Highlights |
Escorted Package Includes
- Round trip flights NYC-Tunis
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices
- Airline fuel surcharges
- 9 nights First Class accommodations
- All transfers
- 13 meals: 9 breakfasts, 4 dinners
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
- Services of English-speaking local guides
- Entrance fees per itinerary
Special Features
- Ancient ruins of Carthage
- Visit Bardo & Dar Cherait Museums
- Island of Djerba
Also Available
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Itinerary |
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DAY 1, Thursday - Depart the USA
Depart the USA for Tunisia. Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey
DAY 2, Friday - Arrive in Tunis
Arrive in Tunis and transfer to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a welcome drink and orientation at 7:00 pm in the hotel's reception area
Overnight: Tunis
DAY 3, Saturday - Bardo Museum, Carthage & Tunis City Tour
Following breakfast, start your day with a visit to the Bardo Museum, a former Ottoman palace housing one of the finest collections of Roman and Carthaginian mosaics in the world. Next, visit the ancient Roman ruins of Carthage with ample time to visit the US war cemetery and learn about Tunisia's role in World War II. Continue to the nearby picturesque village of Sidi Bou Said, whose architecture was inspired by its Andalusian settlers. Following Sidi Bou Said, drive into the heart of old Tunis for a walking tour of the medina, Tunisia's historic heart. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight: Tunis
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4, Sunday - Northwest Tunisia Excursion
This morning depart Tunis for the northwest part of the country, taking scenic, rural roads, with your first main destination being Bulla Regia. This well-preserved site has numerous examples of underground architecture, as well as well-preserved mosaics. From Bulla Regia, you drive north southeast to Dougga. Dougga is Tunisia's largest Roman site. Covering some sixty acres, Dougga was known as the city of temples and its existence is thought to date back to the 4th century B.C. Following your visit to Dougga, you head west to rural, northwest Tunisia
Overnight: Tabarka
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5, Monday - Sbeitla & Oasis Region Sightseeing
Today depart the northwest and head south along the western portion of Tunisia. You will have the opportunity to visit the ruins of Sbeitla. Known by its early Punic name, Sufetula, this impressive site seems to be literally in the middle of nowhere. During Roman times, olive trees were cultivated in this region and provided a flourishing olive oil export trade to Italy. From Sbeitla, continue southwest, with a late day arrival in Tozeur
Overnight: Tozeur
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6, Tuesday - Morning in Tozeur, Dar Cherait Museum
Enjoy a morning of leisure to explore Tozeur independently. This evening visit the Dar Cherait Museum, where you will learn more about Tunisia's vibrant history. An optional dinner and show in Tozeur is available locally
Optional: Mountain Oases by Horse Drawn Carriage with Lunch (AM)
Overnight: Tozeur
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7, Wednesday - Douz, Matmata & Ferry Ride to Djerba
This morning depart Tozeur going east via the Chott-el-Jerid, Tunisia's salt lake and then a stop in Douz, a small town that appears to be plopped down amidst the dunes. From Douz, travel through the semi-arid desert, eventually arriving to the region of Matmata. This region's crater-like topography is dotted with troglodyte dwellings. Then you will head east to the coast and take a ferry boat to the island of Djerba
Optional: Douz Camel Ride (AM)
Overnight: Djerba
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8, Thursday - Island of Djerba Tour
Begin the day with an island tour of Djerba, a charming isle with a special Berber character. The tour eventually brings you to Houmt Souk, Djerba's main market town, which offers a distinctively Mediterranean feel, small in scale and a great place for shopping. The remainder of the day is at leisure. An optional dinner in Djerba is available locally
Optional: Half Day Guellela & Ethnological Museum (PM)
Overnight: Djerba
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9, Friday - Sfax & El Djem Tour
After breakfast, take a ferry from Djerba to the mainland and begin driving up the coast. Arrive in Sfax, Tunisia's second largest city, and enjoy a walking tour of its historic center. Continue onward to El Djem, known in Roman times as Thysdrus and noted for its amphitheater, which is similar to the Colosseum of Rome. Following your exploration of El Djem and the nearby El Djem Museum, head northeast to the seaside town of Sousse and enjoy the balance of the day at leisure
Overnight: Sousse
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10, Saturday - Kairouan, Nabeul & Hammamet
This morning depart Sousse and travel west to Kairouan. Today, Kairouan is a rather provincial town, though it was founded and developed in the 7th century. Then head back toward the coast with a stop in Nabeul, a town noted for its pottery production. Continue on to the beautiful seaside resort town of Hammamet. This evening enjoy a special farewell dinner as you bid a fond farewell to your travel companions
Overnight: Hammamet
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11, Sunday - Depart for the USA
Depart Hammamet and transfer to the airport in Tunis for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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Optionals |
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Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling may cost an extra 10% or even more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.
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| Mountain Oases by Horse Drawn Carriage with Lunch |
Day #6 |
21 Jan 2010 - 02 Jan 2011 $125
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Enjoy visiting Tunisia's largest oasis by a horse drawn carriage. Then, depart on your 4x4 vehicle for an excursions to the semi-desert region for more dramatic scenery, with visits to the mountain oasis town of Chebika, where you can hike among the canyons and oasis springs, as well as a visit to the canyons and oasis villages of Mides and Tamerza. Your lunch in Tamerza is set amidst the exotic setting of the town of Tamerza, which, due to severe flood damage, was left abandoned.
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| Douz Camel Ride |
Day #7 |
21 Jan 2010 - 02 Jan 2011 $24
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Douz is a small oasis town situated at the northern Erg of the Sahara. The Erg is the sublime desert landscape featuring the massive sand dunes reminiscent of the images of Lawrence of Arabia. Your excursion on camelback will take you into the dunes to escape any hint of civilization, offering approximately forty-five minutes of authentic desert trek experience.
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| Half Day Guellela & Ethnological Museum |
Day #8 |
21 Jan 2010 - 02 Jan 2011 $49
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From your hotel, travel to the southern tip of Djerba, enjoying the scenic ride as you pass Djerban villages, a scene that provides an atmosphere very different from the seaside hotel tourist zone of Djerba. The excursion takes you through the heart of Djerba and the island setting of diverse villages. The principal destination is the village of Guellela, which is home to a privately owned ethnological museum. The museum's architecture and setting maintain the flavor of a Djerban village, with many exhibits of crafts, costumes and description of the lifestyle of historic Djerba, an island that until the advent of tourism in the 1960's was relatively untouched by influences from the mainland of Tunisia. In addition to visiting the museum, travel to the village itself, which is also known for its traditional pottery production. Enjoy an opportunity to watch a traditional potter at work, using the centuries-old technique. There will also be time provided for those who wish to browse and purchase ceramics before returning to your hotel.
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Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling may cost an extra 10% or even more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.
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Rates & Hotels |
Step 1: Select Your Featured Hotels Step 2: Click a Date to Book Online
OR: Click here to create your own flexible vacation
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*Not Included:
Airport taxes & fees, optional tours, and gratuities.
Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.
Entry Requirements:
US citizens require a passport valid for six months beyond travel dates.
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| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. | |
| Passports and Visas | It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies.
| | Trip Preparation | A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas) are in order and that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock.
| | Health Information | Check with your personal physician for the latest overseas travel health information, or contact the Center for Disease Control’s travelers’ hotline at 404-332-4559, web site www.cdc.gov.
| | Climate & Clothing | Tunisia - Spring: 70°F-90°F; Summer: 80°F-120°F; Autumn: 70°F-90°F; Winter: 60°F-75°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Sunscreen and a hat or sunglasses are also recommended. Some religious sites do not allow shorts or sleeveless shirts.
Tunisia Average Temperatures: http://www.gate1travel.com/weather/mediterranean/default.aspx#tunisia-weather
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| E-Tickets & Check-In Procedures |
Please review the flight itinerary included in these documents. Print and carry a copy of the air itinerary which contains the record locator (airline reservation number) and e-ticket number(s). At check-in, be prepared to provide your government issued identification (valid passport) and your e-ticket itinerary/ ticket numbers to the agent in order to receive your boarding pass.
An e-ticket (electronic ticket) represents the purchase of an airline seat. This form of ticket has replaced almost all formerly provided paper tickets. The e-ticket exists only as a digital record in the airlines computers. In most cases your reservation will be confirmed solely on the basis of your government-issued identification. However it may still be necessary to present the e-ticket itinerary which contains your specific reservation code and ticket number(s). Once confirmed, your luggage will be checked-in and a boarding pass provided.
Advance online check-in is available on some airlines. If available, you may enter your airline confirmation number at the airline's website, and print the boarding pass on your home printer within twenty-four hours of departure. Airlines without advance online check-in require you to present your identification and e-ticket numbers at the airport self-service kiosk or check-in counter.
When e-tickets cannot be issued, you will receive paper tickets.
If your tour program includes foreign domestic flights, and those tickets are not included together with the e-ticket itinerary in these documents, a separate voucher(s) confirming those services will be included. You will receive those tickets at your destination from a Gate 1 representative.
| | Airline Flights | Please check in at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure time to allow for security steps. Passengers connecting from another point within the USA may check their luggage through to their final destination, and although problems with lost luggage have been minimal, it is a possibility. Certain carriers do not allow baggage “interlining,” and luggage must be checked separately for each flight. If you are connecting from a domestic flight which is delayed for any reason, causing you to miss your international flight, you must ask the airline for assistance in getting you to your destination. Since all airline tickets are issued on special fares which carry restrictions and penalties if changed, you must have the airlines responsible make alternate arrangements on your behalf as Gate 1 has no authority or control over airline activities and policies. Do not leave the airline check-in desk until an alternative itinerary has been confirmed for you.
Flight schedule changes are common and may occur anytime until departure. Therefore it is the responsibility of each passenger to reconfirm their flights 72 hours prior to departure for all flights.
| | Airline Luggage Restrictions | Most international airlines are consistent with regard to the number and weight of the pieces you may check and bring onboard. Domestic carriers however, typically on small aircraft, differ. Therefore, we suggest that you check in advance if you are concerned about size or weight restrictions. Many airlines have begun to apply charges for checked bags. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline's checked baggage policies. Airline policies vary and may change at any time. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for any excess luggage/ weight charges levied by an airline.
| | Airline Seats | Airline seats are confirmed whenever possible. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only. Even when seats are pre-assigned however, we recommend that you contact the carrier one to two weeks prior to departure to reconfirm your seats. In many cases there are equipment changes after your initial booking which can cause airplane seating reconfiguration.
| | Airline Tickets | Most airline tickets are issued using special fares which cannot be changed or canceled without incurring additional cost. Should you lose or misplace your tickets while traveling, you should immediately notify the airline. In most cases they will have you complete a Lost Ticket Indemnity Form, and for a fee, issue replacement tickets.
| | Code-share Flights | Many airlines participate in alliances and special agreements with other airlines which permit passengers to travel from one point to another using more than one carrier. While your ticket may indicate that you are flying with one carrier (eg: Delta), you may find that you are actually seated in a plane belonging to another carrier (eg: Alitalia). Please review your airline itinerary carefully to determine which airline you should go to for check-in; if your flight is operated by a carrier other than the primary airline indicated on the itinerary, your itinerary will state "Flight Operated by (Airline)." If you have any concerns regarding which airline to check-in with, you may contact the airline directly or Gate 1 Travel for clarification.
| | Luggage | All Gate 1 tour packages allow one piece of luggage per person, plus carry-on bag. Additional baggage will be subject to airline handling charges of up to $100 per piece. As Gate 1 will not be responsible for loss or damage to luggage and personal belongings, you MUST report any loss or damage immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your insurance provider. If your luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form MUST be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport. See www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx for Important Baggage Information for U.S. Travelers.
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| Arrival Procedures | Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher.
| | What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed | Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, overseas or in the USA, the better we can respond. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon your return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services.
| | Departure Procedures | If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally.
| | Transfers | Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date.
Escorted tour programs include transfers, providing you have purchased airfare from Gate 1 to arrive and depart on the scheduled tour dates. If you are traveling independently, you may purchase the transfers from Gate 1 or contract your own method of transportation to the hotel or cruise ship. The cost of a transfer will generally be more expensive than hiring a taxi as the pre-arranged transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or a 'dead-leg'. Additionally the driver may have to wait at the collection point for up to an hour.
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| Hotels | Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard rooms with two single beds and private facilities, unless you have specifically requested and paid for an upgrade. Room selection is strictly at the discretion of the hotel management. We reserve the right to make hotel substitutions with those of equal standard.
| | Hotel Check-in/ Check-out | Check-in time is usually 4pm or later. Check-out time is 12 noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later.
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| Eco & Sustainable Tourism | We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel to and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs.
| | Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) | Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for checkin. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents.
| | Shopping | Shopping in a foreign country can be a wonderful experience. We do include a few stops at recommended popular shops on every escorted tour, intended to enhance your cultural experience. As you explore the country independently, you may find fantastic, one-of-a-kind merchandise. You may get terrific bargains. However, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!
| Tunisia - Browsing the souks of Tunis' Medina is truly an experience in itself. Vendors offer a wide selection of colorful goods including gorgeous Arabesque pottery and mosaics, hand carved wooden objects, vases, and other traditional handicrafts.
| | Currency | We suggest getting a small amount of currency for the first country you're visiting before you leave the U.S. It is a good idea to carry a chart with you to help you convert U.S. dollars to the local currency. It's also a good idea not to carry too much money. Many countries have ATM machines that accept most U.S. ATM cards, but be sure you know your ATM password in numbers-the keypads on foreign ATMs don't always have letters. ATM machines will only dispense cash in local currency. Check with respective consulates to learn current currency allowances and requirements. Use your credit card whenever possible. Should you decide to carry cash or travelers checks, exchange them at banks where the rate is more favorable than at hotels or exchange bureaus. Please note that many banks and most vendors will not accept or exchange $100 bills. We suggest to carry $20 bills or smaller.
| Tunisia - The Tunisian Dinar is the currency of Tunisia.
It is recommended to carry cash in small denominations in local currency or in US $1 bills to make tipping and minor expenses easier.
| | Purchasing Tours Locally | On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. http://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional
| Tunisia - Payment can ONLY be made by cash or traveler's checks.
| | Credit Cards | While credit cards are accepted in most destinations, it is advisable to carry local currency. Inform your credit card company that you are traveling to avoid your card being blocked for security reasons.
| | Gratuities | This is a matter of personal discretion. You may use the following as a guideline:
- Tour escort (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide):
$6 or $7 per person per day
- Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage):
$3 per person per day
- Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program):
$2 per person per half day of sightseeing (2-3 hours)
- River Cruises:
$6 or $7 per person per day as indicated by each cruise line (see details regarding European River Cruises)
- Hotel Porter:
$1 per bag per person
- Wait staff:
$1.50 per person (lunch or dinner)
Tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour escort or phone our local office. Numbers have been provided in your documents for your convenience.
| Tunisia - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists.
| | Your Safety is Very Important | Every effort has been taken by Gate 1 Travel to ensure your safety. However, it is important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while you're on your trip. Be aware of potentially dangerous places and situations as you would at home. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carry your valuables concealed in inside pockets or hidden pouches. Don't put all your valuables (money, credit cards, passports, etc.) in the same place. (In case that one wallet is stolen, you should have other valuables and identification in another safe place.) Don't leave valuables laying loose in your room-use the hotel safe. Keep copies of your passports, credit card numbers and travelers checks numbers in the hotel safe. If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities.
| | Local Emergency Phone Numbers | Tunisia
- Ambulance: 190
- Fire: 198
- Police: 197
| | Languages | Tunisia - Tunisian Arabic is the local language.
| | Electricity | Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances.
| Tunisia - The voltage used is 220 volts.
| | Code of Conduct | Tunisia - Tunisia is an Islamic country. Visitors should observe normal courtesies. Shaking hands is a standard form of greeting. Women should dress modestly, especially in non-tourist and rural areas, where traditional mores are more strictly followed. Beachwear should be confined to the beach and poolside. Public display of affection is sometimes regarded as discourteous. Smoking is very common.
| | Holidays - Tunisia |
| Holidays 2010 |
| Jan 1 |
New Year's Day |
| Feb 26 |
The Prophet's Birthday* |
| Mar 20 |
Independence Day |
| Mar 21 |
Youth Day |
| April 9 |
Martyrs' Day |
| May 1 |
Labor Day |
July 25 |
Republic Day |
Aug 13 |
Women's Day |
August 12-Sep 9 |
Ramadan* |
Sep 10-13 |
Eid El-Fitr (End of Ramadan)* |
Nov 7 |
Renewal Day (New Era Day) |
Nov 16-19 |
Feast of the Sacrifice* |
Dec 7 |
Islamic New Year |
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* Please note that Islamic holidays are based on a lunar calendar, and exact dates depend on local sightings of the moon. Because of this, actual dates may vary slightly from the dates given above.
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| Food and Meals | As specified in each itinerary. Meals are based on the hotel's or restaurant's buffet or set menu. In general, beverages are not included, unless specifically stated. Although Gate 1 cannot make guarantees, every effort will be made to honor special dietary requests submitted in writing at least 72 hours prior to departure to info@gate1travel.com.
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