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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: Oct. - Dec. Dates |
| View Days: [1-5] [6-10] [11-14] |
print friendly version |
| Day |
Schedules and Accommodations |
1-2
[top] |
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
[top] |
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.
After lunch at a local restaurant, 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
[top] |
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. After lunch at a local restaurant, spend the rest of your day at leisure. Tonight at your hotel you’ll meet local
Tunisians at an exclusive Vantage party.
Corinthia Khamsa Hotel (sea view rooms) (B,L) |
5
[top] |
Tozeur, Tunisia
Depart on a scenic drive to Tozuer, stopping along the way for lunch in the Saharan oasis town of Gafsa. Enjoy dinner at your hotel this evening.
Hotel Ras El Ain (B,L,D) |
6
[top] |
Tozeur, Tunisia
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. Dinner is included at your hotel.
Hotel Ras El Ain (B,D) |
7
[top] |
Tozeur
This morning, board the renowned “Red Lizard” train and ride through the gorges and canyons of the Sahara. Afterwards, enjoy an included lunch before embarking 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. This evening is at leisure, or choose an optional “Fantasia” dinner and show under a silken tent in the Sahara.
Hotel Ras El Ain (B,L) |
8
[top] |
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.
After an included lunch, saddle up for a short afternoon camel ride led by
Bedouins. Then, you’ll stop for a refreshing cocktail party in the desert with your
Bedouin hosts. Dinner is included at your hotel.
El Mouradi Hotel (B,L,D) |
9
[top] |
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, with lunch at a local restaurant. Later enjoy a ferry ride to the
island of Djerba where you'll spend two nights in a sea-view room with
a balcony. Dinner is at the hotel this evening.
Vincci Hotel (sea-view rooms with balcony) (B,L,D) |
10
[top] |
Djerba
Embark on a tour of the island featuring a pottery making demonstration in the region
of Gallala. You’ll also visit Houmt
Essouk, the island’s capital. Enjoy dinner at your hotel tonight.
Vincci Hotel (sea-view rooms with balcony) (B,D) |
11
[top] |
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. Enjoy dinner at your hotel tonight.
Orient Palace Hotel  (B,L,D) |
12
[top] |
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. Enjoy an included lunch at the hotel, then time at leisure. Tonight features a special treat, as you enjoy a
home-hosted dinner with a local family.
Orient Palace Hotel (B,L,D) |
13
[top] |
Sousse
Today you may choose an 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. Then you'll gather for a very special Farewell Luncheon with an exclusive afternoon tea hosted by local
Tunisian women.
Orient Palace Hotel (B,L) |
14
[top] |
Sousse / Return Home (or begin your 3-night optional extension in Rome)
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home or begin your optional 3-night extension in Rome.
(B) |
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Vantage's ratings come from Travel Weekly's
Hotel & Travel Index, the industry's standard.
Deluxe / Moderate Deluxe 
Outstandng accommodations, offering superior service,
facilities, and location.
Superior First-Class 
Above average, with many special amenities, including
more restaurants, shops, and often a fitness center.
First Class / Moderate First-Class 
Comfortable, well-equipped standard rooms with private
bath and attractive public areas and amenities.
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