Which excursion to take in Tunisia? Our 7 routes compared

Start with what you enjoy

Tunisia packs very different sites into a small area. Before looking at distances, ask yourself what appeals to you: ancient ruins, a holy city, a day on an unspoilt beach, a mountain village, or an outing aimed above all at the children.

A good rule of thumb: one "culture" excursion and one "nature" excursion per week of your stay. You'll go home with a real feel for the country without spending your holiday on the road.

For history and great monuments

For a first visit, Line 1 is the most complete: the Punic and Roman ruins of Carthage, the village of Sidi Bou Saïd and the Tunis medina. In a single day it gives you a glimpse of three thousand years of history.

Line 2 combines the two most spectacular sites in central Tunisia: the amphitheatre of El Jem, one of the best preserved in the Roman world, and Kairouan, the first holy city of the Maghreb. Archaeology enthusiasts will choose Line 3: Dougga, an entire Roman city among the olive groves, and the underground villas of Bulla Regia.

For the coast and nature

The Cap Bon tour (Line 4) is the ultimate "seaside" day: Kerkouane, the only Punic town to survive intact, Kelibia fort, the El Haouaria quarries facing Zembra island, and the hot springs of Korbous that flow straight into the sea.

Line 6, Zaghouan and Zriba, will appeal to those who want to get off the beaten track: the Water Temple that supplied Carthage via an aqueduct, then an abandoned Berber village clinging to the mountainside.

For an easy day or a family outing

Friguia Park (Line 7) is the families' favourite: lions, giraffes, elephants and animal shows, half an hour from Hammamet. Half a day is enough, back in time for lunch.

Line 5, Sousse, Monastir and Port El Kantaoui, links medinas, ribats and a marina with little driving: ideal for a first day or with young children.

Take driving time into account

From Hammamet, Carthage and Tunis are about an hour away, El Jem nearly two hours. From Sousse or Monastir, it's the other way round: El Jem and Kairouan are close by, Tunis further away. Check your departure town before choosing: the same excursion can take an extra hour depending on where you're staying.

With a private driver, the drive matters less: you leave at a time that suits you and can rest during the journey.

• From Hammamet or Nabeul: Cap Bon, Carthage, Zaghouan, Friguia
• From Sousse, Kantaoui or Monastir: El Jem, Kairouan, Sousse and Monastir
• From Tunis or La Marsa: Carthage, Dougga, Cap Bon

Combining several excursions

Over a week, two or three excursions is a good pace, alternating long and short days. For example: Carthage early in your stay, a day of rest, El Jem and Kairouan, then Friguia Park or Cap Bon to finish gently.

You can also ask for a tailor-made programme: two lines in one day where possible, or a tour over several days.

Recommended excursions

L1Carthage & Sidi Bou Saïd7 h · from £68L2Kairouan & El Jem7 h 45 · from £77L4Cap Bon7 h 30 · from £77L7Friguia Park4 h · from £38

Frequently asked questions