Departing the port, we travel to Carthage, where we will find the Punic and Roman remains of an ancient city that was one of the most powerful in the western Mediterranean. Upon arrival, we will visit the Antonin Baths – the third largest Roman Baths, that were sadly destroyed and used as a quarry to build parts of Tunis and even Pisa Cathedral. Other points of interest we shall see include Byrsa Hill and the Tophet, where human sacrifices were offered to the gods of Carthage. Next we visit the Bardo Museum, which includes one of the richest collections of Roman Mosaics in the world.

Continuing, we proceed to the Medina, the old town in Tunis – an intricate mix of alleys and covered passages, full of powerful scents and colours and energetic trade. The Medina of Tunis was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 and contains some 700 monuments, including palaces, mosques and fountains dating from the Almohads and Hafsids periods. Upon arrival, we will view the outside of the great Mosque Ezzitouna (‘Mosque of the Olive’), which was built in the 7th century to celebrate the new capital, although its minaret is a 19th century addition. We shall have some free time here to explore further, or perhaps browse the many souks of spices, perfumes, gold and silver. Following a buffet lunch at a local restaurant, we continue to Sidi Bou Saïd, a picturesque village famous for its Moorish architecture.

We have an approximate 15-minute uphill walk from our coach to the centre of the village, which sits proudly at the top of a cliff, commanding stunning views of the Gulf of Tunis. We should have some free time here to browse the craft shops or enjoy refreshments at one of the many cafés (at our own expense). We shall then make our way back to our tour coach and travel back to the quayside and our awaiting ship.

TOUR NOTES: This tour involves a considerable amount of walking, mostly over cobbled and uneven ground. There are approximately 50 steps to negotiate at Carthage and 22 steps at the Bardo Museum. There is an approximate 15 minute uphill walk from the coach park to Sidi Bou Saïd, and vice versa. Passengers can remain on the coach at any of the stops at they wish, however if you wish to get full enjoyment from this tour we do not recommend this. Please note that there is a nominal charge to use cameras at both Carthage and Bardo Museum (one Tunisian Dinar per camera at each site – price correct at the time of printing). It is not possible to take large bags into the Bardo Museum.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2009 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES