TUNIS, TUNISIA

We will depart from the port 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. Nowadays Carthage is a residential district of Tunis and not much is left of the city that was founded by the Phoenicians in 814 BC.

We will depart from the port 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. Nowadays Carthage is a residential district of Tunis and not much is left of the city that was founded by the Phoenicians in 814 BC. Here we will visit the Antonin Baths – the third largest Roman baths but sadly destroyed and used as a quarry to build parts of Tunis and even Pisa Cathedral – other points of interest that can be seen on our drive through Carthage will include the Punic Ports and the Roman Amphitheatre. Our next visit will be to the Bardo Museum, which includes one of the richest collections of Roman Mosaics in the world. Housed in the palace, which was once the residence of the beys of Tunis, the Bardo’s collection of artefacts also includes statues, jewellery and incredible Roman Mosaics, all displaying exquisite workmanship, design and variety. Continuing on, 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 has been a UNESCO world heritage site since 1979 and contains some 700 monuments, including Palaces, Mosques and Fountains dating from the Almohads and Hafsids periods. Here we will visit from the outside only 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 amongst the many souks of spices, perfumes, gold and silver. Following a buffet lunch at a local restaurant we shall continue our journey to Sidi Bou Saïd, a picturesque village famous for its Moorish architecture and white washed houses with blue shutters and brightly coloured Bougainvillaea. We will have a short walk uphill from the coaches 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 perhaps enjoy a mint tea in one of the many cafes or to perhaps browse through the craft shops.

Please note that this tour involves a lot of walking mostly over uneven and cobbled ground so comfortable shoes are essential. The sightseeing around Carthage is on foot, as is the visit to the Medina and Sidi Bou Saïd; there is also some walking around the Bardo Museum. There are approximately 50 steps at Carthage and 22 steps at the Bardo Museum to negotiate. A nominal charge is made for photographs taken at Carthage. Wine and Mineral water will be included with lunch.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2008 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES