa Star Wars film set, where Tunisia became part of the legendary cinematic universe.
- Overnight
- Hotel in Tozeur
Day 9Kairouan & The Art of Makroudh
Journey to Kairouan, one of Tunisia's most historic cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the magnificent Great Mosque of Kairouan, one of the oldest and most important Islamic monuments in North Africa. Explore the atmospheric Medina, with its traditional architecture, souks and local craftsmanship. Take part in a Makroudh-making workshop and discover the traditional techniques behind this iconic Tunisian pastry.
- Experience
- Makroudh-making workshop
- Overnight
- Hotel in Kairouan
Day 10Dougga, Olive Groves & Hammamet
Journey to Dougga and explore one of the best-preserved ancient cities in North Africa, surrounded by beautiful countryside and olive groves. Discover impressive Roman monuments, including temples, baths, a theater and ancient streets. Continue to Domaine Ben Ismail for an authentic olive oil tasting experience and a traditional lunch surrounded by olive groves. Continue towards Hammamet or Nabeul for a relaxing evening on the Mediterranean coast.
- Experience
- Olive oil tasting and lunch at Domaine Ben Ismail
- Overnight
- Hotel in Hammamet or Nabeul
Day 11Hammamet & Nabeul's Culinary and Artisan Traditions
Explore the charming Medina of Hammamet, surrounded by whitewashed houses, artisan shops and sea-facing ramparts. Continue to Nabeul and discover the secrets behind Tunisia's famous harissa during a hands-on workshop. Experience the traditional pottery craftsmanship for which Nabeul is renowned, guided by local artisans. Return to Hammamet or Nabeul for your final evening in Tunisia.
- Experience
- Harissa workshop and Nabeul pottery
- Overnight
- Hotel in Hammamet or Nabeul
Day 12Farewell to Tunisia
Enjoy your final morning in Tunisia before your transfer to Tunis-Carthage Airport according to your flight schedule. Depart Tunisia with unforgettable memories of its ancient heritage, authentic traditions, dramatic Sahara landscapes and warm local hospitality.
- Overnight
- End of the tour: transfer to Tunis-Carthage Airport
Included & not included
Included
- 11 nights' accommodation in hotels and at Camp Abdelmoula in the Sahara
- 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 11 dinners
- Transportation for 12 days, with driver and guide
- Airport welcome on arrival and transfer to Tunis-Carthage Airport on day 12
- 4x4 excursions in the Sahara and the mountain oases
- Cooking class, GDA El Ferech workshop, date tasting, Makroudh workshop, olive oil tasting, harissa and pottery workshop
- All the visits described in the itinerary
- City taxes
Not included
- International flights
- Optional camel or quad ride (day 6)
- Drinks
- Personal expenses
Before you book
Starting point
The tour starts at Tunis-Carthage International Airport, where you meet your driver and guide. It ends on day 12 with a transfer to Tunis-Carthage Airport according to your flight schedule.
Booking & cancellation
Prices are on request. Ask us for our booking and cancellation conditions when you request your free quote.
Interested in The Tunisian Journey?
Tell us your dates and the size of your group: our team in Tunisia replies with a free, personalised quote. Every tour can be adapted to your wishes.

