In the Footsteps of Oriental Charm: 8-Day Itinerary in Tunisia
An Odyssey Through the Enchantment of the Desert and History
Are you ready for an incredible adventure? Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey in Tunisia, the country where the sun sets to the rhythm of the dunes and where every stone is steeped in history. 🌞 Known for its unique blend of cultures, Tunisia invites you to discover its hidden treasures, from the traditional Berber architecture of Djerba to the lunar landscapes of Matmata. 🏜️ How about getting lost in the sandy flows of the Sahara or strolling through the mystical alleys of the holy city of Kairouan? ✨ This 8-day journey promises an immersion in the heart of authentic Orient, between lush oases and majestic historical monuments. But beware! Even though the desert is vast, it never fails to tuck away a few surprises in its grains... Be ready to laugh, to marvel, and above all, to fall in love with Tunisia like never before. And if you ever get lost, follow the dates! 🍃
Top 10 Activities Not to Miss
1. Walk through the Medina of Djerba
Explore the narrow alleys and enjoy the shimmering colors of the souks.
2. Discover the Ksour of Tataouine
Let yourself be transported into a sci-fi setting amidst the ancient fortified granaries.
3. Venture into the Caves of Matmata
Visit the troglodyte dwellings and feel the surprising coolness of these underground homes.
4. Relax in an Oasis in Tozeur
Take a dip in a natural pool and stroll among the date palm trees.
5. Admire the sunset over Chott el-Jérid
Witness a natural spectacle on this salt lake, between mirages and pink reflections.
6. Explore the Great Mosque of Kairouan
Visit one of the oldest mosques in North Africa, a treasure of Islam.
7. Participate in a Pottery Workshop in Nabeul
Unleash your creativity by creating your own designs on pottery.
8. Taste Couscous at a Local's Home
Enjoy a traditional dish prepared with love, directly in a local home.
9. Visit the Fort of Ghazi Mustapha in Djerba
Climb to the top for a breathtaking view of the port and the sea.
10. Go on an Excursion in the Dunes of Erg Oriental
Experience an adventure in a 4x4 or on camelback in the heart of the golden dunes.
Discover the Charm of Djerba and Its Berber Heritage (Day 1 to Day 2)
Welcome to Djerba, the island that is to Tunisia what quicksands are to the desert: irresistibly enchanting! 🌺 For these first two days, you will live to the rhythm of the Djebli (the inhabitants of Djerba), where the present gently caresses a millennia-old history made of legends and realities. This first step of our itinerary invites you to dive into a total immersion in traditional Berber culture, through its enchanting medinas and vibrant traditions. How about meeting local artisans who transform clay into works of art or discovering the hidden secrets of the Ghriba synagogue, one of the oldest in the world? You will have fabulous moments letting yourself be lulled by the wild architecture and tales of past times. And of course, don't forget to take a stroll in the lively souks where colors and scents intertwine in a wonderfully orchestrated chaos.
Activities
Stroll in the Medina of Houmt Souk
Description : Let yourself be enchanted by the winding alleys of the medina, where every corner is filled with treasures to discover: from colorful fruit stalls to local craft shops, it's a true open-air museum.
Price : Free
Address : Medina, Houmt Souk, Djerba
Visit the Ghriba Synagogue
Description : This ancient synagogue opens its doors to you, offering a fascinating insight into Jewish history in Tunisia. A visit rich in emotion and history that will not leave you indifferent.
Price : 5 €
Address : Er-Riadh, Djerba
Explore the Pottery Workshops in Guellala
Description : Dip your hand in the clay and shape your own little artisanal wonder. The potters of Guellala will share with you their ancestral know-how, while telling you some delightful anecdotes.
Price : Free
Address : Guellala, Djerba
Restaurants
Restaurant Lella Hadhria
Description : Taste traditional Djerbian dishes in a typical and warm setting. Don't miss the fish couscous , a local specialty that will make you travel between land and sea.
Price : 15-25 € per person
Address : Route de la Ghriba, Er-Riadh , Djerba
Café Ben Yedder
Description : For a sweet break, this café offers irresistible Tunisian pastries accompanied by a tasty mint tea, all served in a friendly atmosphere.
Price : 5-10 € per person
Address : Avenue Habib Bourguiba, Houmt souk, Djerba
Dar Dhiafa
Description : Enjoy a refined culinary experience in a traditional house turned restaurant. Their Mediterranean menu highlights local ingredients in elegant dishes.
Price : 30-40 € per person
Address : Er-Riadh, Djerba
Accommodations
Hotel Dar Nejma
Description : This charming hotel offers you an exotic stay in the heart of the island. Its tastefully decorated rooms and shaded patio promise relaxation and a gentle way of life.
Price : 50-70 € per night
Address : Rue Taieb Mhiri, Houmt Souk, Djerba
Villa Azur
Description : For a more intimate stay, this villa offers spacious rooms and a private pool away from the crowds , ideal for romantic getaways.
Price : 80-120 € per night
address : midoun, djerba
Hotel Hasdrubal Thalassa
Description : Luxury and well-being come together in this hotel complex overlooking the sea. Perfect for those who want to relax at the spa after a day of exploration.
Price : 150-200 € per night
Address : Tourist Zone, Midoun, Djerba
After these two days soaking in the unique atmosphere of Djerba, you will leave with memories as sweet as a well-infused mint tea and as colorful as the fabrics in the souks. Ready for the next step? The desert awaits you with its mysteries... 🌵✨
Discovering the Ksour and Breathtaking Landscapes of Tataouine (day 3)
Welcome to Tataouine, where adventure takes on a slightly interstellar flavor! 🌌 Known for inspiring the famous Star Wars universe, this stage plunges you into the heart of the ksour , true fortress granaries, attesting to the architectural genius of the Berbers. 🌵 So put on your best space sandals and get ready to traverse landscapes that seem to come from another galaxy! From rugged mountains to desert plains, each turn holds its share of wonders and ancestral stories. And if you're the adventurous type, go hunting for the iconic locations used as film sets. be careful though, the Force might be with you... or against you! At the end of the day, rest under a starry sky almost as impressive as that of Tatooine (unintentional pun). Let the adventure begin! 🌟
Activities
Visit the Ksour of Tataouine
Description : Explore these atypical constructions where the Berbers stored their provisions, and admire these earthen structures that defied time and sands.
Price : Free
Address : ksour Road, Tataouine
Hiking in the Mountains of Tataouine
Description : Put on your hiking shoes for a walk through breathtaking landscapes, perfect for photography and outdoor enthusiasts.
Price : free
Address : Matmata Mountains Trail, Tataouine
Safari in the Desert of Tataouine
Description : Embark on an exciting safari aboard a 4x4 to discover the golden dunes, and end the day with a bivouac under the stars.
Price : 50 € per person
Address : Departure from city center, Tataouine
Restaurants
Desert restaurant
Description : Offering authentic local cuisine, this restaurant will introduce you to the spicy flavors of southern Tunisia with a desert panorama as a backdrop.
Price : 10-20 € per person
address : National Road 19, Tataouine
Café Sidi Maklouf
Description : Enjoy a refreshing break with mint teas and oriental pastries in a friendly and picturesque atmosphere.
Price : 5-8 € per person
Address : Souk Square, Tataouine
Auberge du Sud
Description : This restaurant offers a gastronomic immersion in Berber culinary traditions with generous and flavorful dishes , served in a rustic ambiance.
Price : 20-30 € per person
Address : Matmata Road, Tataouine
Accommodations
Hotel Sangho Tataouine
Description : Stay in an atypical accommodation, blending modern comfort and traditional architecture, with rooms offering breathtaking views of the desert.
Price : 40-60 € per night
Address : Medenine Road, Tataouine
Maison d'Hôtes Kenza
Description : For a more local experience, choose this guest house where Tunisian hospitality is at the forefront , with personalized and warm service.
Price : 30-50 € per night
Address : Ksour Street, Tataouine
Résidence Nomade
Description : Offering an exceptional setting with a typically Saharan style, this residence is perfect for relaxing after a day of excursions in the surroundings.
Price : 70-90 € per night
Address : Chenini village, Tataouine
After a day full of discoveries and thrills, Tataouine will leave you with memories etched in the sand. Get ready to continue your adventure to the fascinating landscapes of Matmata for the continuation of your oriental explorations. 🚀✨
Immersion in the Underground and Picturesque World of Matmata (Day 4)
On the way to Matmata, the land of troglodyte houses where the stones tell their stories to those who know how to wait for the right echo. 🏡 Nestled in a quasi-selenite setting, this village was dug into the rock, providing a refuge from the scorching desert heat. It is here that your dive into an astonishing underground architecture begins, where tradition and heritage blend with a subtle touch of science fiction. 🌌 Yes, Matmata is also famous for having served as a backdrop for some Star Wars scenes, making the hearts of cinephiles in search of curiosity vibrate. On the agenda: exploration of troglodyte dwellings, meeting with locals who will narrate the secrets of their unique way of life, and a gastronomic journey to the heart of southern Tunisian flavors. Do not be surprised if when coming out of a cave, you expect to meet Obi-Wan Kenobi! 🛸 The experience promises to be as enriching as it is unforgettable, at the crossroads between history and modernity.
Activities
Discover the Troglodyte Houses of Matmata
Description : Enter these astonishing dwellings, akin to real furnished caves, which offer a welcome natural coolness and a fascinating glimpse of life in this region.
Price : Free
Address : Village center, Matmata
Visit the Berber museum of Matmata
Description : This museum immerses you in Berber history and culture, with fascinating exhibitions on local traditions and ancestral artifacts.
Price : 3 € per person
Address : Main Street , Matmata
Hiking in the Hills of Matmata
Description : Set off for a hike through the rugged hills of Matmata, where each turn reveals a more breathtaking panorama than the last.
Price : Free
Address : Local trail, Matmata
Restaurants
Troglodyte Restaurant Le Berbère
Description : Enjoy a meal in the heart of Matmata in an authentic troglodyte setting, with traditional Berber dishes that will delight your taste buds.
price : 10-20 € per person
Address : Douz Road, Matmata
Café Matmata Star
Description : This café offers a friendly atmosphere where you can enjoy a mint tea while contemplating the surrounding lunar landscapes.
Price : 5-10 € per person
Address : Avenue Habib Bourguiba, Matmata
Auberge de Matmata
Description : Offering refined local cuisine, this inn is the ideal place for a warm dinner after a day of exploration.
Price : 15-25 € per person
Address : Matmata Path, Matmata
Accommodations
Hotel Sidi Driss
Description : A real Star Wars filming location, this hotel offers a unique and unusual stay experience in the heart of troglodyte dwellings.
price : 30-50 € per night
Address : Ksar Street, Matmata
Dar Ayed
Description : This troglodyte guest house combines comfort and authenticity, perfect for a total immersion in the local way of life.
Price : 50-70 € per night
Address : Main Street, Matmata
Résidence Les Grottes
Description : Offering modernized troglodyte rooms, this residence is a perfect blend of tradition and contemporary comfort.
Price : 70-100 € per night
Address : Ksar Path , Matmata
After a step as dizzying as it is enriching , you will leave Matmata with a new perspective on human ingenuity and resilience. Let yourself be inspired by this eternal spectacle before continuing your journey to the oases of Tozeur. 🏜️✨
Exploration of Oases and Saharan Charm in Tozeur (Day 5 to Day 6)
Welcome to Tozeur, the pearl of the sahara, where palm trees sway to the rhythm of the warm wind. 🍃 During these two days, a true desert escape awaits you. Tozeur is renowned for its vast palm groves, where millions of date palms lie in the shade to escape the relentless rays of the sun. 🌴 In addition to its lush oases, Tozeur is also home to the famous Chott el-Jérid, a sparkling salt lake that, like magic, appears and disappears according to the whims of the season. ☀️ For those seeking to venture off the beaten path, an excursion in the dunes, on camelback or quad, offers a breathtaking view of the eastern desert. In the evening, let yourself be seduced by a blazing sunset that adorns the sky with extraordinary colors. 🌇 A trip to Tozeur is a promise of discovering a world both hostile and magnificent, where culture mingles with breathtaking landscapes. Prepare your camera and open your eyes wide: the beauty of Tozeur is hypnotizing! 📸
Activities
Visit the Oasis of Tozeur
Description : Stroll through this vast lush oasis, where you can admire the incredible diversity of palm trees and other native plants to the gentle murmur of irrigation canals.
Price : Free
Address : City center, tozeur
Excursion to chott el-Jérid
Description : Explore this fascinating salt lake where the ground is covered with shiny salt crystals, and observe the mirages stretching to the horizon. A mystical and unforgettable experience!
Price : 10 € per person in guided tour
Address : Nefta Road, Tozeur
Camel Ride in the Desert
Description : Discover the desert on camelback, dive into unparalleled tranquility, with the golden sand stretching as far as the eye can see. An adventure that promises to be as eccentric as it is memorable!
Price : 20 € per person for one hour
Address : Departure Oasis of Tozeur
Restaurants
Restaurant Dar Tozeur
Description : This place offers refined Tunisian cuisine in a traditional setting, perfect for enjoying a meal after a day of desert exploration.
Price : 25-35 € per person
Address : Habib Bourguiba Street, Tozeur
Oasis Café
description : Enjoy traditional local dishes in this charming café, where you can also sip a fresh lemonade under the discreet song of palm trees.
Price : 10-15 € per person
Address : Avenue of the Republic, Tozeur
Restaurant Le Minaret
Description : Offering a fusion of oriental and western flavors, this establishment is ideal for a sophisticated dinner with an exceptional panoramic view.
Price : 30-40 € per person
Address : Place of the Martyrs , Tozeur
Accommodations
Hotel Ras El Ain
Description : This elegant hotel complex offers an absolute relaxation setting with its large outdoor pool and exotic gardens.
Price : 70-100 € per night
Address : Habib Bourguiba Avenue, Tozeur
Résidence El Arich
Description : For those seeking authentic hospitality, this lodge offers comfortable accommodation in the heart of the oases.
Price : 40-60 € per night
Address : Kébili Street, Tozeur
Dar Saida Beya
Description : Stay in this guest house with an intimate and friendly atmosphere, offering a splendid view of the surrounding desert.
Price : 60-80 € per night
Address : Tamerza Path, Tozeur
Leaving Tozeur, with its raw beauty landscapes and moments suspended in time , you will take with you memories as bright as the desert under the sun. next stop: Kairouan, sacred city and beating heart of millennial traditions! 🌿🌞
Spiritual and Historical Discovery of Kairouan (Day 7 to Day 8)
Heading to Kairouan, the fourth holy city of Islam, where history harmoniously blends with the present. 🕌 A true open-air museum, Kairouan invites you to walk in the footsteps of pilgrims and caliphs, in an atmosphere imbued with serenity and spirituality. With its cobbled streets and majestic mosques, every corner of the street tells a story, every wall whispers a prayer. The Great Mosque of Kairouan, with its imposing minarets and shady courtyards, is a must-see for any lover of sacred architecture. 🕋 For those who want a bit of shopping, the Kairouan souk is full of local crafts, where hand-woven carpets sit alongside pottery with delicate patterns. For sweet tooth lovers, the famous makroud pastry will delight the most demanding palates. These two days will be the perfect opportunity to soak up the western soul of the Orient , while enjoying unparalleled local hospitality. 🌺
Activities
Visit the great Mosque of Kairouan
description : Immerse yourself in the majesty of this historic mosque, one of the oldest in North Africa, offering fascinating architecture and a unique spiritual space.
Price : Free for exterior, 2 € for interior
Address : Republic Avenue, Kairouan
Stroll in the Kairouan Souk
Description : Browse the aisles of this traditional market and let yourself be tempted by local crafts, colorful spices, and sumptuous fabrics typical of the region.
Price : Free
Address : Medina of Kairouan
Tasting Traditional makroudh
description : Savor these delicious honey and date cakes, a sweet specialty of Kairouan. An inevitable gourmet break during your stay!
Price : 2 € per portion
Address : Ben Aziza Pastry, Kairouan
Restaurants
Restaurant La Kasbah
Description : Offering traditional local cuisine in a unique historical setting, this restaurant is perfect for combining gastronomy and cultural discovery.
Price : 20-30 € per person
Address : Kasbah Street, Kairouan
Le Café des Délices
Description : An ideal place to enjoy light meals in a peaceful atmosphere with a panoramic view of the historic city.
Price : 10-20 € per person
Address : Medina Terrace, Kairouan
Chez Brahim
Description : This guest table offers authentic Tunisian family cuisine, with homemade, warm, and generous dishes.
Price : 15-25 € per person
address : Gourbi Street, Kairouan
Accommodations
Hotel Kasbah
Description : A luxury stay in this hotel offering an immersion in the historical heart of the city, with elegant rooms and impeccable service.
Price : 100-150 € per night
Address : Ibn El Jazzar Avenue, Kairouan
Dar Hassine Allani
Description : Stay in this tastefully restored guest house, reflecting the charm and authenticity of traditional local architecture.
Price : 50-80 € per night
Address : Medina Street , Kairouan
Auberge des arts
Description : This unique establishment combines accommodation and art, with local exhibitions and an inspiring setting for creative travelers.
price : 30-50 € per night
Address : Place of Crafts, Kairouan
After exploring the spiritual and historical side of Kairouan, you leave with a better understanding of the profound cultural impact of this city. Ready to discover the next Tunisian treasure? 🌟🕌
Practical Information
Climate: The Tunisian climate is generally Mediterranean in the north and desert in the south. Expect hot, dry summers and mild winters with some rain.
Transport: Tunisia has a good network of public transportation. Louages , these shared taxis, are an economical option for traveling between cities. As for car rentals, they offer more flexibility for exploring rural areas.
When to go?: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the ideal times to visit Tunisia, with pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists.
Budget: Tunisia is a relatively affordable destination. Plan a daily average budget of 50-70 € for moderate comfort, including accommodation, meals, and activities.
Practical tips:
- Respect local customs, especially in places of worship.
- Be sure to taste mint tea and other local specialties.
- Don't forget to haggle in the souks, it's a tradition!
- Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen and a hat.
- Learn a few words of Arabic to facilitate exchanges, Tunisians appreciate this effort.
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This information will help you prepare your trip to Tunisia and fully enjoy this adventure through a culturally rich and diverse landscape.
in summary, this eight-day trip to Tunisia, under the sign of discovering oriental charm, will have allowed you to dive into a universe where the past and the present dance hand in hand. ✨ From the wild beauty of the Sahara to the sacred mysteries of Kairouan, each step is an invitation to explore hidden treasures and live authentic experiences. Returning from this journey, you will take with you not only unforgettable memories but also a little piece of the Tunisian soul. 🏜️🎨 May your return journey be as magnificent and enriching as your stay through this fascinating country!