What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Wandering around Sidi Bou Said with its wonderful white and blue buildings and Islamic architecture.
What did you think of your group leader?
Sonia was very knowledgable about the history of the site we visited and our driver Hedi got us round the country safely.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The weather can be a bit chilly at times. Remember to take some swim wear with you.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
You see a few Roman sites on this trip. Carthage, unfortunately, was the most incomplete. This was also one of the funniest bunch of people I have travelled with on an Exodus trip. The food can be a bit uninspiring at times. Plenty of tuna and eggs if you like it.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I really enjoyed the great views from the roman town of Dougga which was amazing that this city was in the middle of the countryside so easy to imagine how the romans used to live. Plus no other tour groups -so we had the place to ourselves!
What did you think of your group leader?
Sonia was very patient and well informed about all the facts about Tunisia.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take warm clothing especially when staying in the edge of the Sahara or at Le Kef as the temperature drops quite quickly at night and they do not have any central heating!
Food was quite disappointing standard - and if you are vegetarian - warning the vegetable pizzas come garnished with chunks of tuna unless you state otherwise.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I would recommend that at the first place you get to try to get change as we had major problems buying things as a lot of restaurants had no change which was quite frustrating. Keep hold of the dirhams coins as they are useful for buying postcards etc.
Also,when changing your money back at the airport, suggest you go the arrivals hall to change back to pounds as all the money exchangers in the departure level only had euros to change and no sterling.
Carolyn Powell
TUNISIA EXPLORER
Written
This is a well organised tour to the major cultural, religious and historical sights in Tunisia, staying at interesting locations in hotels with character, some with good swimming pools with thermal water. The circular route travels through three types of desert landscape, and includes a short camel ride in the sand desert.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The troglodite houses are surreal and there is the added bonus of seeing those used for the early Star Wars film. Should you be a Star Wars fanatic, and like sand desert, go to the Star Wars film set available as an optional excursion.
What did you think of your group leader?
The group leader for this trip was female, and refreshing to experience in a Muslim country.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Remember this is a Muslim county with a modest dress code, therefore shorts and short skirts are not advisable as you do not want to stand out in a crowd!! I had the unfortunate experience of meeting a coach party at a restaurant where the females wearing short shorts and strappy t shirts looked ridiculous and obviously had no knowledge of how to blend with the culture. Some of the journeys are long, but the scenery is good, and there are frequent stops. Food is a mix of mediocre Western cuisine in some hotels, and Tunisian in local restaurants.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If you have not experinced a North Africa Muslim country this would be a great introduction, as it is only 8 days, and wont break the bank!
Good overall view of Tunisia. The people were all very nice and helpful. Our group was small and we enjoyed that. The food was plentiful but I have come to the conclusion that Tunisians and Moroccans are not as good cooks as the Egyptians and Lebanese. The hotels' breakfasts were not good as there was no real fruit juice and no fruit, the cereals were too sugary (sort of cocoa pops) and the yoghurt was rarely natural. We only had French style bread although the Tunisian flat bread is delicious. Where were all the dates and oranges?I would have preferred to have been free to eat out at night in a resto recommended by the guide where this was possible.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The Visit to the Bardo Museum and to the Roman sites
What did you think of your group leader?
Sonia was very good and spoke English very well. Very helpful and concerned for our comfort and security. Went out of her way to help us get what we wanted.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Although the hotels were generally good there was always a small problem. Nobody seems to check the light bulbs in rooms or see if there is a plug in the sink. this is quite a common occurence in Magreb and Syria and Egypt so take a rubber sink plug with you!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The coach driver Hedi was a super driver despite all the traffic and some long days at the wheel. he was always smiling and helpful
Madeline Taylor
TUNISIA EXPLORER
Written
A packed trip that offers a thorough introduction to the small but delightful country of Tunisia; a good mix of sightseeing and activities which provide an opportunity to understand and appreciate the country.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I most enjoyed visiting the oases in the Sahara and the camel trekking, visiting a traditional Berber home was a special moment as well. I fell in love with Sidi Bou Said and was really glad to have seen Carthage.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader was very professional, knowledgeable and had a good sense of humour. Couldn't have asked for more!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
There are a lot of sights and activities packed into the busy 8 days and it is a essentially a tour of the best bits of the country hence there is a fair amount of time spent on the road some days so bring a book or be prepared to gaze at the scenery out of the bus window! Some of the hotel rooms had bits which didn't function properly and for some of the meals you didn't get a choice about what you were given to eat but these are only very minor points.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If you go on the trip from Oct onwards bring layers as one day it was warm and the next day not, a bit unpredictable!
Gary Mears
TUNISIA EXPLORER
Written
A Very enjoyable trip, not too far from the UK in distance but a world away in culture and history. Varied over the short period, it offers contrasts of many aspects of the country's history, from the ancient Roman ruins, to the sweeping sands of the Sahara, to the cosmopolitan city of Tunis, taking in lots of striking sites and towns along the way.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Standing in the amphitheatre at El Jem, imaging the Gladitoria and jeering crowd. Quad biking in the sweeping sand dunes of mighty Sahara was certainly also a memorable experience, and highlighted the amazing scenic diversity which exists in such a small country.
What did you think of your group leader?
Group leader was very knowledgeable about all aspects of the history and the classics associated with the Roman sites, and knew the local towns like the back of his hand.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Expect some long drives to cover the distances needed to explore this great country, but the journey is well worth it, for the chance to explore the less "touristy" side of the country, and is a fabulous introduction to North Africa.
An excellent short break to an accessible interesting destination without the hassle of advance visas & long flights. Very packed itinerary. A good combination of history, archeology, scenery & cultural interest. Our Tunisian guide was certainly one of the most interesting & informative guides I have had, plus guided at each site himself. Some good optional desert activities especially the quad biking & 4WD desert excursion. The desert cultural evening was notable only for being the most corny & kitsch I have ever attended. The overnight desert camp is definitely worth doing especially if you've never camped in the desert before. Loved the Star Wars movie locations. Hotels were of good standard but lacking in character - probably a function of availability. Most meals are included & were not bad albeit uninspiring (as Tunisian food tends to be). Some of the cheap local shwarma can be very good. Overall a thoroughly enjoyable trip & good value.