The Best of Tunis
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Port
La Goulette (Tunis), Tunisia
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Activity Level
Strenuous Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$160
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 8 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Visit the Punic and Roman ruins at Carthage, the center of the Phoenician civilization reputedly founded by Queen Dido. This busy city was once Rome's most dangerous enemy and bitter rival; today, its ruins are scattered among the area's more modern construction. The ruins include the enormous Roman public baths near the seashore, the Tophet children's cemetery and the remains of what was once a five-story amphitheatre, where Christians were sacrificed. The Punic ports and the ruins of Roman temples, monuments and columns will be your window into the history of these two great civilizations.
Next, visit the Bardo Museum, which includes one of the richest collections of Roman mosaics in the world. Housed in the palace that was once the residence of the Beys of Tunis, the Bardo Museum boasts a collection of artifacts, including statues and jewelry, displaying exquisite workmanship, design and variety.
It's a short coach ride to the bustling medina (Old Town) of Tunis. Disembark to take in the organized chaos of the fruit stalls, water-bearers, leather merchants and carpet weavers.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Finally, you will visit Sidi Bou Said -- one of the prettiest villages in Tunisia -- famous for its Moorish architecture of white houses with blue shutters, covered in bougainvillea. A short walk uphill brings you to the village that sits proudly atop a cliff, commanding stunning views of the Gulf of Tunis. Browse in the shops selling crafts and enjoy a mint tea at one of the cafés (at your own expense), or stroll at your leisure.
Please note: There are no elevators at the Bardo Museum. Most of the exhibits are on the second and third levels. Tour requires a 15- to 20-minute uphill walk to reach Sidi Bou Said from the coach parking lot. There is a fee of €1 per camera at the Bardo Museum and also at Carthage.