Welcome to Tunis Carthage international airport.
On arrival clear customs and immigration, pick up checked luggage then make your way to the arrival hall where you will be welcomed by a Tourcan Vacations representative holding a paging board with your last name on it.
Transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Accommodation: Ramada Plaza Gammarth 5* or Similar
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel then depart on a Carthage - Sidi Bou Said (photo stop), including entrance to Ruins of Carthage and the Bardo Museum.
Today you meet your guide, Mr Samy Rouatbi: 00216 98 830 167, who will be with you for the duration of your stay in Tunisia. Henceforth he will also advise the pick up for each morning.
Visit Carthage, capital symbol of ancient Tunisia, with Punic and Roman vestiges including Antonio's Thermal Bathes, the Roman villas, the Amphitheatre, the Theatre, the archaeological museum and its park extending from the hill of Byrsa to the seashore, and which green course, with a fragrance of eternity, bewitches spirits and souls.
Then, visit the village of SIDI BOU SAID, real balcony on the sea, « White pearl suspended over the azure gulf ». From the terrace of a café, discover the magnificent panorama including the small marina and the whole area of Tunis.
Lunch will be served at La Victoire Restaurant. You will be served soup, brick, fish, rice and lemon sorbet.
Dinner is included at the hotel.
Accommodation: Ramada Plaza Gammarth 5* or Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel then check-out.
Dougga is sumptuous and remains one of the most interesting archaeological sites in Africa, with its vestiges which reflect a rich and contrasted history essentially marked by Numidian and Roman civilizations.
Depart on a Dougga tour which is perfect for lovers of Roman and Carthaginian ruins, a total change of scenery, the magnificent water temple, the starting point of the aqueducts that carried water to Carthage, you also visit the ancient Roman city Thuburbo Majus and finish with the famous Dougga site listed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO.
Visit the water temple and the source of the important aqueduct that carried water to several Roman cities among them Carthage.
Continue to L'aqueduc de Zaghouan. Halfway to Thuborbo Majus, a small stop where you will see the ancient Roman aqueduct that was distributing water from the water temple to several Roman cities among them Thuborbo Majus and Carthage.
Arrival at Thuburbo Majus, visit of the ancient Roman city, the Capitol, forum, villa of Neptune, palestra of the Petronii, temple of Mercury, the Byzantine church, the summer baths and the winter baths, the square of market.
Arrive Dougga and visit the most preserved Roman city in North Africa, listed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO, a 65-hectare site where you can admire the impressive conservation of the ancient monuments of the city (The Capitol, the wind rose, the Libyco-Punic mausoleum, dolmens, the market, the villa of the trifolium, temple of Mercury, temple of Minerva, temple of Saturn ...).
Lunch will be served at Thugga Restaurant. You will be served salad or brick, boar & spaghetti and fruits.
After the tour, continue to the hotel in Kairouan and check in. Dinner is included at the hotel.
KAIROUAN is a Muslim holy city which ranks fourth after Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem as a place of pilgrimage. It is reputed that seven visits here are the equivalent of one to Mecca. Its large mosques and cultural history have seen it added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Accommodation: La Ksabah Kairouan 5* or Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Check out of the hotel after breakfast and depart for Tozeur visiting Great Mosque, Zaouia of Sidi Sahab, Roman Site Sbeitla onroute.
The Great Mosque is one of the finest Islamic buildings in North Africa and rewards closer inspection. Non-Muslims are not permitted into the prayer hall, but the doors are open to allow you to view inside. Access to the main courtyard is available to all. The columns throughout the complex were taken from Carthage and other ruins. The entry ticket includes most other monuments in the town.
The Mosque of the Three Doors, has a one of the finest facades in Tunisia, though the interior is not open.
Medressas There are several of these Islamic Schools in the centre of town that open up to visitors.
Bi'r Barouta, this well is the place where the city was founded, it is reputedly linked to the ZamZam well in Mecca, it is one of the holiest sites in the city for Muslims.
Medina in general is a nice place to just wander around aimlessly, if it looks familiar it may well be as it was used in Raiders of the Lost Ark to as Cairo.
Visit the Zaouia of Sidi Sahab. This lavishly tiled 17th-century complex northwest of the medina comprises a mosque, madrassa (school for study of the Quran) and mausoleum. The last is the burial place of Abu Zama El Belaoui, one of the Prophet's companions. Legend has it that he always carried three hairs from the Prophet's beard with him, hence the zaouia's informal name, the Barber's Mosque. Visitors can enter the courtyards, but only Muslims may enter the mosque, and the tomb is closed to the public.
Continue to SBEITLA a small town in the central west region of Tunisia, 250km from Tunis. It is known for its remarkable Roman site and it’s Capitol, made up of not one but three temples, dedicated to Minerva, Jupiter and Juno, the gods who protected Rome.
Lunch will be served at Oasis Parc Restaurant. You will be served soup, brick, chicken and fruits.
After the tour, depart for Tozeur and check into the hotel. Dinner is included at the hotel.
Tozeur is one of the most famous oases in the world sheltering a palm grove of over 1000 ha irrigated by 200 sources, and beautiful architecture village and yellow stone houses positioned following geometric patterns copying calligraphy and Arab tapestry art.
Accommodation: Ras El Ain Tozeur 4* or Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast at the hotel, check out then depart by JEEP to CHEBIKA and TAMERZA to visit the canyons and the waterfalls.
TAMERZA is the largest mountain oasis in Tunisia, known as Ad Turres by the Romans. It has a canyon and an abandoned old town. The town was abandoned after the river flooded for 22 days in 1969. It is located north of the salt lakes and receives fresh water from the nearby hills.
Lunch will be served at Dar Dedda. You will be served soup, salad, clay pot chicken or lamb, fruit and tea.
Depart for Douz through Chott El Jerid Salt Lake, stopping en-route to take pictures.
Douz is known as the "gateway” to the Sahara. There is a special arrangement waiting for you in the desert: enjoy a camel ride.
Dinner is included at the hotel.
Accommodation: Sun Palm Douz 4* or Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Depart Douz after breakfast and travel to Matmata.
Visit On your way stop to visit Troglodyte village where the film « Star War » was shot and inhabited by Berbers who have carved homes in the soft rocks, in protection against invaders, and created a lifestyle corresponding to difficult weather conditions.
Lunch will be served at Restaurant Sidi Driss. You will be served salad, brick, couscous chicken and fruits.
Continuation to SFAX, second economic capital of Tunisia.
Check into the hotel. Dinner is included at the hotel.
Accommodation: Oliviers Palace Sfax 5* or Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, check out of the hotel. We then depart for El Jem and visit the Roman amphitheatre dating back to the 2nd century and are considered one of the three main amphitheatres in the world after the amphitheatres of Rome and Capoue.
Continue to Sousse, third city in Tunisia and one of the most important tourist areas in the country. There will be a photo stop at the Old Madina of Sousse.
Lunch is served at Bistro 73 Sousse Restaurant. You will be served soup, salad, mixed grill, fruits and Menth tea.
Upon arrival, check into the hotel. Dinner is included at the hotel.
Accommodation: Movenpick Resort & Marine Spa Sousse 5* or Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Check out of the hotel after breakfast and depart for Hammamet where you will visit the fortress of Hammamet and the Medina Mediterranean.
Visit the Punic Town of Kerkouane, located at the tip of Cape Bon on a cliff that dominates the sea, & bears exceptional witness to Phoenician-Punic town planning. Contrary to what took place in Carthage, Tyre or Byblos, no Roman city was built on this Phoenician city, and its port, ramparts, residential districts, shops, workshops, streets, squares, temples and necropolis clearly remain as they were in the 3rd century BC. The site of the Punic Town of Kerkouane was discovered in 1952. Excavations were carried out by the National Institute of Archaeology and Art. The earliest known testimonies at the site would date back to the 6th century BC; whereas the ruins, today visible at the site, date back to the end of the 4th, first half of the 3rd century BC and bear witness to sophisticated town planning.
The principal town of Cap Bon, Nabeul is famous for its pottery, its rush mats and its flower essences.
Lunch will be served at Le Petit Pecheur Restaurant. You will be served fish soup, salad, grilled fish, saffron rice and fruits.
You will then be transferred to your hotel in Hammamet where you will check in. Dinner is included.
Accommodation: Le Royal Hammamet 5* or Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Check out of the hotel and depart Hammamet for Tunis, visiting the Bardo Museum, including La Médina Antique De Tunis photo stop.
Visit the Bardo Museum grouping the largest Roman mosaics collection in the world as well as exhibitions of historical precious objects and vestiges.
Lunch will be served at Lido Restaurant. You will be served tajine, saffron rice, roast chicken and cake.
After the museum we shall have a photo stop at La Médina Antique De Tunis and lunch before checking into the hotel.
Accommodation: Ramada Plaza Gammarth 5* or Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Check out of the hotel and you are transferred to the Tunis Carthage Airport for your departure flight to Malta.
MALTA
On arrival at the Malta International Airport, you will be met by our driver holding a paging board with your last name on it. You are then transferred to the hotel.
Upon arrival at the hotel, you will be met by our representative who will help you check into the hotel.
You will also be advised of tomorrow’s pick uptime if there is a change.
Valletta, our nation´s capital, is changing from a historic monument into a vibrant European city. The La Falconeria hotel mirrors this same transformation as our modern rooms and facilities are built within a centuries old structure whilst retaining the classic feel.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Excelsior or Similar
Meals: Breakfast
Nestled in the heart of Floriana, and only a stone’s throw away from the capital city of Valletta, the Grand Hotel Excelsior stands as an epitome of timeless elegance and sophistication. With a commanding presence along the waterfront, the establishment boasts a harmonious blend of opulence and comfort. From accommodation to amenities, every facet is crafted to exceed expectations – no matter the traveller. With a rich history and commitment to excellence, the Grand Hotel Excelsior invites guests to a grand stay, where every moment is an embodiment of refined elegance and gracious hospitality.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel then we start this tour Valletta, our capital, is the youngest of our fortified cities and it was built soon after the Great Siege of 1565 against the Ottomans.
We start our tour of Valletta at the Upper Barraka Gardens, from where you can admire views over the magnificent fortified Grand Harbour. We continue with our walking tour of the city, enroute passing Castille Place and Merchants Street, here you can admire the beautiful Auberges and Palazzi which were built in the baroque style architecture and have imposing facades.
In Valletta, we will take the Barraka Lift (elevator) to the upper level of the city, and the magnificent Upper Barraka Gardens.
Visit of St. John's Co. Cathedral. This was the Conventual Church of the Order of St. Johns/Knights of St. John and historically one of the most important buildings built by the Knights. Here you can also admire the Carravaggio masterpiece 'The Beheading of St. John', considered as his most important work south of Rome.
We continue along Republic Street, the main commercial hub of the city. Here you can admire more stunning architecture, large open piazza's, the Bibliotheca, Law Courts, and the imposing Grand Masters Palace.
Visit the oldest region of the Grand Harbour, otherwise known as the Three Cities. Our first stop includes a visit to the Gardjola Gardens in Senglea. From here you can admire the fantastic view from the Vedette (watch tower used by the Knights). We continue with a scenic drive along the seafront to Cospicua. Here you can admire the magnificent beautifully transformed marina, which used to shelter the galleys of the Knights and British navy vessels during the British era.
Return to the hotel.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Excelsior Hotel or Similar
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you are picked up for your Gozo tour.
While enjoying your lovely holiday in Malta, one cannot miss this fantastic full-day excursion to Gozo which is only a twenty-minute ferry crossing away.
As soon as we set foot in the pretty Gozitan port of Mgarr we will notice that although both islands are similar in history and development, Gozo has a character entirely of its own. We can see that Gozo boasts of more greenery than Malta with its hilly landscape and picturesque countryside, making it an island full of charm waiting to be discovered.
In this excursion, we visit all the popular landmarks of Gozo such as the Citadel in Victoria, the famous Inland Sea in Dwejra and the rocky cliffs in Xlendi Bay.
Visit to Ggantijja Temples (except on Monday) which are known to be the oldest freestanding temples in the world. Since Gozo is well known for its woolen goods and handmade lace, honey and cheese we will also visit the market where we will have free time for shopping and to sample all these at first hand.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Excelsior Hotel or Similar
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. You are then picked up for your tour.
Our first stop during this tour is a visit to Marsaxlokk. This quaint fishing village on the south coast is characterized by low-lying buildings and the colourful traditional fishing boats known as the 'luzzu'. A small local market lines the seafront and for those that enjoy fresh fish there are plenty of good quality restaurants to choose from. You will have free time for lunch (own account).
We continue with our tour to the Hagar Qim temple site. Set in a rural area this ancient temple is particularly interesting as it has the largest and heaviest megaliths out of all the temple sites around the Maltese Islands, some slabs weighing a staggering 20 tons. Our guide will unfold the history related to this temple which dates back to 3300BC.
We next visit the Medieval city of Mdina. Mdina is built on a plateau in the centre of the island, the city's old Baroque buildings, cathedral and magnificent bastion walls dominate the rural skyline.
Mdina, once the capital of Malta, until the modern city of Valletta was built in 1566 has had many names including Melite (Roman occupation), Medina (Arabic occupation), Citta Notabile and Citta Vecchia (after Valletta was built). Today it is also referred as the Silent City since it inspires tranquillity at any time of the day or night. The only way to really experience and enjoy this city is on foot, explore the quaint alleys, narrow streets, ancient buildings and incredible far-reaching views from the high bastion walls.
Lastly, we visit one of Malta's most famous churches, Mosta Dome. The church’s dome is the fourth largest unsupported dome in Europe. Mosta Dome is also popular with visitors as it was at this church where a bomb pierced the dome during a World War II air attack. The bomb fell inside the church during a service and failed to explode. Locals hailed this as a miracle.
Our tour comes to an end, and we make our way back to your hotel.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Excelsior Hotel or Similar
Meals: Breakfast
Check out of the hotel after breakfast and you will be picked up at the hotel reception. You are then transferred to the airport to start your homebound journey.
Meals: Breakfast
***END OF SERVICES***
Wishing you a memorable journey!
Important information:
- Your passport must be valid for a period of 6 months after your return.
- Your passport must contain atleast Four blank pages side by side for immigration.
- On arrival at each airport please look for our representative holding a paging board with your surname on it.
- In the event of a delay in your transfer or tour pick up please do not leave the designated area without calling the local emergency number(s) provided.
- Tour pickup times are an estimation and could change, however you will be notified in advance.
- Not all drivers speak English however they know to take you from the pickup to the drop-off location.
- European hotels are usually smaller in size than the usual North America American standards.
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance is essential.