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| VANTAGE DELUXE WORLD TRAVEL |
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| Detailed Day by Day Itinerary |
| Tunisia: The Mediterranean & the Sahara |
| Itinerary at a Glance: Feb. - May Dates |
| View Days: [1-5] [6-10] [11-14] |
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| Day |
Schedules and Accommodations |
1-2
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Depart Home / Fly to Gammarth, Tunisia
Your exotic cultural trip begins with an overnight flight to Tunisia via Europe.You’ll be met upon arrival on the morning of Day 2 and transferred to your hotel where you'll enjoy sea-view rooms with a balcony for three nights. Enjoy a welcome briefing before the Welcome Dinner at your hotel. A special entertainment extravaganza features an Oriental band and an authentic belly dancer!
Corinthia Khamsa Hotel (sea view rooms) (D) |
3
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Gammarth
Today, enjoy an included morning excursion featuring the historical and cultural center of Tunis, its medina or old town. On a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site you’ll see mosques and numerous souks — markets selling leather, silk, and jewelry. You’ll also visit the famed Bardo Museum, where you’ll marvel at the best collection of Roman mosaics in the world.
This afternoon visit the fantastic ruins of Carthage, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see the Roman Amphitheater and public baths. Next visit the Hellenic village of Sidi Bousaid, painted in dreamlike white and blue like houses on the Greek Island of Santorini, and perched on a cliff above the Gulf of Tunis.
Corinthia Khamsa Hotel (sea view rooms) (B,L) |
4
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Gammarth
Visit the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dougga, the best preserved Roman city in north Africa. You’ll see the beautiful open air theater and the capitol. Next it’s on to the important Roman archaeological site of Tuborbou Majus, where you’ll see the forum, capitol, and public baths. Tonight at your hotel you’ll meet local Tunisians at an exclusive Vantage party.
Corinthia Khamsa Hotel (sea view rooms) (B,L) |
5
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Tozeur, Tunisia
Depart on a scenic drive to Tozuer, stopping along the way for lunch in the Saharan oasis town of Gafsa.
Sofitel Palm Beach  (B,L,D) |
6
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Tozeur
Take in the architecture, markets, and souks on a city tour featuring the Saharian Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Then visit the Dar Chraiet Museum, a folk museum with exhibits that include period clothing, wedding dresses, pottery, and ancient weapons.
Sofitel Palm Beach (B,D) |
7
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Tozeur
Today is a real highlight, as we embark on a fascinating safari expedition by four-wheel-drive vehicle into the Sahara Desert. Take in the romance and mystery of the desert, and revel in the striking contrast with the fertile oasis you’ll explore. If you’ve seen the movie The English Patient, you’ll recognize this enchanting locale.
Tonight enjoy dinner and wine under a silken tent, featuring haunting desert music, acrobats, snake charmers, belly dancers, and sword swallowers.
Sofitel Palm Beach (B,L,D) |
8
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Douz, Tunisia
Depart for Degueche and enjoy an oasis ride by horse-drawn carriage under the lush palms. You’ll also meet a local gardener who will show you the impressive array of flora cultivated in this fertile spot surrounded by dryness.
Then by motorcoach you’ll cross the Great Dry Salt Lake, Chott el Jerid, where mirages cast by sun and salt crystals glimmer in the stark landscape. Arrive at Douz, the beautiful doorway to the Sahara, where you'll spend the night in a room with a view of the Sahara Desert.
This afternoon saddle up like a local for a short camel ride led by Bedouins. You’ll stop for a refreshing party in the desert with your Bedouin hosts.
El Mouradi Hotel (B,L,D) |
9
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Djerba, Tunisia
Today you’ll see the astonishing cave dwellings at the Berber village of Matmata, where scenes from two Star Wars movies were filmed. You’ll meet a local celebrity, 83-year-old Fatima, who has been featured in many postcards and publications. Also visit a local school where the children will sing Tunisian songs for you. Then tour the seaport oasis of Gabes and the spice markets of Jara. Later enjoy a ferry ride to the island of Djerba where you'll spend two nights in a sea-view room with a balcony.
Vincci Hotel (sea-view rooms with balcony) (B,L,D) |
10
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Djerba
Embark on a tour of the island featuring a pottery lesson in the region of Gallala. You’ll see the spectacularly ornate El Djerba synagogue, one of the oldest in the world. Jews have lived in harmony here among their Muslim neighbors for hundreds of years. You’ll also visit Houmt Essouk, the island’s capital.
Vincci Hotel (sea-view rooms with balcony) (B,D) |
11
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Sousse, Tunisia
Depart by Ferry to Gabes, stopping in Sfax, the second largest city in Tunisia, for lunch. Then you’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of El Jem, famed for its massive, imposing Roman amphitheater before arriving in Sousse. You'll stay here three nights in a sea-view room.
Orient Palace Hotel  (B,L,D) |
12
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Sousse
This morning visit the beautiful seaside resort of Monastir, the fortified monastery at Ribat, the Bourguiba Mausoleum, and the Sousse Museum. You’ll also walk through the Sousse medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight features a special treat, as you enjoy a home-hosted dinner with a local family.
Orient Palace Hotel (B,L,D) |
13
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Sousse
Today you may choose a specially priced optional tour to the holy city of Kairouan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring the medina and a visit to a carpet factory and local workshop. After tonight’s Farewell Dinner, with wine, enjoy an exclusive tea and a discussion with local Tunisian women.
Orient Palace Hotel (B,D) |
14
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Sousse / Paris / Return Home
Transfer to Paris for your return flight home or begin your optional 4-night extension in Paris.
(B) |
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