Custom travel to Tunisia

Tunisia is one of the Mediterranean's most historic destinations — country of 163,600 km² (1/3 of France) for 12 million inhabitants, 2 h 30 direct flight from Paris. Cradle of exceptional civilizations for 3,000 years: Phoenician (Carthage founded -814 BC, one of the Mediterranean's greatest powers), Roman (Africa Proconsularis, where Carthage became the Roman Empire's 4th city), Berber, Arab (since 670 AD), Ottoman (1574-1881), French (Protectorate 1881-1956). Independence 1956. Former 'Regency of Tunis' until 1957, Republic since. 99% Sunni Muslim society, but with significant Jewish heritage (Djerba, Tunis), Francophone (colonial heritage). 8 UNESCO sites (one of the world's highest rates per km²): Tunis medina (1979, 700 medieval monuments), Carthage (1979, Phoenician-Roman ruins), Kairouan (1988, 4th holy city of Islam), El Jem (1979, best-preserved Roman amphitheater after the Colosseum), Dougga (1997, North Africa's best-preserved Roman city), Ichkeul (1980, national park), Sousse medina (1988), Tunis medina and Kerkouane Phoenician site. Geographic diversity in a small country: Mediterranean coasts (1,300 km), Tunisian Atlas (1,544 m Mount Chambi), Sahara (south, 40% of territory), oases (Tozeur, Nefta, Douz), islands (Djerba, Kerkennah). Iconic location of Star Wars sets ('Tatooine', filmed in Tunisia in 1976 and 2002). 8-10 days to combine culture, desert and beach. An accessible, welcoming destination with affordable prices.

Highlights

  • UNESCO Carthage (Hannibal and Roman Empire)
  • UNESCO Tunis medina (700 monuments)
  • El Jem (UNESCO Roman amphitheater)
  • Sahara: Douz, Tozeur, Star Wars ksour
  • Sidi Bou Saïd (blue and white village)
  • Djerba: 1,000-year heritage island

Frequently asked questions

When?

March-May and September-November. December-February ideal for Sahara. Avoid June-August (heat).

How long?

8 days for Tunis + Carthage + El Jem + Sahara. 12 days to add Djerba and Dougga.

Budget?

€1,800-€2,500 per person for 8 days in comfort, excluding flights. Premium: €2,800-€4,000. Flights: €200-€450.

Visa?

No for French citizens < 90 days.

Family?

Yes, from age 8. Welcoming Tunisians, fascinating Sahara for children, suitable beaches.

How to get around?

Private car with driver (French heritage, right-hand drive). Essential 4×4 Sahara. Tunis-Tozeur domestic flight (1 h).

Safety?

Generally safe. Vigilance Libyan southern border (not recommended). Tunis and tourist zones safe.

Star Wars: cinema tourism?

Yes, several visitable sites — Mos Espa near Tozeur, Ong Jemel (Mos Eisley), Matmata Luke Skywalker's house, Hotel Sidi Driss. Dedicated itinerary possible.

Combine?

Yes: Tunisia + Italy (Sicily in 12-h ferry from Tunis), Tunisia + Morocco, Tunisia + Algeria.

Tips?

10% appreciated in restaurants. €5-€10 for guides and drivers (5-10 TND/day minimum).