Tunisia Expedition

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

5 out of 5 based on 4 reviews submitted.
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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

Map of Tunisia Expedition including Tunisia
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
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.

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.

Itinerary

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

Map of Tunisia Expedition including Tunisia

Inclusions

Meals

11 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 4 dinners

Transport

4WD vehicle, Private Minibus

Accommodation

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

Activities
  • 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
Add on activities
  • Tozeur - 4x4 Excursion to the Starwars Film set - USD40

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.

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Reviews

5 out of 5 based on 4 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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Jennifer · Traveled September 2024
I loved every minute of my trip. Tunisia has a rich history and the people are lovely and welcoming. As a solo woman, I never once felt unsafe, and there was much less hassle than some other North African countries. It’s a logistically challenging country for travel, but Intrepid makes it easy. I highly recommend this tour for anyone with a love of history and sense of adventure!
Review submitted 18 Sep 2024

Clare · Traveled April 2024
We knew next to nothing about Tunisia and were so surprised by the country. Such a lot of history and diverse landscapes! An experience made even better by our fabulous tour leader, Monta, and an equally fabulous group!
Review submitted 26 Apr 2024

Marcel Peter · Traveled April 2024
What a wonderful trip. Tunisia is a great country that is definitely worth visiting! We got to visit very diverse environments: cities, amazing medinas, tiny villages in the mountains, ruins from the Carthaginian Empire, the Sahara Desert and a spectacular Roman amphitheatre. Besides, our guide, Monta, was in a class of his own, highly professional, knowledgeable and very approachable.
Review submitted 06 May 2024

Nancy · Traveled April 2024
On the Tunisia expedition, I hoped to learn more about North Africa, the Tunisian people and their culture. I chose this trip as I was travelling as a solo woman and it exceeded my expectations. We covered an amazing variety of landscapes and places over 12 days and I loved every minute. Our tour leader, Monta, was incredibly professional and his depth of knowledge on the country was remarkable. And finally, my group of fellow travellers were welcoming, kind and a lot of fun! I highly recommend this adventure!
Review submitted 16 May 2024
Tunisia Expedition
From
EUR €2,905