Today, following a morning Welcome Briefing, enjoy an included tour of Tunis featuring the historic center and the famed Bardo Museum, which houses the best collection of Roman mosaics in the world. After lunch at a local restaurant inside the medina, discover the narrow alleys and passages of this old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll see mosques and numerous souks — markets selling leather, silk, and jewelry. Cultural Connection: This evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner at your hotel, with Oriental music and belly dancing.

Visit the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dougga, the best-preserved Roman city in North Africa, where you’ll see the open-air theater and the capitol. Cultural Connection: Tonight at your hotel you’ll meet local Tunisians at an exclusive Vantage cocktail party. Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

This morning takes us to the storied ruins of Carthage, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll see the Roman Amphitheater and public baths. Cultural Connection: On the way back to Tunis, we’ll stop at the North African American Cemetery and Memorial, the only U.S. military cemetery in Africa. This evening, you may join an optional tour with dinner to the lovely village of Sidi Bou Said.

Today is packed with tour highlights! In the morning, we’ll depart for Degueche, where you’ll ride in a horse-drawn carriage under the lush palms of an oasis. Then, by motorcoach you’ll cross the Great Dry Salt Lake, Chott el Jerid, to Douz, the gateway to the Sahara. Here, you’ll spend the night in a room with a view of the Sahara. Cultural Connections: You’ll also visit the small but interesting Museum of the Sahara, a wonderful introduction to Bedouin life and culture. In the late afternoon, we’ll set out by camel caravan, led by local Bedouins, to a refreshing desert cocktail party. (Horse and buggy transport is available for those who don’t wish to ride a camel.) Dinner is included at your hotel.

The Berber village of Matmata is on today’s itinerary, where residents live in amazing and quite comfortable cave dwellings. Cultural Connections: You’ll visit a typical cave house, learning about daily life. Afterwards, visit the seaport oasis of Gabes. You’ll continue to the fragrant spice markets of Jara, before stopping for lunch at a local restaurant. We’ll then follow the road over the old Roman causeway to the island of Djerba, where you’ll spend two nights in a sea-view room with balcony. Dinner is at the hotel this evening.

Embark on a tour around the lovely island of Djerba, with a visit to Houmt Essouk, the island’s capital, where you’ll visit local souks and bazaars. Cultural Connections: Enjoy a pottery making demonstration at a local studio, as well as a carpet demonstration and shopping in Moumt Souk. We’ll also visit the El Djerba synagogue, one of the oldest in the world (availability depends upon the synagogue’s schedule), and the excellent Islamic Art Museum.

Depart by Ferry to Gabes, stopping in Sfax, Tunisia’s second-largest city, for lunch. Then, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of El Jem, famed for its massive Roman amphitheater. Our destination is Sousse, where you’ll stay for three nights in a sea-view room. Enjoy dinner at your hotel tonight.

Today enjoy the morning at leisure or choose an optional tour to the holy city of Kairouan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll see the Great Mosque and medina. Lunch is included at the hotel, then you can enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Cultural Connections: Later this afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to meet the sporting youth of Tunisia at the Sousse Athletic Club, where past champions mentor future Olympians. This evening, you’ll be the guest of a local family for a home-hosted dinner — a wonderful opportunity to meet some of Tunisia’s charming people.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The above day-by-day itineraries are preliminary and therefore subject to change. If any major changes occur in advance of your departure, you will be notified in writing by Vantage Deluxe World Travel. If changes occur during your tour, you will be notified by your Vantage Program Manager.