From Tunis: 11-day Private Unesco Sites Tour – Carthage, Dougga, El Jem, Kairouan & More
About this tour
Despite its modest size, Tunisia boasts a wealth of historical and cultural heritage, with no fewer than eight sites proudly inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. This 11-day private tour takes you on a 100% cultural adventure through these exceptional monuments, each narrating a chapter of Tunisia's diverse history. Begin in Tunis, exploring the enchanting old medina and the legendary Carthage – once the heart of a civilization that rivaled Rome. Discover the serene Lake Ichkeul (UNESCO natural reserve), the awe-inspiring Roman city of Dougga (one of the best-preserved Roman sites in North Africa), the spiritual heart of Kairouan (the 4th holiest city in Islam), the grandeur of the El Jem amphitheater (3rd largest Roman colosseum), and the enigmatic remnants of the Punic city of Kerkouane (the only Punic city that escaped Roman influence). This journey also includes Sidi Bou Said, Sousse, Monastir, Bulla Regia (underground Roman houses), Sbeitla, Haidra, Le Kef, Chemtou, Testour (Andalusian village with backward clock), Thuburbo Majus, Zaghouan (Temple of Water), and Oudna. This is the ultimate cultural immersion for history lovers, archaeology enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to understand Tunisia's rich layered past.
Activities included
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Tunis, Tunisie
Day 1: Welcome to Tunisia Reception at the airport and transfer to your 4-star hotel in Tunis. Evening at leisure.
Day 2: Tunis, Tunisie to Le Bardo, Tunisie
Day 2: Medina of Tunis & Bardo Museum Explore the Medina of Tunis (UNESCO), a labyrinth of narrow streets, colorful souks, and the Zitouna Mosque (founded 732). Visit the Bardo Museum – home to one of the world's largest collections of Roman mosaics (Virgil, Neptune with Nereids). Overnight Tunis.
Day 3: Site archéologique de Carthage, Tunisie to Le Bardo, Tunisie
Day 3: Carthage & Sidi Bou Said Discover Carthage (UNESCO), founded by Phoenicians in 9th century BC. Visit Antoninus Baths, Tophet, Byrsa Hill (panoramic views). Then, Sidi Bou Said – white-and-blue village; mint tea at Café des Délices. Overnight Tunis.
Day 4: Kerkouane, Tunisie to Kélibia, Tunisie
Day 4: Pupput, Kerkouane & Kelibia Fort Visit Pupput (Roman city near Hammamet), then Kerkouane (UNESCO – the only Punic city that escaped Roman influence, with pink stone houses and sophisticated drainage). End at Kelibia Fort (Byzantine-Ottoman fortress with Mediterranean views). Overnight Hammamet
Day 5: Sousse, Tunisie to Monastir, Tunisie
Day 5: Sousse & Monastir Explore Medina of Sousse (UNESCO), Ribat of Sousse (8th-century fortress-monastery), Sousse Archaeological Museum (Roman mosaics). In Monastir: Bourguiba Mausoleum (golden domes) and Ribat of Monastir (film backdrop). Overnight Sousse/Monastir.
Day 6: Eljem, Tunis, Tunisie to Kairouan, Tunisie
Day 6: El Jem & Kairouan Visit Amphitheater of El Jem (UNESCO – 3rd largest Roman colosseum, 35,000 seats). Then Kairouan (UNESCO – spiritual capital of Tunisia): Great Mosque (4th holiest in Islam), Mausoleum of Sidi Sahbi (ceramics/mosaics), Aghlabid Basins (9th-century water reservoirs). Try makroud (date pastry). Overnight Kairouan.
Day 7: Sbeïtla, Tunisie to Le Kef, Tunisie
Day 7: Sbeitla, Haidra & Le Kef Sbeitla – three perfectly aligned Capitoline temples (Jupiter, Juno, Minerva), Christian basilica, mosaics. Haidra (Ammaedara) – arch of Septimius Severus, Byzantine fortress, Basilica of Melleus. Le Kef – Ottoman fort, Basilica of Saint Peter (church converted to mosque). Overnight Le Kef.
Day 8: Le Kef, Tunisie to Dougga, Téboursouk, Tunisie
Day 8: Le Kef, Chemtou, Bulla Regia & Dougga Morning in Le Kef, then Chemtou (ancient marble quarries). Bulla Regia – famous underground Roman houses with intact mosaics. Dougga (UNESCO) – one of the best-preserved Roman sites in North Africa: Capitol, theater (3,500 seats), forum, triumphal arch. Overnight Dougga.
Day 9: Testour, Tunisie to Zaghouan, Tunisie
Day 9: Dougga, Testour, Thuburbo Majus & Zaghouan Morning at Dougga ruins. Then Testour – Andalusian village with backward-turning clock (counterclockwise) at the Great Mosque. Thuburbo Majus – Roman temples, forums, baths. Zaghouan – Temple of Water (Roman aqueduct source for Carthage). Overnight Zaghouan.
Day 10: Zaghouan, Tunisie to Tunis, Tunisie
Day 10: Zaghouan, Oudna & Tunis Morning visit to Zaghouan's ancient aqueducts. Then Oudna (Uthina) – Roman remains: baths, temples, semi-buried amphitheater, well-preserved mosaics. Return to Tunis for final afternoon exploring the medina. Overnight Tunis.
Day 11: Tunis, Tunisie
Day 11: Transfer to Airport Final breakfast, then transfer to Tunis-Carthage Airport for departure.
What's included
Private air-conditioned tourist vehicle for 11 days Professional driver Fuel for the entire journey Pick-up and drop-off from anywhere in Tunisia (airport or hotel) 10 nights accommodation in 4-star hotels: Tunis (3 nights: Days 1-3) Hammamet (1 night: Day 4) Sousse or Monastir (1 night: Day 5) Kairouan (1 night: Day 6) Le Kef (1 night: Day 7) Dougga (1 night: Day 8) Zaghouan (1 night: Day 9) Tunis (1 night: Day 10) Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner (confirm full-board with operator – page suggests meal inclusions but not fully detailed) All entrance tickets to mentioned UNESCO sites and monuments: Medina of Tunis (UNESCO) Bardo Museum Carthage (UNESCO) Sidi Bou Said Pupput Kerkouane (UNESCO) Kelibia Fort Medina of Sousse (UNESCO) Ribat of Sousse Sousse Archaeological Museum Bourguiba Mausoleum Ribat of Monastir El Jem Amphitheater (UNESCO) Kairouan (UNESCO) Great Mosque of Kairouan Sidi Sahbi Mausoleum Aghlabid Basins Sbeitla (Capitoline temples) Haidra (Ammaedara) Le Kef (Ottoman fort, Basilica of Saint Peter) Chemtou marble quarries Bulla Regia (underground Roman houses) Dougga (UNESCO) Testour (Great Mosque, backward clock) Thuburbo Majus Zaghouan (Temple of Water, aqueducts) Oudna (Uthina) Tour approved by the Tunisian Tourist Office Airport transfer on Day 1 and Day 11 Travel insurance
Beverages during meals Personal expenses (souvenirs, etc.) Tips and gratuities (guide, driver, hotel staff) Optional activities not mentioned in itinerary
Languages spoken
What to know
Booking & Confirmation Confirmation is immediate upon booking. Pick-up Information Pick-up available from anywhere in Tunisia (airport or your hotel). Departure time: 8:30 a.m. on Day 2. Physical Requirements Moderate to significant walking (archaeological sites cover large areas). Comfortable walking shoes essential. Some sites have uneven terrain and stairs (Dougga theater, El Jem colosseum, Bulla Regia underground houses). What to Bring Comfortable walking shoes (essential) Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat Camera (many UNESCO sites to photograph) Cash for beverages, souvenirs, and tips Light clothing for spring/summer; layers for winter Swimwear if desired (though not a focus of this tour) UNESCO Sites Covered (8): Medina of Tunis (1979) Carthage (1979) Kerkouane (1985) El Jem Amphitheater (1979) Kairouan (1988) Dougga (1997) Medina of Sousse (1988) Ichkeul National Park (1980 – mentioned in description, though not detailed in daily program) Meals Confirm meal plan (half-board vs. full-board) with operator at booking. Tunisian cuisine is rich and varied – dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice.
Route & locations
Tunis, Tunisie