12 Days | 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.
Trip overview
- Start
- Tunis, Tunisia
- Finish
- Tunis, Tunisia
- Theme
- Expeditions
- Destinations
- Tunisia
- 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
- Style
- Original
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 12
- Trip code
- XLSE
- 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.
- 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.
Itinerary
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025
Inclusions
11 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 4 dinners
4WD vehicle, Private Minibus
Hotel (8 nights), Gite (2 nights), Desert Camp (1 night)
- Tunis - Medina of Tunis: Great Zitouna mosque
- Tunis - Baron d'Erlanger Palace
- Tunis - Sidi Bou Said - Village Visit
- Gammarth - Home cooked meal and cooking demonstration
- Kairouan - Archeological site of Carthage
- Kairouan - Visit glass blowing workshop
- Kairouan - Pastry Workshop
- Kairouan - Traditional Carpet Shop
- Kairouan - City Tour
- Tozeur - City Tour
- Tozeur - Date Museum and Gardens
- Douz - Sahara Trek
- Matmata - Troglodyte Lunch
- Toujane - Traditional Olive Press
- Douiret - Trekking from Douiret to Chenini
- El-Jem - Amphitheatre
- Mahdia - Old Peninsula Medina Walk
- Tunis - Bardo National Museum
- Tozeur - 4x4 Excursion to the Starwars Film set - USD40
Dates and availability
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.
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 InformationReviews
Filter by rating