Elegant Sahara Desert & Tunisia Treasures Tour with Turkish Airlines for 5 Nights (TUN-TUN)

Day 1 ISTANBUL – TUNIS – KAIROUAN

We meet three hours before departure at the international departures terminal of Istanbul New Airport. After baggage, ticket, and boarding procedures, we begin our flight to Tunis on Turkish Airlines’ scheduled service. Upon arrival at Tunis Airport, we board our private bus waiting for us at the airport and set off for our Kairouan tour, one of the sacred heritages of the Islamic world. Here, we will visit the Great Okba Ibn Nefaa Mosque, considered the ancestor of all mosques in the Maghreb, the Aghlabid Basin, one of the masterpieces of the region’s water engineering, and the mausoleum of Sidi Sahbi, and feel the spiritual atmosphere of this historic city. After the tour, transfer to the hotel and free time to rest. Dinner and accommodation at our hotel.

Day 2 CHEBIKA – TAMERZA – MIDES CANYON – STAR WARS FILM STUDIO – SUNSET IN TOZEUR BY 4X4 JEEPS

After breakfast at the hotel, we will set off to embark on an unforgettable adventure in 4x4 jeeps to watch the sunset among endless golden sands, oasis landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see, and mysterious canyons. This journey will allow us to discover that Tozeur is not just sand, but also a wonderland that contains the most striking contrasts of nature. Our first stop is Chebika, a desert oasis where sunlight hits the rocks and creates fairy-tale reflections. Once a resting point for Roman soldiers, this area is like an oasis paradise in the middle of the desert with its hidden water sources and lush greenery. Here, we will witness the miracles of nature while listening to the soothing sound of water flowing between the rocks. Then we will reach Tamerza, the largest mountainous oasis in Tunisia. With its clear waterfalls, steep cliffs, and dazzling scenery, Tamerza is one of the enchanting beauties nature offers us. The contrast created by these refreshing water sources against the hot and dry atmosphere of the desert makes the region fascinating. Mides Canyon is truly a work of art patiently crafted by nature! These deep canyons, shaped by millions of years of wind and water, impress visitors with their striking curves and majestic structure. Here, following the traces of geological time, we will have the opportunity to observe nature’s centuries-long artistry. After our safari tour, we will reach the Star Wars film set, where we will step into a science fiction universe in the middle of the desert. The mystical atmosphere of the Sahara Desert has created a unique world that brought the iconic scenes of the famous film to life. On this set, which gives film fans a sense of time travel, you will feel as if you are inside the science fiction world. After the tour, transfer to our hotel and free time. Dinner and accommodation at our hotel.

Day 3 TOZEUR – DOUZ – MATMATA – SFAX

After breakfast at the hotel, we will head to Douz, known as the “Gate of the Desert.” Douz, one of Tunisia’s most impressive natural wonders, is a unique place that lets you feel the magic of the Sahara with its endless sand dunes. This is a region where Berber tribes have lived a nomadic life for centuries and where camel caravans have left their mark. Here, while experiencing the deep silence of the desert, we will witness the impressive views created by the endless sand dunes. In the infinity of the Sahara, we will feel the fascinating power of nature while watching the unique patterns the wind has carved into the sand. The dunes offer a natural painting with their curves shaped by the wind and their tones changing according to daylight. After bidding farewell to the mystical atmosphere of Douz, we will head to Matmata, famous for its striking underground homes. In this region, the cave houses used by the Berber people for thousands of years are an impressive heritage bearing the traces of the past. Matmata, which from the outside has a simple desert landscape, offers a hidden world with its structures formed around courtyards dug into the ground. This distinctive architecture of Matmata is a unique style developed to protect against the scorching summer heat and harsh winter winds. The exotic atmosphere of the region is so impressive that it inspired unforgettable scenes in the Star Wars films. As we wander through this enchanting setting, we will feel as if we are inside a film scene and have the opportunity to experience traditional Berber culture up close. After the tour, transfer to our hotel in Sfax and free time to rest. Dinner and accommodation at our hotel.

Day 4 SFAX – EL JEM – MONASTIR – SOUSSE – HAMMAMET

After breakfast at the hotel, we head to El Jem. The amphitheater here is one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world. Built in the mid-3rd century AD (AD 230–240), this monumental amphitheater is the largest Roman monument remaining in Africa and ranks third in the Empire after those in Rome and Verona. One of the last great amphitheaters built in the Roman period, its architectural design is an improved version of the Colosseum in Rome. Then we will head to Monastir. We will visit the mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba, the first President of Tunisia, who played an important role in Tunisia’s independence process. Standing out with its golden dome and elegant architecture, the Bourguiba Mausoleum is one of the most important structures witnessing the country’s modern history. Here, by examining Bourguiba’s personal belongings and historical documents from the period, we will gain valuable insight into Tunisia’s recent past. Afterwards, our adventure continues with our Sousse tour, where narrow streets, aromas of local flavors, and vibrant market colors come to life. After our Port El Kantaoui Marina visit, transfer to our Hammamet hotel and free time to rest. Dinner and accommodation at our hotel.

Day 5 CARTHAGE – BARDO MUSEUM – SIDI BOU SAID – HAMMAMET

After breakfast at the hotel, our first stop is the ancient city of Carthage. In this ancient city founded by the Phoenicians and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we will follow in the footsteps of the famous Carthaginian commander Hannibal and discover 3,000-year-old Roman, Byzantine, and Crusader ruins. Carthage, which contains a series of ancient structures and ruins, reflects its rich history with thermal baths, temples, and walls. Afterwards, our tour continues with a visit to the Bardo Museum. The museum has a vast collection of works, especially remarkable for its Roman mosaics. With their intricate designs and vivid colors, each mosaic tells a unique story from Tunisia’s different past. Then we head to Tunis’s historic Medina district. We visit the Tunis Medina, also known as Old Tunis, with its narrow streets and bazaar full of souvenir shops. We will visit Souk El Attarine, a famous market in the historic center of Tunisia’s capital, Tunis. “Souk” means “market” or “bazaar” in Arabic, and the term “El Attarine” means “perfumers” or “spice sellers.” Here you can shop as much as you like. Afterwards, Place de la Kasbah (Historic Tunis Square) and the Zitouna Mosque are among the sights to see. Then we go to Sidi Bou Said, with its blue and white houses surrounded by the blue waters of the Mediterranean, narrow streets, and breathtaking views. You will wander through the enchanting streets of Sidi Bou Said, also known as the Santorini of Tunisia, and take wonderful photos. After the tour, transfer to our hotel and free time. Dinner and accommodation at our hotel.

Day 6 HAMMAMET – NABEUL – ISTANBUL 

After early morning check-out, we depart for our Nabeul city tour. As we stroll through the mystical streets of Nabeul, the capital of ceramic and pottery art, we will see many Tunisian specialty items such as copper, leather, embroidery, and cradles. Then transfer to Tunis Airport at the time announced by our guide. After baggage, ticket, and boarding procedures, our flight to Istanbul on Turkish Airlines’ scheduled service begins. After a comfortable and pleasant flight, arrival in Istanbul and the end of our tour.

Hotel check-in time is between 15:00 and 17:00 / Check-out time is between 10:00 and 12:00.

Departure and arrival times are local times.

Flights marked with * arrive at the destination on the next calendar day after the departure date.

It is recommended to bring appropriate clothing to be used during mosque visits.

The participant hereby agrees in advance that they will take part in the tours scheduled in the tour program, will not disrupt the program, and will additionally pay to the tour representative during the trip the amount previously notified in the tour program for expenses such as local guide, museum & archaeological site entrance fees, city taxes, and, if any, headphone audio systems. The participant has been fully and completely informed on this matter.

Bardo Museum, Carthage Ruins, El Jem Amphitheater, Tourist City Taxes, Local Guides,

€175 per person

***Payment to our guide during the tour is mandatory***

Departure: TK661 26JAN ISTTUN 0900 1000

Return: TK664 31JAN TUNIST 1735 2230

Departure: TK661 09FEB ISTTUN 0900 1000

Return: TK664 14FEB TUNIST 1735 2230

Departure: TK661 16FEB ISTTUN 0900 1000

Return: TK664 21FEB TUNIST 1735 2230

Departure: TK661 16MAR ISTTUN 0900 1000

Return: TK664 21MAR TUNIST 1735 2230

Departure: TK 661 17MAR ISTTUN 0900 1000

Return: TK 658 22MAR TUNIST 2335 0420*

Departure: TK661 20APR ISTTUN 0750 0845

Return: TK664 25APR TUNIST 1725 2220

Departure: TK661 27APR ISTTUN 0750 0845

Return: TK664 02MAY TUNIST 1725 2220

Departure: TK661 25MAY ISTTUN 0750 0845

Return: TK664 30MAY TUNIST 1725 2220

Departure: TK661 22JUN ISTTUN 0750 0845

Return: TK664 27JUN TUNIST 1725 2220